Emirates Projects Issue 110

ISSUE 110

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Editors Foreword

UAE HOTEL SECTOR NEEDS VITAL SUPPORT ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S HIT THE HEAVIEST BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS UNDOUBTEDLY HOSPITALITY, AND A NEW REPORT FROM A HIGH-LEVEL THINK TANK HAS RECOMMENDED 15 ACTIONS NEEDED TO HELP THE UAE’S HOTEL INDUSTRY SURVIVE THE IMPACT OF THE CRISIS. Launched by the UAE Hospitality Think Tank, ‘The Way Ahead for Hospitality’ calls for additional steps from authorities and financial institutions to support hoteliers, including greater flexibility in employment regulations

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and zoning. A focus group comprising leading industry players from across ISSUE 110

the UAE hospitality sector brought together by Mashreq Bank and MEED, the think tank’s job is to weigh up the challenges in the UAE hospitality industry brought about by Covid-19 and to propose actions to surmount them.

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The report acknowledges that while government authorities were swift to take steps in providing support to hoteliers as the effects of the pandemic progressed, additional support is necessary to facilitate recovery and create a more resilient sector that is better able to withstand future shocks.

Joel Van Dusen, Head of Corporate and Investment Banking Group at Mashreq Bank, said: “The regional hospitality sector already faces multiple headwinds, and the pandemic has only further impacted the industry with factors such as the global economic environment, low oil prices, struggling tourist numbers

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and oversupply. Despite this, there are numerous opportunities which can be leveraged to make the industry a more sustainable proposition for the foreseeable future. This report presents insights and recommendations that act as stimuli for the industry to come together and rethink the existing model.

Only by creating a permanent shift in the way business is done will the hospitality industry be able to create a strong momentum during the medium term.”

The paper highlights the lasting shift

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in the way business is done and calls for combined action from government authorities, operators, banks and investors to sustain the hospitality industry and position it for future growth.

Rod Millington EDITOR IN CHIEF

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Contents

COVER STORY

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Contents

WE CHAT WITH

40 PIETER BENSCH, SAGE AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

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12

LOCAL NEWS

RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

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38

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY NEWS

AL HABTOOR MOTORS AND DAIMLER COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

05 05

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Local news

AL ZAHIA AL ZAHIA ANSWERS STRONG DEMAND WITH FINAL LAUNCH OF AL YASMEEN’S LUXURY PROPERTIES Al Zahia - Sharjah’s premier lifestyle destination -

emirates have been encouraged to register

has taken another step towards its scheduled 2023

their interest soon. Al Zahia features a range of

The final neighbourhood to be launched in

completion with the launch of the final phase of

upscale amenities, including a first-of-its-kind

Al Zahia, Al Yasmeen is designed for discerning

the Al Yasmeen neighbourhood. The launch also

clubhouse for a community in Sharjah. Exclusive

families and young couples that demand a

marks the final release of properties at Al Zahia

to residents, the clubhouse will provide resort-

unique lifestyle in a prime destination. The

overall, and follows enthusiastic demand for the

style experience and a place to socialise and

neighbourhood will comprise a mix of more

recent first phase launch of homes at Al Yasmeen.

unwind. Distinguished by a focus on accessibility,

than 200 villas, townhouses and garden

Buyers eager to secure a home in the first gated

Al Zahia also offers direct access to the upcoming

homes ranging from two to six bedrooms.

and most prized community in the northern

largest mall - ensuring ultimate convenience.

City Centre Al Zahia - the northern emirates’

AL YASMEEN WILL OFFER 200+ PREMIUM PROPERTIES UPON COMPLETION

ON COMPLETION, THE ENTIRE AL ZAHIA DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE A TOTAL OF 3,700 HOMES

LUXURIOUS, LUSCIOUSLY GREEN LIVING Al Zahia has moved one step closer to completion with the groundbreaking ceremony of its highly sustainable Al Yasmeen neighbourhood.

Scheduled for completion in 2022, the neighbourhood will comprise a mix of more than 200 two and three-bedroom villas and townhouses nestled within lush green surroundings complementing the other premium neighbourhoods within the masterplan, where more than 800 homes in the Al Jouri and Al Narjis neighbourhoods have already been handed over to the families of Al Zahia. Homes in Al Lilac are currently under construction.

Al Zahia is part of the strategic partnership between Majid Al Futtaim Properties and Sharjah Asset Management. On completion, the entire Al Zahia development will include a total of 3,700 homes. Al Zahia is located off Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and directly on University City Road. To date, 55% of the project has been sold, with 800 families already in residence.

United Engineering Construction Co. (UNEC) will oversee the construction of Al Yasmeen, ensuring the neighbourhood lives up to the high expectations placed on every Majid Al Futtaim community.

Local news

ALDAR AND ADQ SIGN AN AGREEMENT WORTH AED 30 BILLION

noted Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO, Aldar Properties.

Abu Dhabi-based property developer Aldar

Musanada’s projects, ranging from education,

Properties will take over the management of several

healthcare and infrastructure through to

will make sure that the majority of contracts are

government capital projects worth AED 30 billion, as

social services, and facilities management.

prioritised towards local contractors, consultants

part of an agreement with holding company ADQ.

The company expects to complete taking over

ADQ and Aldar signed a Memorandum of

the management of the government projects

Understanding on projects that include the

before the end of 2020 while ensuring that all

Riyadh City, Baniyas North project and others in

existing ones scheduled to be delivered over

Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions, which together have

the next five years will continue as planned.

more than 25,000 plots of land and villas for UAE nationals along with associated infrastructure.

Aldar will also have management oversight of

“The transaction, which is fully aligned with our business development strategy, will

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Aldar’s ‘In-Country Value’ programme (ICV)

and suppliers – including SMEs – to ensure as much as possible is reinvested into the local economy.

AGREEMENT WORTH AED30 BILLION

significantly support future profit growth,”

AQUACHEMIE BREAKS GROUND ON PETROCHEMICAL TERMINAL AquaChemie Middle East has broken ground on

manufacturersand end-users in the Middle East

capacity of around 40,000 CBM (Cubic

its strategic, world-class petrochemical terminal

and globally, while also addressing the acute

Meter), out of which 35,000 CBM will be in

in DP World’s flagship, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai.

shortage of storage facilities for redistribution

bulk storage tanks and about 5,000 CBM

The AED150 million ($40 million) project will

and lease for bulk chemicals in Jebel Ali Port.

in ISO tanks and drums. It is scheduled for

serve as a vital gateway, facilitating and boosting

The state-of-the-art specialized bulk

construction completion by early Q2 2022.

the growing petrochemical trade between

storage terminal will have a total envisaged

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Local news

TADWEER OPENS ORGANIC WASTE COMPOSTING Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer)

of cost and environmental and health risks associated

has announced the opening of its organic waste

with the collection and transportation of organic waste.

composting unit in Abu Dhabi as part of the Centre’s

To divert organic waste away from landfills, the facility uses

plan to encourage both corporate and individual

a compost machine that converts organic waste materials

involvement in reducing organic waste.

into biologically stable substances that will significantly

The facility will help transfer the waste management sector from burying waste to utilising waste as a resource. This goal

reduce soil pollution in the areas used as landfills.

This procedure will improve the overall operations of

will be achieved through eliminating the need for landfills and

the organic fertilizer unit by effectively managing the

economically encouraging compost production that could

conversion of organic waste into compost from collection

solve the challenges facing organic waste management and

to segregation, to treatment and storage, and to the

at the same time guarantee ‘self-production’ of fertilizer for

final distribution of organic fertilizer to end users.

local agriculture. Doing so will contribute to the reduction

Local news

NEW RESEARCH SHOWS INCREASED NEW BRANDS PENETRATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST Savills, the leading global real estate advisors, have published research highlighting the growth of the branded residences sector across the Middle East, with 100 schemes opening recorded this year despite the pandemic and wider economic situation.

Over the past 10 years, the growth of such schemes has outpaced hoteliers, rising from 11% of the total market in 2010 to 16% in 2020. Eleven new non-hotelier brands are expected to enter the market by 2025. However, hotel brands still dominate and account for 84% of current schemes and 88% of the pipeline.

Marriott, whose brands include W, The Ritz-Carlton and St Regis, is by far the leader in the sector and is set to remain so.

Richard Paul, Head of Professional Services for Middle East at Savills, said: “When it comes to price, branded residences achieve a premium, on average, of 31% over equivalent non-branded properties, although this figure can vary significantly by location.”

RICHARD PAUL

IMKAN AWARDS MALL CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO BYMARO Abu Dhabi-based place-maker, IMKAN, has awarded

of Spanish design firm, L35, the Le Carrousel

be home to local and international franchises,

BYMARO a two-year, AED 134-million contract to

Mall features a contemporary design adapted

F&B outlets, and entertainment and leisure

build the Le Carrousel Mall – the first open-air

in keeping with local culture, with enhanced

activities for residents and visitors to enjoy.

shopping mall in Morocco and a major feature of

green spaces and well-lit areas amplified by

IMKAN’s Rabat-based flagship project, Le Carrousel.

stunning fountains and water features.

Designed by architect Ernesto Klingenberg

Spanning 33,000m2, the Le Carrousel Mall will

Morocco’s first lifestyle mall, construction of the Le Carrousel Mall has begun and is due for completion in the fourth quarter of 2022.

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Local news

PROMOTING DUBAI PROPERTY AMONG ISRAELI INVESTORS In an industry-first move that follows the UAE’s decision to fully normalise bilateral relations with Israel, Ellington Properties, Dubai’s leading design-led property developer, has entered into a strategic alliance with Israel’s Keller Williams to promote and drive Israeli investments in Dubai’s property sector.

The historic partnership will mark concerted efforts by Ellington Properties to highlight the investment environment of Dubai among Israeli investors and showcase the company’s diverse range of design-centric lifestyle developments. With an in-country representation of Ellington Properties in Israel, investors can now learn more about the property sector of Dubai, explore investment opportunities and secure effortless purchase of homes in the city in Ellington developments.

