Construction Business News ME - March 2023

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

KSA

CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

WINNERS REVEALED AWARDS 2023

CELEBRATING INNOVATION AND EXCELLENCE IN THE SAUDI CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

A global celebratio FITOUT Standing Out

INTERVIEW Creating Spaces For Happiness

MARCH 2023 | CBNME.COM

10 TALKING POINT EXPENSE MANAGEMENT

14 INTERVIEW CREATING SPACES FOR HAPPINESS

In conversation with Haitham Mohamed AbdelAzim, CEO of Ora Developers Egypt Group 30 FITOUT STANDING OUT In Conversation with Jihad Raad, Division Director Hospitality Manufacturing – FitOut Bahrain, Havelock One 34 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for

48 OP-ED SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION in the Middle East with Green Concrete

50 TRUCKS UD TRUCKS AND ALLISON TRANSMISSION JOIN FORCES to Showcase Cutting-Edge Technologies for Commercial Vehicles

52 ANALYSIS

DUBAI REAL ESTATE in need of PropTech revolution to reach new heights

54 APPOINTMENT

AG FACILITIES SOLUTIONS appoints Keith Culhane as Senior Manager of Landscaping, Horticulture, and Pest Control Services

saudi construction industry

RISE OF DIGITAL CONSTRUCTION

process, making it more efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

One of the key aspects of digital construction is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which involves creating a digital model of the building before construction begins. This allows architects, engineers, and construction workers to visualize the building in 3D, detect and resolve potential problems, and streamline the construction process.

The use of virtual and augmented reality technologies has also been adopted in Dubai's construction industry. These technologies allow stakeholders to experience a virtual representation of the building before construction begins, providing an opportunity to make adjustments and improvements before construction begins.

Overall, Dubai's adoption of digital construction techniques has led to a more efficient, safe, and cost-effective construction process, making it a leader in the global construction industry.

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PHOTOGRAPHER

Dubai has become a global hub for technological advancement, and this extends to the construction industry as well. The city has been at the forefront of implementing digital construction techniques, which have revolutionized the construction

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EXPENSE MANAGEMENT CAN CONSTRUCTION GRAB THIS OPPORTUNITY?

BY ARMIN MORADI, CEO & CO-FOUNDER OF QASHIO

In 2018, the government introduced a value-added tax (VAT) to the UAE — something the construction industry is still getting to grips with. Adding fuel to the fire, a 9% Federal Corporate tax will be levied from 1 June 2023. But, is this an opportunity for the construction industry?

In the UAE many great opportunities still attract new people and new investors, customers and tourists. The GCC construction sector is undergoing steady growth of 3.5‑4% a year on average in 2023-24, outperforming the wider economy, which means investment in infrastructure. All this is positive for the construction industry and the ‘built environment’.

But the real opportunity lies in compliance. To comply with new legislation, changes must be made to bring more control over business operations. The best way to achieve this is through sound expense management.

Let’s look at why construction struggles with expense management and how this challenge is a blessing in disguise:

Messy processes for job expense submission

Petty Cash is common in the construction environment. Each expense requires a receipt and the number of receipts could rocket into the thousands by the end of a weekly cycle.

How does the site team store them safely to claim reimbursement? It doesn’t happen instantly. What does that claim process look like? Hours wasted on manual data entry and uploading photos — think about the costly human errors in that process. With high-stress levels and a lot of moving parameters, it’s easy for money to “go missing”. According to MasterCard’s 2022 Global Payment Report, there is a substantial push to replace cash and checks for bills and government payments.

A robust process for petty cash and better control on corporate cards (if any) ends up with a need for ‘expense management software’. The software will eliminate these issues along with paper trails and physical cash. Everything can be uploaded through a smartphone and stored in

one place, instantly — reducing the time and cost of expense processing.

Lack of visibility for field and jobrelated expenses

A smaller construction company will manage several projects simultaneously. At the enterprise level, it could be hundreds spread across the country and the region. If expenses are submitted weekly, that’s seven days without any idea or control over what’s spent.

It’s not just the week because it takes time to verify, approve and calculate expenses, and longer to measure the impact on budget and profits.

On a project level, the consequences could destroy the profit. When you scale the issue, it could kill the cash flow for the business and leave you with significant problems.

Armin Moradi, CEO & Co-Founder, Qashio

The clarity given when costs are seen, tracked and analysed is invaluable. The business can track what and why something was bought, and who from, on dashboards. This leads to sourcing opportunities, leaner processes and bigger savings.

Lengthy and awkward approvals

Approval workflows can be challenging. One type of expense might need to be sent to one approver while another goes to

someone else. The employee must remember which expense goes to whom, and this is all done manually by phone, email and spreadsheets.

Let’s use expenses that exceed the budget amount. In that case, the expense report might have to be approved by the Project Manager and Department Head. Once both approve, the report goes to the finance team for final approval before payment processing — all manually done.

Throw in the lack of expense report submission guidelines and you have trouble. Everyone will submit them in their way, adding to the processing time and almost guaranteeing mistakes. According to a report by Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the average time to complete one expense report is 20 minutes while the cost of compiling it stands at USD 58. The average time to correct a report is 18 minutes while the cost of correcting it is USD 52. When auditing comes around, it will be a long and arduous process.

An expense management software will help set and automate custom approval processes like that above, no matter how complex. The construction company will have audit-ready request and approval trails with accurate memo and receipt records.

Floating aimlessly in a sea of data

A new whitepaper by FMI Corp shows that the construction industry generates a mass of data in everything it does. Over 2.5 quintillion bytes every day, globally — an unfathomable amount. Despite this, a staggering 96% goes unused and an opportunity is missed. Currently, most companies cannot set metrics, KPIs and benchmarks that improve performance. They are shooting in the dark because the expense management processes are manual and haphazard, doomed to repeat the same mistakes.

Also, the project and finance teams are forced to make crucial decisions with a small percentage of the information available hurting the project’s and the business’s health.

Expense management software will help to define processes, understand the state of play, and pull insights that aid decisive action. They can define benchmarks and set metrics and KPIs to improve performance, shortening approval times, for instance.

Why is expense management, like Qashio, so important?

On a high level, it simplifies travel and expense operations, increases productivity and boosts profits. But it’s more than that — employees can submit expense reports with photos and scanned receipts directly into the software using their devices. No more paper forms and chaotically stored documents that may or may not arrive or be accurate.

This means everyone gets paid faster, removing the frustration that comes with delays. Couple that with the time employees get back to focus on highvalue work - instead of manual data entry - and you have a happy, productive team.

By storing everything in one place with analytical tools, a construction business can source insights that allow for planning, forecasting and improvement. According to a Gartner report, companies are looking to spend smarter; maximizing ROI on every spend, automating processes and focusing on sustainability over growth.

Essentially, expense management automation software like Qashio takes a chaotic landscape and paints an ordered picture that’s easy to interpret — ensuring its users are equipped to thrive when the Federal Corporate Tax is started.

“THE CLARITY GIVEN WHEN COSTS ARE SEEN, TRACKED AND ANALYSED IS INVALUABLE. THE BUSINESS CAN TRACK WHAT AND WHY SOMETHING WAS BOUGHT, AND WHO FROM, ON DASHBOARDS. THIS LEADS TO SOURCING OPPORTUNITIES, LEANER PROCESSES AND BIGGER SAVINGS.”

