Big Project ME December 2017 by Big Project Middle East

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER I’m Ihab Nayal and I am a

www.lacasa.ae

As a designer, I’m mainly drawn to Neomodernism, focusing more on the power of pure volumes, the masses and the abstract interplay between the different planes that make them. My designs at LACASA have always followed this approach. As consultants, our main goal is to tackle projects functionally and methodologically while ensuring that the function is addressed artistically. I enjoy using tectonic elements to highlight the beauty of mathematical order… and the breaking of it.

Ihab Nayal

PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

LACASA is committed to providing quality-driven designs within a multidisciplinary environment. Established in 2006, the firm has grown significantly over the past eleven years. Today, LACASA boasts a diverse portfolio encompassing all types of developments and across the entire MENA region. While it is said that perfection doesn’t exist, we believe that perfecting design can be achieved by cultivating extraordinary talent.

Contents

Issue 141 December 2017 09

06 ME Construction News.com

16 2017 UAE market overview

46 A new way to build

08 Aldar names new chairman

22 Engineering Contracting Co.

50 Middle East BIM Summit

OnlIne

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

Talal Al Dhiyebi becomes chairman and CEO after serving as CDO since February 2015

analysIs

Simon Townsend looks at how the property market faired during this challenging year In prOfIle

Big Project ME speaks to Kareem Farah, CEO of Dubai-based ECC about shaping the city’s past, present and future

Off-sITe TechnOlOgy

Faizal E. Kottikollon speaks about how KEF Holdings is embracing modern technology to further its construction ambitions eVenT reVIew

Big Project ME recaps the discussions and panels at the second annual ME BIM Summit

12 ASGC grows overseas portfolio 30 High-End Lifestyle

60 Top Tenders

14 State of hospitality in Jeddah

64 Homeowners get smart

InTernaTIOnal news

sITe VIsIT

UAE-based firm expands overseas project bouquet with two new project wins in Egypt MarkeT repOrT

City’s hospitality market has been facing demand and supply challenges but there are opportunities for mid-scale offerings

Big Project ME visits the Forum Group’s XXII Carat project on the Palm Jumeirah

36 Construction Superstars

bIg prOjecT MIDDle easT awarDs

We honour the best-of-the-best within the regional construction industry

TenDers

Big Project ME lists the Middle East’s biggest construction tenders for December 2017 lasT wOrD

Nick Constantine explains why smart homes are gaining favor with Dubai’s residents December 2017 3

Introduction

celebrating construction

018 is certainly shaping up to be quite an interesting time for the construction industry, with analysts and experts expressing some trepidation about how things are going to shape up for the first half of the year. However, the second half of the year has much more of a positive outlook, as there seems to be a growing consensus that things will pick up by then, with Expo 2020 projects far more advanced and prospects in Saudi Arabia looking far better. Before we look at 2018, however, I want to take a look back at 2017 – and the month of November especially. As most of our readers know, this is the time of the year when we’re at our busiest at Big Project ME. Not only do we have our annual awards (more on them later), but we also have the ME BIM Summit and the awards for our sister publication – the Middle East Consultant Awards. It’s pretty much a case of all hands-on deck, with everyone – from editorial, events, marketing, production, design, sales and distribution – contributing to make sure things run smoothly. I’m so happy to report that this year has been a fantastic success. Starting with the ME BIM Summit, we had more than 250 guests joining us on November 1, 2017 for a day of discussion, debate and education. It succeeded beyond my wildest expectations, and I must thank everyone who joined us on the day, from the speakers and panellists, to the attendees and sponsors. To me, the strongest take away from the summit was how people are prepared to get invested and involved, if the subject is something they’re passionate about. We certainly intend

4 December 2017

GROUP MANAGING DIRectOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5471 eDItORIAL DIRectOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5472 eDItORIAL eDItOR GAVIN DAVIDS gavin.davids@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5480 ONLINe eDItOR BEN FLANAGAN ben.flanagan@cpitrademedia.com SUB eDItOR AELRED DOYLE aelred.doyle@cpitrademedia.com ADVeRtISING cOMMeRcIAL DIRectOR JUDE SLANN jude.slann@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5714 SALeS execUtIVe TOM BROMLEY tom.bromley@cpitrademedia.com

to build on this success, so do keep an eye out for future announcements. Returning to the awards – our cover feature this month, of course – it was a particular source of pride for me to have such a strong representation of women in construction. Not only did we have a number of entries for the Female Construction Professional of the Year category, but we were also able to award the Construction Executive of the Year to the incomparable Donna Sultan, president and CEO of KEO International Consultants. Of course, I’m absolutely delighted for the rest of our winners – especially the new entrants who took home some pretty high-profile awards. Seeing such a diverse group of nominees is quite heartening, and I hope we’ll see more of the same in 2018!

DeSIGN ARt DIRectOR SIMON COBON simon.cobon@cpitrademedia.com

DeSIGNeR PERCIVAL MANALAYSAY percival.manalaysay@cpitrademedia.com PHOtOGRAPHY MAkSYM PORIECHkIN MARKetING MARKetING MANAGeR SHEENA SAPSFORD sheena.sapsford@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5498 cIRcULAtION & PRODUctION DIStRIBUtION MANAGeR SUNIL kUMAR sunil.kumar@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5476 PRODUctION MANAGeR VIPIN V. VIJAY vipin.vijay@cpitrademedia.com +971 4 375 5713 WeB DeVeLOPMeNt MOHAMMAD AwAIS SADIq SIDDIqUI FOUNDeR DOMINIC DE SOUSA (1959-2015) PRINteD BY PRINTwELL PRINTING PRESS LLC PUBLISHeD BY

Licensed by TECOM to registered company, CPI Trade Publishing FZ LLC whose registered office is 207 – 209, Building 3, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, UAE

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

+971 4 375 5496

www.cpitrademedia.com © Copyright 2017 CPI Trade Media. All rights reserved while the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

CMY

Online

MOST POPULAR

feATUReD

ReADeRS’ COMMeNTS

CONSTRUCTION

SUSTAINAbILITy ON THe RISe

Arabtec eyes outsourcing to reduce overheads

Congratulations on hosting the 2017 edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards! I was reading the news story you shared about the winning companies this year, and the DEWA Solar Innovation Centre project caught my eye. I have to admit that I was not aware of this project but now, having read about it on DEWA’s website, I was very impressed with what I saw. The structure looks unlike any other building we have in the UAE, and the sustainable elements it is equipped with are amazing. I am proud that the authorities in Dubai are rolling out initiatives like this and I hope that this project helps to inspire other companies and government authorities in the region to push their sustainable agendas. At the same time, I also believe that, globally, we are still only scratching the surface of sustainability, through the use of innovative new solutions and technology. There are technologies such as self-cleaning glass and much more in the works that will help us to be even more sustainable across our cities and especially in the Middle East, where cleaning buildings requires the use of manpower, water and other resources. Personally, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

CONSULTANT

ME Consultant Awards 2017 winners announced

In pictures: Site visit to Sobha Hartland project, Dubai

CONSTRUCTION

Work starts on $380m Abu Dhabi mall

CONSTRUCTION

Arabtec unit wins $259m contract for Emaar’s Forte

CONSULTANT

Araco wins contract for $20m tower in Barsha Heights 6 December 2017

Video: Introducing the new Cat 745 Articulated Truck

Name supplied, via email

CMY

The Big Picture

Aldar names new chairman and CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi elevated to CEO after serving as CDO since February 2015 Desirable destinations The response to Aldar’s Water’s Edge development is an indication that the developer is producing desirable destinations for the Abu Dhabi real estate market, it says.

Abu Dhabi property development company Aldar Properties has named a new chairman and CEO. The developer announced key changes to the company’s board, with Talal Al Dhiyebi – serving as chief development officer since February 2015 – elevated to CEO, and Abubaker Seddiq Al Khoori named as the new vice-chairman. The decision was made at the November 12, 2017 board meeting, during which the directors of the company appointed Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak as chairman. The board also elected Waleed Ahmed Al Mokarrab al Muhairi as a new member. In its comments, the Aldar board said that the appointment of Al Mubarak was consistent with the company’s efforts to implement high standards of corporate governance. On Al Dhiyebi’s elevation, the board said it believed this was exactly the right time for him to step into the role of Aldar CEO and was confident that 8 December 2017

“Aldar has delivered another set of solid results. The exceptional response to our new development Water’s Edge, launched at Cityscape Global, cements our reputation for delivering desirable destinations in Abu Dhabi”

he would continue to guide the company to further success. In a statement announcing its financial results for the nine months to September 30, Aldar said total development sales reached $653.3 million, and the developer registered a net profit of $163 million for the previous three months. The revenue for the period reached $498.2 million, while gross profits were $160 million. The developer explained that these figures represent underlying year-on-year revenue growth of 27% and 38% gross profit growth, excluding oneoff transactions in the third quarter of 2016. The firm added that it posted $164.4 million in development sales during the quarter, while total development sales surged to $653.3 million in the nine months to September 30. Underlying property development revenue rose 192% to hit $134.2 million, driven by revenue recognition of off-plan

properties under development, said Aldar, and its asset management portfolio performed steadily, with $98 million net operating income for Q3 and $304.9 million year-to-date. “Aldar has delivered another set of solid results. The exceptional response to our new development Water’s Edge, launched at Cityscape Global, cements our reputation for delivering desirable destinations in Abu Dhabi,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Aldar. “Our asset management business delivered a resilient performance during the quarter and we are pleased to be acquiring International Tower, a high-quality office building, further strengthening the portfolio. Aldar continues to assess the market for other attractive acquisition opportunities, in line with our commitment to drive growth of long-term recurring revenues.”

The Big Picture

Arabtec eyes outsourcing to cut overheads Third-party businesses and automation can have a significant impact - CEO Dubai construction firm Arabtec Holding plans to outsource a range of functions it currently carries out in-house, in a bid to further cut overheads, chief executive Hamish Tyrwhitt has said. Speaking during an interview with Zawya, Tyrwhitt said the business plan under preparation for next year would focus on productivity and efficiency. “What do we mean by that? It’s focusing on our key markets, right-sizing the business, looking at what are the things we can outsource that traditionally we have done internally,” he explained during a telephone interview with the news portal. He added that the construction giant has developed a range of internal functions over the years which allow it to do everything from processing visas and arranging travel, through to establishing its own labour accommodation camps and running catering for them. He pointed out that efficiencies can also be achieved through the automation of certain processes. “We’re a construction company. Our employees should be contractors. But a huge number of our people are providing services to us – and it’s not just us, it’s across the industry,” he said, pointing out that the company used to employ its own drivers to ferry packages, but now more effective and costefficient private sector courier services are widely available. Arabtec reported a net profit attributable to shareholders of $4.8 million in the three months to September 30, compared to a $61.3 million loss in the same period last year. Revenue increased by 5.6% to

$4.8m 2017 Q3 net profit attributable to shareholders

$408m Amount used up in cash flow from operations in 2017

A new focus Hamish Tyrwhitt says Arabtec’s business plan for next year will focus on productivity and efficiency.

$571.7 million. In the first nine months of 2017, the company made a net profit attributable to shareholders of $20.5 million, compared to a $124.7 million loss last year. Year-to-date revenue is 3.2% higher at $1.72 billion. However, the company has used up $408.3 million in cash flow from operations so far this year, Tyrwhitt pointed out. This is equivalent to the amount raised via a rights issue that took place as part of a capital restructuring that was completed in June. “That was always going to be the case,” Tyrwhitt said, explaining that the purpose of the rights issue was to fund existing projects and the company’s future pipeline. “There was a lot of cash we owed out into the marketplace.” He pointed out an increase in receivables – up to $1.39 billion, from $1.16 billion at the end of last year – as evidence that more work had been done. “All of that shows a greater confidence in the company. People are awarding us work, but also we’re rebuilding and regaining the support of the supply chain.” December 2017 9

The Big Picture

Lets go to the mall Retail demand in Dubai remains heavily oriented towards the major shopping centres, with prime malls continuing to demonstrate very high occupancy rates.

