Big Project ME October 2018

Publication licensed by Dubai Production City

151

OCTOBER 2018 meconstructionnews.com

THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION

“To compeTe, you have To adopT new Technology. iT’s The mosT effecTive way To remain in The game”

Eng hamad al amEri, managing dirEctor of Trojan Holding, outlinEs thE path to long-tErm succEss

Contents

Issue 151 October 2018 07

16

20

26

34

38

16 Fighting a silent killer

40 Protection from the ground up

06 MEConstructionNews.com OnlIne

The biggest stories from Big Project Middle East’s home on the web

analysIs

Andrew Mackenzie and Richard Wiles on the dangers of asbestos usage in construction

TIMe & MOney

GCP Applied Technologies provides advice on selecting the right waterproofing solution

07 ADNOC invests in Ruwais City 20 Eng Hamad Al Ameri

42 Cityscape Global 2018

10 SNC-Lavalin wins Iraq contract 26 Setting the standard

44 Top Tenders

12 Dammam H1 Real Estate outlook 38 Value Engineering Summit

48 A matter of ethics

The bIg pIcTure

Oil giant invests $45bn into 6.9sqkm community near Ruwais Industrial City InTernaTIOnal news

LUKOIL Mid-East awards contractor with framework agreement for West Qurna Phase 2 MarkeT repOrT

JLL report provides an insight into the increased demand for industrial and office space in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province

In prOfIle

Eng Hamad Al Ameri reveals how Trojan Holding is preparing for a bright future prOjecT prOfIle

Big Project ME takes a tour of Al Ameri Boulevard in Muscat, Oman suMMIT recap

Big Project ME hosted the Value Engineering Summit on September 5, 2018, at the Habtoor Grand Hotel in JBR

shOw prevIew

Big Project ME previews the upcoming edition of Cityscape Global in Dubai Tenders

Big Project ME lists the Middle East’s biggest construction tenders for October 2018 lasT wOrd

Fabrizio Nicoli discusses the importance of having an ethical supply chain on your construction project October 2018 1

© 2018 LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants All Rights Reserved

I’m Ahmad Shahrour and I am a

Senior Mechanical DeSign engineer www.lacasa.ae

I’m always seeking innovation and creativity in design In a fast-growing construction sector, engineering grows on a daily basis. The concept of a design is inspired from solutions from previously solved problems, thereby creating a design strategy based on intelligent analysis.

At LACASA we strive for perfection in everything we do, we take the best that exists and make it better; when it doesn’t exist, we design it.

Ahmad Shahrour

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

LACASA is committed to providing quality-driven designs within a multidisciplinary environment.

Established in 2006, the firm has grown significantly over the past eleven years. Today, LACASA boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing all types of developments and across the entire MENA region.

While it is said that perfection doesn’t exist, we believe that perfecting design can be achieved by cultivating extraordinary talent.

Introduction

changing times

O

n a personal level, I’ve always been fascinated

by Oman – with its rich cultural history, sleepy charm and stunning scenery, it seems worlds apart from the glittering skyline of Dubai. However, from a construction point of view, it’s been viewed as something of an after-thought compared to the turbo-charged growth of its neighbours. While others have preferred to build big and build quickly, Oman has always preferred to take a more methodical, if not cautious, approach to development and growth.

However, that impression might soon need to be revised, if my recent visit to the Sultanate is anything to go by. Starting from its incredibly impressive new airport, through to the rapidly developing areas of downtown Muscat, it’s clear that Oman is serious about moving forward, but as always on its own terms.

Perhaps this is best exemplified by the Al Araimi Boulevard Mall being developed by Al Raid Group.

With the mall scheduled to open this quarter, I was able to take a tour of the mall as final construction works were being carried out. As the site visit will show, this is a project that I believe will change the way Oman considers its retail offerings. I had the opportunity to visit the city’s traditional shopping areas, and I’m convinced that Sheikh Raid and his team at ABLVD have managed to tap into the essence of what makes a Muscat shopping experience so unique, while also modernising and bringing to fruition a completely new retail experience in Oman.

MANAGING DIRectOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 eDItORIAL DIRectOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 eDItORIAL eDItOR GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5480 SUB eDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVeRtISING cOMMeRcIAL DIRectOR JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5714

On the subject of change, I also had the opportunity to be part of the first ever Women in Construction event, held at the Plantation Lounge in Sofitel JBR. Organised by CPI Trade and fronted by ME Consultant, the event serves as a launching pad for a larger summit that will be held next year, and I am so proud to be a part of this important movement that looks to redress the gender imbalance in our construction industry.

On that note, I would like to thank all the women who attended the event, especially Lara Poloni, chief executive of the EMIA, AECOM, who took the time to share insights into her career and to meet many of the women who attended. Do stay tuned for news of next year’s event!

DeSIGN ARt DIRectOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com DeSIGNeR PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAkSYM PORIECHkIN MARKetING MARKetING MANAGeR SHEENA SAPSfORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 cIRcULAtION & PRODUctION PRODUctION MANAGeR VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 DIStRIBUtION MANAGeR PHINSON MATHEW GEORGE phinson.george@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 WeB DeVeLOPMeNt MOHAMMAD AWAIS SADIq SIDDIqUI FOUNDeR DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINteD BY RASHID PRINTING PRESS LLC PUBLISHeD BY

Gavin Davids editor gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com @MecN_Gavin

cLARIFIcAtION Last month’s issue of Big Project ME carried a story about Aurora Real Estate Development delivering the Hyati Residence to the Dubai market, and erroneously stated that delivery of Phase II was to be completed in December 2018. However, the correct date should read as December 2019.

Big Project ME apologises for the error and any confusion caused.

4 October 2018

GROUP

Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing fZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE www.cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2018 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

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SURvey fINdS UAe CONSTRUCTION INdUSTRy geNeRALLy POSITIve ON ShORT-TeRM PROSPeCTS

CAMCO awarded flagship Riyadh Metro O&M contract for Lines 1 & 2

CONSULTANT

Aurecon bolsters Middle East expertise with two new appointments

feature: Asbestos – fighting a silent killer in the UAe

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Siemens wins eight-year O&M contract in Egypt

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Hyperloop TT creates first draft of core safety requirements and certifications

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Nakheel awards Ali Mousa & Sons Contracting $150m Dragon Towers contract 6 October 2018

feature: Women in Construction – Tatjana dzambazova, AI strategist, Autodesk

This result is so split you are left with coming to your own half-empty and half-full assessment of what is going on in the market as we reach the final quarter of 2018.

Certainly, when you are told that suppliers, contractors and consultants in the UAE construction industry share a “generally positive” outlook for the next six months, you are left wondering what that means. While I agree that it is important for construction companies to have a set of indicators to serve “macroeconomic and operation management” purposes by anticipating events, I’m not entirely sure how much store we can put into the results of a survey that is only looking six months ahead. Particularly as most people will have a highly objective view based on their own experience. However, as pointed out in the story, changes in the oil price and laws should make the medium-/long-term prospects look brighter.

Name withheld by request

Investing in the country The investment in Ruwais City by Adnoc is expected to add more than 15,000 jobs by 2025 and contribute an additional 1% to GDP per year.

The Big Picture

ADNOC invests $45 billion in Ruwais City

6.9sqkm community near Ruwais Industrial Complex will be home to 50,000 Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has announced that it will invest $45 billion in development plans for Ruwais City, a 6.9sqkm community near the Ruwais Industrial Complex in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. The project will see the population of the city nearly double over the next 15 years, to more than 50,000 people, along with the creation of thousands of new, specialised, highly-skilled jobs, in parallel with Adnoc’s investment in its downstream operations, a WAM report said.

The Ruwais City development plan is part of ADNOC’s decision to develop the world’s largest integrated refining and petrochemicals complex in Ruwais. In a statement, the oil giant said the industrial ecosystem, supported by the UAE’s stable fiscal, legal and financial system, is designed to generate long-term sustainable value for investors

by providing them with access to a diverse set of competitive materials, utilities and other bestin-class industrial services. The project will also offer proximity to growing markets and best-inclass community infrastructure.

ADNOC also pointed out that the development of the industrial complex and the city will have a significant impact on the local economy, as local contractors and businesses will grow in tandem, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

“Ruwais is an international centre of various industries, especially oil & gas, and is an important part of the UAE economy and the main destination for the residents and visitors of Al Dhafra region,” said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region. “Its growth and expansion will advance the country’s refining and petrochemical

industries, while updating and improving its infrastructure will enable it to keep pace with the country’s progress. ADNOC will launch the Ruwais Industrial Complex in the coming years.

“The development of Ruwais will have positive, direct and tangible economic and social effects, such as training Emiratis and providing them with work opportunities while improving the quality of life of the residents of the region and giving local companies, whether large, medium or small, the chance to participate in construction and infrastructure development projects.”

Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and ADNOC Group CEO, added: “The $45 billion investment in our downstream operations over the next five years will have a big ripple effect that will create new employment opportunities, establish new businesses and

enable existing businesses to grow and prosper. The in-country value will also be significant as we expand our operations, introduce new high-value products and grow our downstream market share.”

In order to accommodate the immediate population growth, ADNOC is constructing more than 3,000 new residential units, bringing the total number of city housing units to more than 10,000.

Through a programme of strategic partnerships and investment, ADNOC will increase its range and volume of high-value downstream products, secure better access to growth markets around the world and create a manufacturing ecosystem in Ruwais that will significantly stimulate in-country value creation, private sector growth and employment. The strategy is expected to add more than 15,000 jobs by 2025 and contribute an additional 1% to GDP per year.

“The development of Ruwais will have positive, tangible economic and social effects, while improving the quality of life of the residents” October 2018 7

The Big Picture

Enhancing efficiencies As part of moves to improve the efficiencies of the Kingdom’s asset management, KSA’s cabinet has approved the conversion of the State Property Department into a general authority.

KSA contract awards to hit $44bn by 2019 Buildings, industrial, power and water, and oil & gas sectors to contribute According to a study, the value of awarded construction contracts in Saudi Arabia could hit $44.1bn in 2019, an increase of $17.8bn compared to this year.

According to Project Intelligence Platform Ventures Onsite, Saudi construction-related projects to date are estimated to be worth $1.4tn. That figure covers buildings, industrial, power and water, oil & gas and infrastructure projects.

The results were released ahead of the International Contracting Conference and Exhibition (ICCE), which was held in Riyadh September 1617 and discussed achieving a sustainable contracting sector.

