Construction Business News ME - July 2020

JULY 2020

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

Discussion

TECHNOLOGY USAGE OF DRONES IN CONSTRUCTION

PUSHING FORWARD WITH TECHNOLOGY

BEYOND

“BUSINESS AS USUAL” Greg Ward, Managing Director at Transguard Group tells CBNME how the organisation’s comprehensive response to COVID-19 is helping to build the future of FM in the health care sector

P32// UPDATE ON ITHRA DUBAI'S DEIRA ENRICHMENT PROJECT

CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net

// CONTENTS JULY 2020 // ISSUE #65

Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group Publishing Director Joaquim D'Costa jo@bncpublishing.net

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+971 50 440 2706

Business Development Director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818

Deputy Editor Kasun Illankoon kasun@bncpublishing.net

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NEWS COVER STORY ENERGY DISCUSSION PROJECT TECHNOLOGY VEHICLE PROFILE MACHINERY

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Art Director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net Marketing Executive Aaron Sinanbam aj@bncpublishing.net

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CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020 //

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Your business continuity is our top priority.

Our initiatives and remote solutions have got you covered in all situations. du.ae/wegotyourb

// EDITOR'S NOTE

EDITOR’S NOTE PROPERTY SURGE Dubai Land Department (DLD), in cooperation with Property Finder, launched the third edition of Mo’asher, Dubai’s official sales price index. The base year for Mo’asher is 2012 and the base month for the monthly index is January 2012, with the base quarter for the quarterly index being Q1 2012.

According to the report, the Dubai sales house index increased by 12.1 per cent in May 2020 compared to the base year 2012, recording a growth of 0.5 per cent in May compared to April 2020. If we take a wider look at the time period, the index has been a 1.54 per cent increase in the past 2 months.

For apartments, the index number for May is 1.189, which is the highest it has been since April 2019, and for Villas/Townhouses, it is 1.060, a new level since November 2019.

DLD recorded a total of 1,440 sales transactions worth AED 2.47 billion, with 66.5% in the off-plan or initial sale segment

and 33.5% in the re-sale segment. This brings the total to 13,590 sales transactions in the first five months of 2020 worth AED 27.8 billion.

Furthermore, real estate transactions immediately picked up after the National Sterilisation Programme eased in Dubai. In May, we saw pent-up demand similar to what we see following seasonal holidays as sales and rental enquiries were significantly above the same week last year across all unit types.

The index that held strong throughout the National Sterilisation Programme during the COVID-19 situation was the Dubai villas/townhouses Index. The reason was rooted in the fact that soon after the crisis, people instantly saw the value in outside, personal spaces, leading to a significant spike in villa/townhouse demands week on week. This trend is still moving upward today.

ON THE WEB Keep up to date with all the latest news, features and much more on our website. www.cbnme.com

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// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020

Kasun Illankoon Deputy Editor kasun@bncpublishing.net

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PROJECTS

AL MOUJ MUSCAT BEGINS CONSTRUCTION OF EXCLUSIVE MARINA APARTMENTS – “JUMAN TWO” Al Mouj Muscat announced initial construction work has begun at its luxurious Marina-facing Juman Two apartments.

Located on the Al Mouj Muscat oceanfront and near some of the most soughtafter and well established community facilities, Juman Two offers a choice of 152 one- and two-bedroom contemporary living spaces from the ground floor manor apartments with stunning high ceilings on the water, to penthouse level apartments with views to the ocean and the longest view of the 400-berth Al Mouj Marina, creating a feeling of open space, privacy, exclusivity, and elegance. Juman Two is adjacent to promenade cafes and a few minutes stroll to the local parks of Al Mouj Muscat.

“We are delighted to announce the launch of construction at our latest residential offering – Juman Two apartments,” said Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat.

“We are thrilled that the demand for convenient and accessible luxury living has remained robust, and as a result, Juman Two is well positioned to address this need with its ample space and ultra-contemporary design. Again Al Mouj Muscat seems to have produced a 14

product that has hit the right niche in the market. We are proud to now be able to deliver on our promise to our customers who have yet again shown their trust in the Al Mouj Muscat brand.”

The calming and expansive benefit of Marina living is a pervasive theme at Juman Two. Expertly crafted by select international architects and designers to meet the most discerning requirements, the apartments of Juman Two are equipped with the luxury and convenience of concierge services, a fully-equipped gymnasium and a reading lounge, as well as the modern amenities of the Marina-facing infinity swimming pool that blends

// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020

seamlessly into the sea and sits within a relaxed garden area, giving the property a serene feel.

“Our research demonstrates that Juman Two’s premium apartments meet the needs of a diverse crosssection of buyers, from young professionals with an active lifestyle to empty-nest residents maintaining an inspiring standard of living,” said Nasser bin Masoud Al Sheibani. “As the global economy bounces back gradually, we will see buyers and investors looking again for opportunities that offer both lifestyle quality and strong long-term value.”

Juman Two residents have access to a range of estab-

lished amenities and facilities that Al Mouj Muscat delivers, including restaurants and cafés, four- and five-star hotels, a nursery, the stunning community beach, the nearby Greg Norman signature golf course, marina facilities, a more wellness-focused lifestyle, and additionally the much-anticipated Community Hub and masjid- the destination’s newest development, designed and created to be a place where people can connect, share and learn within a walking distance.

With most of the units being sold, Al Mouj Muscat anticipates that Juman Two apartments will be ready for handover by Summer of 2022.

REAL ESTATE

90% OF THE MIDDLE EAST’S LARGEST AQUARIUM AT AL QANA IS COMPLETED

Abu Dhabi’s most exciting upcoming destination, Al Qana is on track for construction completion by end of Q4 2020.

Developed by Al Barakah International Investment, the UAE’s ultimate social dining, entertainment and wellness space, is being built at pace for citizens, residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi to enjoy.

The landmark location which will be Abu Dhabi’s newest waterfront destination, also revealed some of its progress milestones, WWW.CBNME.COM

highlighting the exciting realization of this iconic new addition to the Emirate’s architectural and social fabric.

Al Qana has so far cost over AED 1 billion to construct, under careful management by developers Al Barakah International Investment, and will be the next destination in the UAE to offer exciting entertainment and waterfront dining, all in a landscaped open-air environment.

Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al Barakah International In-

vestment, and the leader behind Al Qana, said in a statement: “Al Qana will support the transformation of Abu Dhabi’s landscape. It’s a destination for the whole family where the great diversity of the capital will be celebrated.” He added: “The project has a clear plan and timeline in place despite the pandemic. By following guidelines from the relevant authorities, we have also successfully maintained very high health and safety mea-

sures for our office and construction site workers.”

Stuart Gissing, General Manager at Al Qana said in a statement: “We have managed to adapt to the situation and found new modes of working to ensure that there is continuity for the project’s construction and operations management. Now, more than ever before, Al Qana will be more relevant to the situation post-Covid 19 as people seek safe outdoor spaces and healthier lifestyle choices.”

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020 //

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// NEWS

CONTRACTS

THE RED SEA DEVELOPMENT COMPANY ANNOUNCES MEDICAL SERVICES CONTRACT AWARD The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the developer behind one of the world’s most ambitious tourism projects, has awarded a contract for the provision of medical services during the initial construction phase of the project.