CREATING SPACES FOR HAPPINESS

In conversation with Haitham Mohamed AbdelAzim, CEO of Ora Developers Egypt Group

What are the goals and objectives for ORA Group in 2023 and how will this year’s success translate into new projects being announced this year?

Since inception, our goal for Ora Developers Egypt Group was to continuously seek opportunities that will help us expand our project offerings to various markets and different customers while partnering with leading global investors, contractors, and retailers. We are still persistently committed to creating real estate developments across Egypt creating truly unique signature projects throughout the country. We have just announced that we are currently closing an acquisition deal of 316 feddan area of land in El Sheikh Zayed Extension in the west of Cairo, to use for our latest mixed-use development project in Egypt, Solana. Our goal of achieving landmark success with our

previous projects is what has helped us venture into another development, taking our wellestablished footprint in the Egyptian real estate market to elevated and extraordinary heights with Solana.

Tell us about the latest projects done by ORA? What are the key features of these projects? Through Solana, our latest announced project, we hope to create a destination that attracts all different kinds of customers with varying lifestyles. This includes a constant focus on customer needs. For example, this eminent project focuses on unit designs in the form of boutique villas to fit all family sizes, as well as twin and town houses, and introduces new typologies to the real estate market. in addition to non-residential facilities that will include retail, sports facilities, a clubhouse, a school, in addition to the outdoor communal spaces

to encourage activities and interactions. All units will be delivered fully finished. The project’s architectural vision will be built upon the pillars of proximity, functionality, openness, integration, and timelessness. The prestigious architectural firm SB Architects has been awarded the master-planning and the architectural designing of the development. We aim to always create and provide a safe, relaxing community where everyone has access to the environment that they’ve always dreamt of living in – while providing a truly all new experience in terms of design and unit innovation.

Last summer, we also announced the launch of the latest mixed-use development project on Egypt’s North Coast embedded on its sandy beaches, titled Silversands. The project is strategically located on the AlexandriaMarsa Matrouh Road, with a 1-kilometer seafront. Silversands aims to serve as the go-to beach destination for all vacationers all year long, welcoming those who prefer to spend the whole summer by the beach to those looking for a quick weekend getaway.

Can you tell us how the company is using innovation and technology in their projects?

Our edge is that we create mixed-use developments that combine affordable beauty, luxury and practicality all in one development. We are all about

embracing innovation and seeking new developments, and we have a proven track record of creating beautiful environments that balance exceptional thinking with enduringly sleek design. We’re the first to introduce park side living in Egypt and we also offer fully furnished units to ease the process for our clients and ensure their utmost comfort. Furthermore, we were the first to introduce a sports university in Egypt with world-class academies and international coaches in different sports along with ZED’s state-of-the-art sports complex that includes highly accredited and licensed football courts, paddle tennis, and tennis courts.

In terms of technological capabilities across our entire portfolio, our main

technology partners have historically been and currently are Microsoft, Oracle, Orange, HP, Summit Technology, G2K Technology, and WE Telecom Egypt. We are very proud to have these household names as our partners, always keeping our projects up to date with the latest technologies and innovations.

What is the market overview when it comes to the Construction industry in Egypt and how is this helping ORA?

The prolonged economic effects of the pandemic, devaluation and inflation and supply chain delays across a multitude of sectors can still be seen from 2020 to date. However, the real estate sector has an amazing track record when it comes to surviving crises, and due to Egypt’s proactive and targeted response to the economic fallout from the pandemic, followed by the devaluation of the Egyptian pound, the country has fared much better than expected. Demand patterns have varied for different commodities as of recently, consumers have become more cautious when it comes to spending money. As Ora Developers Egypt Group, we had to bet on the updated consumer behavioral patterns and shift our campaigns and strategies to a more digitally focused approach, as the whole world geared towards more remote and online means of marketing.

However, the demand for investments hasn’t changed. Consumers are always looking for the safest sector to invest in and real estate is one of those growing in Egypt. Currently, the real estate market is

picking back up. The demand is anticipated to increase as a result of the eased payment plans offered by developers in consideration of the economic crises the world and our country has witnessed as well as regulations made by the government in the market.

How about the company’s performance in markets beyond Egypt? What opportunities has the group been able to identify in these markets i.e UAE, Qatar, KSA

We have already devised an international sales task force to prompt our expansion in the Gulf and Levant regions and invite prospective buyers

to invest in our Egyptian properties. In fact, 20% of Ora Developer Egypt Group’s total sales originate from the Gulf. We commenced our regional sales activity through a roadshow and customer engagement program across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, and Qatar and will continue to focus on these markets.

What are the potential challenges you see in the real estate industry and how can it be overcome?

The economic hurdles are definitely the steepest given the devaluation of the Egyptian pound and increases in the prices of necessary supplies. However, Egypt’s housing market has made a strong comeback the last few years, especially with the new laws that liberalized foreign ownership of land and property in Egypt, as well as the government opening its land for public-private schemes - fundamentally stimulating foreign direct investment in the real estate market. These improvements, together with the strong local demand, are boosting the housing market, and the overall economy in general. In terms of driving growth in the Egyptian real estate market, I believe developers must be aware of the demographics they aim to target. These include age, income, and regional preferences of actual or potential buyers, what percentage of buyers are retirees, and what percentage might buy a vacation or second home, and the list goes on. Knowing your audience will help you build developments that cater to their needs, especially in a market where there is a large demographic portfolio. Customer trust and on-time delivery of projects are essential to building a long-standing relationship with the developers as well. And

of course, dropping interest rates and supporting mortgage schemes will encourage buyers to invest, especially with longterm flexible plans. At Ora Developers Egypt Group – we take all that into account with the planning and execution of every element of our projects.

What are the future plans in place in terms of growth of the company?

Ora Developers Egypt Group boasts leading investments in commercial and residential properties, along with sports complexes, social clubs as well as hospitality and many more lanes. The mixed-use developments are envisioned to create a self-sustainable community, and thus accommodate all living needs and essential activities into one destination, in addition to sports facilities and vast green spaces available for the community. Over and above the company’s vast experience in real estate, it is always looking at supporting the local community, especially the youth, while creating enjoyable lifestyle and entertainment experiences and hence we merge lifestyle, community and luxury in ideal harmony. We strongly believe this mix of offerings will continue contributing towards our increased progress and growth throughout the upcoming year – as we focus on delivering on each of our customer promises and deadlines, and evaluating further opportunities of investment as they appear.

“OUR EDGE IS THAT WE CREATE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS THAT COMBINE AFFORDABLE BEAUTY, LUXURY AND PRACTICALITY ALL IN ONE DEVELOPMENT. WE ARE ALL ABOUT EMBRACING INNOVATION AND SEEKING NEW DEVELOPMENTS, AND WE HAVE A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF CREATING BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENTS THAT BALANCE EXCEPTIONAL THINKING WITH ENDURINGLY SLEEK DESIGN.”

KSA AWARDS 2023 CONSTRUCTION Innovation Awards

The KSA Construction Innovation Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates innovation and excellence in the construction industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The awards aim to highlight the achievements of companies, organizations, and individuals who have made significant contributions to the industry through the implementation of innovative technologies and practices.

