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March 28, 2023 foasummit0

Omnium International says it has experienced impressive growth in its project management (PM) service line. According to the firm, the service optimises its 50 + years of experience and business systems to deliver a ‘genuinely differentiated service that is uniquely client-centric, commercially oriented and proactive’.

The service is said to complement its multi-disciplinary expertise in cost, contract management and claims, and dispute resolution services. The firm’s PM team is led by Branch Directors Murat Umultan and Matthew Campbell, who boast over 30 years of experience in the region working with major developers, stock-listed funds, and joint ventures including Emaar, Dubai Holding and Nshama, the firm noted.

“Project Management consultancy has been a natural evolution of our services, experience, and ability, and provides excellent direction for our clients and teams. Benefiting from our award-winning business systems, rich project experience across numerous iconic projects, and pioneering schemes both within the UAE and internationally, our PM services are backed by our award-winning team’s commitment to quality. We pride ourselves on establishing trusted working partnerships, lasting throughout a project’s lifecycle and beyond, which support effective face-to-face collaboration, delivering positive outcomes for our clients as they seek to build lasting legacies through their unique projects,” said Omnium’s Managing Director Nicholas Harris.

Explaining the service, the firm said the journey begins with the client’s vision being fully understood by its PM team, which encompasses client requirements, reasoning for the development and the preferred approach. This understanding is then combined with Omnium’s delivery systems, which recognise that projects are commercial endeavours where robust cost, time and quality controls are vital to success, the firm explained.

In late June 2022, Fernando Freitas revealed he’s keen to continue expanding Omnium’s global reach and spearhead its move to decarbonisation services in the long term and, in early December 2022, the firm won two awards at the 2022 Middle East Consultant Awards.

Nicholas Harris, Managing Director, Omnium International

Omnium stated that it is eager to maintain its strong reputation in the marketplace and appreciates that it is earned and maintained on a daily basis. It also said its teams share a keen grasp for the client’s time constraints and the commercial impacts they can cause, providing a decisive, strongly engaged and proactive approach in all aspects of the services we deliver.

Matthew Campbell, Branch Director, Omnium International Project Management commented, “Our goal is to maintain the current growth rate of our PM services, while remaining fully committed to delivering our existing portfolio of other services. Omnium is renowned for providing cost and contract management as well as claims and dispute resolution services, but we are much more than that, and our clients have recognised our ability to provide specialist PM services too. The feedback we have received on how we are delivering those services is a real testament to our teams. While this is all good news that builds further momentum, we are acutely aware that we must safeguard our reputation and the relationships we have with all our clients, so our growth plans are both considered and strategic, taking the right opportunities and selecting the right people for our growing Project Management team.”

He concluded, “In the short term, this means we’re focusing on our core services in our core markets in the GCC, the UK and Europe, but longer term there is an appetite for further service diversification and further expansion internationally.”

In early February 2023, Nicky Dobreanu said that people, clients, business diversification and sustainability are key focuses for him at Omnium.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 28, 2023 foasummit0

Aramco and joint venture (JV) partners Norinco Group and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group plan to start construction of a major integrated refinery and petrochemical complex in northeast China, set to be the largest in the region.

Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Company (Hapco), a JV between Aramco (30%), Norinco Group (51%) and Panjin Xincheng Industrial Group (19%), is developing the complex that will combine a 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery and a petrochemical plant with annual production capacity of 1.65m metric tons of ethylene and two million metric tons of paraxylene.

Construction is due to start in the second quarter of 2023 after the project secured administrative approvals, with completion scheduled for 2026.

Aramco said it will supply up to 210,000bpd of crude oil feedstock to the complex, which is being built in the city of Panjin, in China’s Liaoning province.

In mid July 2021, Petrofac said it achieved PTOF for KNPC’s Mina Abdullah Refinery Package 3 and, in late September 2022, QatarEnergy and GE inked a deal to step up carbon capture in the energy sector.

