ARCHITECTURE • ENGINEERING • CONSTRUC T I O N • P M V
JUly 2010
Tenders, diary, jobs and more...
inside
Publication licensed by IMPZ
Meeting the Middle East's demand for sustainable educational establishments
MArkEts
Seven projects enticing more contractors to expand into Iraq
trEnds
Experts reveal how you can use social media to boost business
AnAlysis
How construction payment disputes could be reduced through UAE law
contents
JUly 2010
29 48 14
4 Editor’s lEttEr
36 MArkEt ExplorEr: irAq
6 nEws bUllEtin
The Big Project looks at seven projects among those attracting a growing number of developers and contractors to Iraq.
Stay in the loop with our pick of the region’s top stories of the month.
9 in focUs: hEAlth And sAfEty Should workers be able to choose whether to take the midday summer break?
11 EvEnt insidEr The risks involved in restarting stalled projects were highlighted at last month's Ghost Buildings Past, Present and Future seminar hosted by Taylor Wessing.
17
14 lEgAl: pAyMEnt dispUtEs Pinsent Masons associate William Marshall argues a case for the introduction of security-of-payment laws in the UAE.
17 projEct UpdAtE: bAhrAin Atkins Bahrain resident director Rob Ruse outlines construction progress on Tabreed Northshore District Cooling project.
21 thE big dEbAtE: schÖn
21
The Dubai Lagoon developer, contractors and investor committee come together to set the record straight on project delays.
26 tAlk: hill intErnAtionAl Middle East managing consultant Dr Jay Palmos says overdue developments could be "catastrophic" for Dubai developers.
29 covEr story: schools A look at the growing schools construction pipeline in the region and the design and building methods behind educational establishments of the future.
40 gEt sociAl-MEdiA sAvvy International experts reveal how architects, consultants, contractors, developers and suppliers can embrace LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to boost business.
44 sUppliEr spotlight News, appointments and product launches.
48 MAtEriAls: hArdwood American Hardwood Export Council regional director Roderick Wiles on the legality and sustainability of hardwoods.
51 MAchinE MAstEr KSA-based Al-Qahtani & Sons MD Khaled El Shatoury reveals equipment trends.
53 fAntAstic floors Five floorings suppliers compare costs and offer advice on fitting flooring solutions suitable for a range of projects.
58 tEndErs A focus on Kahlifa Port and Industrial Zone, and this month's full tender listings.
65 jobs 67 cArEEr lAddEr How women can overcome the obstacles faced in pursuing a career in construction.
69 diAry your guide to must-go industry events and exhibitions in the Middle East region. July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
3
edItOr’S letter
Digging for gold
T
here are two problems that keep popping up this year; payment disputes and project delays. Both go hand in hand, as demonstrated in July’s The Big Debate, in which Dubai Lagoon developer Schön Properties and the project’s three contractors Belhasa, Bin Sapt and Commodore met The Big Project to discuss delays, and stress that construction can only proceed with continued cash flow from the investors. The developer is confident that a new RERAapproved, construction-linked payment plan will improve investor relations and speed-up building progress. And hopefully it will — for the firm's sake — as Hill International Middle East managing consultant Jay Palmos warns that delays are most “catastrophic” for developers, on page 26. However, Pinsent Masons Dubai associate William Marshall comes up with a solution in this month’s legal comment (page 14). He suggests that the introduction of a security-of-payment law in the UAE could save a huge amount of quarrelling among construction parties. But surely no law could change the fact that people are more reluctant than ever to part with their hard-earned cash. That is why you have to be social-media savvy, suggest socialnetworking experts; find out how architects, contractors, consultants, developers and suppliers, among others, can increase profits, gain credibility and beat competition through sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, on page 40. In fact, Schön Properties’ VP Danial Schön reveals that Twitter is helping the developer to cling onto good relations with investors: “People love it more than newsletters or visits. If we don’t Tweet, we have investors calling to ask why!” But if you’re still struggling to collect payments, pay bills or appease investors; perhaps it’s time to embark on a new venture in Iraq, as more and more developers and contractors tend to be doing lately. See our Iraq Market Explorer feature on page 36 for seven opportunities to entice you to the country.
Louise Birchall Editor louise@cpidubai.com
4
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
Publisher Dominic De Sousa Chief operations officer Nadeem Hood Chief marketing officer Kimon Alexandrou kimon@cpidubai.com GSM: +971 (0)50 748 7963 Sales director Liam Williams liam@cpidubai.com GSM: +971 (0)55 310 9256 Group advertising manager Alex Bendiouis alex@cpidubai.com GSM: +971 (0)50 458 9204 Editor Louise Birchall louise@cpidubai.com GSM: +971 (0)56 605 8091 Head of design Dave Beaver Designer Marlou Delaben Photographer Abdul Kader Webmasters Troy Maagma Elizabeth Reyes Jerus King Bation Printed by Printwell Printing Press LLC
Published by
Head Office PO Box 13700 Dubai, UAE Web: www.thebigprojectme.com
© Copyright 2010 CPI. 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.
DRIVING YOUR BUSINESS AMBITION FORWARD.
ADCB BUSINESSEDGE COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LOAN To be successful, every business needs to move fast and keep up with their competitors. ADCB introduces the ADCB BusinessEdge Commercial Vehicle Loan, a unique facility that will help you fund your world-class fleet of commercial vehicles, which ensures that your business stays ahead of the competition. Key features: • • • • •
Up to 90% funding available at competitive rates Minimum documentation and quick approval Flexible requirements Shari’ah compliant products also available Funding available across wide range of brands and equipments
For more information on ADCB BusinessEdge Commercial Vehic Vehicle cle L Loan, oan oa n, 2030, visit www.adcb.com please call 800 2030 0, SM SMS S CV CVL L tto o 26 2626 26 o orr vi visi sitt ww www. w.ad adcb cb.c .com om * Terms Terms and cond conditio conditions itions ns apply aapply. pply.. Credit Credit at sole dis discret discretion cretion ion of the the Bank. Bank.
THE BULLETIN Don’t miss the region’s construction news headlines with The Big Project’s monthly news roundup...
joint m 0 5 7 $ s n i w Besix tract n o c t r o p r i A r a Qat
joint venture n contract in a io ill m 50 t $7 a s won rnational Airpor Besix Group ha New Doha Inte e k. th ee of W e s as es ph mberg Busin to build the third set , reported Bloo is ex g, pl in m ct co ra al nt in Co Midmac ith passenger term w ilt bu ion ct be tru to ch is scom Cons The project, whi ter of 2012, Ora ar qu on t th ur en fo m e te by th in a sta for completion six Group, said owns 50% of Be ch hi w s, ie str du In mechanical and its website. for all structural, le sib tail on sp re be t lounge and re The builders will sign of the airpor de e th is as ct l ra el nt w co as of the electrical works t. Besix’s share to the statemen . id sa t area, according en , value, the statem ly-traded builder about 50% of its t’s biggest public yp Eg iro n, Ca io in ct 3) tru 39.9 Orascom Cons yptian pounds ($ wn at 227.44 Eg e company at 47 do th % g 85 in lu 1. d va se t, en clo m ce un no an fore the (on June 30), be mberg data. cording to Bloo ion contract for ac ds un po billion won a $265 mill six Be at th nture ne Ju in part of a joint ve Orascom said ay in Bahrain as ew us ca a am an the North M ia. assan Group. pe, Africa and As with the Haji H iddle East, Euro M n e ga th or in M es ith at January w Orascom oper joint venture in a a. d ric ce Af un d no an an st The company in the Middle Ea in infrastructure Stanley to invest
Bahrain developers face payment defaults Bahrain's residential developers are facing significant levels of payment defaults as purchasers either cannot or refuse to make payments due to stalled construction, said a recent report. The latest DTZ Research on the Bahrain property market for the first quarter of 2010 titled 'Property Times Bahrain Q1 2010' said: "Developers are now facing significant levels of default on staged payments as purchasers cannot or refuse to make payments due to stalled construction. The disappearance of this source of cash flow has led to the cancellation or delay of a large number of residential projects with many now in a state of inactivity." DTZ country manager — Bahrain Bob Addison, who is the author of the report, stated that despite the low sales volumes, many developers have not lowered their asking prices with most cancelling all marketing efforts in the hope of market recovery, reported Emirates Business.
6
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
Abu Dhabi to revamp buildingapproval system
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has adopt ed a new set of procedures for taking over land plots and issuing building construction audit certificates against the approved boundaries and dimensions of the land. The procedure, implemented on July 1, is part of the municipality's efforts to upgrade the level of servic es, ensure sound construction and safeguard the rights and properties as part of an overall plan adopted to achieve customer satisfaction, reported Gulf News. "The new course of action basically targets engineering consultancy offices and contractors in an effort to streamline the building processes and curb the infringements and violations of construction across Abu Dhabi. The new procedure protects contra ctors from any damages that might crop up in the event of wrongful or accidental construction errors that can be avoided early on without having to deal with their aggravated consequences," said engineer Salah Al Sarraj, acting executive director of the Town Planning Sector at the municipality. The municipality held a workshop on the eve of implementing the new procedures that saw noted consultants and contractors in attendance. Engin eer Yousuf Al Marzouqi, director of spatial data, Town Planning Sector, presented an explanation of the new procedures and highlighted the roles and respo nsibilities of the municipality's various departments.
Meanwhile, Bahrain is likely to experience an increased office vacancy rate and low rents especially in the Central Business District area (CBD) area in the wake of a falling demand and increased supply of office stock in the country.
Stalled construction sites are proving problematic for residential developers in the Bahrain market.
www.thebigprojectme.com
Four workers die after falling six storeys
UK architecture sues Dubai Prop firm erties
Four men plunged six storeys to their deaths last month after a maintenance cradle they were working from collapsed. Three of the men died at A top British arch itecture company the scene outside Ansar Mall in is suing Dubai Prop Group for more th erties Sharjah. A fourth man succumbed an AED 27 million ($7.3 million) of all unpaid fees and co egedly to his injuries later in intensive sts over a stalled pair of towers in financial centre. Dubai’s care in Kuwait Hospital, The Hopkins Architects National reported. , an architectural and engineering company, has lod ged its claim in Du The deaths of the workers, bai International Centre (DIFC) Co Financial urts. Disputes betw who were apparently not een developers an contractors have d arisen across the wearing safety harnesses, emirates after the decline of the prop sudden triggered calls for greater safety erty market in lat e 2008 began to sales of units in ne affect w projects. More in the construction industry. disputes have also between develop The recent deaths call for greater site safety. arisen ers and buyers, re The team was erecting an ported The Natio Central Park 08 wa nal. advertising banner for a new s to be twin build ings, of about 50 storeys each, close restaurant when the accident happened. to the Gate build ing in DIFC. Hopkins hir ed in May 2005 by Du Officials from the mall said the men worked for Al Reyami was bai Properties with AE D a contract worth 50 .8 million. Hopkins Signs and Advertising , and the company had authorisation also designed the next to the DIFC, Gate Village from the municipality to erect the advertisement. a set of buildings that includes offic th e Capital Club. Hopk es and The cradle was owned by Al Binaya Construction, but ins alleges it is ow including overtim ed AED 27 million rented out to V8 Advertising , which had leased the equipment e, loss of profit, co , sts incurred from to plans and othe changes to Al Reyami. Mohammed Salim, a manager of Al Binaya r expenses. The claim also inc Construction, was among those questioned yesterday by the ludes AED 30,710 worth of aeroplane tickets for a marke police. He told The National: "In the first place, I rented the ting trip to the Fa r Ea st, sh court documents ow . Du ba i Properties decline cradle to V8 Advertising and I don’t know about Al Reyami. d to comment. Hopkins notified “After getting the cradle they have to call a safety company Dubai Properties that it was in defau of the AED 3.9 m and inspect it as well as the place [it is to be used] and lt illion it owed Hopk ins last January, court do cu m en ts show. The com receive a safety certificate." He said he was "100%" certain pany claimed that was made, Hopk after no payment the cradle was in good condition. ins suspended ac tivity at the site. “H th en vacated its site of opkins Abdul Rashid Baloti, the operations manager at V8 fice, removing all of its documents possessions,” it sa Advertising , said he had worked only as a "middle man" and id. On April 7 last ye between the construction company and Al Reyami, which ar, Dubai Propertie s wrote to Hopkins saying it wanted to had approached him seeking a cradle. cancel the contra ct be ar cause of the ch ite ct’s failure to resu Al Reyami officials turned down a request by the me services, the ne ws report stated. newspaper to comment.
Authorities probe cause of fire in Abu Dhabi building
that broke out ting the cause of a fire Authorities are investiga Abu Dhabi, in n tio ing under construc at an apartment build al Estate. according to Sorouh Re jacent to the is being constructed ad ing ild bu a an ayy The Alr e. Abu Dhabi Golf Cours incident since killed or injured in the ed ort rep No one was midday break, government-imposed workers were on the reported Gulf News. er under at the top of one tow The fire was detected control the fire. to ne sce the to d ters rushe construction. Fire figh itions caused nd co d that dry and windy Sources at Sorouh sai ildings before bu re mo ee top floors of thr the to ead spr to fire the and extinguished. the fire was contained since been ected by the fire have The four buildings eff ction. cordoned off for inspe
www.thebigprojectme.com
BREAKING
The Big Project now delivers the region's breaking news stories direct to your inbox with our regular enewsletter. Email louise@cpidubai.com to register for the free news blast. Also, keep an eye out for the new, improved thebigprojectme.com website.
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
7
health and safety IN FOCUS
UAE work ban in question Should labourers be given the choice of whether to participate in the summer midday break?
A
s temperatures in the region soar, the effectiveness of the midday summer work ban imposed in the emirates by the UAE Ministry of Labour (MOL) could be brought into question, according to Dubai International Real Estate’s Eng. Moawia Himmo. In May, the MOL extended the ban, which prevents construction labourers working outside between the hours of 12:30pm and 3pm, by one month to cover June 15 to September 15 rather than ending on the last day of August as in previous years. However, Himmo says that the extension of the ban was unnecessary: “I’m against extending the ban to cover September simply because the temperature in this month doesn’t justify the ban imposed to protect the health of the workforce”.
Dubai International Real Estate's Eng. Moawia Himmo.