Paula Wehbeh, Head of Business Strategy, Ellington Properties, said: “This is a historic moment for us as we focus on promoting Dubai’s property sector among Israeli investors, following the normalisation of bilateral relations between the two countries. We have received extensive enquiries from Israeli investors in the past weeks, and through our partnership with Keller Williams, which has in-depth insights and proven experience in serving property customers, we will strengthen our brand positioning among them. We are confident that the partnership will accelerate investments in Dubai’s property DT1 BY ELLINGTON PROPERTIES

sector, and position the city as one of the preferred destinations for property investments among international investors.”

WILTON TERRACES II BY ELLINGTON PROPERTIES

PAULA WEHBEH, HEAD OF BUSINESS STRATEGY, ELLINGTON PROPERTIES

AMOS NAIM, CEO, KELLER WILLIAMS ISRAEL

Local news

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DUBAI INDUSTRIAL CITY COMPLETES MAJOR EXPANSION Dubai Industrial City, one of the largest industrial hubs in region, has announced the completion of major construction and infrastructure projects to help its

the upgrades enhance mobility for more than 750 business partners.

Dubai Industrial City has also inaugurated a 14,000-bed worker accommodation

community keep pace with manufacturing and logistics demand in the UAE.

village, which brings the total number of available beds in the community to

Two highway extensions to Emirates Road have been completed, giving

more than 56,000. The modern, well-equipped, low-rise buildings comprise

heavy-tow trucks direct access to the major causeway linking Abu Dhabi with the Northern Emirates, Oman and Saudi Arabia. By improving the community’s 127-kilometre-long road network, a major part of its enabling infrastructure,

living quarters, dining areas, leisure facilities and other amenities.

More than AED 410 million has been invested to develop the two projects, both of which have been completed and are now operational.

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RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

RAS AL KHAIMAH CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY T: +971 7 233 8998 WWW.VISITRASALKHAIMAH.COM

RAS AL KHAIMAH HAS BEEN A CORNERSTONE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE)’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SINCE BEFORE THE NATION WAS FOUNDED IN 1971, PROVIDING THE RAW INGREDIENTS FOR THE COUNTRY’S IMPRESSIVE RISE ON THE GLOBAL STAGE. IT IS ROCK EXTRACTED FROM RAS AL KHAIMAH’S SPECTACULAR MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN THAT HAS CREATED THE UAE’S POWERHOUSE CITIES THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR HELPING PLACE THE COUNTRY FIRMLY ON THE WORLD MAP. HOWEVER, AS WITH ALL FORMS OF PROGRESS, PRIORITIES CHANGE OVER THE YEARS. THE UAE IS NOW LEADING THE WAY IN CREATING A DIVERSIFIED ECONOMY BASED ON KNOWLEDGE AND SUSTAINABILITY, WITH RAS AL KHAIMAH AT THE FORE OF THIS NEW DIRECTION.

RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

THE GCC NAMED RAS AL KHAIMAH AS THE GULF TOURISM CAPITAL 2020

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TOURISM & HOSPITALITY DEVELOPMENT Another area of major progress in Ras Al Khaimah over the past 10 years has been in the tourism and hospitality sector. The emirate has become known as a great place to get away from the

October 2020 marked the 10th anniversary of the

hustle and bustle of the city, and the diversity of

accession of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al

Ras Al Khaimah’s terrain – from rolling deserts,

Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of

to beautiful beaches and imposing mountains

Ras Al Khaimah, who has presided over a decade of

– has allowed it to offer an array of differing

important evolution in his Emirate. Here, we look

activities in close proximity to each other.

at 10 areas that Ras Al Khaimah has prioritised over the past ten years to help it meet both its and the

Recognition of the emirate’s achievements in this

UAE nation’s goal of sustainable development.

field came at the start of 2020 when the GCC named Ras Al Khaimah as the Gulf Tourism Capital 2020.

ECONOMIC PROGRESS Ras Al Khaimah Government adopts a fiscally

LIFESTYLE UPGRADE

prudent approach to governance and is committed

Al Hamra Village, which first opened in 2004, was Ras

to improving the ease of doing business. The

Al Khaimah’s first foray into real estate development

consolidated Government budget has been

and the area has subsequently grown into a thriving

in surplus every year since 2010 and it follows

77 million square feet community of about 10,000

conservative debt policies that ensure the debt-to-

residents living in more than 1,000 villas and almost

GDP ratio maintains a consistent downward trend.

2,500 apartments at costs much more affordable than similar communities elsewhere. Built around a

This cooperative and institutional approach

beautifully designed 18-hole golf course, Al Hamra

has made Ras Al Khaimah a haven for SMEs

Village has become a hit with tourists and residents

and big businesses, with more than 38,000

alike, with its marina, mall, multiple restaurants

companies from 100 countries representing over

and bars and some of the Emirate’s finest hotels.

50 industries already taking advantage of the business licenses and services offered by either

A few kilometers north of Al Hamra Village lies

Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Ras Al

the luxury beachside community of Mina Al

Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry or

Arab, developed by RAK Properties. The first

the Department of Economic Development (DED).

phase of this stunning development, Granada, was handed over in 2010, with numerous other

R

FREE ZONE EXPANSION

areas, such as Malibu, Bermuda and Flamingo,

as Al Khaimah has been a cornerstone

The two free zones that Sheikh Saud introduced

opening in the years since, making this community

of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s

in the early 2000s have helped the emirate

the mature development we see today.

economic development since before the nation

earn a mark in the global economic map as an

was founded in 1971, providing the raw ingredients

ideal investment destination in the region.

DIGITALISATION AND COMMUNICATION

for the country’s impressive rise on the global

Collectively, the free zones have become two

Since 2010, Ras Al Khaimah has been undergoing a

stage. It is rock extracted from Ras Al Khaimah’s

of the leading business hubs in the UAE, and in

digital transformation, in line with the UAE strategy

spectacular mountainous terrain that has created

2017 they joined forced to become RAKEZ.

to improve and digitise government services.

for helping place the country firmly on the world

RAKEZ oversees six zones dedicated to

The Electronic Government Authority is driving

map. However, as with all forms of progress,

various types of industries and is now home

digitalisation as a means to further improve

priorities change over the years. The UAE is now

to more than 15,000 businesses across more

and simplify services, to the extent that now

leading the way in creating a diversified economy

than 50 sectors. These include many SMEs

more than 450 services from various Ras Al

based on knowledge and sustainability, with Ras

and also 770 world-leading manufacturers,

Khaimah Government departments have been

Al Khaimah at the fore of this new direction.

such as Ahmad Tea, Knauf and Franke.

transitioned into e-services available online.

the UAE’s powerhouse cities that are responsible

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RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

QUARRYING AND TRANSPORT REVOLUTION Stevin Rock and RAK Rock have been quarrying in the mountains above Ras Al Khaimah to extract quality limestone, dolomite and gabbro materials that are then taken by road or by sea from nearby Saqr Port, the largest bulk-handling port in the Middle East, across the UAE, the GCC countries, India and beyond. Burj Khalifa, the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall - all have been built using materials from these mountains.

Another transport option is Ras Al Khaimah International, which has become a key focal point in the repatriation of Indian expatriates during the current pandemic, allowing more than 53,000 people to return home on more than 300 flights in collaboration with the airline and the Indian Government.

EDUCATIONAL ADVANCEMENT Ras Al Khaimah has a proud history of academic achievement and through the wisdom of the late Sheikh Saqr, the emirate was one of the first to establish an education system.

Sheikh Saud has continued in his father’s footsteps by championing education through the Academic Zone, the Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, through scholarships, and through the setting up of educational establishments.

GREATER HISTORICAL UNDERSTANDING Ras Al Khaimah has an illustrious history that dates back some 7,000 years and it is one of the few places in the world that has been continuously inhabited for that entire duration.

At the centre of the emirate’s efforts to discover more about its past and preserve significant locations and artifacts is the Department of Antiquities & Museums, which has in the past 10 years taken on a number of projects, with over 20,000 artifacts having been documented since 2010.

MORE THAN 450 SERVICES FROM VARIOUS RAS AL KHAIMAH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN TRANSITIONED INTO E-SERVICES

RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

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RAKEZ OVERSEES SIX ZONES DEDICATED TO VARIOUS TYPES OF INDUSTRIES AND IS NOW HOME TO MORE THAN 15,000 BUSINESSES ACROSS MORE THAN 50 SECTORS

THE STRATEGY AIMS TO CUT ENERGY USE BY 30% ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS

A large part of this advancement is thanks to RAK Hospital, which opened

As with the preservation of history, Ras Al Khaimah is also conscious about

in 2007 with just five doctors and now has 75 doctors with a variety of

ensuring the preservation of the natural environment. That is why the landmark

specialties in a vastly expanded facility. From about 100 patients a day in

Energy Efficiency & Renewables Strategy was put in place by Ras Al Khaimah

its first years, RAK Hospital now cares for between 800 to 900 outpatients

Municipality in 2018, ensuring that buildings are constructed in a sustainable

a day. The hospital now provides a variety of surgeries, including cardiac

manner. The strategy aims to cut energy use by 30%, water consumption by

surgery, neurosurgery, spine surgery, and orthopedic surgery.

20% and ensure 20% contribution from renewable energy sources by 2040.

A MODERN LEADER HEALTHCARE REVOLUTION

Under His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s remarkable stewardship,

Over the past 10 years Ras Al Khaimah’s healthcare institutions have

Ras Al Khaimah has played – and continues to play – a vital role in the

progressed from providing primary healthcare services to the local

nation’s growth and evolution.. By creating a resilient, flexible and diverse

population to now welcoming to its shores medical tourists who wish

economy underpinned by buoyant sectors in education, healthcare,

to take advantage of the advanced healthcare options available.

technology, industry and tourism, Ras Al Khaimah is proving instrumental in the UAE’s ambition to be a 21st-century leader among nations.

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RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

H.H. SHEIKH MOHAMMED REVIEWS ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS - AED 6.6 BILLION His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai has said the UAE is committed to implementing innovative projects that optimise the use of resources and solve critical challenges as part of the country’s strategy to ensure environmental sustainability.