The 2023 KSA Construction Innovation Awards will be held in Riyadh, the capital city of Saudi Arabia, and will bring together industry leaders, experts, and innovators from across the country. The event will feature various categories of awards, including the Innovative Project of the Year, Sustainable Project of the Year, Contractor of the Year, and many more. The awards ceremony provided an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration among industry professionals.

In addition to recognizing and celebrating innovation in the construction industry, the KSA Construction Innovation Awards also aim to inspire and encourage further innovation and progress in the industry.

Overall, the 2023 KSA Construction Innovation Awards promise to be a highly informative, engaging, and inspiring event, bringing together the best and brightest in the construction industry to celebrate innovation, excellence, and progress in the field.

BEST

FUTURE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

KFUPM Business Park Program | ARAMCO

CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

A. Al Ghamdi | ARAMCO

AbdulKarim

TURNER & TOWNSEND

CONTRACTIOR OF THE YEAR

CONSULTANT OF THE YEAR AL BAWANI

Vijayshankar | MUSANADAH FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

Turtle Bay Hotel | RED SEA GLOBAL

King Salman Energy Park (Dry Port) | ARAMCO

MIX-USED DEVELOPMENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Syed Al Shuhada Project

| JT+PARTNERS

AND TAIBA INVESTMENTS

MODULAR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE YEAR Island Project | AL MASAOOD BERGUM

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR

RSG Baseline Survey | RED SEA GLOBAL

SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

The Red Sea Project | RED SEA GLOBAL

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION IN FM FACILIO

VISIONARY LEADER OF THE YEAR

Eng. Fakher Alshawaf | AL BAWANI

Drive the new way.

New IVECO T-WAY: high productivity and safety on off-road terrains

With a complete line-up of AWD and PWD versions and the the 16-speed HI-TRONIX automated gearbox, the IVECO T-WAY features a host of functionalities such as Rocking Mode, Off-road Mode, Creeping Mode and 4 reverse gears to tackle with ease the toughest off-road conditions. The new architecture of the EBS system, combined with disc brakes on all wheels, greatly improves the vehicle’s performance and the driver’s safety in the most demanding applications.

New IVECO S-WAY: high technology and efficiency for on-road missions

The new IVECO S-WAY, with a completely redesigned and reinforced cab, offers a wide choice of Euro III/V diesel engines, a delivering class-leading power from 360 HP to 560 HP Euro III / 570 HP Euro V and superior fuel-saving devices, such as anti-idling feature, Ecoswitch, Ecoroll and Smart Alternator, 12-speed HI-TRONIX automated transmission with the most advanced technology in its category, electronic clutch and best-in-class torque-to-weight ratio.

CBNME FITOUT

STANDING OUT

IN CONVERSATION WITH JIHAD RAAD, DIVISION DIRECTOR HOSPITALITY MANUFACTURING – FITOUT BAHRAIN, HAVELOCK ONE

Havelock One Interiors, a leading turnkey fit out contractor and manufacturer in the Middle East, implemented the interiors for the Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & spa, a new luxury resort on its West Coast beaches.

The Jumeirah Group has opened the doors to its newest project in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This spectacular 196 room property is inspired by the island’s pearl diving heritage and will provide unrivalled Arabian hospitality with a focus on wellbeing. The Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain seeks to diversify the growing hospitality landscape in Bahrain, by offering a haven on the pristine untouched beaches of the Arabian sea.

Havelock One was retained to deliver the manufacturing and fit out, resulting in an end project that will allow guests to immerse themselves seamlessly in the luxuries on offer. The scope of the project spanned across all aspects of the hotel, including five types of guest bedrooms and villas, as well as ten restaurant zones, ranging from premium restaurants, family-style dining, and a poolside eatery. In addition, the fit out of the lobby, meeting rooms, VIP majlis and FF&E for 12-15 zones.

The ID consultant, GM Architects and the concept architect, DSA Arch have designed a magnificent interior for this resort, spanning over 400,000 sq. ft. The use of mother-of-pearl accents and deep blue tones pay homage to Bahrain’s history as ‘the island of pearls’.

The wood works for this project were on a grand scale and included

all bedroom aspects; doors, closets, vanity and hanging shelfs which were manufactured and fitted by Havelock One. Bespoke bed bases were created for all 196 rooms in Havelock One’s Bahrain factory, along with poolside cabanas and decorative screens.

Jihad Raad, Division Director Hospitality Manufacturing – Fit-Out Bahrain, Havelock One spoke to Construction Business News Middle East to discuss about this project

Winning the Project

“There was a lot of competition to win the Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain project as it’s such a prestigious addition to the hospitality landscape in Bahrain. We were invited to tender by the client and were hugely pleased to win the bid towards the end of 2019.

The client had confidence that Havelock One, due to our experience and our facilities on the island, would be able to deliver the project on time. Our experience in coordination between trades helped win us the job, as there were so many moving parts and different suppliers involved in creating the finished design. The client was confident we had the contacts and skills to complete the necessary tying up of loose ends and ensure the project ran smoothly to completion.”

Project Scope

“We were responsible for most of the front of house areas, including supplying fixtures, furniture and equipment (FF&E) for the lobby, all day dining, banquet hall, spa, pool bar, Italian restaurant Due Mari, the main entrance porch, hallway ceilings, private luxury villas and bedrooms.

>>>

CBNME FITOUT

Jihad Raad, Division Director Hospitality Manufacturing

We completed the majority of the fit out in all 196 guestrooms, including the ceilings, bedroom furniture, special finishes, mirrors, vanities, bespoke decorative cladding and doors.

We also created custom luxury cabanas for the pool area and an incredible curved ceiling feature in the pool bar.”

Challenges

“The main challenge for us was joining the project at a later date and coordinating with so many existing stakeholders. We were awarded the job at the end of 2019 just before the start of the pandemic, as such we faced challenges with supply chain delays as well as having to identify new strategies to mitigate Covid cases on site in order to keep the work on schedule.”

Highlight of this project

“For me it was the enjoyment of working on a variety of themes throughout the project and the vast array of different materials we used, as each zone had its own look and feel.

In the FF&E in particular, there was so much diversity of the models we needed to cater to each functional area. All the variations meant a huge range of materials and details were needed to complete the manufacturing of the designs, which was challenging and stimulating at the same time.

We used different techniques including weaving, oriental patterns and arabesque fretwork made with our in-house CNC machines. In total we delivered approximately 9,000 pieces of FF&E, distributed throughout the guest rooms and 12-15 functional areas including public areas, corridors and spa.”

Future Projects

“Yes, we are off to a busy start this year with lots of new and existing opportunities in the hospitality sector. This year we will complete the luxury Raffles Al Alreen Bahrain hotel and we are currently very active in the Saudi Arabia hospitality market. We are excited to have just received the first order for phase one of the public areas of Four Seasons Riyadh.

Other existing projects include St. Regis Riyadh, The Oberoi Madina, Kimpton KAFD and Hampton by Hilton Kuwait.”

–Fit-Out Bahrain, Havelock One

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

International Women’s Day is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality. In the overall construction industry, this day is particularly significant because the field has traditionally been dominated by men. However, over the past few years this is starting to change as

women have stated to provide significant contributions in the sector.

Construction Business News ME spoke with several women who have worked in different fields of the construction sector to find out their views and how they have contributed successfully to their companies.