Mohammed Y Al Qahtani, Aramco Executive Vice President of Downstream said, “This important project will support China’s growing demand across fuel and chemical products. It also represents a major milestone in our ongoing downstream expansion strategy in China and the wider region, which is an increasingly significant driver of global petrochemical demand.”

Zou Wenchao, Norinco Group Deputy General Manager added, “This large-scale refinery and petrochemical complex is a key project of Norinco Group to implement and realise the joint development of the high-quality Belt and Road initiative, promote industrial restructuring, and enhance the oil and petrochemical sector to become stronger, better and larger. It will play an important role in deepening economic and trade cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia, and achieving common development and prosperity.”

Jia Fei, Panjin Xincheng Chairman of the Board concluded, “The project is of great significance for Panjin to promote increasing chemicals and specialty products, strengthening integration of the refining and chemical industry. It is a symbolic project for Panjin as it seeks to accelerate the development of an important national petrochemical and fine chemical industry base.”

In early February 2023, Alfanar and Daewoo E&C to collaborate on projects in Saudi Arabia.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 28, 2023 foasummit0

Upscale hospitality developer and operator The First Group has opened the doors of its Soluna Beach Club, which is billed as a contemporary Mediterranean-inspired waterfront experience, in Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

Located at the Balqis Residences in Palm Jumeirah, Soluna Beach Club is an exclusive beach club offering premium experiences to guests of The First Group’s portfolio of owned and operated brands, including The First Collection Business Bay and The First Collection Jumeirah Village Circle, Wyndham Dubai Marina, Tryp By Wyndham, Grand Heights, and Citadines Metro Central.

Soluna features a range of highly recommended homegrown multi-cuisine options, including artisanal pastries at Risen Café and Artisanal Bakery, and contemporary dining at Ènas, with its fusion of Greek and Eastern Mediterranean cuisines.

In late March 2023, Deyaar launched a $300mn waterfront residential project in Dubai Maritime City and, ARCO Turnkey Solutions was appointed as the lead contractor for J1 Beach.

Rob Burns, CEO of The First Group said, “Our new beach club Soluna is another exciting addition to Dubai’s allure as a top family-friendly destination and builds on our commitment to creating extraordinary moments for our guests.”

An established player in the UAE real estate industry, The First Group has been expanding its portfolio to cater to the growing demand for unique lifestyle experiences in the city.

With expertise in international hotel investments, property asset management, global investor services, and hospitality and leisure brands, the company says it offers a distinct and innovative approach to development and specialised services. Its focus on Dubai’s fast-growing hotel industry has led to substantial investment opportunities for the firm’s international client-base, which spans 146 countries.

In late March 2023, ALEC and Bauer International were announced as key contractors for the Wynn Resort project in Ras Al Khaimah.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 27, 2023 foasummit0

The second edition of the Construction Machinery Middle East Awards (CMME Awards) includes an expanded list of contractor awards with the event recognising end-user excellence in an array of sectors, the magazine’s editorial team has revealed. The gala dinner event will take place live in Dubai on 8 June 2023.

The nomination process is now open to users of machinery and equipment across sectors such as construction, infrastructure, FM, as well as members of the logistics chain in the market. Read about the categories and nominate by clicking here.

A judging panel will soon be appointed to oversee the shortlisting process of the contractor categories ahead of the event, confirmed Stephen White, Head of Content at Construction Machinery Middle East.

As before, the CMME Awards will also celebrate manufacturers, suppliers and dealers whose machinery plays a key role on-site in the projects at the heart of the GCC economy.

The 2022 CMME Awards Winners all on stage

Members of the construction and industrial communities in the region will be invited to decide the best equipment and players in the market through a special online vote which will begin on 10 April 2023 and conclude on 10 May 2023.

Companies keen to take part in the 2023 CMME Awards can upload their nominations now, confirmed White. Click here to nominate.

“This year we have simplified the whole process of uploading product information on the site to make sure we get the best of the best putting themselves forward for the voting process,” White stated.

He concluded, “Last year we registered thousands of votes from across the region, and, by expanding the contractors awards alongside them,  we will be able to see an array of winners that represent the very best practice and technology the region has to offer.”