The contract was awarded following a competitive tendering process to medical services provider International SOS to provide all medical services across the development. The agreement ensures that the highest quality medical care and assistance is provided to the site’s estimated 28,000 construction workers as well as the project’s staff and visitors over the next two and a half years.

“As we strive to create a truly special tourist destination for visitors to enjoy, prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our employees and partners is of paramount importance,” said John Pagano, CEO of The Red Sea Development Company.

“We are going beyond international guidelines and setting new standards for labor management in the region, by making sure that the environment our people work in, is safe and comfortable.”

Through this partnership, a 700 sqm central medical facility is being created within the specially designed Construction Village to provide a range of services including 16

primary healthcare, occupational health services and emergency response. The central ‘hub’ medical facility, as well as satellite clinics at construction worksites across the development, are being created, managed, and operated by International SOS, ensuring that all facilities comply with Saudi Building Code.

Medical services are being delivered through mobile containerized facilities which can easily be relocated across the development as construction progresses.

This approach not only allows TRSDC’s workforce to access facilities as required, but also leaves little to no impact on the environment.

By using containerized facilities, TRSDC is lowering the impact of additional de-

// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020

velopment at the destination.

Brian Spraker, Executive Director of HSE said, “As well as the safety of our workforce, sustainability is also a key priority for The Red Sea Development Company. We are striving to ensure that our impact on the natural environment is as minimal as possible and adopting these kinds of innovative construction solutions helps us achieve that goal.”

International SOS will oversee the staffing and governance of all clinics, streamlining operations and ensuring that remote areas have direct access to a high standard of care consistently achieved throughout the development.

Jörg C. Bünzel, the General Manager of International SOS noted how TRS-

DC’s approach to medical care is innovative for the industry and region: “Typically, contractors are each responsible for the medical care of their own workforce, which can lead to a fragmented system with inefficiencies encountered across a largescale development.

TRSDC is removing the responsibility for medical care from the contractors and centralizing it with a single medical provider.”

“This ensures that all construction workers have uniform access to senior medical personnel and high standards of care. We share the unconditional desire and aspiration to build the right support for the workforce while adhering to the strict sustainability policies in place at the destination.”

POWER

ACWA POWER ACQUIRES 4.99% OF SAMSUNG C&T’S SHARE IN HAJR ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION COMPANY CONTRACTS

ACWA Power, a leading developer, owner, and operator of power generation and water desalination plants, signed a share purchase agreement with Samsung C&T to acquire 4.99% of its shares, with an option to purchase the remaining stake of Samsung C&T in Hajr Electricity Production Company (HEPC) – the project company running Qurayyah Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Saudi Arabia.

HEPC is currently majority owned by Saudi Electricity Company with a 50% stake, and through a holding company, the remaining 50% ownership is held by a consortium of ACWA Power; MENA Infrastructure Fund; and Samsung C&T with shareholdings equivalent to 22.49% (up from 17.5%); 15%; and 12.51% (reduced from 17.5%) respectively.

With the purchase of the WWW.CBNME.COM

stake from Samsung C&T, ACWA Power will further solidify its position as the second largest shareholder after the Offtaker Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). The total cost of the project was USD 2.7 billion, with approx. 75% of financing through long term project financed debt and the remaining in the form of equity.

The project was signed in 2011 and units commenced power delivery to the grid in 2013 – marking the project as one of the world’s largest IPP combined cycle gas-fired power projects to date. With a net capacity of 3,927 MW, Qurayyah IPP is considered one of the most efficient projects of its kind in KSA. Environmentally, the project has the potential to save more than six thousand cubic meters of carbon emissions annually.

KOOHEJI DEVELOPMENT REVEALS THE NEW NAME FOR ITS BAHRAIN BAY PROJECT TOWER A, ‘ONYX BAHRAIN BAY’ Kooheji Development, one of the largest Real Estate Developers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, revealed the name –‘Onyx Bahrain Bay’ for Tower A of freehold residential apartments for its project in Bahrain Bay. The ONYX Bahrain Bay has 42 floors and includes 400 freehold residential apartments.

The name “Onyx Bahrain Bay” (Tower A) is to distinguish it from Tower (B), which will be Hotel Apartments. The name “ONYX” is inspired from natural stones and onyx marble to reflect the uniqueness of the luxury materials used in the construction of the tower.

Eng. Mohamed Abdulghaffar AlKooheji General Manager of Kooheji Development said: “Since the launch

of the project in April 2019 and offering its freehold apartments in Tower A, it has achieved high selling numbers, which reflects the investors and owners’ confidence in Kooheji Development real estate product.

“We remain committed to providing the highest return on investment for the owners and adding a distinctive real estate product in the kingdom of Bahrain real estate market, this iconic project in Bahrain bay represent the five decades of real estate projects development experience. We will be defining the luxury real estate project standards in Bahrain, especially that the project is in the most prestigious addresses in the heart of Manama, which is Bahrain Bay.”

CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020 //

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// NEWS

PROJECTS

PALMA HOLDING LAUNCHES OLIVARA RESIDENCES & PARK PROJECT

Palma Holding, one of the most prestigious names in the real estate industry, has announced the release of its AED 365 million Olivara Residences & Park — the first integrated community in Dubai Studio City. This new project marks the third collaboration between Palma and Hazel Wong, the renowned architect of Emirates Towers, Silverene Towers, and Serenia Residences among others. Leasing for the ready-to-move-in project has commenced offering residents a contemporary and distinct lifestyle.

Olivara Residences, a vibrant residential community, is made up of four low-rise buildings, which include 250 units comprising stu18

dio, one-, and two-bedroom apartments in addition to a clubhouse and a massive park. The project was designed with the well-being and discerning lifestyles of young families and individuals in mind, offering 100,000 sq. ft of a lush green park, play areas, a state-of-theart gymnasium, walking lanes, and access to Palma community bicycles. The clubhouse will be home to Innerfight, a leading performance & fitness club, led by The Marathon Man, otherwise known as Marcus Smith. A yoga studio and paleo café will also be part of the club, making it a truly elevated urban community.

In his comments on the

// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020

new project, Kareem Derbas, founder and CEO of Palma Holding, said: “Following our successful beachfront projects, Olivara Residences represents our first urban community. We saw a gap in the market for contemporary and trendy residences that cater to the young, working population who are looking for quality, urban living, with great facilities and competitive leasing options.”

“The project combines functional spaces with distinct finishes and details, combined with outstanding amenities, fitness facilities, and excellent leasing rates.

Our aim is to consistently transform what it means to

live and connect with the community,” he added.

Interior spaces at the project’s units were thoughtfully designed with large glass windows that allow abundant sunlight and extend park views into the living space. Each home also features a fully fitted Italian kitchen equipped with stainless steel appliances. Additionally, Olivara provides generous parking spaces for both residents and visitors.

Phase 1 of Olivara Residences is ready for move-in and open for viewings, with a number of unit types available for showcase. The second phase of the project is under construction and will be ready by summer 2020.

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REAL ESTATE

OECHSLER AND HP PARTNER TO SCALE 3D PRINTING APPLICATIONS FOR INDUSTRY LEADERS

OECHSLER, an engineering solutions provider and one of the largest parts manufacturers in the additive industry, and HP, the leader in industrial 3D printing solutions, announced a new alliance to help accelerate the mass production of 3D printed parts.

The companies are working together across the product lifecycle, from new designs to final parts production, to develop breakthrough applications for customers in industries such as automotive, home and commercial appliances, and medical devices.

