FM Giants Middle East (CBNME) - May 2022

FM GIANTS MIDDLE EAST

ACCELERATING FM GROWTH

TARIQ CHAUHAN EFS GROUP CEO

EFS FACILITIES SERVICES GROUP CROSSES AED 1.2BN IN NEW PROJECTS THEREFORE STRENGTHENING ITS LEADERSHIP POSITION WITHIN THE INDUSTRY

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

MAY 2022 | CBNME.COM

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IN THIS ISSUE

CBNME 24

50

FM GROWTH 28 ACCELERATING EFS Facilities Services Group crosses AED 1.2bn in new projects and strengthening its leadership position

14 APPOINTMENT

24 INTERVIEW

BEACHFRONT VILLAS COMMUNITY Dubai South properties announces the appointment of Al Kharafi construction company to develop The Pulse beachfront villas community

PROVIDING A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE Ahmed Al Suwaidi, Managing Director – Residential Communities, Dubai Holding Asset Management

16 ARCHITECTURE

34 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

MEYDAN OFFICE PARK Meydan office park, designed by RMJM Dubai will have its own seasonal concept

ARABIAN CENTRES ADDS JUBAIL MARINA MALL TO ITS PORTFOLIO Arabian Centres signs Agreement with Alghanim International SA

18 INITIATIVE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Emrill expands Masterminds learning and development initiative with introduction of CPD-certified masterclasses

36 TALKING POINT

20 RETROFIT FARNEK showcases smart solutions at Retrofit Tech to support MENA Net Zero ambitions

TAKING A TECHNOLOGY-BASED APPROACH Marc Daly - Hard Services at ServeU, discusses a variety of topics affecting the FM industry

22 AGGREEMENT

50 SUSTAINABLE MACHINERY

DANS RENEW AGREEMENT WITH SERCO MIDDLE EAST FOR TWO YEARS Phil Malem, CEO at Serco Middle East

CARBON REDUCTION GOALS Volvo CE Offers Tailored Support for Customers To Reach Carbon Reduction Goals

ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES Mohamad Abou Laban, CEO of Deyaar Facilities Management

44 INTERVIEW

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 3

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE FUTURE OF FM

CEO

Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net DIRECTOR

Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

Joaquim D'Costa

jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Rabih Naderi

rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 EDITOR

Kasun Illankoon kasun@bncpublishing.net ASSISTANT EDITOR

Jochebed Menon

I

n this special edition of FM Giants Middle East magazine we examine what the future lies in facilities management and how the accelerated growth is creating more positive market opportunities for FM Companies and Suppliers.

The purpose of this special edition was to foreshadow CBNME’s Innovation in FM Forum 2022 under the tagline The Future of FM Summit. The forum will gather FM professionals from all over the Middle East to discuss on June 10th at Sofitel Dubai the Palm.

Under the tagline ‘The Future of FM Summit’ FM C-Level Executive and

Professionals from all over the Middle East will gather to talk candidly about the usage of technology, sustainability, and how leadership decision making is allowing FM Companies to be more independent when it comes research and development of their own technology, We’re excited to tap into this industry and to bring the readers a fresh and new perspective on the challenges faced in this industry.

EDITORIAL DESIGN

Christian Harb

MARKETING EXECUTIVE

Aaron Joshua Sinanbam aj@bncpublishing.net PHOTOGRAPHER

Alexander Bungas

SUBSCRIBE

subscriptions@bncpublishing.net

Kasun Illankoon

Deputy Editor kasun@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196

CBNME.COM Keep up to date with all the latest news, features and much more on our website and social media platforms CBNME @CBNME CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME

For all commercial enquiries, contact jo@bncpublishing.net T +971 50 440 2706 All rights reserved © 2022.

Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

Construction Business News ME and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Construction Business News ME. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

Images used in Construction Business News ME are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. All images not credited courtesy Shutterstock.

Printed by UPP

10 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

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CBNME

APPOINTMENT

BEACHFRONT VILLAS COMMUNITY DUBAI SOUTH PROPERTIES ANNOUNCES THE APPOINTMENT OF AL KHARAFI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY TO DEVELOP THE PULSE BEACHFRONT VILLAS COMMUNITY 14 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

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BEACHFRONT VILLAS COMMUNITY

“THE AREA HAS GAINED A LOT OF MOMENTUM, EVIDENT FROM THE IMPRESSIVE NUMBER OF EXPO 2020 DUBAI VISITORS, ESPECIALLY SINCE MANY PARTS OF THE EXHIBITION WILL NOW BE REPURPOSED, AS WELL AS DUE TO THE ADVANCED INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND THE EXPO 2020 SITE WHICH IS DIRECTLY CONNECTED TO DUBAI SOUTH.”

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aster-developer Dubai South Properties announced the appointment of Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al-Kharafi & Sons company to develop The Pulse Beachfront Villas Community located in Dubai South at the Residential District.

Within months of launching The Pulse

Beachfront onto the freehold market, Dubai South Properties managed to successfully sell-out 788 residential villas and townhouses, which were launched across three phases. The milestone is a continuity of similar impressive results achieved by the master developer, confirming the huge demand for units within Dubai South’s Residential District.

The AED 900 million Pulse Beachfront is spread across a built-up area with units ranging from 2,600 - 4,800 square feet of living space, with private gardens ranging from 1,700 - 5,000 square feet. The project features 788 residential units in a mix of three-, four-, and fivebedroom villas and townhouses. All villas come with master bedrooms, a maid’s room fully-equipped closed kitchens, private gardens, 3 covered private parking spaces, spacious living rooms, study rooms, and rooftops. The project also features an approximate 200-metre-wide, artificial beach lagoon with a beachfront in addition to a half Olympic swimming pool.

Dubai South Properties plans to commence construction on the project in Q2 2022, with completion of the initial phases scheduled for Q3 2024.

The Pulse Beachfront gated community will also feature amenities, such as a state-of-the-art fitness club, gym, squash tennis court, climbing walls, private lounge, yoga garden, aerobics studios, a dedicated kid’s club and water park. Additional amenities include a children’s pool, skate parks, jogging tracks, and a number of F&B retail outlets next to a grand supermarket, and lots of greenery and dedicated open areas for

a tennis court, beach tennis, and padel tennis, which are in line with Dubai South’s mission to enhance the lifestyle of its residents across its successful developments.

A spokesman for Dubai South Properties said: “The successful sellout of the project confirms the trust investors and customers have in our projects and delivering on our promises.

The area has gained a lot of momentum, evident from the impressive number of Expo 2020 Dubai visitors, especially since many parts of the exhibition will now be repurposed, as well as due to the advanced infrastructure around the Expo 2020 site which is directly connected to Dubai South. The Pulse Beachfront is a unique project by itself, especially for its wellness aspect and the splendid amenities it features that enriches the lifestyles of residents where people can live, play and connect.”

The Residential District at Dubai South currently boasts a population of over 25,000 residents, who are enjoying the unique lifestyle and amenities that it offers. Over 1,400 apartments and townhouses are already handed over at The Pulse, which is characterised by lush green walkways, jogging and cycling tracks, eight gyms and swimming pools, and a number of parks. This makes The Pulse an ideal place for young professionals and families to enjoy the best lifestyle.

Dubai South is home to a community of freehold as well as leasehold residential, commercial, office, and retail properties. It caters to different lifestyles and is designed to create a vibrant living environment, in line with Dubai South’s drive to enrich the emirate’s urban lifestyle projects to support its economic growth.

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CBNME

ARCHITECTURE

MEYDAN OFFICE PARK R Meydan office park, designed by RMJM Dubai will have its own seasonal concept

MJM Dubai was appointed as a lead architect for the Meydan project - an interconnected office park located in an upcoming area of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Following the client’s directions and ambitious vision, RMJM focused on creating a venue to attract top talent and become a popular entrepreneurial hub. A place that grows and evolves with the times,

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changing from day to night, from season to season.

The master plan was developed based on many factors such as the workplace environment, its adaptability, accessibility, and sustainability. The studio produced three distinct densities of façades for each office building, based on their understanding of the site context and solar studies. The idea was to simply “pull out” one side of the façade so that each model WWW.CBNME.COM

MEYDAN OFFICE PARK | DESIGNED BY RMJM DUBAI

may cast a shadow on its own face. Each building’s corners have rounded edges, symbolising the continuous and seamless nature of the building’s core business functions.

Each building will have a distinct characteristic corresponding to the four seasons following the landscape concept. The rooftops talk back to the programming of the project. They provide a chance to have office spaces closely connected to the landscape, so the team treated it as such, with a green edge all around with space between for seating outside. The spaces between some buildings are deliberately kept narrow, to reflect the best examples of cities that have incredible life on narrow streets. The studio team saw this as an opportunity to bring F&B that could

express itself with such character, the shaded nature of these spaces giving a chance to use outdoor dining nearly all year round.