Click here to read more about the 2023 CMME Awards.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 27, 2023 foasummit0

Electric marine vessel maker Crown Electric Ships and Boats plans to establish an all-electric boat and yacht manufacturing plant in the UAE.

The decision is said to reflect the economic attractiveness of zero-emission vessels, which are set to play a role in the re-thinking of maritime transport. Conventional, diesel-powered shipping at present remains the highest polluter in the transport sector.

“Electric boat and yacht building will give a significant boost to the Middle East economy as a manufacturing hub,” said Sonu Jayan, Chairman of Crown Electric Ships and Boats.

In early January 2023, Xylem opened a new Dubai facility and, in early February 2023, a Saudi-Korean JV broke ground on a $240mn stainless steel pipes production facility in Saudi Arabia.

The announcement follows news of the company recently sealing a deal with Kuwait’s Badr Sultan Group to develop and supply a fleet of zero-emission electric yachts. The deal, valued at an initial order of US $10mn, is for developing a fleet of electric vessels ranging from 7.3m electric cabin cruisers to 23.9m electric catamarans specifically designed for the Middle East market.

Lekshmi Salaja, Vice Chairperson of Crown Electric Ships and Boats, said that the contract will have a significant impact on sustainability and net zero initiatives in the Middle East region.

“A mid-sized cruise ship’s emissions are equal to one million cars, and Crown has been developing electric boats from 7m up to 23m – and we are now moving towards the development of sustainable super yachts,” Salaja noted.

In early March 2023, SLG Group said it would build a $55mn facility in Dubai Industrial City.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 27, 2023 foasummit0

Dubai state-backed developer Meraas is adding hundreds of residential units to its portfolio, with the launch of its latest multi-tower development in Dubai Design District (d3). The developer behind several of Dubai’s key destinations, including City Walk, La Mer and The Beach, says it will build Design Quarter, the first premium residential community in d3.

Work on the first phase of the project will begin this year and will include the construction of 558 units across three towers. The development is scheduled for completion in May 2027.

The design district, which is part of the Dubai-listed TECOM Group, is home to a wide selection of creative brands, designers, studios and entrepreneurs. It has also recently acquired a reputation for being a leading venue for art installations and performance art from key practitioners across the GCC.

In late March 2023, Arada launched the penultimate phase of the Masaar residential community project and, Nine Yards launched its $544mn Sea La Vie project on Yas Island.

Meraas’ new project will feature modern lofts, duplexes and penthouses with views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Water Canal. The developer said the project saw a ‘tremendous response’ from potential buyers during its sales launch, which took place last weekend at d3.

Dubai’s property market continues to attract huge interest from buyers in the region and overseas, but prices have started to show signs of stabilisation after months of strong growth.

During the last three months of 2022, off-plan sales volume went up by more than 112% to 15,071 transactions, while the number of deals for ready units rose by around 37% to 11,165.

In late March 2023, Samana launched its $54.5mn Waves-2 residential project in JVC Dubai.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 24, 2023 foasummit0

Renewable specialist AMEA Power has announced the official groundbreaking of Phase 3 of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Solar Power Plant in the Togolese Republic. The groundbreaking ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic.

Located in the village of Blitta, the solar plant will be extended from 50MW to 70MW and will include a battery energy storage system (BESS) to prolong the availability of clean energy to the electricity network at night. The project will power more than 222,000 households and is supporting Togo’s National Development Plan, which has set out a goal to provide universal access to electricity across the country by 2030, a statement from AMEA Power noted.

The firm said the expansion of the project in Togo is expected to be completed by the end 2023, and will make the solar plant the largest of its kind in West Africa.

“The solar plant is providing a project blueprint that AMEA Power is using to deploy renewable energy across other parts of Africa. With the integration of battery storage, the plant can extend its power production to provide Togolese communities with clean energy at night. This project would not be possible without the ongoing support of the Togolese government, which continue to demonstrate their commitment to renewable energy and delivering energy access to the people of Togo,” stated Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.