“As we continue driving the mass production of 3D printed parts we believe working with an industry leader like HP will enable our customers to take full advantage of 20

digital manufacturing,” said Matthias Weißkopf, senior vice president of research and development, Oechsler AG. “With the advanced capabilities of HP’s production-grade 3D printing systems we can provide unprecedented levels of quality, speed, reliability, and cost savings. The opportunity to collaborate closely on every phase of the product lifecycle and jointly develop breakthrough applications with HP and our customers will transform industries.“ “The path to digital manufacturing requires a powerful and far reaching ecosystem of leading innovators and this new alliance with Oechsler is a significant step in the journey,” said Ramon

// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JULY 2020

Pastor, Interim President of 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing, HP Inc. “Oechsler understands what it takes to deliver value every step of the way — from application design to final parts production to post-processing and automation — and together we will grow and accelerate opportunities for our customers.”

At the center of the strategic alliance is the joint development of entirely new applications with market leading automotive, home and commercial appliances, and medical customers to create unique product designs, bring 3D printed parts to market faster, and unleash the full potential of additive manufacturing.

Oechsler has installed a fleet of industrial grade HP Jet Fusion 5200 3D printers in its factory in Ansbach, Germany. Leveraging the platform’s advanced capabilities, HP and Oechsler are working with customers to jointly develop new applications using a range of advanced materials enabled by BASF including the new HP 3D High Reusability Polypropylene (PP) and ULTRASINT® TPU01 thermoplastic polyurethane. Oechsler is also the first to use the joint post-processing solution developed by Rösler for the HP Jet Fusion 5200 Series. HP today also announced the first of its kind PP as well as an expanded industrial alliance with BASF.

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// COVER STORY

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BEYOND “BUSINESS AS USUAL” Greg Ward, Managing Director at Transguard Group tells CBNME how the organisation’s comprehensive response to COVID-19 is helping to build the future of FM in the health care sector What did you take for granted prior to COVID-19? The ability to easily socialize with friends and family quickly tops the list for most of us, but what about access to worry-free medical attention that doesn’t come with the twin concern of potentially and inadvertently falling victim to a global pandemic? Over the last few months, hospitals and clinics have been ground zero for any number of stories, with cleanliness and disinfection playing a major role in each of these narratives.

As the largest facilities management provider in the UAE, Transguard was and continues to be at the frontlines of this conversation. In fact, more than 500 Transguard staff have been supporting the country’s field hospitals since April, with specialists in a number of sectors, including security guards, systems integration technicians, nursing assistants, a lab assistant, cleaners, waste management specialists, laundry stewards, F&B staff, loaders and more, each of whom was carefully integrated into the respective patient care teams to ensure delivery of the right facilities services.

With industry expertise and an intrinsic knowledge of the healthWWW.CBNME.COM

care industry, here are a few of the ways Transguard has risen above and beyond “business as usual” during this decidedly unusual time in history.

SUPPORTING PATIENT WELL-BEING WITH WELL-TRAINED STAFF Every day, Transguard’s healthcare-focused teams support clinicians across the UAE to deliver excellent healthcare to patients, with each element of our support designed to continue to facilitate patient well-being and recovery.

Cleaning and maintenance play significant roles in this ethos, and every element of our workflow is planned and delivered with a strong understanding of hygiene, safety, patient care and clinical standards. The result of rigorous training in our Centre of Excellence, our FM teams, as well as others working in the healthcare sector, undergo specific coursework on proper hygiene standards and controls, all focused on ensuring that our cleaning methods reliably deliver the specialized hygiene levels required for each area of a healthcare facility. This emphasis on education supercharges Transguard’s dedicated, stable teams of highly trained staff with the ability

to not only self-deliver all required services, but also to retain and rely upon detailed knowledge of the users, patients, visitors, healthcare functions and other teams, the buildings and assets. With training based on and infused with adherence to UAE and international standards, our centralized FM offering features a robust assurance regime for compliance to specified standards for hygiene, cleaning, health and safety, quality and environmental management.

MEASURING PERFORMANCE, CONTROLLING COSTS Transguard is results-oriented, and we believe that customers want to see measurable performance in terms of quality improvement, compliance, cost reduction, high user satisfaction and maximum value. With COVID-19 essentially throwing every standard expectation out the window, our strict attention to detail through targets, data and KPIs (which are aligned with customer standards and objectives) has enabled us to achieve results with a demonstratively positive impact on service routines.

This also gives us the opportunity

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// COVER STORY

to support our customers’ efficiency goals by delivering optimum value in facilities services; what’s more, we self-monitor our delivery quality and account development initiatives with documented and audited compliance with regulatory hygiene standards; QHSE teams to drive performance levels in quality, health, safety and environmental standards; continuing certification in accreditation standards (including ISO 9001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 14001, BICSc); and high service user satisfaction levels.

Further bolstering this approach is our self-delivery model, and the fact that we do not subcontract core FM services. This gives us full control over facilities delivery and standards and ensures that our model is scalable, allowing adjustments to service levels and costs in line with changing priorities and needs.

INTEGRATING FOR SUCCESS While we train our teams to liaise with hospital managers to co-ordinate our support services within the wider functions of the hospital, we also make provision for a single point of contact to be on-site for all facilities services, a benefit that our healthcare colleagues have found to be exceptionally responsive and easy to access. Integration and streamlining are used to remove demarcation among facilities services teams, with a particular focus on flexibility, speed, quality, cost savings and the needs of people (healthcare staff, visitors and patients alike). What’s more, our skill base, knowledge and seamless integration with top management and clinical priorities provide us with an unparalleled flexibility to adapt to truly any circumstances.

This ability to integrate also takes shape in our ability to bundle services from across Transguard; this provides economies of scale that give our clients 24

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COVID-19 readiness Our high standards for cleanliness continue to meet and exceed the requirements of hospitals and clinics, but in response to the pandemic we made masks and gloves a constant expectation and stepped up the frequency of our “tool box talks” and added additional content on COVID-19 prevention measures, social distancing, best practices for staff rotation and the proper disposal of gloves.

Greg Ward, Managing Director at Transguard Group

even greater flexibility and access to Transguard’s full portfolio of services, which includes (but isn’t limited to) reception, maintenance, security, waste management, hospitality and more.

RESPONSE, NOT REACTION As the saying goes, “failure to plan is planning to fail,” and particularly against the backdrop of COVID-19 we have found that our robust infrastructure (built on Lean Six Sigma principles) has allowed us to approach this year’s unprecedented challenges with swift, considered responses that take into consideration long-term effects as well as short-term results. This ability is built from the ground up, with WWW.CBNME.COM

Transguard’s emphasis on education providing the cornerstone of this ability: Our best-in-class training equips our teams with the ability to provide the highest standards in cleaning as well as the ability to offer assistance when required, such as the confidence and ability to provide directions to visitors. Of course, responsiveness – especially in an emergency situation – could be a matter of life and death, and because each member of our team is thoroughly trained in their roles

and ready to act, our employees have proven to be capable, reliable assets in any hospital environment, which grants us a leading role in operational continuity that is critical.

While we are far from considering COVID-19 an inconvenient footnote in the history books of the future, Transguard’s facilities management narrative, particularly in terms of health care, continues to set local and global standards that will endure long after the pandemic is over.