“Providing a clean environment is at the heart of our efforts to advance development and provide a high quality of life both now and in the future. We have adopted global best practices and implemented innovative projects to

CAPABLE OF PROCESSING 5,666 TONNES OF MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE PER DAY

preserve our environment and protect the health and safety of people in the UAE,” His Highness said. Sheikh Mohammed’s comments came during a review of Dubai Municipality’s environmental and sustainability projects being developed at a cost AED 6.6 billion.

Sheikh Mohammed reviewed a project to build the Dubai Centre for Waste Processing in the Warsan area of Dubai.

The AED 4 billion plant, one of the largest in the world in terms of waste processing capacity, will operate without any negative impact on the environment. Capable of processing 5,666 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day and 1.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per year, it can also generate 200 megawatts of energy annually, which can serve the requirements of 135,000 residential units. The first phase of the project will be completed in 2023, and the entire project will be completed in 2024.

Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on an AED 500

PART OF THE AED2 BILLION GREEN DUBAI PROJECT

million project to develop public beaches in Dubai. The project aims to create one million square metres of beachfront area from Al Mamzar beach to Umm Suqeim 2. The project will be implemented in three phases - the first covers 4,250 metres of beachline extending from Al Mamzar Creek beach to Al Mamzar Corniche. The second covers 2,150 metres of beachline extending from Jumeirah Beach to Al Shorouq, and the third phase covers 6,015 metres of beachline in Umm Suqeim 1 and 2.

His Highness was briefed on the AED 100 million Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary development project too, which seeks to enhance the sanctuary’s ecosystem and biodiversity, as well as the first open garden on Al Mamzar Creek that forms part of the AED 2 billion Green Dubai Project.

The project forms part of a broader plan to expand the city’s green spaces, increase the percentage of green areas in development projects and raise Dubai’s global ranking in this area.

THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED IN 2023

NEWS BROUGHT YOU BY DUBAI MUNICIPALITY RAK CELEBRATES DECADETO DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

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DUBAI MUNICIPALITY INTENSIFIES CLEANING AND AWARENESS EFFORTS IN DESERT AREAS Dubai Municipality has begun implementing a comprehensive work programme to ensure the cleanliness of desert areas in the emirate through a specialised team equipped with all the equipment and tools necessary.

Eng. Abdulmajeed Saifaie, Director of Waste Management Department, explained that a team has been assigned to follow up the cleaning tasks of desert sites, consisting of 100 cleaning workers, 33 supervisory and control staff, six desert bikes dedicated to cleaning up wild areas and 24 different additional pieces of equipment for transporting and collecting waste.

176 EMPLOYEES OF MINISTRY OF WORKS IN SHARJAH RECEIVE BUNYAN CARD BENEFITS Dubai Municipality, in cooperation with the Ministry of Works in the Emirate of Sharjah, distributed Bunyan cards to 176 employees of the Ministry, with Manal Bin Yaarouf, Director of Customers and Partners Relations Department at the Municipality, explaining: “Dubai Municipality always seeks to extend bridges of cooperation with various authorities in the country to open new horizons in the process of enhancing the happiness of community members and meeting their life needs and requirements. The distribution of the Bunyan cards to the employees of the Ministry of Works in the Emirate of Sharjah reflects these efforts.�

The electronic card can be obtained by visiting

Since home is one of the basic needs for the

the Dubai Municipality website, and can be

formation of any family, the Municipality decided

availed by reviewing all the companies and

to support the citizens by providing facilities

privileges available to holders of the card. It is

and discounts in various areas related to the

the first such card that has been granted to every

needs of the home such as lighting, decoration

citizen of the UAE over the age of 18, without

and artworks, electronics, electrical appliances,

any fees, and it covers all segments of citizens,

furniture, kitchens and cabinets, building

whether it is an employee, retired person,

materials, swimming pools, sanitary ware,

senior citizens or people of determination.

maintenance, elevators and smart systems etc.

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY AND LAND DEPARTMENT UNIFY SERVICE CHANNELS Dubai Municipality and Dubai Land Department have signed a partnership agreement remotely to unify service channels and create a unified database. The agreement also stipulates the creation of a unified map of lands in the Emirate of Dubai.

The agreement is signed in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, with the aim of strengthening the governance of procedures, unifying service channels, and enhancing

database for all lands in Dubai that includes data pertaining to the landowner, as

the confidence of customers, including owners, consultants, investors,

well as planning and topographical data for the land and services, and everything

real estate developers and the creation of a single database at the level

related to design and investment. The map will be issued in the approved unified

of the emirate and the issuance of a comprehensive and unified map.

form, with the unified map of the land being issued through multiple and smart

The unified map development project includes the creation of a unified

channels, so that its issuance will not be linked to one place or location.

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RAK CELEBRATES DECADE DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY HANDS OVER COMMUNITY COUNCILS TO CDA Dubai Municipality has handed over the

Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to

accommodate 415 people. The building consists

community councils in Al Khawaneej-1 and Umm

provide distinguished services and the welfare

of the lobby and the main council (Majlis) with a

Suqeim-1 areas to the Community Development

of citizens according to the highest standards.

capacity of 330 people and a youth council with

The councils were designed using modern

a capacity of 40 people, in addition to the library,

Authority (CDA) in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed

a architectural style, and each council was

bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and

built at an area of 1525m with a capacity to

administrative offices and other logistical services.

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DUBAI MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES MAKANI BOARD

for the buildings have been

As part of achieving the implementation of the

standards consistent with the

initiative to transform Dubai into a smart city,

GeoDubai initiatives and the

Dubai Municipality has launched the Makani

Digital Twin requirements of

smart system for addressing geospatial units. The

the emirate and its inclusion in

system will be the first of its kind in the world.

the geographical database.

prepared according to 3D

It is an extension of the existing Makani system

The implementation of the

of entrances, as the new addressing system has

Makani initiative in a number of

been developed to include all types of units within

buildings is an important step

the buildings, whether they are residential units,

in the process of implementing

shops, offices, etc., and the engineering data

the smart city map initiative.

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ORGANISES 30 VIRTUAL FORUMS Dubai Municipality organised 30 virtual remote

“We have been keen during this year to continue

exceptional circumstances that the world is

forums during 2020, which witnessed the attendance

organising these forums using smart means

witnessing, which confirms the efficiency and

of nearly 1000 customers of all nationalities.

to preserve the safety of customers, given the

keenness of Dubai Municipality to involve the

These forums were organszed within the

community in its efforts

framework of the Municipality’s commitment

to promote sustainable

to continuous communication with its

development in various

customers and monitoring their suggestions,

circumstances, and harness

needs and observations in order to develop

the latest technologies and

the Municipality’s services in various fields.

programs to ensure effective

Manal Bin Yaaroof, Director of Customers and Partners Relations Department, said:

and continuous communication with customers.”

NEWS BROUGHT YOU BY DUBAI MUNICIPALITY RAK CELEBRATES DECADETO DEVELOPMENTAL INNOVATION

19 19

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY PROMOTES TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM AT GITEX 2020 “In Dubai Municipality, we are keen to

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai

embody the wise leadership’s directions

Municipality while attending GITEX 2020.

towards harnessing smart and modern

The projects presented by Dubai

technologies with the aim of improving

Municipality through its stand at the

various services and providing them in

exhibition included the ‘Dubai Here’

an ideal manner to the members of the

system, which is an electronic system

society, which is reflected in enhancing

that works on an Internet browser or

their happiness and satisfaction on the

portable smart device, and includes

one hand, and ensuring that their needs

2D and 3D maps that contain all

are met on the other hand. Over the past

assets, landmarks, infrastructure

years, the Municipality has kept pace with

facilities, buildings, service units and

the most prominent global technological

networks, information on economic

developments in the field of providing

activities as well as environmental,

its various services to the public,” said

health and population information.

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY WINS MIKE GLOBAL AWARD FOR KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION Dubai Municipality has picked up the award for

providing creative and virtual

the Most Innovative Knowledge Enterprise (MIKE)

spaces to create added value for

in the Middle East and North Africa. Through

the concerned groups, effectively

the award, establishments are honoured for

building internal and external

pioneering achievements and contributions

communication networks, and

aimed at advancing towards global practices

measuring innovation performance.

in knowledge management and innovation.

The evaluation criteria of the award included

Dubai Municipality has shown remarkable achievements in these

strategy, vision, leadership, empowering employees

criteria in terms of capabilities

in the field of knowledge and innovation,

and results, which won the

establishing a culture of corporate innovation,

praise of all members of the

investing in knowledge-based solutions and

award committee, as well as the Municipality’s

in projects and services, in addition to the

services, activating knowledge practices and

commitment to strengthening the innovation

Municipality’s achievement of distinguished

systems to create new knowledge, understanding

and knowledge system, knowledge exchange

results in the field of measuring the impact of

customer expectations, needs and experiences,

activities and spreading the culture of innovation

knowledge management and innovation practices.

DUBAI MUNICIPALITY WINS AWARD IN CONTRACTING AND PROCUREMENT SERVICES Dubai Municipality has won the Best

for contracting and procurement services, by

of processes and procedures and stimulating rapid

Procurement Project Award in the Procurement

optimizing the use of modern technology in the field

intervention to proactively address obstacles,

Middle East Excellence Awards 2020.

of converting and digitising contractual procedures,

launching a system that accurately monitors

The award was picked up for the ‘Improving Contract

in addition to converting the process paths into

and measures all performance indicators to

Procedures’ initiative, which aims to keep pace

digital and smart paths in several areas, including:

facilitate the decision-making process, designing

with government trends in implementing the best

investment contracts, specialised contracts,

the framework of operations and re-engineering

technical solutions in the field of procurement and

change orders, auctions, self-updating of supplier

procedure paths by activating smart and flexible

contracting, and facilitating work procedures.

data, and procedures for disbursing payments.

business models, and raising work productivity

Through the winning initiative, the Municipality was

The winning initiative’s efforts included launching

in contracts, and accelerate the completion

keen to provide quality and innovative solutions

an automated system to monitor the performance

of contractual procedures for projects.