“The debut event is being organised under the guidance of the Saudi Vision 2030. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is going 8 October 2018

through immense change, and part of this change is to achieve a sustainable contracting sector for the Kingdom. In line with King Salman’s vision, the SCA’s mandate is to organise, develop and regulate Saudi’s contracting industry, enabling it to build competent capabilities and to raise the standards produced by the sector, thereby establishing a safe and secure work environment,” said engineer Thabet Mubarek Al Sawyeed, governor of the Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA).

The event is the brainchild of the Saudi Contractors Authority, a

government authority responsible for regulating the Kingdom’s contractor market and increasing mergers and acquisitions ahead of a potential surge in the contracting market. It is being held under the patronage of Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce and Investment.

The move comes as Saudi Arabia’s cabinet has approved the conversion of the State Property Department into a general authority – the General Real Estate Authority – so as to enhance the efficiency of the Kingdom’s assets management.

$44.1 billion

Value of KSA construction contracts in 2019

According to a report by Argaam, the new entity will be in charge of state properties and defining the best investment opportunities, citing Yarob Al Thunayan, undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance for Communication and Information.

“The independence of the general real estate authority will give the entity more room for business development.

Accordingly, it will directly or indirectly set up many new firms,” Al Thunayan stated, adding that the authority will also work closely with the private sector to develop the state’s assets, and that the General Real Estate Authority will also be in charge of laying out policies and developing a related database, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

The Big Picture

Qiddiya receives 15 temporary structures

Losberger De Boer delivers next-gen structures for entertainment project Losberger De Boer, a European temporary buildings expert, has announced that it has achieved record-breaking build times on the Qiddiya entertainment, sports and cultural destination project in Saudi Arabia, through the deployment of the next generation of semi-permanent buildings.

In a statement, the company said it had been contracted

by Duvent, a UAE events management company that is part of Meraas Leisure and Entertainment Group, to deliver a range of next-generation, semi-permanent buildings that included administrative offices, visitor centres, entertainment and exhibition halls, and that Losberger was able to construct all

the required facilities within a tight sixty-day completion deadline.

Qiddiya is the first entertainment resort of its kind in Saudi Arabia. One of three giant projects at the heart of the Kingdom’s ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 National Transformation Strategy, the project will cover 334sqkm. Located 40km from Riyadh, it is planned to be 2.5 times the size of Walt Disney World and will include holiday homes, water parks, cultural venues, motor sports and a Six Flags theme park.

Losberger De Boer has deployed 15 semi-permanent buildings of varying sizes and shapes at Qiddiya. These buildings offer both style and functionality, the company said, pointing out that

contemporary designs were used, with an emphasis on the “optimum use of space”. The circular Panorama Dome is the only one of its kind in KSA, it added. This was used to welcome King Salman at the official launch of the project earlier this year.

“Qiddiya is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 national transformation plans to increase household spending on cultural and entertainment activities inside Saudi from the current level of 2.9% to 6%. In total, our crew worked 9,360 hours over 36 days plus internal fit-out time.

This allowed turnkey delivery of this project to be achieved within only sixty days, compared to one to two years for traditional

permanent builds,” said Waleed Khaled, sales director at Losberger De Boer Middle East, adding that sustainability is a key feature of the semi-permanent building solutions, as they can be dismantled and reused in a new location when business conditions change.

As most models are already factory manufactured, temporary structure use is a zero-carbon choice compared to a new permanent building. Furthermore, because the latest insulation technology has been deployed, there is a 40% decrease in the use of power for HVAC, compared to more traditional temporary structures. “This drives substantial economic and environmental benefits,” he asserted.

“Qiddiya is part of the Saudi Vision 2030 national transformation plans to increase household spending on cultural and entertainment activities inside Saudi from the current level of 2.9% to 6%”

October 2018 9

The Big Picture

3.3%

The UK’s construction output in Q2 recovered after a relatively weak start to the year, increasing by 3.3% in the three months to July

1. LUKOIL MId-East awards sNC-LavaLIN Iraq CONtraCt LUKOIL Mid-East has awarded SNC-Lavalin with a framework agreement to deliver project support services for the West Qurna phase 2 oil field in Iraq.

The field is split into three main phases, two phases for the Mishrif formation and one for the Yamama formation, said SNC-Lavalin.

The scope of works includes the provision of engineering, design activities and project support services for the development of the formations, as well as training and continued professional development for local Iraqi professionals. The project will be executed in-country at the West Qurna phase 2 oil field, as well as from the UAE. The long list of requirements includes providing pads, oil gathering flowlines, headers and trunk lines, a central processing facility and its associated utilities and offsites, oil/ gas/liquid petroleum gas export pipelines, additional storage tanks at an existing facility, power plant, water intake and supply pipelines.

“We continue to build on our long-term relationship with LUKOIL and to help them realise their projects successfully,” commented Christian Brown, president, O&G, SNC-Lavalin.

10 October 2018

$300m

Hill International has received two contracts worth $300m for PM and CM services for the construction of two ethanol plants in Brazil

2. aPd wINs $13M CONtraCt fOr GraNd EGyPtIaN MUsEUM The Egyptian Ministry of Culture and a JV between Besix and Orascom have announced that Acciona Producciones y Diseño (APD) has won a $13m contract for the technical museographic development of four of the exhibition halls at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Spanish company will be responsible for 12,000sqm, distributed over four museum areas. APD will incorporate a range of exhibition elements, including graphics, models, life-sized replicas, and exhibition and staging lighting, to support the story told by the museum and to contextualise the archaeological pieces. APD will also be tasked with making a 3D

scan of Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, to allow an exact reproduction of the original to be created for museum visitors.

The firm will carry out the photogrammetry for the outer burial chamber, including scale and colour, so as to provide an exact digital model for the original, which will then be turned into a physical replica for future display.

The Big Picture

$816.6bn The value-added output of China’s construction industry reached $816.6bn in 2017, an annual growth rate of 16.6%

3

1 4

2

70%

70% of construction work on the $40.8 m Galigbaga-Talpona bridges has been completed, the chief minister of Goa has said

3. UaE bEGINs CONstrUCtION Of NEw CONsULatE IN KazaKhstaN UAE delegates have broken ground on the country’s new embassy compound in Astana, Kazakhstan.

According to a report by state news agency WAM, the 26,000sqm compound will

reflect the UAE’s identity and values, and will demonstrate the country and its people’s culture, drawn from its heritage and future aspirations.

A foundation stone laying ceremony was held in the presence of Dr Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan, the mission staff and military

attaché and the contractors.

The new compound is to be located next to the most important landmarks in Astana. The compound will feature an embassy building and a consular building, in addition to a residence for the head of the mission and a guest house with several other service supplements.

4. Mbf GrOUP tO bUILd $970M MEdICaL CIty IN IsLaMabad, PaKIstaN Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi says his flagship development company MBF Group has reached an agreement with Ibchez Housing and Nixon to build an integrated medical city in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Total investment for the project is expected to total $970m.

Located within the 100,000sqm Gulberg Greens development, the project will include the construction of a 400-bed university hospital capable of delivering international and advanced standards of care. It is projected to serve one million patients and clients a month.

The founder and owner of the UAE developer added that the medical city will also contain Pakistan’s first medical mall as well as therapeutic and recreational areas, a regional cardiology centre, an orthopaedic centre and a new nursing college.

MBF Group is working with Nixon for the first time, and its partner will represent the group in Pakistan, said Al Qassimi. As well as the development, the group will manage the city’s 1,000 medical, technical and administrative Pakistani staff and is responsible for providing medical equipment and beds.

October 2018 11

Market Report

New energy park to fuel demand for industrial and office space in Eastern Province, says JLL

Dammam Real estate maRket OveRview – H1 2018 The development of King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), one of the largest investments in the Eastern Province, is set to boost sectors of the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA) real estate market and in the long term contribute to national GDP, says JLL’s latest report.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the energy park is being

undertaken by Saudi Aramco and will serve as an economic catalyst, creating tens of thousands of jobs in a global industrial hub for energy-related manufacturing services and boosting the office sector in the DMA area.

“The plans to diversify the Saudi economy away from the oil & gas sector presented a less

Dammam office supply, thousand sqm of GLA Stock

positive outlook for oil-rich Dammam compared to other cities across Saudi. However, this new energy hub demonstrates major investments being made within the energy sector itself to fuel economic growth,” says Craig Plumb, head of Research, MENA at JLL. “SPARK presents a more positive outlook for the

DMA region, as development of the park is expected to enhance the region’s office market as tenants come on board.”

As part of the National Transformation Programme, the energy park is estimated to contribute $6bn annually to national GDP once developed by 2035. The energy hub

Dammam office vacancy

Annual supply

950

H1 2017

36%

900

H1 2018

30%

850

800

Dammam office rents, SAR per sqm

750

1,104

650

SAR

2015

2016

12 October 2018

2017

H1 2018

2018

2019

2020

H1 2018

997 SAR

Source: JLL

H1 2017

700

Market Report

Dammam residential supply, thousand units Stock

Dammam apartments, 12-month outlook

Annual supply

SALES

365

-2%

360

H1 2017 - H1 2018

355

RENT

-4%

H1 2017 - H1 2018

350

Dammam villas, 12-month outlook

345 340

SALES

-2%

335 330

H1 2017 - H1 2018 2015

2016

2017

will boost the downstream petrochemicals sector and increase the contribution of local content across different industrial sectors. For example, Saudi Aramco recently announced the award of 10-year purchase agreements to 16 pressure vessel manufacturers, which will increase demand for office space

H1 2018

2018

2019

-1%

H1 2017 - H1 2018

2020

in the DMA in coming years.

In H1 2018, the office market continued to soften. Supply of office space increased with the completion of Al Rashid Office Tower, Sidra Complex and Al Waleed Business Centre.

Demand is expected to increase in the medium to long term, in line with Saudi Aramco’s

target of sourcing 70% of its inputs from local companies.

Across other sectors, residential stock continues to grow, at a slightly slower rate than in previous years.

The retail sector recorded no new completions in H1 2018, with total stock remaining around 1 million sqm.

The hospitality sector was active in H1 2018, with five new hotels and two serviced apartment projects entering the market in DMA. As with other markets across the region, occupancies have held up while average room rates have continued to decline, and this pattern is expected to continue over the rest of the year.