2m sqm of mall space in the works for UAE Dubai accounts for the majority of upcoming developments in the country The UAE has the second largest pipeline of shopping centres under construction in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), with two million sqm of mall space in the works, according to CBRE. A total of one million sqm of new shopping centre space was completed across EMEA in the first six months of the year, with a further 11.1 million sqm of new space currently under construction, according to the global real estate advisor. Turkey, the UAE and Russia are the most active countries in terms of shopping centre development, accounting for more than 50% of total development under construction in 2017. The UAE has just under two million sqm of space currently under construction, with Dubai accounting for the majority of upcoming developments. With an increasingly

competitive retail landscape, new schemes coming onto the market are trying to differentiate themselves by providing amenities and new experiences that are difficult to replicate online. Meydan One Mall, for example, is expected to include more than 100 food and beverage outlets, the world’s largest indoor ski slope and a luxury brand quarter, CBRE said. Mat Green, Head of Research and Consulting, CBRE Middle East, said, “Retail demand in Dubai remains heavily orientated towards the major shopping centres, with prime malls continuing to demonstrate very high occupancy rates and more stable leasing rates. Development activity in the retail sector remains buoyant, with approximately one million sqm of gross leasable area set to be handed over between 2017 and 2019.” Across Europe, the Eastern

European countries are the most active shopping centre development markets, with Russia, Poland and Ukraine all showing strong development pipelines. The UK has the largest shopping centre development pipeline in Western Europe, with a total of 460,000sqm of new space under construction and due to be delivered over the next five years. France has the second largest shopping centre pipeline with 409,000sqm, and Spain is slightly behind with 345,000sqm. Andrew Phipps, head of UK & EMEA retail, CBRE, commented: “The level of shopping centres under construction remains closely correlated to forecast retail sales. Unsurprisingly, markets that are forecast to have strong retail sales are particularly attractive to developers, as retailers and occupancy are

reliant on tapping into these markets for continued growth.” “Shopping centre extensions are increasingly driving the increase in the amount of construction levels and provide further evidence that well-placed schemes are willing to adapt to the structural shift at play in the retail market, and counter the greater e-commerce adoption by providing more space for experience-led retail.” Looking at the future, Phipps concluded: “While levels of construction are down slightly across EMEA in 2017, completions looks set for a stable 2018. Although in some areas over-supply remains an issue and leasing activity has proved more difficult, investors in these locations are continuously focusing on differentiating themselves from other centres by promoting the hospitality and leisure aspects of retail.”

“With an increasingly competitive retail landscape, new schemes coming onto the market are trying to differentiate themselves by providing amenities and new experiences that are difficult to replicate online” 10 December 2017

All-steel casing Extra-long tread life Excellent traction Superior stability Steel belts

The Big Picture

1. ASGC expAndS overSeAS portfolio with eGypt projeCtS UAE construction group ASGC has expanded its overseas portfolio with the announcement of two new project wins in Egypt. A statement from the company said it has been chosen as the main contractor for two of Emaar Misr’s upcoming flagship projects: Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the new Uptown Cairo project Levana, and the Crescent project in Cairo’s Mivida development. ASGC’s scope of works in Levana includes the construction of 121 villas and townhouses with a total builtup area of around 62,000sqm, complete infrastructure works, landscaping and utilities networks, said the company’s statement, adding that the Cairo Uptown project is the first integrated development in the centre of the Egyptian capital with easy accessibility from Cairo’s neighbourhoods. ASGC has also started working on the Crescent development at Mividia, which entails the construction of 13 fully finished apartment buildings in addition to private gardens, landscaping and infrastructure, the company said. Mividia by Emaar Misr is a 3.8 million sqm development in New Cairo.

12 December 2017

$500m Dangote Cement has commissioned a 1.5m metric tonne per annum capacity cement plant valued at $500m in Congo-Brazzaville

2. virGin hyperloop one lookS to develop GCC ultrA-fASt trAnSport SyStem US-based Virgin Hyperloop One, a start-up developing super high-speed transport systems, is working on an ambitious plan to connect the entire Gulf region through an ultra-fast transportation system. The company has already signed an agreement with

the Misk Foundation for the development of this high-tech transportation system and the training of Saudi youth on engineering and technical skills for the project, Arab News reported. The agreement was signed by Bader Al Asaker, secretary-general of the Misk Foundation. According to founder Josh Giegel, the proposed system means a vehicle would run

through the tube at a velocity of 1,100km/h and quickly connect countries in the region. “It will be two to three times faster and cheaper than the high-speed train,” he stated. Details of the project, such as routes of operations inside and outside the kingdom, will be discussed with the Saudi parties shortly, he added, pointing out that ultra-fast transportation is ideal for inland transport.

The Big Picture

105

4. dp world to develop 95Sqkm zone in eGypt

China is expected to build a total of 105 skyscrapers by the end of 2017

2 4

3 1

150km

Construction has begun on a 150km all-weather road in Uttarakhand, India, which will run to the India-China border

3. kuwAit fund SiGnS $42.5m loAn for eGypt wAter deAl The Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has signed a loan agreement worth $42.5 million with Egypt to fund the development of a project that will provide drinking water in the Sinai Peninsula. Targeting some of Egypt’s most underdeveloped areas,

the project will help improve the quality of life in a region that has been plagued with terrorism, said Dr Sahar Nasr of Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and International Cooperation. “The only solution to counter terrorism is through economic and social prosperity,” she asserted. Abdulwahab Al-Bader, director general of KFAED,

said that Al-Arish, the capital city of the Sinai Peninsula which suffers from a lack of drinking water, will also be included in the project, according to a WAM report. He was also quoted by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) as saying that the loan deal was the 45th that Egypt had received from the Kuwaiti fund, with a collective value of $2.8 billion.

Dubai’s DP World has signed an agreement to jointly develop an economic zone in the Suez Canal region of Egypt. Admiral Mohab Mamish, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority and chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and CEO, DP World, signed a partnership agreement to develop an integrated industrial and residential zone at Sokhna, according to a statement. The agreement will establish a joint venture between SCZone (51%) and DP World (49%), with DP World managing the zone, which is projected to start in the first quarter of 2018. The zone will cover 95sqkm and include industrial and residential areas coupled with the development of Sokhna Port, increasing its capacity and linking it to the industrial zone. It is estimated that more than 400,000 jobs will be created, and the residential area will be able to accommodate 500,000 people. A residential zone spanning 20sqkm will include coastal villas, residential units, shopping and administrative centres, entertainment facilities, mosques, schools, hospitals and clubs.

December 2017 13

Market Report

JEDDAH HOSPITALITY MARKET OvERvIEw fOR wINTER 2017 Knight Frank report examines the state of the Jeddah hospitality market against a backdrop of challenging market conditions over the last year

Accurate forecasts From historic data, it is clear that forecasts are only reliable within a 12-month timeframe in Jeddah.

Jeddah has witnessed a number of new hotel openings in 2017 against a backdrop of challenging market conditions. One of note was the Ritz-Carlton Jeddah, which opened in May 2017 and features 224 keys with 30 royal suites that are 500sqm in size. This property is expected to capture the majority of demand generated by HRH King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz and his entourage during their visits to Jeddah, which will have a knock-on effect.

Other hotel openings include the Rocco Forte’s Assila Hotel (304 keys), Centro Shaheen (250 keys), Mövenpick Hotel City Star (228 keys), Ramada Jeddah Corniche (165 keys) and Sofitel Jeddah Corniche (191 keys). In response to current market conditions, the Marriott Jeddah hotel (210 keys), which opened in 1983, has temporarily suspended operations in order to undergo refurbishment. The timing of the works was well considered, particularly in the context of

declining market performance, and the influx of new-build supply. If refurbishment and maintenance is not regularly undertaken, operators and hotel owners can face challenges in terms of both the guest experience and their relationship with the management company. An example of this is the Sofitel Al Hamra, which was downgraded to the Pullman Al Hamra before eventually being de-flagged altogether due to the condition of the structure. Similarly to Riyadh, Jeddah’s

quality hospitality market is primarily represented by five-star hotel developments, accounting for 56% of total quality supply, as depicted on the next page.

Project Delays Current projections indicate that approximately 2,206 keys are expected to enter the market by the end of 2017, 63% of which will be rated five-star. However, much like Riyadh, many of these projects are likely to be delayed, as shown on the next page.

“Given the fact that much of the supply in Jeddah is aging and of poor quality, development opportunities lie in the establishment of quality internationally branded mid-scale offerings”

14 December 2017

Source: Knight Frank Research

Supply

Market Report

Hotel developments in Jeddah have traditionally been prone to delays to a far greater extent than in other cities within the Kingdom, which makes financial forecasting particularly challenging. When looking at historic forecasts versus what materialised between 2014 and 2016, the extent of the challenge becomes apparent. From historic data, it is clear that forecasts are only accurate within a 12-month timeframe in Jeddah. Over the last three years, all hotel openings projected to come online 13 months or more from the forecast date have faced delays. While these delays in additional supply have helped sustain strong KPIs in recent years, 2016 saw a significant amount of supply come to market, which had an immediate impact on citywide performance. With the opening of Assila Hotel, Ritz-Calton Jeddah, Centro Shaheen, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Mövenpick City Star Jeddah and Casablanca Grand Hotel, the market has absorbed a significant supply expansion over a condensed period, resulting in subdued performance extending into 2017. When these delays are taken into account within the context of supply forecasts, as they stand today, the potential magnitude of disparity between anticipated and materialised supply becomes apparent. As with Riyadh’s hotel market, it is important to take account of such delays when conducting demand-supply projections, in order to avoid overstating supply-side risk factors for hotel development projects.

Supply breakdown: Jeddah versus key cities Five-star 100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

Jeddah

Dubai

Paris

Sydney

London

Hong Kong

Historic Jeddah project delays 100% 75% 50%

1-year forecast

2-year forecast

3-year forecast

Expected upcoming supply with delay factor, 2017-2019 Expected keys

Expected keys delayed

Project delay %

12,000

120%

10,000

100%

8,000

80%

6,000

60%

4,000

40%

2,000

20% 2017

2018

2019

Key performance indicators: Year-on-year performance Occupancy % 4%

Demand -8%

-12%

in Jeddah, accounting for 41% and 34% of total demand respectively. Primary interviews with hotel managers indicate that in recent months guests have been looking to downgrade their hospitality accommodation, with many guests who traditionally stay at beachfront properties choosing instead to stay in the city and guests who stay in the city opting for more affordable options. From a supply perspective, the vast majority of mid-scale hotels are old and poorly maintained, and with market demand moving towards affordability, the lack of quality internationally branded mid-scale hotels in the city presents opportunities for potential hotel developers.

Performance

25%

-4%

The corporate and leisure segments, which primarily stem from the domestic market, represent the majority of demand

Four-star and below

ADR

RevPAR

After years of strong performance, Jeddah’s hospitality market faced headwinds in 2015 and 2016. Driven by severe occupancy declines, the market experienced a fall in RevPAR of 9% in 2016 and a further 16% in H1 2017. The severe decline in performance is not only attributable to wider economic conditions but also to the influx of supply.

Outlook Jeddah’s hospitality market has been facing challenging conditions from both a demand and supply perspective. In terms of demand, a more price-sensitive guest profile has resulted in a flight to affordability. Looking at supply, the recent influx of keys as a result of the materialisation of delayed projects has resulted in rate compression. Given the fact that much of the supply in Jeddah is aging and of poor quality, development opportunities lie in the establishment of quality internationally branded mid-scale offerings.

December 2017 15

Analysis

UAE PROPERTY MARKET OVERVIEW Simon Townsend, senior director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Strategic Advisory, Head Valuation, Advisory & Consulting at CBRE, takes an in-depth look at how the UAE property market has performed over the course of a challenging year

In economic terms, the UAE appears to be one of the Middle Eastern countries best positioned to withstand the ongoing economic slowdowns witnessed across the region. The economy, buoyed by the presence of strong financial reserves and a relatively diversified economy, has helped to provide some insulation from the potential occurrence of significant financial deficits. Despite continued growth in GDP, there continues to be widespread cost rationalisation measures implemented across both public and private companies, with the introduction of policy reforms aimed at further streamlining fiscal operations. 16 December 2017

Best positioned Looking at all the GCC countries from an economic perspective, the UAE is well positioned to withstand the economic slowdowns being seen across the region.

Analysis

Average Dubai apartment rentals, 2014-2017 (000 AED/sqm)

Average Dubai prime office rentals, Q3 2012 - Q3 2017 (AED/sqm) 2,000

Studio

1BR

2BR

3BR

140

120 1,500

100

80 1,000 60

500

2012

2013

2014

2015

Dubai Dubai’s economic activity is expected to strengthen during 2018, due to the implementation of various tax initiatives by the UAE government. This includes the introduction of excise tax on selected goods from October 1, which will positively impact the government’s revenue streams. Office Market

The performance of Dubai’s office market remains somewhat fragmented, with broadly stable conditions within the prime office segment but evidence of greater rental variances in the secondary market over the past year. Residential Market

There is a notable growth in transaction numbers recorded during the period, maintaining positive momentum in the residential sales market. According to data from the Dubai Land Department, the total value of residential transactions increased by approximately 11% in H1 over the same period last year, driven by growth in overall transaction numbers, which rose by close to 29%. However, average sales

2016

2017

Q3 2014

prices experienced a minor dip, falling by around 1%. Hospitality Market

While there has been some pressure on hotel revenues, demand levels have generally remained quite robust, with many hotels witnessing changes in visitor profiles. The UAE has seen a net increase in visitor numbers, further strengthening its holiday destination reputation. It is worth noting that if all developments under construction or in the later stages of planning become operational (as per current timelines), Dubai could become the fifth largest hospitality destination globally, by supply, by 2020, according to STR Global.