‫اﻧﺘﺒﻪ ﻣﻦ ﺗﺠﺎوز اﻹﺷﺎرة اﻟﺤﻤﺮاء‬

‫ّ‬ ‫وﻳﻜﻠﻔﻚ ﻣﺨﺎﻟﻔﺔ ﻣﺮورﻳﺔ‬ ‫ﺗﺠﺎوز اﻹﺷﺎرة اﻟﺤﻤﺮاء ﺧﻄﺮ ﻋﲆ اﻟﺠﻤﻴﻊ‬

‫‪Look out for red on the road‬‬ ‫‪Running a red light is dangerous and can get you fines‬‬

‫‪800 9090 rta.ae‬‬

Airolink Building Contracting LLC

21 21

MASTERS OF CONSISTENCY AND QUALITY CELEBRATING ITS 12TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2020, AIROLINK BUILDING CONTRACTING LLC HAS BECOME RENOWNED FOR ITS SPEED, QUALITY AND PRICE COMPETITIVENESS, WITH THE COMPANY HAVING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED MANY IMPORTANT AND PRESTIGIOUS PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE UAE. HERE, WE TALK TO DR ANIL PILLAI, THE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF AIROLINK, ABOUT CURRENT PROJECTS, THE CHALLENGE OF THE PANDEMIC, TECHNOLOGY, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE COMPANY.

DR ANIL PILLAI, THE FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF AIROLINK

22

Airolink Building Contracting LLC

are already aligning measures to ensure that construction completes ahead of schedule.

EPM: Can you tell us a little about other significant projects the company has undertaken this year, such as the Jafza Trader Market and the Wonderland Waterfront development?

Dr Anil: Jafza Trader’s Market and the Wonderland Waterfront development have been added to Airolink’s portfolio recently, riding on the success we have had with our other projects in the region.

THE WONDERLAND WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

Of the 14 ongoing projects, eight are scheduled

EPM: What has been the biggest

EPM: Can you tell us about the Seven City

to be handed over in the next 12 months; and to

motivation for you on your journey as the

project? I understand it is Airolink’s biggest

build on this success, we will continue to add more

company has grown and expanded?

ever? What are the particular challenges?

significant projects to our pipeline, increasing the

Dr Anil: Airolink has been fortunate enough

Dr Anil: Airolink is extremely proud to be at the

to establish itself at the pace it has over the last

helm on the construction of the biggest residential

12 years. The visionary leaders of the UAE have

tower project in the UAE, the iconic Seven City

recognised you as one of the world’s finest

offered enterprising organisations the opportunity

Project at JLT. Valued at AED 1 billion, the project

CEOs and featured an article on the visionary

to perform and evolve. Airolink has drawn on

has a total built up area of 3.5 million square feet

leadership behind Airolink. How would you define

the strength of this platform to tap into the

and is scheduled to be completed by Q2 2023.

that leadership, and what makes Airolink stand

growth potential of the region through consistent performance, client-focus and dedication to quality.

Nothing gives us more satisfaction than witnessing

Commencing such a massive project at a time when the whole world is reeling from Covid-19

cumulative project value to over AED 5 billion.

EPM: CEO Today Middle East Awards recently

out in what is a fiercely competitive marketplace?

Dr Anil: I am a man driven by a passion for

comes with its own challenges. We envisage

what I do, and I try to emulate my passion

an architectural concept take shape and turn into an

logistics also being a key concern, but Airolink has a

in the way Airolink operates. As with any

engineering marvel. It is this passion for construction

proven aptitude for completing similar challenging

good organisational culture, our functions

excellence that has fuelled Airolink’s journey.

projects. Our Project and Risk Management Teams

reflect trust, care and communication between all levels of the management.

SEVEN CITY PROJECT, JUMEIRAH LAKES TOWERS, DUBAI

My team is close to me, and in many cases, our relationship goes back even before Airolink was established. My company leaders are my strength, and they manage well independently, but where my assistance or support is required, I remain available to lend a helping hand.

Airolink’s hard work, dedication to quality and client focus has thankfully been rewarded with a ‘Premier Construction Entity’ status within the UAE in a very short span of time, and I attribute our success to the efforts of the entire Airolink family.

EPM: How did Airolink prepare for and mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic?

Dr Anil: Airolink was one of the few firms to adopt early prevention measures and proactively minimise the impact of Covid-19. Right from awareness camps to dedicated monitoring divisions, isolation wards, enhanced camp hygiene measures and medical camps, the Airolink team has led the way. As a result of the hard work of our crisis management teams, thankfully, our operations were not hugely impacted, and we continued to outperform the targets for our clients.

Airolink Building Contracting LLC

JAFZA TRADER MARKET

ventures in Ireland, India and more recently in

of the excellent support from my team, I

Bahrain. In partnership with a prominent local

have been honoured to be appointed by the

EPM: Have your goals for 2020-21 changed

firm in Bahrain, Airolink has been awarded

International Human Rights Defence Committee

due to the Covid-19 pandemic?

two new projects in Madinat Salman Island by

as a ‘CIPDH Expert’ with SC-1 rank.

Dr Anil: As with the majority of the

the Ministry of Housing, Kingdom of Bahrain.

23 23

EPM: How do you keep an entrepreneurial

construction sector internationally, Airolink

We strongly believe in strengthening and

did have challenges during the sudden global

enhancing our strategic partnerships to drive

onset of Covid-19. However, our teams did

progress during these extremely challenging

keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive within an

exceptionally well to put us back on track.

times for the construction industry.

organisation. We established and built this company

EPM: How do you incorporate technology

on the dreams and passion of all our employees.

We also utilised this period to refine and remodel our operational framework and tailor-make functional changes to adapt to the prevailing

change into your business strategy?

Dr Anil: Embracing new technology is vital to

spirit alive in an ever-expanding organisation?

Dr Anil: Motivation through passion is the key to

Working meticulously to fulfil our appetite for growth, we set higher standards for ourselves,

market conditions. We upskilled our teams and

future success in the construction industry. At

take calculated risks and stay focused. We

introduced technological enhancements, including

Airolink, we have adopted smart, sustainable

encourage our team to think out of the box to find

rolling out of a new customised ERP system.

solutions into our operations and are constantly

solutions and to be creative in their approach.

While many companies downsized during

updating our systems and procedures to keep up

There is a certain soul to each opportunity,

Covid-19, Airolink has maintained a positive outlook

with the rapid pace of technological advances.

venture and project, and as a team, we cherish

and has recruited in almost every division of the

One may witness this on our projects right

all the challenges and enjoy every outcome.

firm. In terms of business expansion, the challenges

from enhanced digital integration, advanced

brought about by Covid-19 have opened up new

biometric systems, deployment of BIM,

navigate through exceptionally challenging times.

opportunities, but yes, we are cautious in our

customised integrated ERP systems and so on.

However, I recommend maintaining a positive

There is no doubt that the world has had to

approach. As a firm, we continue to strengthen

EPM: Can you give me an example of a

outlook and adopting to the times to not just

our local and international affiliations to build

corporate social responsibility initiative

survive, but thrive even better in the market.

on our portfolio and continue our journey.

the company has championed?

I would like to thank the UAE government for

EPM: In which territories does Airolink

Dr Anil: Part of our success mantra involves

their exceptional success in boosting consumer

operate in today, aside from the UAE; I

us being true to our values and being humble

confidence and drawing even more investment

understand the company is currently working

in our growth. Our CSR initiatives are targeted

and interest into the UAE. I would also like to

on a high-status development in Bahrain?

to give back to the community and support

take this opportunity to thank my team and all

the needy with education, social welfare,

our affiliates for the success we have enjoyed

child and female empowerment. As a result

so far. The best is yet to come for Airolink!

Dr Anil: In addition to our UAE operations, we continue to expand globally through our

24

GET TO KNOW TALAL Saeed FINO INTERNATIONAL ARMANI HOTEL, DUBAI

M R. TALAL SAEED, MP AT FINO INTERNATIONAL

AL HABTOOR CITY, DUBAI

MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY, DUBAI

THE ADDRESS, DOWNTOWN, DUBAI

TIGHT CONTROL ON QUALITY AT ALL TIMES FINO INTERNATIONAL LLC P.O.BOX 261946, JEBEL ALI INDUSTRIAL AREA 1, DUBAI T: +971 4 880 2663 E: INFO@FINOINTERIORS.COM WWW.FINOINTERIORS.COM

FOCUSED ON HOSPITALITY, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS, FINO INTERNATIONAL HAS SET A BENCHMARK FOR THE INTERIOR FIT-OUT INDUSTRY, WITH ITS NAME RECOGNISED FOR ITS YEARS OF EXPERIENCE, VAST KNOWLEDGEBASE, AND HIGHLY SKILLED AND COMMITTED TEAM OF EMPLOYEES. WE SPEAK TO MR TALAL SAEED, MANAGING PARTNER AT FINO INTERNATIONAL, TO FIND OUT MORE NOT ONLY ABOUT THE COMPANY’S WORK AND AMBITIONS, BUT ALSO THE HEALTH AND UNDERLINING TRENDS IN THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE.

GET TO KNOW TALAL Saeed FINO INTERNATIONAL

Emirates Projects: What do you feel is the

some of the finest and most prestigious

biggest strength of the company right now?

landmark projects in the UAE, including

Talal Saeed: Our strength is in our manufacturing facilities. We own six manufacturing units for various trades, such as marble, joinery, metal, metal doors, and FF&E. This allows us to execute all of our projects in-house, dictating that

me, and it makes my team and me proud when we deliver important and esteemed projects such

EPM: What are you most excited TS: I am excited to have to review our policies for various markets and network in our business

a tight control on quality standards at all times.

plan to suit the current market trends.

what are you most proud of?

TS: I’m proud of our team and all of the

TS: The fit-out industry is a genuine passion for

Downtown, Hyatt Regency, and MBR Library.

we don’t rely on subcontractors and therefore keep EPM: When it comes to Fino International,

EPM: Why are you so passionate about what you do?

Burj Khalifa –The Armani Hotel, The Address

about at the present time?

EPM: What are the key underlying fundamental trends at the present time in the industry?

TS: The trends at the moment in the industry

25 25

as the Dubai Metro and The Address hotels.

EPM: How do you maximise the potential of your workforce?

TS: We maximise the potential of our teams by focusing the specialist knowledge of individual employees into the areas of the project where they can perform best. We put together bespoke teams that are created in response to the exact

achievements they have accomplished

are for contemporary residential buildings and

requirements of project. Furthermore, we maximize

throughout the last 15 years. We have delivered

ultra-luxury five-star and business hotels.

the potential of our workforce by educating them on the concept of ownership of a project.