An infinity park was designed to welcome the visitors with a sculpted statement gate, an infinity mirrored boundary walkway, ‘Instagrammable’ components and a generous amount of relaxed seating furniture. The team studied the sun path carefully and created mounds and berms with trees at the crests.

“To make the development truly unique and outstanding, we have developed a cultural speciality - “Arabic headscarf” as our key design concept. Our design approach was based on studying and converting the cultural symbols into contemporary architectural language and designing them in different scales to celebrate the local legacy within the development through the façade pattern, artwork, ID, signage, etc. As a result, the project has a bespoke look and feel even though we have specified the standard materials,” said Yasuko Kobayashi,

Associate Director, RMJM Dubai.

The park also embraces the concept of the seasons by hosting flowering trees and flora that change through the year.

The buildings with a shaded entry are known as Winter; the ones that face the south sun represent Summer; those around the landscaped courtyard are Spring, and those that experience a mix of the sun and shade are Autumn. The basement plan included voids that were cut to bring ambient sunlight, greenery and even a water feature down two levels, opening the basements to the experiences above. With the landscape design also moving down vertically, the basement areas become a continuation of the seasons above. The gaps are also connected vertically by a woven mesh element, which creates a fluid visual transition from the basement to the ground level landscape.

The unique master plan and the detailed designs proposal show the uniqueness that RMJM Dubai takes care to incorporate in each of the designs and projects they create.

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CBNME

INITIATIVE

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT EMRILL EXPANDS MASTERMINDS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE WITH INTRODUCTION OF CPD-CERTIFIED MASTERCLASSES

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o further enhance its learning and development offering, Emrill has expanded its Masterminds programme to include two Continuing Professional Development (CPD)certified courses. In July 2021, Emrill launched Masterminds, a knowledge-sharing programme to circulate relevant, credible and current experience and expertise through masterclasses available to all levels and departments of the organisation. Since then, the facilities management services provider has launched eleven CPDaccredited courses, two of which have been added to the programme.

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LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT | FADI HATOUM, CEO AT UNIMAC

Emrill has carefully developed each CPD-certified masterclass to suit the learning needs of facilities management professionals. To date, Emrill has achieved CPD accreditation for eleven courses that provide instruction on technical, communication, leadership and business skills. Masterminds participants can access masterclasses dedicated to financial awareness, English-language conversation skills, leadership, project management, presentation skills, health and safety risk management, time management, team leader skills, performance management, and information gathering and data management. In March 2022, Emrill renewed its CPD membership and will continue to enhance its training and development programmes, including Masterminds, LEAD and Excel, during the year.

As part of its Masterminds programme, Emrill has launched masterclasses, two of which are CPD-accredited, across a broad range of topics including: Financial Awareness in FM; HSE Risk Management in FM; Business and Technical Risks in FM; Marketing and Branding; Commercial and Supply Chain Management in FM; Promoting Health and Wellbeing in an FM Environment; Managing Performance Appraisals, Assessments and Feedback; Essential IT Skills in FM; Increasing Efficiencies in Managing Soft Services and Operational Excellence and Success in Facilities Management.

“Achieving CPD certification was a major milestone for Emrill in 2021,” said Sam Emery, Emrill’s CFO. “Emrill has always been committed to creating development opportunities for employees, and CPD accreditation was another step on our journey to formalising training and continuing to offer world-class learning programmes.”

Emrill developed the Masterminds programme and masterclasses following a comprehensive gap analysis of the organisation’s learning needs. Course topics were selected

“EMRILL HAS ALWAYS BEEN COMMITTED TO CREATING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYEES, AND CPD ACCREDITATION WAS ANOTHER STEP ON OUR JOURNEY TO FORMALISING TRAINING AND CONTINUING TO OFFER WORLD-CLASS LEARNING PROGRAMMES.” to complement Emrill’s growth and operational strategies through the enhancement of key competencies.

The masterclasses utilise an adaptive people development strategy, allowing for fluid learning across virtual and physical spaces with a combination of technology and visual, auditory, read-write and kinaesthetic resources. Emrill has taken a blended learning approach to ensure different types of learners across the organisation’s locations can access and excel in the available masterclasses.

Explaining the importance of creating a knowledge-sharing platform, Kriska Golez, Emrill’s learning and development manager, said, “Ensuring employees at all levels have access to reliable and practical knowledge they can immediately apply to their day-today duties has been a driving force in the creation of the Masterminds programme. Our masterclasses provide employees with tools to

increase efficiency, quality, and safety through various curated facilities management and business topics, which benefits Emrill and its clients.”

Since the launch of Emrill’s Masterminds, 717 learners have participated in the masterclasses delivered by 18 subject matter experts from various sectors within the business. On March 24, 2022, Emrill held a recognition ceremony for its most engaged learners and feedback from participants has been positive. On average, learners rated the Masterminds programme 4.58 out of 5 and reported 91.61 per cent training satisfaction. Masterminds masterclasses have also achieved a 9.28 net promoter score. In addition to Emrill’s ongoing training and development programmes, the Masterminds programme will continue to evolve to adapt to the business’s strategic and growth needs, with 26 sessions already in the pipeline for 2022/2023.

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CBNME

RETROFIT

FARNEK SHOWCASES SMART SOLUTIONS AT RETROFIT TECH TO SUPPORT MENA NET ZERO AMBITIONS

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eading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) company Farnek has launched a new smart FM technology solutions company, HITEK, under the leadership of managing director, Javeria Aijaz, who was previously Senior Director – Technology & Innovations at Farnek.

Developed in-house, the HITEK solution 4.0, was originally launched in 20 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

Q3 last year, connecting people, assets and spaces from multiple remote sites, using intelligent analytical platforms, for cleaning, security and maintenance, so they could be smartly centrally managed and monitored by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), Building Management Systems (BMS), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies.

Farnek, showcased its HITEK smart

solutions at the Retrofit Tech MENA Summit, which is taking place at the Movenpick Grand Al Bustan in Dubai.

The series of events provides an inclusive platform for key players in the energy efficiency, sustainability and retrofitting sectors, to support the region’s sustainability goals.

Four countries in the GCC region have already committed to Net Zero targets, the UAE and Oman by 2050, while Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have targeted a date of 2060. Qatar and Iraq have also announced plans to reduce their carbon emissions, with Egypt and the UAE hosting COP 27 & COP 28 in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

“In partnership with the private sector, strategic plans will need to be put in place to initiate large-scale retrofitting and energy efficiency projects, for which sustainable design and energy efficient performance will be of paramount importance,” said Markus Oberlin, CEO, Farnek WWW.CBNME.COM

FARNEK SHOWCASES SMART SOLUTIONS AT RETROFIT TECH

“Integrating with Building Management Systems (BMS), the HITEK digital solution is fully equipped to identify, design, deliver and finance energy reduction for and on behalf of building owners, which creates not only more cost-effective buildings but a cleaner environment,” he added.

Farnek has been a member of the Energy Services Company (ESCO) accreditation scheme since March 2017.

The scheme was primarily set up to give building owners, and managers added confidence, that the accredited companies had the experience, capabilities, financial strength, HSE and related equipment, to retrofit buildings to international standards.

Under the ESCO programme there are two different business models, catering for the most popular approaches to energy performance contracting.

The shared savings model refers to ESCO investment into the equipment and materials to generate energy efficiency and is remunerated from a predetermined percentage of the savings generated.

The guaranteed savings is a more traditional model, whereby an ESCO would recommend implementing

energy-saving solutions (ring-fenced by contractual key performance indicators) and the building owner provides the financing. Either way both contracts are intended to be fair and balanced and allocate risk proportionately between the ESCO and the building owner.

HITEK can also connect assets from multiple sites so they can be centrally monitored and managed by utilising the Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud, Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) based technologies.

“By linking smart buildings with a digitally connected workforce, the system affords operational efficiencies and supports staff welfare. Customers can save up to 17% of their manpower costs by transferring from traditional FM operational management to HITEK’s smart management, which also reduces carbon emissions still further,” said Oberlin.

Farnek has a dedicated sustainability area on its stand, providing a comprehensive bouquet of green products and services. Farnek can help building owners with Net Zero strategic planning, from concept to implementation and management. It has consultants on hand to explain the

“IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR, STRATEGIC PLANS WILL NEED TO BE PUT IN PLACE TO INITIATE LARGE-SCALE RETROFITTING AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECTS, FOR WHICH SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND ENERGY EFFICIENT PERFORMANCE WILL BE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.” benefits of energy audits and advise on waste management, Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) as well as LEED certification.

For hotel and leisure properties, Farnek is the preferred partner of Green Globe Certification and can measure and benchmark energy and water consumption, using an online tool called Hotel Optimizer, as well as calculating carbon emissions.

The flexible HITEK 4.0 solution has already been implemented by a number of Farnek’s existing customers including Aster Healthcare and the Green Community residential development in Dubai Investments Park.