Abu Dhabi Despite expected economic improvement, the commercial and residential sectors are likely to remain under pressure in the short term at least, with rising inventory levels placing further pressure on rentals and occupancies. However, demand for affordable homes remains robust, especially as the rising cost of living in the capital orientates tenants towards

Q3 2015

“We expect to see sustained demand levels for good quality office accommodation, which will underpin stability in the prime office sector. This may also translate into increased investment activity for commercial properties, with an increase in the number of listed investment vehicles”

Q3 2016

Q3 2017

areas providing more costeffective living opportunities. While visitor numbers are expected to continue to grow, the hospitality sector will see further revenue deflation as the key corporate demand segment remains subdued. However, leisure demand may receive a boost from the opening of the Louvre as well as continuing commitment to the entertainment and leisure sectors. Office Market

Abu Dhabi’s office sector continues to experience a softening of market conditions, as contraction of employment growth and weak demand fundamentals add further pressure to both rental and occupancy rates. Occupiers remain cautious with their capital expenditures and consequently new office requirements have become more limited. There is also sustained evidence of tenants subleasing excess accommodation, as they are contracting and working more efficiently, striving to reduce operational overheads while competing in their respective markets. December 2017 17

Dubai future hospitality supply, 2017-2019

Analysis

Residential Market

Amidst falling rental prices, there remains an apparent shortage of housing units targeted towards the dominant low to middle income segments of the population. While a number of mid-market projects have been launched and subsequently delivered, the size of these developments remains insufficient to cater to the overall market demand for affordable housing options. Retail Market

The contribution of wholesale, retail trade, hotel and restaurants accounted for around 12% of total GDP in Abu Dhabi. However, despite the sustained increases in overall tourism numbers, this is primarily driven by domestic demand. While 2017 has not seen delivery of any major new retail facilities, there is rising development activity in the community retail segment. Multiple new centres have been built as part of mixed-use master plan developments and within the emirate’s satellite towns, as the government strives to provide better quality facilities and more conveniences to the local population.

Ras Al-Khaimah RAK’s property market has continued to experience a somewhat fragmented performance, with positive growth in the tourism and hospitality sectors but further deflationary trends in other parts of the market. The generally positive overall economic performance reaffirmed the importance of a diversified economy, which again has been buoyed by growth in the tourism market. 18 December 2017

Hotel

Hotel Apartments

Total

Hospitality Market

12,000

8,000

4,000

2017

2018

2019

Dubai average prime office rents, 2013-2019 Prime office rents

Annual Change % 4%

1,500

1,250

RAK’s tourism sector has continued to buck the negative trends experienced across much of the region, posting growth in both tourist arrivals and occupancy rates in the nine months to September 2017. This is also reflected in the performance of RAK’s international airport, which witnessed an increase in passenger movements as the emirate continues its drive to become a year-round tourism destination.

-2%

1,000

-4%

750

-6%

500

-8% -10%

250 2013

2014

2016

2015

2017

Abu Dhabi average residential rental rates, 2017 vs 2016 Q3 2017

Q3 2016

160,000

120,000

80,000

40,000

Studio

1BR

Abu Dhabi upcoming retail supply, 2017 - 2019 (sqm)

2BR

Ras Al Khaimah quarterly visitor numbers

200,000

600,000

150,000

450,000

100,000

300,000

50,000

150,000

2017

2018

2019

3BR

Q1 2017

Q2 2017

Q3 2017

Looking Ahead to 2018

With 2018 set to see an improvement in broader economic conditions for the emirates, there may also be some positive knock-on impacts for parts of the real estate sector. As a result, we expect to see sustained demand levels for good quality office accommodation, which will underpin stability in the prime office sector. This may also translate into increased investment activity for commercial properties, with an increase in the number of listed investment vehicles (especially REITS) adding additional investment capital to the markets seeking investment-grade assets, both putting pressure on availability of such assets and increasing transaction speeds. With strong momentum already visible in residential transactional volumes, we expect to see continued expansion of the market as landlords look to further incentivise investors in order to maintain desired levels of sales velocity. Sustained growth in visitor numbers has helped the hospitality market deliver a solid occupancy performance YTD.

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In Profile

22 December 2017

In Profile

“You should alwaYs look at the buildings You build as Your own. Your name will be on the building, long after You’re gone” Big Project ME sits down for a one-on-one chat with Kareem Farah, chief executive of Engineering Contracting Company (ECC), a Dubai contractor shaping the city for the last 42 years December 2017 23

In Profile

or long term-residents of Dubai, people who lived in the city in the ‘80s and ‘90s, there is one landmark synonymous with the city – the famous Deira Clocktower at the intersection of Umm Hurrair Road and Al Maktoum Road. Long before the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Khalifa were built, this iconic piece of architecture was a reference point for visitors and residents alike. Built in 1963, the tower stands at the gateway to Al Maktoum Bridge, symbolically marking the point where Old Dubai ends and the new era of the city begins. Although the clocktower was first built by Architecture Design Construction (ADC) Office, a construction firm based in Abu Dhabi at the time, in 1989 it was in need of repair and Dubai contracting firm Engineering Contracting Company (ECC) was commissioned to lead the reconstruction of the historical landmark – a fitting choice, given that the contractor has been part of Dubai’s own growth story for the last 42 years. Founded in 1975, ECC is regarded as one of the most established and diverse contracting companies in the region, offering clients a range of services through its partner companies in the ECC Group. Having delivered several high-profile projects over the decades, the company has a roll-call of clients that reflects its standing within the industry. “We’re a very well established and diverse company. We deal with all sorts of trades, we have the 24 December 2017

resolving issues quickly Having an integrated operation means that ECC can resolve issues on-site quickly, by utilising the skills of its sister companies.

“We’re also able to give good value engineering ideas to our clients – we don’t just take the package and price it. We try to give clients ideas about how they can reduce their costs while also maintaining the quality of the building”

group of companies around ECC, which helps integrate and give a full package to our clients,” says chief executive Kareem Farah. “We love our innovative projects and we’re always able to give dynamic solutions to our clients – whenever issues come up on a project, we’re always able to work through them and help our clients achieve their goals at the end of the day. I would like to think that we’re one of the pioneers in the market.” Having been around for more than four decades, the company has built up quite a reputation, and as a family-owned firm the message passed on from founder and chairman Hatem Farah is that trust between contractor and client is of paramount importance. As a result, Farah reveals that the bulk of the company’s business comes from repeat clients who know ECC delivers on promises made ahead of construction. “I think, first and foremost, it’s

about keeping your relationship with the clients. That’s where your business comes in from, at the end of the day. Our chairman is always saying that he built the company over 42 years, but it can be destroyed within 24 hours. You should always look at the buildings you build as your own buildings. Your name will be on the building, long after you’re gone. Any issues, and people will ask: ‘Who built this building?’ You’ve got to instil that culture and passion within the company. Everybody, all the way down, has to make sure that they look at it that way,” he asserts. One advantage the contractor has when delivering projects is that it can call upon its sister companies to help quickly solve problems on-site. By maintaining control over the subcontractors, Farah says any issues that come up can be quickly resolved. This business model means that when ECC is dealing with a number of different parties and there’s a need to get everyone aligned, having an integration of companies makes the process much simpler for both the clients and the companies involved in the construction process. “Any changes that the client wants to make, we can facilitate that – we can bring in Abanos, our joinery company, or the MEP guys, or whoever. We have that control to bring them in whenever we want to, as and when it’s needed,” Farah explains. “We’re also able to give good value engineering ideas to our clients – we don’t just take the package and price it. We try to give clients ideas about how they can reduce their costs while also maintaining the quality of the building. I think that the engineering solutions that we give to our clients, the trust that our clients have in us and the fact that we work 24/7 for them to make sure that

In Profile

“We love our innovative projects and we’re always able to give dynamic solutions to our clients – whenever issues come up on a project, we’re always able to work through them and help our clients achieve their goals at the end of the day”

working together The Dubai Wharf project was an example of how ECC works with its partners and stakeholders on-site, Kareem Farah says.

everything gets done [gives us an advantage in the market].” One project that has certainly benefited from this approach is the high-profile Dubai Wharf project that ECC is building for Dubai Properties. Overlooking Dubai Creek, this mixed-use residential and commercial development is within the Cultural Village, a district known for its historical ambience. Consisting of four towers between seven and eight storeys tall, the project also has a 500m promenade

running alongside the Creek. Spanning across the bottom of the four towers is a mall, while there are also three basements joined up under the towers. ECC was awarded the project after another contractor had completed the raft foundation, part of the basement slab and the retaining walls. However, with major water leakages coming through the raft foundation and basement walls, and the waterproofing subcontractor failing to solve the issue, the

Challenges from the start Before ECC even began work on the Dubai Wharf project, it had to deal with major water leakages coming through the raft foundation and basement walls.

contractor and its sister companies were tasked with rescuing the project before it had even started. Now, however, things are progressing smoothly. With the project due to be completed by the end of the year, Farah is keen to stress that this was only achievable thanks to the work put in by all the stakeholders on the project. “We were really fortunate, in that we had a great team on-site, all the way down from the client through to the subcontractors, consultants and suppliers. We had a very interactive client who got heavily involved – any issues we had from the client’s side, they were very quick to solve them, whether it was getting approvals or getting drawings.” He puts this strong relationship with Dubai Properties down to the long history between the developer and the contractor. Having worked together on various projects for the last 10 years, there was a strong sense of trust and understanding between the two companies. “On a higher level, we have that type of relationship with them. Outside the site, we can easily communicate with Dubai Properties, and when it comes to inside the site, we know how they work. Some of our sister companies are working on the December 2017 25

In Profile

project as well, so we could bring them to the table when there were any changes or events happening, just so there was good, consistent coordination happening from all sides.” This was certainly needed, given that ECC faced a myriad of issues during the construction process. Aside from the aforementioned basement leakage, there were also serious logistical problems. “The basement was definitely a bit of a challenge because of the water table and issues

around dewatering. Logistically, however, it was very difficult. At some points, we had maybe eight tower cranes operating on-site. This was because of the access points and because we were still doing infrastructure work around the plot. “We were constantly having to change our loading areas, and there were some occasions where we had to pick up material from one side of the site and pass it from tower crane to tower crane to get it over the site. Logistically, it was a bit of a nightmare! In terms

of our site offices, we had to move them more than once or twice. “There were also a lot of changes on the project, a lot of design changes. Keeping up with those design changes meant making sure that we had the right drawings and coordination in place to make the changes that were required,” he asserts. However, as the Dubai Wharf project proves, having a well thought-out and coordinated approach across the board certainly seems to pay dividends. In 2016, the company registered

8% growth, and Farah says 2017 is likely to see further growth. With Expo 2020 on the horizon, he expects 2018 to be another good year, with the market likely to boom as more and more projects related to the mega event come on board. “We find that the market is still running for us. Our tender department is still full of projects. There are a handful of good contractors in town and there are enough projects to give those good contractors enough work,” he states bullishly.

26 December 2017

In Profile

“The UAE is trying to get out of the whole dependency on oil, Dubai especially. I think they were saying that they’re aiming for 90% of the GDP in 2025 to be from outside the oil industry. And for the region as well, they’re starting to realise that they cannot continue to be dependent on oil. We’re very fortunate that we have fantastic rulers that have that vision and want to spend the money to make their country into a safe haven for businesses to come here. “I definitely think the Expo is helping the economy, it’s a hype that the economy needs. I think it’ll be a great success, and they’re not just being shortsighted, looking only at the Expo. They’re looking beyond that and how they’re going to use it afterwards. Most countries miss this, but Dubai has really thought about it – the projects that we’re doing and completing this year, they all seem to be getting sold and the market seems to have appetite for these buildings.” In addition, Farah says there are two or three more projects in the pipeline, though he is reluctant to go into too much detail as they haven’t been fully awarded yet. He does concede that he is keen to build on a successful start with Dubai World Trade Centre, having joined forces in a joint venture with McLaren to build a five-storey, 89,000sqm car park opposite it. “We’ve also been working on the Mirdif Hills project, which is with Dubai Investments Real Estate Company (DIRC). It consists of three plots and was awarded in July this year. It’s basically a commercial, residential and hospitality project that’s due to be finished in 24 months from the date we were awarded it.” Despite the success of the company, Kareem Farah insists that he can’t tolerate ECC 28 December 2017

slow and steady Kareem Farah says he aims for ECC to continue to grow at a sustainable level, keeping in mind its reputation for delivering on projects and working with clients.

“Over the last 42 years, we’ve grown steadily. We don’t want to overwhelm ourselves. We wanted to keep our relationship with clients and we didn’t want to take on so many projects that we ended up losing our quality”

resting on its laurels. With that in mind, he’s keen to push the company forward, particularly with the adoption of technology that will improve the way it operates and performs. “Construction in general, I wouldn’t say it’s the fastest growing industry in terms of technology. It’s always been a little bit behind. BIM is in there. Despite it not being implemented as much from the client’s side, we’re still insisting on having it in-house. “We’re currently building a team in-house and doing projects in BIM. This means that there needs to be a little more effort from our side, because the drawings will still come in 2D from AutoCAD and we’re going to have to spend money and invest to build up our team and convert the drawings into 3D – just so that we’re trained, ready and ahead of the game when it comes to BIM.