“WE PUT TOGETHER BESPOKE TEAMS THAT ARE CREATED IN RESPONSE TO THE EXACT REQUIREMENTS OF PROJECT” EPM: How do you ensure sustainability and high environmental standards?

TS: Throughout the manufacturing process, we follow the standard international procedures, such as ISO 14001, 9001 and QHSAS 18001, as well as the standard government regulations for environmental sustainability. Fino International adheres to ISO 14001, 9001 and QHSAS 18001 BAB AL QASR, GRAND MILLENIUM, ABU DHABI

THE ADDRESS, DUBAI MALL HOTEL, DUBAI

standards during the manufacturing process.

EPM: How would you describe the health of the industry in general prior to the pandemic; what other challenges was it facing, and what opportunities are now presenting themselves?

TS: Prior to the pandemic, the industry was facing various challenges. The number of properties being built was fewer than before, with the large developers also reducing the size of properties and focusing on three and four-star business hotels.

Following the pandemic, there will be a growing number of opportunities to complete the unfinished properties and to refurbish the existing ones. This will be the perfect time for them to upgrade their interiors.

EPM: What are your targets and goals for Fino International over the next couple of years?

TS: Our main target is to make the process

I’M PROUD OF OUR TEAM AND ALL OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS THEY HAVE ACCOMPLISHED THROUGHOUT THE LAST 15 YEARS

more efficient for our team throughout the manufacturing process. We will also be restructuring various departments within the company, and diversifying into new and different market sectors, including the trading of marble.

26

PROJECT FOCUS - THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY

OPENING THE DOOR TO KNOWLEDGE

THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY, WHICH WILL HOUSE MORE THAN 4.5 MILLION BOOKS, ONE MILLION AUDIO BOOKS AND TWO MILLION E-BOOKS, RISES UP ON A TOTAL AREA OF 66,000M2 IN THE JADDAF AREA ON DUBAI CREEK. CONTRIBUTING CONSIDERABLY TO THE PROMOTION OF DUBAI’S CULTURAL AND LITERARY STATUS, THE LIBRARY WILL ALSO COMPRISE A NUMBER OF AREAS FOR INTERACTION, EVENTS, ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL FESTIVALS.

PROJECT FOCUS - THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY

T

27 27

he architecture, inspired by the Holy Quran, in particular the Rehl, an

X-shaped foldable book rest used for placing the holy book on during recitation, is eyecatching. And the symbolic location on the seashore of Dubai presents itself as a beacon of knowledge and education, as well as a constant reminder of the emirate’s role as a gateway to culture and trade throughout the region.

Standing seven storeys tall, the spectacular architecture can be seen from across the Creek, giving water taxi passengers a prime view of this wonder of the modern world.

A FORUM FOR THE MINGLING OF CULTURES The Mohammed bin Rashid Library is unique and prominent in terms of size and form. The project includes the main building, which consists of a basement, ground floor and seven floors, incorporating a central warehouse for books.

Services, Youth Library, Study Rooms, and

vision carries for a better tomorrow. It is a gift

It also contains a laboratory for preserving

Meeting Rooms, as well as a private library

for the educational and cultural movement,

books, collecting and processing materials,

containing collectibles, books, and rare

and a forum for the mingling of cultures.

and facilities for digital conversion of books.

articles related to the Al Maktoum family.

There are eight specialised libraries

Other places of interest include the Business

This enormous library will host lots of cultural and knowledge events and art exhibitions,

within the building too, with approximately

Library, multiple open reading areas, permanent

where up-to-the-minute technologies will be

a million printed, electronic, and audio

exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, theatre,

used. It will be equipped to make it one of the

books. These include an Information Centre,

cinema, and book lending corners to allow

largest electronic libraries in the world. It will

Arabic Library, Public Library, and Children’s

visitors and tourists to keep abreast of the

also serve as a cultural and scientific movement

Library, which has corners for reading stories,

movement of scientific development in

for the country and a catalyst for reading and

children’s books, and other activities that

the world. There are also conference and

scientific research, and will support the writing

play a part in the development of youngsters’

study rooms, exhibition areas, a 544-seat

of books, translation works, and publishing.

understanding and love of reading. The

auditorium, a café, and parking spaces.

Family Library focuses on books that cater to the education of the entire family.

The project also includes an International

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin

STANDING ALONGSIDE THE BEST

Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library embodies a

Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, wants

rich history of cultures and civilisations and is a

Library, Media Library, Periodicals Library,

this project to be a centrepiece of all of the

distinctive cultural landmark in which education,

Audiovisual and Publications Library, Internet

achievements and cultural ideas that the UAE

culture and tourism interconnect. The library is a representation of Dubai’s cultural face and a forum that allows users to connect electronically with well-known international libraries to exchange rare and valuable information. The library also offers an integrated database that contains soft copies of its entire contents.

In addition, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library will host the main headquarters of The International Council for the Arabic Language and publish the Mohammad Bin Rashid Contemporary Arabic Language Dictionary.

There is no doubt that the Mohammed bin Rashid Library will stand alongside the largest and most famed libraries in the world.

28

SOLAR FOCUS - THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK

SOLAR FOCUS - THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK

THE LARGEST ENERGY STORAGE IN THE WORLD THE LARGEST INVESTMENT PROJECT IN THE WORLD, COMBINING CONCENTRATED SOLAR POWER (CSP) AND PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR POWER, WITH INVESTMENTS TOTALLING AED 15.78 BILLION, THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK WILL, UPON ITS COMPLETION, HAVE THE LARGEST ENERGY STORAGE CAPACITY (15 HOURS) ON THE PLANET.

29 29

30

SOLAR FOCUS - THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK

SOLAR FOCUS - THE MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM SOLAR PARK

B

31 31

uilt by the Dubai Electricity and Water

It is the first and largest government centre to have

CSP and the Solar Power Tower. In addition, it

Authority (DEWA), the fourth phase will be

been presented with the ‘Done by Youth’ seal from

showcases DEWA’s renewable energy journey,

operational in stages starting from Q3 2021, and will

the Federal Youth Authority. Developed by a team

Smart DEWA, solar cell applications in spacecraft

provide clean energy for 320,000 residences, and will

of young Emiratis, this supports the next generation

and satellites, a model that explains the working

reduce 1.6 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year.

of innovators in clean energy technologies, while

mechanisms of electric vehicles, a wind turbine, and

focusing on developing national capabilities. The

the development of DEWA’s sustainable buildings.

THE WORLD’S TALLEST SOLAR TOWER

Innovation Centre will be an educational platform

The new facility uses three hybrid technologies

that hosts events, conferences, seminars, and

from LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

to produce clean energy: 600MW from a

workshops. It will build a strong partnership with

Design) with 101 points out of a possible 110 in

parabolic basin complex (three units of

schools, universities, start-ups, and local and

the first quarter of 2020. This is the highest score

200MW each), 100MW from a solar power

international organisations for research, knowledge-

in the world for a new government building.

tower (based on molten salt technology), and

exchange, and organisation of exhibitions.

The Innovation Centre received a platinum rating

250MW from photovoltaic solar panels.

A consortium led by DEWA and ACWA Power formed a project company, Noor Energy 1, to design, build, and operate the plant, with DEWA owning 51%, ACWA 25%, and Silk Road Fund 24% of the company.

Featuring the world’s tallest solar tower at 262.44 metres, the project, which covers a total area of 44 square kilometres, has broken a number of world records, including the levelised cost of electricity of 7.3 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for the 700MW CSP, and 2.4 US cents per kWh for the 250MW photovoltaic solar panels.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park has a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030.

The molten salt receiver sitting on top of the solar power tower is the core of the CSP plant, and the

INNOVATION CENTRE

The Innovation Centre received this accolade

total capacity of operational projects at the solar

The Innovative Centre houses an auditorium for

in recognition of achieving high scores in water

park is 1,013MW. DEWA is creating an additional

events, conferences, and training programmes

efficiency, internal environment quality, energy

capacity of 1,850MW using solar panels and CSP.

on solar power, renewable energy, and other

efficiency, innovation, and design. Rainwater

green initiatives. The four-storey building

is also collected and treated on-site.

SHAPING THE FUTURE DEWA’s Innovation Centre at the Mohammed bin

covers 4,355m2 and is 88 metres high.

Visitors get the opportunity to explore the

Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is a pioneering

latest innovations in clean energy technologies.

global hub for the advance of renewable and

The exhibition area on the first floor focuses

clean energy, which is expected to shape

on DEWA’s history, important inventions

the global future of sustainable energy.

and innovations in electricity, and the latest

By way of the Innovation Centre, DEWA intends

developments in renewable and sustainable

to encourage innovation and creativity in clean

energy. The area also contains in excess of 30

and renewable energy, endorse sustainability,

interactive exhibits that are designed to introduce

develop Emirati talent, and enhance the country’s

visitors to renewable energy developments.

competitive advantage in this fast-growing

The site also houses the DEWA Museum, water

sector. The Innovation Centre’s research on

desalination plants, and a visual space that explains

solar power supports the Dubai Clean Energy

the properties of light and solar radiation. There

Strategy 2050, which endeavours to expand the

is an exhibition on photovoltaic solar power

energy mix and provide 75% of Dubai’s total

too, featuring the crucial components of solar

power capacity from clean energy sources.

photovoltaic cells, solar photovoltaic technologies,

INVESTMENTS TOTALLING AED 15.78 BILLION THE NEW FACILITY USES THREE HYBRID TECHNOLOGIES TO PRODUCE CLEAN ENERGY THE FOUR-STOREY BUILDING COVERS 4,355M2 AND IS 88 METRES HIGH THE INNOVATION CENTRE RECEIVED A PLATINUM RATING FROM LEED WITH 101 POINTS OUT OF A POSSIBLE 110

32

Solar Focus - Yellow Door Energy

YELLOW DOOR ENERGY COMPLETES MASSIVE ROOFTOP SOLAR PLANT YELLOW DOOR ENERGY, A UAE-BASED SUSTAINABLE ENERGY PROVIDER FOR BUSINESSES, HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMMISSIONED A 2 MEGAWATT-PEAK (MWP) SOLAR PLANT FOR FUTURE PIPE INDUSTRIES (FPI). LOCATED IN DUBAI INDUSTRIAL CITY, THE SOLAR PLANT IS EXPECTED TO GENERATE 3,200 MEGAWATT-HOURS OF CLEAN ENERGY IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION, EQUIVALENT TO REDUCING 1,300 TONNES OF CARBON EMISSIONS PER YEAR. THAT’S ANOTHER 3,200 MEGAWATTHOURS OF CLEAN ENERGY ADDED TO THE UAE ENERGY STRATEGY 2050!