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// ENERGY

DECARBONIZATION GE Gas Power explores the role of gas in MENA’s energy future

MENA’s population is projected to continue to grow faster than the global average for the foreseeable future - from over 448 million in 2018 to more than 719 million in 2050.

Some countries in the region, such as Iraq, are recovering from prolonged periods of conflict, while more mature economies like those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are diversifying their industrial base.

“As they look to grow and develop further, governments across the region are exploring opportunities to strength26

en public infrastructure and trying to balance the growing need for reliable power against climate change concerns and sustainability goals. Consequently, MENA’s energy landscape is undergoing a grand transformation,” said Joseph Anis, President & CEO of GE Gas Power Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.

THE EVOLVING ENERGY LANDSCAPE GE and external analysts predict that as renewable energy becomes more affordable, it will be the fastest growing

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segment in MENA, and in the overall global energy mix. In the UAE, for example, the Energy Strategy 2050 targets an energy mix that includes 44 percent clean energy, while Kuwait has set the target to supply 15 percent of peak electricity demand from renewable energy sources by 2030. As little as a decade ago, such aggressive alternative energy targets from the world’s leading oil and gas producers would have been almost unimaginable.

It is understood that flexible thermal generation, however, will continue

to play a critical but changing role, accounting for up to 60 percent of power generated globally through 2028. The most significant trend in global power generation is the projected decline in the use of coal, while gas continues to grow, expecting to account for over one-fifth of total power generated by 2028.

THE ROLE OF GAS IN DECARBONIZING THE ENERGY SECTOR There are three core elements to a sustainable grid: cost, reliability, and environmental impact. Gas is expected to play a strong role in the future energy mix as it can help decarbonize the power sector at affordable costs, while providing access to uninterrupted, dependable power.

Natural gas is more accessible and affordable than ever before. Twenty countries around the world have built liquefication capacity, while more than 35 countries have regasification capacity. There are currently more than 800 million tons per annum (MTPA) of regasification capacity and over 390 MTPA of liquefaction capacity globally.

Efficiency and output improvements in gas-fueled power generation technologies have complemented the increased availability of gas.

For example, GE’s HA gas turbine technology is now available at over 64 percent combined-cycle (CC) efficiency and is closing in on 65 percent– a feat once considered to be almost impossible.

Switching from coal and oil-based power generation to a mix of gas and renewable energy offers a clear path to decarbonization without compromising the reliability of electricity supply. Renewable energy is typically intermittent in nature as sunshine, rain, and wind speeds vary over the course of a day, as well as across seasons. While that energy can be stored, battery storage solutions remain expensive, often making them economically infeasible when required at a large scale. It costs ~$200 WWW.CBNME.COM

to store one barrel of oil equivalent (BOE) of energy with battery storage solutions. Conversely, storing one barrel of oil or natural gas at scale is ~$1.

Additionally, electricity typically cannot be cost-effectively stored in large quantities for extended periods of time. For example, a battery with 1 MW of power capacity and 4 megawatt hours (MWh) of usable energy capacity will usually have a storage duration of four hours. This is another reason battery storage can be useful but is not as reliable and feasible as natural gas in complementing renewables.

Stated another way, battery technology today and for the foreseeable future is economical in certain locations and only for short durations. It is natural gas complementing renewables then that provides truly reliable and cost-effective energy whenever needed - intra-day, and across days, weeks, and seasons.

GAS POWER TECHNOLOGIES THAT CAN SUPPORT A LOWER-CARBON FUTURE Driving the era of gas forward are advanced solutions that can enhance the performance of existing energy infrastructure and technologies that

can push the efficiency levels of new power generation facilities to unprecedented levels.

New power plants can be set up with gas turbines that offer much higher levels of efficiency than ever before. For example, GE’s HA gas turbines have helped deliver two world records - one for powering the world’s most efficient combined cycle power plant, by achieving 63.08 percent gross efficiency at Chubu Electric Nishi-Nagoya Power Plant Block-1 in Japan and the second, for enabling EDF’s Bouchain Power Plant to achieve 62.22 percent net combined cycle efficiency in France. It is the world’s fastest growing fleet of heavy-duty gas turbines with more than 100 units ordered by over 40 customers in 18 countries.

This includes three units ordered by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) for an upcoming 1,800 MW independent combined cycle power project located in Hamriyah.

Using three GE 9HA units in combined cycle operations can help SEWA reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 4 million tons per year, compared to current levels. Impressively enough, this is the equivalent of taking 1 million cars off the UAE’s roads.

Capable of ramping up or down at up to 88 megawatts per minute while still meeting emissions requirements, the turbine can also support countries transition to a larger proportion of renewable power in their energy mix by helping to balance grid instability.

Today, we can also adapt gas turbines to burn clean resources such as hydrogen. GE has more than 75 gas turbines operating on high hydrogen and other related low heating value fuels, including blends of hydrogen and natural gas. These units have now accumulated over 6 million operating hours. GE’s B and E-class gas turbines also have the capability to operate on 100 percent hydrogen with the installation of the appropriate combustion and accessory systems.

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// WEBINAR

PUSHING FORWARD WITH TECHNOLOGY In a recently concluded E-Live Webinar, in partnership with du and knowledge partners Tafawuq Facilities Management, Kasun Illankoon spoke to Andrew Law, Technical Services Director at Tafawuq Facilities Management, Khurram Nazeer, General Manager – IT at EFS Facilities Services Group, and Rachid Hamida, Technology and Performance Director at Enova, on how their organizations addressed the COVID-19 pandemic, and how technology and innovation played a crucial role in overcoming this issue

INITIAL STEPS AND MEASURES TAKEN TO COMBAT COVID-19 Andrew Law: Tafawuq Facilities Management has immediately created a clear response plan as soon as cases of infection have surfaced in the UAE. The directives of the global and local health authorities guided us throughout this process.

The plan is also in line with the actions taken and being implemented by our parent company, Eltizam Asset Management Group.

As part of our initial and proactive 28

steps, we have immediately enforced the government's precautionary measures across our workplaces and communities under our management.

We have also been consistently raising awareness about COVID-19, particularly emphasizing how staying at home can limit, if not eliminate, the risk of exposure to the coronavirus.

Our regular awareness initiatives take place on our official digital channels.

We have been subjecting all Tafawuq's staff, especially our field workers, to regular briefing sessions

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to update them about the latest developments and newest government directives. We believe that these sessions are helping them perform their tasks safely and confidently.

Tafawuq has launched new sanitation and disinfection services for homes and communities which use non-toxic disinfectants to clean houses and public areas. It has natural and organic chemicals that ensure the health and safety of people and pets alike.

Transparency is also part of our

response plan. We regularly inform customers and suppliers about our COVID-19-related guidelines to ensure smooth and safe transactions between us.

Rachid Hamida: First of all, we focused on the healthy & safety of our employees. Getting everyone through this difficult times physically and mentally was crucial and brought an overwhelming team spirit to light. In parallel, we set up clear and transparent communication with our clients, acting as a true partner to overcome this crisis period. After the phase of business continuity support, we adapted our approach to the recovery phase.

Overall, we have to highlight that our teams on the ground have shown great agility and flexibility on all operational levels, adapting smoothly to any changes in our customers' business conditions.