“We’re being proactive, especially with sustainability. We’re trying to consider ways to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. The management of the company is fully aware that you need to keep up with technologies in the market, or you’ll fall behind. I always like to use the example of Nokia – they were leaders in the market and then they fell behind, just because they couldn’t keep up with technology. It’s important for us and we know we have to keep up with technology. We’re investing in it and making sure that we’re ahead of the game,” he stresses. Looking at the company itself, Farah says a new facilities management company has been started within the group, which will allow a new direction to be taken, especially from a construction point of view. “We’re fortunate that we have the labour force, so the most obvious step would be to go into facilities management,” he explains, adding that with just over 7,000 employees, the contractor remains focused on steady growth. “Over the last 42 years, we’ve grown steadily, even in the early 2000s. We don’t want to overwhelm ourselves. We wanted to keep our relationship with clients and we didn’t want to take on so many projects that we ended up losing our quality.” “There is definitely space for growth, but at a controllable, sustainable level. We’ve always wanted to keep our reputation with clients and we don’t ever want to put ourselves into a situation where we say yes, yes, yes to all the projects, and then end up letting them all down. We feel comfortable with the amount that we have right now – we can handle more, we can grow more, but in a gradual manner,” he concludes.

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Site Visit

30 December 2017

Site Visit

Big Project ME visits the XXII Carat project on Palm Jumeirah, to understand how the Forum Group is bringing a different style of luxury living to Dubai

HigH-end lifestyle December 2017 31

Site Visit

lobally recognised as one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, the Palm Jumeirah has cultivated a reputation as the location for exclusivity and luxury. With high-end resorts and some of the city’s best residential projects along its shores, this man-made island has become a crucial aspect of Dubai’s luxury culture. As such, it’s no surprise that the Russian-owned Forum Group decided to base its first project on the island. Originally a small civil engineering and residential

construction company, the Forum Group has grown to become an international developer of luxury real estate projects, with bases in Yekaterinburg and Dubai. The company oversees the full cycle of luxury real estate development, from site selection through to construction and then on to management, managing director Aton Yachmenev tells Big Project ME. This approach has been brought over to Dubai with the group’s first project in the city. Known as XXII Carat, the project consists of 22 luxury villas situated in a 46,451sqm community. With three types of villa – Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald – with individual swimming pools, a 219m private beachfront, a 25m community pool and a clubhouse with concierge and service facilities, the project aims to be a distinctive

PROJECT DETAILS Plot area: 46,451sqm Beachfront length: 220m Villas: 22 Developer: Forum Group Expected completion: Q4 2017 BUA sqm range: 765 - 1,167 Individual plot sqm range: 1,453 - 2,445

luxury project, quite different to what other developers offer in Dubai, asserts Yachmenev. “We have a gated community of 22 villas. This is not a big thousand-villa community, this is very closed. We have a superb location and we have a master planned design which highlights the location on both sides. We have superb neighbours – one of the best five-star hotels in Dubai, which has plenty of F&B facilities, spas, tennis courts and so on. No other community that I know of gives its residents such a mix of views, beach and neighbours,” he points out during a tour of the site. “To complement that further, we have our design – the landscape and master plan is different. The typical Dubai design is that you leave as little land as possible, that you build houses as big as possible, because historically

the best on offer The location of the project means residents will have access to a plethora of options for F&B, retail and relaxation.

32 December 2017

Site Visit

getting involved The developer has been involved in every step of the process, including the selection of building materials, such as wall insulation and plasters.

that’s how they’ve been designed or that’s what’s been selling. We’ve looked at it differently.” “Obviously, the weather here isn’t good all year round and you have to maintain it, but the garden is what people appreciate – the garden, the pool and the outdoor areas. It’s highly unlikely that people [that we’re targeting] will live here 365 days a year, this will be a holiday retreat for them. They’ll come here during the good weather months, so they’ll appreciate the outdoors. “So, to summarise, we have one of the largest plots on the Palm. We’ve studied the other villas [on the Palm Fronds], and you can only achieve the samesize plots if you buy two and merge them together. And even then the land utilisation will be different. We’ve tried to move our villas as close as possible to the road, thereby giving increased private areas to the owners.” Paying attention to the finer details is a USP for the Forum Group, he points out, explaining that the developer’s projects in Russia are founded on similar ideals. To that end, Yachmenev highlights the depth the Forum Group goes into on projects. Citing projects in Russia as examples, he explains that the developer’s luxury housing projects there were among

the first to explore the concept of master planned developments. “We had one of the first five master planned developments in Russia, where we purchased 300 hectares of land and developed roads and all the other infrastructure work. We master planned and cut out parcels of land and started developing some, while others were sold. Prior to that, this concept was only tried by the government. “We’re bringing this approach to the XXII Carat project, we’ve

been doing this for the last two years. We questioned quite a bit the solutions and decisions that were typically done here, which were proposed to us by the consultants. We asked a lot of questions of our consultants – why is something done like this and not like this? “Obviously, there’s a different climate here – we’re on the Palm, so there’s a lot more humidity and the soil has more salt in it, which is something we don’t have in Russia. But we questioned every element to see how we

could either increase the time to completion and decrease costs.” As an example of this exhaustive approach to luxury, Yachmenev points out that the team on the project has even been involved in the selection of things like wall insulation, the plasters used and so on, elements usually left to the consultant and contractor. “Everything that we use here is either gypsum or a natural material. The wall insulation, we used old-fashioned rockwool, which is a stone material produced in Fujairah. But it’s rarely used here, as it is preferred to use synthetic insulation in this market as it’s cheaper and faster. We use all-natural materials – we believe that as a result, we create breathable walls. “We also use clay bricks from Saudi Arabia to fill the walls, with insulation that is also breathable and with external and internal gypsum plasters. Our decorative plasters and paints are also 100% natural. In fact, the paint we’re using for this project, we brought it in from Germany. It’s not even

All-natural materials The developer has tried to use all-natural materials as much as possible throughout the project.

December 2017 33

Site Visit

certified here. It’s the first time the company is bringing their paint here – it’s a 150-year-old company that has their own secret ingredients and it’s 100% natural. There’s no chemicals, and as a result there is a very high warranty for the fade-out, meaning it works well during the summer. “We’re even very particular about the windows we use and how tightly they close. For the engineering systems, air conditioning, water systems, we look for solutions that we believe need to be made for luxury housing,” he asserts. This extends even to the design of the houses, with the team wary of replicating mistakes they have noticed in other luxury towers or houses in the region. “Our theory is that luxury is not what you see outside, which is easy to replicate. You can bring in expensive marble, do nice joinery work, buy lots of wooden panels and all that, but it’s what’s inside that counts – how it all works inside. What are the walls made out of? What is the

luxury on the inside The design and engineering for the homes has even taken into account the noise generated by the MEP systems within the walls and ceilings.

air conditioning system? If you flush a toilet, can you hear it? “Often, what we’ve seen is that the pipes go right across the ceiling diagonally. You can be sitting in your living room and hear it. It’s a very famous problem in towers and it happens all the time. No matter how well you insulate the pipes – and some people don’t even do that! – but no matter how well you do, you can still hear it. We put our fan coils either in the dressing rooms or the bathrooms, and the walls go all the way up to the

ceiling. Everything is fully sealed, so all the noise remains there. All of these little details are important – a lot of attention was given to them.” In order to maintain control over the quality of materials on the project, the developer used local sources as much as it could, while materials that had to be imported were carefully selected, Yachmenev says. “For example, we had to import the bricks from Saudi Arabia because they simply don’t make bricks here – because there’s no

Utilising the space All the houses in the XXII Carat project have been designed to maximise the space of the land, allowing the inclusion of a pool and a garden.

34 December 2017

clay here, but there is clay in Saudi Arabia. We thought about bringing them in from Germany, but that was just too far, so Saudi was the closest supplier we could find. Our consultants actually found them and recommended them to us.” One unusual challenge came from the use of these clay blocks, he adds. “The beauty of the grey concrete blocks is that they are locally produced and everyone on-site knows how to cut it to size using a manual saw. But with a clay brick, you cannot do that, you need the machine. It can also chip or break easily – if you drop it, it breaks. And you need to put it in water before you put it in the wall, because if you don’t, then it sucks all the moisture out of the glue and you have no adhesion. So yes, it was a bit of a challenge, but our contractor was able to find the teams and get them up to speed. Obviously, the beginning was quite slow, but we now have clay walls,” he says proudly. Given the peculiarities of the XXII Carat project, Yachmenev says the developer needed to be very careful with the choice of contractor. While it certainly couldn’t hope to attract a major contractor, it still needed to get a contractor who knew what it was doing. “Even though there are 22

Site Visit

“You can bring in expensive marble, do nice joinery work, buy lots of wooden panels and all that, but it’s what’s inside that counts – how it all works inside. What are the walls made out of? What is the air conditioning system? If you flush a toilet, can you hear it?” houses, it’s still a small-scale project, so it’s not very lucrative for a big contractor. We needed a mid-size contractor that knew how to do villas, but on the other hand also needed to be flexible, as we were doing quite a lot of changes as we went along because of the clients, because of the market and also because we were developing our vision as we went along.” This is why the team settled on Teejan Contracting, a Grade-1 contractor registered with the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi. Having executed many projects

in Oman, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the contractor brought a wealth of experience, specifically in the residential sector. “We needed a contractor that had experience with villas, was flexible and, most importantly, was one that could learn and satisfy our standards, because they’re quite high. After we went through many tenders, we decided to go with Teejan, and so far it’s been good.” Having broken ground in August 2015, the plan is to finish the project by the end of 2017. “At the moment, there are seven villas that we’re doing our

own designs for. Some of them are purchased and the clients approved the design. For some, we changed the design for them, and for others, we’re just doing our own designs. For the others, we’re just doing the shell and core. But the exteriors, the landscapes, all the necessary civil defence and local regulations and things will be finished by the end of the year.” This approach to delivering the project has been crucial to its success, Yachmenev says, explaining that the buyers are of a particular stratum that like to have a say in the homes that they own.

“These people have money, and this city will continue to attract people who have money. They’re very particular about what they want. You’d be surprised, but a lot of our customers do understand all these technical things and they do share their inputs into that. “They’re quite young and they’re quite active, so they like to be involved in what’s going on – they’ll ask questions and they’ll want to make their own designs. They know what they want, so you have to do your homework and you have to know your work when they come,” he concludes.

Knowing your customers The buyers involved in the XXII Carat project are well versed in the technicalities of construction and design, says Yachmenev. This allows them to be exacting about their choices and decisions for their villas.

December 2017 35

Big Project ME Awards 2017

ConstruCtion superstars

Big Project ME celebrates the outstanding achievements of the GCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction industry for the year 2017 GOLD SPONSORS

36 December 2017

SILVER SPONSORS

Big Project ME Awards 2017

The 2017 edition of the Big Project Middle East Awards took place on November 27, 2017 at the Habtoor Grand Resort Autograph Collection in JBR, Dubai, with the annual B2B event attracting a packed-out Al Andalus Ballroom to celebrate the best the regional construction industry has to offer. This year’s event saw close to 100 nominations submitted across 20 categories, while the event itself welcomed 200 senior and C-level executives from across the construction spectrum, including representatives from the UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Dubai

Electricity and Water Authority. This year, the biggest award of the night – Construction Contractor of the Year – went to Al Naboodah Construction Group, while Depa Interiors picked up Construction Project of the Year for the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre. Other notable winners were ALEMCO for MEP Contractor of the Year, and Multiplex for both Sustainable Contractor and Sustainable Project of the Year. For the individual award categories, the big winners were Donna Sultan from KEO International Consultants for Construction Executive of the NET WORK SPONSOR

Year, while Engineer Ahmed Alhammadi, director of the Roads Department – Ministry of Infrastructure Development, won Infrastructure Leader of the Year. Engineer Eman Al Mansoori, director of the Tenders and Contracts Department at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, won Big Project ME’s Woman of the Year. The judges for this year’s awards were drawn from the consultant sector of the construction industry, allowing an impartial voting process for each category. The judges were: Professor Abdul Sabouni from the CIOB, Andrea Scotti

of BuroHappold, Nathan Cartwright from Godwin Austen Johnson, Paul Doherty from Faithful+Gould, Suhail Arfath from Autodesk, Jason Saundalkar from ME Consultant and Gavin Davids from Big Project ME. This year’s Gold Sponsors were Lacasa Architects and Engineering Consultants and Hill International, while ALEC, CCS, Depa Interiors, Hadley Group, Multiplex and Voestalpine METSEC were Silver Sponsors. China State Construction Engineering Corporation was Network Sponsor. Supporting Partners for the event were Cavendish Maxwell, CIOB and RICS.

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

December 2017 37

Big Project ME Awards 2017

Skills Development Programme for 2017 Winner: ALEC Evolve Dubai contractor ALEC picked up this award for its ALEC Evolve programme, with the judges recognising its commitment to training employees and providing them with the tools and culture to grow and succeed within the company. “For us, this award recognises what we’ve been doing,” said Emma Davies, HR manager at ALEC. “We’ve put so much effort into developing them, and if I look

back, 2014 was the first group we took in, and they’re now doing so well. They’re section managers, project managers, they’re running parts of Bvlgari. For us, it’s so amazing to see that!” “We’ve just taken another group of graduates in for 2017, but we’ve also developed it into a high-potential programme. We’ve changed the programme a little bit and put a bit more development into it – all the ALEC values that we want to be, we’re giving to them in the training,” she added.

implementing the right values ALEC has developed the Evolve programme further to implement different values of the business in candidates.