But Himmo does believe that enforcing the ban in July and August when temperatures are likely to exceed
50°C will “definitely save lives”. He adds that to make the policy more effective, labourers should be given the choice of whether to participate in the work ban. “Having eaten their lunch, most workers will sleep in any shaded areas they can find within the vicinity of the site during the work ban, no contractor will bother to provide cool spaces. “Many workers complain because their working day becomes too long, extending to more than 12 hours incorporating the work ban.” Himmo suggests that workers could choose whether to take the break, or continue working either indoors, or outdoors avoiding direct sunlight. As it stands, companies working on emergency projects can be exempted from the ban, but the contractors must provide workers with cold water, and hydrating foods during these hours.
“Many workers complain because their working day becomes too long; extending to more than 12 hours with the work ban” Companies who fail to comply with the ban will be fined AED 10,000 and downgraded to a Group C company, which cannot be granted any new work permits for at least six months. According to the UAE Ministry of Labour, 99% of companies complied with the law in 2009, which was enforced during more than 80,000 construction site inspections. TBP
DID YOU KNOW? Saudi Arabia announced last month that it would adopt the summer midday work ban in June 2011, bringing it in line with other GCC countries.
Do you think that the UAE summer midday work ban should be optional for labourers? Send your comments to louise@cpidubai.com.
www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
9
4 Production Bases 80 Countries 11,000,000 M2 Production Capacity 50,000,000 M2 Installations
The World’s Largest ACP Brand World’ss Highest Fire Rating & Delaminating Strength
Cairo Int’l Airport, Egypt Hyderabad Int’l Airport, India
ASTM E 119 19 ASTM D648 ASTM D1781 -
102 Minutes - Fire Rating 2110C - Deflection Temperature emperature under Load 240.9 Nmm/mm Climbing Drum Peel Resistance Delaminating Strength
Sharjah Int’l Airport, U.A.E Dubai Int’l Airport, U.A.E Sharm El Sheikh Airport, Egypt
Mulk Renewable Energy
We harness the solar energy for you
Abt VENTILATED SUBSTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
ENERGY SAVING DEFORMATION FREE FACADES
MulkRE Parabolic Trough System HOLDINGS INTERNATIONAL
Post Box No. 4819, Hamriayh Free Zone, Sharjah, U.A.E Tel : + 971-6-5262202 Fax : +971-6-5262203 Email : info@mulkholdings.com website : wwwmulkholdings.com
Open Groove Hook on System
legal seminar event insider
Risks of restarting projects Last month, law firm Taylor Wessing in Dubai hosted a seminar entitled ‘Ghost Buildings Past, Present and Future’ highlighting the structural risks incurred when works are restarted on a stalled construction site and investigating who responsibility falls on if a building collapses
T
here are a number of risks and legal disputes involved in restarting construction projects that may have been stalled due to the impact of the global economic downturn, law firm Taylor Wessing stated at its recent ‘Ghost Buildings Past, Present and Future’ seminar. The firm highlighted key structural issues such as rusting of structural steel and deterioration of concrete. It said the risks could be heightened depending on the length of time the construction site was left stalled and exposed, the protective measures taken to limit deterioration of the stalled site and the stage of construction the project was at when it was put on hold. For example, works stopped at shoring stage pose the risk of failed shoring when restarted, while if a construction site is halted at piling or raft stage there is the risk of flooding. Similarly, if construction reaches the above-ground stage before it is stopped, structure floatation may occur, while structures that are midway-complete or complete can experience deterioration and problems with MEP installations.
Cost and risk control To limit deterioration of construction
Works stopped when structures are complete can lead to MEP issues.
sites, a number of legal problems must be addressed before construction is stopped, such as who bears the cost of: dewatering, maintaining temporary structures, protection from exposure and site security. And, even more crucially, who bears the risk of unstable structures and the potential failure of temporary structures. Furthermore, when it comes to restarting works, it must be made clear who bears the cost and responsibility for: investigation and rectification
works, or the consequences of inadequate rectification, buildingquality issues or issues of a latent defect manifesting at a later date, redesign due to change of use, the cost of reapplication for authority permits and implementation of new regulations. MEP problems on stalled and restarted projects can also be costly; warranties must be extended for equipment, and equipment must be cleaned, inspected and tested. Existing electrical systems also require testing, and if plants have not been maintained, pumps and motors may seize. In the regional market, the firm anticipated that only the ‘ghost buildings’ that are commercially viable will be completed within the short term, i.e. those in prime locations. In the current economic climate it is unlikely that the redevelopment of many ghost buildings will achieve this. However, Taylor Wessing concluded that significant physical deterioration is unlikely unless exposure to the elements persists for 15-20 years, adding that necessary remediation is reasonably straightforward. But, thorough due diligence is essential before embarking on resurrection of an incomplete structure, it said. TBP
Taking responsibility for collapsed buildings A contractor and architect are jointly liable on a strict-liability basis for 10 years from the date of delivery for the total or partial collapse of a building, according to Article 880 of the UAE Civil Code. zz zz zz zz zz
In the context of "ghost buildings", the original contractor and architect may not be liable when the building (or any part thereof) is not complete. In these circumstances, the new contractor and architect will take the risk regarding the decennial liability because they will see the project through to completion. In situations where the original team has achieved sectional completion, the original contractor and designer will be strictly liable for 10 years in relation to the structural integrity of the building for those parts. Thereafter, the new team will also be strictly liable for the structural integrity of the building for 10 years from when the remaining works were delivered. If a structural defect arises which is caused by both teams, either team is strictly liable (or both). Depending on the circumstances, each team could then claim a contribution from each other and apportion liability (Articles 290-292). Article 880 cannot be contractually excluded.
www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
11
All the tools you need… Estimating, Planning, Valuations Cash flow, Forecasting, Earned Value, Drawings, Materials
Candy Estimating and Project Control software is used by satisfied customers in over 50 countries around the world. We build our international strengths while we build YOUR strength. We listened to your requests, as industry requirements changed. We built new software modules as you built dams, roads, bridges and towers. As you formed public/private partnerships, we integrated software that opens communication and cooperation with your colleagues …allowing all divisions and departments of your company to work seamlessly towards the same goal… giving you real control over your costs, streamlining your processes, improving your efficiency, enhancing your productivity and filling your order-books.
ESTIMATING: Pricing libraries, Take-off, Indirect costs, Free-format worksheets, Subcontractors, Alternative Tendering, Mark-up, Reporting, Integrate the Estimate with the Program, Immediate forecast cash flow, Tender Finalisation VALUATIONS: Job Modelling, Sub-contractors, Monthly valuations, Analytical variations pricing, Allowable cost, Reconciliation, Allowable cost reconciliation, Subcontract liability, Forecast to completion, Engineering information FORECASTING: Integrate the Bill of Quantities with the Program, Forecast the bill and resources, Summarise into Project Codes (With, What & Where), Forecast summary cost codes (When), Base forecast, Monthly allowable, Collect costs, Forecast allowable and costs PLANNING: Critical path planning, Resourcing, Organising, Progress, Information schedules, Integrate schedule with the Estimate, Time/location CASH FLOW: Payments, Receipts, Nett Present Value, Currencies and exchange rates, Integration with the Bill and Program
Software Solutions for the Construction Industry C O N S T R U C T I O N C O M P U T E R S O F T WA R E
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | info@ccsgulf.com
legal comment payments
How to reduce payment disputes Pinsent Masons Dubai associate William Marshall says the introduction of security-of-payment laws in the UAE could restore contractors’ market confidence and sharpen pricing Marshall: There is most certainly a case for security of payment.
C
onstruction is a truly global industry and at any time a construction market somewhere in the world should be booming. Despite this, national construction markets are typically cyclical. The consequence of this dynamic, rolling international demand is that international players are often concurrently servicing projects in different jurisdictions and may, at the same time, be seeking opportunities in
market is recovering strongly and again demanding attention from international contractors and consultants. The question is what can be done to encourage a maturing construction market in the UAE and to support a robust and sustainable industry? A simple, and possibly simplistic, answer may be for the UAE to enact 'security-of-payment' legislation to provide interim payment entitlements to service providers and to protect the construction industry supply
contractors' entitlements were the hallmarks of the 2009 market in the UAE and it may take a change in the law to restore confidence.
Peace of mind By 'security-of-payment' legislation, we mean legislation entitling contractors (and subcontractors) to claim interim payments irrespective of whether or not the relevant contract contains such a right, and requiring
"By establishing a simple, speedy and cost-efficient process for securing payment, less time will be wasted in debating issues" new, emerging jurisdictions. Over the last 10 years, the UAE has seen this cyclical demand, moving from an established oil and gas jurisdiction, to an emerging residential and civil construction market, onto its peak as the international construction industry's talking point, and then into the very soft market of 2009, caused primarily by the deceleration of the Dubai residential real-estate market. While conditions in 2009 saw the complete departure of some international contractors and consultants from the UAE, many more retained their operations in the emirates while seeking other opportunities within the Gulf region, as Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, Egypt and India all emerged as potentially compelling new markets or as new opportunities arose within those markets. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the UAE construction 14
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
chain. Slow or non-existent payment to contractors and subcontractors as well as 'negotiated discounting' of
developers to make interim payments through a fast-track, no-dispute system. The concept is designed to
www.thebigprojectme.com
payments legal comment
The security-of-payment law is designed to facilitate cash flow to contractors and subcontractors, and has been coined a 'pay-now, argue-later' regime that has been adopted in some international markets.
facilitate cash flow to contractors and subcontractors, by requiring 'on-account' payments to be made without affecting the parties' final contractual entitlements. It has been coined a 'pay-now, argue-later' regime. Typically, security-of-payment legislation renders 'pay-when-paid' or 'pay-if-paid' clauses unlawful, but
The benefits Perhaps the biggest benefit would be confidence; confidence for contractors and subcontractors that interim payments will be made, confidence that contractual obfuscation will not defeat entitlements in circumstances where works are actually performed and confidence that the UAE government
security-of-payments regime as the regime may serve to encourage contractors working in other regional markets back to the UAE. Another likely, although less obvious, benefit that may arise from the introduction of security-of-payment legislation in the UAE is project-delivery efficiency. By establishing a simple,
"If a security-of-payment regime was introduced in the UAE, it is likely that tender prices would fall reflecting the reduced risk" at the same time makes such clauses largely unnecessary, as the legislative regimes provide an avenue to the contractor to secure payment from the employer, thereby enabling the subsequent release of payments to project subcontractors. The first iteration of security-ofpayment legislation appeared in 1996 in the United Kingdom, and was soon after embraced by Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. A number of other countries have since followed. While the commonality of securityof-payment legislation may make its implementation in the region uncontroversial, what are the major benefits that could flow from the introduction of security of payment in the emirates? www.thebigprojectme.com
will take the necessary steps to address systemic problems in the UAE market. Following hard on the heels of restored confidence may be the benefit of sharper pricing. Contractors and subcontractors currently operating in the UAE often factor a margin into tendered prices to take account of payment security risk and, in some cases, in contemplation of likely legal fees and additional administrative hours to be expended in recovering owed sums from employers. If an adequatelyconsidered security of payment regime was introduced into the UAE, it is likely that tender prices will fall, reflecting the beneficial adjustment of risk for contractors and subcontractors. Competition may also be enhanced by the introduction of a legislative
speedy and cost-efficient process for securing payment on an interim basis, less time will be wasted in debating payment issues during the life of the project. Currently, significant time and cost is expended by all parties in debating and negotiating payment issues. It is conceivable that security-ofpayment legislation would remove some of these issues and enable the parties to allocate their focus to the completion of the works and delivery of the project. It certainly appears that there may be a case to be made for the introduction of security-of-payment legislation in the UAE. As the UAE construction market again comes to life, legislative assistance to support and encourage a maturing and robust market would seem to be a very positive development. TBP July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
15
bahrain district cooling PrOJeCt UPdate
cool technology Atkins Bahrain resident director Rob Ruse outlines construction progress on the Tabreed Northshore District Cooling project, for which the firm is lead consultant, and explains why the Kingdom is diversifying from air conditioning
L
ast month, two 87-metre micro-tunnels under King Faisal Highway, Bahrain, were completed on the Tabreed Northshore District Cooling Project; the first development of its kind in the Kingdom, according to lead consultant and construction supervisor Atkins. The parallel 900mm diameter insulated carbon steel pipes carry district cooling water from the Diplomatic Area chiller plant to Bahrain Financial Harbour, Reef Island and other north-shore developments. At a depth of more than 10 metres below ground, the new tunnels were driven below the highway at an average rate of up to six metres per
designed to incorporate significant capacity for future growth. “Manama is an expanding city with a number of new developments in the pipeline, including extensive reclaimed island projects. Intelligent and sustainable infrastructure planning considers future developments beyond current loads,” Atkins Bahrain resident director Rob Ruse tells The Big Project.
Meeting demands The plant will supply chilled water to the Atkins-designed Bahrain World Trade Centre, among other developments on the south side of King Faisal Highway and Manama’s densely-
Ruse: Considerable portions of work are still to be announced.
populated urban areas, significantly reducing the cost of providing airconditioning to offices, residential towers and shopping malls. Air conditioning is a major component of energy usage and analysts estimate that nearly 70% of all energy within the Gulf region is used for cooling buildings, according to Atkins. “Following the client’s master plan, considerable portions of the works are still to be announced,” reveals Ruse.
