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The region’s top talent, companies and projects shone bright at the MEC Awards 2020
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Contents | 01
16
February 2021 Issue 077
Cover Story
The Big Winners!
Middle East Consultant recognises the region’s top personalities, projects and consultancies at its annual awards ceremony Opinion
The Evolution of Real Estate in 2021 SAY Studio’s Matthew Sexton says the construction industry could turn crisis into opportunity and should now focus on people-centric solutions and meeting sustainability criteria
32 Interview
12 meconstructionnews.com
Reimagining Waste
MEC speaks to Ruchin Garg, regional manager - Middle East & Africa at CDE, about the company’s quarter-century journey, commitment to sustainability and a circular economy, and their projects in the region February 2021
02 | Contents
36
Opinion
Pandemic-Proof Cities Parsons’ Hamid Iravani says that cities should not be the same post-COVID-19 and that the time is now to make positive and sustainable changes to the built environment
14 Profile
Kayleigh Pullinger
Jason Saundalkar talks to Kayleigh Pullinger, project manager at Compass Project Consulting, about her influences, career and gender diversity in the construction industry Last Word
Sustainable Construction The Al Muqarram Group’s Safdar Badami reckons new technology will support existing trends of reducing the overall impact of buildings on human health and the environment
8
40
Update
News
HAIF appoints Khatib & Alami as lead designer for healthcare project in Riyadh; DEWA unveils plans to invest over $23bn into energy and water sector; New data transformation initiative to benefit retailers and customers says Nakheel Malls; Hloov joins Digital Twin Consortium February 2021
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Full Steam Ahead! We did it! The sixth edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards (MEC Awards) took place on January 20 and is now one for the history books. Dozens of companies, individuals and projects were recognised, while 25 walked away with a trophy that, I hope, will serve as a testament to what can be achieved in a seriously challenging year. On behalf of the team at Middle East Consultant, I’d like to offer my thanks and congratulations to everyone that nominated, was shortlisted and claimed a trophy. Since the event adhered to all DTCM COVID-19 safety protocols, the MEC Awards 2020 ran differently to years past. However, I couldn’t be happier, as the event not only went ahead with 180 professionals in attendance but it also received the second highest number of nominations in its six-year history (174!), whilst a new record was set for project nominations (22). The panel of judges and I also thought the overall quality of nominations improved this year, though there’s still room for improvement – remember, the quality of the submission (presentation, structure etc) is almost as important as what you submit. With 2020 now firmly in the rear view, I’m focused on MEC’s roster of events for 2021. Virtual and - unless the rules regarding business events change drastically – physical February 2021
events are on the agenda, with the first virtual event scheduled to kickoff on March 15. The Future of Architecture Summit is a new addition to Middle East Consultant’s event calendar and as the name suggests, we will be focusing on how building design and interior fit-out will change in a post pandemic, sustainability focused world. I’ve already kicked off topic discussions but if you’ve got ideas or would like to get involved, please do drop me a note on jason.s@cpitrademedia.com. Apart from this, we will of course be continuing our focus on diversity and inclusion in the built environment, with our next Women in Construction (WIC) event. As last year’s WIC event was a virtual one, I’m keen for the next event to be live. That said, I suspect we will only be able to make a call on this closer to the time, as local COVID-19 rules and regulations are currently changing. On that note, I’d like to ask everyone to continue protecting themselves against COVID-19. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, it is vital that you continue wearing masks (over your nose and mouth), observe social distancing and sanitise your hands regularly. These steps are critical to protecting yourself and others. Until next time, stay safe.
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8 | On Topic
Healthcare
HAIF appoints Khatib & Alami as lead designer for healthcare project in Riyadh
Infrastructure
01
DEWA unveils plans to invest over $23bn into energy and water sector
Saudi-based HAIF Development Company has appointed Khatib & Alami (K&A) as lead designer for its first healthcare project. The 300-bed hospital is to be built in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to a statement from the international multi-discipline consultancy, the new facility will provide a variety of healthcare and diagnostics services. The firm said the project will also support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which outlined the improvement of healthcare services and facilities in the Kingdom, through the participation of the private sector. The project will be designed by K&A according to international healthcare standards, and will meet LEED best practice sustainability requirements, the statement from K&A explained. “We are pleased to appoint Khatib & Alami for this important project, our first in the healthcare sector. Our aim is to create a new landmark in the heart of Riyadh, which will be ideally located to deliver world-class healthcare services to the local community,” explained Eng Abudulah Al Shamsan, general manager of HAIF Development Company. The statement pointed out that, subject to authority approvals, the design phase will be completed in December 2021.
02 DEWA’s current infrastructure is valued at $49.5bn, with the utility company pledging to invest an additional $23bn over the next five years.
February 2021
01 The new 300-bed hospital project will take shape in Riyadh, and will support the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Plans to invest as much as $23.4bn into the energy and water sector over the next five years have been announced by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). The authority says the investment aligns with its goals to develop world-class infrastructure in Dubai and notes it is supported by assets worth over $49.5bn. According to a statement from DEWA, the authority has 43 multi-stage flash (MSF) water desalination units with a total production capacity of 445m imperial gallons per day
02
meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 9
(MIGD) at the D, E, G, K, L, and M-Stations. It also has a sea water reverse osmosis (SWRO) plant with a production capacity of 25 MIGD. DEWA’s total production capacity of desalinated water is 470 MIGD. Commenting on the SWRO projects, DEWA noted that it aims to boost its production capacity to 305 MIGD by 2030, reaching 41% instead of its current share of 5%. Desalinated water production capacity will reach 750 MIGD in 2030. SWRO desalination units require less energy than MSF, DEWA stated. The organisation said that the Jebel Ali K-Station uses this technology, and said it has a production capacity of 40 MIGD and is scheduled for operation in the first quarter. The project is being developed at a cost of $244m. The water desalination units are located at the Jebel Ali Power Plant and Desalination Complex, which is one of the main pillars that provides Dubai with reliable, efficient, and high-quality electricity and water services, DEWA explained.
03 03 The data transformation initiative will study retail habits, purchases and experiences of over 90m customers.
Digital Transformation
New data transformation initiative to benefit retailers and customers says Nakheel Malls Nakheel Malls has launched a data transformation initiative as part of its wider customer-centric strategy. The initiative aims to provide benefits to retailers and customers across its assets, and is said to leverage machine learning algorithms and AI-enabled data products. meconstructionnews.com
The fully governed, advanced platform provides key insights to more than 3,000 tenants by studying retail habits, purchases and experiences of over 90m customers, Nakheel Malls explained. It also said that the technology includes a state-of-the-art data lake that is constructed from a unique governance system. The fiveyear project aims to introduce retailers to new solutions to deliver tangible financial value, generate insights and support on building a solid data infrastructure for the entity, the firm noted. “In today’s digital era, it is more critical than ever before to provide relevant data analytics to assist retailers and enhance our offerings to consumers. We are proud to partner with Artefact in this digital transformation project and to embark on a realistic, empathic journey that will enable us to further understand our customers’ needs and provide our retail partners with in-depth analytics to support their business growth,” said Omar Khoory, chief Hospitality and Assets officer at Nakheel Malls. As part of its digital growth strategy, Nakheel Malls recently introduced dragonmart. ae, an e-commerce platform that provides shoppers the ability to sort and discover over 35,000 products found at Dragon Mart across 11 high-level categories within the comfort of their homes, the statement said. February 2021
10 | On Topic
04
04 Hloov says digital twins represent an excellent opportunity for project stakeholders to improve productivity, reduce waste and lower cost.
Residential
Partnership
Hloov joins Digital Twin Consortium Hloov has become the first regional member of the Digital Twin Consortium. Through its collaboration with the Digital Twin authority and its international members, Hloov says it will enable regional construction stakeholders to leverage technology and processes to better design, build and manage carbon-neutral projects. “Digital twins provides an excellent opportunity for project stakeholders to simulate, monitor, and optimise time, cost, and quality KPIs of the infrastructure asset lifecycle, resulting in improved productivity, reduced waste, lower cost, and increased reliability and availability. Hloov is committed to helping clients to accelerate their journey of digital transformation and digital twins,” said Suhail Arfath, director – Digital Transformation & Innovation at Hloov. “We are excited about Hloov becoming a member of Digital Twin Consortium,” noted Dr. Richard Soley, executive director of the Digital Twin Consortium. “Their knowledge of the Engineering and Construction (E&C) Sector is a great asset for our membership as we work to advance the use of digital twins in the market.” February 2021
Arada announces new 4,000unit residential community in New Sharjah Developer Arada has announced a new 19m sqft project that features 4,000 villas and townhouses split across eight gated districts. Masaar is expected to have a sales value of $2.17bn and will take shape in the Al Juwaiza’a district of New Sharjah. According to a statement, construction on Masaar will begin in Q2 of 2021, with the first homes scheduled for handover in the first quarter of 2023. Masaar (‘path’ in Arabic) is said to have been designed to enable its residents to transform their lives by encouraging healthy living in harmony with nature.