Dammam retail vacancy

Dammam retail supply, million sqm of GLA Stock

RENT

Annual supply

1.15

H1 2017

4%

1.10 1.05

H1 2018

6%

1.00

Dammam retail rents, 12-month outlook

0.95 0.90

REGIONAL

5%

0.85 0.80

H1 2017 - H1 2018 2015

2016

2017

H1 2018

2018

2019

COMMUNITY

-3%

H1 2017 - H1 2018

2020

October 2018 13

Analysis

fighting a Silent Killer Andrew Mackenzie, head of UAE Construction Practice, Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla, and Richard Wiles, senior environmental consultant, Anthesis Consulting, discuss the dangers of asbestos usage in construction Asbestos is a word that conjures up a variety of reactions, from a healthy degree of fear and respect to a complete ignorance of its various properties and uses. While levels of awareness vary, many view it as a past and predominantly resolved problem. However, it remains a very real and present issue that needs addressing, both in the UAE construction industry and throughout the Gulf.

16 October 2018

What is it?

At its height of production in the 1960s and 1970s, asbestos found its way into the majority of construction materials, remaining hidden in the building fabric until unknowingly disturbed through refurbishment and demolition or identified through the means of an asbestos survey.

Asbestos categorises a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals, the most common

being white (chrysotile), brown (amosite) and blue (crocidolite). With over 3,000 products containing asbestos and continued worldwide industrial manufacture and procurement, despite the embargo on its use, asbestos continues to be found in modern buildings.

Why is it used?

The majority of public and commercial buildings contain

asbestos because of its many desirable properties, but more often than not, it was acquired and installed by those who were unaware of its hidden dangers.

Asbestos is an effective insulator and frequently used as fireproofing, ideal for protecting the main building core. It is resistant to most chemical corrosion, weather proof and can add strength to an everyday product such as cement. Being abundant makes

Analysis

andrew Mackenzie While existing legislation recognises the problem, there needs to be a chang e in approach towards actively enforcing greate r compliance.

Silent killer Asbestos-related diseases are almost always fatal, with diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis among the most notable causes of death in the construction and trade industry in the UK.

it very cost-effective, which makes it very appealing.

The Downside Outweighing every positive characteristic of asbestos are its hazardous and deadly side effects.

Asbestos-related diseases are the biggest occupational killer in living memory. In the Middle East, seven countries now have a complete ban in place. However, with a latency period of between ten and forty years, the danger can be present but remain undetected. The World Health Organisation estimates 107,000 people worldwide die each year due to asbestos.

Asbestos-related diseases are almost always fatal. Take for example the UK, where asbestos of all forms was completely banned in 1999 and yet diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis are still notable causes of deaths in the construction and trade industry.

Here in the UAE and indeed globally, it is not just construction workers who come in contact with the material.

Designers, developers, contractors, consultants and end users can all be potentially exposed to asbestos. Despite the very clear danger it carries,

“Employers must evaluate the environments their staff are working in and understand that certain precautions, such as an asbestos survey, must be undertaken prior to occupying a building” there is still a lack of awareness that, combined with a casual approach to asbestos management, can put everyone at risk.

Here in the UAE The UAE is one of the seven Middle East states to ban the substance outright. However, despite a nationwide ban and further state legislation, the UAE still has examples of new builds where asbestos is detected. From purchasing and installation to finished product and final inspection, asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs) go undetected and remain in our

buildings after completion.

“Asbestos is often misleadingly associated with those buildings constructed decades ago, but the reality here in the UAE is that buildings completed as recently as 2018 still contain the deadly material.” says Richard Wiles, senior environmental consultant at Anthesis Consulting in Dubai. “Everyone, whether it’s construction workers, maintenance staff, office users or facilities managers, should have an understanding of asbestos.

Ideally the process should be halted from the very beginning, but a general improvement of asbestos awareness in the UAE would no doubt contribute to a reduction of its use.”

While all ACMs are potentially hazardous, there is a hierarchy to the risk. The most common ACMs found here in the UAE are gaskets, textile insulation and asbestos cement. Take for example the Middle East shipping industry.

Examples have been found of asbestos board and insulation being used in the accommodation blocks and engine rooms. Buildings of all uses and ages have been affected.

Surveys across schools, residential and industrial units have all revealed a range of asbestos still in use in the UAE. Businesses particularly associated with manufacturing and engineering are subject to a higher proportion of asbestos.

“At many sites, a maintenance team simply changing a lightbulb could result in the spread of asbestos fibres. Any accidental contact with asbestos could mean that particular area remains contaminated for all future users for many years to follow,” Wiles notes.

Legal and Financial Risks If not managed appropriately, this hazardous material can not only October 2018 17

Analysis

result in significant health issues, but also financial and legal liability.

“Employers must begin to properly evaluate the environments their staff are working in and understand that certain precautions, such as an asbestos survey, must be undertaken prior to refurbishing, demolition or even occupying a building,” says Andrew Mackenzie, partner and head of Construction at law firm Baker McKenzie Habib Al Mulla.

“This is not a risk the industry can simply go on ignoring. The risk to employees and the ultimate end user can result in substantial fines, delays to construction and, in the case of fatalities, custodian sentences for wrongful death and criminal negligence on the part of the contractor.”

The current UAE legislative landscape is split into federal and state law. In 2006, the UAE banned the use of “asbestos board”.

However, it remains debatable what items are covered by this terminology. To those monitoring the problem in the industry, it is apparent there are still companies procuring asbestos, whether knowingly or by mistake.

A ministerial decision issued in 2008 highlights the necessity to obtain an asbestosfree building certificate prior to commencing demolishing activities. With the UAE in a state of continuous growth, old buildings come down and new ones go up in an ever-changing skyline, but both scenarios can put users at risk from asbestos.

It is rare that an asbestos survey is produced or shown prior to any inspection or refurbishment of a property. While federal law has addressed some of the health risks associated with asbestos and introduced means to nullify it, including recommendations on asbestos waste disposal, not every non-domestic building 18 October 2018

aSbeStoS – there’S no tiMe to loSe Craig foyle, ioSh president, and Charles faulkner of anthesis Consulting speak about the ‘no time to lose’ campaign, which is focused on raising asbestos awareness in the region.

What is the prevalence of asbestos usage in the Uae construction industry?

Do you have any figures or statistics you can share?

The UAE banned asbestos products in 2006, but enforcement is difficult and challenging. Despite the ban, in 2009 the UAE consumed more than 26,000 tonnes of asbestos (according to the US Geological Survey).

According to Laurie KazanAllan of the International Ban Asbestos (IBA) Secretariat, while asbestos manufacture is prohibited, UAE legislation does not prohibit the import, production or use of asbestoscement water pipes. As well as the ongoing use of asbestos, other hazardous practices persist in the UAE, such as the demolition of buildings containing asbestos, the reuse of discarded asbestos products and the haphazard disposal of asbestos-contaminated waste.

It is estimated that 23 people died in the UAE from asbestos-related illnesses (mesothelioma, lung cancer, etc) in 2016. However, this masks the true number of cases. It is likely that huge

numbers of expatriate workers may have been exposed over the years and that they would have died in other countries and might be counted in those countries’ statistics.

There is no known cure – if a doctor says you have one of those asbestos-related diseases, it’s effectively a death sentence. By the time they diagnose it, it’s too late to undergo any therapy or treatment. It’s a fatal disease. how has the Uae government responded to the issue of asbestos usage in construction?

Legislation is in place at both the federal and local level.

Asbestos was federally banned in 2006, but there are also green building regulations and ESTIDAMA regulations at a local level which state that you can’t use asbestos on new construction projects.

There’s actually a legal requirement to use substitute materials – for every asbestos material that’s been produced, there’s a non-asbestos substitute that can be used in its place. All of these materials are readily available in the market. how has the market responded to the ‘no time to lose’ campaign? has there been a tangible impact in terms of reduced usage of asbestos?

It’s very early days for the campaign, so evidence of attitude change and behaviour change will not be seen for a while.

However, there’s a lot we can do through IOSH members working for top companies on major construction contracts, as well as our supporter companies with operations in the UAE, to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and all the many ways it might be present throughout supply chains.

Flyers have been translated in Arabic and other languages, and we will work through our Middle Eastern branches to distribute them, supporting asbestos awareness training wherever possible. Our branch members will be educating throughout their organisations and supply chains.

The biggest challenge facing asbestos management in the Middle East is awareness. This region in particular has a very low level of awareness and understanding [of the dangers of asbestos usage]. Everybody assumes that because the UAE – and Dubai – is new build and new construction, how can there be asbestos?

But the ban only came into effect relatively recently and it varies from country to country in the region. Also, there is significant evidence to show that asbestos is making its way into new construction builds.

Analysis

is subject to an asbestos survey under existing legislation.

At state level, both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have produced guidelines to control the risks of asbestos. In conjunction with federal legislation, Abu Dhabi CoP 1.10 (Management of Asbestos Containing Materials) actively encourages owners to conduct asbestos surveys and manage asbestos in their buildings. Dubai state legislation also identifies the importance of correct asbestos disposal. The introduction of formal guidance in supervising asbestos removal and licensed removal contractors is a step in the right direction in achieving safe practice across the UAE. While the approach to the problem is getting better, more needs to be done to improve asbestos awareness, actively remove ACMs from circulation

KONE Middle East & Africa

“Asbestos is often misleadingly associated with those buildings constructed decades ago, but the reality here in the UAE is that buildings completed as recently as 2018 still contain the deadly material”

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P.O. Box 21474 Dubai UAE

richard Wiles Any accidental contact with asbes tos could contaminate a particular area for years to come, says Wiles.

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Tel. + 971-4-2794500

and bring the UAE in line with international standards.

“The existing legislation recognises the problem, but there needs to be a change in our approach to actively enforce greater compliance with the health and safety measures set out under the law, with the consequences of noncompliance clearly spelt out.

Active enforcement at federal and state level will ensure this problem does not become more endemic,” Mackenzie states.

Aspects of the industry are aware of the problem, with increasing numbers of companies seeking to train their staff in recognising asbestos and requesting surveys. Asbestos training will naturally improve companies’ HSE standards and, at an individual level, give people the mindfulness to be proactive.

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www.kone.ae October 2018 19

In Profile

“The indusTry has To focus on becoming more efficienT and To deepen iTs invesTmenT in Technology.