"A growth in rEclAiMEd lAnd projEcts in MAnAMA hAs providEd thE springboArd for bAhrAin's first district-cooling projEct" day using a Herrenknecht microtunnelling machine. A laser-guidance system enabled the team to achieve driving tolerances within around 20mm in each tunnel. The Diplomatic Area chiller plant, which is nearing completion, has been
projEct pArtnErs Client: Tabreed Bahrain Project Manager: Mace Group Conceptual design consultant to Tabreed: FVB Energy Cost consultants to Tabreed: HAJ Designers: Atkins and Parsons Contractors: Al Husam General Trading & Contracting, Al Hassanain and AMA The Diplomatic Area chiller plant will supply chilled water to the Bahrain World Trade Centre and other developments in the capital.
www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
17
PROJECT UPDATE bahrain district cooling
"The master plan foresees an extensive, fully-interconnected districtcooling network stretching from the Diplomatic Area to Seef District, with several district cooling plants located en route. The design will allow complete flexibility in the operation of the system with different load conditions present at different locations. "At this time there is only one district-cooling plant, which is under construction and located in the Diplomatic Area," he says. He attributes spiralling costs of traditional energy sources and a greater awareness of environmental issues as accelerating the development of district cooling, a technology which has only been available for around 10 years in the Middle East. "The recent growth of reclaimed land projects on the north shore of Manama has provided the springboard for the Kingdom’s first district cooling project. The Bahrain Ministry of Works in conjunction with Tabreed seized the opportunity to make a valuable and sustainable contribution to the island’s infrastructure," says Ruse. The buried pipes are maintenance free as they are fully welded with 100% non-destructive examination of the welds. The pipes are provided with a special external barrier protection, which is impermeable and so prevents ground water from coming into contact with the metallic surface of the pipe. The pipeline valves are placed in concrete chambers with easy access for operation and maintenance. Furthermore, the district cooling system has been designed for an estimated service life of more than 25 years.
Pros and cons However, there are a number of drawbacks associated with districtcooling solutions, which may explain the slow rate of adoption of this technology. These include: zz Large upfront capital costs for the service provider (which in this case is Tabreed) zz Long gestational periods; district cooling may not be available on time to service the buildings zz Difficulties involved in connecting a new user building 18
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
The Tabreed Northshore District Cooling project is due for completion this summer and will supply 22,800 tons of chilled water per day.
to any district-cooling network already existing zz High conversion costs from conventional to district coolingfed systems in buildings zz Some operational issues in district-cooling plants or networks can effectively shutdown entire or significant portions of the network zz Logistical issues involved in the installation of underground piping systems in inhabited areas Furthermore, there are specific challenges relating to implementation of these systems in the Middle East, such as major delays in obtaining the required statutory approvals, and high ground-water levels resulting in extensive dewatering requirements during the installation of underground piping, according to Ruse. But environmental, economical and social benefits of district cooling far outweigh the drawbacks, he asserts. "District cooling has a positive future within the Middle East. Of global strategic infrastructure importance, it is expected that the technology will also be adopted by emerging markets in Africa and Asia." It is expected that Tabreed’s Northshore District Cooling project will be completed this summer. Once completed, the plant will supply up to 22,800 metric tons of chilled water per day to Bahrain’s growing population. TBP
10 advantages of district cooling 1. Enhanced tenant / user comfort with increased reliability and temperature control 2. System reliability and long lifespan improve economic returns on district cooling 3. Systems consume far less energy than the thousands of conventional units they replace 4. Improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption cuts CO2 emissions 5. Reduced capital and operational and maintenance costs of buildings due to reduction in the scale of air-conditioning equipment to be installed 6. Space saved in buildings due to the reduction of airconditioning equipment 7. Better building aesthetics due to absence of exposed airconditioning equipment 8. Refrigerants can be hazardous and ozone depleting. A single DC chiller replaces thousands of smaller air-conditioning units and uses a fraction of the refrigerant charge 9. No overloading of powerdistribution networks during hot periods 10. Less noise pollution due to absence of local airconditioning units
www.thebigprojectme.com
The industry's first Imaging Force provides the utmost flexibility and operability through its unique intuitive interface. Expand your job capabilities and open new opportunities with IS Imaging Station.
www.topconpositioning.com Your contact in Middle East and Africa Email: marketing@topcongulf.com TEL +971-4-2995900(Dubai)
time for transparency Dubai Lagoon developer Schön Properties and contractors Belhasa, Commodore and Bin Sapt met The Big Project last month to set the record straight on delays and how it hopes a new RERA-approved construction-linked payment plan will appease investors have MEp-related works commenced on Zone one? Ahmed Soliman Arif: The structure has been completed and we will start MEP works in July. Furthermore, the lifts have been implemented by Sigma Elevator Company.
when will Zone one units be ready for handover? ASA: Most units will be handed over between the end of December and the beginning of January in phases. We have estimated that we’ll be able to deliver seven to eight apartments a day, but we’re looking to bring a team www.thebigprojectme.com
on board to increase this to around 15 apartments a day so we can deliver all the units within a month.
the development was originally scheduled for handover in 2008, what caused the delay? Danial Schön: One month after we launched the project in January 2006 the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was formed and announced that a Dubai Metro line would run through the project. But this was only stated after we had completed the design so we had to redesign the project to incorporate the metro line
and station. Then we experienced some issues in obtaining the required approvals from DEWA. But in the long run it will be very good for the Dubai Lagoon investors to have access to the Dubai Metro.
it was reported in May that the rtA had scaled down some of its transport projects due to delays to developments, including dubai lagoon, how has this affected you? DS: I think that the Dubai Metro link for Dubai Lagoon has been delayed a little, but it will definitely still be going ahead. July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
21
the bIg debate dubai lagoon
DUBAI LAGOON Jan 06: Phase one of Dubai Lagoon is publicly launched April 06: Phase two of the project is launched Aug 06: Town Centre Management replaces Daewoo with Powerline Group, as joint venture between Daewoo and Sunjin did not materialise
The structures of the Zone One buildings are complete and MEP works are scheduled to commence this month, says Bin Sapt.
how have investors responded to the project delays?
took place between schön properties and belhasa, what did this involve?
Asher Schön: In June 2008 we were open to refunds for those who had purchased units before a certain date in 2006, but we stopped refunding in September because we had to prioritise our funds for construction. It is not fair to the other buyers to refund money as it slows down construction. It wasn’t a huge amount that we initially refunded between 2007 and 2008; about AED 18 million (US $5 million).
TA: Pricewise when we started this project, the market rates were different so we evaluated the market and adjusted prices accordingly. We have also been able to negotiate with suppliers so the quality of materials has been upgraded.
Zone three is scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2011, how is this progressing? Talha Alvi: Construction is going according to schedule; we have poured massive amounts of concrete and have a lot of manpower on site.
i believe that some renegotiating
why was it necessary to appoint commodore contracting at a later stage for Zones two and four? DS: We wanted to get another party in to carry out the works and we didn’t want to distract other contractors from the jobs they were doing. We chose Commodore because it has been in the region since 1976.
how is construction progressing on Zones two and four? Shadi Abu Khuzam: We’ve been on the project since April. When we arrived,
Feb 07: Dubai Municipality rejects building permit application June 07: A freeze is placed on the development by the RTA for a roadwidening project July 07: Building permits obtained for the first cluster of buildings in phase one (Zone One) Nov 07: Revised final plot area plan received after road-widening. All building plans revised based on new plans. TIS is to be revised for RTA approval. Zone One approval received May 08: Building permit ready for next cluster of buildings. Complete approval for the entire project plan is received July 08: Revised contracts signed with Powerline Group. Zone One anticipated to be completed within 13 months and Zone Two within 18 months. Discussions with major contractors are ongoing to have more contractors mobilised on site for additional zones Feb 09: Powerline is taken off due to non-performance and negotiations failing and is replaced by Bin Sabt March 09: Zone Two is transferred to Belhasa and additional zone contract signed with them July 09: Bin Sabt signs for Zones Four, Seven and Eight
Construction on Zone Two is one month ahead of Zone Four, according to Commodore, which is about to start casting the raft.
22
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
dubai lagoon the bIg debate
PROJECT TIMELINE Feb 06: Bagheri Road Contracting is awarded tender for cut and fill for the entire project June 06: Contract with Daewoo and Sunjin Civil and Architecture, construction to start August 1 Oct 06: RTA formed. Traffic impact study conducted by RTA, which requires permits to be obtained by master developer Dubai Investment Park (DIP) Mar 07: RTA approval of the project master plan is obtained
Shadi Abu Khuzam Branch manager Commodore Contracting
Danial Schön Vice president Schön Properties
Ahmed Soliman Arif Managing director Bin Sabt Building Contracting
Asher Schön Vice president Schön Properties
June 07: A No Objection Certificate is issued by DEWA for the Dubai Lagoon Project Aug 07: Dubai Escrow law is announced
Jan 08: Contract signed for the development's sewerage connection June 08: Concerns raised by the contractor regarding manpower issues and contract revisions due to inflations Aug 08: Belhasa Contracting and Engineering signed on for Zones Three and Six
March 09: Bin Sapt obtains Zone One permit
May 09: Bin Sabt is awarded Zone Five April 10: Commodore Contracting signs for Zones Two and Four
“wE nEEd invEstors’ sUpport to progrEss constrUction And dElivEr fAstEr” there was barely anything built. Some excavation works had been completed. Salah Yatim: Construction is now proceeding on the two zones, with construction of Zone Four one month behind Zone Two. We have divided Zone Two into four areas and we’re hoping to start casting the raft within the next 10 days (from date of interview; June 22) and we’ve completed the cut and fill to the required level on Zone Four. We presently have around 170 people on site; we’re expecting this to rise to approximately 500 people then 700 people. We expect works to be finished by the end of 2012, which is a very conservative date.
what is the earliest the project could be finished? SY: We need investors’ support to www.thebigprojectme.com
Talha Alvi Senior project manager Belhasa Engineering and Contracting
Salah Yatim Project director Commodore Contracting
progress construction, as more money comes in the faster we can finish. While the project had been slowed down everyone is geared to finish the project in the shortest possible time and there is the possibility of acceleration if more money comes in, but the prediction we’ve given is based on the current cash flow.
have contractors been assigned to Zones five, six and seven and what is the next step for these projects? DS: Belhasa Engineering and Contracting has been assigned to Zone Six and Bin Sapt is the contractor for Five and Seven, they are just waiting for the go ahead, but in the meantime we’re transferring all of our clients from these zones to the zones that will be completed much earlier. All investors have moved as it is in their interest to. July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
23
the big debate dubai lagoon
When will construction commence on these three zones?
various construction milestones and full payment upon completion.
DS: We have sold 1.9 million ft² so currently it is sensible for us to build 1.9 million ft² (which does not include Zones Five, Six and Seven).
How many customers have joined this construction-linked payment plan to date?
Is it feasible that these Zones will ever get built? DS: Of course they will get built, the time span in which they do will depend on when the market improves.
Has RERA’s involvement been helpful? AS: It has performed well as a regulator and has shown unbelievable support.
DS: We took back any unnecessary termination notices and have reinstated 150 investors plus. All 1900 units are sold to approximately 1100 individual customers and more than 50% have converted to this payment plan, which was proposed in April. Most were previously on a date-based payment plan, according to which they would currently owe more than on the The required cut and fill has been completed on Zone Four.
“The way to move forward is to be transparent, honest and realistic” How will the joint progress monitoring system between RERA, Dubai Investment Park and Land Department & Town Centre Management work?
construction-linked plan. Those who were on an extended payment plan have been offered discount incentives and now they are also starting to convert.
RERA has studied the whole project and has spoken to all of the contractors (except Commodore). The main topic of discussion has been cash flow and we came to the conclusion that buyers need to pay according to a constructionlinked payment plan set out by RERA. This starts with a 30% fee upfront, then demands small percentages of the full payment (of around 10%) to be paid at
What business lessons have you learnt over the past 18 months? DS: The way to move forward is to be transparent and to be honest about the reality because in this market we’re all in the same boat; it’s not in anyone’s interest to delay a project. We also plan to have more meetings like this, with the investor committee and contractors in one room. TBP
FAST FACTS: Total size of project: 5.7 million ft² Total sellable area: 3.7 million ft² Size of the area sold: 1.9 million ft² Size of area under development: 1.9 million ft² Zone 1 Number of apartments: 442 Contractor: Bin Sabt Building Contracting Company Completion date: Scheduled for end of 2010 Built-up area: 495,962 ft² Zone 2 Number of apartments: 491 Contractor: Commodore Contracting LLC Completion date: Scheduled for end of 2012 Built-up area: 457,726 ft² Zone 3 Number of apartments: 688 Contractor: Belhasa Contracting and Engineering Company (BHECC) Completion date: Scheduled for end of 2011 Built-up area: 728,080 ft² Zone 4 Number of apartments: 497 Contractor: Commodore Contracting LLC Completion date: Scheduled for end of 2012 Built-up area: 457,726 ft²
Zone Three is on track for its end-of-2011 anticipated delivery date according to contractor Belhasa Contracting and Engineering.
24
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
talk hill international
The danger of project delays Construction projects that overrun their due delivery dates could be “catastrophic” to property developers, says Hill International Middle East managing consultant Dr Jay Palmos
C
onstruction delays increase the cost of a development and, perhaps even more important to developers this year, will be the risk of missing a short window of opportunity to introduce their new units into the increasingly-competitive Dubai property market. Last week, Deutsche Bank estimated that as many as 30,000 new units will enter the market in 2010 decreasing demand for new and existing units. Furthermore, international financial firm UBS released data suggesting that rental prices may decline by as much as 30% during the course of 2010
Palmos: A combination of factors has created the perfect storm.
of units delivered between 2010 and 2012 will not meet clients' quality expectations, with 71% of developers graded a 'C' or below. Landmark defines grade C developers as those that have delivered assets, but the tangible product does not fully meet expectations. Examples of problems are units that are smaller than the off-plan unit purchased, units with changes to the layouts and units with lower-quality fit out than promised. Director of the Landmark Research and Advisory unit Jesse Downs went on to say that while most projects in Dubai faced delays, grade 'A' developers either delivered within a reasonable timeframe of the anticipated completion date, or, if more significant delays were faced, these developers would communicate well with their customers providing regular updates. However, the report found that 91% of contractors fell outside the A grade. Delays are the most common and costly problem encountered on construction projects. In normal circumstances developers are protected by liquidated damages clauses inserted into their construction contracts. However, since the damages associated with delayed entry into this market are likely to be severe, most current clauses will be
“Developers will have to pay particular attention to the quality of their product to ensure MARKET competitiveness” due to overcapacity in the property sector. These reports suggest that new developments will face stronger competition as the year progresses. To increase the probability of successfully renting apartments and commercial space, new developments must enter the market at the earliest possible opportunity. However, in addition to timing and cost issues, developers will have to pay particular attention to the quality of their product to ensure competitiveness. Product quality and cost are the determinant factors in a consumer’s purchase decision. Landmark Advisory’s Q1, 2010 Mind the Gap market report, which was covered in May’s issue of The Big Project, found that the majority 26
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
Construction developments must employ personnel who are trained in early delay identification to avoid problems, according to Palmos.
www.thebigprojectme.com
hill international talk
insufficient to compensate developers for the costs associated with project delays. Together these factors have formed the 'perfect storm' for Dubai developers. It will therefore be imperative that all feasible measures are taken to ensure that current projects are completed to the quality standards required by consumers and in a timely manner. The most recent Middle Eastern
in combination with the impending squeeze on developer’s profit margins created by the global financial crisis is clear; ensure your project has personnel specially trained in contract and delay identification and use these skills to remedy delay issues before they affect development completion dates. The survival of many developers will depend upon the timing and final cost
“Delays are the most common and costly problemS encountered on projects” academic research lists the three reasons for excessive delays to construction projects that resulted in claims as: 1. A lack of awareness of site staff to detect a delay. 2. Insufficient skilled personnel for detecting a claim. 3. Inadequate contract knowledge by site staff. Early identification of delays is crucial. The conclusion of this research,
associated with their present contracts. Only the test of time will reveal which companies survive the ‘balance-sheet test’ that is looming on the horizon. However, to be best positioned to pass this test, developers and contractors must ensure their projects have the best-qualified delay-detection professionals available. Sources: Construction Management & Economics and Engineering, Construction & Architectural Management Vol. 16, No. 1, 2009.
profile: jay palmos In addition to holding his current role as managing consultant at construction claims consulting firm Hill International’s Middle East division, Jay Palmos is the author of numerous industry textbooks covering construction and engineering law. As an attorney licensed to practice in the US and Australia, and an adjudicator, he has also presented conferences and lectured in a number of universities. Palmos has witnessed many a construction dispute firsthand, he has been assigned to preparing reports and evaluation for court, arbitration and mediation proceedings among other roles. Prior to entering the dispute arena, Palmos spent more than a decade on site as a construction scheduler and project controls manager on three multibillion dollar mega projects.