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CBNME

AGGREEMENT

DANS

RENEW AGREEMENT WITH SERCO MIDDLE EAST FOR TWO YEARS PHIL MALEM, CEO AT SERCO MIDDLE EAST: “OUR PARTNERSHIP IS LONG-STANDING AND THE RENEWAL OF THE AGREEMENT IS A TESTAMENT TO OUR DEEP-ROOTED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE WITHIN THE AIR NAVIGATION SERVICES SECTOR.”

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ubai Air Navigation Services (dans), the leading organization responsible for Air Traffic Management at airports in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, has renewed a cooperation agreement with international public services company, Serco for another two years, ending in January 2024.

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The deal has been inked by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive and Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of Dubai Air Navigation Services and Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East.

Upgrading for enhanced performance His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “To ensure superiority of the quality of services it provides to the airports across Dubai and the UAE, dans is continuing its efforts to provide unparalleled services to the clients in line with its strategic plans to enhance its technological capabilities and continually upgrade the performance of its human resources up to the highest safety and security standards.”

“The creative initiatives of Dubai have contributed to accelerating the recovery phase of the global civil aviation sector which necessitated dans, in its capacity as the key air traffic operator at the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, continue its professional role to stay in the lead and ensure its readiness to keep pace with the massive passenger growth expected in the coming period.”

He commended the renewal of the cooperation agreement with Serco WWW.CBNME.COM

DANS RENEW AGREEMENT WITH SERCO MIDDLE EAST FOR TWO YEARS

and indicated it will enhance the level of services provided by dans at both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. It will ensure superior operational efficiency by utilizing the latest technologies and international standards and help explore the future of the Air Traffic Management (ATM) sector across the world. dans is one of the key contributors to supporting the growth of Dubai’s economy, especially the aviation sector that handles the businesses brought by over 92 international carriers that connects more than 290 key cities on the planet.

Joint Achievements Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO (seconded) of Dubai Air Navigation Services said: “We have a deep-rooted relationship with Serco and the renewal of the agreement is built on our great confidence in the company’s capabilities and the numerous achievements we have jointly made over the past years.”

He added: “Flight management operations are characterized by complexity and requires the best technologies and air navigation systems and enhancing capabilities of our

“FLIGHT MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS ARE CHARACTERIZED BY COMPLEXITY AND REQUIRES THE BEST TECHNOLOGIES AND AIR NAVIGATION SYSTEMS AND ENHANCING CAPABILITIES OF OUR HUMAN CAPITAL TO MATCH THE AMAZING DEVELOPMENT WITNESSED BY THE AIR TRANSPORT SECTOR IN GENERAL AND THE AIRCRAFT INDUSTRY IN PARTICULAR.” human capital to match the amazing development witnessed by the air transport sector in general and the aircraft industry in particular.” dans has played a key role in maintaining the supply chain of essential and non-essential goods between Dubai and the rest of the world during the coronavirus pandemic by working 24/7 to provide its services to national and international carriers operating their flights to serve millions of people around the world.

Ensuring the Quality of Services and Enhancement of Capabilities Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of dans, said: “Renewing the agreement with Serco will allow us to continue the journey of excellence we started together over the past years in managing flights whose numbers now stands at about 1,500 movements a day across the different airports of Dubai. Our human resources work efficiently round the clock to

provide the best, safest and most secure services to our clients.”

Bringing global expertise and regionalized experience to air navigation services Phil Malem, CEO of Serco Middle East, said: “In partnership with our customers in the aviation sector, we have provided a range of Air Navigation Services to countries within this region since 1947 to support the growth in air traffic. Serco has been a partner to dans since 2009, and the renewal of this joint cooperation agreement is a testament to our strong relationship with our customers and their appreciation for our services.”

Samantha Rowles, Transport Operations Director at Serco Middle East, said: “Using our global and regional resources and experience we are helping dans develop a world-class team of air traffic controllers to keep pace with the latest technologies and international standards.”

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INTERVIEW

PROVIDING A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE IN CONVERSATION WITH AHMED AL SUWAIDI, MANAGING DIRECTOR – RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITIES, DUBAI HOLDING ASSET MANAGEMENT

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Tell us about the goals and objectives of DAM’s residential segment in 2022.

In the last couple of years and with the growing instances of work from home, we see that residents are increasingly seeking houses that provide a higher quality of life – whether that’s in terms of space, neighbourhood ambiance or greener areas. People are also placing more emphasis on their local community where they can feel a sense of belonging and enjoy convenient, walkable access to everyday amenities, such as community centres with supermarkets, nurseries and even casual F&B options. To cater WWW.CBNME.COM

PROVIDING A HIGHER QUALITY OF LIFE

“DUBAI ASSET MANAGEMENT EMPLOYS A DATA-DRIVEN APPROACH TO DEVELOPING DIVERSIFIED COMMUNITIES, FROM LUXURY, HIGH- OR MID- COMMUNITIES TO STAFF AND LABOUR ACCOMMODATIONS IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS ACROSS DUBAI. WE KEEP A FINGER ON THE PULSE OF OUR CUSTOMER SEGMENTS AND THEIR EVOLVING BEHAVIOURS AND REMAIN COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AN ACCOMMODATING ENVIRONMENT FOR AN ENRICHING LIVING EXPERIENCE, ANTICIPATING THE NEEDS OF OUR INDIVIDUAL AND CORPORATE TENANTS ALIKE.” to these changing needs and retain our diverse residents, we will carry on with our efforts to enhance our neighbourhoods, their facilities and organising engaging events to maintain world-class living experiences for our more than 100,000 residents across all communities.

We are a long-trusted partner in providing secure and reliable accommodations and aim to uphold that reputation. Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring that every upgrade, new development or project we take on is inspired by their comfort and experience.

Dubai Asset Management employs a data-driven approach to developing diversified communities, from luxury, high- or mid- communities to staff and labour accommodations in strategic locations across Dubai. We keep a finger on the pulse of our customer segments and their evolving behaviours and remain committed to providing an accommodating environment for an enriching living experience, anticipating the needs of our individual and corporate tenants alike.

2022 has been off to a great start with the launch of a brand-new community centre in Ghoroob Square, which houses lively retail and dining experiences, as well as an award-winning nursery, with plenty more in the pipeline. At some of our destinations, we’ll be updating common areas and landscaping to keep up with contemporary tastes, as well as kids play areas and outdoor gyms with the newest equipment.

One of our key priorities this year is to support the UAE’s sustainability agenda across our community. As such, we are installing electric car charging stations at select communities as well as introducing solar panelling at car parks to generate renewable energy.

What makes most of these communities in DAM’s residential portfolio unique?

Our communities are inclusive and a true reflection of the city’s diversity and leading global standing which contribute to making Dubai one of the world’s best cities in which to live, work and visit.

Providing reliable housing is key to the UAE’s future plans, and each of our residential properties offer an unmatched quality of life by implementing best practices for design, urban planning as well as human-centric spaces. From family-friendly communities at Layan, Ghoroob, Shorooq to upscale living at Bluewaters Residences and Dubai Wharf, we deliver amenities specific to our resident’s needs.

What role does DAM’s residential segment play in improving the quality of life and sustainability within these communities?

We understand the importance of providing future-proof and resilient communities designed around the needs of residents. We are strategically aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan goals that focus on creating sustainable urban communities to raise the happiness bar, promote wellbeing >>>

Tell us about DAM’s continuous investment in improving its facilities in its communities?

Dubai has earned its global reputation for delivering unrivalled living experiences, and the determination to keep residential offerings in step with changing trends is an integral value.

As part of our commitment to provide the best possible services to all our residents, we regularly carry out a wide range of community improvement projects.

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CBNME

INTERVIEW

and provide quality living for residents.

Enhancements, ongoing maintenance and upgrades have a considerable role to play in minimising our environmental footprint, leveraging new technologies and delivering high-calibre residences.

Several communities, such as Remraam, Layan and Ghoroob also offer vibrant landscaped areas, playgroups, sports courts and more. The Dubai AM Life app increases convenience for our residents, so they can pay rent, complete lease renewals and report service requests anywhere, anytime online, while supporting Dubai’s ambition to become a paperless city.

How is DAM boosting the real estate and tourism industry in UAE? Dubai’s multi-pronged strategy to stay open, safe and accessible lays the groundwork for an accelerated recovery that received a major boost with the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations. Paired with the most prominent changes to UAE law in history aimed at cementing the country’s position as an attractive destination for investment and talent, this has spurred an influx of remote workers, tourists and new businesses to

the city – some of whom are investing in properties in Dubai because of the high quality of life available here.

Dubai Asset Management’s leasing portfolio addresses every aspect of the emirate’s accommodation landscape

with the aim of providing ideal solutions for individuals, families and corporate workers alike, making us an ideal choice for newcomers. We cater to a wealth of different lifestyles where people can enjoy enriched living experiences no matter their budget and access to key amenities and retail offerings within our communities while our strategic locations provide residents seamless access to popular urban centres and leading retail destinations.

Moving forward, what are the future projects in the pipeline?