To compeTe, you have To adopT new Technology, iT is The mosT effecTive way To remain in The game” Big Project ME speaks to Eng Hamad Al Ameri, managing director of Trojan Holding, to find out how he is guiding the Abu Dhabi construction group towards an exciting future 20 October 2018

In Profile

October 2018 21

In Profile

i

n September this year, a survey conducted by Ventures Middle East Research Division, in association with Ventures ONSITE Project Intelligence Platform, found that suppliers, contractors and consultants in the UAE construction industry share a “generally positive” outlook for the next six months.

Using a specially created Construction Confidence Index (CCI) to examine the general sentiment of the construction sector in the UAE, the survey found that its respondents rated the CCI in the UAE as positive, with 65 points out of 100. Based on a sample of 300 respondents – 70% of which belong to senior management in suppliers, contractors and consultants – the report showed a generally positive sentiment about market conditions.

The overall positive UAE CCI is supported by data which shows that the value of projects awarded to contractors in the first half of 2018 stands at more than $31 billion, slightly higher than during the same period in 2017. Furthermore, the improving oil price, and the recent announcements made by the Abu Dhabi and Dubai governments to help the business and real estate sectors, are expected to impact the economy, as well as the construction industry, in a positive manner, it said.

While the results of this survey may come as a bit of a surprise to some, given how the construction industry has struggled in recent years, they are as per the expectations of 22 October 2018

seizing the opportunity Eng Hamad Al Ameri says the ups and downs in the local construction market present an opportunity for construction firms to take advantage of the gaps in the market.

“There are always going to be ups and downs, and we know that there’s a shorter period for our business cycles. Usually, in other markets, it’s seven to eight years, but here it’s maybe four years before the cycle starts to go up or down”

Eng Hamad Al Ameri, managing director of Trojan Holding, an Abu Dhabi construction group.

Having long been a vocal advocate of the stability of the UAE’s construction market, he tells Big Project ME that he is unsurprised by the shifting sentiments and asserts that cyclical ups and downs are to be expected and should be planned for.

“There are always going to be ups and downs, and we know that there’s a shorter period for our business cycles. Usually, in other markets, it’s seven to eight years, but here it’s maybe four years before the cycle starts to go up or down,” he says, speaking during an interview at his offices in Trojan Holding’s headquarters in the Al Mafraq Industrial Area.

“I think when an opportunity closes, it offers the perfect opening to start over. I compare it to being on a treadmill, sometimes we have to run and sometimes we have to slow down and catch our breath. These cycles will never end, but our leaders in the UAE

are always able to inject energy into the country and make it more attractive to investors and visitors, whether that’s the introduction of new laws, new rules and regulations, or new events.”

While he expresses satisfaction with how Trojan Holding has performed over the last year, with the company growing at a current rate of 8% year-on-year, Al Ameri asserts that there is plenty more work to be done by the construction group.

This includes focusing on and developing the new branches and divisions recently opened to take advantage of gaps in the market.

“We know our market and we know what we have to do with regard to efficiency, expansion or even downsizing a little bit, and where to go and what opportunities are open to us when business goes down a little bit,” he says.

“We have opened a number of new branches and divisions. One such division is taking us into real estate development, while our other infrastructure divisions see us concentrating more closely on our water division and electrical division. We are also working diligently to explore hospitality projects further; so, yes, we are adapting and being flexible in response to market demands.”

This diversified approach is paying off for the construction group, with Al Ameri pointing out that several projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been delivered this year. Furthermore, he reveals that there is a pipeline of projects worth $816 million in place in Abu Dhabi, including contracts with major developers like Nakheel, Emaar and Aldar Real Estate.

“These project wins are part of my strategy, my five-year plan for Trojan Holding. We are very flexible in our strategy, so that we can move if there’s increased demand in the market – we have to be,” he asserts.

In Profile

“We know our market and we know what we have to do with regard to efficiency, expansion or even downsizing a little bit, and where to go and what opportunities are open to us when business goes down a little bit” “We’re looking at other regions to work in as well. We’ve just opened in Belarus, there are a few projects there. We’re also targeting KSA as well – there’s a booming real estate sector over there. We’re trying to approach new regions for more expansion.”

Given the opportunities available in the Saudi Arabian market, the immediate focus for the group will be there and he expects to be physically in the market and handling jobs within a year or two.

“If we want to make a meaningful impact in the Saudi market, then we need to start where our strengths lie – that is residential and commercial construction. Only after a successful move into a new market

will we look at diversifying into other sectors; KSA is of a size that we will have time to approach new opportunities in due course.”

For now, however, the UAE remains the primary market, and Al Ameri has welcomed recent changes to residential laws by the country’s leaders. In September 2018, the UAE Cabinet announced that it would be introducing a new law that will allow nonEmiratis to retire for five years in the UAE, if they meet a series of requirements. These include having properties worth at least $554,514, savings of at least $272,257, or an active income of more than $5,445 per month.

Furthermore, similar changes were announced earlier in the

year which will allow investors and key workers, such as doctors or engineers, access to a long-term residency visa.

With approximately eight million expatriates living and working in the UAE, including a growing number approaching retirement age, Al Ameri feels these changes will only benefit the UAE’s real estate and construction market.

“It is my belief that these changes will have a far-reaching positive impact. In the end, there is demand from the market, and it is clear that our leaders hear these demands and have taken steps to make investing in the UAE real estate market more attainable for expatriates.

“People who live and work here

in the UAE, they’d love to stay on in the UAE. By giving them the opportunity to stay and own their own businesses, and expand their residence here, that’s going to create more business opportunities for them, which in turn is going to create more demand for the construction industry overall.”

Another avenue for growth and development is in the UAE’s ambitions of adopting smart technologies and systems. With the government backing companies that are investing in technology, he insists that firms operating in the construction industry must be at the vanguard of change.

“The industry has to focus on becoming more efficient and to deepen its investment in

focusing on strengths Al Ameri says Trojan will continue to focus on its core strengths of residential and commercial construction, while still exploring new avenues and opportunities for business.

October 2018 23

In Profile

implementing technology Al Ameri says BIM is 100% implemented across the company, and that he is continuously looking for new technologies to implement in operations.

technology. To compete, you have to adopt new technology, it is the most effective way to remain in the game. You have to entrust a new generation to run the sector, and at times even the business itself. Traditional companies, especially here in our region, have to learn to adapt or they will quickly run out of opportunities.

“In other regions, the private sector is always trying to guide all those around them. However, in our region, I think it’s the government that is guiding everybody to jump onboard with new technology and smart communication. I think they’re at a very advanced stage, and we’re trying to catch up with them and to get prepared for the future, just as they’re prepared for it.”

To that end, he says Trojan has been very active in the technology sector. The group has invested in developing its own project management and business model software that works at a management level, while in other sectors of the business, the company is

developing its capabilities in robotics, such as in its aluminium and woodwork factories.

“Any new technology that has proven effectiveness within the business will be considered. BIM is already 100% implemented within our company, and across our group. Now we are moving towards looking at what other technologies we can implement, other than what has already been adopted. By putting technology as a platform for our communication, it will ensure frugal spending and make processes faster and more accurate. Cumulatively, this will help us become leaner and more efficient,” he asserts.

Two years ago, speaking to Big Project ME, Al Ameri highlighted the need to give young Emirati engineers the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience, if the industry was serious about Emiratisation and using local talent. Having launched an initiative that would see local universities recommend a select group of engineering students to spend time with Trojan’s

team of in-house engineers and understand how a construction company works, he now reveals that the initiative has been a great success, with several Emirati engineers now working across the company’s different divisions.

“We have a lot of success stories, we have a number of Emirati engineers working with us on-site, on the technical teams, in the procurement division and on the management team. I think it [the initiative] is going well. There’s a lot of acceptance from young Emiratis who work in the private sector, and they’re working very hard to try and compete with others.

“I think the locals here are being educated by very good universities and schools. When they graduate, they already are familiar with the latest technology.

I have a few engineers here, they’ve already studied Revit and BIM in their schools and universities. They are ready to adopt the latest technology, but you have to put them on the right track to continue – they are

ready, prepared and within the standard. I think there’s a huge opportunity for them, the market needs a lot of hires,” he asserts.

With the local industry gearing up for Expo 2020, and several policies and plans in play across the region, Al Ameri reiterates that it is crucial for companies in the industry to continuously look to improve themselves if they are to survive in a rapidly evolving market.

“When business slows, I look to maximise efficiency and how that could improve our situation.

When we experience periods of increased business, I encourage the team to continue to explore new sectors and different business opportunities. We are aware that our market is volatile at times, numerous jobs have disappeared recently, and this trend will continue in the future. The same is true for business, it will disappear in the future, so we have to look at where the new opportunities will come from, what is yet to come and what is the future of the industry,” he concludes.

“If we want to make a meaningful impact in the Saudi market, then we need to start where our strengths lie – that is residential and commercial construction. Only after a successful move into a new market will we look at diversifying into other sectors” 24 October 2018

Site Visit

SETTing THE Standard

Big Project ME visits Al Raid Group’s Al Arami Boulevard mall – Oman’s first destination shopping mall – which aims to set the benchmark for retail development in the sultanate 26 October 2018

Site Visit

October 2018 27

Site Visit

a

ccording to a report released earlier this year by BMI, a unit of Fitch Ratings, the sultanate of Oman is expected to see growth in its economy this year and the next, thanks to a variety of factors, including increased rising oil and gas production boosting exports.

However, another significant factor in its growth is increased investment from the government of Oman in the non-oil sector as it looks to diversify revenues.

Among the chief beneficiaries of this increased investment

are the construction, retail, tourism and hospitality sectors, with the government keen to develop the country as a new destination for international investors, tourists and businesses.

With growing demand in young markets and an increasing interest among residents for new lifestyle experiences, coupled with rising tourism numbers, Oman’s retail sector is seen as a prime candidate for investment by investors and developers both within the country and regionally.

This market confidence is attributed to Oman’s positive economic growth, which is projected to rise to 2.9% this year, from 1.1% in 2017, a report from Colliers International says.

In the GCC, Oman is seen as the fastest growing economy, with tourism a key component

StAtS: total built-up area: 155,427sqm total leasable area: 70,500sqm number of levels: 3 retail stores: 220 Cinema screens: 10+ Parking spaces: 3,000 Food court seats: 1,200

as arrivals are expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 13% between 2018 and 2021, it added.

As a result, retail space investment in Oman has been growing in recent years, with major developers setting up large-scale shopping malls and retail outlets in cities like Muscat, Sohar and Nizwa.