Welcome to bauma China 2010. REGISTER NOW!
23 – 26 November, Shanghai SHANGHAI NEW INTERNATIONAL EXPO CENTRE
bauma China is the leading trade fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Construction Vehicles and Equipment in China and Asia. bauma China offers: • 1,700 exhibitors from 30 countries • 215,000 square meters exhibition space • 120,000 visitors from 120 countries expected
www.bauma-china.com www.thebigprojectme.com
Contact: German Emirati Joint Council for Industry June July 2010 THE BIG PROJECT 27 and Commerce (AHK), Dubai Tel: (+971 4) 4470100, sruthi.s@ahkuae.com
To cater to growing populations and an increased demand for skills, many Middle East countries are prioritising investments in schools infrastructure, making the education sector a lucrative one for the design and construction industry. Louise Birchall reports
W
hile many projects have been put on the back burner in the GCC over the past 18 months, the education sector is storming ahead with many countries planning major developments and system overhauls, www.thebigprojectme.com
emphasising how critical education is to the design and construction industry. Saudi Arabia has allocated US $5.3 billion to upgrade and build more than 3500 schools across the country. The Kingdom has already spent around $1.6 billion to acquire 2000 parcels of land
since 2003, but more land is needed for schools to meet the needs of a population growing by more than 2% each year. Similarly, Bahrain has acknowledged the importance of investment in education. Bahrain Economic July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
29
COver StOry school deVelopments
ADEC Educational Facilities designs section manager Alberto Treves.
Development Board chief executive Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa recently said that “sustainable economic growth that provides opportunity for all is only achievable with the right
But on its mission to rebuild a futuristic and sustainable schools infrastructure, Abu Dhabi has hogged the headlines in this respect. In December 2009, Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) launched its schools facilities programme at the MENA Building Schools Exhibition and Conference. The programme will spearhead the construction of 18 new schools in Abu Dhabi, the first of more than 100 to be built under ADEC’s 10 Year Strategic Plan. “ADEC’s 10 Year Strategic Plan is a historic transformation of the education system that will deliver educational excellence. Providing students with world-class learning environments is a key element of our plan and is the foundation for achieving excellence,” ADEC acting director general HE Salem Al Sayeri said at the event. ADEC Educational Facilities Designs
appropriate to the educational needs of the 21st Century”.
determining demands But what are the educational needs of the 21st Century and how can a school building’s design and construction help to meet these evolving demands from the sector? ‘Sustainable schools’ is the name of the game. When asked to define a sustainable school, Treves simply says that the “first 18 new schools, to be finished by 2011, are designed to achieve three Pearls in the Estidama green rating system.” But it is clear that designing and constructing a sustainable school is not just about sticking to a green rating system, the purpose of a school building is very specific and ADEC is currently
“wE ArE Using photovoltAic cElls to gEnErAtE All of thE ElEctricity nEcEssAry to powEr clAssrooMs And lAborAtoriEs” education system in place. “That means education is one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Different countries face different challenges, but many of the issues are common. Bahrain has a strong track record in education and much to share with the world. But we have much to learn too.”
section manager Alberto Treves tells The Big Project that there are three factors driving the demand for more and better schools in the UAE: “An increase in student population, the ageing of existing facilities and the transformation that the educational system is going through, demanding physical environments that are more
Schools must be easy to build, operate and maintain says Abu Dhabi Education Council section manager Alberto Treves.
30
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
working on its own set of sustainability guidelines that will be applied to all new projects, according to Treves. The new school designs will contain features not seen within schools in Abu Dhabi before, he continues. They will be economical, and easy to build, operate and maintain. “The need for our schools to be easy to build and to maintain is stated in our design manual as a very important goal to achieve. The construction techniques and systems adopted were evaluated not only considering the initial investment cost, but also considering the whole lifecycle of the schools building, which is estimated at 50 years. We are facing a high demand for new facilities and for us to be effective, we have to make a very rational use of our resources.” This involves incorporating sustainable design features, such as energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and water-saving devices. Orientations, insulation and shading devices have been carefully planned, and all the electricity required for daily consumption in classrooms will be generated on the school site. www.thebigprojectme.com
school deVelopments COver StOry
“The new designs are safer, healthier, more attractive, stimulating and appropriate to learning. Therefore, an increase in attendance and concentration from students and teachers is expected, as well as better use of physical and technological resources, and a general feeling of motivation that will be translated into higher achievements from students.”
classroom modelling The council received more than 27 design proposals for the schools from
as the model for future school developments in the emirate. The Planar Model features classrooms arranged along the perimeter of the building, with specialised common spaces such as labs and music rooms concentrated in the middle spine. The Studio E / Tawreed Model will be used predominantly for Cycle One schools, and features defined learning communities set between outdoor learning facilities. And The Lumiset model designed for Cycle Two and Cycle Three schools is organised along a central space that has a triangular shape and accommodates communal facilities such as a library,
Dewan chairman and managing director Mohammed Al Assam.
different grade levels, site conditions and numbers of students. Even though they are slightly different in configuration and space organisation, the core functions are the same and the
“A wEll-dEsignEd school bUilding coUld bE A dEcisivE fActor in driving stUdEnt AchiEvEMEnt And rEtAining qUAlity tEAchErs” firms located worldwide, out of which it selected three designs that will serve
ICT labs, and a cafeteria. “The models serve the needs of
guiding principles apply to the three models,” explains Treves.
The council received more than 27 design proposals for the 18 schools being constructed this year and settled on three models: The Planar Model, The Lumiset Model and the Studio E Model.
www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
31
cover story SCHOOL DEVELOPMENTS
Construction of 18 of new schools developments announced by ADEC will commence this year, according to the council.
“We are creating a new way of learning. Development of analytical skills in our students is a key objective of ADEC’s strategic plan and these new learning communities combined with the other innovative features of our school designs will help bring this initiative to life,” ADEC director of infrastructure and facilities Hamad Al-Daheri Facilities adds. “In addition, research has proven that
32
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
a well-designed school building could be a decisive factor on driving student achievement and in retaining quality teachers at the establishment.”
Futuristic features Construction of the first 18 schools, comprising seven Cycle One (grades kindergarten to five) schools, seven combined Cycle Two and Cycle Three schools (grades six to 12), two Cycle
Three schools (grades 10-12), and two kindergarten to 12th grade schools, began recently. Dewan Architects & Engineers, the firm behind the design of The Yas Hotel on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s Creek Towers & Plaza, has been selected to design and construct six of the 18 schools planned by the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Technology is a key feature of the design that will be applied to new school buildings, says the firm. Labs and ICT rooms will be equipped with the “latest technology” and every educational space in the buildings will be prepared for wireless connections to the internet, providing a new learning mode for students in which they will learn direct computer skills. A number of technological features will also be applied to teaching methods making classes more interactive and conducive to an environment where students apply greater problem-solving and analytical skills. “Features include solar tubes and panels for electricity generation and water heating,” Dewan chairman and managing director Mohammed Al Assam tells The Big Project.
www.thebigprojectme.com
school deVelopments COver StOry
Treves adds that particular emphasis has been placed on water and energysaving technologies, reducing the consumption of energy and recycling: “For the first time we are using photovoltaic cells to generate all of the electricity necessary to power classrooms and laboratories”. Dewan has focused on the key criteria of designing economical, environmentally-friendly, buildable and easy-to-maintain schools. These principles have been adopted and packaged within outstanding
exterior designs that correspond with the client’s vision for the future. “We will achieve this through the use of durable yet economical materials, by approaching the local supply market for materials and refraining from using any harmful chemicals in concrete, paints, etc. We will use recyclable materials and incorporate shaded walkways,” reveals Al Assam. “Schools need to be designed and constructed with so many different
gcc schools constrUction pipElinE saudi Arabia KSA has allocated US $5.3 billion to upgrade and build more than 3500 schools across the country. The Kingdom has already spent around $1.6 billion to acquire 2000 parcels of land since 2003, but more land is needed for schools to meet the needs of a population growing by more than 2% each year.
bahrain Bahrain has long had a successful track record in education; it was the first country in the Middle East to introduce universal education for men and women more than 70 years ago. It is now working to reform its education system to meet the economic and social challenges of the 21st Century by supporting growth and development of Bahrainis, according to the Bahrain Economic Development Board.
functions and aspects in mind, so as to create an environment that encourages the development of our youth on a variety of levels,” he adds. Each of Dewan’s schools will be single-gender establishments to cater to between 1225 and 1500 mostly Emirati students in grades six to 12 or grades 10 to 12. They will each cover an area of approximately 18,000-20,000m2, with two situated in the centre of Al Ain and four in the southern suburbs. Main features of the new school designs include special attention to maximising the use of daylight and
UAE Abu Dhabi is leading the way for the UAE in terms of building schools. Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) launched its schools facilities programme at the MENA Building Schools Exhibition and Conference in December. The programme will spearhead the construction of 18 new schools in Abu Dhabi, the first of more than 100 to be built under ADEC’s 10 Year Strategic Plan.
kuwait The Kuwait State Government is finalising plans to develop educational institutions in Kuwait and implement innovative educational policies, plans and programmes that aim to improve education, and support educational institutions and staff to achieve the objectives of national development in accordance with international standards. The Ministry of Education has emphasised the need to build intelligent schools, including high levels of functionality, aesthetics, design quality, health and safety and environmental sustainability.
qatar Qatar’s population has more than doubled since 2004, according to new data from Qatar Statistics Authority. The preliminary report of the 2010 Census shows that the population in the state has grown from 744,029 in 2004 to almost 1.7 million in 2010. To cater to the growing population the country is investing in infrastructure developments, which include a significant number of new schools.
www.thebigprojectme.com
maintaining indoor air quality, acoustics and thermal comfort to provide students and teachers with a healthy, safe and stimulating work environment. The establishments will include auditoriums, gyms, libraries, cafeterias and sports facilities, and for the first time there will be dedicated classrooms for music, art and design and technology; all fully equipped to support diverse-learning opportunities.
learning process Dewan has worked on many educational projects, including the Emirates College for Advanced Education with a capacity of 2000 students, the Women’s Higher College accommodating 1500 students in Ras Al Khaimah and seven ADEC kindergartens catering to 360 students each in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Al Assam says that while the firm July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
33
COver StOry school deVelopments
ADEC's Facilities Division has been through an extensive consultation process, but only once the buildings are finished can the council fully evaluate the schools designs and make adjustments.