Retaining our tenants is the key to our reputation and success, and we are currently focusing our efforts on enhancing existing offerings within our portfolio. More than just a unit to rent, we create a lifestyle, and regular community enrichments play a role in ensuring the satisfaction and comfort of our residents. This includes updating our digital solutions with tenant feedback and new developments in technology.

We have a highly skilled team of software developers and UX designers who make continuous improvements to the app and add new features to provide a best-in-class digital experience for everyone.

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Delivering Exceptional Integrated Facilities Management Solutions

with Comprehensive Global Standards

iFM is a wholly owned Holding Company under Eltizam Asset Management Group. iFM is a tech focused facilities management company with entities focused on the full spectrum of physical asset classes.

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COVER STORY

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ACCELERATING FM GROWTH | EFS FACILITIES SERVICES GROUP

ACCELERATING FM GROWTH EFS Facilities Services Group crosses AED 1.2bn in new projects therefore strengthening its leadership position within the industry and reinforcing the Group’s ethical business practices

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ntegrated facilities management provider EFS Facilities Services Group (EFS) has started 2022 on a high note by announcing its financial results for the first financial quarter of 2022. The peoplefirst organization amassed strategic contract wins worth AED 1.2 billion in the first quarter, strengthening its leadership position within the industry and reinforcing the Group’s ethical business practices. The recent contract awards include a mega soft services contract for Jeddah Airport and multiple iconic projects in UAE, Saudi, and others in the Group’s GCC operations. Tariq Chauhan, Group CEO of the FM conglomerate, said that EFS has crossed five billion in contracts backlog with these recent wins and remains a preferred FM partner of choice for major players across the regions where EFS is present. EFS has maintained over 97% contract retention and compounded annual growth of 20% for more than a decade since 2010.

The Group’s strategic growth has accelerated the FM market share in the region, bringing key clients into the portfolio across its Global operations.

Several projects, such as a Technology Major, landmark aviation projects and many more, became part of the strategic market acquisition for EFS to deliver extraordinary services. Earlier in the year, EFS also announced new appointments across the Group, which saw internal and external promotions and additions to the team to contribute to its growth and expansion.

Supporting the Group’s growth on a path to becoming a billion-dollar conglomerate, EFS Facilities Services Group continues to practice a ‘peoplefirst’ agenda starting from its own organization and is expected to achieve a lot more before 2022 comes to a close. >>> CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 29

CBNME

COVER STORY

“INVESTING IN PEOPLE IS KEY TO GROWTH”

People-First Company Policy Adding to the continuation of excellence recognition, EFS has also received the prestigious Taqdeer Award for its contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai’s Worker Welfare and Health & Safety standards, implementing the best labor practices and exceptional service towards Expo 2020 while maintaining highly engaged and motivated staff. The Taqdeer Awards is an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, honoring laborers and construction industry-related companies for excellence. The Taqdeer Awards and Expo 2020 Dubai honor is particularly special because it recognizes

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EFS’s role in raising standards in worker welfare and enhancing the relationship between the two stakeholders.

Group CEO of EFS, Tariq Chauhan said: “The concept of ‘People First’ evolved with my journey at EFS, where business is centered around people.

They directly render more than two-thirds of services, and most of the cost of running the company is also related to them. I realized that for employee happiness is integral to company wellbeing. I adopted ‘People First’ as my crucial strategy to build an organization where employee happiness and self-actualization actually mattered.

In our outreach to build a true People First Organization, we realized that the company’s Human Resources focus must rest with the

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ACCELERATING FM GROWTH | EFS FACILITIES SERVICES GROUP

engagement of its blue-collar workforce. Their inclusivity in the organizational mainstream mattered, so we worked to build a unique bond by focusing on their core issues. We created a dedicated strategy based on six pillars of worker welfare: mental health & wellbeing, family, quality living, recreation, financial safety, and learning & development.”

EFS on a path to become a billion-dollar company by 2025 Tariq Chauhan states, “EFS’s accelerated growth will set the company on the course of achieving to a billion-dollar revenues with these new wins and business in the pipeline by 2025, the Group is ready for its next quantum jump”. >>>

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 31

CBNME

COVER STORY

EFS prides itself with an iconic client portfolio in integrated facilities management that includes more than 200 large multinational groups, Fortune 500 companies and more.

Tariq Chauhan further adds, “Although the FM industry faces multiple business continuity challenges, EFS Group realized early on the triggers and adapted to the realities of a market coming out of a pandemic that paralyzed and accelerated the business ecosystem at the same time. Tariq Chauhan voiced his opinion “Technology preparedness is one factor to reckon with, as technology has its scalability limitations, and the company can come to a standstill if the choice of technology is not implemented correctly.

The various new systems and applications are quickly changing the FM executive’s routines with more productive outcomes. For instance, the new age CAFM systems and mobile apps are helping executives and field teams to monitor live operations through

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dashboards and webcams. These provide critical information to manage off-site supervision and surveillance through live dashboards during the COVID crisis. Its compliances have pushed the industry to think beyond and align FM in express technology mode.

“TECHNOLOGY PREPAREDNESS IS ONE FACTOR TO RECKON WITH, AS TECHNOLOGY HAS ITS SCALABILITY LIMITATIONS, AND THE COMPANY CAN COME TO A STANDSTILL IF THE CHOICE OF TECHNOLOGY IS NOT IMPLEMENTED CORRECTLY.” COVID gave us abundant opportunities to transform, and our technology preparedness was one such opportunity.

Despite the market downturn and being 10% over the budget, EFS was able to retain 100% employees with

zero deductions and also create more job opportunities, offer sustainable service delivery, as well as develop technology integration along with proactive client and staff engagement.”

The Company has also been very proactive in supporting endeavors and initiatives in the use of technology and innovation through remote working, automation, CAFM operations, decontamination, real-time monitoring, and financial safety and security.

The impressive Q1 performance by the Group can be attributed to many reasons, such as having a dedicated team that ensures they deliver quality and above standard projects at all times, forward-thinking leadership, and adoption of best and sustainable industry practices, in addition to its customer-centric approach in all its dealings. The multi-award-winning Group has also seen an expansion in several aspects of its operation, and this is evident in the resulting performance in its latest contract wins.

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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

ARABIAN CENTRES

ADDS JUBAIL MARINA MALL TO ITS PORTFOLIO ARABIAN CENTRES SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH ALGHANIM INTERNATIONAL SA, ADDING JUBAIL MARINA MALL TO ITS PORTFOLIO

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rabian Centres Company has signed an agreement with Alghanim International Company Saudi Arabia, part of Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group of Companies, for the management and operation of Jubail Marina Mall, a newly established shopping center located in Jubail Industrial City.

Arabian Centres is the leading owner,

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operator and developer of contemporary lifestyle centres in Saudi Arabia. For over a decade, the Company has provided customers with a complete range of highquality lifestyle centres up to international standards, located in the most attractive areas of the country to satisfy all shopping needs and market requirements.

Today, Arabian Centres has a portfolio of 21 assets strategically located in 11 major Saudi cities. The WWW.CBNME.COM

ARABIAN CENTRES ADDS JUBAIL MARINA MALL TO ITS PORTFOLIO

Company operates some of the most iconic lifestyle centres, including Mall of Arabia, Mall of Dhahran, and Nakheel Mall, which was recognized at the Arab Luxury World Forum in 2017 as being consumers’ favorite shopping mall in Riyadh.

The agreement comes as part of Arabian Centres’s strategy to accelerate and expand its presence and activities across Saudi Arabia. With the mall becoming operational, the total number of shopping centers managed and operated by the company across the Kingdom will reach 22, including five in the Eastern Province.

The agreement was signed by Mohamad Mourad, Managing Director of Arabian Centres and Altaf F. Alghanim, a board member at Fouad Alghanim & Sons Group, Accompanied

by Fadi Haddad, President of Alghanim Company, and Hussain Al-Shalawi, Alghanim Company’s adviser in Saudi Arabia and Eng. Adel Alotaibi, VP of Alghanim Company Saudi Arabia. As well as Khalid Aljanahi, Chief Leasing Offier, Walead Alrebdi, Chief Financial Officer, and Ghassan Mtier, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Arabian Centres.

As per the extendable 11-year agreement, Arabian Centres will lease, manage and operate Jubail Marina Mall.

The mall is scheduled to be inaugurated in the second half of the fiscal year 2023 and will add 30,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) to the

company’s growing portfolio.

Jubail Marina Mall is part of Dareen Marina construction and operation project developed by Alghanim International Company Saudi Arabia under the supervision of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu.

Hosting more than 300 yacht berths, the project is an extension of the waterfront in Jubail Industrial City, representing a major GCC tourist destination.

Spanning over 93,000 square meters, the mall is a two-story property, with 65 percent of its leasable area allocated for recreational activities (cinema, entertainment), food and beverages and general services. The remaining 35 percent will house a variety of fashion

and lifestyle stores, offering a unique lifestyle experience for visitors.

Spread over an area of 107,000 square meters surrounding the marina basin, the multi-service project comprises residential and commercial plots, hotel facilities and an extensive walkway along the marina basin.