“Masaar offers a path to the ultimate lifestyle transformation, and is a major addition to Sharjah’s residential landscape. It is a serene, exclusive and forested environment that offers all the comforts of a modern urban district, giving you the best of both worlds,” said Arada chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi. One of Masaar’s main attractions will be a five-kilometre looped and continuous twolane cycling track that will be able to cater to leisure riders as well as professionals. Residents and visitors from outside the community will be able to ride through lush woodlands, with resting spots and healthy cafes located adjacent to the track, Al Qasimi stated. Vice chairman Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal added, “Masaar has been designed to make its residents happier and healthier, while at the same time providing substantial benefits for the environment. The abundance of green space, and an active lifestyle will also help to reduce the stresses of urban life, especially at a time when the importance of safety and security has never been higher. We believe that by uniting people with nature, this community will set a new standard for living in the UAE.”
05 Masaar will spread over 19m sqft and will feature 4,000 villas and townhouses across eight gated districts.
05
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12 | On Topic
01 Matthew Sexton is managing director at SAY Studio.
01
February 2021
Matthew Sexton “The industry could benefit from turning this crisis into an opportunity to do things differently. The focus now needs to be turned towards people-centric solutions and meeting sustainability criteria” The primary trends we saw as a design firm, in Q4 of 2020’s tenders, were a dramatic increase in mixed-use developments, as well as large-scale, sustainability-focused, refurbishment projects across the hospitality industry. A minor, but entirely new, trend was the emergence of biochemical tenders, primarily within Dubai. For the most part, construction remained on-site in the UAE during the pandemic. That said, we experienced delays, mainly due to reductions in site capacity, in line with social distancing guidelines. According to GlobalData’s report on the UAE construction sector, the reported drop to 1.9% last year was comparatively low compared to other markets in the GCC where work ceased altogether. The industry as a whole is expected to recover to 3.8% this year, with sectors such as transport and tourism set to lead the way, which we have definitely started seeing already. Overall, I’d say tourism is on the up, but targeted at a medium to longstay, working client base. Overall, industry players have made leaps and bounds in the solving of issues that
had become entrenched in the construction sector, in order to recover quickly. Speeding up the use of technologies such as BIM, drones and virtual reality to reduce waste from processes was a huge leap forward. The recent approval of a new Dubai Building Code is also a positive development; the new code outlines a revised set of construction rules and standards, and seeks to reduce construction costs by streamlining building regulations. The pandemic, whilst certainly a severe impediment to overall growth for the region, saw investment priorities move into some sectors over others. In 2021, we see the medium to longer-term government investment to be focused on upgrading physical infrastructure and reforming the financing and regulatory environment to stimulate growth across the construction sector, in time for EXPO 2020. According to MarketLine’s September 2020 report on ‘Construction in the United Arab Emirates’, the UAE construction industry had total revenues of $84.4bn in 2019. The non-residential segment was the most lucrative in the same year, with total revenues meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 13
of $56.6bn – 67% of the industry’s overall value. We see the non-residential segment (we are including mixed-use developments as non-residential here) taking even more market share this year. Based on what we’ve already seen, we’re expecting closer to 75% in the UAE. As per a MEED and Mashreq industry report on construction megatrends, we are expecting 82% of projects to be nonresidential, across the Middle East this year, with 37.5% of total investment going in to mixed-use developments. We are currently working on some really interesting mixed-use projects. One worth especially mentioning is in Abu Dhabi and is specifically designed to cater to SMEs in the capital. The project, due for completion in 2022, will offer a unique co-living and coworking environment that is being designed to support both SMEs, but also larger international businesses expanding their offerings to the Middle East. We believe this is going to be the first of its kind and will set a new standard for mixed-use developments within the region. The project allows residents access to an Abu Dhabi business license, which means they can live, work and access a specific business license all under one roof. With the EXPO coming up, we expect to see many more of these developments appearing. Construction work on EXPO 2020 continued at pace during the coronavirus pandemic and organisers still expect 25m visits over the course of the six-month event, despite concerns about the pandemic’s impact on global travel and tourism. EXPO should coincide with a general recovery in economic activity this year and will provide a timely boost to the travel, retail and hospitality sectors that have been hit so hard by the pandemic. Property may also receive a boost. EXPO 2020 is expected to attract 25m visitors overall, 17m of whom will be international. We are expecting this to provide a huge boost to the tourism and hospitality industries and for construction firms servicing them. Quality hotels and accommodation located near the event will enjoy higher meconstructionnews.com
In 2021, we see the medium to longerterm government investment to be focused on upgrading physical infrastructure and reforming the financing and regulatory environment to stimulate growth across the construction sector, in time for Expo 2020”
occupancy rates between October 2020 and April 2021 without doubt. There will be a need to attract clients by hotels in the key areas of Dubai as well, the Marina, DIFC and likely Business Bay, which hosts a number of coworking business centers within its hotels. Hotels will need to invest in refurbishing their public spaces this year, if they are going to be able to claim some of the footfall from EXPO. We are already seeing this happen and are working on several projects doing just this. A keen focus has been sustainable design alongside our renovation and refurbishment tenders. The industry could benefit from turning this crisis into an opportunity to do things differently. The focus now needs to be turned towards people-centric solutions, meeting sustainability criteria set out by the UAE Government and becoming increasingly enforced. 2021 will certainly be a year for change and we expect to see a marked uplift across construction as a whole, by Q3 of this year.