Despite the likes of Majid Al Futtaim entering the retail landscape, local developers still hold sway in the market, and none more so than the Al Raid Group, which is set to launch its latest project, the Al Araimi Boulevard (ABLVD) mall, in Q4 2018.

Located close to Muscat International Airport, the mall – which has a built-up area of 155,427sqm across two levels – aims to reshape the retail

reshaping the landscape Al Araimi Boulevard has been designed to be a destination mall built to the highest international standards and ideals for retail, the first of its kind in Oman.

“The idea was to develop this project so that it’s in line with the new direction of mall building, while at the same time trying to create an offering that’s in line with the future of retail” 28 October 2018

Site Visit

Largest in the sultanate The mall is being described as one of the largest shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destinations on offer in the country, Sheikh Raid says.

landscape of Oman. According to Sheikh Raid Bin Abdullah Al Araimi, vice chairman of the Al Raid Group, the project has been designed to be a destination mall, adhering to current and future international standards and ideals for retail.

“The idea was to develop this project so that it’s in line with the new direction of mall building, while at the same time trying to create an offering that’s in line with the future of retail.

With e-commerce being a very big thing in the market today, shopping malls have become places where people like to come and socialise, have a good dining experience and to spend the day there. It has to be attractive to all segments of society,” he tells Big Project ME during a tour of the project’s construction site.

“We designed and built Al Araimi Boulevard to carry the retail experience to another level, with different technologies being used, focusing a lot on customer service and creating an added value. We aim to ensure that retailers make a great return on their investments – our target is to have these retailers generate the highest returns per square foot. We will do that by attracting a lot of footfall, which will only come when there are excellent entertainment and F&B offerings.”

Billed as one of the largest shopping, entertainment and lifestyle destinations on offer in Oman, Al Araimi Boulevard will combine “cutting-edge technology, design and emerging concepts” to create a world-class, state-of-the-art facility, says Sheikh Raid.

He explains that the mall has been built in a very different way to traditional Omani retail outlets, with the architect’s design ensuring plenty of access to visitors, whether in vehicles or on foot. There are more than 3,000 parking spots available –

1,100 on road level, 1,200 on the mall rooftop and a further 800 around the mall – and several access points, entrances and ramps available to ensure ease of access and flexibility. There are 11 entrances on the lower ground and ground levels, while the rooftop has four main entry points. He adds that a key element of the design was to ensure the flexibility of access at all points, and as part of that process, the project team also developed all the roads outside the mall.

Al Araimi Boulevard will be built across three levels – two

above ground and one below – and will feature landscaping and several public spaces, including the boulevard which gives the mall its name. This open area will feature water features and fountains, along with a stage that will host daily or weekly shows. Furthermore, it will be ringed with food and beverage outlets, including five specially designed restaurant spaces that will operate independently of the mall’s opening hours. The sultanate’s largest food court area will also be housed within the mall.

However, the key feature is the mall’s massive 5,190sqm skylight, which will illuminate the mall through natural lighting during the day. In addition, the glass panels have been specially treated to ensure that while light is let in, heat is reflected back, ensuring that the ambient temperature of the mall stays at a reasonable level.

“This is the largest skylight in Oman. It allows 38% of light to come in. When you have a skylight of this scale illuminating

Ease of access The mall has been designed with more than 3,000 parking spaces and numerous access points, ensuring that visitors have many options available to them, right from the start of their visit.

October 2018 29

Site Visit

Main attraction The boulevard that gives ABLVD its name will be ringed with restaurants and F&B outlets, while also featuring attractions such as a dancing fountain and a stage for entertainment and events.

the place, you have huge savings on electricity,” Sheikh Raid says.

“Especially when it’s been treated in such a way that it doesn’t allow the heat to come in, so that way you save on cooling too.”

Sustainability plays a big part in the design of the mall, he asserts, pointing out that the water used in the mall will be recycled for irrigation of the landscaping, while the materials used for the interiors have been locally sourced.

For example, the flooring is natural Omani marble, which is good for retaining coolness.

Furthermore, the intention was to use new technology on the skylight panels that would help turn it into a solar panel.

However, that didn’t quite come to pass, he reveals.

“There is new technology that allows you to use photovoltaic cells that are transparent. This was the intention initially, to use them as part of the skylight. But due to the size of the skylight and the cutting challenges the factory had with curved glass panels, it wasn’t quite possible to do it on such a large scale. So we’ve decided to use it for the car shading area, where it’s more practical, possible and standardised.”

Despite this hiccup, Sheikh Raid describes the construction process for the mall as relatively 30 October 2018

straightforward, highlighting the coordination and planning undertaken by the developer prior to construction as being key to overall smooth delivery of the project.

“It’s a very straightforward process. We had the design completed, we tendered the project and we looked at the contractors who had the best track record historically, who have delivered huge projects, and their technical qualifications.

The subcontractors who are involved in this project also have to be scrutinised so that

we know that they’re capable of delivering on what they promised.

“When it comes to consultants, we needed to have very strong MEP and structural consultants, as well as a strong project manager. We had all those involved from day one. This really tends to speed up the construction process, because all the specialists are there on board from the start, and they can coordinate with each other quite effectively.”

The contractor tasked with delivering the project is Unique Contracting Company, one of Oman’s oldest, strongest and

Hiring the best Unique Contracting Company, one of Oman’s best and most established contracting firms, has been hired to deliver the project.

best contractors, he asserts.

In addition, Arab Engineering Bureau has been appointed as the project consultant, he adds.

“They have delivered projects on time and ahead of schedule and are very well managed and organised. They deliver top quality always,” he says of Unique Contracting.

This pedigree was important to Sheikh Raid and the ABLVD team, since the main contractor on the project would be responsible for all aspects of construction.

“We signed with the main contractor only, they are responsible in front of the client.

We did not intend to create different packages for different contractors, because that creates a big mess. So the entire contract was provided to the contractor, and because this is a very specialised job, they may have been required to subcontract some parts of it to specialists. But that’s in relation to specialist jobs, such as the skylight, the chilled water system packages and so on.”

Another key aspect of the smooth process was the use of perfect shop drawings from

Site Visit

“The good thing that we do is that we tried to create perfect drawings from day one. All of the subcontractors who were quoting or bidding for these specialised jobs already knew what they had to deliver” the start of construction, he explains. “The good thing that we do is that we tried to create perfect drawings from day one.

All of the drawings produced in AutoCAD are quite detailed, and all of the subcontractors who were quoting or bidding for these specialised jobs already knew what they had to deliver.

Therefore, when you have very strong coordination and you’ve down-listed all your suppliers according to your specifications – which is according to your bill of quantities or your quantity surveyor – then you do not find challenges, because everybody knows exactly

what to do and when to do it.

There’s a very clear schedule of work that’s developed, with very clear timelines.”

With the handover date rapidly approaching, Sheikh Raid is keen to stress that the mall will be delivered on time, as per schedule. As he is quick to point out, there is a perception that Omani construction projects tend to operate on their own time scales and often face delays.

However, he insists that Al Araimi Boulevard will not follow a similar path, highlighting that part of his commitment to building a mall that meets international standards is delivering it on

schedule, so that retailers investing in the mall begin to see results almost straight away.

“One of the challenges that exists in the retail industry is that a mall developer never completes on time. Retailers tend to have the doubt that you’ll be able to complete your project as promised. This has happened in Oman with almost every project that I know of – they announce it, and then it’s delayed. When we mentioned that we’d have our project ready within two years’ time, that we’d open on this date and that the project would be fully completed from a construction perspective, with interiors, fit-

out, lighting, road networks and external landscapes, retailers found it a bit difficult to believe.

“Our main challenge now is trying to have the retailers – all of them – complete their fit-out on time. Many of those who have taken retail units are happy with the progress of the project, and they’ve really started to expedite their work. They’re all on track,” he asserts confidently.

Once up and running, ABLVD will form a key part of the Al Raid Group’s strategy, Sheikh Raid says, explaining that when the strategy was formulated a few years ago, it was developed around building shopping malls in Oman.

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October 2018 31

Site Visit

“Real estate investment is very wide – you have people who invest in hospitality, residential, office, mixed-use projects, logistics, etc. But we decided that we would only concentrate on hospitality and retail, especially retail, and on big shopping malls.

We completed the Strip Mall this year, and we’ll complete Al Araimi Boulevard. We have announced Al Araimi Walk, which is to be completed by 2020. It’s in line with our vision and the strategy that we’ve made. I think it’s a result of our understanding of the market and the economy, and what is lacking.

“I think that this project will set the benchmark for how malls are built. Not just in the offering or by way of design, but if you look at this project, it allows shoppers to have an outdoor experience and an indoor experience. It has huge volumes and it focuses on

common spaces, public spaces for people to come and sit, and not necessarily pay for a product. It focuses on diversified entertainment, from cinemas through to theme parks, through casual dining experiences, which are all done in such a way that you have different offerings at different prices.

“You also have the first outdoor dancing fountains in Oman, with pyrotechnics.

You have an events stage, you have nice external pavilions that overlook the mall and the fountains.”

As the tour draws to a close, Sheikh Raid is also keen to stress that while this mall has been a labour of love for him and the Al Araimi Boulevard project team, completing the project in such a smooth and timely fashion wouldn’t have been possible without the backing and support of the Omani government.

Backing from the top Sheik h Raid says the delivery of ABLVD would not have been possible witho ut the support of the Omani government.

“Our main challenge now is trying to have the retailers – all of them – complete their fit-out on time”

“Frankly, this project has succeeded because of the tremendous support the government provides to serious investors, and we have had no challenge whatsoever in bringing this project to reality [because of that]. If you look at this project, it’s more than 139,000sqm and it’s been built in two years’ time. It’s a very fast pace for a project of this scale.

“If you look at the road network infrastructure, the electric power supply, the telecommunications – every single infrastructure element has been very well coordinated with different authorities to bring this project to reality. The approvals have been extremely fast. Therefore, the success of this project is due in a very big part to the encouragement and the very strong push that we’ve had from different authorities.”

Part of a larger vision Al Araimi Boulevard is part of a larger retail vision for Al Raid Group, with a strip mall already completed this year and a new retail project - Al Araimi Walk - scheduled to be delivered by 2020.