Rekha Patel

Project Director | Turner & Townsend

Iam a Civil Engineer by study, Contract and Commercial Management professional by trade and passionate about Infrastructure projects. Since childhood, I have aspired to follow in my father’s footsteps and work in the Construction industry. Working on Infrastructure projects gives me the feeling of making a small contribution to the improvement of communities. I was a part of the team that launched the first high-speed railway in Saudi Arabia between the capital city of Riyadh and the country’s northern borders, and I saw the joy it brought to the passengers, especially the women travelling to university alone by train. I have more than 15 years of leadership experience in the industry, accrued over the course of a 27-year career. As a Civil Engineering graduate, I began my career in Asia, I then worked for 15 years in the United Kingdom, and then relocated to the Middle East. In addition to my primary academic degree, I am a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Mediator with a Master’s in Construction Law.

In my current position, I am responsible for the Commercial management of a portfolio of multi-billion dirham Infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi, including road networks, tunnels and bridges, and urban development with a mix of uses. The projects are essential to the Abu Dhabi government’s vision of transforming the Emirate, as outlined in the Urban Structure Framework plan. I am responsible for the bringing the distressed projects in line with Client’s expectation and mitigating the commercial risks.

Over the course of my career, I have been part of mega projects like the Construction of Riyadh Metro in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Cross Rail in the United Kingdom. My role was focused on contract management and commercial assurance on these complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and interfaces. Over the years I’ve been consistently amazed to witness the value that construction projects add to their surrounding communities and economies.

Challenges and opportunities for women in construction

With so much of the work in the construction industry still requiring physical exertion, the rate of change in attracting women to the construction industry is slower than in other industries. After all these years, the industry is still dominated by men.

Being in the minority comes with challenges, be it the lack of female mentors or role models or the perception of women not being tough enough for the on-site roles. Being a consultant also inadvertently puts one in a constantly changing environment or being responsible to bring change. In my career, I have worked on projects that completely lacked basic welfare and women-centric facilities on-site; they were not thought of as a requirement during project planning as women were not expected to work in such remote environments. As women, we are also subject to the perception that we struggle to maintain a work-life balance and juggle professional and personal obligations. The cultural sensitivities sometimes lead men to struggle with women making decisions or taking action. Having worked in the region for the past seven years, I have encountered situations in which people struggled to

interact with me directly in meetings because they had not previously interacted with women in similar positions.

Over time, however, my constant courtesy and professionalism in the face of their reluctance made them comfortable and receptive to my presence and work. They realized that, despite being a woman, I was just another colleague working towards the same objective.

However, the profession allows women in construction to work across challenging, multi-faceted and impactful projects in different geographies working with people in international multi-cultural environments. It takes a little longer, but I have witnessed my fellow women in the industry proving their metal

by resilience and perseverance. Also, companies have started to recognize that more diverse teams help the industry thrive. I also feel that sometimes by focusing on challenges we miss out on the opportunities the industry offers to women. In terms of technology and innovation, the construction industry is evolving, and women have the chance to gain the skills essential for a successful construction profession.

The importance of women joining the construction industry

When I was in university, I was told that a Civil Engineer is a specialist whose work will endure for centuries. The construction industry affords us the opportunity

to leave our mark on history and the social landscape. With increased awareness and efforts to include women in the construction industry, the time has come for both young and experienced women to enter the construction industry. I would encourage women to explore diverse roles within the industry, as construction encompasses so much more than simply building structures.

In the Middle East, nation building efforts are creating entire new cities and industries, which will shape the region’s economy for future generations. Now is the time for ambitious, enthusiastic women to enter the Construction industry, forge their own path, and become a part of history.

Whilst I always knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would have a positive impact on people’s lives, I didn’t know which industry I wanted to work within when I was starting out. After completing my Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science and qualifying in practice, I worked in the telecommunications industry. Though telecommunications is an essential part of our everyday life, I longed to be part of an industry that further shaped the environment which we live in and one where I could bring positive change. I think that is what first attracted me to the facilities management sector, as there is an opportunity to provide services that impact the entire built environment landscape. Whether it be the building you live in, your neighbourhood common areas, your office tower, or even the shopping centre you visit on the weekends, facilities management companies are entrusted with creating and maintaining the environments we live, work, and visit.

Living in Dubai, which is regarded as one of the best places to live and work, there are vast opportunities and places to visit and enjoy. I wanted to be part of an industry that contributed to the UAE’s ambitious vision to become a global hub not just for its residents and tourists, but also for business and critical sectors. Facilities management does just that, so when I had the opportunity to take a role within the sector in Dubai, I jumped at the chance. I also knew that I would have the chance to challenge the status-quo, working in an industry that has historically been male-dominated and hopefully challenge people’s perceptions of women working in the built environment. I was incredibly excited to be a part of the change I wanted to see within the facilities management sector and hoped I would be able to inspire more women to follow suit.

In 2014, I joined Emrill as the finance director. Emrill is regarded as one of the top tier facilities management service providers in our region, and I was enthused

Chief Financial Officer | Emrill Sam Emery

to be a part of the team. It was evident from the beginning of my time at Emrill that this was a company that invested in leading the change in the facilities management landscape. The company places great importance on team development and understands that people are any organisation’s greatest asset, which fully aligns with my own principles. My passion for positively impacting people and their surrounding environments was further fueled by the diverse and collaborative work environment that Emrill has created for its team. The same significance is placed on client relationships and Emrill continues to excel at creating and maintaining long-term, mutually beneficial, value partnerships.

After almost four and a half years as the finance director, I became Emrill’s chief financial officer. Responsible for leading the business and managing the finance and IT functions, I am in the position I have always aspired to, one where I can make change, have a greater impact, and empower others to take responsibility and lead. As part of Emrill’s executive leadership team, I am inspired to act as a role model and help the team develop and grow in their careers. Emrill believes in inclusivity and diversity and 50 per cent of our leadership team are women. Women

bring unique skills and perspectives to facilities management, as do men. Our strong organisation skills, keen eye for detail, and communication skills aid in the overall success of the business.

To see other team members excel and succeed is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role and I involve myself deeply in the development and implementation of Emrill’s numerous skill-building and knowledge sharing initiatives.

Women in facilities management may face certain challenges, which is not unique to this sector. Gender bias, lack of representation in leadership roles and a healthy work-life balance are often concerns. At Emrill, we understand these potential challenges and provide solutions to overcome them. Every person, regardless of gender, is given the same opportunities and focus on their career growth. All of our team is encouraged to reach and exceed their full potential with access to career development and knowledge sharing programmes. As a serviceoriented company, Emrill understands the importance of employee wellbeing and offers initiatives to provide a healthy body and mind, with access to qualified mental health professionals and sports-led activities for our 8,500+ team.

My advice to women entering the world of facilities management would be take advantage of all opportunities to showcase your skills and talents. Use your strengths and embrace collaboration and teamwork, as companies are not just built on one individual’s actions. Engage, share best practices and knowledge, and understand the power of listening to others. Focus on continuous improvement, learn from successes, and do not be afraid to speak up, share your ideas, and be the change you want to see.

Haneen Abdel Khalek

Senior Interior Designer | THE FITOUT

Breaking the glass ceiling, women in the realm of interior designing has been driving growth and innovation within the industry, redefining and shaping a bright future for the sector through their captivating and impressive designs that transcend imaginations. An increasing number of brilliant female designers are stamping their mark in the interior designing industry, which is constantly flourishing with the countless accomplishments and contributions of several leading women players in the field.