has worked on a number of education projects in the region, it now faces the unique challenges of implementing “more complex building systems and technologies within a tighter time frame for design and construction. “However, all tenders have been awarded and the estimated construction period is 14 months, with a completion anticipated for next summer in time for the start of the 2011 summer term.” Musanada, a firm established by His
services for the Government of Abu Dhabi, will provide design and construction management services as well as construction supervision for each of the 18 sites. “Our government leaders have said that education is one of the government’s top priorities for the Emirate so we see our role in ADEC’s school facilities programme as more than just being a service provider. It’s a commitment to the young people
infrastructure, reveals Treves: “Land availability is becoming a serious problem in Abu Dhabi, as it is imperative that school buildings should be located where the demand for the service is located. “And even though our Facilities Division went through a very extensive consultation process with the involvement of educators, administrators and even students, it will not be until the buildings are finished
“lAnd AvAilAbility is bEcoMing A problEM in AbU dhAbi As it is iMpErAtivE schools ArE bUilt whErE thE dEMAnd for thE sErvicE is” Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to develop and manage cost-effective and responsive
34
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
of Abu Dhabi and the future of our emirate,” says Musanada CEO Mohamed Khalifa Al Fahed Al Mehairi. But Abu Dhabi is not immune to challenges in building its schools
and operational that we can evaluate, and eventually make adjustments to our design intentions,” Treves adds, concluding that designing and building ‘schools of the future’ is going to be a learning process. TBP
www.thebigprojectme.com
...WHO, WHERE, WHEN, WHY & HOW OF THE MIDDLE EAST POWER INDUSTRY www.megawhatme.com
Tel: +971 4 3756830 • Fax: +971 4 4341906 www.cpi-industry.com
7 projects to entice you to iraq With a number of companies having recently announced plans to expand into Iraq’s developing market, The Big Project looks at seven key projects attracting attention
Metro Works have now been tendered for the proposed US $3 billion, 39km Baghdad Metro, which will comprise two lines and 41 stations. The first line of the metro will run 18km from Sadr City in the east, through the city centre towards the north, and will include 20 stations. The second line will run 21km starting in the south of the city before crossing the river Tigris and onto west Baghdad, also featuring 21 stations. France-based Systra has been appointed as the design consultant
36
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
with design works having already commenced and completion of design anticipated for the first quarter of 2011. It is understood that eight international companies are competing for the main contract to update its studies and designs; they comprise Arab companies, as well as American-, British-, German- and Polish companies, and two Italian firms. The client, Baghdad Municipality, is reviewing the technical studies for the Metro system. And while eight international firms have been shortlisted for the study and design works, not all of the firms have yet confirmed their interest in bidding for the scheme. Bids for the design and feasibility study consultancy contracts are expected to be submitted in the third quarter of this year. Invitation to bid for the main construction contract is expected to be issued in March 2011, with construction scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2011. Client: Baghdad Municipality Website: www.bm.gov.iq
great faw port The Iraq Ministry of Transportation is funding the construction of the $6 million Great Faw Port, which will include a 7000m dock for container ships and an additional 3500m dock for general cargo. The port, to be located in Basra province in Southern Iraq, will be 17m deep, allowing it to receive the world’s biggest cargo ships. Once built — in phases with a completion date of 2013 — the port will be the largest in the northern Gulf, and will complement the facilities available at Umm Qasr port, which is Iraq’s only deep-sea port at present. Italy-based Impregilo is leading the consortium that has been awarded the design contract; other firms in the group include Grandi Lavori Fincosit, Todini Construzioni Generali, Salini Construttori, Bonatti Group, Condotte d'Acqua, Technital, Progetti Europa, RSG Progetti and Sina. Invitation to bid for the main contract is expected to be issued this month. Client: Iraq Ministry of Transportation Website: www.motrans. gov.iq
www.thebigprojectme.com
iraQ market eXPlOrer
tarin hills mixed-use development The $15 billion Tarin Hills mixed-use scheme comprising housing units, retail outlets, commercial offices, hotel units, entertainment centres, sports facilities, schools, a health centre and an 18-hole golf course is due for completion in 2015. Being developed by Dubai-based Damac Properties, the project will be situated in Kurdistan, covering an area of 170 million ft². Construction will be carried out in three phases with the first to cost $4.5 billion. Client: Damac Properties Website: www.damacproperties.com
baghdad international Airport Expansion low-cost housing The Iraq National Investment Commission is spearheading the construction of 500,000 low-cost houses in 15 governorates and the Kurdistan region of Iraq. The housing units are requested to comply with set guidelines for size, layout, energy efficiency and construction materials. Current guidelines stipulate the construction cost of individual housing units cannot exceed $50,000, with individual units not exceeding 120m² and containing three bedrooms, a living room, bathroom, a kitchen and storage areas. Upon completion of the projects, developers will be required to sell the homes to individual buyers rather than sub-developers or real-estate brokers. Bids have been submitted for the main contract. Evaluation is currently underway. An award is expected in the third quarter of 2010. The project includes: 22,500 units in Anbar, 27,000 units in Babel, 112,000 units in Baghdad, 40,000 units in Basra, 17,500 units in Diwaniyah, 21,5000 units in Diayala, 15,500 units in Karbala, 20,000 units in Kirkuk, 70,000 units in Kurdistan, 15,500 units in Missan, 11,000 units in Muthana, 18,500 units in Najaf, 50,500 units in Ninewah, 19,500 units in Salah al-Din, 29,000 units in Thi Qar and 18,000 units in Wasit. Client: Iraq National Investment Commission Website: www. investpromo. gov.iq www.thebigprojectme.com
The Iraq Civil Aviation Authority is to invite firms to bid for design works for the expansion of Baghdad International Airport, involving the construction of three additional passenger terminals, a free zone, warehouses, a business park and a cargo village that will comprise cargo terminals and storage facilities. One of the passenger terminals will be able to accommodate an Airbus A380 aircraft and will include a domestic terminal. The existing airport has one runway and three passenger terminals, which together can handle up to 7.5 million passengers a year; the $7 million expansion will increase the capacity to 15 million passengers a year, within five years. The Iraq Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Transportation are currently working on a master plan for the airport, which is due to be ready over the next few months. The client is planning to invite firms to bid for a contract to design the expansion soon. Before the expansion can go ahead, Baghdad is hoping to raise between $5 billion and $7 billion of funding to finance the scheme. The client is hopeful that it can find international investors to fund the expansion once a new government is in place. Client: Iraq Civil Aviation Authority Website: www.iraqcaa.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
37
market eXPlOrer iraQ
salahaddin international Airport The $140 million Salahaddin International Airport will be located in the Salahaddin Province of Northern Iraq, situated approximately 140km north west of Baghdad. The new airport will benefit visitors to the large number of tourist and pilgrimage sites and will also support Baghdad International Airport in case of traffic emergencies. The Iraq Civil Aviation Authority has handed over the land for the new airport to US-based contractor Leedco Engineers. Leedco is designing and planning the new airport and has also invested money to fund the scheme. Construction work, including one runway and one taxiway, is scheduled to commence soon as the design is almost complete. Work is expected to be completed by 2012. Client: Iraq National Investment Commission Website: www.investpromo.gov.iq
basra steel Mill The $3 billion steel mill will have an annual production capacity of 1.3 million tons of iron bars, 600,000 tons of section steel and 1.2 million tons of hot-rolled products, and will include a 500MW power station for the complex. It will be implemented in either two or three phases; phase one is expected to cost $730 million and will include construction of a direct reduction plant, an electric furnace to build rebar and a powergeneration plant. South Korea-based STX Heavy Industries is currently in negotiations for the engineering, procurement and construction contract, with contract conditions still being finalised. The project is expected to be completed in around three and a half years, which includes time to resolve any future obstacles in the execution of the contract. Upon completion, the complex will be operated by the State Company for Iron & Steel (SCIS). TBP Client: Iraq Ministry of Industry and Materials Website: www.industry.gov.iq
irAq constrUction hEAdlinEs; jUnE Al habtoor leighton group to expand in iraq Dubai-based construction firm Al-Habtoor Leighton Group is in discussions over a $700 million offshore project in Iraq, its CEO Laurie Voyer told Reuters last month.
iraq seeks Us $20 billion for new oil refineries Last month, oil minister Hussein al-Shahristani said that Iraq is seeking around $20 billion to build four new refineries as it seeks to become a net exporter of petroleum products, reported AFP news agency.
turkish firm to construct five hospitals in iraq The Gaziantep-based Acarsan Group is expected to complete construction of five new hospitals in Iraq and submit them to the direction of the Iraq Ministry of Health by the beginning of 2012, according to a report on news site Today’s Zaman.
deal signed to build iraq's first monorail in najaf Iraq's city of Najaf has awarded a Canadian company a $600 million contract to build the country's first monorail, Najaf investment committee member Anwar al-Haboobi told Reuters last month. The contract was awarded to TransGlobim International (known as Globim), which is a privately-owned Canadian consortium.
38
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
WORLD’S FIRST
VERTICAL POWDER COATING FOR 12M LONG PROFILES
AT AL JABER EXTRUSIONS LLC
Internationally renowned Al Jaber Aluminium Extrusions is the proud owner of the World’s first Vertical Powder Coating Plant for coating 12m long aluminium profiles. The plant is already adding to the company’s reputation for delivering high quality, custom finished aluminum extrusions to the Gulf construction industry and worldwide.
Contact Details
• Key player in the extrusions industry • Market leaders in customized finishes • Facilitates 30,000 tons of extrustions in different finishes - total production capacity • Efficient quality management system • Enhanced process capabilities to meet tight delivery schedule
Al Jaber Aluminium Extrusions L.L.C. PO Box 41073, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Tel : +971 2 555 3 707 Fax : +971 2 555 3 977 Email : ajesigns@eim.ae www.aljaber.com
SPeCIal FeatUre social networKing
savvy
Social-media 'geeks' Rick Itzkowich and Dave Crane reveal their top tips on how developers, contractors, architects, consultants, suppliers and others can profit from social networking
W
hether you are a developer, contractor, architect, consultant, supplier or whatever your profession, you can benefit from using social networking as a businessboosting tool. On a recent visit to Dubai for a socialnetworking conference, 'Learn Twitface', last month, US-based Productive Learning & Leisure founder Rick
RICK ITZKOWICH
With more than 20 years' experience, Rick Itzkowich's marketing articles, podcasts and blog messages on how to combine offline and online social media, as well as his web-based quotes and actions to keep your brand 'top of mind' are in high demand. Itzkowich's LinkedIn Referral Success Programmme video series and ebook Social Networking for Business Profits educate small-business owners in powerful referral marketing strategies. www.linkedinfordummies.net
40
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
Itzkowich observed that while companies in the Middle East are beginning to understand how they can use social networking, they are slightly behind the pros in the USA and Europe, but there is no shortage of enthusiasm. This became particularly apparent at the conference, where more than 400 businessmen and women crowded into a Dubai theatre on a Friday morning to learn more about this medium. Itzkowich was among the speakers at the event: "Many individuals here have already been using some of the social networking sites and tools — Facebook and Twitter in particular — however, the use has been mostly for personal purposes. Now they're looking to expand this usage into business as well". Social media expert Dave Crane, who also presented at Learn Twitface, is based in the UAE and says it is both a "blessing and a misfortune" to be in a quiet social-networking market. "People in the Middle East are still wary about the internet and there isn’t a feeling of complete freedom attached to it. However, as interest in traditional media for entertainment wanes, the
numbers are growing tremendously; especially with internet access through mobile phones and gadgets." Crane says because of the youthfulness of the regional market, it’s easy to dominate it if you are savvy about social networking. "Many companies offer expensive search-engine optimisation solutions,
Productive Learning and Leisure founder Rick Itzkowich.
www.thebigprojectme.com
social networKing SPeCIal FeatUre
UAE-based social media expert and entertainer Dave Crane.
With so many social-networking sites to choose from, it's important to opt for one that works for you. Many of you will already have accounts on sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, but are these sites making or saving you money? If not, it is time they did. Take LinkedIn to start with. Having created a 'LinkedIn Referral Success Programme' and other tools to educate the small-business owner in powerful referral marketing strategies, you could say Itzkowich is the authoritative voice on reaping the rewards of using a website such as LinkedIn. If used properly, LinkedIn will enable you to declare yourself an expert
“stArt sEEing sociAl nEtworking As An EssEntiAl pArt of yoUr MArkEting ArsEnAl" but they don’t give enough visibility or make your brands truly worth watching. You have to engage the customer, ask for feedback and respond. Media is not a one-way conversation anymore. I’ve seen big companies with Facebook fan pages with only 30 fans. This means that they are not doing things properly to engage them," adds Crane. Itzkowich and Crane stress that online media is "a different creature" to offline mediums. So what does it take to tame and embrace this creature? "It is the sales and marketing person’s role to embrace this new media, but part of the strategy is to create 'heroes' out of CEOs by making them appear human and approachable," says Crane. Itzkowich adds: "Put social networking under the marketing umbrella. There should be someone in charge of the strategic and tactical aspects of incorporating social media into the overall marketing strategy for business. Keep in mind that social networking is more than just another marketing channel; it is an entire new paradigm through which to look at the customer and the business. "Companies need to understand that social networking is a way to interact with customers in a way that will foster a stronger relationship with them." www.thebigprojectme.com
in your field and position your products or services above those of competition, create a community of people that are interested in the industry, leverage your market reach by making ‘friends’ of suppliers and customers, and find out what your target market really wants.
linkedin dos and don’t Rule number one: the company itself should not have a LinkedIn profile, says Itzkowich. The individuals within the company should create their own profiles. LinkedIn is a business site that
DAVE CRANE Life coach and certified hypnotherapist Dave Crane is one of the region’s bestknown entertainers. He is in his 10th year as entertainments director and host of Dubai Rugby Sevens and is a regular voice on regional radio. One of Crane's motivational sessions in Greece is said to have led to a global company recording a 49% growth in profits within the subsequent 12 months. www.theworldsbestmc.com
is very personal; people want to connect with individuals, not companies. In terms of referrals; LinkedIn makes it very easy to do a search for potential referral sources. For example, a good referral source for an architect might be a general contractor and vice versa. So by conducting a local search for ‘general contractors’, the architect can build relationships that will generate a lot of steady business in the future. However, first the LinkedIn user must build credibility. This can be done in two ways, according to Itzkowich: by obtaining recommendations (these can be easily requested from your LinkedIn connections who you have worked with in the past) and by showing your expertise when answering questions in your subject area. Countless opportunities to answer such questions
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
41
SPeCIal FeatUre social networKing
arise once you become a member of a LinkedIn group related to your service or product speciality. "People on LinkedIn are constantly asking questions. By providing useful and insightful information, the person doing this is positioning himself as an expert. Better yet, if others rate their answers as best, they earn the designation as a professional. This is very powerful. Also, when you have a lot of powerful recommendations from customers, peers, suppliers etc., it makes it much easier for people to feel confident about doing business with you," adds Itzkowich. Furthermore, LinkedIn is great for recruiting and attracting talent, he says. "Those people who are looking for jobs will look at companies and 'interview' the company before applying for a job. Having recommendations from other employees and customers makes it much more likely that someone will apply for a position. The flip side is that if you are looking to hire someone, you can look at their LinkedIn profile and find out a lot about them before you even talk to them. It is a great time saver. "Lastly, you can generate business by asking for introductions to people who are likely to need your services. Nothing beats a personal introduction from a trusted friend or advisor. It is much more powerful than any form of advertising." But how can the return on investment from a site such as LinkedIn be measured? Itzkowich outlines the 'three pillars' to making money using social networking as: 1. Building visibility, 2. Building credibility and 3. Turning visibility and credibility into profitability. "So if you measure how much your visibility and credibility are improving, that should ultimately be tied to earning money. On LinkedIn, this can be measured by the number of referrals and the number of people you hire. Keep in mind that social networking is a strategy; not a tactic. So the results should be focused on the long term; it is more akin to farming than hunting," he asserts. LinkedIn is a great tool to merge the online and offline worlds; remember that you are building a network; not a list. The more value you can bring to your network, the more valuable your network will become, concludes Itzkowich.