February 2021
14 | On Topic
01 Hamid Iravani is Transportation Planning director, Fellows board member at Parsons.
01
February 2021
Hamid Iravani “A well-planned community is about seamlessly knitting together a finegrained urban fabric, while using digital services” Jane Jacobs (1916–2006), a legendary urbanist and activist urged urban planners and developers to plan places based upon humanscale communities. Her idea regarding how cities could protect themselves from destruction boils down to several principles including high density, which yields a critical mass of people for a vibrant community; small blocks to make a place pedestrian-friendly; local economies to support small businesses; and mixed land use. We’ve learned from the coronavirus crisis that, to boost the immune systems of our cities, urban and transportation planners should develop their plans based on Jacobs’ longneglected prescription to intelligently design urban areas to eliminate people’s dependency on cars and to improve the health, well-being, and quality of life of city dwellers. Inspired by Jacobs’ notion that proximity is imperative for a vibrant city, Carlos Moreno developed the concept of the 15 minute city, and has been advising Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who made the idea the highlight of her successful 2020 re-election campaign. Hidalgo proposed that Parisians be able to live; work; shop; and satisfy their health, educational, recreational, cultural, and basic needs within a 15-minute walk or bike ride and vowed to remove cars. The 15-minute city concept is now gaining significant interest among other city officials for its ability to boost the immunity of cities against any future disruptions. Cities hurt economically by the pandemic are also
considering the 15-minute city model as a coronavirus economic recovery plan. Cities need to understand that it takes more than just building wide sidewalks or lengthy cycle tracks to promote non-motorised transportation and that a smart city is not only about gadgets and digital services, as these are the means, not the goals. Rather, a well-planned community is about seamlessly knitting together a fine-grained urban fabric, as briefly described below, while using digital services. A good model to follow to implement a 15-minute city or the similar notions is an urban planning concept referred to as a traditional neighborhood development (TND) or New Urbanism. TNDs include many elements of older neighborhoods and traditional living styles in a compact setting. In addition, such concepts can take advantage of advance technologies and implement Mobility as a Service (MaaS), telecenters, and other digital services. Mobility as a Service
This new user-centric business model is emerging to provide consumers an alternative to car ownership. By combining all transportation options in a single package to satisfy commuters’ door-to-door trips as efficiently as possible, MaaS offers customised mobility based on user travel needs. MaaS enables travelers to access multiple transportation modes through an app using a single account, paying per trip or via a monthly fee. Pandemic-proof telecenters could be located in each community. These alternative work meconstructionnews.com
On Topic | 15
locations would provide proper office facilities such as meeting rooms and receptionists, and could eliminate employees’ long-distance commutes to a central office every day. The concept is beneficial for both employees and employers. Telecenters would reduce the disadvantages of working from home including social isolation, and would be equipped with facilities more suitable for work environments. As in a TND, 15-minute city residential neighborhoods are integrated with commercial storefronts, making them self-sufficient and pedestrian-friendly. A well-connected narrow street network provides a sense of enclosure, fronted by trees and different buildings, not by unwelcoming parking lots. Bicycles are an integral part of the transportation system. In a pedestrian-friendly city, people can also use other micromobility modes, like electric scooters, electric skateboards, and other ridables. Land use and buildings are diversified with different shapes and types as opposed to the monotonous, cookie-cutter development approach of conventional cities. Streets are not conduits for accommodating autos; instead, they are pleasant public spaces featuring many exciting walkable destinations
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where people can socialise, rest, and play. Public transit is also a key mode of transportation. Concept such as a 15-minute city, TND and any pedestrian-friendly developments can boost a city’s immunity and reduce the risk of city dwellers being infected during a pandemic. In conventional planning, during the lockdown or even after, when grocery shopping is permitted, regional automobile-dependent shopping centers could attract residents from the entire region, resulting in overcrowded conditions that do not allow for proper social distancing. On the contrary, smaller, walkable mom-and-pop stores in a 15-minute city or TND would attract and support neighborhood residents, making them more adaptable to any crisis, including one such as COVID-19. In walkable and bikeable communities, people are more active and healthier. A walkable city coupled with transit-oriented developments reduces dependence on automobiles, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and reducing land consumption for roads and parking. Less traffic congestion is synonymous with reduced pollution and energy consumption. The demand for transit-oriented and walkable communities will increase post
COVID-19, and if cities are designed based on walkability, connectivity, and public transit, people will use these modes of transportation. There are even many examples of well-designed cities that have extreme climates - either very cold or very hot - that have high mode shares of walk, bicycle, and/or public transit (Amsterdam, New York, Copenhagen and Singapore). The biggest challenge to implementing walkable cities as a recovery plan for the postpandemic era is the repair and retrofitting of the existing urban fabric. The problem is the urban framework of conventional cities is developed based on highways, wide roads, large parking lots, and segregated land uses in separate zones, built to accommodate automobiles as the main mode of transportation. Now is the time for these cities to repurpose to give streets to people, rather than cars. While urban design tools make certain fixes and repairs, significant changes should also be made in zoning ordinances, parking, and roadway design standards to adapt to the new city of the future model. Our cities should not be the same postCOVID-19 - they should be better. We now have more reasons than ever to make positive and sustainable changes in our built environment.
February 2021
16 | On Site
01
February 2021
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On Site | 17
The Big Winners! Middle East Consultant recognises the region’s top personalities, projects and consultancies at its annual awards ceremony The sixth edition of the annual Middle East Consultant Awards (MEC Awards) took place on January 20 at the Ritz-Carlton JBR in Dubai. The live event was held outdoors in full compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines and protocols outlined by the Department of Tourism and Commerce and the hotel. In adherence to the guidelines, the event was restricted to attendance by 180 professionals and, by the end of the evening, 25 winners had been announced. For this edition of the highly anticipated awards, a total of 174 nominations were submitted across 25 categories by companies spread across the GCC. The judges for the MEC Awards 2020 were Craig Garrett, independent BIM consultant, Suhail Arfath, director, Digital Transformation & Innovation at Hloov, Carolina Fong Guzzy, Digital Engineering
manager at Accienta, Leanne Henderson, founder, Hospitality Development advisor at Taurima and Nicky Dobreanu, member of the Business Development Board at CIOB. Gavin Davids, Editor of Big Project Middle East and Jason Saundalkar, Editor of Middle East Consultant moderated discussions during the judging panel. “Despite the devastating impact of COVID-19 on people’s lives and the construction industry, we received more nominations on the whole for the 2020 MEC Awards than we did for the 2019 event. The Project of the Year category drew the most nominations (22) this year, while the Executive of the Year, Under 30 Champion of the Year and Women in Construction: Professional of the Year categories drew 20, 17 and 14 nominations respectively,” said Jason Saundalkar, Editor of Middle East Consultant.
The event was sponsored by Silver Sponsors – Intertek and K Tech Consulting, Bronze Sponsors – 12d Model and Global Construction Solutions, Category Sponsors – Arminox, CDE and MZ Architects, and Network Sponsor – Atkins. Information and pictures on the night were shared on LinkedIn and Twitter under the social media hashtags #MECAwards2020, #TheBestoftheBest and #MECAwards. Spot prizes were also awarded to AESG and WSP for making the most noise and taking a social distanced table selfie.
01 The sixth edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards attracted 174 nominations across 25 categories.
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February 2021
18 | On Site
Under 30 Champion of the Year
Women in Construction: Professional of the Year
Nominees:
Nominees:
• Alan George – Orange Design Group • Kiran Thazhamon – Atkins
• Maria Batac – Black & White Engineering • Marina Kindelan – AESG
Winner:
Winner:
• Calum Perey – Cundall
• Christine Espinosa-Erlanda – GAJ
Formerly known as ME Consultant’s Rising Star of the Year, this category recognises a young professional that’s making a name for themselves within their organisation, and the industry. To qualify, nominees had to have at least two years of work experience and demonstrate expertise within their discipline. 17 nominations were submitted, three of which made the shortlist with Calum Perey, senior structural engineer at Cundall drawing the most first choice votes from the judges. He said, “The event is fantastic - I was here last year and this is a very different atmosphere. Being outside is amazing and obviously all the COVID-19 restrictions that have been outlined have been followed really well. Winning this award is exciting and I want to thank MEC and my company, Cundall, for giving me the opportunity. Obviously, 2020 was a difficult year and moving into 2021 signing off on a very good note is exciting. Thank you very much!”
This category was first introduced in 2018 as part of MEC’s focus on diversity and inclusion in the construction industry. It recognises professionals who have been delivering sterling work on a day-to-day basis and are serving as role models for other women, through their participation in projects, industry events and media. 14 nominations were submitted to this category, with Christina Espinosa-Erlanda, senior associate at Godwin Austen Johnson grabbing the prize. She said, “I think it’s really nice to have events again, after a challenging year, and to have and see everyone be in one place - all the brightest brains together in one spot. It’s really amazing, and I think what makes the MEC awards stand out is that it celebrates women, and I do stand for celebrating women and supporting my fellow women in the industry.” “Our numbers are not huge but MEC has been very supportive and that is one of the many things that I appreciate about the magazine and the awards. I think diversity and inclusion will improve in 2021, especially with the possibility of working from home since last year. It’s a positive change for us within the environment as we can be with our families while doing our job and growing in our careers.”
Obviously, 2020 was a difficult year and moving into 2021 signing off on a very good note is exciting. Thank you very much! February 2021
meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 19
Executive of the Year Nominees:
• Nicholas Harris - Omnium International • Simon Trafford - Turner & Townsend Winner:
Gender Diversity Champion of the Year Nominees:
• AESG • JT+Partners
• Engi Jaber - Climatize Engineering Consultants Winner:
The MEC editorial team moved several executive nominations that were submitted to the Women in Construction: Professional of the Year category to this one for consideration. The judges looked at 20 nominations with Engi Jaber, MD at Climatize Engineering Consultants walking away victorious. “It’s a lovely surprise to win this award. The turnout is great at the event and the measures are superb, considering the situation well done to the organisers for putting it together.” “The market is picking up in 2021, and things are moving across Dubai and Saudi Arabia, so hopefully it’s going to be a prosperous year for all of us. The current situation is encouraging further diversity and even gender equality at this stage because we are all now treated equally and it’s not a matter of where you stand in the company, but it’s about how productive you are and how you are putting yourself forward. I think it’s going to get better and better, irrespective of whether you are a male or female, no matter where you are in the world.”