C

ompleted in time to celebrate the Dubai Solar Show and WETEX, this massive solar plant covers the rooftops of four

warehouses totalling 18,000m2 and comprises of more than 6,000 solar panels. It will meet 40% of the factory’s energy consumption needs and help FPI significantly reduce electricity costs.

NO UPFRONT INVESTMENT Offering complete fibreglass piping solutions, FPI design and manufacture fibreglass piping systems for use across the oil & gas, water, industrial and marine & offshore industries, enhancing the project range through customised solutions including system design and engineering services, project management, technical support, field supervision and training.

YELLOW DOOR ENERGY T: +971 4 454 3033 E: GOSOLAR@YELLOWDOORENERGY.COM WWW.YELLOWDOORENERGY.COM

Solar Focus - Yellow Door Energy

33 33

YELLOW DOOR ENERGY HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMMISSIONED A 2 MEGAWATT-PEAK (MWP) SOLAR PLANT FOR FUTURE PIPE INDUSTRIES (FPI).

Dirk Matthys, Chief Operating Officer at FPI, explained:

The completion of Future Pipe Industries’ solar plant

“Sustainability is intrinsic to the way we do business

is a milestone for our community and a testament

at Future Pipe Industries. The solar project with

to the UAE’s role as a global platform for innovative

Yellow Door Energy at our DIC facility enables us

companies at the heart of the clean energy movement.

to reduce our energy costs and lower our carbon

We are proud of our business partner’s commitment

footprint, all without any upfront investment. We

to sustainability which now means more than 14

look forward to having this solar plant generate

megawatts of clean electricity is generated on-site

We hope businesses in Dubai Industrial City will

clean energy for us for many years to come.”

at Dubai Industrial City. We hope this will encourage

soon recover from the pandemic and consider

others to explore renewable power with Dubai’s

solar projects to reduce electricity costs. As a

Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, Managing Director at

logistics and manufacturing sector poised to play a

Dubai-based solar developer, Yellow Door Energy

Dubai Industrial City, said: “As a leading regional

prominent role in the region’s economic resilience.”

is honoured to contribute to DEWA’s Shams Dubai

industrial and logistics hub, we prioritise sustainable

Jeremy Crane, CEO and Co-Founder of Yellow

Programme and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.”

practices and continue to work closely with our

Door Energy, added: “We are proud to support

partners from design to completion to ensure

Future Pipe Industries’ sustainability endeavour

REDUCING ENERGY COSTS AND CARBON EMISSIONS

their operations are eco-friendly and efficient.

through the development of this solar plant.

Renewable energy, led by solar power, could make up 80% of the growth in electricity generation over the next decade, according to a report published by the International Energy Agency.

It is now unfailingly cheaper to generate electricity by capturing the sun’s energy than by burning coal or natural gas in the majority countries.

Solar Photovoltaic cells are one of the cheapest sources of electricity in history thanks to maturing technologies and policies that have brought down the cost of investments. Photovoltaic systems can be installed as panels on homes or businesses, as well as deployed at solar parks.

As the solar developer, Yellow Door Energy, which serves commercial and industrial customers in the Middle East and South Asia, is responsible for investing in, designing, building, commissioning, operating and maintaining the solar plant for the duration of the contract.

Contracting with solar developers is gaining popularity among industrial building owners who want to reduce energy costs without any upfront investment or operational risk while maintaining focus on their core business and enjoying the benefits of clean energy.

The company’s solar and energy efficiency solutions enable businesses to reduce energy costs, improve power reliability and lower carbon emissions.

THIS MASSIVE SOLAR PLANT WILL MEET 40% OF THE FACTORY’S ENERGY CONSUMPTION NEEDS

34

SOLAR FOCUS - SIRAJ POWER

CHOITHRAMS SELECTS SIRAJPOWER AS ITS PARTNER FOR IMPLEMENTING SOLAR PROJECTS IN THE UAE

RAJIV WARRIER (LEFT), LAURENT LONGUET (RIGHT)

SIRAJPOWER, THE UAE’S LEADING DISTRIBUTED SOLAR ENERGY PROVIDER, CONTINUES ITS RAPID AND CONSISTENT EXPANSION IN THE UAE WITH A NEW SIGNIFICANT PARTNERSHIP. THE COMPANY RECENTLY SIGNED A DEAL WITH CHOITHRAMS, A LEADING GROCERY RETAILER AND FOOD DISTRIBUTOR IN THE MIDDLE EAST, TO HELP THEM SHIFT FROM CONVENTIONAL POWER TO 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY. TO CELEBRATE THIS MOMENTOUS MOVE, A SIGNING CEREMONY WAS RECENTLY HELD AT CHOITHRAMS’ HEAD OFFICE IN DUBAI IN THE PRESENCE OF RAJIV WARRIER, CHOITHRAMS’ CEO, LAURENT LONGUET, CEO OF SIRAJPOWER, AND MERZI SODAWATERWALA, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN OF WORLD SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS FORUM (WSBF).

SOLAR FOCUS - SIRAJ POWER

A SIGNIFICANT PARTNERSHIP

35 35

RAJIV WARRIER (LEFT), MERZI SODAWATERWALA (CENTRE) LAURENT LONGUET

Choithrams’ solar rooftop project includes three warehouses located at Al Quoz in Dubai with a 2.7 MWp system capacity that will generate 4.5 GWh of annual energy production. The solar rooftop installation will help displace approximately over 3,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions (Co2) per annum, corresponding to more than 12 million smartphones being charged.

Laurent Longuet, CEO of SirajPower, said: “Despite the global challenging market situation which slowed the operation of projects, solar energy initiatives are still in place and in high demand. We have been able to accelerate our growth thanks to a clear and robust regulatory framework that supports the development of renewable energy and the distributed solar market. In addition, our local leadership has done exceptional work during these difficult times that allowed us to continue our work and maintain our momentum/or growth.

“Today, we celebrate another significant partnership

project’s milestone by introducing and facilitating this

per year. To date, SirajPower operates across various

with Choithrams, a company with a remarkable

success in record time for SirajPower withChoithrams;

industries, including construction, retail, logistics,

heritage that further diversifies our strong market

a valued long-term relationship. Transitioning to 100%

industrial, real estate, telecom, and F&B/FMCG.

portfolio and expands our presence in the FMCG/

renewable energy not only offers significant financial

In fact, it currently operates the largest distributed

F&B sector. We are honoured to be entrusted by

benefits, it also offers sustainability achievements

solar energy portfolio (50 MWp) in the UAE, and is

major groups across industries that recognise our

from zero carbon emissions. I congratulate all

expanding to become the regional ‘Green Champion’.

expertise and our service excellence to achieve their

parties involved for this landmark achievement.”

sustainability objectives and join the green community.

We also thank Merzi Sodawaterwala, Founder & Chairman at World Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) that acted as our sustainability partner for this project.”

Rajiv Warrier, CEO of Choithrams said: “Sustainability has always been a key initiative for Choithrams and shifting to 100% renewable energy is a crucial step in our sustainable journey. We were keen to find

SIRAJPOWER WILL ENABLE CHOITHRAMS’ DISTRIBUTION CENTRES TO SHIFT TO 100% RENEWABLE CLEAN ENERGY

The company’s advanced solar technology allows customers to maximise savings, gain energy independence, and meet sustainability goals.

SirajPower is the only locally-owned company in Dubai licensed and certified to offer engineering, procurement, construction (EPC), O&M, and financing solutions under the same umbrella.

The company provides solar leasing system solutions that substantially reduce energy expenditure

the right local partner with proper knowledge and GREEN CHAMPION

while fulfilling a sustainable future in line with the

and we selected SirajPower for these reasons. As

In the F&B sector, SirajPower also counts LIFCO, one

emirate’s long-term green vision. This includes

one of the leading food retailers and distributors,

of the largest and long-established consumer food

providing comprehensive turnkey solutions that

we take great pride in supporting noble causes and

distributors in the UAE, with 2 MWp solar rooftop

combine development, financing, construction,

the adoption of renewable energy in conjunction

commissioned producing 3.5 GWh of clean energy

and operation of solar rooftops and carports.

technical expertise for such a significant commitment,

with the leadership’s UAE vision 2021 agenda.”

Merzi Sodawaterwala, Founder and Chairman of World Sustainable Business Forum (WSBF) added: “This is the largest solar rooftop project in the F&B sector and also the largest in terms of capacity permissible as per the new DEWA regulation. I’m pleased to have built this

THE SOLAR ROOFTOP INSTALLATION WILL HELP DISPLACE APPROXIMATELY OVER 3,000 METRIC TONS OF CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS

36

Emirates Green Building Council

EMIRATESGBC HONOURS TOP SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATIONS AT MENA GREEN BUILDINGS AWARDS

AN INDEPENDENT FORUM AIMED AT CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT BY STRENGTHENING AND PROMOTING GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES, EMIRATES GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL (EMIRATESGBC) HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE INSPIRING, INNOVATIVE AND CONTINUOUS EFFORTS OF SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS IN THE MENA REGION.

Emirates Green Building Council

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37 37

ddressing the Annual MENA Green Building Awards, EmiratesGBC

environment-friendly best practices, despite the pandemic. This year, we recorded

also marked the conclusion of its 9th Annual Congress held under

a significant increase in the number of entries in the net zero building category.

the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

This is very positive news as it showcases our progress towards the UAE’s New

with the theme ‘Building a Sustainable Future in Uncertain Times’.

Zero Commitment by 2050. We are committed to working towards encouraging technology adoption and innovation to help create a greener future for all.”