Greater strides have been made by women in the history of interior designing since the mid-20th century, bringing innovative concepts and holistic designs in the field in order to produce remarkable living and working spaces. in pursuance of their goals, these female creatives have also extended their creativity to a variety of brands and businesses, opened their own design firms and transformed the industry with their ground-breaking ideas and designs. There are multiple reasons to why women thrive in the interior design which includes their innate creativity and capacity for multitasking. They are able to blend their innovation, creativity as well as detailoriented mindset to transform areas into beautiful and functional spaces for living and working. Women can transform a space into the most wonderful ambiance by choosing the right fabrics and colours as well as appropriately placing furniture and décor.

Additionally, the ability of women to think outside the box is another factor contributing to their success in interior designing. Women undoubtedly offer a unique perspective to design ideas and execution. They frequently employ more fluid and organic shapes, textures, and colours in their designs, all of which contributes to creating an ambiance that is warm and welcoming through their imagination and vision. Furthermore, women are great at communicating and collaborating with people more effectively, which is a significant benefit in the design sector. In the field of interior designing, it is considered critical to possess the

ability to effectively communicate concepts and solutions, collaborate well with the team, and pay close attention to the requirements of clients.

With influential and talented designers emerging from several corners of the world, there has been witnessed an increase in female-focused designs. For instance, there is a growing demand for a variety of designs that take into account sustainability, eco-friendliness, comfort, health, and wellbeing. This opens up new opportunities for inclusive design that satisfies everyone’s needs regardless of gender, age, culture, or other distinctions, as well as for the interior design sector to diversify.

As a Senior Interior Designer at THE FITOUT, I have a major role in overseeing the entire design processes at the company, working closely and paying attention to our clients’ demands and requirements to develop distinctive designs that turn their ideas into reality. Putting my talents and finesse to the best use, I focus on transforming the clients’ concepts into an exceptionally designed space that meets their requirements as well as goes above and beyond their expectations.

In my designs, we, at THE FITOUT highly prioritise the security and wellbeing of the people who use the space. Aspects like lighting, acoustics, and ergonomics are taken into account when designing for either a residential or business space, to make sure that the area is comfortable and safe along with being aesthetically pleasing.

Designs for working spaces are one of my areas of expertise. The layout of a workspace can have a substantial influence on employee happiness and productivity in the present, rapidly changing business world. Therefore, the workplace designs that we fabri-

cate not only represents the brand’s image but also encourages employee creativity and collaboration by adding elements such as natural light, ergonomic furniture, and flexible spaces. In my opinion, the client, the design team, and the construction team must all work together during the planning process. With this strategy, everyone is guaranteed to be on the same page and working towards achieving the same objectives, and the outcome is a space that surpasses expectations. I firmly believe that the design process should be a seamless integration of creativity, functionality, and safety.

As a mom and an entrepreneur, I strive towards empowering the women entrepreneurial ecosystem. I am familiar with the difficulties to maintain a work-life balance. It is true that fulfilling family commitments all while efficiently satisfying work obligations and meeting deadlines can be challenging. However, doing so has also helped shape who I am, allowing me to embrace all facets of my wellbeing and progress both personally and professionally.

Being a working mother presents several difficulties, of which the most significant one is time management. Over the years, maintaining a perfect balance between work and personal life has empowered me to become more efficient and organised with my time. I have learned to establish priorities for both my work and family, enabling me to sustain a healthy work-life balance. I have also learned the value of setting goals, communicating clearly, organising my time, and assigning duties. All these abilities have translated into numerous benefits for the company, and I am pleased to be able to set a good example for all of my co-workers.

In the field of interior designing, it is considered critical to possess the ability to effectively communicate concepts and solutions, collaborate well with the team, and pay close attention to the requirements of clients.

Asila Al Busaidi

Ihave always had a passion for the safety and protection of people and a keen interest in how the built environment is constructed and operates. As a woman, the protection of people, especially our families, is instinctual. I knew from an early age that I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a difference and contribute to the overall safety of people in the places where they work, live and visit. Engineering has always fascinated me from an early age, as it is a vast industry with numerous fields to specialise in. The perfect career path for me was one that combined my interest in engineering and my desire to keep people safe.

When I was ready to focus my studies on my chosen career path, I was awarded a scholarship at Oman’s International College of Engineering and Management. The college was the only institution in the region with specialist courses in fire engineering and health and safety, which sparked my interest. Once I had chosen this engineering path, I knew I had made the right choice. Not only did it meet my criteria for what I wanted from a career, but it also empowered me as it was a field that not many other women had chosen to study. In 2016, I completed my final year of study in the United Kingdom at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) on another scholarship and sponsorship provided by Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC), and was awarded my Bachelor’s Degree in Fire and Safety Engineering.

I started my professional career in fire engineering during my studies. My first role with the Ministry of Health as a trainee fire and safety engineer allowed me to understand the requirements of fire and life safety in the field, which included conducting health and safety investigations at facilities and carrying out inspections in several healthcare facilities. I was encouraged as one of the few women in the field, and I felt a great sense of responsibility to continue my professional development with a specialist consultancy.

In 2016, I joined Tenable FEC as a junior fire engineer. Working with a specialist fire and

Senior Fire Engineer | Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC)

engineering life safety consultancy that provides services to multiple sectors enabled me to develop my communication and organisational skills very quickly. I was excited to work across various projects and develop relationships with numerous clients from different backgrounds. It further fueled my interest in the different sectors and how I could cater to each client’s specific needs. Within two years, I had proven my ability to form and nurture value partnerships and work alongside the authorities for the approval of projects. I was the first female fire engineer to work closely with Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), which is one of my proudest achievements to date.

Seven years into my career with Tenable FEC, I am now a senior fire engineer and a team leader. Throughout the years, I have received encouragement and support from the entire team and have been lucky enough to have been mentored by Sultan Al Maskri, Tenable FEC’s CEO and founder. Sultan is an inspiration for both women and men in the company. His words of support and focus on team development and progression are evident in our day-to-day operations. In my role as a team leader, I hope to be as inspirational to the team I oversee, one of which is another

female fire engineer, and motivate and aid in their career advancement.

I believe that every individual brings positive qualities to a workplace, regardless of gender. Part of my role is to invest in each employee, not just in the team I lead but also across the entire business. I am proud to have contributed to the company’s ongoing success, which I have impacted through developing strong client relationships and helping achieve clients’ goals through value engineering and specialised service delivery suited for each individual project.

As Tenable FEC continues to grow internationally, there are fresh challenges in the navigation of approval processes in different overseas markets, but we are overcoming these obstacles together as a team. I am responsible for multiple projects and work with clients in Oman, the UAE, KSA, USA and Kenya. Dealing with international clients and the requirements of multiple industry and country fire codes and practices allows me to further develop my fire engineering knowledge. Women are generally regarded as strong communicators, and I excel in building long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with clients. I am driven by career development and enhancing my knowledge and skill-set,

and it is rewarding to be part of a company that fosters this culture, which allows me to have a positive impact on the overall success of the business on a global scale.