Khurram Nazeer: We took the matter very seriously, followed all government requirements and recommendations, and developed an EFS COVID-19 Corporate Level Framework to deal with this. We needed to look through the COVID-19 lens and address the following challenges, which included two-fold: • Staff Management – health concerns, job security fears, motivational challenges • Business Continuity – financial control, client's expectations, renegotiations In terms of staff management, communication was a vital part of this process. We need to ensure that all HSE Guidelines, PPE Instructions, sanitization practices in accommodations, transportation, and workplace were communicated efficiently and put into practice. EFS ensured that all staff was observed and monitored during the pandemic and that social distancing strictly adhered too. In order to continue and motivate the staff conducted staff coaching to help alleviate any pressures cause by this crisis.

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ANDREW LAW TEC H N I CAL S E R VI C E S D I R ECTO R AT TAFAWU Q FAC I LITI E S MANAG E M E NT

KHURRAM NAZEER G E N E R AL MANAG E R -I N FO R MATI O N TEC H N O LO GY AT E FS FAC I LITI E S SERVICES GROUP

RACHID HAMIDA TECHNOLOGY AND PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR, ENOVA

TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION, AND R&D Andrew Law: Technology has played a critical role in ensuring all buildings and occupants are safe even before the pandemic. This role has only been further amplified during the global crisis.

Amid COVID-19, FM companies have been utilizing various technologies to provide uninterrupted services and maintain business continuity.

For instance, at Tafawuq, we have deployed a five-year technology roadmap, which has already brought multiple benefits to the company,

especially during this pandemic.

One example of our technology is Tafawuq GO, a maintenance mobility solution. This tool allows our technicians to receive, carry out, and close work orders digitally without faceto-face interaction with other staff.

Further, it was developed to reduce the organization's carbon footprint.

Through Tafawuq GO, we now sparingly use our printers, scanners, and other devices.

Another is the next-generation SAP4 HANA enterprise resource planning (ERP) system used for remote approval of transactions. The real-time approvals can also be done using our mobile devices. The ERP system has reduced the need for printing and transporting documents that require a signature.

NESTROM, an online management system for quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE) inspections, has paved the way for paperless and contactless work within our company as well. Its e-banking integration facilitates payments through bank transfers.

Tafawuq also takes great pride in QuickPay, which enables our customers to complete payment transactions for home maintenance and cleaning services using their digital devices.

By the end of 2020, we are also set to launch a new service enabled by the Internet of Things (IoT). Through this upcoming connected building project, Tafawuq is set to pave the way for a new era in FM in the UAE and the region.

Khurram Nazeer: In a recent article for a leading newspaper, our Group CEO, Mr. Tariq Chauhan, has called this a Technology Renaissance. According to him, the technology has been there for years before the COVID-19 crisis, but the crisis has now transformed mindsets and disrupted workflows. This has significantly accelerated technology adaption. Here are some specific examples; we've introduced real-time communication and collaboration by

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// WEBINAR

utilizing Microsoft Teams, Meetings, Chats, Chat Bots, and Work Tracker as a way to maintain remote working conditions. At the offices itself, we've introduced IOT and Smart Connected Devices to keep track of the staff, using count sensors and thermal cameras, ensuring staff are wearing masks and shoe sanitizers. This has enabled EFS to maintain a high level of productivity and efficiency during the pandemic.

In terms of innovation, we've introduced an all new bio clean business services that – ranges from disinfection services, deep cleaning, indoor air quality, water tank cleaning and supply and replenishment of Bio Clean Products . We also have a near-realtime analysis and reporting of suspected, confirmed, and recovered cases that improved resource management and deployment planning.

Rachid Hamida: During the lockdown, in parallel to keeping our workforce and building occupants safe and healthy, another challenge was to keep the buildings themselves and their assets healthy. This was possible by running utilities at a minimum rate or even putting them into hibernation mode while continuously monitoring.

This was possible thanks to Enova's well-advanced digital transformation and the below digital support tools such as a fully operational remote 24/7 customer service center, smart sensors and real-time monitoring with our hypervision platform 'Hubgrade,' remote expert support through Smart Glasses, and asset inspection and thermal imaging through drone inspections.

Our teams were consistently available and mobilized for any reactive maintenance works on site. Besides, some of our clients used the lockdown period to conduct maintenance works in areas that are hard to access under normal circumstances.

Now that buildings are being repopulated ensuring all assets and systems are in sound condition is crucial.

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SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES Andrew Law: FM companies are crucial to ensuring a safe environment for all building occupants during these unprecedented times. Building a safe environment is not just being compliant with the existing regulations but also conforming to proven sustainable practices.

We need to enact policies that will sustain the implementation of sustainable FM practices, which mainly focus on reducing the environmental impact of facilities and buildings.

At Tafawuq, sustainable operations are part of our 5-year strategic plan.

Under this strategy, we continuously

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monitor our operations to identify where our work negatively impacts the environment and find the most appropriate and practical solutions.

In line with this, we have implemented an Integrated Management System, which comprises ISO 9001 Quality Management System; ISO 14001 Environmental Management System; and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

Khurram Nazeer: Since the FM industry is so people-driven, COVID-19 was a stark reminder about sustainability's fundamental principles. It moved the focus from the environment and climatic issues

Enova pioneered the combination of FM with sustainability, supporting clients of many different industries with their sustainability targets. Our experience has shown that already through digitalizing the FM approach, areas of optimization can be identified both in terms of efficiency and sustainability. One concrete example for this would be the office building Majid Al Futtaim Tower 2 in Deira Dubai. For this pilot project, Enova was able to achieve savings of 10% with no CAPEX investment. All savings were achieved based on Energy Conservation Measures that were free to implement, with our hypervision platform 'Hubgrade'.

towards people (staff and clients) and their health. It increased reliance on technology for improved efficiency, speed, delivery, and quality of services. Responsible workplaces, efficient work practices, waste reduction, procedural capabilities through the use of technology has helped EFS with this transformation.

Rachid Hamida: Thanks to Enova's internal processes, we managed the Covid-19 crisis in a flexible and agile way. We did face some new challenges and limits that we needed to adapt to, which made us become stronger in return.

Indeed, already before Covid-19, WWW.CBNME.COM

CHALLENGES FACED FROM FM WORKERS Andrew Law: As front liners, FM workers are at a higher risk of being exposed to the virus. This is why key measures have been put in place to ensure their health and well-being while doing their job. Challenges include the risk of virus exposure, contamination, and safety protocol breaches.

To address these challenges, Tafawuq's employees regularly undergo proper training and briefing sessions.

Our main objectives are to raise their awareness and enhance their skills in line with company and government rules and regulations.

We have also enhanced our usual training curriculum to align it with the standards set by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc), in addition to increasing the frequency of deep-cleaning of high-traffic touch areas such as door handles, handrails, elevator buttons, and taps.

In coordination with the Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Municipality, we are continuously reviewing, updating, and improving our methodologies to prevent cross-contamination and the spread of infection.

We only use products that have been approved by the local authorities.

Rachid Hamida: Thanks to our con-

tinuous efforts in Health & Safety, our teams were quick and efficient in implementing the new safety guidelines. Our workforce went above and beyond with their commitment, which we honored through our internal recognition program "Frontline Heroes" We can also proudly say that our digital transformation over the last couple of years enabled us to have only minimal manpower physically present on site, thus reducing virus spread through human interaction. To name only two innovative Enova solutions: • 'Hubgrade': more than 15,000 IoT and smart sensors are connected to our live monitoring platform 'Hubgrade' for remote real-time monitoring and even control; • Drone inspections: only the drone pilot goes in the field to collect the footage and data, afterwards the team of analysts remotely goes through the data and recommends the best follow-up solutions.