I think it’s going to get better and better, irrespective of whether you are a male or female, no matter where you are in the world” meconstructionnews.com
• WSP This category recognises consultancies that are striving to build and sustain a diverse workforce through staff engagement and well-rounded policies and initiatives. Three companies were shortlisted by the judges with WSP claiming the trophy. “We have been focused on diversity and inclusion for about three years, so this is a culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of great people in our business. I chair D&I for WSP but people like Caroline, and our steering group really makes it come alive, so I’m very proud of this. For 2021, we are pushing some new initiatives particularly around maternity leave, flexible working for our people which is become even more important now, given the current situation. We offer all of our female employees time off with their families, we initially focused more on gender, but now we are widening out to equality and diversity,” explained Dean McGrail, managing director for Property & Buildings at WSP in the Middle East. Caroline Parsons, HR director, at WSP in the Middle East added, “I think it’s a really strong message for females in our industry, that organisations like WSP are taking it seriously enough to be able to be recognised by the industry, so it’s really important to us - we wanted to win, and we are very pleased to have won. We wanted to show that it’s possible to do a lot more and there is still more to do.” February 2021
20 | On Site
Company of the Year Nominees:
• Compass Project Consulting • Omnium International
Facilities Management Company of the Year Winner:
• Emrill Winner:
• AESG Formerly known as ‘Workplace of the Year’, this category honours a company that values and invests in its workforce, and strives for staff satisfaction, retention and growth. Nine nominations were submitted for this category with AESG picking up the win. “The event is really well organised - we have missed events such as these. I’m really proud that the company has won this award because it really deserves it. During the last year, the lead team has been working hard to keep us motivated and I’m really proud to be part of the company,” said Marina Kindelan, associate Façade Consultant at AESG. “The key thing for me about the MEC Awards is that they push for women’s empowerment in the industry, and I really appreciate it because sometimes I think that it can be a little harder for women in the industry. I’m positive about the market in 2021, a lot of clients were worried in 2020 but they can see the light now. I can see a lot of things moving forward so it’s quite positive.”
During the last year, the lead team has been working hard to keep us motivated and I’m really proud to be part of the company” February 2021
A new category for the Middle East Consultant Awards, it recognises companies that have provided efficient and effective FM services to asset owners and operators across the Middle East. Here, judges were keen to see evidence of a firm’s expertise and the value it offered to its clients. While a couple of nominations were submitted for this category, the judges decided just one was worthy of recognition and crowned Emrill the winner. “It’s a privilege to win the first-ever Facilities Management Company of the Year award, and this is a credit to the entire Emrill team, who has worked so hard over the last 12 months. Looking ahead, we’re going to continue to focus on what we do best, which is redefining the client experience through continuous improvement, innovation, talent development and delivering outstanding customer service,” said Stuart Harrison, CEO of Emrill Services. He added, “It was great to participate in awards that celebrate the achievements of multiple disciplines across a wide range of sectors, and gave us an opportunity to interact not just with companies within our own industry, but also organisations in the industries we serve. We are optimistic about what 2021 holds for not only the FM sector but also the market as a whole. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of the UAE authorities, and we think the decisive action they have taken to date will help companies in the region go from strength-to-strength. We are expecting more projects, more activity and a real sense of adapting and thriving in the new normal.” meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 21
Start-Up of the Year Nominees:
• BIM++
Industry Influencer of the Year Nominee:
Winner:
• TangramGulf
• Lightified Winner:
This category recognises a firm that recently opened for business and has already begun delivering sterling work. Only companies that had been established in the last 24 months and were working on or had already delivered work were considered. Four nominations were submitted, and off the two that made the shortlist, Lightified scored the most first choice votes from the panel of judges. “I think the event is really cool - what a great environment! It’s a great initiative and really good post-COVID-19, and now in 2021 to be able to allow people to meet in a positive environment, especially socially distanced. The awards are very well-organised, simple, clean and just well-done, which is an anomaly in the Middle East,” remarked Rupert Tait, co-founder at Lightified. “For us to win, it really helps our profile and it’s really amazing to be recognised by our peers, especially our current customers and future customers. We are really excited about the future - a lot of things were on hold in 2020 and now we are seeing an uptake in a lot of things in the industry.”
For us to win, it really helps our profile and it’s really amazing to be recognised by our peers, especially our current customers” meconstructionnews.com
• Cundall This new category for the 2020 MEC Awards recognises companies that championed a particular cause and made consistent efforts to drive positive change in the twelve months leading up to the event. The judges looked for proof that the company actively influenced the industry through internal or external initiatives, in a bid to raise awareness, educate and make a real difference. Four nominations were submitted, two of which were shortlisted with Cundall finally being crowned the winner. “It’s a great event and it’s nice to see the industry getting back to normal and connecting with everyone and celebrating our hard year, but also the success of each other. It’s really amazing to see because we pulled together and did a lot of hard work and this is the time to celebrate that,” explained Olga Litkovets, director of Business Development & Marketing at Cundall. She continued, “We are incredibly happy about this award win because we worked so hard to connect with and look after our own people, as well collaborate and connect with the construction industry. As a company, Cundall is committed to carbon neutral and net-zero and we do a lot of work on making a positive impact with our designs in the industry. That’s definitely the trend we will work on going forward in 2021 while influencing others to come on this journey.” February 2021
22 | On Site
Interior Design Company of the Year
Innovation in Project Delivery
Winner:
Nominee:
• Bluehaus Group
• Global Construction Solutions
The design of interior spaces is more important than ever, and this new category recognises specialists that planned and delivered stunning interior spaces across a variety of regional projects. Judges were keen to see a company’s expertise, a solid body of work and a commitment to staff and the industry. While a number of firms submitted nominations, the judges felt that Bluehaus Group was the clear winner in this category. “We are ecstatic about winning the Interior Design Company of the Year award. The team that we manage is a beautiful and creative team with 19-years of experience. They have always been able to deliver innovation and supreme designs, and will continue to do so going forward. We are super excited about winning this award. But, I’m also here for the beautiful people who work within the organisation to create what we have created,” noted James Coburn, director and partner at the Bluehaus Group.
Winner:
The team that we manage is a beautiful and creative team with 19-years of experience. They have always been able to deliver innovation and supreme designs, and will continue to do so going forward” February 2021
• Evoteq This category recognises companies that have developed or deployed technology that enabled them or their clients to address requirements. Three nominations were submitted, however just two were shortlisted by the panel of judges. Ultimately, Evoteq scored the most first choice votes and was declared the winner. “Winning the award is an honour for us. It not only inspires us to continue on our path of excellence but it also bolsters our market status as the region’s go-to technology implementer, consultant and advisor. Building on this milestone, we will further invest in future solutions to remain the best technology partner of public and private sector entities, as they adapt to the evolving technology and operating landscape,” said Jihad Tayara, CEO of EVOTEQ. “2021 is a continuation of the transformation that we saw in 2020 - digital technologies will play a bigger role in terms of business continuity and growth. Cloud services, thermal cameras and facial recognition, among others, are going to be pivotal as businesses make changes to adapt to the needs of the times. Investing in advanced digital tools, for example, is vital to support the remotework system, implement a cautious office comeback and adapt to the new reality. We expect rapid modernisation of core business processes for firms to be truly agile and for them to improve their value proposition and enhance the experience of their customers.” meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 23
On-Site Safety Champion of the Year
Specialist Consulting Company of the Year
Winner:
Nominee:
• Altorath International Engineering Consultants
• HKA
Safety is of paramount importance and with this new category, Middle East Consultant is recognising firms that championed, and achieved, sterling safety records on their projects. Judges were looking for companies to demonstrate how they tackled safety and what that translated to in terms of safe hours on site. While several firms submitted nominations the judges decided that only Altorath International Engineering Consultants was worthy of the win thank to its detailed testimonials and safety certificates. “We are truly honoured to have won this award, and we are thankful to the judging committee, and our partners who support us. It’s a fruitful collaborative effort thanks to our HSE experts - we have 700 people working with us and it has been a journey of 30 years, and this win just proves we are going in the right path,” said Engineer Yasmin Hashim, head of Business Development at Altorath International Engineering Consultants. “We are hopeful about the future - the recovery is going to be a process but we are sure that it has already started. From December 2020, we noticed the market is picking up and we are going to be pushing till the end and we are sure it will recover.”