becoming a twitface Many of these rules also apply to Facebook and Twitter, and Crane suggests some others to get you started. Firstly, imagine that logging onto either websites is like entering a party. Unless you want to be the one in the corner with no friends, you’ve got to make yourself interesting and that doesn’t mean harping on about how good you or your products are. In fact, Crane says while you can get away with slipping around 10% 'marketing blah' 42
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
Using Facebook and Twitter potential benefits z z z z z
Declare yourself an expert in your field and position yourself above competition Create a community of people interested in the industry and share best practice Leverage your market reach by making ‘friends’ with suppliers and customers Start relationships online and take them offline Create online surveys from customers, suppliers and staff to find out what they really want
common mistakes z z z z z z z z
Be completely transparent and truthful or people will find out Embrace everyone's opinion and don't erase negative comments — answer them! Don't jump straight into a sales pitch or people will ban you from their online world Never spam people. They will hate it and you for doing so Set goals and measurable metrics on what you want back from this experience Remember that increased sales is not the only indicator of success online Employ the ‘Freemium’ business model of giving away lots for free, but charging for personal time Do not post online too often or too little; once per day is generally fine
getting started z z z z z z z
Open an account for your own personal name as well as for your business Add 20-30 people per day from the people who like your friends and competitors Make your message mix 90% personality or industry tips and only 10% marketing blurb Get into the free widgets and software available to help monitor and post messages Link your Facebook and Twitter accounts Put your ‘follow me’ link on emails, websites, videos and so on Put Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn applications on your mobile phone to stay in touch
Makeover an existing account z z z z z z z z z
Remember that social media is mostly free. You can have unlimited accounts and messages Be honest and tell stories that make people laugh and think so they want to learn more When you find a video, idea or message that you like — share it with friends. This gives you credibility Identify where the people you want to be closer to are and follow them and join their groups Ask questions and reply to answers Make an eBook, video or audio for customers including tips and secrets that will build trust in your brand Gather testimonials from satisfied customers to show integrity Encourage interaction and discussion on any group you create Set up an industry event so you can meet your business followers in person
www.thebigprojectme.com
social networKing SPeCIal FeatUre
into your online posts, in the other 90% your personality must transpire. Share your knowledge, give away industry tips and raise discussion topics that are of interest to your community. Employ the "Freemium" business model of giving away lots for free, but charging for personal time, suggests Crane. To make the most of social media, you must outline your objectives. Do you want to increase visibility, support an existing media campaign or create a following? A return on investment will
be achieved in due course. "The best relationships are formed over time and so your approach shouldn't be one of 'give me now'. You can check quantitative ROI through sales, new leads and new subscribers. "In contrast, you can monitor qualitative ROI through customer satisfaction, continued loyalty, growth in industry authority, increased interaction and regular quality feedback," says Crane. He adds that people will ultimately buy from those they know, like and trust and becoming social media savvy doesn't mean abandoning conventional
Using LinkedIn potential benefits z z z z z
Identify potential referral sources Build credibility Establish yourself as an expert Make it easier to recruit talent Generate referrals
getting started z z z
z z
Create a profile and make sure it is 100% complete Join relevant groups and participate in discussions Identify the keywords that people would use when searching for their profession or business of choice and make sure those keywords are written into your profile Look for current and past customers who are already on LinkedIn and connect with them Ask for recommendations from these people
networking techniques; "Particularly in this region, there is a need for both online and offline relationships to take people to the point of purchase. People like to buy face-to-face, but as time is very precious, you can really be specific about every detail before you meet the person. "Sales experts claim people need to hear, see and feel your message nine times before they buy. You can however greatly reduce the effort and cost of the process by making videos and increasing your visibility, credibility and ultimately profitability through social media." So it is time to start thinking of social networking as an essential part of your marketing arsenal. If you don’t start establishing a better relationship with your customers, your competitors will. TBP
hAvE yoUr sAy BECOME A FAN OF THE BIG PROJECT PAGE ON FACEBOOK, FOLLOW US ON TWITTER OR JOIN OUR DESIGNATED GROUP ON LINKEDIN.
three steps to roi z z z
Building visibility Building credibility Turning visibility and credibility into profitability
www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
43
Suppliers in the spotlight A ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM INDUSTRy SUPPLIERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Lumiglass almost doubles UAE capacity
Jehan built a Nurai Island sample villa within a 30-day timescale.
Jehan awarded Nurai villa contract jehan gulf horizon has been selected as main contractor for the development of 11 villas on abu dhabi’s nurai island development. having been appointed subcontractor to build a sample villa on the island last year, jehan completed superstructure works of 1250m² within 30 days and was subsequently awarded this latest contract: “the villas are on an island where concrete and other materials must be delivered by barge, which causes challenges,” said the firm. the design and construction of the project, which is being developed by Zaya real estate, with dar al handasah nazih taleb and partners on board as consultants, will meet specified 'green' guidelines. each villa will feature a grassed area on the roof and jehan will implement 3d panels featuring an insulating expanded polystyrene core, revealed the firm. the villas will also feature sixmetre-high atrium walls and complete glazing on one side of the buildings. jehan is currently constructing three different types of villas. all villas are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
44
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
glass manufacturer lumiglass industries, a subsidiary of glass llc which is wholly owned by dubai investments pjsc, has nearly doubled its production capacity of laminated glass with the installation of a new prelaminating unit from germany-based automotive supplier benteler ag. “the new machine will help us to meet the rising demand for laminated glass and allow us to boost our competitiveness by delivering quality, low-emission laminated glass products,” said lumiglass industries general manager sultan al Zarif. with the installation of the new prelaminating unit, the company’s laminated
Suppliers respond to increased rubber cost GLOBAL PRICES OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND RUBBER INCREASE BY AROUND 35-40%, SAYS SUPPLIER the prices of chemical materials and rubber worldwide have seen a continuous increase over the last six months to reach between us $1600 and $2800 per metric ton, according to rubber world industries (rwi). the manufacturer of closed-cell rubber insulation in the gulf and south-east asia — and part of the the shaikhani group — is aiming to maintain current prices by increasing production by 25% this year,
RWI will increase production to 3600 containers a year by 2013.
glass production capacity has increased to 35,000m² per month. the machine can produce laminated sheets up to 2600mm wide and 5500mm long.
according to the company's chairman abu baker shaikhani. while market analysts predict a 4% rise in international demand for rubber products per year until 2011, the shutting down of many factories in the region and across the globe is making it difficult for supply to keep up with the demand, and is indirectly spurring the price hike, said rwi. the company’s plan to increase production this year is part of a broader strategy to produce 3600 containers per year by 2013, for which it has invested $8.2 million. rwi is also growing its distribution network having recently signed a deal appointing uae-based hVac company leminar air conditioning industries as its exclusive distributor of 'gulf-o-flex' rubber insulation for hVac applications in the uae. “despite the hurdles present in the market as an offshoot of the economic meltdown, we are committed to finding ways to sufficiently provide customers’ required volume of products and accommodate their price limitations. by doing so, we are confident that we will maintain our position in the market,” added shaikhani. www.thebigprojectme.com
suppliers NeWS
First BIM survey launched in region CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO BE QUESTIONED ON ITS USE OF 3D MODELLING TECHNOLOGY
BuildingSmart president for the Middle East region Tahir Sharif.
buildingsmart middle east has started to compile a survey to identify the level of building information modelling (bim)
technology currently being utilised in the gcc, to increase the efficiency of the industry, according to the company. a series of interviews with individuals and companies operating in the gcc construction industry will be conducted to document the status of bim and identify better processes for a more efficient, ‘greener’ construction industry. the findings will highlight new opportunities for governments and project owners, allowing them to benefit from the region’s bim momentum in 3d digital modelling, said buildingsmart middle east president tahir sharif. “the region’s construction industry is at a decisive crossroad and the purpose of the survey is to provide perspective on how the companies that are implementing bim within their organisations are gaining tangible business benefits as a result. sharif added that the survey would help companies to justify the cost of their bim investments, validate return on investment and allow them to benchmark the business benefits of bim, which enables virtual design, assembly and operation of facilities. the findings of the survey will be revealed at the 2010 buildsmart annual conference, to be held in abu dhabi from november 28-29.
DEWALT HOSTS PRODUCT DEMO AT LABOUR CAMP industrial power tools manufacturer dewalt teamed up with dutco balfour beatty last month to hold an interactive tools awareness day at dutco labour camp in dubai. the event, which included a range of activities, was organised to improve health and safety on construction sites by demonstrating the correct use of tools, according to dewalt. “the fast pace of construction over the last few years has given way to a potential increase in incidents at worksites. dewalt is proactively working with various safety managers in providing product and safety training in the usage of power tools,” said dewalt marketing manager mea suresh srinivasan.
www.thebigprojectme.com
some of the games organised by the company included a 'drive five challenge', which involved driving five screws into a piece of wood as quickly as possible, as well as ‘spot the risks in the structure’ and ‘hold the tool as long as you can’ competitions. “this initiative by dewalt to impart knowledge about its tools in a fun and interactive way conveys safety measures in a
Decovision wins Etihad Towers bid abu dhabi-based interior contracting and design firm decoVision has been awarded a us $41 million interiors contract for etihad towers, which is under construction in abu dhabi. Valued at an estimated $0.8 billion and rising more than 300 metres, etihad towers will comprise five towers, including a hotel to be managed by the jumeirah group. the project has been designed by australia-based international design consultant dbi.
Etihad Towers is currently under construction in Abu Dhabi.
memorable way. the positive results of this interaction and teamwork are sure to be reflected in workers' approach to safety at work,” said dutco balfour beatty health and safety manager steven Van der Vyver. TBP
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
45
www.thebigprojectme.com
www.thebigprojectme.com
materials american hardwood
wood watch
American Hardwood Export Council regional director Roderick Wiles expects timber procurement policies to soon emerge in MENA, improving the level of legal and sustainable wood What percentage of America’s hardwood export market does MENA make up? Overall, MENA accounts for a relativelysmall percentage of total American hardwood exports. However, this has increased over the past few years, as exports to the region have performed well despite a downturn in demand seen in other major destinations. In 2007, exports of American hardwood logs, lumber and veneer accounted for just 3% of the US total hardwood exports, excluding shipments to Canada. In 2008, this percentage increased to 4.7% and last year, it rose to 5.4%. In addition, MENA is a relatively high-value
region also pose prospects for increased demand for American hardwoods.
Which hardwood species have been most in demand in the MENA region? American Red Oak is in very high demand. It is sought after in particular for doors and door frames and is used across the region. In addition, American Hard Maple and American Ash are popular, while American Black Walnut, is in high demand the world over for its rich, dark tones and excellent finish.
Are Middle East buyers interested in the sustainability of the materials or just the price?
American Hardwood Export Council's regional director Roderick Wiles.
Price is one of the key factors in determining which wood product, grade or species is used in a project and Middle East buyers are just as pricesensitive as buyers anywhere else in the world. However, during the past two-to-three years, the awareness of sustainability as an issue has increased among buyers and end users alike and this has been partly driven by the introduction of green-building rating systems, such as LEED, BREEAM and Estidama. Today, wood-product
“MENA imports wood from sources that can't provide independent third-party verification of legality or sustainability” destination for American hardwoods, where the average unit value of products shipped is generally higher than to most world markets.
servicing contracts for furniture, flooring and interiors even outside the
importers are driven by where they can sell their stocks and if they are aiming
In what areas do you see the most demand for American hardwoods? American hardwoods are most in demand for furniture, flooring and interior joinery. Their wide range of colours, grains, character and physical properties mean that they can be used for a range of end uses. As for the Gulf, we have seen that leading architects and designers, as well as high-end turnkey contractors and manufacturers of flooring and furniture in the Gulf have developed a strong appreciation of the potential offered by different American hardwoods available. In addition, the wood-processing sectors in MENA are expanding, and 48
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
American hardwoods are most in demand in the Middle East and North Africa for use in furniture, flooring and interior joinery.
www.thebigprojectme.com
american hardwood materials
I expect that the governments of the Middle East will look at the emergence of timber procurement policies around the world and, as a way of making sure they do not fall behind these developments and to avoid criticism, they will adopt similar strategies.
How can buyers distinguish between sustainable harvested wood and legitimate wood?
The demand for sustainable and legal wood has risen as contractors strive to meet guidelines set out in green rating systems.
to supply projects that are going to go for maximum ratings under these schemes, then they will have to consider the environmental credentials of the products they supply. However, the reality in the Middle East is that concerns about the legality and sustainability of wood products in
verification of legality and sustainability. This is because the governments in these countries have not devised procurement policies, where the origins of imported wood products are heavily scrutinised. This is happening in other parts of the world, such as the UK and this, in turn, is leading to an increasing demand for
If a buyer is looking for sustainablyproduced hardwoods, then all hardwood from the US can be classified as 100% legal and sustainable and this is not dependent upon the individual company supplying the wood or whether it has an FSC or PEFC logo (see the website www. americanhardwood.org for more information). If a buyer is looking for wood certified under the FSC or PEFC Chain-of-Custody schemes, then the local importer from whom the wood is purchased must also be FSC or PEFC Chain-of-Custody certified. TBP
“Many people would argue that certification is only part of the solution to fighting the global trading of illegal wood” the construction sector are still very much in their infancy and price remains the key determining factor.
How competitive is the price of importing American hardwoods? American hardwoods are the same price as those from other countries.
Is the importation of ‘illegal’ wood a problem in the UAE? The concept of legality can vary widely depending upon the country from which the wood is sourced. For example, natural teak from Burma (Myanmar), which does come to the UAE and the wider MENA is not necessarily from sustainably-managed forests. However, since the felling and export of teak in Burma is controlled by the Burmese government, it cannot be considered as illegal, as it complies with Burmese law. It is certain that the UAE and wider MENA region does import wood from sources which cannot provide independent, third-party www.thebigprojectme.com
wood products certified under schemes such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). But, it is very important to distinguish between certification and independent, third-party verification of legality and sustainability. Wood that may not have an FSC or PEFC logo need not be less sustainable than wood that does. In fact, many would argue that certification is only part of the solution to fighting the trade in illegal wood products and that a risk-assessment approach, coupled with due diligence on the part of the exporter and importer, is the best way to ensure availability of sustainable wood products.