HSE Leader of the Year Nominees: AECOM Drake & Scull International Shapoorji Pallonji International Winner: Shapoorji Pallonji International

Listening to the workers Sanal Kumar Kurup says Shapoorji Pallonji makes it a point to listen to what its workers have to say, and takes on board their suggestions.

Shapoorji Pallonji International picked up this award for its work educating and involving its workforce about the benefits of improving HSE conditions on its projects, and creating an atmosphere of trust,

communication, involvement and increased coordination that resulted in more than 16 million safe man-hours without a reportable accident in 2017. “We have a very good system of participation from the top to the bottom - the representatives of the workers are part of review meetings. Their suggestions are communicated across the company and implemented,” said Sanal Kumar Kurup, deputy general manager - Safety, who collected the award.

Excellence in BIM Implementation Nominees: AESG BuroHappold Dewan Architects + Engineers Winner: BuroHappold In winning the Excellence in BIM Implementation award for the second year in a row, BuroHappold showed judges a vast range of expertise in utilising BIM, not only across projects, but also in its design philosophy and strategy planning.

38 December 2017

Showcasing how BIM is used to engage with clients, develop and analyse solutions, and create integrated designs across disciplines, BuroHappold was a convincing winner for this year’s award. “We’re a global organisation, and part of the reason why we’re able to deliver the projects that we do is because we’re connected in such a great way,” said Craig Garrett, project technology leader at BuroHappold Engineering Middle East.

integrated design Craig Garrett says BuroHappold uses BIM to connect with its offices across the globe to work together and deliver projects.

Big Project ME Awards 2017

Sustainable Initiative of the Year Nominees: AESG - Home Energy Audit Programme Al Naboodah Group Workplace Sustainability Framework Consolidated Contractors Company - Workplace Sustainability Programme Winner: AESG - Home Energy Audit Programme AESG’s Home Energy Audit Programme won plaudits from the

judges for its potential to create a positive impact on the entire UAE, raising awareness and combatting energy and water wastage. “This programme is to support the country in transitioning to energy efficiency, but also to support a number of local charities and community initiatives. We work closely with the government on a lot of programmes, and we want to make sure our initiatives align with the government programmes,” said Saeed Al Abbar, director at AESG.

Working with the government AESG aligns its initiatives and programmes with what the UAE government is doing, said Saeed Al Abbar.

Sustainable Government Department Winner: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)

on the right track The response from the industry is proof that DEWA is on the right track with its sustainability initiatives.

This award recognises the work DEWA has done to promote sustainability, the use of renewable energy sources and the transition to a green economy in Dubai. The Shams Dubai initiative is an example of DEWA’s drive for renewable energy, as it encourages residents and businesses to install photovoltaic panels on the

roofs of their premises, to generate electricity from solar power while also exporting excess energy to the grid. “This award is an assurance that we’re on the right track, and that we’ve built a very solid system to sustain the excellence,” said Marwan Abdulla Ali Alzaabi, vice president - Corporate Excellence. “We have very big initiatives planned, but at the top of them is to make Dubai a smarter and more sustainable city.”

Sustainable Construction Company Nominees: Dow Construction Chemicals Ecocoast Contracting Kirby Building Systems Winner: Dow Construction Chemicals The judges chose Dow Construction Chemicals for its nomination, which showed how committed the global giant is to using its vast depth of knowledge and expertise to create sustainable solutions for products

used on projects across the world. “We are very proud (to have won this award) because we have been working very hard. Sustainability, durability and energy savings has been the name of the game for us. Not only in the way we produce our own products, but to provide solutions for our customers, and the customers of our customers - the construction industry in general,” said Margarita Perello, application development leader at Dow Chemical.

name of the game Dow Construction Chemicals remains committed to incorporating sustainability, durability and energy-saving values into its products.

December 2017 39

Big Project ME Awards 2017

Sustainable Project of the Year Nominees: Al Hayer Housing Project - Nael General Contracting Khalifa University - RSP Architects, Planners and Engineers Neighbourhood One Residences - Multiplex Winner: Neighbourhood One Residences - Multiplex The Neighbourhood One Residences nomination impressed the judges on the

basis of Multiplex being able to deliver a project to the highest sustainability standards while also using innovative construction systems and practices to meet regional green building rating systems. “It was a lot of hard effort by everybody on the team. It was a design and build job for us. It was pivotal that we used new technologies, new advancements, sustainability as a collective whole,” said Akos Kovacs, design manager at Multiplex.

utilising new technologies Multiplex worked to deliver the Neighbourhood One Residences to the highest possible sustainability standards, using new technologies and systems.

Sustainable Contractor of the Year Nominees: Consolidated Contractors Company Multiplex Summertown Interiors Winner: Multiplex

embedding sustainability Multiplex has worked for the last seven years to embed both environmental and social sustainability aspects into core operations.

As well as its strong commitment to sustainability on its projects and operations, what swayed the judges decision in Multiplex’s favour for this award was the company’s focus on educating its workforce about sustainability

through the use of social initiatives and educational workshops and seminars. Furthermore, the contractor has taken the lead in collaborating with industry partners to develop and promote best practices across the region. “We have worked very hard over the last seven years to embed both environmental and social sustainability aspects into our core operations,” said Stephen Smith,executive director - SHEQ, Multiplex.

Infrastructure Leader of the Year Winner: Ahmed Alhammadi, director of the Roads Department, Ministry of Infrastructure Development Eng Ahmed Alhammadi was awarded this award by Big Project ME in recognition of his leadership of the Roads Department at the UAE’s Ministry of Infrastructure Development. Having overseen the introduction of several initiatives and schemes aimed at improving the operations, efficiency and

40 December 2017

performance of the nation’s roads, highways and bridges. Not content with what he has already achieved, he told Big Project ME that he harboured further ambitions for improvement. “For the UAE, we are ranked first in the world for road quality. “We are now looking to be the first in the infrastructure quality. We are now the third, but we’re looking to develop all kinds of systems, techniques and methods to be the first,” he asserted.

Determined to improve Eng Ahmed Alhammadi has promised to bring the UAE up to number one in the world for infrastructure quality.

Big Project ME Awards 2017

Infrastructure Project of the Year Winner: Riyadh Metro Package 3 - Hill International Tasked with overseeing the design and construction deliverables through the project lifecycle for Package 3 of the Riyadh Metro, Hill International was chosen by Big Project ME to receive the Infrastructure Project of the Year award. Package 3 consists of managing three rail lines in the system, and includes Lines 4, 5 and 6, with 67km of track.

48km of this track is elevated alignment, while 5.5km is mined tunnel. The package also has 22 stations along the route, with nearly 13km of bored tunnel constructed through congested districts in Riyadh. Given the scale of the challenges facing Hill, Big Project thought it was only right for it to be recognised for its efforts thus far on a project that will surely change the dynamics of the city of Riyadh.

Going underground The Riyadh Metro features 5.5km of mined runway, along with nearly 13km of bored tunnel.

Construction Professional of the Year - Male Nominees: Mouaz Abouziad - Dewan Rob Davies - Depa Group Satayef Kassabbashi - DSI Winner: Rob Davies - Depa Group

strength in depth Depa Group is in a much stronger position now, compared to a year and a half ago, thanks to a team that is empowered and confident enough to resolve issues, Rob Davies says.

With more than three decades of senior leadership experience in the engineering and construction sectors, Rob Davies’s role at Depa Group has seen him deliver tremendous success over the last 12 months. Having resolved a number of pending issues and

claims, his decision-making has resulted in the flow of significant amounts of funds into various segments of the business, resulting in a 484% increase in profit for H1 2017. “Doing as well as we have is a result of having a team that is empowered and confident enough to go and resolve issues,” he told Big Project ME. “We’re in a much stronger position now, compared to a year and a half ago. We’ve got real strength on the bench,” he added.

Construction Professional of the Year - Female Nominees: Drita Arnaout - Depa Group Phillipa Grant - AESG Reem Dayoub - Lacasa Winner: Reem Dayoub - Lacasa The judges chose Reem Dayoub as this year’s winner in recognition of her work setting up an completely new in-house MEP division in 2016. Since then, she has overseen the recruitment of more than 65 staff, comprising both industry

veterans and fresh young graduates, to create a strong, competitive MEP department. “The success of this award also belongs to my team. I have a hardworking support team, and while we all work together on a technical level, we also support each other in terms of our social lives as well. We create a good environment in my department, and we’re really one team. The support they’ve given to me allows me to be successful,” she asserted after picking up her award.

Creating a supportive environment Reem Dayoub says her MEP department team support each other, not just on the work front but socially as well, creating a positive, happy atmosphere.

December 2017 41

Big Project ME Awards 2017

Big Project ME’s Woman of the Year Winner: Eng Eman Almansoori, director of the Tenders and Contracts Department - Ministry of Infrastructure Development Eng Eman Almansoori picked up this year’s award for her work in overseeing the adoption of new technologies and methodologies, creating a smarter and more efficient operation at the department. Furthermore, she has been active in helping to improve the relationships between contractors

and consultants and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. “We now need to have a clear framework between contractors and consultants and the Ministry, to see how we can distribute the risk between all parties and see how we can work with new types of contracts. We’ve started to adapt PPP contracts in the ministry, and we’re working to launch pilot projects in this area,” she said, adding that she was also keen to support more female involvement in the industry.

exploring new options Eng Eman Almansoori said the Tenders and Contracts department is looking to launch pilot projects that will explore how new types of contracts will work.

Construction Executive of the Year Nominees: Donna Sultan - KEO International Consultants Hamish Tyrwhitt - Depa Group/ Arabtec Yu Tao - China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East Winner: Donna Sultan - KEO international Consultants international powerhouse Donna Sultan has overseen the growth of the consultancy into one of the most influential in the region, with 10 offices in nine countries in the Middle East.

Unanimously chosen by the judges as the winner for this category, Donna Sultan is a

hugely influential figure in the regional construction industry. As the president and CEO of KEO International Consultants, she has overseen the company’s growth into an international powerhouse, with ten offices in nine locations across the Middle East. “It inspires me to go back out and continue with the work I’m doing with KEO, the contribution KEO is making to the industry. We’ve come a long way, but it takes a lot of hard work,” she said.

Specialist Contractor of the Year Nominees: ALEC Fit-Out Depa Interiors Ecocoast Contracting Winner: Ecocoast Contracting Having impressed the judges with its nomination, Ecocoast Contracting was chosen for setting new standards in a nascent field in the Middle East - marine contracting. Despite having only started out in 2009, the contractor has

42 December 2017

quickly established itself as a one-stop shop for a range of clients, delivering innovative solutions for projects. “We are actually really excited about being pioneers in the industry, bringing in new solutions to the market. Ecocoast has always been about that, about finding better ways to deliver solutions to protect and enhance the coastline here. We’re quite excited by what’s coming up in the future as well,” said Adel Abu-Aysha, finance director.

Delivering new solutions Ecocoast Contracting delivers innovative new solutions that help protect and enhance the UAE’s coastline

Big Project ME Awards 2017

MEP Contractor of the Year Nominees: ALEMCO Trans Gulf Electro Mechanical Voltas Limited Winner: ALEMCO Over the last 12 months, ALEMCO has achieved its highest turnover since it was established, while also working on the delivery of eight major projects in that time. Furthermore, the contractor has also entered into a joint venture with an American

company that has developed new technology that will help improve the performance of air handling units. “There’s a lot of hard work that goes into putting an MEP company together, keeping it afloat and delivering for our clients. And for the individuals and the collective, it’s a great result for us,” said Robert McDonnell, senior estimating manager, ALEMCO. “We’re a progressive company, we look to improve every year.”

a progressive company Robert McDonnell says ALEMCO aims to improve itself every year.

Developer of the Year Nominees: Binghatti Developers Nakheel Sobha Group Winner: Nakheel

Moving forward Nakheel has already begun moving forward with plans for new developments that have already been announced, said Masood Al Zarooni.

With more than 23,000 residential units under construction in various locations around Dubai, Nakheel has a current and future portfolio that comprises more than 1.57 million sqm of leasable space, including 1.20 million sqm

currently under development. Furthermore, the developer’s hospitality collection and serviced apartment complexes have 6,000 rooms between them, along with a growing number of clubs and restaurants. “This is encouraging for our plans for next year, and we’re moving forward with new developments which have been announced and will be delivered next year,” said Masood Al Zarooni, managing director, Projects Construction at Nakheel.

Big Project ME’s Project of the Year Nominees: Al Jahra Road and Jamal Abdul Nasser Street Projects New Visitor Centre at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque One Central - Phase II of DWTC Expansion Winner: One Central - Phase II of DWTC Expansion The One Central project is testament to the depth of collaboration and cooperation that was achieved between

Al Futtaim Carillion as main contractor and Dubai World Trade Centre, the client. “Working on the One Central development was not a single entity effort - it was an effort together with our partners. We owe a lot to AFC in delivering both our Phase I, which was three months ahead of schedule, and Phase II, again ahead of schedule, while Phase III is currently on schedule,” said Gurjit Singh, senior VP - Real Estate at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Best of the year One Central was chosen as the best project covered by Big Project ME over the course of the year.