His Excellency Ali Al Jassim, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “The Annual EmiratesGBC Congress and 2020 MENA Green Building Awards underlined the

Commenting on the event, Cristina Gamboa CEO, World Green Building Council, said:

concerted efforts of all stakeholders to support the nation and wider MENA region

“As the first GBC to be established in the MENA region, we have always supported

to create sustainable built environments towards the goal of ‘Net Zero Buildings’

EmiratesGBC in expanding the sustainable building movement within the UAE and

by 2050. The events not only highlighted the spirit of green innovation that thrives

beyond. We are proud of EmiratesGBC’s commitment to sustainability excellence

in the region but also the resolve of the industry to stay committed to pursuing

in the built environment, and their achievements during the past 13 years.”

The winners of the 2020 MENA Green Building Awards in 16 categories are:  Net Zero Building Project of the Year - Solar Innovation Centre by Dubai

 Green Building Product - Water Management - Permavoid - Polypipe Middle East

Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)  Green Building Project – Masdar Etihad Eco Residences Phase 2

by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSB (Masdar)

 Green Building Material - Construction Material - Saint-Gobain Façade System - Glasroc X by Saint-Gobain UAE

 Sustainable Design Project - Al Sheraa Building by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

 Green Building Research - SIFS Building Envelope Analyzer

by Smart Insulation Finishing Systems LLC

 Facility Management Organisation – Emaar Facilities Management

 Retrofit Project - Radisson Blu Deira Creek hot water retrofit by Energie GCC

 Green Contractor - Multiplex Constructions LLC

 Best Operations and Maintenance for existing building - Burj Khalifa

 Developer of the Year - Diamond Developers

Operation and Maintenance by Emaar

 Green Consultant – Cundall Johnson and Partners LLP

 Training Initiative - Cundall Diploma by Cundall Johnson and Partners LLP

 Green Building Product - Indoor Air Quality – Eolis Air Air Manager by Eolisair

 Healthy Spaces Project - Dubai Police Young Leaders Hub by Dubai Police

 Green Building Product - Energy Management - Sageglass Harmony - Saint Gobain

Endorsed by the World Green Building Council,

Additionally, EmiratesGBC marked another

EmiratesGBC aims to widen the scope of sustainability

held in partnership with regional Green Building

milestone with the launch of its Women’s Network,

within the real estate sector in the MENA region with

Councils in the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Kuwait,

which will serve as a strong networking, mentoring

the help of such events, research, technical training

Morocco and Palestine, and supported by Platinum

and knowledge-sharing opportunity for women

and programmes that empower the private and public

Partners, Majid Al Futtaim and Knauf, the 2020 MENA

in the MENA region working in the field of green

sector entities, associations, consultants, as well as

Green Building Awards had a wider impact as the

buildings and sustainable development.

green building and sustainability practitioners.

event was livestreamed across the MENA region.

For further information on the 2020 MENA Green Building Awards, please visit emiratesgbc.org/award

38

Al Habtoor Motors and Daimler Commercial Vehicles

AL HABTOOR MOTORS AND DAIMLER COMMERCIAL VEHICLES MENA LAUNCH THE NEW FUSO CANTER EURO 5 SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF CANTER IN 1963, MORE THAN 3.5 MILLION CANTERS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED MAKING IT THE BEST-SELLING TRUCK MODEL AT DAIMLER TRUCKS. CANTER IS HIGHLY POPULAR IN THE REGION AND IN THE LIGHT-DUTY TRUCK SEGMENT; IT HAS REMAINED PROMINENT IN THE MARKET FOR MORE THAN 57 YEARS AND ACROSS 8 DIFFERENT MODEL GENERATIONS.

AL HABTOOR MOTORS CO. LLC T: 800 2 5422 8667 E: ZEINA@AMCUAE.COM WWW.HABTOORMOTORS.COM

Al Habtoor Motors and Daimler Commercial Vehicles

THE WIDE CANTER RANGE

CANTER 4X4: EVEN MORE TRACTION

The standard Exhaust Brake System (EBS) valve is

The new FUSO Canter Euro 5 offers a wide range of

WITH REDUCTION GEAR

fitted on the turbo charger outlet. This system uses

variants. There are two different cab widths available:

The other special features of the new FUSO Canter Euro

the vehicle exhaust gas to create a backpressure

the streamlined standard cabin, which is just 1,695

5 range include the variant with manually selectable

to slow down the engine, enabling vehicle

mm wide and suitable for use in restricted spaces;

all-wheel drive with a permissible gross vehicle

stability. This results in reduced stress on service

and the comfortable wide cabin, measuring 1,995 mm

weight of up to 6.0 tons, a 1,995mm comfortable wide

brakes when driving downhill and therefore a

in width. In addition, the wide cabin is also available

cabin and an engine output of 110 kW (150 ps). The

reduction in maintenance costs of the vehicle.

with a crew cabin option - fitting up to seven persons.

all-wheel drive can be engaged whenever required; the Canter 4x4 includes the standard-fit engageable

HIGH-QUALITY AFTER SALES AND

With two different axle configurations in 4x2 and

reduction gear. This reduces the maximum speed

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

4x4 variants with a wide range of permissible

in the respective gears by a factor of 1.987 and also

Al Habtoor Motors has always focused on building

gross vehicle weight spectrum from 5.7 tons

increases traction by this amount. The crew cabin

customer confidence by providing FUSO customers

to 8.55 tons, the new Fuso Canter range covers

option will also be available on the 4x4 model.

not only the best choice of vehicles through its

all the key segments for light-duty trucks.

39 39

eight showrooms network, but also high quality INCREASED SAFETY FEATURE

after sales support through its 11 Parts Outlets

Currently the range is available with 5-speed

FOR DRIVER AND CO-DRIVER

and seven Service Centres spread across the

manual transmission. A 6-speed automated manual

The new FUSO Canter Euro 5 range offers a

UAE. For the better convenience of the customers,

transmission (AMT) will soon be launched for the

number of new safety systems which includes

there are two mobile service units as well.

new Canter range in the 6.5 tons weight variant.

ABS (Antilock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), BOS (Brake Override

Add to the excellent after sales support, Al Habtoor

FUSO CANTER – CLEANER AND MORE ECONOMICAL

System), driver and co-driver airbags, tubeless

Motors has also taken care to provide drivers and

The robust and durable design, Euro 5 emission

tyres and more. The standard braking system is

technicians of fleet customers with extensive

norm, low fuel consumption, higher payload are just

equipped with disc brakes on both axles, which

customer training at its Technical Training Centre

a few of the many features contributing to the new

guarantees superior braking performance and heat

in DIC. Al Habtoor Motors also has a Central Parts

Canter’s almost legendary overall economy. The

dissipation under continuous heavy braking.

Distribution Warehouse in DIC along with two PDI

new generation is cleaner and more fuel-efficient

and logistics facilities to ensure uninterrupted

than previous models and provides the highest eco-

The Canter with the highest GVW & 4x4

friendliness. It offers maximum efficiency with reduced

configurations are equipped with drum

fuel consumption compared to previous generations.

brakes at the rear axle on both axles.

Several measures have been implemented into

THE NEW CANTER 4X4 OFFERS EVEN MORE TRACTION WITH REDUCTION GEAR

supply of vehicles, as well as spare parts.

the newly designed common-rail 4P10 engine with 2,998ccm 2,998cc which is available in two engine outputs with 96 kW (130 ps) and 110 kW (150 ps).

Both engines offer a flat torque curve with 300Nm and 370Nm at 1,300rpm & 1,320rpm respectively.

In all models, the Euro 5 emission norm is achieved through an EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) system and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) which is configured for the vehicle’s lifetime and is maintenance-free, eliminating the need to be cleaned or replaced.

Using a higher torque engine with lower RPM ensures lesser strain on the engine and an overall longer engine life. With the newly available Euro 5 emission, less CO2 and NOx are emitted resulting in a reduced carbon footprint. The new Canter overfulfils the local emission norm required in the UAE.

THE NEW CANTER FOCUSES ON ECONOMY WITH LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION AND HIGHER PAYLOAD

40

WE CHAT WITH - PIETER BENSCH, SAGE AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST

HOW THE RISE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMED THE CFO ROLE

By Pieter Bensch, Executive Vice-President at Sage Africa & Middle East

UNTIL A FEW YEARS AGO, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION WAS NOT HIGH ON THE AGENDA OF MOST FINANCE EXECUTIVES.

A

Digital transformation is no longer the sole responsibility of the CIO and is central to the overall business strategy.

lthough they recognised IT was

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY FOR IMPROVING

important, most CFOs thought of digital

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

While the CEO might provide the vision for digital

transformation as a technology play, a channel

We are seeing a growing appreciation among

transformation, and the CIO may propose the

strategy or a customer experience concern. That

CFOs of how digital technology can help them

means, the CFO can help draw up the budgets and

picture is changing fast as digital technology pulls

improve financial performance. More than half of

the metrics for success. Undoubtedly, the CFO’s

finance in exciting new directions as a real-time,

all respondents of a recent Sage survey believe

insight into the financials is key at a time when

digitally-fuelled and data-driven competency.

emerging technology will continue to support

organisations need to drive a real return from the

them in their roles and allow them to keep a finger

investments they make into digital technology.

on the pulse on their business’s finances.

Working together, C-suite leaders can develop a

WHAT’S BEHIND THE RISE OF DIGITAL AS A CFO PRIORITY?

strategy for prioritising digital investments that

Along with risk and compliance teams, CFOs play a

This adoption of digital technology within finance

key role in overseeing data, fraud, cybersecurity, and

is helping to spur the interest of CFOs in playing

data privacy. They need to be keenly aware of how

a more significant part in their enterprise’s digital

One thing is clear: Today’s CFOs are transforming

digital technology introduces new risks and how

transformation strategy. In trusting technology

into real-time analysts, and they’re part

they can use it to enable real-time decisionmaking

to automate much of the finance function

of a C-suite task force leading the digital

and build resilience into the business.

and allowing data to change the dynamics of

transformation agenda in their organisations.

produce or result in the best possible outcomes.

decisionmaking, senior financemanagershave more Secondly, the CFO’s role is shifting as a result of

time to focus on digitalisation to drive growth.

the adoption of technologies such as the cloud,

Finance is no longer just a reporting function but a data-driven insights centre that propels key business

artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation

That brings us to the third reason CFOs are

initiatives. CFOs that ride the technology wave will

and machine learning. This combinationof

playing a key role in digital transformation – no

have an easier time of leading through uncertainty

technologies is creating a new breed of trailblazing

one is better placed to understand how the

and using digital to deliver high business impact.

senior financial decision-makers who use data and

adoption of digital technology might impact

emerging technology to drive their function.

key business metrics and outcomes.