In late February 2023, the Baynouna Solar Energy Company opened Jordan’s largest clean energy project and, in early March 2023, ALEC Energy partnered with Solar Earth to bring a pavement integrated photovoltaic solution to the GCC.

Phases 1 and 2 of the project were fully developed by AMEA Power during the COVID-19 pandemic, and took less than 18 months to complete from their initial inception. Both project phases became fully operational in June 2021, with AMEA Technical Services currently responsible for the operations and maintenance of the solar plant, the statement explained.

To finance the development of the third phase of the project, Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) provided the Togolese Ministry of Economy and Finance with a loan of US $25mn. The project will be constructed by AMEA Technical Services, a subsidiary of AMEA Power. ADEX also participated in the financing of the construction of the project’s second phase, with an envelope of $10mn of debt, AMEA Power pointed out.

To support the economic and social development of Togo, AMEA Power’s investment in the region has also involved a range of initiatives to support the local community. These initiatives have comprised of the construction and renovation of primary schools, and the construction of a medical clinic with maternity support facilities. AMEA Power has also established an internship programme for engineering students from various technical institutions across Togo to gain practical experience at the solar plant, the statement concluded.

In late March 2023, Dubai Government Workshop (DGW) signed an agreement with Etihad Energy Services Company to set up a 2.5MW photovoltaic power station.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 24, 2023 foasummit0

Samana Developers has launched its Waves-2 residential project, following the launch and sell out of its Waves-1 residential project. Waves-2 is taking shape adjacent to Waves-1 in Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) in Dubai, and will look to mimic the features of the Waves-1 project, the developer stated.

According to the developer, the Waves-2 residential tower will feature a G+3P+23 configuration, and will span over 263,636sqft. The project is said to have been designed by a team of expert architects who incorporated the modern trend of luxury living within budgets. The handover of the project is scheduled for Q1 2026.

Plenty of water features, private pools, water cascades, a leisure deck, a health club, valet parking and retail spaces make it a mid-luxury property right in the centre of the bustling city, the statement added.

In mid September 2022, Samana launched its $29.9mn Miami residential project and, in early January 2023, the firm said it would invest $680mn into 12 new projects in 2023.

Imran Farooq, the CEO of Samana Developers said, “Dubai’s real estate market is currently witnessing a historic rise. The bullish trend, kick starting in 2023 at the back of regional and international events, is expected to continue during the rest of 2023. The emirate’s residential market saw 8,515 transactions, an enormous 43.9% increase from the previous year according to CBRE Dubai real estate report.”

Beyond the property market, Dubai’s economic boom is evident in everyday life. Every month, a new high-end real estate project appears in the sandy emirate, a bustling, hyper-modern metropolis in the Middle East, the statement pointed out.

“We keep an eye on new market developments, new trends, new policies and come up with an out of the box approach, and how we can create something new which makes us stand apart from the clutter, as well as attracts international buyers and increases investment returns”, concluded Farooq.

In late January 2023, the Dubai Land Department said it had issued 9,047 permits in 2022.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 24, 2023 foasummit0

Two contractors have been appointed for the development of the Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah by Marjan, which is developing the integrated gaming resort in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and Wynn Resorts. ALEC Engineering and Contracting (ALEC) was awarded the main contract for the construction of the integrated resort development, while German foundation specialist Bauer International will undertake the piling and enabling works.

The integrated resort development on Al Marjan Island is billed as the largest project of its kind in the emirate’s growing hospitality sector. Offering a pristine setting with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf as well as sandy beaches and a marina, the project is the first in the MENA region by Wynn Resorts, the US-based developer, designer and operator of luxury integrated resort experiences, a statement from Marjan explained.

The resort is now scheduled to open in Ras Al Khaimah in early 2027; when the project was first announced in January 2022, it was originally slated for delivery in 2026.

In early May 2022, HKS Architects was appointed as the design consultant for the integrated gaming resort project.

Bauer has already begun construction preparation on the project site, located on the man-made Al Marjan Island, which is the flagship project of master developer Marjan. With a growing portfolio of bold and ambitious hospitality and leisure attractions, the cluster of four coral-shaped islands is emerging as a truly world-class lifestyle and waterfront destination in the region, the statement added.