December 2017 43

Big Project ME Awards 2017

Construction Project of the Year Nominees: Bvlgari Hotel and Resort - ALEC Etihad Museum - ASGC King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre Depa Interiors Winner: King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre Depa Interiors Given the sheer technical complexity and size of the project, the judges felt that Depa Interiors’ work on the KAPSARC

was worthy of recognition at this year’s awards. Using BIM and 3D modelling software, the team was tasked with constructing a raked ceiling, installing more than 800 pieces of design elements, and also creating a secondary steel structure within a building. “This was probably one of the most difficult jobs we’ve done. This award should go to our engineering team, who did a great job on it,” said Tim Holmes, projects director at Depa Interiors.

Challenging project KAPSARC used BIM and 3D modelling technologies to design and construct the interiors of an extremely challenging project.

Construction Contractor of the Year Nominees: ALEC Al Naboodah Construction Group ASGC Winner: Al Naboodah Construction Group

Working together With a strong focus on sustainability, technology adoption and corporate governance, al naboodah Construction Group places a strong emphasis on the collective.

44 December 2017

What swayed the judges for this year’s winner was Al Naboodah’s focus on activities beyond the construction site. With an emphasis on staff development and upskillings,

in addition to a strong focus on sustainability, technology adoption and corporate governance, this year’s winner showed judges the complete package of performance as a contractor. “This is very much a team award - the whole organisation has contributed to this and we look forward to our continuing success in 2018,” said Senan A M Al Naboodah, CEO of Al Naboodah Construction Group, who was presented with the award on the night.

CMY

Off-site Technology

a new way to build

Gavin Davids speaks to Faizal E. Kottikollon, founder and chairman of KEF Holdings, about how the UAE firm is embracing technology to further its ambitions in construction

largest in the world The KEF Infra One plant is the largest fully integrated off-site manufacturing facility in the world.

46 December 2017

What are your thoughts on the shifting opinions and attitudes to automation, off-site building and construction technology?

The construction industry is one of the most outdated industries, which more often than not faces over-runs in timelines and budget. With the introduction of smart technology in the construction sector, we have witnessed contrasting perspectives. At one end, the industry hails the

Off-site Technology

cost-saving and operational efficiency that technology brings. But on the other end, some have shown scepticism in embracing these new ideas. We believe that smart technology will dictate the future of construction, and the industry needs to focus on how technology and people can work together to improve existing societal and environmental concerns. Research suggests that the international

smart building market is expected to reach $36.3 billion by 2020, and is still growing strong at an annual rate of 38%. This global trend is an encouragement to all GCC countries to strengthen their commitment to adopting smart technology. How are you setting up KEF Holdings to take advantage of this?

Looking to the future, I believe that the use of off-site manufacturing will have widespread developmental effects for major cities across the world. It speeds up the construction process and allows countries to develop faster. We can rebuild war-torn cities and towns at a much faster pace using off-site than we ever could with conventional methods. We are keen to demonstrate how large-scale, complex projects such as hospitals, shopping malls, commercial buildings and hotels can be completed using path-breaking prefabrication technology. We expect to roll out this mode of construction not only in the region but to the world. At present, KEF manufactures schools, hospitals, homes, hotels and commercial and residential buildings 50% faster than traditional construction; this means businesses can operate quicker, homes can be moved into faster, and hospitals can accept patients earlier. With off-site manufacturing, the key advantages are better build quality, more sustainability and less wastage in the manufacturing process, and tangible time savings, allowing an earlier return on investment due to earlier revenue generation and reduced bank interest charges. How are things progressing with your plant in India? What has the response been to it?

We have received a great response to the KEF Infra One plant

“Research suggests that the international smart building market is expected to reach $36.3 billion by 2020, and is still growing strong at an annual rate of 38%. This global trend is an encouragement to all GCC countries to strengthen their commitment to adopting smart technology”

at Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu. Spread across 42 acres, it is the largest fully integrated off-site manufacturing park in the world. We have bagged projects worth close to $200 million during the ongoing Indian financial year 2016-17 and have deals worth $207 million in our pipeline that we expect to close before the end of the year. All these projects will be catered through the Krishnagiri factory and another factory that is coming up in north India. Some of the key projects delivered through the plant include: • Embassy 7B, Bangalore – 157,935sqm, completed in 13.5 months • Indira Canteens, Bangalore – 154 canteens and 18 kitchens, completed in three months • Meitra Hospital, Calicut – 37,161sqm with 209 beds, completed in 18 months • Infosys Building Phase 2 – 46,451sqm, completed in 14 months Looking at the success with the plant in Krishnagiri, we do have plans to open similar facilities in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. In our opinion, these markets show great promise for infrastructure development, especially if we consider the rising demand for social infrastructure such as schools, hospitals and homes, which we specifically aim to cater to. India is on the cusp of growth led by innovation, and our aim is to fast forward this progress by radically changing the landscape of infrastructure in India. Are there plans to set up similar facilities in the UAE? If so, what is the current status of those plans?

In the UAE and the wider GCC, we are currently in exploratory talks to design and develop several projects using off-site construction

December 2017 47

Off-site Technology

technology. This is part of our overarching strategy to increase our footprint within the GCC’s off-site manufacturing segment. We have also collaborated with Dubai design firm TAHPI to develop a design and build model of modular hospitals. The model is based on industrial design, innovation and production at the highest quality, which in turn will lead to cost benefits in delivery, maintenance and operations. Our goal through this collaboration is to revolutionise healthcare design and construction across emerging markets and the GCC, where we believe it has tremendous potential. As part of this partnership, we have created information catalogues with 50 functional planning units as well as 500 unique room types, each fully specified, pre-designed and engineered with multiple permutations that can be used to manufacture hospitals of any size or specialisation. We are telling operators not to reinvent the wheel when it Smart technologies implemented KEF develops its prefabricated buildings using automation and robotics technology, including BIM, IoT, sensors, automated double wall technology and mobile precast technology.

48 December 2017

“In the UAE and the wider GCC, we are currently in exploratory talks to design and develop several projects using off-site construction technology. This is part of our overarching strategy to increase our footprint within the GCC’s off-site manufacturing segment”

comes to designing and planning a healthcare facility. These are tried and tested prototypes, which assures a defined budget and timeline for the operator. What smart technologies and resources are you implementing in your facilities and on your projects?

Our facility has a number of specialised units – Precast, a Modular Pod factory that can prefabricate rooms, bathrooms and modular mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), joinery, and aluminium and UPVC glazing. This facility takes care of end-to-end manufacturing for building components that include columns, beams, hollow core slabs, wall panels, staircases, windows and facades, doors, bathroom units, woodwork including furniture, and upholstery and fitouts. The prefabricated buildings are developed using automation and robotics technology that includes BIM, Internet of Things (IoT), sensors, automated double wall technology and mobile precast technology.

What is your view on 3D printing technologies for the construction industry? Are they feasible?

The use of off-site construction technology has proven benefits in terms of cost and quality control. The 3D printing industry is still new and its abilities of scale, quality and endurance in the construction industry have not really been tested. On the other hand, precast and prefab have been around for decades and have been refined with the use of technology and robotics to deliver quality projects across the world. Market reports suggest that within the next five years, over 50% of all construction projects will use off-site modular construction and on-site 3D printing. We continue to be interested in the developments made by the 3D printing industry, but have no plans of investing in it currently. Can you provide an update on your major projects being built using off-site technology?

KEF Infra recently opened doors to phase one of the 500-bed Meitra Hospital in Calicut, India, which was completed and delivered in a record 18 months (phase one, 209 beds completed). Other noteworthy projects that we are working on include a 37,161sqm manufacturing campus for Bosch in Bangalore, to be completed within a timeline of 11 months. We are also shortly completing the GEMS Modern Academy in Smart City Kochi. We are doing a host of projects with Infosys, including the Infosys Gate, the tallest clock tower for Infosys in Mysore, which will stand tall at 135 metres. We have also started work on our first mall project in Lucknow with LULU Mall, which will be completed in 21 months.

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Event Review

GoinG Beyond BiM

The ME BIM Summit returned on November 1 for its second edition, bringing with it a mandate to look beyond the traditional applications of BIM in the regional construction industry Last year, more than 200 attendees took part in the first ever Middle East BIM Summit, marking the debut of an annual event that has captured the attention of the UAE’s construction industry. The Summit returned for its second edition on November 1, this time with a focus on going beyond BIM and exploring how the technology is changing the way construction companies operate and perform.

With more than 250 attendees joining panellists and speakers from across the GCC at the Al Andalus Ballroom at the Habtoor

50 December 2017

Grand Resort, Autograph Collection, the event saw healthy debate and discussion throughout the day, with four panel discussions, four presentations from industry experts and three CPD presentations. Chaired once again by Chris Seymour, head of Advisory Middle East and South Asia for Mott MacDonald, the summit was kicked off by a presentation from Wajdi Mereb, chief specialist – BIM Projects Manager at the Assets Management Department for the RTA.

Following a recap of the RTA’s journey towards adopting BIM and its implementation across its projects, Mereb discussed how the authority plans to become a fully data-driven asset owner, and how the RTA intends to target BIM Level II maturity by implementing a strategic plan to transform its projects into ones that can fully utilise BIM across their entire lifecycles. This presentation was followed by a high-level panel discussion, which saw Chris Seymour moderate a debate around whether

BIM deliverables should be made part of construction contracts. The panel featured Dayesh Jaiswal, director at Techture; Etienne Le Roux, senior BIM consultant at Turner & Townsend; Mansour Faried, engineering director at China State Construction Middle East; Scott Lambert, head of Construction and Infrastructure at Tamimi Group; Samer Daoud, group chief development officer and managing director at Drake & Scull International; Qamar Raja, Expo 2020 and MEA regional BIM manager at Parsons International;

Event Review

and Mohamed Mosad Ghazy, chief programs and projects specialist, CEO office, Corporate Technical Support Services at the RTA. One of the key takeaways from the first panel discussion of the day was from Dayesh Jaiswal: “BIM is not about being competitive, but about making it a collaborative platform for project stakeholders. As consultants, we should also focus on integrating BIM with other technologies such as laser scanning,” he said, while Etienne Le Roux asserted that with the tools available to the industry today, there was no reason a BIM model couldn’t be handed over for operations. The second presentation of the day was from Bentley Systems solutions director Vivek Kale, who highlighted how true BIM adoption is at less than 50% industry-wide during his talk on BIM and current

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“It’s not about BIM anymore, it’s about the openness and the connection through the chain.It’s important to look at how people on the work-site can consume the designs with ease”

industry thinking. Focusing on the lessons learned from the likes of the UK BIM Task Group, Crossrail, Highways England and others, Kale shared insights with the audience for around 20 minutes, explaining the advantages of a “single source of truth” for asset data and information for all parties to share during the design and construction of an asset, as well as throughout its entire lifecycle. A panel discussion about how BIM is helping facilitate collaboration among project stakeholders was next on the agenda, with moderator Djordje Grujic, design manager at City Diamond Contracting, joined by Craig Garret, project technology leader at Buro Happold; Nithin Thomas, BIM manager at Shapoorji Pallonji International; Scott Coombes, director at AESG; Suhail Arfath, head of Consulting Services

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at Autodesk; Alan Muse, global director of Built Environment at RICS; and Alejandro Silva, BIM manager at Naga Architects. “It’s not about BIM anymore, it’s about the openness and the connection through the chain,” said Suhail Arfath. “It’s important to look at how people on the work-site can consume the designs with ease.” In addition, Craig Garrett pointed out that the client’s vision should be the ultimate driver for a project, highlighting how a strong, knowledgeable client can help facilitate greater BIM collaboration. Scott Coombes capped off the discussion by pointing out that “companies need to embrace and develop BIM in-house, rather than outsource it, in order to unlock its true value”. After a short networking break, the Summit resumed with

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December 2017 51

Event Review

the day’s third panel discussion, which focused on how BIM can help revolutionise fabrication and installation in the construction industry. Chaired by Muhmmad Jabakhanji, regional director of EcoDomus, the panel featured an eclectic mix of speakers: Dr Mohamed Kotb, owner and founder of Dimensions International; Sachin Singh, construction technologist at Archcorp Architectural Engineering; Samer Abudaqqa, Cost Control manager at Engineering Contracting Company; Christopher Smeaton, Project BIM manager at InSite; Unnikrishnan Vijayan Gokulam, BIM manager at Drake & Scull International; and Suhail Arfath, returning to the stage for this panel. Taking the Summit into lunch was a presentation that was a highlight for attendees. Charles Dunk, associate director, Immersive Technology at AECOM, showcased how augmented reality helps reduce construction risk. Featuring a live demonstration of augmented reality in 3D, the talk showed how BIM can be used in the field and in a variety of scenarios. After an hour-long lunch break, attendees returned for the second

half of the Summit, kicked off by a talk about how BIM can be used for landscape design and urban planning. Presented by Chris Smeaton, it focused on planting within the BIM environment and the pros and cons of providing this information within a 3D model. The final panel discussion of the day focused on how AEC firms can contribute to Dubai’s vision for the future. Moderated by Gavin Davids, editor of Big Project ME, the discussion featured Andrew Milburn, senior BIM engineer at Godwin Austen Johnson; Asem Zabin, senior BIM engineer at iTech Management Consultancy; Azzam Mazen Issa, design architect at Naga Architects; Ivar Krasinski, founding partner and design director at EDGE; Ibrahim AttaApau, associate director at Atkins Acuity; and Maged El Hawary, Project Controls director at ASGC. This panel discussion focused on how technology can be used to meet Dubai’s goals and ambitions, from a construction point of view. “For me, BIM is a label for how the digital revolution is impacting the construction industry. Future buildings might not look like what we have now – there are crazy

concepts out there,” was one of the points raised by Andrew Milburn during the discussion. Wrapping up the summit were the three CPD workshops, where Etienne Le Roux kicked things off with a presentation on ‘Success Factors for Delivering BIM on Major Programmes’. With this workshop, attendees were able to learn why programmes need a truly collaborative BIM process, why it’s crucial that the strategic direction and outcomes are established early on, and what sort of challenges and pitfalls lie in wait. The second CPD workshop focused on the intriguing concept of 5D BIM, and was presented by Nicky Dobreanu, senior Cost & Project consultant at C-Quest. Dobreanu’s presentation covered the process of applying costs to 3D models and how the automatic generation of quantities provides a faster, more accurate tool to analyse data and provide better advice. The final CPD workshop, ‘BIM for Business Management’, was presented by Alan Muse and focused on how the project, cost and facilities managers in a construction company can use BIM to improve the services they offer.