Khurram Nazeer: Employees always come first at EFS as such, we were aware of the critical challenges faced by them. We introduced PPE gear, which put additional effort into the workers, which may have impacted their productivity and efficiency, and the weather in UAE did not help with that matter due to the heat. The staff had to adhere strictly to social distancing rules at all times at the site.

Being in the frontline, if an employee was tested positive for COVID-19 we provided separate accommodations for them to recover. Challenges vary from residential and commercial buildings. At commercial buildings, you have multiple entrances, various timings, and SOP compliance, which means the challenges varied too.

Physical checks needed to be conducted to ensure that all occupants' temperatures were checked and had masks on. In a commercial building, the variety of locations also mean that a more extensive area had to be sanitized and cleaned, such as doors, rails, lifts, and common areas.

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// PROJECT

DEIRA ENRICHMENT PROJECT 5 Districts within Phase One of Ithra Dubai’s Deira Enrichment Project near Completion

Ithra Dubai’s award winning Deira Enrichment Project (DEP) is in its final stages of completion for districts 1, 2, 3, 11 and 13 in Phase One of the development. The five districts are mixed-use that offer a seamless blend of commercial office space, residential, retail spaces and abundant parking. Districts 11 and 13 house the Gold Souk Extension and have been designed to suit the unique needs of gold and precious stones merchants.

Deira is the vibrant cornerstone of Dubai’s trading legacy and a place rich 32

in culture and overflowing with history.

From the waterfront apartments overlooking The Creek, to an extension of the Deira Souk, the development will create a bustling hub of life that will add to the already rich tapestry woven by communities past and present. It will become a place in which people realize their potential and find the true meaning of home.

Covering a GFA area of 1,181,025 ft2, the new Gold Souk Extension will host approximately 295 retail units and 250 offices, in addition to 468 high quality

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residences. It is expected to be completed in the beginning of 2021.

DEP is highly anticipated by residential, retail, and commercial tenants both locally and abroad. Ita ims to revitalize the Emirate’s original community centre and trading hub. The project offers a complete lifestyle solution by anticipating the needs and wants of individuals, families and businesses. The development while adopting a modern approach to design and functionality will preserve Deira’s unique charm and enduring entrepreneurial spirit. Histori-

cally, Deira has provided homes and places of business for some of Dubai’s oldest expat communities that have called the area home for generations.

Commenting on the progress of the development, Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director, Asset Management at Ithra Dubai said: “The impending completion of these five districts within Phase One of DEP is a significant milestone for us at Ithra Dubai. We see this project as an embodiment of the Dubai Vision as it promotes environmental sustainability and enables social benefit for the Dubai community.”

He added: “DEP is a wholistic development where the community can live, work and enjoy leisure time in landscaped green spaces throughout the development. Outside of the carefully designed and developed commercial, residential, and retail spaces, this is an element that I think will be WWW.CBNME.COM

Lachlan Gyde, Executive Director, Asset Management at Ithra Dubai

most rewarding to the community and visitors.”

When complete, Phase One of DEP will accommodate 50 mixed-use buildings incorporating 2,200 residential units, 416 commercial units, 843 retail outlets, F&B units, eight hotels with more than 1,450 rooms and serviced apartments, rooftop experiences, waterfront promenade, neighborhood parks and several multi-storey car parks.

These five districts that are reaching completion account for 311 retail spaces, 317 office units, 977 residential apartments and 573 hotel rooms and serviced apartments. Ample parking is also available to accommodate residents and visitors.

To alleviate congestion in Deira as well as serve the new area by increasing traffic flow and commuting capacity in and out of the area, a new transportation hub containing a multi-storey car park and connecting metro lines is also under construction works. This upgraded infrastructure will enable a seamless in and outflow of traffic providing greater ease for residents and visitors. Additionally, it will give businesses access to a greater pool of customers while at the same time making the neighborhood more enticing to residents.

The Deira Enrichment Project encompasses the Waterfront Market, DEP Phase One and Two and the Gold Souk Extension which is currently slated to open at the beginning of next year.

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// TECHNOLOGY

DRONE TECHNOLOGY

‘Growing number of construction firms in GCC use drones to get their operations back on track under the ‘new normal’: Rabih Bou Rashid, CEO of Falcon Eye Drones (FEDS)

An increasing number of construction firms and real estate developers in the GCC who are turning to drones’ technology as they get their operations back on track while safeguarding the health and safety of their workers.

This is according to Falcon Eye Drones (FEDS), the Middle East’s leading provider of Drone Technology, Data Technology, and Digital Transformation. The company has recently closed a strategic investment with Aerodyne Group, creating the largest drone service company in the world.

Rabih Bou Rashid, CEO of FEDS said, “As the UAE and the wider region reopen their economic activities 34

under the new normal, players in the construction industry would like to get their projects up to speed with as much as savings they can. Cashflow is crucial in today’s times, hence, more and more companies are turning to drones as they provide a cost-effective, safer and time-saving alternative to the conventional construction process.”

Bou Rashid noted that drones continue to prove their value in the sector, helping construction companies increase their reporting turnaround by 25 per cent and cut down site time wastage by 18.4 per cent as they conduct activities at a more accurate and stauncher pace than manual labor.

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This, he added, is especially evident in the UAE—which is globally renowned as one of the leaders in construction.

“The UAE’s construction sector is now gearing up to continue projects as the country begins restoring its economic operations. Companies are also exploring game-changing solutions to break ground in the ‘new normal’ while being mindful of workers’ health and safety,” he said.

“However, this is harder to achieve when you use the traditional construction process. Having said that, we have noted a dramatic increase of enquiries and orders with regard

Rabih Bou Rashid, CEO of FEDS

to the drone services that FEDS can offer to get them going again,” said Bou Rashid.

He said that using drones in the sector prevents costly mistakes as they allow managers to identify challenges in the pre-construction stage, spot mistakes, and measure progress during construction. Drones also improve safety in a sector that poses a high risk for fall, the number one cause of work-related fatalities for construction workers.

Bou Rashid highlighted the primary areas in which drones will be utilised by the construction sector during the new normal: WWW.CBNME.COM

PROGRESS MONITORING Bou Rashid noted that progress monitoring through drones which can cut project value costs by up to 11.8 per cent and can decrease the time spent to compile the snag list (or inventory of tasks by contractor) by 32 per cent—eliminating the unnecessary cost of regular manual supervision.

In addition, Bou Rashid said that since drones can conduct repeat flights to consistently monitor the construction progress and status, the possibility of doing manual rework decreases by 25 per cent. This helps site supervisors save five hours a week on unnecessary meetings, boosting productivity amongst workers as they can focus on other aspects of the project.

He also emphasised that the drones’ aerial view maps allow managers to sit down and easily determine potential problems early on before they get costly.

Bou Rashid explained that the drones’ high-resolution and accurate data of the construction site overview help contractors spot errors on a regular basis—helping them act on it ahead of time and in turn, save the company from unnecessary expenses.

“Drones can help quickly identify potential problems in each phase, allowing managers to plan solutions ahead to prevent unnecessary back jobs that can dent a project’s schedule and budget. in addition, aside from the built-in data they have taken, drones

can also overlay the blueprint of the construction to help contractors identify any deviations. Spotting a potential barrier to finish a project on time will save construction firms extra costs, time and effort,” said the FEDS CEO. Aside from mitigating the risk of COVID-19 infection thanks to less human contact, drones can help companies conduct a dangerous phase in progress monitoring—site inspections.