Winner:
We have 700 people working with us and it has been a journey of 30 years, and this win just proves we are going in the right path” meconstructionnews.com
• K Tech Consulting This award recognises a consultancy that boasts niche expertise, which includes but is not limited to acoustics, claims & dispute resolution, experience design, façade design, property consultancy, security and fire & life safety consulting and wayfinding. Nine nominations were submitted, with two garnering enough votes for the shortlist. In the end, K Tech Consulting nudged ahead with a higher number of first choice voices thanks to a comprehensive nomination backed by several testimonials. “Despite all the problems caused by COVID-19, I think Middle East Consultant has put on a great show, and in terms of winning this award, I’m very happy. This is the second time in a row - we have defended our crown and are going to continue forward and hopefully win more awards,” noted Jonathan Keith, MD at K Tech Consulting. “I think 2021 is going to be a challenging year. There are projects that have to be won and there are a lot of companies - they are all going to be competing for the same projects so it’s going to be tough. Everybody has to be lean and mean, and they have got to be able to get in there and get what they can. Areas like Saudi Arabia have a lot of projects coming up but, again, a lot of companies will be looking that way and everybody has to be able to do the best. I think the industry of consulting is a great industry to be in and work in – it’s challenging and exciting, and everybody can live up to and push standards for the better.” February 2021
24 | On Site
Sustainable Consultancy of the Year
Cost Consulting Company of the Year
Nominees:
Nominees:
• AESG • Cundall
• JLL • Turner & Townsend
Winner:
Winner:
• Climatize Engineering Consultants
• Omnium International
Sustainability is an important topic and this category looks to honour consultants that boast significant expertise in this field. The judges were looking for firms to demonstrate their capabilities in sustainable building techniques and materials to reduce their impact on the environment. They also looked for consultants that took an active role in affecting positive change within the industry in an effort to combat climate change. Six nominations were submitted for this category, with three making the shortlist. After careful deliberation, Climatize Engineering Consultants was picked as the winner. “What an incredible feeling. It’s great recognition and I couldn’t be prouder of the team - this is a win for all of us. Each employee is a key member of Climatize - without their devotion, commitment and passion, not just to the company but to sustainability and making the world a better place, we would have not achieved this win,” remarked Engi Jaber, managing director at Climatize Engineering Consultants. “There needs to be a bit more of a conscious move towards net zero energy and carbon, and I think it’s beginning to happen, but there still needs to be an even harder push from key industry players and developers. We are on track but are still a bit slow and I personally would love to see it grow, not just to meet global initiatives, but more for humanity. That’s something to push towards.”
Cost consultants are essential to the success of construction projects and here, the region’s most capable, efficient and well regarded firms were commended. Judges scanned nominations in this category for information about a company’s approach, depth of expertise, project portfolio and commendations from project stakeholders. Five nominations were submitted, three of which were shortlisted, following which Omnium International was selected as the winner. “It’s a fantastic event and the first we have attended in a very long time. We have won this award before but to win again, amidst such incredible competition, is absolutely amazing. I have to give accolades to our staff, the support from our stakeholders and our clients – I’m very proud to be here,” stated Nicholas Harris, managing director at Omnium International.
February 2021
We have won this award before but to win again, amidst such incredible competition, is absolutely amazing” meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 25
Urban Design & Landscaping Company of the Year Winner:
Lighting Design Consultancy of the Year Nominees:
• Light Touch • Nulty
• WAHO Landscape Architects Winner:
This category honours an urban design or landscaping firm that has created the most attractive and sustainable outdoor spaces in the year leading up to the awards gala. The MEC editorial team reintroduced this category following the close of nominations, as two companies that suited this category submitted nominations for the Specialist Consulting Company of the Year category. However, the judges decided that WAHO Landscape Architects was the clear winner and so did not opt for a shortlist. “We were here two years ago, so for us it’s a fantastic celebration of what we have achieved since then. We have carved out a niche for ourselves in heritage and cultural place making, and believe that given the last year or so, the way that we help ground a place’s heritage and culture helps people’s sense of identity, which in this time of displacement and change is really important,” commented Suzie Kainer, practice manager at WAHO Landscape Architects. “We are seeing a migration to other markets, specifically Saudi Arabia. We’re also seeing a little interest in Egypt. Every consultant you speak to tonight will say Saudi Arabia, and we are certainly doing a lot of proposals. There is now a lot of emphasis on prequalification and undertaking design competitions to narrow it down to which consultant is then going to be awarded the main project. I think clients and developers are going to be a lot more thorough in their processes in terms of how they select the project teams going forward.” meconstructionnews.com
• CD+M Lighting Design This category honours companies that specialise in lighting design, which is a key component of any structure or infrastructure project. Judges were keen to see evidence of a consultant’s skills in this discipline, a tangible commitment to sustainability, along with references and notable examples of work in the last 12 months. 11 nominations were submitted to this category, however of the three that made the shortlist, the panel of judges gave the most first choice votes to CD+M Lighting Design, thanks to a sterling nomination. “We feel fantastic about winning; we always strive for success after 35 years by investing in our employees and reaching out to broader markets. In general, awards give us a boost of optimism and push us to commit to more significant achievements globally. We want to thank the Middle East Consultant team for allowing us this opportunity,” said Bill Johnson, director and partner at CD+M Lighting Design Group. “We are very excited about 2021; this year will be all about development, education, and rejuvenating for CD+M. We think 2021 will be full of new opportunities; many projects are currently being tendered and are under design, which will be very exciting to work on in the MENA region.” February 2021
26 | On Site
Project Management Company of the Year
MEP Engineering Company of the Year
Nominees:
Nominees:
• MHPM Project Managers • Turner & Townsend
• Buro Happold • NV5
Winner:
Winner:
• Compass Project Consulting
• Black & White Engineering
Project managers are an essential and often underappreciated part of the industry - they provide leadership, guidance and decisiveness in challenging situations, and they are often the conduit between those working onsite and the client. This award recognises an organisation operating in the Middle East that has achieved outstanding results. Eight nominations were submitted to this category, with Compass Project Consulting emerging victorious. “This is a great win and it’s humbling; being recognised against some of the biggest players in the industry means the world to us. It has been a very challenging year, and I’m sure everyone has been using those words tonight. But, to come out of 2020 into 2021 with an amazing team of project managers and cost managers and this recognition, is a fantastic feeling,” commented Martin McLean, director at Compass Project Consulting.
This award recognises the accomplishments of a firm in the crucial field of mechanical, electrical and plumbing work. This is one of the most challenging aspects of any project - an MEP consultant needs to be on point when it comes to designing and executing these vital systems, which keep things comfortable within the structures that we live and work in. Seven companies submitted nominations, however Black & White Engineering garnered the most first choice votes from the panel of judges and was crowned the winner. “This is a great award to win, and we are very pleased to once again be recognised for MEP and the work that we do. The market in 2021 will be challenging; we had a great 2020, it was actually one of the years where we expanded the most. We were very fortunate with a lot of project wins just as the pandemic hit, and we were able to deliver them remotely with the systems and everything else we had in place. We did very well, and I guess we were in the right place at the right time with the right team,” said Alistair Davis, director at Black & White Engineering. “We are in MEP consulting, and one of the big things at the moment is the delivery of data centres. We’ve done a lot in that segment in 2020 and over the last five or six years, and look forward to more such projects in the future.”
This is a great win and it’s humbling; being recognised against some of the biggest players in the industry means the world to us” February 2021
meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 27
Structural Engineering Company of the Year
Architectural Company of the Year
Winner:
Nominees:
• Buro Happold
• RSP • Studio International Engineering Consultants
With this category, Middle East Consultant recognises the creativity, genius, ingenuity and professionalism of structural engineering firms, and highlights the impact they’ve had in shaping some of the incredible projects in the region. While several nominations were submitted, the judges decided Buro Happold’s submission was the only one worthy of recognition. “We are delighted as a firm to be recognised for what we have done in the last year, and the years before. We are thankful to Middle East Consultant for recognising us, and I think it will be a real boost to our office, which has had a tough year, due to the pandemic. We thank our clients for all their support as well,” explained Nikul Vadgama, associate director at BuroHappold Engineering. “2021 is about accelerating what we were doing before, the pandemic has re-focused us and our clients, so it’s about finding what we value and what our clients value and aspiring to do that. I think the next couple of years will be challenging and technology will be at the centre of everything we do. More than ever, it’s about looking at the existing assets that we have in the UAE and looking at where we can improve sustainability across the region.”