Speaking on the occasion, the Managing Director of Arabian Centres Company said: “The agreement marks another step forward in cooperation with Alghanim International Company, given its extensive experience in the creative development of tourist sites.

This is especially true due to the unique location and elegant design of Jubail Marina Mall, which will serve as a model for Arabian Centres expansion strategy across the Kingdom while maintaining its leadership position in the sector.”

Commenting on the agreement, Altaf F. Alghanim, a board member of Alghanim International Company, said: “The group’s partnership with Arabian Centres, the leading mall operator in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a well-thought-out decision that will open doors for more opportunities for collaboration in the future. The project will add an important new commercial and tourist attraction to Jubail city in line with the new Saudi Vision and the aspirations of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the prime sponsor of the project.”

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CBNME

TALKING POINT

“ONE OF OUR CORE VALUES IS PASSION AND WE HAVE ADOPTED THAT INTO OUR BUSINESS – THIS MEANS MAKING THE STAFF FEEL THAT THEY ARE PART OF A BIG FAMILY SO THAT THEY DELIVER SERVICES TO OUR CLIENTS WITH PASSION.”

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ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES | MOHAMAD ABOU LABAN

ADDRESSING

the Challenges Mohamad Abou Laban, CEO of Deyaar Facilities Management, discusses a variety of topics affecting the FM industry regarding employee well-being, breaking into the hospitality sector, establishing a relationship with the developers, and contractual gaps

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ohamad Abou Laban with more than twenty years of experience working in the GCC facilities management industry, Mohamad is a top-performing and result-oriented professional.

He is customer-focused with proven success in growing territories and opportunities through utilising comprehensive knowledge of products and over-exceeding goals. Mohamad has a proven track record in implementing international best practices, improving safety standards, increasing profitability and driving efficiency. Consistent performer who identifies areas for improvement and implements robust initiatives to reduce cost, increase productivity, and positioning an organisation for long-term growth. He is the winner of CEO of the Year 2021 by CBNME and FM Executive of the Year 2021 by FM ME Awards. Mohamad was also ranked 8th in the Construction Business News ME Power 30 FM list in 2021.

that our white-collar staff will work a 4 and half day week to increase productivity and motivation of staff. We are already noticing a change in the right direction.

Deyaar FM had its staff accommodation previously located in Jebel Ali. Taking into consideration the location of our existing projects, we decided to shift to a new upgraded accommodation in Al Quoz. We were able to reduce the travel time of our staff

from an hour to 15 minutes. This had a huge impact on staff productivity.

Such initiatives are necessary as everybody is raising their standards now, and clients also expect FM companies to provide sufficient welfare provisions for their staff. One of our core values is passion and we have adopted that into our business – this means making the staff feel that they are part of a big family so that they deliver services to our clients with passion. >>>

MANAGING LARGE TASKFORCE: The value of employee well-being by the FM Companies and Clients contracting manpower services For any company the biggest asset is their staff, and it is important that we take care of them. With the recent weekend changes, Deyaar FM decided CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 37

CBNME

TALKING POINT

EXPANDING INTO THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR: How can the FM Industry break into the hospitality sector? Whether it comes to tech and providing core FM Services Deyaar FM first entered the hospitality sector three years ago and now have more than 25 facilities that we provide various services to.

The most important point is to understand the challenges each Client is going through and tailor a solution accordingly. The pandemic hit the hospitality sector hard, and it accelerated those problems. This is a sector where the preference was to have their own in-house staff which helps them have a better control on the services being offered. Also, this is a sector where the staff are provided continuous training to develop their skills all the time.

Losing a customer in the hospitality sector not only results in loss of revenue on that day but also future business with the same Customer and referrals that he or she may have. The hospitality sector has peak and low seasons of demand, hence by outsourcing, they have the flexibility of having the minimum number of staff during low seasons, ramping up during the peak season and vice versa. In this way, the risk is transferred to the facilities management service provider.

The standards implemented by some of the big FM Companies have helped bridge the gap between a Hotelier’s expectation and what FM Companies can provide. Leading FM companies now have a clear understanding of the service levels required to be successful in this sector.

The pandemic has been a driver to this as most hotels had to go into complete or partial lockdown. For Deyaar FM the hospitality sector is extremely important as we look to expand on our credentials by providing tailor made solutions to each and every Client.

ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH DEVELOPERS ON PROJECTS: How can the FM Industry establish an open line of communication with developers at the beginning of new construction projects It is important for the developer to engage with facilities management consultants during the development stage and the earlier you reach out, better the benefits they reap. From

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ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES | MOHAMAD ABOU LABAN

my knowledge, the bigger developers do engage with FM Consultants on their master plan design review, service charge calculations, the operating model, etc. So, they will look at the design from an operability and maintenance perspective. They can help identify obstacles that may arise when a particular design or system is chosen, make more cost-efficient and practical recommendations aligned with the asset owner’s goals, and preserve its long-term value.

One of the reasons why developers are hesitant to engage FM Consultants at an early stage is that it would incur a cost. However, this could avoid potential risks down the line once the building is operational. This will also help transitioning of management between construction and operational teams and to lay a solid foundation to go with the lifespan of that facility.

to change the terms. For example, limitation of liability is an issue, most Clients request unlimited liability irrespective of the value of the Contract. From an FM Company perspective, the liability has to be limited to the Contract. Another example is Termination at Convenience. Irrespective of how good your performance is, this clause can always be applied and the Contract can be terminated which puts the FM Company at risk.

When it comes to Tenders, we have observed for most projects that the submission timelines are very short, and it is a race against time for FM Companies. However, once submitted, there is a lot of delay in decision making.

Certain tenders have taken six months or more to be finalized. There should be sufficient time given to FM Companies to do a proper evaluation of the facility and prepare the right solution for services to be rendered.

CONTRACTUAL GAPS: What are some of the gaps seen by the FM Industry when it comes to contracts and tendering processes?

Contracts can be very tricky at times. In most cases, we have seen that the contracts are non-negotiable which puts FM Companies in a difficult spot. Despite a proper explanation of risks from the FM service provider, most Clients do not entertain any comments and are reluctant

Some clients engage third party consultants for their tender process to ensure the tender process is effective.

Most Clients are familiar with the new trends of output driven contracts. However, we quite often see a combination of input and output driven contracts. At the end every Client wants the service provider to be creative and think outside the box and this happens when you have output driven contracts.

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CBNME

SUSTAINABILITY

CONSTRUCTION COMPLETED ON UAE’S FIRST WASTE-TO-ENERGY PLANT WITH CONSTRUCTION 100% COMPLETE, THE 30-MEGAWATT LOWCARBON POWER PLANT IN SHARJAH IS NOW ENTERING THE TESTING AND COMMISSIONING PHASE, GROWING CLOSER TO SHAPING A ZEROWASTE, CLEAN-ENERGY FUTURE IN THE UAE

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onstruction has been completed on the UAE’s first waste-to-energy plant, with the project now entering the testing and commissioning phase. The Sharjah Waste to Energy plant is the first project of Emirates Waste to Energy, a joint venture established by BEEAH Energy, the renewable energy business of BEEAH Group, and Masdar, one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies.

Once tested, commissioned and operational, the plant will enable

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Sharjah to become the Middle East’s first zero-waste city, turning unrecyclable waste into clean energy and increasing the current landfill diversion rate from 76% to 100%. It will also help reduce waste sent to landfill across the UAE, while contributing to the nation’s clean energy resources.

At full operational capacity, the plant will help divert up to 300,000 tonnes of unrecyclable waste away from landfill each year while producing 30 megawatts (MW) of low-carbon electricity, enough to power 28,000 homes in Sharjah.

Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group, said: “Completion of construction is an important milestone for our Emirates Waste to Energy venture, as we continue to pioneer clean energy innovations in the UAE. We look forward to a successful testing and commissioning phase followed by achieving full operations, which will make Sharjah the Middle East’s first zero-waste city. This will also be a landmark moment as we work towards a zero-waste, clean-energy future for the nation, the region and beyond.”

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar CEO, said: “Masdar is proud to be partnering with BEEAH, leveraging our more than a decade and a half of experience in the clean energy sector to help pioneer the UAE’s first waste-toenergy power plant. With the construction phase of the project now complete, we look forward to harnessing our knowledge in the growing waste-to-energy space to help tackle the global climate challenge through sustainable waste management enabled by clean energy solutions.”

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ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES | MOHAMAD ABOU LABAN

Constructed by France-based industrial contractor CNIM, the plant covers an 80,000 sq. m area and follows EU Best Available Techniques to align with the strictest environmental standards globally.

Within the plant, unrecyclable waste is fed into a boiler to produce high-pressure steam, which turns electric turbine generators. Toxins and pollutants are filtered from the flue gas produced during the process. Bottom ash is collected to recover metals and ash material for use in construction and roadwork applications, while fly ash is collected and treated separately.