Do you expect regulations to get tougher on the quality and legitimacy of wood in the Middle East? There is no doubt that the demand for certified or verified legal and sustainable wood has increased in the Middle East during the past few years.
fast facts zz
zz
zz
zz
zz
zz
US hardwood log, lumber, veneer and flooring exports to MENA reached $71 million in 2009 This marked a decrease from 2008’s total of $80.6 million, but was still up on 2007’s total of $62.4 million Exports of American hardwood to MENA rose to 5.4% in 2009, from 3% in 2007 There are more than 20 commercially available species of American hardwood, which range widely in price Demand for certified or verified legal and sustainable wood has increased in the region over recent years Between 1953 and 2007, the volume of US hardwood growing stock increased from around five billion m³ to 11 billion m³ plus
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
49
HOT SEAT SUPPLIER
MACHINE MASTER KSA-based Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Sons vehicle and machinery MD Khaled El Shatoury has seen increased business in leases, quality-used equipment and trade-ins
F
irst established in 1940 to supply everything from pipecovering and oil-drilling services to insurance, only in 2006 did Saudi Arabia-based Abdel Hadi Abdullah Al-Qahtani & Sons venture into the vehicle and machinery industry, yet today this division employs 300 and represents 12 suppliers covering earth-moving and material-handling equipment, power-generation and air systems, and trucks. “Up to 70% of staff are employed in the service and support sectors as we believe that the first sale is made through the sales department, but the second, third and fourth come from service back-up support,” says managing director Khaled El Shatoury. He suggests that this high level of after-sale support, combined with the
El Shatoury is confident KSA projects will stay on track this year.
El Shatoury adds that while governmental projects and mega construction projects have since increased, the execution phase is
taking longer to take effect. Even after project execution, clients prefer to rent equipment as they are reluctant to spend more capital, he says.
The train of Ts “However, we have stuck to the train of Ts; talent, technology, teaming, training, target, technique, tracking and total quality management. “We support customers step-by-step for two-to-three years or more. The lease business has been expanded and binds us with our clients. Another business that has contributed income during a tough financial year is quality-used equipment and trade-in deals. Last year ended with a “reasonable profit” according to El Shatoury. And in 2010 the company has harvested some of its investments having already sold around 300 units with more than 100 orders in hand to date. He is confident that the high budget for projects which Saudi Arabia announced in 2009 will put developments back on track in the country, so much so that the company plans to open another branch in the western region of Saudi Arabia before the end of the year, in addition to introducing new products such as lightmaterial handling lifters. TBP
“Even after project execution, many clients prefer to rent equipment as they are reluctant to spend more capital” company’s reliable products and high spare-parts availability, makes one of the best average packages available. But like many in this sector, Al-Qahtani has been subject to increased competition in 2009's shrinking market, which encouraged the rental business. As a result, many suppliers were forced to knock off prices and reduce profit. “Furthermore, there was a relative reduction in prices for most raw material and products that serve the construction sectors. Payments were delayed more than in previous years, but the government has taken many steps to control the payments authenticity and to avoid any disaster situation that could occur between all participants in the payment cycle.” www.thebigprojectme.com
Market conditions in 2009 encouraged the rental business resulting in lower prices and reduced profits for equipment sellers.
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
51
™
buildingSMART ME ®
fantastic floors
Five Middle East suppliers identify the latest trends, compare costs and offer advice on fitting flooring solutions to suit any project what products does your company specialise in providing? Albert Douglas: Alomi specialises in British-made exotic hardwood flooring for internal and external use. The flooring is constructed to
withstand extreme high temperatures and humidity. Each product has a lifetime guarantee. Jeremy Loisel: Gerflor is the world’s third-largest manufacturer of PVC
flooring. Our core business is the contract field, mainly focusing on healthcare projects, then educational facilities, offices, retail outlets, hotels and restaurants. Furthermore, we’ve been providing sports flooring since
"bUying And instAlling AccEss floors At constrUction stAgE will iMprovE thE projEct qUAlity And sAvE MonEy" 1976 for Olympic Games stadiums and we've been chosen to supply our products for the London 2012 Olympic Games facilities. Piergiorgio Bonardi: Bonardi Glass Design specialises in glass manufacturing for custom-made floors and stairs. William Hindes: ASP specialises in all types of access floor systems, floor finishes, access floor accessories, and under-floor, air-distribution systems. Alomi specialises in British-made exotic hardwood flooring for both internal and external use, according to CEO Albert Douglas.
www.thebigprojectme.com
Wolfgang Douglas: Timberwolf provides a range of indoor and outdoor flooring. July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
53
suppliers flooring
What is unique about your floors? JL: Our products are 100% recyclable. We have a strong know-how on multi-layer products (also called heterogeneous products). Plus our unique surface treatment Protecsol results in floorings that never require varnishing. PB: Our collections merge traditional glass works and creative designs, resulting in a variety of products that combine glass with other materials such as fabrics or metals.
WH: Our patented products and systems eliminate excessive noise better than traditional access floors, require glue-free carpet-fixing systems and are sustainable.
structures of our products, which are reinforced with fibre-glass grids, combat any potential associated problems. Sand can also cause problems, but all of our surface treatments limit abrasion.
What extreme conditions must floorings in the UAE withstand?
WH: High temperatures and harsh conditions during delivery, installation and fit out can cause challenges. ASP Access Floors' systems are designed to be robust to cope with these unique construction conditions and to withstand a higher level of abuse.
JL: Floorings must withstand high levels of humidity; we designed Drytex backing which allows you to install products on a humid subfloor. High temperature is also an issue; the
WD: Our products are specifically made for the GCC climate and contain an aluminium-oxide finish (anti-scratch and slip).
What are your bestsellers in the Middle East? AD: Black Walnut is by far the bestselling product for internal use across the GCC area. It is a beautiful wood that is distinguished by its unique dark-brown colour and grain. Black Walnut is an extremely strong type of wood ideal for heavy-duty traffic areas such as restaurants, hotels and shopping centres. For outdoor applications American Walnut is the most popular species. Similar in colour to Black Walnut, but with a softer darkcoffee colour, it is available in lengths of up to six meters long, with a reversible face, simple oil finish and a choice of a ribbed or flat side. JL: Elegance 290, Flair 490 and Esprit 500 are the most popular homogeneous products. Single-layer, 2mm Taralay Premium and Taralay Impression are popular heterogeneous solutions and for offices and retail outlets, multilayered, 3.2 mm Creation Artline products are generally the bestsellers in the region. WH: ASP’s patented award-winning CF series access floor is its top seller. WD: Our signature products, semi-solid engineered wood flooring and timber decking, are both bestsellers.
What trends have you noticed in flooring solutions in this region? Bonardi Glass owner and founder Piergiorgio Bonardi says glass is a quality flooring solution rather than a cheap option.
54
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
PB: The Middle East appears to be one of the world's most eclectic and www.thebigprojectme.com
flooring suppliers
open-minded locations for design and architectural trends. AD: A new trend is antique-style wood flooring. These are long and wide boards on a multilayer, engineered base. Antique style usually comprises handscraped British oak stained in various dark-brown shades. It is very popular for themed pubs, restaurants, shops and private villas. WH: For the last few years, developers had been delivering shell and core
strength, which detracted from the value, future performance and appeal of the building. Currently there are three types of access-floor designs in use in the Middle East, primarily relating to the core material and construction of the panel. Some of these designs are based on designs from Europe and various other countries that do not perform well in the climate conditions of the Middle East. Our CF series, consisting of a steel case and concrete core, is designed to perform and withstand these conditions.
floor systems back from clients for reuse or recycling.
How do you expect flooring solutions to develop in this region over the next few years? JL: Like in Europe, people will get used to vinyl flooring and understand that they have to invest in heterogeneous flooring. The cost is higher but the quality is better and you save on the maintenance in the long run; if a floor requires no varnishing you will break even after seven years. Furthermore, the
“pay attention to the surface treatment and maintenance requirements — just looking at initial price is a big mistake� projects, which resulted in tenants installing access floors. This resulted in a large variety of access floor systems being installed of varying quality and
Life cycle costing is also a very important factor to consider and ASP Access Floors offers a complete buy-back programme to purchase our old access
trend of having 50% heterogeneous and 50% homogeneous floorings will move to heterogeneous flooring becoming more common.
Timberwolf CEO Wolfgang Douglas says that the company's signature solutions, semi-solid engineered wood flooring and timber decking are both best sellers in the Middle East market.
www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
55
suppliers flooring
WH: Developers and clients need to follow the global trend of installing a quality access floor system uniformly throughout an entire project as part of the base building construction. There are several reasons for this: zz These projects become intrinsically worth more zz This provides greater appeal to prospective buyers / tenants zz This results in uniform design and quality standards zz It allows for a greater future potential for modification zz Uniform solutions result in reduced energy consumption when utilising an under-floor air distribution system.
Which are your main markets in the Middle East? PB: We have been operating in the emirates for the past five years and would like to expand in Lebanon, where we already have a good relationship with possible commercial partners. AD: Alomi mainly concentrates on the GCC where wood flooring is becoming more and more popular. I have also noticed that fashion — usually based on colour — is playing a major role in how clients are leaning towards wood flooring as opposed to more old-fashioned ceramic tiles and carpet products. 56
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
WH: We have completed projects in the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Kuwait and we are continuing to focus on strengthening our presence in all of these markets through greater customer support, faster delivery times and increased distribution channels for our products. WD: Our main markets in this region are partnerships with hotels and resorts, private villas and interior-design companies, and other projects at various development stages.
How can clients save money on flooring solutions? PB: Glass is not generally a cheap material for flooring so we can’t offer cheaper solutions. What we can suggest is to choose quality and invest because you have to consider the durability of the material you install. Choosing a high-quality floor means that you won’t have to repair or substitute it for a long time and in turn you will save money in the middle-to-long term. JL: Buyers should choose a flooring that is fit for purpose rather than just looking at the cost. It’s important to pay attention to the surface treatment and maintenance requirements — just looking at the initial price is a big mistake.
WH: By installing access floors at construction stage, the client will pay less due to buying in bulk. Furthermore, working with ASP Access Floors to optimise designs and finishes, to ensure integration with other design elements, and to reduce wastage from efficient design and material selection will help to save the client money on the project in the long term. TBP
Flooring experts Albert Douglas CEO Alomi Real Wood Flooring
Piergiorgio Bonardi Owner and founder Bonardi Glass Design
Jeremy Loisel UAE manager Gerflor The Flooring Group
William Hindes Managing director ASP Access Floors
Wolfgang Douglas CEO Timberwolf
www.thebigprojectme.com
tenders project spotlight
Al-Jaber GIS wins major port contract
Third construction package awarded in 10 months by Abu Dhabi Ports Company for Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone
A
bu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) has awarded a US $95 million port systems contract for Khalifa Port and Industrial Zone (KPIZ) in Taweelah, Abu Dhabi, to Al Jaber GIS joint venture. The lump sum port systems contract follows an extensive tendering process and is the third major construction package
awarded in the last 10 months for the development of the new port and industrial zone at KPIZ. The contract involves the detailed design, procurement, integration and installation of the control systems throughout the onshore and offshore areas of Khalifa Port, including a port-operating system, a vessel traffic system, security, CCTV, telephony and communications and all associated fibre-optic and control-system cabling. The complex package of work is due to commence on site in the first quarter of 2011 following detailed design and procurement phases. Completion is scheduled in the third quarter of 2012 to complement the completion of the overall Port. Remaining major ADPC contracts for KPIZ, including port offshore civil-building works, port terminal infrastructure and facilities, and industrial zone road and utilities networks are scheduled to be awarded in the next few months. Previous contracts announced in the past 10 months include an $80 million contract awarded to Larsen & Toubro for the design, construction, testing and commissioning of an electrical medium-voltage power supply via a 33kV power cable network and three 33kV/11kV primary distribution substations, which will provide the main power supply for the first phase of Khalifa Port. It also involves the construction of civil buildings with utilities such as air conditioning, fire protection and lighting systems. Al Habtoor Leighton Group has been selected to construct the onshore port facilities, including 47 buildings, road networks, bridges, utility installations and landscaping. This project is due to be completed in 2011.
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | sales@ccsgulf.com
ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL 58
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
tenders
Bahrain Project
Project
Mukhaizna EOR - Pipelines
Value $M Water Garden City - Bahrain
Value $M 6600 Status Execution Update Al Hasanain has been awarded US $25 million contract for a 3km quay wall to be completed within 24 months.
200
Status
Execution
Update
Construction work is 70% complete.
Owner
Mukhaizna Development Company
Consultant
WorleyParsons - Muscat
Contractor
Gulf Petrochemical Services & Trading LLC (GPS)
Owner Albilad Real Estate Investment Company Project
Consultant Scott Wilson
Salalah Port Expansion Project - General Cargo Terminal
Value $M 120 Project
Status Design
North Bahrain New Town - Phase 1 (1500 Houses)
Update Berths are in final design stage. Tender for a liquids berth is expected soon. Construction of cargo and liquid berths is scheduled to take 22 months. Operation is expected to start in Q4 2012.
Value $M 500 Status Design Update Bids will open on July 5 and Construction is scheduled to start in October 2010.
Owner Oman Ministry of Transport & Communications
Owner Bahrain Ministry of Works Consultant Ama - Architecture
Project
Kuwait Project
Qatar
Status Design
Kuwait International Airport Expansion - Airspace System Electrical Infrastructure
Update Construction costs are still being negotiated with Vinci. Vinci leads a joint venture of Qatari Diar, Hochtief, CCC and Medco. Construction is expected to commence in August 2010.
Value $M 150 Status Execution Update Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi has been awarded the contract for administration buildings, car parks and two fire stations. Owner Kuwait Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Consultant Dorsch Consult - Salem al-Marzouk & Sabah Abi-Hanna (SSH) Contractor Siemens Kuwait Project
Owner Qatar Bahrain Causeway Foundation Consultant COWI - Qatar Contractor VINCI Construction Grands Projets - Qatari Diar JV (QDVC) Project
Doha Bay Crossing (Subsea Tunnel)
Value $M 1000 Status Design
Kuwait University Expansion - Shuwaikh Campus - Laboratories Expansion
Scope Construction of 12km, six lanes (three in each direction) subsea tunnel under Doha Bay, linking new Doha International Airport and the Financial Centre.