32 October 2018

Inspiring Innovative Leadership

Leaders in Project Management

www.hillintl.com

Immersive Technology

Jesús Sancho

Mixed Reality

Jesús Sancho, Middle East Managing Director for ACCIONA, discusses how immersive technologies are helping build the future of the construction industry Many of the problems found in the construction industry are directly correlated with the inability of field personnel, designers, architects and engineers to truly experience a project before it is built. This creates costly issues, and in many instances work has to be stopped or paused as construction teams stumble upon errors which could not be seen on paper. Some others are related to changes during the construction that weren’t projected and are usually hard to identify. Mixed reality covers several technologies that can help prevent many of these situations.

Mixed reality is the merging of real and virtual worlds to 34 October 2018

produce new environments.

It combines the best of both virtual reality and augmented reality. It is an incredible tool that gives professionals in any industry, but particularly in the construction industry, the chance to immerse themselves and interact with the elements of a project as if they were there, even before building has started.

One of the latest technologies we have used is mixed reality, which is set to be one of the mainstream technologies in the near future. It is closely linked with other emerging exponential technologies like, for example, the Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing and machine learning.

It has been proven that taking advantage of each of these immersive technologies – virtual reality, augmented reality and reality capture – delivers better efficiency, productivity and safety for the company.

The possibilities are endless!

Virtual reality immerses users in a fully artificial digital environment, allowing interaction with imaginary or real worlds created in a computer.

We use this technology to enhance business development, enabling architects and engineers to experiment with different aspects of the design process and decision-making. It allows them to walk through realistic

virtual models of buildings or infrastructures and make all the changes they need, until the design fully matches what they originally had in mind. It is also becoming very important in training, where operators can practise their skills in advance without the need to be present in hostile environments.

Immersive and interactive content can be accessed on a large scale from anywhere.

Augmented reality overlays virtual objects on the realworld environment using a smartphone or a tablet.

People interact with the real world while digital content is added to it. One of the most powerful applications of this

Immersive Technology

immersive experience Reality capture offers an immersive experience that grants the sensation of being physically present in the captured environment.

“It has been proven that taking advantage of each of these immersive technologies delivers better efficiency, productivity and safety”

technology is the possibility to view BIM models overlaid onto the existing world, superimposing step-by-step instructions on work stations and visualising hidden services behind walls. It also helps operators to keep facility management software updated.

Another technology used is reality capture applied to construction. This makes possible the digitisation of a wide range of constructions, buildings and facilities. It offers potential business applications such as monitoring of works, BIM models, as-built plans, space planning, process improvement, prevention, virtual tours and facility management.

Reality capture provides numerous benefits for the construction industry, with immersive virtual tours in real environments offering an immersive experience that grants the sensation of being physically present in the captured environment. What’s more, virtual reality can offer us operating applications with measurements, as well as the generation of plans with absolute speed, the planning of reforms, the improvement of processes, the management of spaces and property, and the maintenance of facilities.

Thanks to mixed reality, it is easy to be involved in all project phases to identify potential

conflicts or required changes at the design stage, rather than during construction when they can be extremely costly. Construction professionals can ‘walk inside’ their projects and have the ability to spot any fault they would not have been able to identify on their laptops.

The Advanced and Digital Innovation Hub of ACCIONA works with all these technologies to take advantage of them in order to benefit the businesses of ACCIONA. The Mixed Reality Skill Centre is always looking for the latest technology and new applications to facilitate works, allowing us to distance ourselves from our competitors and assume a firm commitment to leadership.

October 2018 35

Event Review

The ConsTruCTion summiT 2018

Big Project ME provides a recap of The Construction Summit 2018, a Trimble-hosted event focused on improving the construction process Returning for its fourth edition, Trimble’s The Construction Summit 2018 was held at the Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina on September 18, with hundreds of delegates attending a full-day conference that focused on how BIM and other digital technologies can be adopted as tools to drive change within the construction industry.

With the event bringing together developers, engineers, architects, contractors and other

key stakeholders to discuss how advanced software and hardware is used to optimise each step of the construction process, Oscar Wendel, from the Construction team at Trimble, outlined the aims of the summit.

“Organising the Construction Summit Powered by Trimble was an exciting process over many months that gave me a look behind the scenes of some of the most complex projects in the world with the people and tools that make

them possible. Projects featured included the Museum of the Future, Hyperloop One and the Warner Bros. World. More than 30 speakers spoke at the conference.”

Big Project ME also spoke to Paul Wallett, regional director of Trimble Middle East & India, who was delighted with the level of interest in the event.

“We anticipated that we would get a high level of interest and the summit did not fail to deliver in terms of both growth as well as

senior leadership presentations, with very interesting subjects from the legal aspects, contracts management, to exciting current projects such as the museum of the future and longer-term innovation projects like Hyperloop,” he said.

Wallett added that a number of topics discussed were of importance to the industry, and outlined how the discussions will help shape the way the industry thinks about BIM and technology moving forward.

Featured projects The summit highlighted how BIM was used on several high-profile projects, including the Museum of the Future.

36 October 2018

Event Review

“There certainly were some great questions posed by the moderators, questioning the need for technology, and since the industry is moving at such a fast pace, are we working in a reality or fantasy world? I tend to agree that in the mainstream a lot of these technologies will not be applied straight away, but what they do provide is a disruption to the industry and allow the stakeholders to evaluate whether what we are doing today can be approached in a different way tomorrow. Did we ever imagine having the first ever 3D-printed office building in the world or to be reviewing our designs on a VR headset?”

However, Wallett also pointed out that while the summit showed the level of understanding of BIM within the industry to be quite high, there remained plenty to do.

“For the majority of the attendees, it was apparent that the

“The current level of understanding of BIM is reasonably high. What the industry struggles with is utilising BIM beyond the engineering phase and deeper into execution”

current level of understanding of BIM is reasonably high. What the industry struggles with is utilising BIM beyond the engineering phase and deeper into execution – this was clearly echoed throughout the audience as well as within many of the discussions.

“Our market is fundamentally different in relation to Europe and the United States, where cost of labour out on the job-site is expensive compared to the relatively cheaper availability here. However, it did seem that this business model was being re-evaluated as not being best practice, and that it is now time to take a serious look at technology that can help link the office to the field and utilise the masses of data that we are collecting.”

Wallett added that the industry would soon realise how to best use technology, and reiterated that it was essential to continue evolving.

“Simply put, it is about connecting the dots and building work processes that allow the flow of data from the early phase of engineering to execution. It was recognised by several panellists – when asked this very same question – that we have an abundance of technology available already. In addition, the industry is moving at a hugely accelerated pace that is hard to keep up. Advanced technology is available at each key stage of construction, and contractors have to take the lead in deploying these tools in order to take advantage of what we have today.

“We had a couple of fantastic case studies that were presented in particular, showing how they had utilised innovative solutions that helped them overcome significant engineering challenges.

I would hope to see more showcase presentations next year telling more success stories.”

Intelligent effort In 1819 John Ruskin, a prominent English thinker, said:

“

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort... When you pay too much, you lose a little money, that's all. When you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought was incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do.

Here at Balmoral Tanks we relate to this fully. The range of quality installations spanning the Americas, Europe, Middle and Far East is evidence of a growing portfolio of discerning customers that also concur.

Member

Eurocode compliant designs

Stand 3/B139

Balmoral Tanks QUALITY | RELIABILITY | DELIVERY | SINCE 1980

www.balmoraltanks.com

October 2018 37

Event Review

2018 Value engineering Summit

Professionals working in the built environment gathered to discuss how value engineering can improve efficiency and performance in the industry Big Project Middle East and Middle East Consultant hosted the 2018 Value Engineering Summit on September 5 at the Habtoor Grand Hotel in Dubai.

The inaugural event examined how value engineering is being used in the construction industry, and sought to explore ways to 38 October 2018

further improve efficiency in construction, without having a negative impact on the overall quality and intent of a project.

The summit was attended by over 180 delegates from the region’s top consultants, contractors, developers and government agencies. The event

was chaired by Sameer Daoud, CEO of MECIC Contracting, who set the tone of the summit with a brief presentation, following which Dr Rashid Alleem, chairman of the Sharjah Electricity & Water Authority (SEWA), addressed the delegates with an engaging and insightful keynote speech.

Anchored by three key panel discussions – Value Engineering in Buildings, Value Engineering in Infrastructure Projects, and VE and Technology – the conference’s agenda was rounded off by two presentations, one of which was a CPD workshop. The full list of panellists and presenters, as

Event Review

well as information about the summit, can be found on www. valueengineeringsummit.com.

In addition, videos of the panel discussions can be found on the summit website as well as www. meconstructionnews.com.

Commenting on the event, Raz Islam, publishing director at CPI Trade, said, “Through its construction-focused publications

and associated events, CPI Trade looks to bring trends and critical issues in the regional construction industry to the forefront. Value engineering is certainly a polarising topic, but as we’ve seen in various case studies and discussions at the summit, when carried out properly it can have a considerable positive impact on the overall project

and a client’s bottom line. The feedback we’ve received on this, our first efficiency in construction event, has been very positive, and we look forward to hosting a follow-up event in 2019.”

The 2018 Value Engineering Summit was sponsored by Autodesk, LACASA, Pace, CCS, CKR Consulting Engineers, Trimble, CIOB and RICS,

and endorsed by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority.

“I’d like to thank all of the participants and delegates for attending the event and helping to make it a success. I’d also like to extend special thanks to our valued sponsors for their ongoing support, without which hosting events such as this would not be possible,” Islam concluded.

Thanks to all our sponsors

October 2018 39

Time&money

Helping you make the smartest decisions

Securing your investment Choosing the right waterproofing solution can ensure that a project is secure for the rest of its lifetime.

Protection from the Ground uP

With more than 25 years and 65 million square metres of proven success, GCP Applied Technologies provides advice in selecting a below-ground waterproofing solution

Water migration and gas buildup can cause grave and costly problems for below-ground construction. Specifying the right waterproofing solution can reduce costs and project timelines and provide a future of long-lasting results.

Choose the right solution and all parties involved in the project, from the architects, contractors and engineers to the investors and property owners, can have peace of mind that their investment is protected for the service life of the structure. Choose the wrong solution and the consequences can be costly, with time lost and increased costs. Therefore, making the right decision in the planning stage is key, and as such, here are five must-have features to look for:

40 October 2018

1. Proven track record

It is important to remember that not all below-ground waterproofing systems are the same. Always look for a waterproofing solution that has been tried and tested with proven results in conditions similar to your project. At GCP Applied Technologies, the PREPRUFE® waterproofing system with AdvAnCEd Bond TEChnoLoGyTM was the first adhesively bonded, pre-applied below-ground waterproofing system proven to protect infrastructure from water ingress, corrosive soil, gas and moisture for the service life of the structure.