The key to being successful as a female in the engineering industry is to trust in yourself. Nothing is impossible once you set your mind to it. I am independent by nature but have quickly learned that your greatest support comes from the team around you. It’s important not to doubt yourself but to learn from others and work as a team, as this is what helps you grow. In every industry and career, there will always be challenges, and what shapes you as a professional are the methods you employ to overcome these temporary obstacles. It’s important to find passion in your work, and I have found mine as a woman in fire engineering with a company that supports the ongoing development of male and female employees equally.

Founded in Oman in 2010, Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy provides a comprehensive range of high-quality, fire and life safety services, including code consulting, fire system design, performance-based fire design and third-party verification within the built environment.

Tenable FEC adapts the latest fire engineering techniques to ensure the architectural integrity of a project is never compromised. Using the latest code requirements, engineering expertise and fire modelling tools, they improve building safety performance, protect architectural design aspirations, optimise floor plans and reduce unnecessary construction costs.

With offices in Muscat, Dubai and London, Tenable FEC executes regional and international projects of any size in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Asia. The team approach projects with leading talent and innovative technologies while adhering to international best practices, design codes and standards.

www.tenablefec.com

About Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC)

Parnika Chaturvedi

Iam a Partner at King & Wood Mallesons (KWM) with expertise in high value, cross border Dispute Resolution with a particular focus on: international commercial arbitration; litigation across common law Courts (Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and Courts of England & Wales), and navigating the onshore civil law system applicable in the UAE.

I have represented a number of clients, including government entities, multinationals, financial institutions, Fortune 500 companies and high net-worth individuals, in a wide range of financial, corporate, and commercial disputes across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, retail, trading, insurance, hospitality, construction, real estate, cryptocurrency, pharmaceuticals, and commodities.

I have also had the privilege of being recognised for my work. I am ranked in Chambers & Partners UAE, Legal 500 UAE and Legal 500 Arbitration Power List Middle East.

Over the years, my role has entailed devising and executing complex strategies before Courts and Tribunals to achieve the best possible results for my clients. I have conducted arbitrations under various institutional rules and have substantial experience before the DIFC and ADGM Courts, as well as the Courts of England and Wales. I also work with regional experts on disputes before the UAE Courts and across the GCC. I have had the opportunity to work on a number of interesting projects and matters. This has included advising on a new legal framework for a new jurisdiction in Saudi Arabia, which spans all legal aspects of the requirements of a modern, smart city jurisdiction; representing China state-owned companies in connection with various disputes, including the construction of one of the largest dams in Angola; acting for senior management of major FTSE companies; representing major international construction company in the UAE regarding road construction disputes, and representing clients in supply chain disputes and business interruption events. Being able to contribute

Partner | King & Wood Mallesons

to key projects such as these is incredibly rewarding. I am always honoured to be able to offer advice and expertise.

Another aspect of my role has been mentoring junior team members and other professionals in the field. The opportunity to guide other team members in their career development is a real highlight for me. I consider mentoring to be essential, and I contribute a large part of my success to my mentors. My aim is to have the same impact on my team. As a mentor, I take an active pastoral role, ensuring associate development and well-being. I believe that mentoring does not only help with the growth and development of the mentee but is also an essential learning tool for the mentor, and a step in progression. With my passion for mentoring, I am also involved in several external mentoring programmes and regularly take part in a CSR initiative to mentor and train visiting lawyers as part of the International Lawyers for Africa (ILFA) programme.

KWM has provided me the platform and support to grow and excel. At KWM, women are empowered to excel in their careers. I have received extensive support from both peers and clients, which paired with hard work, technical knowledge and key eye for detail, has helped me develop my skills, knowledge and

expertise, and enabled me to be where I am today in my career. For me, teams excel when they work together and demonstrate commitment, dedication and expertise in strategic thinking.

I take my role as an ambassador for KWM very seriously. I take joy in leading client initiatives and speaking at external conferences and seminars. As a legal professional, I have always had a thirst for knowledge and finding ways to excel in my career. I hope to potentially inspire both women and men alike.

To support women in the legal industry, I am an active member of the internationally recognised Arbitral Women initiative. I am also a partner of the Dubai Legal Affairs Department and volunteer to undertake pro-bono work in addition to our current client base. I am a firm believer that, as a senior practitioner, it is important for the business to adopt socially and environmentally aware practices in our day-to-day operations. I am proud that my firm, KWM, is ahead of the curve with our pro bono advice initiatives, efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of dispute resolution and adoption of the Green Pledge in the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations. In 2023, I want to continue my growth and learning and devote more time to self-development. In order to do better, I plan to achieve more and give more. My advice to woman looking to enter into the legal profession is to be honest and passionate about their work, and own the credit that they deserve. It is vital for women to work with people and organisations that respect them as a professional and help guide and support their growth. As professionals, it is important to focus on creating and developing relationships from the very start, both internally and externally, as every single one counts. Also, one should never be afraid to ask for help when needed, as it is how we all grow.

BENEFITS OF BUILDING A MODULAR FUTURE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

BY KASHIF DAFEDAR, DIGITAL PRODUCTS LEAD AT CRTKL

The GCC region is accelerating decarbonization and sustainability, driven by agendas such as the Dubai Strategic Plan 2030, the UAE Centennial Plan 2071, and Saudi Vision 2030. Both the UAE and Saudi announced Net Zero targets by 2050 and 2060 respectively, fast tracking the need for reduction of carbon emissions and greater efficiency. Growing urbanization coupled with robust investments by governments to improve infrastructures, tourism, transportation services, and education

sectors, have paved the way for modular construction’s rise in the region. In the GCC, the Modular Construction and Steel Structure market already reached USD 3 Billion in 2016 and is expected to reach $4bn by the end of this year at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period 2017-2022.

As many already know, there are numerous benefits to modular construction methods as an alternative to on-site construction. By successfully replicating the manufacturing process for the construction industry, we can potentially reduce both the cost and

time taken for construction. While the transformation to modular construction is challenging, the benefits far outweigh the efforts significantly. Given this, let’s focus on four key benefits offered by choosing modular methods of construction compared to traditional construction methods.

Greater flexibility

The modularity of the design allows the user to swap out parts of the habitat in the event of wear and tear or if upgrades become available. Individual panels can incorporate mechanical and electrical features, reducing the coordination needed on site. While the cumulative effort would not change, frontloading the coordination to assemblies on the factory line will significantly minimise the effort required to assemble a modular house. This will effectively reduce the cost of the unit without compromising the design, functionality and quality of the materials being used.

Less pollution and construction waste

Traditional construction activities and generated waste are massive culprits when it comes to global carbon emissions, with buildings consuming around 50% of global materials and contributing approximately half of global waste. Aside from being an eye sore, neighboring construction activities can be a prolonged and annoying source of pollution. Onsite construction, with its use of heavy machinery, transportation and storage of materials, can be directly linked to increased carbon emissions both in the immediate vicinity and in terms of global climate change. Even a short-term construction project can cause irreversible damage to the ecosystem and deplete our already dwindling flora and fauna. While onsite construction activities are inevitable, modular construction has the potential to reduce the construction industry’s impact on the environment.

By shifting a large amount of construction activities to a controlled location, such as a manufacturing factory, the pollution and waste produced can be better managed. The circulation of materials to and from development sites can also be optimised, while time on site can be reduced to only include essential construction activities to limit the effects on local ecosystems.