Adjacent to the waste-to-energy plant is an award-winning waste-management complex operated by BEEAH Recycling, BEEAH Group’s recycling and material recovery business, which has already helped achieve a 76% landfill waste diversion rate in the emirate of Sharjah.

Unrecyclable waste from the complex will be transported to the waste-to-energy plant.

“From conception to completion of construction, the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant has demonstrated sustainability and innovation by design. Going into the testing and commissioning phase, our goal is to ensure that these fundamentals continue to be upheld,” Al Huraimel said.

Speaking about the impact the plant will have on clean energy in the region, the BEEAH Group CEO added: “We are confident that with a successful testing and commissioning period, and once the plant is fully operational, we will also demonstrate how waste-to-energy is an essential innovation to sustaining the circular economy, tackling the challenge of unrecyclable waste, and serving as a more affordable, low-carbon alternative to traditional fossil fuels.”

In addition to diverting 300,000 tonnes of waste away from landfill, the 30 MW plant will displace almost 450,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year and preserve the equivalent of 45 million m3 of natural gas.

The Masdar CEO said: “Through the Emirates Waste to Energy company, Masdar and BEEAH are pioneering a new clean energy innovation for the UAE. With construction complete on our first plant, we will soon demonstrate the efficacy of this innovation and work towards replicating its success in more areas of the UAE and beyond.”

BEEAH and Masdar have begun exploring opportunities for the Emirates Waste to Energy company to open similar plants across the UAE and the wider region.

“We are aligned with the national and regional sustainability agendas, as well as the UNSDGs, across our businesses, ventures and partnerships. Our goal is to realise a zero-waste, clean energy future, starting with the UAE, where we are driven by the Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. We believe more such wasteto-energy innovations will be critical in achieving this vision and pioneering a sustainable quality of life for all,” the BEEAH Group CEO said.

Emirates Waste to Energy, BEEAH and Masdar are planning a ceremony to formally open the Sharjah Waste to Energy plant in the near future.

“FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION, THE SHARJAH WASTETO-ENERGY PLANT HAS DEMONSTRATED SUSTAINABILITY AND INNOVATION BY DESIGN. GOING INTO THE TESTING AND COMMISSIONING PHASE, OUR GOAL IS TO ENSURE THAT THESE FUNDAMENTALS CONTINUE TO BE UPHELD.”

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CBNME

TECHNOLOGY

PUMPS: YOUR ANSWER TO SAFER, STRONGER SPACES

BY KEVIN LAIDLER, SALES DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, ARMSTRONG FLUID TECHNOLOGY

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ur building’s function much like a human body – they are complex ecosystems, comprised of diverse subsystems that must work in harmony to create safe and comfortable indoor environments. Just like a heart pumps blood around the human body, HVAC pumps are central to powering the smooth operation of building facilities.

Pumps may remain out of sight, however, they are deeply linked to supporting human life in buildings.

They are responsible for the supply and transport of water for heating and cooling throughout a building, helping to create indoor spaces that support occupant health and sustainability.

While they are integral to the seamless operation of a building, pumps and related HVAC systems also account for a significant amount of energy consumption. Currently, building facilities account for an estimated 40% of all energy usage in our cities, and a similar proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. Global energy demands are projected only to rise, predicted to grow by 55% in the next ten years.

In the Middle East in particular, energy consumption has grown faster than GDP since 1980 and continues to rise today. Given the region’s future energy 42 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

demands, now is the perfect time for countries in the Middle East to adopt solutions that improve energy efficiency, and ultimately to reduce the region’s carbon footprint. This approach also supports wider national strategies for sustainability. The UAE, for example, has outlined a strategy to reduce carbon footprint by 70% by 2050.

Innovative pumping technology can make a true difference when it comes to improving energy efficiency, consequently reducing energy consumption, and saving costs. For HVAC systems, approximately

5% of the lifetime carbon footprint can be traced to the manufacturing of components. The other 95% comes from energy usage during the operating life of the equipment. Evidently, improving performance deficiencies that arise during operation is the key to enhancing energy efficiency.

Furthermore, HVAC and plumbing systems operate highly efficiently when first installed. However, over time, system efficiency ‘drifts’ away from the original levels of performance. This is known as performance drift, which WWW.CBNME.COM

PUMPS: YOUR ANSWER TO SAFER, STRONGER SPACES

“IN MY EXPERIENCE WITH ARMSTRONG FLUID TECHNOLOGY, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE A BUILDING’S ENERGY EFFICIENCY LIES IN OUR CHOICE OF HVAC AND PLUMBING SYSTEMS. SELECTING THE RIGHT SMART SYSTEMS IS KEY TO CREATING A HIGHPERFORMING BUILDING THAT BETTER SUPPORTS SUSTAINABILITY.”

ultimately leads to energy waste, high operating costs and more greenhouse gas emissions. As performance drift ensues, system performance deteriorates, which may also result in more failures or reduced comfort for occupants.

The key is improving these performance deficiencies by reversing and preventing the loss of energy efficiency. Buildings today often operate below their optimal efficiency because facility managers lack the time or tools to collect, analyze and evaluate data from their cooling system.

Without data, or the ability to analyze it, managers cannot properly optimize the systems.

In my experience with Armstrong Fluid Technology, the most significant opportunity to improve a building’s energy efficiency lies in our choice of HVAC and plumbing systems. Selecting the right smart systems is key to creating a high-performing building that better supports sustainability. In the last decade, technology for HVAC systems has been improved, combining high performance with intelligent energy management, to deliver up to 70% energy efficiency savings compared to traditional systems.

For example, variable speed pumps, such as Armstrong Design Envelope Pumps, are an effective solution to optimize system performance. These pumps respond to real-time system

conditions to dynamically adjust equipment operation and match system demand. So the heart of your system now has a brain. The result is highly efficient systems that deliver substantial energy savings and costs compared to conventional fixed speed pumps. These pumps not only reduce the carbon footprint through their lifetime, but also during installation, as the pumps can be mounted in the pipeline, regardless of size, as they do not require the inertia concrete bases.

These smart pumps can be integrated with Active Performance Management systems, like our Pump Manager solution, that enables pump performance to adjust and reduce the impact of performance drift. Innovations such as these enable pumps to operate at optimum levels based on demand to consume as little energy as possible.

They also help enable condition-based maintenance, providing real time alerts when they detect issues, allowing for early detection to prevent failures and service disruptions.

The truth is every building has a role to play in supporting sustainable development. HVAC systems account for 35% of total building consumption, revealing the important role they play in the ecosystem of our buildings. The reason building operators may hesitate to upgrade is because more sophisticated systems require investment. However, the returns from using more efficient systems are impressive. Simple payback on energy upgrade projects is typically reached within 3 to 5 years. Furthermore, the energy and carbon savings continue for the life of the system. Properly executed energy upgrades deliver up to 40% savings on energy consumption related to HVAC operation.

If we embrace innovative energy saving solutions in the building services industry, then we can begin to make a difference. Employing systems with the in-built capability to optimise energy efficiency is extremely beneficial for creating indoor spaces that will support occupants and our planet for generations to come.

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CBNME

INTERVIEW

Taking a

TECHNOLOGY-BASED APPROACH MARC DALY - HARD SERVICES AT SERVEU, DISCUSSES A VARIETY OF TOPICS AFFECTING THE FM INDUSTRY

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ith over 10 experiences in the FM industry Marc has led FM operations in the UAE, KSA & UK with a keen eye on efficiency improvement on asset performance and service delivery. With technology being the main driver for both these areas; Marc has played a leadership role in implementing technology in FM operations for leading clients to help deliver efficiency through their assets and achieve benefits to their budget bottom line.

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ENHANCING USER TECH EXPERIENCE Adapting to new technologies can be demanding but how can proptech vendors better position themselves to explain the intricacies of their product without time being wasted In-line with Dubai’s innovation-driven growth for the Dubai Strategic Plan 2030; we have implemented technology driven CAFM utilisation on 98% of our contracts. We have implemented a customised maintenance app exclusively for ServeU customers WWW.CBNME.COM

TAKING A TECHNOLOGY-BASED APPROACH | MARC DALY

at Expo 2020. Furthermore, we have provided many of our customers with handheld devices at no additional cost burden for them to log and track jobs being attended by our teams. Our revamped customer app for the B2C segment is ready to be launched with a core focus on the customer journey and experience which is not just seamless but extremely easy to use and navigate. In 2021 we also introduced an innovative issue logging mechanism whereby even if the customer does not have any app the issue can be logged using WhatsApp. What is even more interesting is that the customer’s report is immediately acknowledged with a reference number they can use to trace the status.

This technology adaptation and our continuous innovation drive has resulted in us retaining more than 94% of our customers with win rate on new bids being in the high percentile as well.

The Property Technology firms have a strong advantage when it comes to solutions since, they have a very close collaboration with the Property Developers and Construction Prime Contractors which can be further extended to the FM companies. The statistics shows that there are only around one tenth of Proptech firms when compared to Fintech which creates a great niche for a seamless solution to provided right from design to facilities management enabling longevity to the asset life.