VOX POPS

“I thought that the event had generally improved from last year. This was mainly because real evidence from exemplar clients (e.g., the RTA) were more on show, which no doubt reflects the progressing BIM market in the Middle East” Alan Muse, presenter and panellist at the ME BIM Summit 2017 “I would like to see more real application examples and genuine pros and cons on BIM implementation next year. However, this year seemed more lively and real – in that it seemed we covered or are witnessing much more real-time BIM engagement out in the market that could be discussed at the Summit” Robert Marinelli, attendee at the ME BIM Summit 2017 “Next year, I think we need to have break-out sessions that deep dive into tech issues – the different facets of BIM. This could include the application of LOD at different stages, the best tools for qualification and the integration of laser scanning into BIM. But it was a great response this year, and my demo was well received!” Charles Dunk, presenter at the ME BIM Summit 2017

52 December 2017

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additional benefits Improving dirt pick-up resistance brings additional efficiency and environmental benefits

CLEvEr Coatings

Simone El Henoud of Dow Chemicals discusses how coatings and paints are becoming increasingly smart to help drive efficiency and sustainability on buildings 54 December 2017

Can you outline some of the work Dow Chemical is doing to improve efficiency and performance standards in buildings?

With regard to coatings, a major shift has taken place within the industry over recent decades, driven by the adoption of new technologies aimed at improving paint performance within the interior and exterior

Supplier Focus

of buildings. 40 years ago, most of the ingredients found in the market were conventional, solvent-based formulations. Water-borne paints accounted for about 30-35% of the total share of available technologies. Thanks to developments from forward-thinking companies and their customers, that is changing dramatically.

We are at the forefront of that change, driving technologies and innovations designed to help Middle Eastern paints and coatings manufacturers design more sustainable, environmentally responsible solutions for buildings. We work in partnership with our customers to create end-use products that are faster and easier to use, resist stains, enhance air quality, offer longer-lasting protection and use fewer natural resources. One example of a breakthrough development is EVOQUE binder, designed to help improve paint film performance while lowering levels of titanium dioxide, an energy-intensive raw material with a significant impact on the cost and carbon footprint of paint. Another is the DIRTSHIELD portfolio, a suite of ingredients including binders, opacifying polymers, rheology modifiers, dispersants and biocides, all designed to offer optimal dirt pick-up resistance when selectively used in combination. Improving dirt pick-up resistance brings efficiency and environmental benefits. Maintenance cycles are reduced even in urban environments, and UV reflectivity is increased from whiter surfaces, supporting energy efficiency demands. The DIRTSHIELD portfolio also supports low-VOC* and APEO-free* paint formulations by helping to reduce or eliminate addition of APEO surfactants, ammonia, formaldehyde and formaldehyde generators. One of our most exciting recent developments is PRIMAL SF-230, a binder designed to offer five in one functionality, tackling some of the most pressing health, environmental and performance issues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and top of that list is improving indoor air quality (IAQ), which

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A forwardthinking approach will help guide the course of progressive raw material technology development in order to reduce the environmental and health impacts of building products. The opportunity for progress therefore relies on creating effective partnershipsâ&#x20AC;?

is enabled through our patented FORMASHIELD technology. FORMASHIELD technology is designed to remove formaldehyde from indoor air when it makes contact with painted walls, by extracting carbon and hydrogen and converting them to harmless water vapour. Formaldehyde breakdown is irreversible, and the removal is permanent. Technologies such as FORMASHIELD can turn regular paint into a multifunctional coating that protects and beautifies interior substrates while helping to improve indoor air quality. What are some of the different applications for these technologies?

Maintaining IAQ is a growing concern across the Middle East, as people spend more time indoors and new insulation/ air sealing methods are used to improve energy efficiency. Tightening the building envelope is an effective upgrade that lowers heating and cooling costs, resulting in savings generated by restricting air exchange and heat transfer. However, those can have unintended consequences on IAQ, including a build-up of formaldehyde emissions emanating from common household items. Exposure to formaldehyde is known to cause eye, nose and throat irritation, wheezing and coughing, fatigue, skin rash and severe allergic reactions. Our PRIMAL SF-230 binder, created with FORMASHIELD formaldehyde abatement technology, is designed for matt and silk interior wall paints. Alongside formaldehyde abatement, it also offers stain resistance, is self-disinfecting, can be used for low VOC

December 2017 55

Supplier Focus

formulations and offers excellent crack bridging performance. The self-film forming binder also delivers on demand for low-odour paint. Such multifunctionality offers excellent processing efficiency for paint manufacturers and enables development of versatile coatings which are better for health and the environment. Are these technologies reactive to the environment around them?

Some technologies work by actively interacting with the environment around them, and a great example is FORMASHIELD technology. It works by removing formaldehyde from indoor air when it makes contact with painted walls, by extracting carbon and hydrogen and converting them to harmless water vapour. Formaldehyde breakdown is irreversible, and the removal is permanent. Formaldehyde is a colourless, flammable, strongsmelling chemical used in building materials such as particleboard, plywood and fibre board, and in many household products. It

can also be found in glues and adhesives, paper product coatings and some insulation materials. The substance has been listed by the EU as of high concern in connection with IAQ, due to its impact on health issues such as respiratory diseases, allergies and even lung cancer. China was one of the first countries to proactively address the issue by setting a limit on ambient air formaldehyde levels in living spaces (0.08 mg/m3), and several other countries including the US, Germany, Australia and Switzerland have followed suit. Dow Coating Materials developed the FORMASHIELD formaldehyde abatement system to be used as an active part of an overall strategy to remediate situations where indoor aldehyde levels could be a concern, and paint manufacturers in a number of regions including the Middle East are now using it in the form of binders to create functional coatings that can help purify indoor air. This goes way beyond merely reducing emissions from paints,

improving technology brings benefits Development of technologies has seen an increase in efficiency and greater support for sustainability and green building agendas.

and actively removes indoor pollutants emanating from other sources in homes and buildings. Can such technologies help foster a new approach in architecture and construction? If so, how?

The coatings industry in the Middle East has made excellent progress in the last few years, with technologies improving efficiency and supporting increasingly popular sustainability and green building agendas. However, breakthrough technology needs early adopters and a joined-

up approach from industry leaders, including developers, architects and building owners, to make a genuine difference. A forward-thinking approach will help guide the course of progressive raw material technology development in order to reduce the downstream environmental and health impacts of building products, including coatings. The opportunity for progress therefore relies on creating effective partnerships up and downstream. There is also a need to evaluate the environmental impact of current and future formulations and find objective ways of tracking sustainable development. Existing and upcoming regulations and measures will need to be applied rigorously and extended to address building product lifecycles from cradle to gate and cradle to grave, if sustainable change is to be achieved. What R&D processes does Dow Chemicals undertake for these technologies, and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in the pipeline?

removing indoor pollutants Dow Chemicals has been developing products that help improve the indoor air quality of buildings.

56 December 2017

Our manufacturing site in Jebel Ali provides customers in the Middle East with a local supply source for the most advanced and sustainable coating materials, in addition to a technical application centre staffed by a

Supplier Focus

team of formulation experts. Our regional experts have developed binders that enable ultra-lowVOC* formulations with no added surfactants, for architectural markets, for example. For industrial applications, Dow is pushing water-borne technologies to new levels and introducing entirely new highperformance chemistry families. We have found that paint formulators appreciate the fact that we can offer a one-stop shop, and in some cases grouping grades especially designed to meet specific challenges makes specification far easier. An example is the Colour Protection portfolio, a carefully selected range of raw materials from binders to biocides designed to help maintain and extend the fresh paint look and offer longer term protection

“Breakthrough technology needs early adopters and a joined-up approach from industry leaders, including developers, architects and building owners, to make a genuine difference”

for buildings, particularly in the harsh environmental conditions of the Middle East. Designed to deliver against common issues such as colour variance on exposed facades, efflorescence and binder UV stability, the portfolio also supports low-VOC* and APEO*-free formulations. Included in the range are speciality PRIMAL binders acrylics which offer specific colour performance for premium and differentiated paint formulations – and when coupled with tailored additives from Dow, they offer significant technical advances without compromising on safety or the environment. Another example is solutions for crack bridging, a suite of raw material choices for elastomeric thick film paints with particularly

high elongation and crackbridging properties. Offering tailored binders for warmer climates or urban environments with high pollution – alongside materials which can be combined to achieve excellent dirt pick-up resistance and exterior durability – the elastomeric masonry coating formulations perform in harsh Middle East conditions. Examples include ELASTENE acrylic copolymers, which offer specific advantages in terms of dirt pick-up resistance and durability, and pure acrylic PRIMAL 2949 binder, which performs particularly well in warm and polluted climates such as busy urban environments. *VOC and APEO are not intentionally added and are not knowingly introduced from another raw material

S m o o t h a n d s a f e r i d e s t o yo u r destination With over 100 years of experience in the industry, KONE provides you with industryleading elevators, escalators and innovative solutions for maintenance and modernization.

w w w . k o n e . a e December 2017 57

Expert Voice

Market leaders provide valuable insights and opinions for the construction industry

Making well-informed decisions KONE uses BIM to enhance the understanding of its equipment among its customer base.

How does KONE use building information modelling (BIM) on projects?

We use BIM to enhance the understanding of our equipment throughout the lifecycle of a building. For designers, we have online tools and support them in making well-informed decisions earlier, to mitigate the cost of late changes. Builders use our BIM coordination capabilities to increase predictability on the construction site. This includes the 3D coordination of our equipment, as well as 4D construction site planning, where we can communicate important logistics issues through images, animations and simulations. Finally, owners can leverage KONE expertise to extend the value of BIM on their project by integrating the COBie (construction-operations building information exchange) data schema for their specific facility management system. What are some benefits of using BIM technology?

It is very important to all of our work to use these paradigmshifting technologies, along with our industry peers and partners. When our design and build customers call us to play in their BIM coordination process, amazing things happen. We clear up major issues early on with meaningful communication, resulting in time savings later, during the construction process.

The BIM BenefIT

John Morada, design engineer at KONE Middle East, tells Big Project ME how KONE is using BIM technology to create better transport systems

58 December 2017

What part does BIM play in resolving conflicts on projects?

Communication is what resolves conflicts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we use BIM to improve that communication. When our customers can sit with our project managers and engineers and use BIM to look at the actual configured equipment model in the context of their structure, a shared

For further information, please contact: +971 (0) 4 279 4500 +971 (0) 4 425 4394 www.kone.ae

developed to solve this is really important to make sure we are providing the value of BIM without adding major cost or effort. Does KONE use any other new software or technology in conjunction with BIM? What are the benefits? Explain its place in your workflow.

understanding is reached and many conflicts can be avoided. If you’ve never seen BIM coordination work well, it is really something. Are there any challenges when using BIM on projects?

Timing is critical. We can have the best BIM process in the world, but if the structure is up and major procurements like steel have been made prior to our BIM coordination, then the project will suffer the same challenges with unpredictability/unforeseen costs. Regionally, the proliferation of very aggressive guidelines for BIM has been a challenge. We are always balancing the value of what we show (geometry) versus what we know (data) and how that impacts the downstream stakeholders. Sometimes these guidelines force project contributors like KONE to go outside what is reasonable and efficient from a BIM perspective. Ultimately, this could be a high-cost add-on

with a limited value. Our KONE BIM experts will work through any model use goal, as well as provide guidance to our customers toward the most cost-effective and highest-value BIM workflow. The Middle East is a competitive market. Does BIM help KONE differentiate and stand out?