We are delighted as a firm to be recognised for what we have done in the last year, and the years before” meconstructionnews.com
Winner:
• JT+Partners This category celebrates companies for conceptualising and delivering innovative and exciting architecture. Here, the panel of judges were keen to reward firms with proven expertise and who are committed to inspire and train the next generation of architects through outreach to academic institutions and comprehensive programmes. Nine quality nominations were submitted towards this category, with three making the shortlist. Thanks to a strong body of work and a commitment to affecting change in the industry, JT+Partners drew the most first choice votes. “The event has been really well-organised from a safety perspective - we feel comfortable and are happy that we attended. Winning is always a big recognition for our efforts and hard work, and it’s good for our team and our clients. So, we are very happy to be here and to win the Architectural Company of the Year award,” explained Joe Tabet, managing director at JT+Partners. “There are mixed feelings and emotions about the market in 2021 but we feel confidence, especially since the region is coming together. There are great projects in Saudi Arabia such as The Line, and the various different hospitality projects. The UAE also has a big vision, so we are happy and of course EXPO 2020 Dubai and The World Cup is coming, so I feel that we are in the right place.” February 2021
28 | On Site
Sustainable Project of the Year
Project of the Year: Residential & Commercial
Nominee:
Nominees:
• Gate Avenue DIFC – RMJM
• The Government of Dubai Media Office – Bluehaus Group • Office of the Future – Evoteq
Winner:
• LLFP Meydan School – Dorsch Gruppe
Winner:
• Yas Creative Hub Phase 1 – MZ Architects This category recognises projects that feature sustainable design and engineering elements, sustainable materials and modern construction processes. The judges were keen to see evidence of a project’s sustainable underpinnings in projects that were undertaken or delivered in the 12 months leading up to the awards. Three nominations were submitted, however the LLFP Meydan School by Dorsch Gruppe was chosen as the winner. “The MEC Awards are one of the most prestigious awards; to participate and get shortlisted was an honour in itself for me, but to actually be a winner, this shows the effort and the hard work that my team and I have been putting in. There are no words to describe this kind of achievement - it’s team-work and I’m happy to be representing them tonight,” remarked Bassel Omara, lead Design Architect and BIM manager at Dorsch Gruppe ME. “I believe we passed through a hard time but we always have to be optimistic, and with the vision that the government is putting for 2021, and actually targeting, it will be a promising future. We always rise up after any deep fall, and last year was a deep fall for us and everyone else. But, we will come back - this is the most important thing. What I like about the MEC Awards is that it targets a specific criteria, and the shortlists are always the top of the top – nominations are studied thoroughly and this is why I applied for this category.” February 2021
Since the MEC Awards usually receives well over a dozen diverse nominations for its Project of the Year category, the editorial team decided to split the category for the first time. Seven nominations were judged under the Project of the Year: Residential & Commercial category, with three receiving commendations from the judges. Ultimately, the Yas Creative Hub Phase 1 by MZ Architects walked away victorious. “It’s great to win for the team. A lot of hard work has gone into this project and I think we have done a good job for the client. I’m sure the client is happy and wanted to be with us tonight. I’m hopeful the next project will also be an award winning project,” said Tony Gebrayel, managing partner at MZ Architects. “The industry has started picking up and the decisions by the rulers of the UAE are great. We are safe and lucky to be here and see progress, and I’m hopeful it will be a nice year for everybody.” Emil Geagea, senior architect at MZ Architects added, “We thank MEC for having us tonight, and are proud to be winners here, and look forward to being a part of this event in the following years. It’s a wonderful event and it brings together all the main consultants in the country, and in the region. We are very happy to have won, and pass our congratulations to all the other shortlisted nominees as well.” meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 29
Project of the Year: Hospitality & Tourism
Project of the Year: Retail & Public Facilities
Nominees:
Nominees:
• Atlantis The Palm – Turner & Townsend • QE2 – PMK Consult
• Al Karamah School for Autism – PMK Consult • The SPACE at Dubai College – GAJ
Winner:
Winner:
• Tawila Island Resort – JT+Partners
• Hindu Mandir Complex – RSP
Three projects made it to the second round of voting in the Project of the Year: Hospitality & Tourism category. In the end, the Tawila Island Resort by JT+Partners impressed the panel of judges the most, as it showed how the project team overcame significant logistics challenges given the project’s location, while the architecture blended into the surrounding environment with minimal disruption. The nomination also showcased the project’s numerous active and passive sustainable elements. “The way the organisers managed the Project of the Year for this year is amazing - they looked at the function and scale of each project and created different categories. We are leaving tonight with two awards, which is really awesome and a big achievement for us, after being in the market for five and a half years. This is great recognition for the team and the client,” remarked Joe Tabet, MD at JT+Partners.
Six nominations were considered under the Project of the Year: Retail & Public Facilities category, with the judges choosing to shortlist three. Although each impressed the judges in a different way, the Hindu Mandir Complex by RSP attracted the most positive nods from the judges. “We are very excited to win this award, the Hindu Mandir is a transformational project and represents the culture and inclusiveness of the UAE, sanctioned by the rulers. We were fortunate to get the chance to work on this project thanks to the BAPS Organisation, and we are proud that this design will be built in the next few years and will invite many visitors,” noted Prabhanjan Kambadur, director at RSP Architects Planners & Engineers. “This win is a testimony for the quality of the projects that we do and also the design we delivered to clients. 2020 was very difficult to survive because a lot of things slowed down, but looking ahead, 2021 looks positive. A lot of clients are coming back to us - they are trying to revive projects and there are a lot of new ideas in the market, as well as new challenges. The new norm is designing with COVID-19 around, as well as the new restrictions that are in place. Clients are of course more careful about how they go about the new development but I think the market is more stable now to pick up the next cycle of growth.”
We are leaving tonight with two awards, which is a big achievement for us. This is great recognition for the team and the client” meconstructionnews.com
February 2021
30 | On Site
Multi-Discipline Consulting Company of the Year Nominees:
• AECOM • Cundall Winner:
• WSP This award recognises firms that provide a variety of services and have made a name for themselves by taking on complex projects, whilst delivering quality results consistently. Eight companies submitted nominations, however three were shortlisted and WSP was crowned as the winner. The judges were impressed with a thoroughly well-rounded nomination that showcased the firm’s prowess at multiple disciplines through an incredible body of work, which included Diriyah Gate, Ain Dubai and Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 programme. The nomination also highlighted WSP’s focus on its employees and influencing the industry when it comes to health and safety, and social issues such as diversity and inclusion and mental health. “I’m delighted to be here to accept this award on behalf of all of the people who work at WSP. It has been an unprecedented year and the dedication of our people and their passion for what we do and the unwavering commitment to our clients has really shown through. So, this award goes a small way to sort of recognise that dedication and that commitment so, on behalf of WSP, thank you for the award and thank you to all of our people,” said Dean McGrail, managing director for Property & Buildings at WSP in the Middle East. February 2021
meconstructionnews.com
32 | In Practice
Reimagining Waste Angitha Pradeep speaks to Ruchin Garg, regional manager - Middle East & Africa at CDE, about the company’s quartercentury journey, their commitment to sustainability and a circular economy, and their projects in the Middle East Established in 1992, CDE is a Northern Ireland headquartered organisation with landmark projects such as the world’s largest sand washing plant and the world’s most extensive construction and demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant under its belt. With operations spread across eight regions from Northern and Latin America to Australasia, CDE’s HQ in Cookstown is also the world’s largest campus dedicated to the wet processing of materials in sand and aggregates, mining, C&D waste recycling, industrial sands and environmental sectors. Over the last 25 years, the company has delivered over 2,000 projects across 100 countries, while simultaneously working to reduce water shortage and create sustainability in the sector, as part of its brand ethos. Ruchin Garg, regional manager - Middle East & Africa at CDE tells Middle East Consultant, the company installed its first project in the region in 2008. Since then, CDE has installed over 100 projects in the region with different applications, he says. CDE’s first regional plant in Qatar can process 1,200 tonnes of dune sand per hour. It is the largest sand washing plant in the world and can recycle over 90% of the water used. February 2021