WE CHAT WITH - PIETER BENSCH, SAGE AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST

41 41

42

Productive workplace cultures

PRODUCTIVE WORKPLACE CULTURES – WHEN COLLABORATION IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT TEN MONTHS INTO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MOST ORGANISATIONS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES HAVE SETTLED INTO NEW DIGITAL WAYS OF WORKING AND COLLABORATING.

Productive workplace cultures

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lthough the crisis is not yet behind us, businesses should seize this opportunity to evaluate their performance through a

43 43

IN A CUSTOMER-CENTRIC BUSINESS CULTURE, THAT SATISFACTION RELATES DIRECTLY TO ULTIMATELY MEETING CUSTOMER NEEDS

new lens – and to reshape themselves into more resilient, flexible and productive organisations.

Productivity is primarily about the output: how many

One approach is to change a process and automate

It is an opportunity for business leaders to use

items come off the line, the number of customer

it. However, doing so may impact an individual’s

the lessons from the early work-from-home

calls made, and which KPIs are targeted. However,

job, and they will need to be upskilled to take on

experiment and their own rapid pivot to digital

focusing only on output leads companies to regard

new tasks and roles. It should be a two-way street.

channels to build a better business – one that is

their employees as drones. Though driving employees

Managers can say what needs to change, but it’s

more human, able to leverage technology more

hard may initially deliver higher output, the quality of

the employee on the ground who uses the process.

effectively, and is ready to experiment and grow.

the output may suffer. In addition, issues such as staff

Therefore, they need to be able to provide feedback.

The starting point is the workforce and how it stays

attrition may impact productivity in the longer term.

engaged. What can we learn from the stress test we have endured because of the coronavirus crisis?

Change isn’t always easy. Some people might resist What’s more, unhappy and demotivated employees

improvements because they need to make efforts to

will struggle to offer a great customer experience.

adapt to the change. Many of us can easily combine

For some organisations, employees are spending more

Happy workforces lead to satisfied customers.

the comfortable with the necessary. The secret

time in front of screens while being less productive.

In a customer-centric business culture, that

to high and continued productivity is to always

Others have seen an increase in productivity and

satisfaction relates directly to ultimately meeting

remain people-centric. It doesn’t mean being led

performance. The difference, I believe, lies in the level

customer needs. The result is a virtuous circle:

by employees, but to listen to their needs, and

of support from management at a time when many

satisfied customers lead to satisfied employees

invest in their buy-in to the strategy and vision.

people are struggling with the demands of being

who, in turn, lead to satisfied customers.

employees, partners and parents. The answer lies in a dual strategy that focuses on people and processes.

FOUR STEPS TO A PRODUCTIVE CULTURE: BUILDING A PRODUCTIVE CULTURE

1. Look for inefficiencies: Where are

The synergy between happy customers and a happy

the bottlenecks? Unpack processes

If an organisation assumes its people are motivated

workforce is enabled through processes, hence

and roles, and consider better ways to

purely by a salary, or that its processes don’t need

focusing on people and processes will certainly

do things, such as automation.

adjustment to shape a more productive environment,

improve productivity. Several ingredients play a

then it is making significant but common errors. Why?

crucial role in improving productivity. One of the first

Because no organisation can define processes without

is to recognise the significance of culture in fostering

taking employees and managers on the same journey.

customer-centricity, accountability and productivity.

2. What are the problems? Are you dealing with a workforce problem, a process problem, or a management problem?

3. Growing the business: You need to challenge yourself and ask if you’re still on the right track.

G ERHARD HARTMAN, VICE PRESIDENT, MEDIUM BUSINESS, SAGE AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST

MANAGERS CAN SAY WHAT NEEDS TO CHANGE, BUT IT’S THE EMPLOYEE ON THE GROUND WHO USES THE PROCESS The second crucial ingredient is a sound business strategy, which helps define output and success, and also oversees the culture and processes – the way business is transacted. In doing so, the strategy helps determine the outcomes a business needs to achieve. This approach reveals the possible choices and their consequences.

4. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment, regardless of whether you achieve a positive or negative outcome.

THE STARTING POINT IS THE WORKFORCE AND HOW IT STAYS ENGAGED

44

Al Halabi

HIGHER SPECIFICATION AS STANDARD

AL HALABI T: +971 4 2652 002 E: SALES@AL-HALABI.COM WWW.AL-HALABI.COM

A TRULY ICONIC BRAND ALL OVER THE WORLD, AL HALABI REFRIGERATION & KITCHEN EQUIPMENT PRIDES ITSELF ON BOTH ITS EXTENSIVE PRODUCT PORTFOLIO AND THE LEVEL OF CUSTOMER SERVICE IT PROVIDES. MOREOVER, IT IS CONTINUING TO EVOLVE AND EXPAND, UNDERLINED BY ITS MOVE TO A NEW MANUFACTURING BASE IN DUBAI.

Al Halabi

45 45

AL HALABI HAS A LONG HISTORY OF SURPASSING EXPECTATIONS TOO, FIRST MANUFACTURING PROFESSIONAL CATERING EQUIPMENT IN THE UAE IN 1975

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extraordinary showrooms, which provided 90% of

BREAKING RECORDS

the revenue in the old business, it has invested in

Al-Halabi is one of the biggest names in the industry,

a new joint-venture that moves production into a

not just locally but globally. It has achieved this

modern, state-of-the-art factory. This has reduced

position by working closely with its clients to ensure

costs and will continue to boost turnover.

that all the help they need is always available whether that be the initial design stage of a kitchen

This ongoing drive for ever-higher quality

“Bilal Al Halabi, Business Development Manager,

or the selection of bespoke catering equipment to

has been fuelled by both the economic

explains: “We are working hard to continue to build

suit individual budgets and space requirements. Its

and Covid-19 crises, as well as the sad loss of one

a healthy, proud and vibrant company and this new

reputation has even spread to the Guinness Book of

of the company founders. During this challenging

manufacturing base will help us to do just that. We have

Records, with the company manufacturing the largest

time, the company has continued to celebrate its

built our reputation on supplying only the very finest

shawarma machine in the world back in February 2000!

success and accomplishments, standing firm when

equipment with a constant emphasis on quality and

adversity hit by creating a major spin-off that has

service, and we consider our ability to manufacture our

Al Halabi has a long history of surpassing

streamlined the business and raised profits.

own bespoke kitchens a competitive advantage. As a

expectations too, first manufacturing professional

So while today, Al-Halabi continues to operate its

result, we can offer a higher specification as standard.”

catering equipment in the UAE in 1975.

46

Al Halabi

It was no ordinary beginning either; the company’s

SHIFTING UP A GEAR

very first project was a palace hospitality kitchen

The new manufacturing facility, approved by many

for His Highness Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum.

leading international consultants, will facilitate

This prestigious project kick-started a tradition

a wide range of services for every type of kitchen

of innovation, superior quality, efficiency and

project, with Al Halabi providing flexible payment

problem-solving product development, ensuring

plans, two-year warranties, a broad portfolio of

that Al-Halabi has become the go-to name for

spare parts, and 24/7 emergency assistance.

discerning clients who can’t afford to compromise.

Indeed, Al-Halabi is honoured to have played its

In addition to its kitchen manufacturing expertise,

part in the growth and success of the UAE, serving

Al Halabi has also formed exclusive relationships with

hotels, palaces, central kitchens, restaurants, cafes,

carefully selected international suppliers, bringing

cruise ships, and other catering establishments

its customers an even wider choice of products

with the world’s finest cooking ranges, refrigeration

and styles without compromising on quality.

equipment, dishwashers, counters, display cabinets –whatever is required to make a commercial

“It is now time to shift up through the gears and

kitchen run smoothly and dependably. Chefs

make Al Halabi the personification of a 21st-

cite the company’s reliability and cutting-edge

century company while maintaining our traditional

technology as the reason why Al-Halabi equipment

values of service and craftsmanship. This new

is found in the finest kitchens across the region.

manufacturing base is a ringing endorsement of the progress we have made recently,” Bilal says.

A NEW JOINT-VENTURE THAT MOVES PRODUCTION INTO A MODERN, STATEOF-THE-ART FACTORY

Al Halabi

CREATING SOLUTIONS

Whatever the product, Al-Halabi customers all agree

Al-Halabi remains a family-run business, and whilst its

that they are not just purchasing equipment; they are

capabilities have grown considerably over the years,

making a long-term investment in their businesses.

its long-standing values have stayed the same. And it is these values that are at the heart of plans that aim

With unrivalled knowledge and industry experience,

to double sales and increase profits further still.

Al-Halabi can design from scratch, refurbish or simply

AL-HALABI CAN DESIGN FROM SCRATCH, REFURBISH OR SIMPLY UPGRADE

upgrade. The company’s capabilities are diverse,

counters – in fact, everything a commercial

And this expansion has already delighted its

and its customer base is extensive. Moreover, it is

kitchen could ever need, including the kitchen

customers, many of which return again and again

renowned for finding solutions that range from

sink! Furthermore, Al Halabi understands the

to benefit from Al-Halabi’s expert advice, on-site

the complex requirements of high-end restaurants

pressures of a commercial kitchen and making

measuring and consultations, high-quality design

to the more modest needs of local cafes.

life easier for its customers is at the heart of what

and manufacture, and an outstanding installation

it does. So whatever the challenge, Al Halabi

and after-sales service from the company’s

Al Halabi products cover everything from refrigeration

can provide the perfect solution in a hassle-free,

hugely experienced and qualified technicians.

to work-benches, cooking equipment to display

cost-effective and quality-driven manner.

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