Our combination of planning tools, in-house expertise, advanced coordination (3D and 4D) and BIM deliverables for owners is unique. These capabilities were developed as part of our customer co-creation process, where we immerse ourselves in the world of our customers’ BIM practitioners and staff our BIM team with industry experts. How BIM-ready is KONE? Talk us through the steps the company took to adopt BIM.

Globally, we are fully capable to deliver BIM on any size projects. This took several years of effort

to develop the automation, the technical skill in engineering and the workflows to put the power of BIM in our frontline sales and project management resources. We did this through a global network of key users and the development of a global BIM team overseeing IT and R&D of our BIM offering. While this implementation work will never truly end, today we use a combination of inperson training, e-learning and documented workflows to further the saturation of BIM in KONE. What were the key challenges KONE had to overcome in the adoption of BIM?

If you took all the possible combinations of our equipment, it would be over 100 billion unique configurations, not including custom-engineered solutions. Even with that amount of variation, whatever we give to the project team to coordinate has to be right. The automation we

Our current BIM capabilities take advantage of all the latest BIM tools, from model authoring and coordination tools to cloud services for real-time collaboration. Outside of that, we have used augmented and mixed reality platforms with our BIM system that helps us understand the 3D model in a new way. I was an early naysayer of the value of a model in these platforms, but it is really amazing when you can walk around a virtually scaled model of a building – the speed of comprehension of even a very large model is vastly improved. While we have not taken this into practical application, it is a technology we will grow our BIM offering to take advantage of. How do you see BIM evolving in the coming years?

Prefabrication and BIM-enabled generative design are major shifts we see in the industry in the coming years. Our solutions already integrate with a few of the more forward-thinking construction stakeholders in these areas, and we expect that number and that integration to grow. We want to continually learn from our customers on how best to improve project delivery at every phase through BIM. Partnership is a major theme in that process.

“BIM technology is a key component to forging a new productivity frontier in construction, which has traditionally lagged behind other industries” December 2016 59

Tenders

Top tenders New Strategic gaS export pipeliNe project Budget $200,000,000 project Number WPR2501-K territory Kuwait client Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) city Ahmadi 61008 phone (+965) 2398 9111 Fax (+965) 2398 3661 email kocinfo@kockw.com website www.kockw.com Description Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) contract to build a gas export pipeline Status New Tender project Manager Technip (France) tender categories Gas Processing & Distribution

tender products Gas Export/Import Terminal, Gas Processing & Separation

Description Construction of a museum period 2020 Status New Tender tender categories Construction & Contracting tender products Museums/ Art Galleries

BeMa – Beirut MuSeuM oF art project

5-Star Hotel BuilDiNg project – Muroor

Budget $100,000,000 project Number WPR2520-LE territory Lebanon client Beirut Museum of Art (Lebanon) address 108 Sursock Street, Ashrafieh city Beirut phone (+961-1) 325 045 email admin@apeal-lb.org website www.apeal-lb.org

Budget $81,000,000 project Number WPR2601-U territory Abu Dhabi client Private Investor (Abu Dhabi) Description Construction of a 5-star hotel building comprising 4 basement levels, a ground floor, a mezzanine floor, 9 additional floors and a roof period 2018 Status New Tender tender categories Construction

& Contracting, Hotels, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Hotel Construction

layaN reSiDeNtial project – Durrat MariNa Budget $80,000,000 project Number WPR2546-B territory Bahrain client Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Company (Bahrain) address Business Bay Tower, Bldg. 3232, Road 4654, Block 346, Seef District city Manama phone (+973) 7714 4144 / 1723 4226 Fax (+973) 7715 5155 email info@binfaqeeh.com website www.altaitoon.net Description Development of a luxury residential scheme with an unparalleled water park period 2020 Status Current Project tender categories Construction & Contracting, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Residential Buildings, Theme Parks Development

Novotel MuScat Hotel project – azaiBa Budget $30,000,000 project Number WPR2645-O territory Oman client Al Anwar Holdings SAOG (Oman) Description Construction of a 4-star hotel Status New Tender tender categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Hotel Construction

INTEGRATED ESTIMATING, PROJECT CONTROL AND ERP SOLUTION FOR CONTRACTORS www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 346 6456 | info@ccsgulf.com

60 December 2017

PROJECT INTELLIGENCE, TENDERS & SUPPLY CONTRaCTS IN ThE MIDDLE EaST

MiddleEastTenders.com is used by: • Contractors & Sub-Contractors • Consultants, Design, FEED & EPC Companies • Manufacturers, Suppliers & Traders • Service Providers, Insurance & Banking Sectors • Recruitment, Logistics & Facilities Management and many more.... Tel: +971 2634 8495 Fax: +971 2 631 6465 Email: sales@middleeasttenders.com www.MiddleEastTenders.com

Tenders

Middle East tenders Saudi Arabia al Batterjee Hotel project – oBHur Budget $10,000,000 project Number WPR2626-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Private Investor (Saudi Arabia) Description Construction of a hotel period 2019 Status New Tender Mep consultant Eng Salah Alzughaiby Consulting Office (Saudi Arabia) Design consultant Eng Salah Alzughaiby Consulting Office (Saudi Arabia) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Hotels, Leisure & Entertainment tender products Hotel Construction

al-eMaN caNcer Society BuilDiNg project – jeDDaH project Number WPR2531-SA territory Saudi Arabia client Al-Eman Cancer Society (Saudi Arabia) address Behind Samba Bank, Alandalus Street, Alruwais District city Jeddah 21425 postal/zip code 18565 phone (+966-12) 651 1373 / 652 7501 Fax (+966-12) 650 5048 email info@EmanCancer.org website www.emancancer.org Description Construction of a building comprising basement level, ground floor, mezzanine floor,

10 additional floors and a roof Status Current Project Design consultant Talal Kurdi Consultants (Saudi Arabia) Site Supervision consultant Soleiman A. El Khereiji Consultant (Saudi Arabia) Main contractor Alfouad Contracting (Saudi Arabia) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Medical & Healthcare tender products Hospital Construction Work

airport coNStructioN project – QuNFuDaH project Number MPP2949-SA territory Saudi Arabia

client General Authority of Civil Aviation – GACA (Saudi Arabia) address King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue city Riyadh 11552 postal/zip code 47360 country Saudi Arabia phone (+966-11) 525 3333 Fax (+966-11) 525 3222 / 525 3111 email gaca-info@gaca.gov.sa website www.gaca.gov.sa Description Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract to build a new airport period 2020 Status New Tender tender categories Airport, Construction & Contracting tender products Airports Development & Management

UAE DuBai police reSearcH BuilDiNg project – al twar 1St Budget $20,000,000 project Number WPR2624-U territory Dubai client Dubai Police General Headquarters postal/zip code 1493 phone (+971-4) 201 3471 /201 4347 Fax (+971-4) 266 8969 / 217 1467 website www.dubaipolice.gov.ae Description Construction of a research centre comprising a ground floor and two additional floors period 2019 Status Current Project Design consultant Adnan Saffarini

INTEGRATED ESTIMATING, PROJECT CONTROL AND ERP SOLUTION FOR CONTRACTORS www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 346 6456 | info@ccsgulf.com

62 December 2017

Tenders

Engineering Consultants (Dubai) Main contractor CHC Building Contracting LLC (Dubai) Mep contractor Electromechanical Engineering Co. LLC (EMECO) – Dubai tender categories Construction & Contracting tender products Commercial Buildings

Factory, wareHouSe & oFFice BuilDiNg project – tecHNo park Budget $25,000,000 project Number WPR2344-U territory Dubai client Hotpack Packaging Industries (Dubai) address Plot 598-1624, Dubai Investments Park-1, Jebel Ali postal/zip code 80590 phone (+971-4) 805 1888 Fax (+971-4) 805 1999 email hotpack@eim.ae website www.hotpackuae.com Description Construction of a factory, warehouse and office building period 2018 Status Current Project Main consultant Orion Engineering Consultants (Dubai) Mep consultant Orion Engineering Consultants (Dubai) Main contractor Al Faisaliyah Contracting LLC (Dubai) Mep contractor Donrite Electromechanical Works LLC (Dubai) tender categories Construction & Contracting, Industrial & Special Projects tender products Commercial Buildings, Factories, Warehouse Construction

Bahrain iNFraStructure workS project – al QaMra reSiDeNtial coMMuNity DevelopMeNt Budget $11,000,000 project Number WPR2483-B territory Bahrain client Diyar Al Muharraq WLL city Manama postal/zip code 5070 phone (+973) 7733 3444 Fax (+973) 7733 3445 website www.diyarhomes.bh Description Construction of infrastructure for the development of a residential community period 2018 Status Current Project tender categories Communications Power & Alternative Energy, Roads, Bridges & Infrastructure, Sewerage tender products Infrastructure

Jordan

Egypt

oil & gaS BlockS exploratioN project

pHotovoltaic Solar power plaNtS project

project Number MPP3150-J territory Jordan client Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources (Jordan) address Mahmoud Al Moussa Abaidat Street, Al Swaifiah city Amman postal/zip code 140027 phone (+962-6) 580 3060 Fax (+962-6) 586 5714 email memr@memr.gov.jo website www.memr.gov.jo Description Exploration of six blocks for potential oil and gas reserves Status New Tender tender categories Gas Processing & Distribution, Oilfields & Refineries tender products Gas Exploration & Production, Oilfields Exploration & Development

project Number WPR2543-E territory Egypt client Ministry of Electricity & Power (Egypt) address Egypt Electricity Transportation Holding Company, 22 Shanan Street, Sabtiya city Cairo Fax (+20-2) 576 6665 Description Construction of two photovoltaic (PV) solar power plants with a combined total capacity of 126MW Status Current Project Main contractor Eren Renewable Energy (France) tender categories Power & Alternative Energy tender products Photovoltaic Plants, Solar Energy

INTEGRATED ESTIMATING, PROJECT CONTROL AND ERP SOLUTION FOR CONTRACTORS www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 346 6456 | info@ccsgulf.com

December 2017 63

Last Word

Homeowners get smart Nick Constantine, senior surveyor at Cavendish Maxwell, explains why smart homes are fast becoming a must-have for Dubai residents Over the past few decades, technology has gradually developed and become more integrated into the built environment, influencing the way we live and work in our buildings. ‘Smart home’ is the term commonly used to define a residence that has installations such as lighting, air conditioning, audio, video and security systems that are capable of communicating with one another. These appliances can be controlled from any room in the home, as well as remotely from any location in the world via an internet-connected mobile device or universal remote.

The vast majority of highrise residential buildings in the UAE have building management systems (BMS) which enable monitoring and control of the building’s mechanical and electrical installations, using a series of sensors and controls. These systems are largely installed to monitor the operation of the common assets within the building. However, within

64 December 2017

individual residential units of high-rise developments there are very few smart systems installed to benefit the individual homeowner and positively influence their user experience. The same can be said of the residential villa market in Dubai. The upfront cost of buying a property in Dubai has typically been expensive, but lower priced units have started to enter the market this year. We are finding that achieving the reduced prices is creating a new challenge for developers in the market, balancing their costs against sales prices. The effect may be that the wider implementation of smart systems will take some time in this region, being viewed as a nonessential luxury item. Alternatively, due to the high volume of upcoming units expected to enter the market in the next three years, there is a great deal of competition for developers who will look to differentiate their product

from others. This need to differentiate, the rise in a more knowledgeable buyer profile and the dedication of the Dubai government to become a smarter and more sustainable emirate, may influence developers to introduce smart homes to their portfolios. Owners may also take it upon themselves to make their homes smarter as we see more and more retro-fit and plug-in devices become available. Ecobee, a home automation company, has introduced a thermostat which can control heating and cooling systems remotely, and claims that its device has managed to save owners an average of 23% on heating and cooling costs. Lifestyle devices have also entered the market in recent years, with products such as Google Home and Amazon Echo. These devices present the other side of the potential for smart homes, one that provides users with the ability to control supported smart home appliances

with voice command. The introduction of such devices will not only benefit owners through energy cost savings, but will also provide them with convenience, flexibility and overall an enhanced home experience. The future of smart homes is intrinsically linked with our development of artificial intelligence (AI). As technological advancements in AI continue, along with the establishment of the Internet of Things (IoT), the potential for integration and communication of smart systems within our built environment increases exponentially. Integration and the ability of our building systems to communicate with one another have been among the chief stumbling blocks in the wider implementation of smart systems. With AI and the IoT, however,

we will start to see smart homes continuously collecting data to provide the user with optimal and efficient living conditions. The systems will learn to automatically react in a favourable way to scenarios they are presented with. For example, they will monitor the weather forecast to detect if a heatwave is on the way, and adjust the temperature of the property. While advancements in smart homes are progressing, there is still a substantial requirement for developers to get on board with the latest advancements in technology and fully integrate smart homes into their projects. With Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid and the Dubai government’s vision for Dubai to become the smartest city by 2021, it will come as no surprise if we begin to see developers and owners embracing these systems and integrating them into their homes in the near future.

— Smart Buildings of tomorrow… Let us build them today

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