Garg continues, “CDE spearheaded the region with its sand and aggregates washing solutions for the construction sector – with plants in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, South Africa, and Tanzania. The range of CDE solutions has revolutionised the sand and aggregate washing industry in terms of efficiency, allowing customers to wash even the dirtiest of sands and aggregates thanks to its pinpoint accuracy in silt and clay cut points.” He adds, “Looking to the future, the region is bustling with expected infrastructure growth and greater adoption of the circular economy – and we are excited to play our role in the region’s progression.” Discussing the pandemic, Garg notes that though the MEA region experienced slower growth in comparison to other markets, CDE reported a year-on-year revenue increase. “In 2020, the team navigated novel challenges brought by the pandemic and successfully installed many projects. In addition, my mandate since 2020 has been to bring CDE’s advanced processing methods of recycling C&D waste to the region.” He elaborates, “The major market trend we have observed is the push towards a circular economy. Soaring urbanisation presents a
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February 2021
34 | In Practice
mounting challenge to meet the demands of the construction industry, and recycled materials are an effective solution when supported by the most appropriate technologies and practices.” “For 2021 and beyond, we foresee the region adopting wet processing technologies for higher-end product specifications and waste diversion. Our clients are a testament to our commitment to R&D, process design, manufacturing quality and after-sales services. We have a dedicated approach to each client with a focus on economic and environmental sustainability for the people and the planet.” Unlocking Value
CDE notes that when supported with the appropriate processing practices and technology, sand and stone resources recovered from C&D activities can be utilised for highvalue construction and infrastructure projects. The firm says it has helped customers realise the potential in recycled aggregates. Here, Garg mentions a project in the UK. “CDE’s washing plant processes all the C&D waste that contracting company The Sheehan Group handles, and has diverted over 750,000 tonnes of inert waste from landfill over the past seven years. It creates 20,000 building blocks a day from 100% recycled aggregates which follow a CE-certified process.” He also mentions a CDE project in France, which was commissioned for Pélichet Albert SA, a public works contractor and aggregates producer that operates a circular economy business model with operations in demolition, groundworks, landfill and C&D waste recycling. Explaining CDE’s wet processing technology, which was used for the plant, Garg says, “Pélichet is diverting an estimated 200,000 tonnes of C&D waste from landfill per year. The engineered-to-order plant is supporting the contractor to produce high quality competitive and sustainable sand and aggregates. This is used in concrete mix and drainage systems, ensuring valuable resources are returned to the construction industry.” Shifting focus to CDE’s projects in the Middle East, he states that notable projects include a manufactured sand (M-Sand) from crusher waste project and a silica resource project in Tunisia. February 2021
02
01 160tph custom CDE plant will help Pélichet Albert SA to divert up to 200,000 tonnes of inert construction and demolition waste from landfill sites every year. 02 Ruchin Garg, regional manager - Middle East & Africa at CDE. 03 CDE’s tailor-made wet processing plant for SOMEVAM has helped the company diversify into the glass sand industry.
Looking to the future, the region is bustling with expected infrastructure growth and greater adoption of the circular economy – and we are excited to play our role in the region’s progression”
On the technology side, Garg says that the M-sand solution was custom built to deal with a specific material, due to the level of variation in crusher dust in different settings. “This specific CDE solution, processed -6mm crusher dust to transform waste into high-quality sand and aggregates for the local construction industry. M-Sand is free of impurities such as clay, dust and silt, and has denser particle packing than natural sand particles thereby reducing the voids in aggregate and hence saves cement requirement in concrete production.” In Tunisia, the project was commissioned by SOMEVAM, a subsidiary of the Sebri group, which has served the North African country’s construction market since 2001. Garg points out that CDE’s solution helped SOMEVAM diversify into the glass industry in North Africa and Europe, and due to its tailormade solution, SOMEVAM was also able to eliminate contaminants and increase the quality of its end products. “It produces glass sand (150-650 microns) and related products, including oversized (3mm) ready-to-be-used in-water filtration systems, coarse sand (650 microns-3mm) ready-to-be-ground to make flour silica, ultrafine (30-150 microns) for ceramics or other industries, and iron-rich sand that can be used in sports fields.” meconstructionnews.com
In Practice | 35
He states that CDE’s installation for SOMEVAM transformed the feed material into five high-specification products with exceptional commercial value and marketready straight from the belts. Speaking about after-sales services, Garg says the firm has a customer care team in Dubai, and that its engineers and project managers are equipped to provide best-in-class support. CDE also provides in-depth training on maintenance and optimisation, he adds. “The most recent development in this field is a suite of smart technology, CDE CORE, for plant maintenance and breakdown. This enables customers to increase the efficiency of their plant, automate processes, and lower their operating costs.” In Practice
Asked to outline some of the challenges in the region, Garg says, “One of the key challenges in C&D recycling is the high level of contamination, which is much higher than in other parts of the world. However, our experience in C&D waste from our global project portfolio has helped us address this problem. Our expert
engineers adopt processes to suit the region’s local requirement and customise each solution specifically for the customer.” Globally, he states that the industry’s main issues include sand depletion, water management and sustainable mining. However, he affirms that CDE strives to be part of the solution and insists on the importance of educating clients on the circular economy, and driving real change in the industry’s approach to sustainability. “Over the past 16 years, we have helped our customers divert over 80m tonnes of C&D waste from landfills using sustainable solutions. We enable our customers to create products like concrete blocks and ready-mix concrete from waste. The CDE water management system provides additional benefits by recirculating up to 90% of the process water, helping to reduce the volume of fresh top-up water required.” Garg says Saudi Arabia’s focus to build a more robust economy, while reducing its dependence on crude oil will help the nation and the region. Similarly, he highlights the UAE’s initiatives on C&D waste recycling. He elaborates, “In the region, sharp economic growth in the construction industry
has led to increasing legislation aimed at reducing the volume of waste destined for landfill. In 2019, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) issued a Ministerial Resolution on the use of recycled aggregates. This outlined the requirements for recycling, among other non-hazardous solid waste, concrete and gravel into new, high-value materials for projects including road surfacing. The resolution also mandated local departments ensure that contractors collect and sort waste generated at construction and demolition sites.” He continues, “Although progress is being made, legislation needs to be revisited to allow the usage of recycled sand and aggregates with the necessary process in place.” Concluding, Garg says, “We share the region’s focus towards a circular economy and sustainable development, and look forward to opportunities which can solve the industry’s main challenges. At CDE, sustainability is not a trend; it is an ethos that we have embraced for the past quarter-century in our collective effort to not only maximise the commercial opportunities of our customers’ operations but to protect finite natural resources.”
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February 2021
36 | On Site
February 2021
meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 37
Kayleigh Pullinger “We are all driving the industry to understand that we are not only capable but worthy of being seen with the same consideration as any of our male counterparts” Following our special edition dedicated to women in the construction industry, Middle East Consultant continues to share the inspiration and experiences of women working in the male-dominated industry across the GCC. Here, we catch up with Kayleigh Pullinger, project manager at Compass Project Consulting. What drove you to get into construction and your very first role in the industry?
Having grown up in the UAE, I have witnessed the country’s development and observed it being shaped into the nation we know and love today. To be involved with the rapid advancement of the region and being able to make your mark on an ever-evolving environment is an opportunity I could not pass up. I still recall the opening of the first mall in Abu Dhabi when I was 13 years old – constructing a home for both homegrown and international brands, on our doorsteps. Within the work that I do, it is gratifying to know that I am now a contributor in bringing new and exciting experiences to the UAE. meconstructionnews.com
Share a brief about your career, mentioning key achievements with regards to your role.
My career kicked off in Abu Dhabi as a Tenant Fit Out coordinator. The fast pace of development across the GCC allowed me to gain a great deal of experience quickly and I was given the opportunity to grow and prove my skillset across each project I was involved with. Within a few years I was chosen to lead the design and development of large projects and more than 200 retail and F&B units. The last year has seen me take a turn in my career, shifting away from retail delivery into project management, where I am able to work closely with a more diverse portfolio of projects, across many sectors and specialties. It has not been without its challenges but this transition, and the enhancement of my own capabilities has without a doubt been one of my biggest achievements to date. Besides fairness and being the right thing to do, diversity in the construction industry is important because of the value women can bring February 2021
38 | On Site
to employers, clients, and customers. How have you made your mark in
generations are not having to rely on feeling empowered, they will be empowered.
the industry working on projects and what is your proudest moment?