The Proptech companies are well positioned to provide bespoke solutions for FM services that will ultimately

benefit owners and residents since their engagement from the design stage is very high.

MANAGING LARGE TASK-FORCE The value of employee well-being by the FM Companies and Clients contracting manpower services Investing in our people is important as they are most asset in the organisation.

At ServeU, we invest in people moving up, getting promotions and we recently has one our cleaners getting promoted to electrician due to the training we give and to motivate the employees to develop new skills.

At ServeU we have various initiatives technology driven and psychological that enables our employee engagement to be very strong and effective. We believe and practice that the role of the task force is not just to do their day job and the role of the management is not just to manage the task force. As management it is our responsibility to empower our task force to be more efficient and provide them with opportunities to progress. Herein lies successful management rather than having our employees on a leash.

EXPANDING INTO THE HOSPITALITY SECTOR How can the FM Industry break into the hospitality sector?

Traditionally it was normal for the hospitality sector to outsource the soft services side of their but in 2021 we have engaged with some high-end hotel brands wherein we have provided MEP maintenance work force as well.

From a client perspective they have a twofold approach to this move; firstly, assurance for the trained skillset that a FM company can provide and secondly engaging for a technology advantage whereby they can use the various technological practices of the FM company to maximise their asset value.

ESTABLISHING A RELATIONSHIP WITH DEVELOPERS ON PROJECTS How can the FM Industry establish an open line of communication with developers at the beginning of new construction projects?

The early engagement between a developer and a Facilities Management service provider is fundamental and imperative to maximise the performance and life of the building and associated assets. With the advancement of the UAE construction industry and the maturing FM market this engagement has started to surface with PPP (Public Private Partnership) consortiums engaging with FM Service Providers. ServeU has in the last 18 months been in dialogue with established organisations to foster this early engagement.

CONTRACTUAL GAPS What are some of the gaps seen by the FM Industry when it comes to contracts and tendering processes?

The legacy gaps in FM industry contracts have narrowed to a great extent over the last decade. This maturity in the FM market can be attributed to the awareness across the customers and the increased engagement between the customers and the FM service providers.

A key focus area to bridge the gap is the reporting and almost dynamic visibility of performance. At ServeU we firmly believe and propagate what Peter Drucker said, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure”. We continuously work with customers to develop and enhance reporting dashboards supported by PowerBI that gives them visibility and an awareness of our performance whilst allowing them to understand the performance of their assets.

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 45

CBNME

MACHINERY

ELEVATING THE ACCESS INDUSTRY JLG INDUSTRIES, INC., AN OSHKOSH CORPORATION COMPANY, AND LEADING GLOBAL MANUFACTURER OF MOBILE ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (MEWPS) AND TELEHANDLERS, ELEVATES THE ACCESS INDUSTRY ONCE AGAIN WITH ITS NOW AVAILABLE ALL-ELECTRIC DAVINCI™AE1932 SCISSOR LIFT.

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eaturing zero hydraulics to help eliminate job site leaks and zero emissions to help control job site pollution, this 19-ft (5.79 m) scissor lift is purpose-built for applications where stringent environmental regulations must be met.

Every component on the DaVinci scissor is fully optimized, including the control, lift, drive and steering systems, to reduce the machine’s energy 46 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

consumption by up to 70% as compared to a traditional scissor lift. This reduced energy consumption allows for the use of a single, lithium ion battery.

“The DaVinci AE1932 scissor lift represents the next generation of electrification,” says Shashank Bhatia, senior director of engineering for MEWPs at JLG. “While there is no shortage of battery-powered or electric scissor lifts on the market today, these other models

continue to include hydraulic cylinders for actuation, which require hydraulic oil for operation, leaving the possibility open for messy leaks on sensitive job sites.

JLG continues to push the envelope in innovation around the entire construction ecosystem, from our rental partners to job sites. This new JLG all-electric machine unlocks new possibilities and applications where these types of machines could not be used in the past due to concerns surrounding leaks.”

Control System DaVinci™ lifts use a distributed architecture where each system (lift, drive and steer) is connected independently, helping reduce voltage drops and latency, WWW.CBNME.COM

ELEVATING THE ACCESS INDUSTRY | JLG INDUSTRIES INC.

while enabling the control system on the scissor to connect and communicate directly with each system.

Because the control system is fully connected to the entire machine, the DaVinci scissor can transmit data back to operators, fleet managers and service technicians via Bluetooth and cellular networks. This sets the stage for new features like the DaVinciGo app. This app provides real-time machine health and battery status information and the ability for service technicians to perform remote diagnostics and push over-the-air software updates.

Drive System The drive system on the all-electric DaVinci lift has permanent magnets which generate torque and create motion to spin the motor. It is estimated that permanent magnet performance can increase the efficiency of a motor by up to 20-30% on average. Motors with permanent magnets have a long life and require zero serviceability.

Steer System For smooth operation, the independent controllers of the DaVinci lift’s steering system are designed to help reduce tire

scrubbing on job sites, which helps control tire wear and limits damage to sensitive flooring.

The AE1932’s intuitive steering system allows DaVinci lift operators to easily maneuver the machine into and around, narrow-access and space-restricted areas to get work done where it’s needed.

Lift System The lift system on the new DaVinci scissor lift is designed with an electromechanical lift actuator, replacing the hydraulic cylinder design of traditional electric scissor lifts. Since there are no hydraulics, the AE1932 does not leak, which means it can be used without diapers. “The simplified design makes the AE1932 noticeably different when working at height,” says Nunez.

“Traditional battery-powered lifts have hoses routed throughout the scissor stack, whereas the DaVinci lift has no hoses for a clean, modern appearance with significantly reduced maintenance and service requirements.”

Furthermore, the DaVinci scissor lift system is engineered to recover energy as the platform descends, sending it back to the battery to help maximize use between charges.

Battery System DaVinci lifts can be fully charged in as little as 3-1/2 hours, increasing its utilization throughout the workday as compared to traditional electric powered lifts that require up to 3 times longer to charge. For additional productivity gains, the system can also be opportunity charged in 5 minutes or less for 100 ft (30.48 m) of drive, plus enough torque for loading. >>>

“TRADITIONAL BATTERYPOWERED LIFTS HAVE HOSES ROUTED THROUGHOUT THE SCISSOR STACK, WHEREAS THE DAVINCI LIFT HAS NO HOSES FOR A CLEAN, MODERN APPEARANCE WITH SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE REQUIREMENTS.” CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 47

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ENERGY

“WITH ITS PRODUCTIVITY FEATURES FOR END-USERS, THE DAVINCI AE1932 SCISSOR LIFT SETS A NEW BENCHMARK IN THE INDUSTRY FOR BOTH PERFORMANCE AND MAINTENANCE.” The DaVinci lift’s lithium-ion battery can last up to 10-years, which means that the battery should not need to be replaced, and requires no maintenance, throughout the entire design-life of the scissor lift. In addition, the DaVinci lift features an advanced battery management system that monitors the machine’s charge and usage,

48 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

while providing detailed diagnostic information about the battery and charge systems via the DavinciGo App. Performance Specs The all-electric DaVinci AE1932 scissor lift answers the industry’s expectation for performance and productivity in 19-ft (5.79 m) scissor lifts, including an indoor/outdoor 606 lb (275 kg) capacity rating. The DaVinci AE1932 lift has a 4-mph (0.80 km) travel speed, which is up to 2x faster than a traditional scissor lift.

This enables the machine to move quickly around job sites.

Another productivity enhancing feature is progressive elevated drive speed. This function slows the unit down as its

elevated, instead of defaulting to 0.5 mph like a standard scissor lift, a JLG industry first.

The machine has a compact footprint, weighs 3,450-lbs (1,564.89 kg) and 25% gradeability. DaVinci lifts also comply with the latest ANSI and CSA industry standards, featuring a load sensing system, selfclosing gate and the JLG QuikFold rail system. It comes standard with JLG™ Mobile Control, allowing users to drive, steer and load the scissor lift from any iOS or Android mobile device. “With its productivity features for end-users, the DaVinci AE1932 scissor lift sets a new benchmark in the industry for both performance and maintenance,” says Nunez.

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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

SUSTAINABLE MACHINERY

CARBON REDUCTION GOALS VOLVO CE OFFERS TAILORED SUPPORT FOR CUSTOMERS TO REACH CARBON REDUCTION GOALS 50 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

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CARBON REDUCTION GOALS | VOLVO CE OFFERS TAILORED SUPPORT

“THE SERVICES WE USE HAVE BEEN BUILT ON DECADES OF INNOVATION HERE AT VOLVO CE, BUT NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME WE ARE BRINGING THEM TOGETHER IN ONE COHESIVE PROGRAM THAT CAN BE INDIVIDUALLY TAILORED TO BEST FIT OUR CUSTOMERS’ NEEDS.” “Climate change is one of the biggest challenges of our time, and one of the most important actions we can take is to help reduce our customers’ emissions.