Drones keep construction workers and personnel from the dangers of surveying complex and hazardous sites, such as towering roofs, colossal bridges, and skyscrapers.

Since drones can hover even around remote and risky spots to gather clips of the construction site, explained Bou Rashid, companies and contractors can now view the footages from the safety of their office.

“Drones offer a safe alternative to what is considered to be one of the most critical phases of construction. The task that usually takes days to complete can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes, depending on the requirement, and provide more precise inspection data,” the FEDS CEO underscored.

SITE MAPPING The process of mapping wide construction spaces used to be a long and rigorous process. However, Bou Rashid said that with drones, contractors can produce a speedier workflow with less effort needed.

Drones, he stressed, can finish the task accurately as well as send upto-date data straight into a computer for fast-track analysis. They can also map sites faster than land survey and produce data—even for large-scale projects—more precise than a satellite.

“It used to be that mapping a wide construction site involves hiring a helicopter to fly over the areas just to capture images. Now, drones can get more accurate images in a shorter period and at more affordable costs,” he said.

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// VEHICLES

PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF COMFORT

If your business relies heavily on buses to meet your business needs and bottom line, look no further than the Scania Touring Bus model.

Giving your customers the unique and seamless experience as they go from one point to another.

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After all, providing such a seamless experience is what Scania offers in its products as its purpose is to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system, creating a world of mobility that is better for business, society and the environment.

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Scania offers a complete range of buses and coaches for public transport operators and coach companies. Scania buses and coaches are renowned for their outstanding total operating economy. Each component is engineered to heighten the vehicle's per-

formance and set world-class standards for fuel economy, driveability, road handling, reliability, and uptime.

So what does the Scania Touring Bus offer?

DESIGN The Scania Touring Coach has a powerfully sculpted exterior, it's a versatile coach, designed to meet the demands of occasional service and regular service over longer distances. For the passengers, Scania Touring's smart design makes even the longest trip a safe, relaxed, and harmonious experience.

The coach has been designed for functional quality, from the seating and climate system to each safety feature.

Double-glazing creates a quiet interior that lets passengers usually converse, and the entertainment system is a welcome addition on longer journeys.

Comfort features, including a toilet and mini-kitchen, are also available.

The luggage area is adapted to fulfil different needs within occasional and regular service. In both models, parallel, pneumatically, or manually controlled luggage hatches open along the side of the bus, making it easier to load and unload, even in cramped areas.

For the driver, they would enjoy a well-designed ergonomic workplace with a highly adjustable steering wheel, and pendant pedals enable the driver to find the optimal position for safer and more comfortable driving.

The optimised driveline features all Scania components, and Scania Opticruise automatically selects the right gear for pleasant, economical travel.

Furthermore, the Scania Touring Bus flexible features allow operators to explore wide-open expanses or narrow city streets without much hassle. The two-axle version is a perfect combination of manoeuvrability and capacity.

With the three-axle version, you gain higher capacity, while still retaining manoeuvrability via the steering tagaxle to navigate the tough territory.

Meeting your driver's expectations Taking care of your drivers is of WWW.CBNME.COM

utmost importance, and Scania Touring gives them a great driving experience. That means benefits that flow on to your passengers – as well as your bottom line. Your drivers can help you drive down operating costs and CO2 emissions. That's why Scania has developed a number of services that focus on making driving more comfortable.

It begins with their training, which will help to increase their engagement as well as the uptime and service life of your fleet. At the same time, you can decrease accident rates, fuel consumption, unscheduled services, and total cost of ownership in the long run. To further increase the value of the Driver Training, you can add Scania Driver Coaching to keep skills up to date.

Furthermore, when drivers understand the impact of how they drive, it makes them better drivers. The best way to do this is an on-board system that gives the driver real-time feedback on performance and fuel economy.

Each driver has their own fuel consumption data. This lets them set targets and compete with each other or against themselves. Scania Fleet Management System connected to your offices will help monitor vehicle location, performance, and fuel consumption. You can also receive reports if something is wrong, so you can schedule a service break rather than being taken by surprise. It lets you fine-tune your operation and maximise uptime.

FUEL EFFICIENCY Fuel efficiency is essential, and for operators focused on the low total cost of ownership, this coach is destined to be your profit source for years to come.

So, Scania Touring Coach can operate on HVO, biodiesel, and other alternative forms of diesel to increase your fuel efficiency for long-distance driving.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil – HVO – is a modern way to produce highquality bio-based diesel fuels without compromising fuel logistics, engines, exhaust after-treatment devices, or exhaust emissions.

HVO can be made from different sources – such as waste oil, rapeseed oil, palm oil, and animal fat. Using these sources of energy has a significant impact on the total greenhouse gas savings. Compared to standard diesel, an optimal CO2-reduction can reach up to 90% reduction in CO2-emissions.

Biodiesel can be made from various sources like rapeseed, plants, and waste cooking oil. Biodiesel also has the advantage of being a liquid, available in large quantities. The supply of sustainable biodiesel is primarily being used for blending in diesel, or a pure 100 % form. Compared to standard diesel, an optimal CO2 -reduction is estimated to be up to 66% in CO2-emissions.

Scania have contributed to more than a century of bus evolution by having the right people, products, and solutions.

This is because Scania believes these buses, such as Scania Touring, will be a win for everyone involved.

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// PROFILE

QUALITY STONE Nora Sanamyan, founder of and owner of the Armenian natural stone Trading Company, Armenia FZE, in UAE, tells CBNME how their stones are of high quality

COMPANY PROFILE Armenia FZE was established in 2004, and the company is the exclusive dealer of Armenian natural stones from the great mountains of Armenia.

Armenia FZE imports four types of natural stone: tuff stone, felsite stone, travertine, and basalt.

Armenian Natural Stones are known for their exceptional characteristics, which qualify them among the top choices for luxury projects around the world, such as villas, malls, landscapes, and restaurants. Projects such as Lusin Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, Toleen Restaurant in Saudi Arabia, Al Rahmania Mall in Sharjah and many private villas in UAE. UAE market is highly dynamic and gives an opportunity for every new product to import & distribute. Opportunities are being provided for foreign traders when exposed to new markets.

PERFORMANCE IN 2019 AND COVID-19 IMPACT 2019 was one of the best performing years for the Armenia FZE company.

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We had delivered three big projects which were completed.

Around the world, many incidents occur and recently COVID 19, which affected all kinds of businesses. However, in the near future, we hope the world will recover, and everything will be back to normal.

PRODUCT Armenian natural stones are unique because Tuff & Felsite stones have unique characteristics. They provide 30% better insulation protection during winter and summer compared to other stones in which they keep house

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ambient warm in winter and cool in summer. They have several medicinal properties. For example, lung disease sufferers would feel more convenient in rooms decorated with Tuff & Felsite. They can be used for outdoor & indoor decoration. About Armenian Travertine: House with wall cladding with Armenian Travertine 40-50% protecting walls from molds; this type is essential, especially in UAE, where humidity is very high.

Armenian natural stones are used for building and villa wall cladding and are also used for decoration elements or the building’s facade.

Armenian Travertine & basalt are used for landscape projects because these two types have very high density and minimum percentage of water absorption.