Everyone has a part to play in
I believe women bring a different ‘aptitude toolkit’ to the industry than men, particularly within the role of project management. Studies have shown women to be more organised and detail orientated, which are two key attributes of any nameworthy project manager. I do not think I can single out a sole ‘proudest moment’ within my career. Each project that one nurtures will deliver their own feats and moments, which should be taken with a sense of pride. From overcoming a hurdle within the day-to-day, the completion of a first major project, a humbling first promotion or the moment one is selected to represent the company in front of key stakeholders or abroad – each one deserves due consideration as it is a demonstration as to how you, as a person, are developing professionally and an individually.
diversity and equal pay. What
What are some of the barriers to women entering the construction industry? What was your personal experience?
I believe many employers may still be wary of hiring a woman within a specific age range of both career and personal development. The question as to whether we are ‘single’ or if we have the family responsibility of filling a more ‘traditional’ gender role is still heard, and very prominent across the board.
would you like to see government authorities and construction firms do to increase diversity and make pay a level playing field?
I believe the UAE has always displayed an enormous level of respect for their female residents. The government has already established the Gender Balance Council, responsible to ensuring equal opportunities for its citizens within the public sector. Further to this, passing a law in 2018 on equal wages for any female worker performing the same work as a male. However, due to multiple contributing factors – age, experience, and education - this may take time to enforce on a mass scale. It is the first step of many in the aim of women receiving the salaries to which they are entitled. Women within the industry would also benefit from less discrimination during the job application process. Concerns surrounding housing, site limitations (i.e. welfare) and/ or safety may all contribute to a male’s profile being preferred over a qualified and experienced female. While this has already been addressed by the government (whereby job postings are no longer allowed to accept male applicants only), this still relies of the discretion of the companies themselves to treat women as equals.
The GCC construction sector is still male dominated, however diversity is
Besides authorities and
beginning to increase. If you agree with
construction firms, who else can
this statement, comment on what is
play a part in increasing diversity
driving this and how you see the GCC
and balancing pay scales?
markets changing in the coming years?
Everyone can. This pay gap is ingrained as ‘the way things are’ in the minds of many and is a stubborn, global problem. The more individuals that come around to display support for gender equality – the more of a ripple effect it will have across the board.
Those paving the path before us, those making a name for ourselves now, those that will continue to do so in the future. We are all driving the industry to understand that we are not only capable but worthy of being seen with the same consideration as any of our male counterparts. As more women make the move into male dominated industries, this will hopefully begin to be considered the norm in the not-too-distant future, and the younger February 2021
As a woman in the industry, what has your experience been working in the GCC construction sector? If you have worked in markets outside the GCC,
Keep an open mind, be curious and confident. Do not be afraid to step up, come forward, be bold in accepting challenging roles and be willing to admit you don’t always have the answers. Change in the industry is happening, do your best to be part of the momentum”
how does your experience here compare with what you have experienced and observed in other markets?
Whist not being the majority, there have been some projects in which I have worked on whereby key stakeholders still did not believe it to be a woman’s place on a construction site. Ultimately this meant that the day-today was met with unnecessary blockades and resistance needing to be overcome. Luckily, these have been few and far between. My career has been predominantly based across the Middle East, so I am unable to comment as to how this compares with other parts of the world. However, if I may compare the UAE now with how it was 10 years ago, I can say with confidence that the acceptance of women within the industry is progressing almost as quickly as the country itself. meconstructionnews.com
On Site | 39
above and beyond what would be faced by my male counterparts. I am pleased to say that my employers have supported me throughout such circumstances, and I take it on as a learning curve for any future encounters. Do you feel there is a limit with regards to how far you can progress within Compass?
I believe that Compass allocates tasks based on each individuals’ abilities and strengths, alongside a touch of professional development. With that in mind, the only person that could limit my progress is myself. Provided that I continue to learn and develop, not only as an employee, but as a person, there will always be more opportunities made available to me. How does Compass approach diversity in the workplace? What more can your firm do to increase diversity?
The Compass office comprises many people from all walks of life and boasts a strong team of many women across all departments and managerial levels. I believe Compass to be an equal opportunity employer, putting peoples’ abilities over and above societal pressure and both ladies and gents working collaboratively, with a common mentorship mindset. I am under the impression equality is already ingrained within their own values. In your opinion, what is the biggest
and how did you/employer address it?
challenge women in the construction
I have, like most women I am sure, faced a certain level of discrimination throughout the years. Fortunately, most scenarios could be considered minor and were laughed off with like-minded colleagues later in the day. Most prejudice was related to my presence on site, whether I should be required to have an escort during routine site walks or if I should be permitted on scaffolding (with sufficient PPE I might add…) during an inspection. With female presence on site rising within the region, such situations should slowly fade away. The more severe discrimination often lies with those that have the dated belief that the construction industry is a ‘man’s world’. This has resulted in both my credentials and overall position within a project being queried
sector face in GCC countries? How can these challenges be addressed?
Many people believe that we as women (unfortunately) need to work harder to gain the same level of respect and credit as our male peers. Any dedicated woman within the industry will give each and every project her ‘all’ - this need to secure the approval of already established male associates may be a motivator at the beginning but will ultimately build a level of resentment in the long term. Like most problems – this can slowly be addressed through consistent communication and education. In doing your job, what sort of discrimination (if any) have you faced meconstructionnews.com
How do you personally push for diversity and equal pay in the construction sector? Are you involved in any groups/councils etc. that focus on increasing diversity and equal pay?
I recently joined ‘Women in Construction’ and have attended their most recent virtual summit. I will continue to seek out more informative platforms and opportunities to help reduce gender disparity, and look forward to not only learning from inspirational leaders, but one day sharing my experiences too. What advice would you give to a woman entering the GCC construction industry today?
Swap out the high heels for steel toes and let’s show them how it’s done! February 2021
40 | On Site
01 Safdar Badami is managing director of the Al Muqarram Group.
Safdar Badami “The construction industry in the MENA region remains resilient. It can withstand global, local, and industrial challenges” traces back to 70s. As part of the UN Environmental Program, contractors must create environmentally friendly and resourceefficient structures, from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and deconstruction. New technology complements emerging trends but there is a constant objective: reduce the overall impact of buildings on human health and the environment.
01
COVID-19 put many sectors at a standstill, with building and construction recording moderate growth. However, the Middle East and Africa have, in general, done well in controlling the pandemic, and there is a chance of recovery projected within the first quarter of 2021. BusinessWire intimated that the Middle East and Africa’s construction industry would record an annual growth rate of 7.1% by 2024. The main concern now is the shifting of timelines due to the coronavirus’ effects. However, the building and construction sector will have to adjust to the new normal to keep projects going. Recent trends are therefore emerging, which will shape the industry. Green Movement Taking Shape
The concept of sustainable development February 2021
Prefabrication and Modularisation
Since the first UN Conference on Trade and Development in 1964, there has been an increase in multi-trade prefabrication, allowing the construction of multiple buildings within the shortest period. A case in point is printing the world’s first 3D office in Dubai in 17 days. Experts believe this practice saves time and other resources. We are likely to experience an uptake on this front, as more firms race against time and strict deadlines to complete projects. Innovation in Construction
Innovation is now becoming a rapidly growing trend in the manufacture of building equipment and materials and for obvious reasons. The construction industry faces the need to provide better services and deliver sustainable, modern and safer buildings. Innovation will, therefore, continue to play a vital role in the construction sector not just in the region but globally as well.
Infrastructure in MENA
2020 saw dismal performance in the industry across the world due to the pandemic’s effects, but 2021 looks promising, with positive growth projected to return within the first quarter. The overall construction industry in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2021 and the coming years should experience real growth of about 3.5%. The collapse of Arabtec Construction Company in the UAE may lead to a diverging growth outlook in the critical market. Still, it has also contributed to a shifted mindset to give companies a competitive landscape. The real estate space in MENA is currently going through a metamorphosis, with major projects like EXPO 2020 taking shape. The world has its eye on the Middle East not only to ensure the transformation meets global standards but also serves as a benchmark for the industry. The pandemic’s effects notwithstanding, and with trends that keep emerging, the construction industry in the MENA region remains resilient. It can withstand global, local, and industrial challenges. Construction consultancy Linesight recently released their findings in the Middle East. They highlighted the economic slowdown due to COVID-19 and showed a chance of modest growth in 2021 and beyond. On a positive note, the restrictions of the pandemic are serving as a catalyst for further advancements in the building sector and the results will soon be evident. meconstructionnews.com
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