“To fulfil and surpass the expectations of investors and all our stakeholders, we have teamed up with the best-in-class partners for the timely completion of a project that is the largest of its kind in the Emirate’s growing hospitality sector. Well-known for their cross-sector capabilities and expertise in building landmark projects, the appointment of ALEC Engineering and Contracting LLC and Bauer International FZE will ensure the timely completion of the integrated Wynn Resort, that is set to further catalyse Ras Al Khaimah’s booming tourism market,” stated Eng. Abdulla Abdooli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan.

Attracting significant foreign direct investments, the new integrated resort highlights Ras Al Khaimah’s growing global reputation as a leading investment destination for high-quality hospitality projects. The integrated development features a 1,000+ room hotel, high-end shopping mall, a state-of-the-art meeting and convention facility, an exclusive spa, more than 10 restaurants and lounges, a wide array of entertainment choices, gaming area, and other amenities, the statement pointed out.

In late September 2022, it was announced that Abu Dhabi National Hotels acquired a prime plot on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah to develop a $272mn luxury resort with 1,000 rooms.

Investments in the project will further enrich the local economy and accelerate tourism, create new job opportunities, and energise the growth of allied sectors, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News


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March 23, 2023 foasummit0

Omnix has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE) to train and empower a new generation of engineers in the Kingdom.

The SCE is a scientific vocational council that promotes the development of the engineering profession within Saudi Arabia. All engineers in Saudi Arabia must be registered with SCE to perform engineering practice.

According to a statement, Omnix will facilitate SCE member engineers to get certified by international accreditation systems and offer the exchange of consultancy and engineering expertise between the employees of the SCE and Omnix. It will also provide specialised training programs to SCE members in the field of Building Information Modelling (BIM), Digital Construction, Multimedia, 3D Laser Scanning, computer-aided design (CADD), and technical linkage to provide and exchange information of common interest.

“As part of our commitment to contributing to Saudi Vision 2030, we have partnered with the Saudi Council of Engineers to empower a new generation of Saudi engineers with cutting-edge technologies and skills. As part of our joint MoU, we are investing in training and upskilling to build Saudi’s work force of the future. This is our leap in strengthening our ties and gathering speed in the momentum of our regional growth. We look forward to working with the SCE and replicating this initiative in other regions as well,” said Walid Gomaa, CEO of Omnix International.

In late December 2022, Omnix and IMSCAD inked a deal to bring VDI environments to AEC firms and, in mid January 2023, Omnix said it is keen to enhance the Digital Maturity Index within regional AEC firms.

Simran Bagga, Vice President of Omnix Engineering and Foundation Technologies at Omnix International added, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Saudi Council of Engineers with an aim to provide them with access to our latest innovative solutions, technologies and specialised training programs. This partnership will enhance their capabilities and will undoubtedly play an immense role in upskilling them and contributing to the overall development of the engineering profession in Saudi Arabia.”

The partnership between Omnix and the SCE is said to be a long-term commitment aimed at empowering the new generation of engineers in Saudi. The two organisations plan to replicate this initiative in other regions within Saudi Arabia and the GCC.

Bagga added, “Thanks to Engineer AbdulNasser bin Saif Al-AbdelLatif, Secretary General of Saudi Council of Engineers, we have successfully signed the MoU and are extremely glad to be a part of the development of the country’s future engineers.”

The SCE’s decision to engage with Omnix is based on the company’s expertise and experience in delivering innovative solutions to the engineering industry. This MoU was driven by Mohammad Danish, Country Sales Manager, Omnix Engineering in KSA.  Earlier, Omnix provided SCE with online workshops on a variety of topics including Autodesk BIM Solution, Infrastructure BIM Solution, Visualization tools such as VRay, Lumion, 3D Laser Scanning, VR/AR and remote support tools like VARJO and VUZIX, the statement from Omnix concluded.

In early March 2023, it was announced that earthquake resistance is mandatory for all new Saudi residential buildings.

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Source: ME Construction News