It is vital to get everyone involved and make it easy to contribute as part of one’s daily work. Every step on the path to net zero counts.”

“The services we use have been built on decades of innovation here at Volvo CE, but now for the first time we are bringing them together in one cohesive program that can be individually tailored to best fit our customers’ needs.”

T

aking advantage of the breadth of its existing solutions and services, Volvo CE has developed a step-by-step approach with the CO2 Reduction Program to help customers realize their own unique goals towards carbon neutrality. There is no one-sizefits-all solution and every customer’s business is different, which is why these tailored solutions offer a practical way to make significant improvements to how machines are used on site today and in the future.

Niklas Nillroth, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs at Volvo CE, says:

CO2 REDUCTION IN FOUR STEPS The CO2 Reduction Program is designed to be easily integrated into customer’s plans, while maintaining required levels of profitability and productivity, and is based on four simple steps: Insights – Volvo CE starts by understanding where the customer currently is in terms of carbon emissions and establishing a baseline to compare against. Using telematics data from connected machines, Volvo CE determines the CO2 footprint for all machines on site – no matter the brand. Mapping this data then allows the customer to visualize the impact of carbon reduction changes over time.

Analyze – The experts at Volvo CE analyze the customer’s machine data and conduct a site study to understand how the material flow, fleet composition, and operator behavior affects the emissions on their site(s). Volvo CE then illustrates where improvements can be made and what actions need to be taken to reduce CO2 /ton. Using Volvo Site Simulation, the experts reveal to the customer the impact of these improvements to help motivate real change.

Improve – After identifying the specific actions required, Volvo CE helps the

customer to implement them. This will vary from customer to customer, but Volvo CE is there to support with key services such as Eco Operator training and other efficiency services such as Efficient Load Out – or plan a smooth transition towards electric machines.

Sustain – At this stage the customer will already start seeing the rewards of their efforts, both economically and environmentally. However, the final step is for Volvo CE to support in sustaining these efforts, by continuously monitoring the CO2 level over time, to make sure that the improvements reduce emissions and customers do not slip back into old habits. Volvo CE will also look for new ways to reduce emissions even further in the future.

LEADING THE WAY. TOGETHER This customer program is one of many initiatives devised by Volvo CE towards the needed transformation within the construction industry. The company has set an industry-leading target to reach net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 – with a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions across its own operations and a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions across product use as early as 2030.

In 2013, Volvo CE introduced the world’s first carbon neutral construction equipment production facility in Braås, Sweden – which recently built the world’s first vehicle made of fossil-free steel - and in addition currently offers the largest range of electric machines.

Volvo CE encourages customers to find out how they can elevate their efforts to reach net zero or take the first step on their sustainability journey today by contacting their local dealer or visiting the Volvo CO2 Reduction Program.

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MACHINERY

HERE’S HOW VÖGELE IS HELPING PAVE THE WAY THROUGH THEIR DIGITAL SOLUTIONS DR. STEPHAN WELLER, HEAD OF SOFTWARE PRODUCTS AT JOSEPH VÖGELE AG, EXPLAINS HOW COMPANIES BENEFIT FROM DIGITAL SOLUTIONS SUCH AS WITOS PAVING PLUS, REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE AND NUMBER OF THEIR JOB SITES Do road construction companies that use process optimization solutions work fundamentally better than those that plan and execute conventionally?

The benefits of process optimization solutions such as WITOS Paving Plus are indeed great: Just-in-time delivery to the job site enables continuous paving without having to stop the paver.

That improves paving quality, and of course the processes are much faster and more cost-efficient. Truck capacity can be optimised, and residues avoided, for example.

In addition, construction companies can use the data and analyses for self-monitoring, and at the same time as proof of quality. But process optimization solutions alone are of course not the complete answer. They also demand a certain 52 | CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022

will to change: Companies must actively rethink their existing processes, identify potential for improvement, and target exactly those areas.

But it’s also a question of investment. Are process optimization solutions worthwhile for every company?

Definitely. Our experience has shown that the cost and effort involved in procurement pays off after just a few days on-site.

Construction companies - but also other players involved, such as mixing plants - then benefit quite quickly from the quality improvements, efficiency gains, and greater transparency.

And besides, process optimisation is often obligatory anyway: Many public tenders stipulate process documentation, or even WWW.CBNME.COM

PAVING THE WAY THROUGH DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

dynamic logistics and machine control.

Digitalization has really taken off in road construction as in other fields.

Companies getting on-board now still can introduce and adapt new processes at their own pace.

But contractors on medium-sized or smaller construction jobs, especially, are often unwilling to deploy process optimization solutions. Why is that?

Some construction companies believe that introducing such solutions involves a lot of effort, or they don’t yet see a need for active process optimization at their existing sites. That’s why we offer our customers three solutions of varying scope: The RoadScan system monitors and documents the paving temperature over a wide area.

Companies also looking to record and analyze additional machine and process data can use our app-based system WITOS Paving Docu. This transfers the data online directly to the server. By comparison, the comprehensive WITOS Paving Plus solution allows all processes, from the mixing plant through to paving, to be planned, coordinated, and actively optimised in real time.

So WITOS Paving Plus is suitable for large job sites, and WITOS Paving Docu for smaller ones?

No, not necessarily. It depends on what data is ultimately collected, and how actively the company wants to intervene in the construction process. Documenting alone might be enough, even on a large job site. On the other hand, a company running lots of small sites might want to be able to monitor operations in real time and take remedial action where necessary. So it’s not necessarily about size, more a question of approach and requirements. What data do we need to collect ourselves to improve our processes, for example? What are our client’s expectations? Those are the questions companies ask themselves before deciding on one solution or another.

don’t have to use all its features for every job site. They can just use the WITOS Paving Docu app if that’s all they need. Conversely, companies taking a slower approach to adopting software solutions by initially just using RoadScan or WITOS Paving Docu can easily upgrade to WITOS Paving Plus.

It’s quite straightforward, because - whether the company is using RoadScan, WITOS Paving Docu or WITOS Paving Plus - all the data is organized in one application and database. That means customers don’t need to transfer data when switching between the three solutions.

Going back to the question of planning: Road construction is regularly subject to short-notice changes. Isn’t a complex solution like WITOS Paving Plus too inflexible?

No. Detailed planning is of course essential, especially for larger job sites. But if, for some reason, plans must be revised just before starting work on a job site, WITOS Paving Plus incorporates an ad-hoc planning feature.

It enables the site manager to plan the job fully on-site on the computer. The

planning is not quite as detailed, but it does offer companies the option of using WITOS Paving Plus as a quick and easy ad-hoc solution. Among other benefits, this allows the mixing plant to be integrated into the planning of short-notice jobs.

How does Vögele support its customers in introducing and implementing the system?

Some companies may already be using a range of digital solutions, while for others software-based process optimization is completely new. So, we offer the right training to everyone involved in the construction process.

In addition, we usually provide our customers with assistance when they are first using WITOS Paving.

That is the most effective approach, because many issues only arise during the actual construction process. Of course, WITOS Paving is no substitute for the experience and expertise of the paving team. Our aim is rather to provide users with information that they can apply to make fact-based decisions. Ultimately, our solutions help good paving teams to become even better.

What if companies have sites with differing requirements?

Of course, companies adopting the large-scale WITOS Paving Plus solution CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME | APRIL 2022 | 53

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HVAC

LEMINAR SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH AEG POWER SOLUTIONS

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eminar Air Conditioning Company, the largest HVAC and plumbing products distribution company in the Middle East, signed a distribution agreement with AEG Power Solutions, a global provider of power supply systems and solutions for critical applications. The agreement marks Leminar’s foray into the power generation industry while enhancing its data centre services through the addition of another esteemed partner to its diverse portfolio.

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AEG Power Solutions ensures the continuous power availability and the safe operation of critical applications through a wide portfolio of power supply systems and services. Renowned for its distinctive expertise and world-class engineering, the company designs and delivers solutions for secure power supply through offerings such as AC and DC UPS, battery chargers, rectifier systems, and customised UPS systems as well as solutions for the energy transition like battery energy storage and hydrogen production processes.

Commenting about the partnership, Frédéric Salon, Vice President Sales, AEG Power Solutions said, “AEG Power Solutions’ partnership with Leminar Air Conditioning Company will enable it to ensure the continuous availability of power and the safe operation of critical applications in the global market. The alliance will fortify our presence in the Middle East, enabling us to further expand our market reach through Leminar’s extensive network and distribution channels.”

Kartik Raval, General Manager, Leminar Air Conditioning Company said, “Leminar’s partnership with AEG Power Solutions will allow it to offer innovative solutions spanning the oil & gas operation, power generation, transportation, data and IT sectors. The agreement will enhance Leminar’s ability to meet the growing requirements of the HVAC industry, specifically regarding the provision of data centre solutions, while expanding AEG Power Solutions’ market reach for their commercial UPS systems through Leminar’s extensive distribution channels.”

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