Optimised energy

Modular construction methods also provide an opportunity to make the design of buildings more energy efficient. The modules can come preconfigured for a certain climate and to accommodate passive and active energy needs. The individual panels can have higher insulation according to the install orientation and roof panels can have the options for Photovoltaic (PV) panels if needed. Having these elements considered beforehand makes choosing sustainable options much easier for those involved.

Currently, one to two percent of the global

population have direct access to architectural and design services. This is mostly because these services are a luxury only few can afford for an individual dwelling. Even most developers shuffle between two or three design layouts and limit their buyer’s choice of materiality and ability to customise the design of the building. If the construction process became more modular, it would provide users with new opportunities to access quality architecture services without making it too expensive.

Automation and cost efficiency

An alarming issue currently facing the construction

industry is the lack of skilled labour and an aging workforce. This is an integral factor for increasing costs and deteriorating levels of quality. Issues such as these can be addressed by moving the construction activities under one single roof. Skilled employment can be sought from separate locations and a strong team can be assembled to address the various needs of architectural construction.

The cost of construction can further be reduced by utilising automation on the manufacturing line. Like any manufacturing plants, repetitive tasks should be outsourced to the machine. This would significantly reduce the amount of time taken for production to be completed while maintaining a strict budget.

Overall, the positives of modular construction far outweigh the negatives. Many players in the construction industry are increasingly understanding the benefits and opportunities modular construction can offer in terms of better design. We expect this trend to continue over the coming years as more people learn the ins and outs of modular construction.

BENEFITS OF BUILDING A MODULAR FUTURE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

BY SHIFTING A LARGE AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES TO A CONTROLLED LOCATION, THE POLLUTION AND WASTE PRODUCED CAN BE BETTER MANAGED.

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH GREEN CONCRETE

BY DR HASSAM CHAUDHRY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, SCHOOL OF ENERGY, GEOSCIENCE, INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOCIETY, AT HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY DUBAI

The importance of sustainable construction has come under the spotlight lately with increasing awareness about adopting eco-friendly practices and solutions. Moreover, with the 28th United Nations Climate

Change Conference, also known as COP28, taking place in the UAE, governments and industry stakeholders are actively discussing their shift towards climate action. The use of concrete in construction is a pressing issue, due to its significant impact on the environment,

mainly in the GCC region where the construction industry is experiencing unparalleled expansion. Concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world, and its production requires large amounts of natural resources, such as sand, gravel, and water, as well as significant amounts of energy. The production of traditional concrete is also a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly due to the production of cement, one of the primary components of concrete.

According to the UAE Construction Market (2022 – 2027) report, the UAE’s construction sector is expected to reach a value of 133.53 billion USD by 2027. GCC countries are following a similar

trend, and their combined construction industry is expected to surpass 300 billion USD by end of 2022. These figures undeniably reflect the positive market sentiment in the Middle East region with the ME construction market experiencing significant expansion, and a surge of new, potentially transformative projects. Following the introduction of the Vision 2030 strategy, Saudi Arabia alone has initiated over 1 trillion USD worth of projects. Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman have been adopting significant methods including green building rating systems like LEED or sustainable assessment systems to address the region specific environmental needs. The UAE government’s initiatives

including the UAE Vision 2021, the UAE Centennial 2071, and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, set a 50 per cent target for clean energy in the country. These have already established several sustainable development goals in the region and serve as a strategy for most upcoming projects. The government has also taken additional steps like promoting the use of green alternatives for Original Portland Cement (OPC), the major component of concrete mix that is found to emit toxic gases.

Traditional concrete has been a widely used construction material for many years but one of the main concerns remain associated with is its high carbon footprint. Also, the production process requires a significant amount of energy and emits large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. However, the demand for concrete is increasing worldwide with the growth of urbanization and infrastructure development, putting additional pressure on already strained natural resources and exacerbating environmental issues. Therefore, finding alternatives to traditional concrete, such as green concrete is crucial in promoting more sustainable construction practices.

Green concrete is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete. Unlike the latter, green concrete utilizes industrial waste materials such as fly ash and slag as partial replacements for cement, reducing the carbon footprint of the production process. Additionally, the use of supplementary cementitious materials in green concrete can improve its strength and durability, making it a more longlasting solution. This can reduce the use of natural resources, and greenhouse gas emissions and improve indoor air quality by reducing the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are emitted during construction. Furthermore, the use of green concrete can help promote a circular economy by reducing waste and creating new opportunities for recycling. By using recycled materials, green concrete can help divert waste from landfills and turn it into a valuable resource.

The concrete industry has been integrating technology with renewable resources to provide environment-friendly

alternatives to meet the demands of green products. It is indeed a ‘concrete’ step, an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to achieve the goal of building an eco-friendly future. Adapting green concrete is shifting from being a preference to becoming a priority globally and the Middle East is no exception considering the slew of upcoming high-end mixed-use projects in countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Governments along with industry stakeholders must come together to create a robust ecosystem. For instance, Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction (CESC) is a research and development initiative that collaborates with organisations to accelerate the use of best practices in the construction sector.

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST WITH GREEN CONCRETE

“TRADITIONAL CONCRETE HAS BEEN A WIDELY USED CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL FOR MANY YEARS BUT ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS REMAIN ASSOCIATED WITH IS ITS HIGH CARBON FOOTPRINT.”

UD TRUCKS AND ALLISON TRANSMISSION JOIN FORCES

TO SHOWCASE CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGIES FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

> UD TRUCKS AND ALLISON TRANSMISSION HELD A JOINT EVENT IN DUBAI TO SHOWCASE THE CRONER RANGE AND ITS ADVANCED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

> PARTICIPANTS AT THE EVENT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TEST A SELECTION OF CRONER MODELS ON THE DUBAI AUTODROME CIRCUIT AND EXPERIENCE THE CAPABILITIES OF THE CRONER LINE-UP

> THE INTEGRATION OF CRONER’S ENGINE WITH ALLISON TRANSMISSION’S TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES ADVANTAGES LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN OVERALL OPERATING EXPENSES

UD Trucks and Allison Transmission recently held a joint event to showcase the impressive Croner range and its advanced automatic transmission. The event brought together partners from across the Middle East region and offered participants the opportunity to experience the capabilities of UD Trucks’ Croner lineup, while also learning how Allison Transmission is pushing the boundaries of technology with its cuttingedge automatic transmissions.

Participants were granted an exclusive opportunity to test a selection of Croner models on the Dubai Autodrome circuit. The 5 and 8-litre engines of the Croner provide impressive power and acceleration, while the advanced technology of the fully automatic transmission ensures smooth gear changes and optimal fuel efficiency, delivering a superior driving experience.

The integration of Croner’s robust engine with Allison Transmission’s cuttingedge technology provides a multitude of advantages to customers. These include increased productivity, decreased maintenance costs, and heightened vehicle uptime, leading to a substantial reduction in overall operating expenses. Furthermore, the Croner range between 11 19T is available with both manual and Allison gearboxes, offering customers a wider range of options to choose from.

The updated Croner vehicle offers waste management companies even more flexibility in choosing the right vehicle for their needs. The LKE series, which meets Euro

5 standards, provides a range of power options with 210 HP and 825 Nm torque, or 240 HP and 900 Nm torque. The PKE series offers 250 HP and 950 Nm torque, also meeting Euro 5 standards. With these options, waste management companies in particular and other sectors can choose the power range that fits their operations and terrain, all while enjoying the reliability and cost effectiveness of the Allison gearbox and the realtime performance feedback of the new instrument cluster.