It is designed to aggressively adhere directly and intimately to concrete, providing an integral

protective seal between the waterproofing membrane and structure. The continuous layer of waterproofing adhesive remains flexible for crack bridging as the concrete hardens. What’s more, the patented surface coating is smooth and non-clogging to resist dirt and contaminants and can withstand up to eight weeks of Uv exposure on-site.

To date, over 65 million sqm of PREPRUFE® waterproofing membrane has been applied worldwide to protect commercial and government buildings, railways, airports, stadiums, industrial plants, hospitals and tunnels in more than 75 countries.

The PREPRUFE® waterproofing solution has an unparalleled track record of over 25 years.

2. Easy, quick and costeffective application

Many below-ground waterproofing systems require layers such as a fleece-like interface mechanically attached between the membrane and concrete, tapes and sealants or heat-welded joints. These systems can be complex to apply in confined basement spaces, often requiring primers, heat, power, special equipment and numerous ancillary products. This is not only time-consuming but also extremely costly, while increasing the chance of errors or delays.

To avoid this, GCP’s PREPRUFE® Plus system features a unique ZipLapTM technology which provides double self-adhesive laps and liners applied using a wide fast kick-out roll. Unlike

For further information, please contact: +971 4 232 99 01 info-ae@gcpat.com www.gcpat.com

other waterproofing systems, GCP’s system only requires two operators to apply it, saving labour and machinery costs. The smooth patented coating resists surface dirt and contamination. The system includes PREPRUFE® Tape for detailing – this is a single layer of reinforced pressure-sensitive adhesive tape to protect corners and details, so that no back taping or priming is necessary.

The PREPRUFE® Plus waterproofing membrane is a tough but flexible hdPE geo-membrane that adheres easily to complex details to form a watertight seal, cures fast for immediate traffic, is easy to clean after rebar and resists more than 70m water pressure.

The system’s ZipLapTM technology provides reliable protection with double adhesive laps designed to simply peel back for fast installation. PREPRUFE® Plus waterproofing membrane with ZipLapTM technology means time, labour and costs are reduced, as no equipment, primers, heat or power are required for application.

“Choose the right solution and all parties involved in the project, from the architects, contractors and engineers to the investors and property owners, can have peace of mind that their investment is protected for the service life of the structure”

3. Versatile for use in different markets and industries

If you’re seeking a waterproofing solution that will equally perform in a range of climatic conditions, the PREPRUFE® Plus system will also meet this criterion.

Thanks to its AdvAnCEd Bond TEChnoLoGyTM, the system can be applied in extremely hot, cold, dry and wet, snowy and dusty climates and conditions. GCP designed the waterproofing solution to suit projects large and small around the world, in wide-open areas as well as confined urban spaces.

4. Added benefit: waterproofing and gas resistance in one

Water isn’t the only natural element posing a threat to below-ground structures. odourless and invisible,

Versatile use The PREPRUFE Plus system can perform in a range of climatic conditions.

but very much a hazard, ground gases present serious challenges for underground construction projects too. Toxic, asphyxiating or explosive gases such as radon, carbon dioxide and methane may be present in the ground naturally or from contamination, and a build-up of gases can have dangerous implications.

To avoid the need to weld laps or design and install a separate gas resistance system, the PREPRUFE® Plus system combines waterproofing and gas resistance in one easy and fast application.

The PREPRUFE® Plus system may be better known globally for its waterproofing performance, but independent testing carried out by Kiwa Gmbh TBU has proven the system satisfies the British Standards Institute’s stricter BS 8485:2015 guidelines for gas resistance. With operations in 193 countries, BSI standards are widely respected by the construction industry around the world. Many below-ground waterproofing technologies require on-site welding in order to comply with the BS 8485:2015

requirements of methane and carbon dioxide resistance.

Unlike any other product currently on the market, the PREPRUFE® Plus membrane is unique with its ZipLapTM adhesiveto-adhesive technology that seals laps completely, removing the need for on-site welding, and is quick and easy to apply. This means engineers and architects can specify the PREPRUFE® Plus membrane to waterproof belowground structures with the added benefit and peace of mind that they are complying with the BSI’s stricter gas resistance guidelines, without changing their design to add ventilation or welding.

GCP’s PREPRUFE® Plus waterproofing system is recognised by Qualiconsult, Avis d’Expert AFTES ToS 199, and Avis Technique déliveré par le CSTB, and is certified by BBA Approval Inspection Testing.

5. Leading technology with expertise on hand

GCP is a leading global provider of construction products technologies that include a range of highperformance waterproofing products, additives for cement and concrete, the vERIFI® in-transit concrete management system, and speciality systems. our global team of technical experts are committed to helping projects run smoothly from start to finish.

Knowledge of best practices and extensive in-situ experience help us to solve known challenges, as well as those unexpected, to keep timelines and budgets on track.

The choice is yours

If you’re looking to protect below-ground construction from water ingress and dangerous gas build-up, and you want easy and fast application and peace of mind, then the PREPRUFE® Plus system is the smart choice.

October 2018 41

Show Preview

CitysCape Global 2018

Developers and architects work to create happy communities in the region that have a positive impact on residents’ lives

Developing happiness The Cityscape Conference returns on 1 October under the theme: “Stepping into the urban future: Happiness, innovation and technology”.

Spurred on by the UAE’s goals for happiness, the real estate and construction industry has seen a shift in recent years as developers, architects and real estate professionals implement a means to positively impact people’s lives.

Echoing numerous Dubai government initiatives, the organisers of Cityscape Global have set happiness as the overarching theme for the three-day exhibition, which returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 2-4 October, and at the Cityscape Conference on 1 October at the InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

Tom Rhodes, Exhibition Director for the region’s largest real estate development and investment show, said the UAE’s actions have catalysed government agencies’ and local developers’ efforts to focus on the overriding wellbeing of residents.

He said: “Since the inception of the nation’s happiness initiative in early 2016, we’ve seen a definitive trend of government bodies introducing similar concepts to drive the UAE’s goals for nurturing a happy, healthy population. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Real Estate Regulatory Agency have been no different and 42 October 2018

spurred on a range of masterdeveloped communities, projects and designs aimed at creating happiness for residents, both in the projects themselves as well as the services provided.

“Local exhibitors have embraced these initiatives, with the likes of Bloom Holding, Binghatti, Damac, Dubai Holding, Mag Lifestyle Development, Meraas and Majid Al Futtaim all striving to create environments which nurture wellbeing.”

Muhammad Binghatti, CEO & Head of Architecture at Binghatti Holding, said: “According to a survey conducted

by ServiceMarket, Dubai Silicon Oasis is among the three happiest areas in Dubai.

“We are proud to be the main developer in this area and we are working on contributing to the happiness of other communities such as Business Bay through different projects, including Millennium Binghatti Residences that offers a luxurious lifestyle that ensures happiness and comfort.

“We are proud to champion the UAE’s vision to always aim for number one in all aspects of life. We positively embrace challenges and overcome them

on a continuous basis, and this has been the leading force behind Binghatti’s vast contribution in adding value to the UAE economy and people’s lives and happiness.”

Speaking ahead of his presentation on 1 October, Sean Tompkins, Global CEO, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said the ultimate reward from the fourth Industrial Revolution should be happiness.

“Happiness in a real estate community is essentially creating a place where people want to be; somewhere that makes a positive difference to people’s everyday lives. A community where residents feel a sense of unity with collaborative initiatives at the forefront. It is driven by transparency, active management and involvement in how the community evolves and functions.

“This is achieved by providing improved standards of living, enhanced safety and security, with the wellbeing of residents central to all community planning. We are seeing more collaboration between planners, developers and end users in the creation of urban areas that are centred on wellbeing and sustainable living.”

Hosted at the InterContinental

Hotel Dubai Festival City, the Cityscape Conference theme is “Stepping into the urban future: Happiness, innovation and technology”, and it will include a number of keynote talks and panel discussions on wellness and happiness.

Cityscape Global returns with support from Foundation Partners Dubai Holding and Nakheel; Platinum Sponsors Al Marjan Island, Binghatti Developers and Elitzam Asset Management; Silver Partner Tamleek Real Estate; and Strategic Partner Dubai Land Department.

The Cityscape Conference will return with support from Platinum Sponsors Al Marjan Island and Arton Capital; Gold Sponsors ADCB, Amlak, Colliers International, C. Savva & Associates, Kohler and Masterkey; Silver Sponsors Altus and Mott MacDonald; and Supporting Partners The International Well Building Institute and Oxford Business Group.

The largest real estate investment and development event will return to Dubai World Trade Centre from 2-4 October 2018.

For more information, visit: www.cityscapeglobal.com

The Big Project ME Awards has become an important annual event to attend. Over the years, we have witnessed the efforts from the organiser to promote the best projects in the region and recognise the efforts and achievements of the contractors. I wish that the event will become even more successful!

YU TAO

PRESIDENT & CEO CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION (MIDDLE EAST) (L.L.C.)