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Armenia FZE have done an Exova lavatory test to all stone types to ensure we can meet each customer's needs as our focus is always related to our customer needs.

Scania Touring HD range

a privilege to own The Scania Touring is a coach designed to meet your needs for occasional service and regular service over long distances. You will enjoy full support from a single point of contact since all parts, maintenance and repairs are backed by Scania’s comprehensive

global service work. The possibility of fast deliveries gives your business plenty of flexibility. If you’re focused on good total operating economy, this coach is destined to be a profit source for years to come.

// MACHINERY

NEW CAT® 966 GC WHEEL LOADER DESIGNED FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE, EASY OPERATION, AND LOW OPERATION COSTS The new Cat® 966 GC Wheel Loader is designed for reliable performance and long-term durability in a wide range of applications, as well as for various tasks in governmental applications that require a capable, versatile machine that fits the budget.

Power train/front linkage The Cat C9.3B engine, with a maximum gross power rating of 239 kW (321 horsepower) and emitting equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA emission levels, features a new common-rail fuel injection system designed for fuels available in emerging markets. An electronically controlled, hydraulically driven, variable speed cooling fan, combined with the Cat Engine Idle Management System, results in lower fuel consumption and reduced sound levels. An optional automatic reversing fan assists in cleaning cooling cores in high-debris environments. A high-ambient cooling package and cold-start system also are available.

The new loader uses a 4F/4R electronically controlled, planetary powershift transmission, designed and built by Caterpillar, and featuring an electronic clutch, pressure-compensated, single clutch shifting system for smooth, efficient gear changes in all operating situations.

The field-proven Caterpillar Z-bar loader linkage, with cast crossmember and tilt-lever, is designed to deliver both strong digging capabilities and high breakout forces with Cat Performance Series buckets. The load-sensing implement hydraulic system continuously controls flow and pressure to precisely match requirements of the operating situation, reducing both the load on the pump 40

and overall fuel burn.

A range of available work tools includes a selection of Cat Performance Series buckets (general purpose, rock, and light material configurations), which incorporate a long floor, wide opening, and curved side plates. These design features enable operators of all experience levels to routinely attain 10 percent higher bucket-fill factors, compared with legacy designs, improving cycle times and reducing fuel consumption. The Cat Fusion™ quick coupler and controls also are available, and combined with optional third-function auxiliary hydraulics, the coupler allows use of a wide selection of Cat work tools.

OPERATOR ENVIRONMENT/ SERVICEABILITY The intuitive, ergonomic 966 GC control system includes an operator interface display—with five analog-like gauges, color indicator lights, and an LCD screen—all within easy view of

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the operator and designed to allow operators to quickly monitor machine systems. Low-effort, pilot-operated implement controls feature a remote kick down switch for best operating comfort.

Inclined ladders and integrated handrails are located on both sides of the machine to provide access to the cab and to the engine air filter—with safety in mind. A large roof-to-floor, distortion-free, flat glass front windshield; standard rearview camera; and exterior mirrors with integrated spot mirrors provide all-around visibility.

Air conditioning with 10 louvered vents is also a standard feature.

Ground level access to grouped service points reduces maintenance time, and large gull-wing engine hood side panels and a tilt-up rear grill provide unrestricted access to daily service points, greasing points, filters, and fluid-sampling ports. An optional Cat Autolube greasing system further reduces maintenance time.

Doosan Infracore Launches New XiteCloud Smart Construction Solution in South Korea

Doosan Infracore has launched XiteCloud, its new smart construction solution, in South Korea. XiteCloud is the first step towards the commercialization of Concept-X, the company’s integrated unmanned and automated control solution, first demonstrated to the world in 2019.

XiteCloud maximizes productivity by incorporating complex 3D drone construction surveys and earthwork calculations into a cloud platform, allowing them to be completed in just one to two days. Following the successful introduction in South Korea, Doosan Infracore is intending to launch XiteCloud in international markets including Europe in the near future.

These events have opened the door to Doosan Infracore to further expand its business portfolio into the field of construction site management, to complement its existing operations in manufacturing and sales of construction equipment.

INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY With XiteCloud, a contractor can manage multiple tasks such as surveys, terrain analysis, and equip-

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ment operation and construction management on a single platform, thereby reducing construction costs and saving time while increasing work accuracy, which in turn raises productivity.

The solution even makes it possible to digitize earthwork site information into three dimensions as well as to analyze rock formations. Since it is cloud-based, XiteCloud makes it easy for stakeholders, including contractors and clients, to join forces and manage the progress of a given project together.

Even on unfriendly terrain such as steep slopes and cliffs, XiteCloud calculates exact work volumes using advanced drone-based surveys. By analyzing vast amounts of field data quickly and accurately, XiteCloud completes construction surveys and earthwork calculations, which typically take as long as two weeks, within a day or two.

XiteCloud has already gone through the technology verification process at more than ten construction sites of large-scale apartment complexes and infrastructure facilities in Korea among others.

Doosan Infracore plans to expand XiteCloud’s applicability to largescale construction equipment by exploiting 5G mobile technology and telematics. Having successfully launched XiteCloud in the domestic market, Doosan Infracore now plans to start its overseas launch in the near future.

In November 2019, Doosan Infracore held a Concept-X demonstration event at its performance test site in Boryeong, Korea, and introduced the construction site of the future, which will be characterized by a high concentration of advanced unmanned and automated technologies.

“Concept-X is a comprehensive control solution that encompasses the entire construction process, including drone-based surveys, automatic analysis of topographical data, construction planning, and unmanned construction machinery and control centre operations,” said an executive of Doosan Infracore.

“We will launch various solutions in stages even before the full-scale commercialization of Concept-X, with the launch of XiteCloud marking the very first step towards that goal.”

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// MACHINERY

JLG LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF FRENCH MANUFACTURING

JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation company [NYSE:OSK] and leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers, announces a campaign in support of French manufacturing.

Since the development of the first AWP product by Delta Systems, JLG France has held its base in the south of France, between Bordeaux and Toulouse. A rural area, in the province of Entre-deux-Mers, home to JLG’s Toucan Series and more recently the DSP Stock Picker.

JLG France is focused not only on building equipment that keeps people safer at height, but also equipment that constructs and maintains our countries infrastructure, the roads and bridges 42

we travel, the homes and buildings in which we live and work. JLG supports the region and is committed to keeping French manufacturing strong.

“We know contractors have many options when it comes to which brand of equipment to put to work on their job sites”, says David Courtin, JLG’s Sales Director for Southern Europe and North Africa. “When you select quality; French made equipment like JLG, you not only support French jobs, you also help keep our local economies strong. So far customer feedback on the initiative has been really good, our customers appreciate the campaign and recognize local industries need to be kept strong, now that we are emerging from Covid-19.”

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Herve Richez, plant manager in Tonneins comments; “Where the Tonneins facility is unique is that engineering and manufacturing are united on one location. Engineering works hand in hand with manufacturing. During the product development process this has proven to be a major advantage. The design engineering department, where our prototypes are built is located next door to the general manufacturing plant. Meaning there is frequent discussions between engineers and production, ensuring what we develop meets requirements for production. We foster a culture of frequent conversations, with the end-result of a solidly engineered product.”

Your business continuity is our top priority.

Our initiatives and remote solutions have got you covered in all situations. du.ae/wegotyourb

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