Mourad Hedna, President of UD Trucks Middle East, East and North Africa, emphasised the importance of the Middle East market to UD Trucks: “This close partnership with Allison Transmission is another example of our unwavering dedication to delivering dependable, efficient, and long lasting trucks that cater to the unique requirements of our Middle East customers.

“The Croner truck offers a remarkable range of attributes and advantages, which include outstanding power and acceleration, fuel efficiency, and advanced safety features. The Croner has become an extremely popular model, known for its versatility, adaptability, and reliability, making it an ideal choice for businesses across a wide range of industries.”

Allison Transmission’s Regional Director, Atak Talas, highlighted the company’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technology that can enhance the performance of commercial vehicles.

Talas emphasised Alisson’s focus on delivering superior products that are designed to provide faster acceleration and smoother shifting, helping to improve the speed and efficiency of commercial vehicles. “At Allison, we are dedicated to developing innovative technology that can help our customers optimise their operations in various ways. Our transmissions are engineered to deliver superior fuel efficiency, increased productivity and enhanced safety for our customers,” Talas remarked.

“THE CRONER TRUCK OFFERS A REMARKABLE RANGE OF ATTRIBUTES AND ADVANTAGES, WHICH INCLUDE OUTSTANDING POWER AND ACCELERATION, FUEL EFFICIENCY, AND ADVANCED SAFETY FEATURES.”

DUBAI REAL ESTATE

IN NEED OF PROPTECH REVOLUTION TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

The real estate industry in Dubai is ripe for disruption. With the emergence of PropTech, more and more innovative ways to use technology in the property sector are being explored. This new wave of technology has the potential to revolutionize the way real estate developers, property managers, landlords and brokers do business, helping the entire industry reach new heights of success.

PropTech offers numerous benefits for those in the real estate industry. It can help them automate their processes so

they can focus on other areas of their business or offer additional services to customers. PropTech can also reduce overhead costs related to managing properties, enhance communication between landlords and tenants, and keep customer data secure with advanced encryption technologies.

Psychometric mapping

Uncovering the perfect fit between a certain project and a resident, psychometric mapping draws on personality and lifestyle traits to guide real estate decisions. By pairing

compatible individuals or families with suitable developments, this PropTech solution could save time and ensure a satisfactory outcome for developers, brokers, residents and the community at large.

Auto-tenant screening

PropTech solutions can help real estate professionals automate the tenant screening process to identify the best prospects for rental properties. By selecting an ideal tenant, landlords save time, money and avoid frustration. Evaluating a potential tenant’s credit and background can save landlords headaches in the long run, making it an invaluable precaution worth undertaking.

Digital contracts

PropTech can enable landlords and tenants to easily create, store, track and modify rental contracts so they are always up to date with the latest

regulations and requirements around the rented property and potential rental increments. This provides a clear window of insight into the rights and expectations for both tenants and landlords, allowing both parties to remain aware of changes at any point.

Mobile payments

Rental payments via mobile represents another example of how PropTech is revolutionizing the real estate industry. Companies are now using digital payment systems that allow tenants to make payments through their devices, eliminating the need for cheques or cash payments. There are also apps that allow landlords to manage multiple properties from one platform, allowing them to quickly view tenant data such as payment history or maintenance requests without having to manually search through multiple documents or databases.

Property Management Software

Through a Property Management Software, real estate firms can efficiently manage multiple portfolios such as leases, tenancy agreements, rent payments and maintenance requests from one place, thereby streamlining operations and reducing manual errors.

Predictive analytics

PropTech offers valuable insights into the real estate industry through data analytics that allow stakeholders to make informed decisions quickly and effectively.

Predictive data analytics can also provide investors with real-time insights into future market movements, allowing

them to take an anticipatory approach to investment, thereby making more informed decisions and closing lucrative deals in a timely manner.

AI Brokers

AI brokers are an increasingly popular real estate option globally as more realtors shift to modern, tech-driven solutions. As a real estate partner, AI brokers can generate real estate leads, uncover market trends and leverage predictive analytics to identify ideal marketing strategies for properties. This allows realtors to save time, effort and financial resources by enabling AI brokers to do a lot of the work for them. In

essence, AI brokers provide more efficient and accurate services than humans could on their own, making them an ideal choice for anyone looking to maximize their real estate business’s potential. AI brokers can also help buyers gain access to accurate data about all available listings, thus saving search time and effort when looking for a property rental or purchase deal.

Automation of real estate transactions

PropTech can automate real estate processes such as listings, marketing and transaction management, which could translate into time

and money savings.

VR Tours

Virtual reality tours are being increasingly used to give prospective customers an immersive experience, allowing them to explore properties without having to physically visit or ever leave their homes or offices.

WITH THE EMERGENCE OF PROPTECH, MORE AND MORE INNOVATIVE WAYS TO USE TECHNOLOGY IN THE PROPERTY SECTOR ARE BEING EXPLORED.

Gaurav Aidasani, Founder & Managing Director, Union Square House Real Estate Broker

built over 200 large-scale villa and commercial projects across the UAE. He has also worked as a Landscape Manager at Khidmah LLC in Abu Dhabi, where he managed the installation and maintenance of landscaping at more than 40 sites.

AG FACILITIES SOLUTIONS

AG Facilities Solutions (AGFS), a leading Facilities Management provider in the UAE, today announced the appointment of Keith Culhane as the new Senior Manager - Landscaping, Horticulture, and Pest Control Services. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, across both the GCC and the United States, Culhane brings with him exceptional executive management skills, as well extensive knowledge of all aspects of landscape construction, maintenance and vermin suppression.

“I am delighted to join AG Facilities Solutions, a 40+ year old organisation at the forefront of the regional Facilities Management sector, with an outstanding reputation for delivering best-in-class services to the local market,” says Culhane. “I’m looking forward to working with a team that pursues better, every day, working with a culture that believes in investing in technology and embracing innovation to constantly redefine ‘excellence’ and set the bar across the industry.”

Prior to joining AGFS, Culhane served as the Executive Director of Lakeyards LLC in Dubai, where he designed and

Tarek Nizameddin, CEO, AGFS, comments: “We are delighted to have Keith on-board as our new Senior Manager of Landscaping, Horticulture, and Pest Control Services. I have no doubt that Keith’s substantial experience will add significant value to our clients, support our pursuit of ‘better’ and service excellence, and contribute to the overall growth and enduring success of our organisation.”

Aligning to AGFS’ commitment to responsible corporate citizenship, Culhane has designed and built numerous LEED certified green buildings during his career, as well as experience of working with drought tolerant designs and arid environments.

“Keith’s experience in managing projects for both large-scale commercial and residential clients, including government buildings, museums, apartments, hospitals, college campuses, parks, and roads, makes him the ideal candidate to manage our Landscaping, Horticulture, and Pest Control Services division,” Nizameddin continues.

APPOINTS KEITH CULHANE AS SENIOR MANAGER OF LANDSCAPING, HORTICULTURE, AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES

“WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE KEITH ONBOARD AS OUR NEW SENIOR MANAGER OF LANDSCAPING, HORTICULTURE, AND PEST CONTROL SERVICES.”