26 November 2018 Double Tree Hilton JBR Dubai, United Arab Emirates bigprojectmeawards.com

Tenders

Top tenders Mubarak al kabeer (boubyan) Seaport project budget $1,000,000,000 project number WPR3598-K territory Kuwait client Ministry of Public Works (Kuwait) address Ministry of Public Works Bldg, 3rd Floor, 6th Ring Road city Safat 13001 postal/Zip code 8 phone (+965-2) 538 5520 Fax (+965-2) 538 5219 email ahsaleh@mpw.gov.kw Description Construction of a seaport period 2020 Status New Tender project Manager Project Management & Development Consultants – PMDC (Dubai) tender categories Marine Engg Works & Seaports tender products Seaports

44 October 2018

al MaMSha MixeD-uSe project budget $817,000,000 project number MPP2708-U territory United Arab Emirates client Alef Group (Sharjah) address Al Qasba, al Taawun Road, city Sharjah postal/Zip code 998 phone (+971-6) 593 3314 Fax (+971-6) 593 3399 email info@alefgroup.ae Website www.alefgroup.ae Description Construction of a mixeduse community with related facilities period 2021 Status Current Project Main contractor Al Hamad Building Contracting Company (Sharjah) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Mixed-use Developments, Residential Buildings

jabal oMar DevelopMent project (phaSe 7) budget $200,000,000 project number WPR3649-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Jabal Omar Development Company (Saudi Arabia) city Makkah postal/Zip code 56968 phone (+966-12) 547 8888 Fax (+966-12) 547 9998 Website www.jabalomar.com.sa Description Construction of a 7-star hotel tower, a prayer area and two 5-star residential towers period 2020 Status New Tender tender categories Hotels, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Hotel Construction, Residential Buildings

project number MPP3189-U territory United Arab Emirates client Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) address Next to Hilton Hotel, End of Corniche Road city Abu Dhabi postal/Zip code 898 phone (+971-2) 707 0000 Fax (+971-2) 602 3389 email info@adnoc.com Website www.adnoc.ae Description Construction of a new greenfield crude receiving facility Status New Tender tender categories Oilfields & Refineries tender products Crude Transportation/Storage and Distribution

WaSte Water treatMent plantS project – jeDDah neW cruDe receiving Facility project – ruWaiS budget $200,000,000

budget $100,000,000 project number WPR3662-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Saudi Bio-Acids Company (Saudi Arabia) address Eshbelia Business Centre, 2nd Floor, 206 Waley Al-Ahd Street city Jeddah 21474 postal/Zip code 16662 phone (+966-92) 000 1466 Ext. 101 Fax (+966-92) 000 1466 Ext. 150 email contact@bioacids.com Website www.bioacids.com Description Design and build full turnkey waste water treatment plants for a new greenfield factory period 2020 Status Current Project tender categories Industrial & Special Projects tender products Waste Water Network & Treatment Plants

PROJECT INTELLIGENCE, TENDERS & SUPPLY CONTRaCTS IN ThE MIDDLE EaST

MiddleEastTenders.com is used by:

Contractors & Sub-Contractors Consultants, Design, FEED & EPC Companies Manufacturers, Suppliers & Traders Service Providers, Insurance & Banking Sectors Recruitment, Logistics & Facilities Management and many more...

MiddleEast Tenders provides a comprehensive, up-to-date information related to projects across the Middle East region.

Easy Search for new & ongoing projects by country, location, client and category.

Get the initial information as and when the projects announced.

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Tenders

Middle East tenders UAE traM netWork project – Sharjah WaterFront city budget $75,000,000 project number WPR3670-U territory United Arab Emirates client Sharjah Oasis Real Estate (Sharjah) address Al Hamriyah city Sharjah postal/Zip code 39459 phone (+971-6) 575 1075 Fax (+971-6) 575 1076 email marketing@sharjahoasis.com Website www.sharjahoasis.com Description Construction of a tram network period 2020 Status New Tender Design consultant WSP Middle East (Dubai) tender categories Public Transportation Projects tender products Metro, Railways

hotel consisting of 100 rooms period 2020 Status New Tender Master plan consultant TACA (Turkey) tender categories Hotels tender products Hotel Construction

Design consultant MAK Engineering Consultancy LLC (Dubai) project Manager Faithful & Gould (Dubai) tender categories Prestige Buildings tender products High-rise Towers

Saudi Arabia viDa al QaSba hotel project budget $60,000,000 project number WPR3605-U territory United Arab Emirates client Sharjah Investment & Development Authority (Shurooq) city Sharjah postal/Zip code 867 phone (+971-6) 556 0777 Fax (+971-6) 556 0444 email info@shurooq.gov.ae Website www.shurooq.gov.ae Description Construction of a 3-star

46 October 2018

a ground floor and 35 floors period 2020 Status New Tender Main consultant Zaki Farsi Group (Saudi Arabia) tender categories Prestige Buildings tender products High-rise Towers, Residential Buildings

reSiDential builDing project – buSineSS bay

FarSi eight toWerS project – jeDDah

laMina toWer project – jeDDah

budget $50,000,000 project number WPR3634-U territory United Arab Emirates client Private Investor (Dubai) city Dubai Description Construction of a 29-storey residential building comprising a basement level, a ground floor and 28 additional floors period 2020 Status New Tender

budget $60,000,000 project number WPR3668-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Zaki Farsi Group (Saudi Arabia) city Jeddah phone (+966-12) 653 4385 Fax (+966-12) 651 1039 email info@zakifarsigroup.com Website www.zakifarsigroup.com Description Construction of 2 residential towers, each comprising

budget $35,000,000 project number WPR3664-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Hajaj & Associates (Saudi Arabia) address 4th Floor Bougainvillea Centre, King Abdulaziz Road city Jeddah 21412 postal/Zip code 4579 phone (+966-12) 612 6277 email enquiry@hajaj.com

Tenders

Website www. hajaj.com Description Construction of an ultraluxury tower comprising 30 floors period 2021 Status Current Project project Manager Midrar Development Management Company (Saudi Arabia) Main contractor United Constructors Contracting Company Ltd (Saudi Arabia) tender categories Prestige Buildings tender products Commercial Buildings, High-rise Towers, Residential Buildings

al narjiS hoSpital project – riyaDh budget $82,000,000 project number WPR3627-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Saudi Real Estate Company – Al Akaria (Saudi Arabia) city Riyadh postal/Zip code 3572 phone (+966-11) 460 0000 Fax (+966-11) 460 1234 email info@al-akaria.com Website www.al-akaria.com Description Construction of a 300-bed hospital period 2022 Status New Tender project Manager Hanmi International KSA LLC (Saudi Arabia) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Medical & Healthcare tender products Hospital Construction

project number WPR3620-O territory Oman client Minor International Plc (Thailand) address Berli Jucker House 99, Soi Rubia, Sukhumvit 42 Road, Kwaeng Phrakanong, Khet Klongtoey city Bangkok country Thailand phone (+662) 365 7500 Website www.minorinternational.com Description Construction of a hotel building period 2020 Status New Tender visualization & animation consultant Lifang Vision Technology Company (China) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels tender products Hotel Construction

roDina builDing project – al aMrat project number WPR3631-O

territory Oman client WUJHA Real Estate Developers (Oman) address Office No: 11, Building No: 2870, Way No:2333, Madinat Al-Sultan Qaboos city PC 133 Al Khuwair, Muscat postal/Zip code 407 phone (+968-9) 557 8849 / 800 33666 Fax (+968-9) 519 1965 email info@wujha.com Website https://wujha.com Description Construction of a mid-rise building comprising a basement level, a ground floor, seven additional floors and a penthouse budget $25,000,000 period 2019 Status Current Project Main contractor Safa Al Bunian LLC (Oman) tender categories Construction & Contracting tender products Commercial Buildings, Residential Buildings

Bahrain alba port upgraDe WorkS project budget $15,000,000 project number WPR3592-B territory Bahrain client Aluminium Bahrain (ALBA) address Aluminium Bahrain Bldg, King Hamad Highway, Askar Industrial Area city Manama postal/Zip code 570 phone (+973) 1783 0000 Fax (+973) 1783 0083 email alba@alba.com.bh Website www.albasmelter.com Description Upgrade and expansion of an existing industrial port of Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA) period 2020 Status Current Project Main contractor Fata Group (Italy) tender categories Marine Engg Works & Seaports tender products Seaports

Oman avani MuScat hotel project – Seeb budget $50,000,000

October 2018 47

Last Word

A Matter of Ethics

Fabrizio Nicoli, commercial director of the Middle East branch of FILA, discusses the importance of an ethical supply chain

As an expert in surface protection, FILA manufactures chemicals to protect, deep clean and maintain stone surfaces and tiles. More than once we have been contacted by customers with unsightly coloured stains on their floors in food areas, because they had been advised to protect the surface with a water-repellent solution only, with no additional anti-stain protection.

This bad advice had caused real damage to the surface and is typical of companies with low ethics.

It is perfectly understandable to wish to be sure the products you are purchasing are effective and work as advertised, and there are many ways to verify the company you are dealing with.

Reliable companies have international certifications to testify their expertise.

ISO certifications are the best-known, but there are also independent institutes that can attest to the quality of specific product attributes.

48 October 2018

For instance, in the case of surface protection, the company should be able to provide certificates for UV resistance, to ensure that the surface will not change colour due to prolonged exposure to sunlight; and for the non-alteration of the gloss of the surface or its friction value, as if the friction value of a surface is modified, it can have serious consequences in terms of safety. For restaurants and kitchens, products should be properly attested as food-safe.

A LEED and green certification is also essential today, to ensure the local green building requirements are met. Using a waterbased product rather than a solvent-based one does not mean you gain credits for the green building ratings; only a proper LEED certification does. Asking your supplier for official certificates and guarantees is a sure way to sort out trustworthy companies from unsafe ones.

Another way of making sure your supplier is

“Asking your supplier for official certificates and guarantees is a sure way to sort out trustworthy companies from unsafe ones� ethical is the customer service and advice it offers.

When it comes to surface protection, the supplier should be able to carry out tests, with its products, on samples of the surface that needs to be protected.

Reliable companies are able to check the durability of their products in their laboratories by simulating different weather conditions and accelerating the aging

of samples. You can also ask for the tests to be certified by an independent organisation. Once the tests have been done, you can see for yourself if the products will have the desired effect.

Whenever possible, ask for a sample or test, to check the quality and effectiveness of what you are purchasing.

Another dependable element to make sure a supplier is trustworthy is its previous clients. Most very large projects take the time needed to compare different suppliers and only select the very best.

This means asking a supplier for project references can be very telling in terms of how wellevaluated and trusted that company is. You could even visit the location and check the durability of the products for yourself, or ask for the name of the company that purchased the products and contact it to see how satisfied it is with the products.

Last but not least, the ethics of a supplier are also testified by its consistent

online presence. If you can easily access product pages and technical and safety sheets from the website, you have a complete idea of the characteristics of a product. This transparency goes hand in hand with easy access to technical assistance.

Complete, effective and quick customer service means a supplier is available through traditional emails and phone calls, but also supplies video tutorials and blog posts and uses social media and instant messaging as a way to be available for customers in a more direct way, while proving its trustworthiness and professionalism.

Moreover, it is good practice for a supplier to show international case histories so that customers can see the actual results and know what to expect.

In short, there is much tangible, factual information available to verify the ethics of a company when considering the purchase of products or services.

All-Steel casing Extra-long tread life Outstanding cut and puncture resistance Extra mileage Designed for hard and rocky surfaces