Value $M 102 Status Execution
Update COWI has submitted the feasibility study and the basic design to Urban Planning. Ashghal is expected to take over at detailed design and construction stages.
Update Combined Group has been awarded the contract. Owner Kuwait University Contractor Combined Group Company
Owner Qatar Urban Planning & Development Authority Consultant COWI A/S
Oman Project
Qatar Bahrain Causeway (Friendship Bridge)
Value $M 3000
Al Madina Al Zarqa (Blue City) Development - Phase 1
Value $M 2200
Project
Musheireb (Heart of Doha City) - Phase 1A
Value $M 430 Status Execution
Status Execution
Update Phase 1A has been awarded to the joint venture of Hyundai E&C and HBK Contracting.
Update Bin Muhanna Holding has joined Blu City project as a partner. Owner Al-Sawadi Investment & Tourism Company LLC Consultant Foster & Partners Contractor AECO Development LLC
Owner Dohaland Contractor Hyundai E&C - HBK JV Project
Ashghal - Doha South STP Phase 2
Value $M 300 Project
Status Execution
PDO - Budour Northeast EOR
Update Doha South expansion has been awarded to L&T.
Value $M 1500
Owner Public Works Authority (ASHGHAL)
Status Study
Project
Update Project is still in the study phase.
Consultant Hyder Consulting
Owner Petroleum Development Oman (PDO)
Contractor Larsen & Toubro (L&T) - Doha
Salalah Port Expansion Project - Berths 7 & 8 & 9 (Terminal 2)
Value $M 530
Project
Lusail Real Estate Development - Fox Hills - The Piazza - Qatar
Value $M 273 Status Design
Status Design Update Revised master plan has been released. Detailed design is expected in 2011. Owner Oman Ministry of Transport & Communications Consultant Royal Haskoning
Update Enabling work is near completion. Detailed design is in finishing stages and tender for the main construction contract is expected to be issued shortly. Owner DAMAC Group Holding (DAMAC Properties)
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | sales@ccsgulf.com
ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
59
tenders
Project
Musheireb (Heart of Doha City) - Infrastructure
Project
Value $M 150
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - Gasoline Unit
Value $M 1500
Status Execution
Status Bidding
Update Infrastructure package has been awarded to CAT International.
Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost.
Owner Dohaland
Owner Saudi Aramco
Contractor CAT International (Qatar)
Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) - Riyadh Project
Lusail Real Estate Development - Business Square Project
Value $M 110 Update Initial site preparation is complete. Enabling work will start in summer 2010.
Status Bidding
Owner DAMAC Group Holding (DAMAC Properties)
Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost. Owner Saudi Aramco
Saudi Arabia Project
Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) - Riyadh Aramco - Ras Tanura Integrated Refinery & Petrochemical Complex - Polyolefins
Project
Status Bidding
Status FEED
Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost.
Update FEED completion has been delayed and is expected to be completed in Q3 2010. Owner Aramco - Dow JV Consultant Foster Wheeler Inc.
Owner Saudi Aramco Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) - Riyadh
Safco Hadeed JV - Jubail Steel Plant (1.7 mtpa)
Value $M 3000 Status Study Update Danieli has awarded Tamimi Group the civil package contract for Jubail billets plant for $630 million.
Project
Status Execution Update Work is in progress and is expected to be completed in Q1 2011.
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - Coker
Owner Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Maaden)
Value $M 2000
Consultant SNC Lavalin - Jacobs Engineering
Status Bidding Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost. Owner Saudi Aramco
Contractor Grinaker - Outokumpu Project
Status Execution Update Construction work is in progress as per schedule.
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - Crude Unit
Value $M 2000
Owner Saudi Arabia Ministry of Water and Electricity
Status Bidding Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost.
Contractor Ali Al Qarni Al Razqi Contracting Co. Project
Owner Saudi Aramco
Status Bidding Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost.
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - Hydrocracker
Value $M 1500 Status Bidding
Owner Saudi Aramco
Update Project is facing delay due to finance issue. Developer is trying to cut more from the project cost. Owner Saudi Aramco Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) - Riyadh Project
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - Solids Handling
Value $M 500
Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) Project
Riyadh Sewage Network
Value $M 530
Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) - Riyadh Project
Ras Al Zour Chemical & Fertilizer Complex - Sulphuric Acid
Value $M 800
Owner Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed) Project
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - Storage Tanks
Value $M 900
Value $M 10000
Project
Aramco - Yanbu Export Refinery - O&U
Value $M 1500
Status Design
Consultant Kellogg; Brown & Root (KBR) - Riyadh Project
Safco Hadeed JV - Jubail Steel Billets Plant (1 mtpa)
Value $M 1500 Status Execution Update Danieli has awarded Tamimi Group the civil package contract for $630 million. Owner Saudi Iron & Steel Company (Hadeed) Contractor Danieli - Saudi Arabia
2000 Health Clinics - 456 Clinics - 152 Clinics (Haif)
Value $M 500 Status Execution Update The contract has been extended. Construction work is likely to complete in June 2011. Owner Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health Consultant Zuhair Fayez Partnership Consultants Contractor Haif Trading & Contracting Company
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | sales@ccsgulf.com
ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL 60
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
tenders
Project
Ghurnata Complex in Riyadh
Value $M 410
Project
Status Execution
Status Execution
Update The commercial building has reached the 10th floor.
Update The MEP, aluminium and glazing tenders on the Dubai Pearl project have been issued and are scheduled to be awarded by September 2010. Construction work on towers one and three has reached level three, while towers two and four have reached level two.
Owner General Organisation for Social Insurance (GOSI) Consultant Omrania & Associates Architecture & Engineering Consultants Contractor Al Latifia Trading & Contracting Project
King Abdullah Financial District - Innovia Monorail System
Project
Status Execution
Status Execution Update The handover of 83 villas is underway. The first phase is set to be complete in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Contractor Saudi Oger Ltd Linking Saudi Arabia & Oman Border Road
Value $M 230
Owner Abwab Real Estate - Green Works JV Consultant Parsons International - Dubai Contractor Al Naboodah Contracting LLC Project
Status Bidding
Status Execution
Scope The project calls for the design and execution of 190km the final phase of the road between Saudi Arabia and Oman border.
Update The package has been awarded to Samsung Engineering.
Owner Saudi Arabia Ministry of Transport CITC Headquarter in Riyadh
Owner Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Consultant Fluor Mideast Limited Project
Status Execution Update The package has been awarded to Saipem.
Status Execution Update The building has reached the 9th floor. Owner Communications and Information Technology Commission (CITC) Consultant Ernst & Young Contractor Contracting & Construction Enterprises Ltd. (CCE) Najran University - University Hospital
Owner Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Consultant Fluor Mideast Limited Contractor Saipem S.p.A. Project
Tunnel & Roads In Salam Street - Abu Dhabi
Value $M 871
Value $M 150
Status Execution
Status Bidding
Update Construction work is 66% complete.
Update Main construction contract is still to be awarded. Owner Saudi Arabia Ministry of Higher Education Consultant Tkoinat Consulting Engineers Co.
United Arab Emirates Adnoc - Sour Gas Development Program - Shah Field - Gas Processing
Owner Abu Dhabi Municipality Consultant Parsons International - Dubai Contractor Samsung Corporation - Saif Bin Darwish JV Project
Status Execution Update Al Futtaim Carillion has been awarded the design and build contract for the main campus.
Status Execution Update The package has been awarded to Saipem. Owner Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Consultant Fluor Mideast Limited Contractor Saipem S.p.A. Al-Reem Island Development (Abu Shuoom Island Development Emirates Pearl) - Shams - Gateway Towers
Saadiyat Island Development - Cultural District - New York University NYU Abu Dhabi
Value $M 865
Value $M 1800
Project
Adnoc - Sour Gas Development Program - Shah Field - Sulphur Recovery
Value $M 1300
Value $M 160
Project
Adnoc - Sour Gas Development Program - Shah Field - O&U
Value $M 1500
Update Bids have been submitted for the main construction contract. The lowest bidder is Al-Rosan Est. For Contracting
Project
Dubailand - Eco-Tourism World - Al Barari Development - Phase 1
Update Bombardier Transportation has signed a contract with Saudi Oger to supply, install, operate and maintain an Innovia Monorail System within King Abdullah Financial District. Owner Public Pension Agency (PPC)
Project
Owner Pearl Dubai FZ LLC Consultant D G Jones & Partners Limited
Value $M 1500
Value $M 241
Project
Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone (Tecom) - Dubai Pearl Development
Value $M 1600
Owner Mubadala Development Company Consultant Rafael Vinoly Architects PC Contractor Al Futtaim Carillion LLC Project
Al Bateen Park Development - Abu Dhabi
Value $M 800 Status Design
Value $M 1600
Update Aldar Properties has announced to develop Al Bateen Park, a residential complex in Abu Dhabi. Construction is expected to be completed in August 2012.
Status Execution Update Construction is progressing as scheduled at one floor every 10 days. Owner Sorouh Real EstateCompany
Owner Aldar Properties PJSC
Consultant Khatib & Alami Contractor Arabian Construction Company (ACC)
Consultant VIAP Middle East Engineering Management LLC.
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | sales@ccsgulf.com
ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
61
tenders
Project
Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority (twofour54) Mena Zayed Campus
Value $M 700
Project
Status Design
Status Execution
Update Twofour54 has announced a master plan for a new campus in Mena Zayed.
Update Development is near completion. Final works are in progress.
Owner Abu Dhabi Media Zone Authority (twofour54) Consultant Adamson Associates (International) Limited Project
Burj Dubai Development - Boulevard Plaza
Value $M 300
Ajman Uptown - Main Construction Package
Owner Emaar Properties PJSC Consultant Aedas - Dubai Contractor Samsung Corporation - Baytur Insaat Taahh端t A.S JV
Value $M 600 Project
Status Execution Update The superstructure works on the villas are complete.
Adnoc - Sour Gas Development Program - Shah Field - Sulpher Pipeline
Value $M 300 Status Execution
Owner Sweet Homes Real Estate
Update The package has been awarded to Saipem.
Consultant Adnan Safarini
Owner Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
Contractor Sweet Homes General Contracting (SHGC)
Consultant Fluor Mideast Limited Project
Al-Reem Island Development (Abu Shuoom Island Development Emirates Pearl) - Shams - The Gate first Plot
Contractor Saipem S.p.A. Project
Value $M 500
Dubai Marina Development - Elite Residence
Value $M 272
Status Execution Update Development is near completion.
Status Execution
Owner Sorouh Real Estate Company
Update Cladding work is in progress and the project should be completed as planned early in 2011.
Consultant Hyder Consulting Middle East Ltd. - Abu Dhabi
Owner Tameer Holding
Contractor Arabian Construction Company (ACC) - Abu Dhabi
Consultant ASE Consulting Limited Project
Adnoc - Sour Gas Development Program - Shah Field - Gas Gathering
Contractor Arabian Construction Company (ACC) - Dubai Project
Value $M 463
Dubai Investment Park - Dubai Lagoon Development - Phase 1 & 2
Value $M 271
Status Execution
Status Execution
Update The package has been awarded to a joint venture of Tecnicas Reunidas and Punj Lloyd
Update Construction work on zone two has started. Owner Schon Properties
Owner Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Consultant Fluor Mideast Limited
Consultant ARTEC Architectural and Engineering Consultants
Contractor Tecnicas Reunidas - Punj Lloyd JV
Contractor Power Line Gulf Construction Company L.L.C
Project
Dubai Investment Park - Dubai Lagoon Development - Phase 3
Project
Value $M 463
Capital Centre - Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Expansion Project - Capital Gate (Feature tower)
Value $M 264
Status Execution Update Construction work on zone three has reached the third floor.
Status Execution
Owner Schon Properties
Update Construction work on the helipad is ongoing. Interior fit-out of the hotel is progressing as per schedule.
Consultant ARTEC Architectural and Engineering Consultants
Owner Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Contractor Belhasa Engineering & Contracting Company LLC
Contractor Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises Project
Jumeirah Village Development - Jumeirah Village South - Seasons Community
Project
Value $M 330
Khalifa Port & Industrial Zone (formerly Mina Zayed Port) Meena Plaza
Value $M 255
Status Execution Update Project handover is scheduled for April 2011.
Status Execution
Owner Ishraqah Development Ltd.
Update Project completion is expected by the end of 2011. Owner Tamouh Investments
Consultant Dimensions Engineering Consultants (DEC) Contractor Bin Shafar Contracting LLC
Consultant Al Torath Consultant Contractor Zelan Holding - Abu Dhabi
Project
Presidential Palace - Ras Al Akhdar Area - Abu Dhabi Project
Value $M 300 Status Bidding Update Owner is evaluating bids for the main construction contract. Award is expected in July 2010.
Value $M 240 Status Execution Update Construction work is progressing as per schedule. Owner Tamouh Investments
Owner Abu Dhabi Department of Presidential Affairs Consultant WSP Group plc
Al-Reem Island Development (Abu Shuoom Island Development Emirates Pearl) - City of Lights - ADDAX
Contractor Multiplex Group
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | sales@ccsgulf.com
ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
63
tenders
Project
The Palm Jumeirah Development - Fairmont Palm Residences & Hotel - Hotel Package
Project
Value $M 150
Value $M 220 Status Execution
Status Execution
Update Construction work is 99% complete.
Update The Interior work is in progress on the hotel and will take six months to complete. The residence has been completed.
Owner International Financial Advisors (IFA) Hotels and Resorts Kingdom Hotel Investments Consultant DSA Architects - Dubai Contractor Dubai Contracting Company (DCC) Project
Business Bay Development - Lake Central
Value $M 217
Owner Seven Tides Ltd Contractor Dhabi Contracting Company - Dubai Project
Status Execution Update Foundation work has been completed and the main construction contract has been awarded to Arabtec.
Update Construction work is progressing as per schedule. Owner Fakhruddin Group Consultant National Engineering Bureau (NEB) - Dubai Contractor General Construction Company - Dubai Saadiyat Island Development - Cultural District - Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (GAD)
Value $M 200
Dubai Marina Development - DAMAC Heights
Value $M 138
Status Execution
Project
The Palm Jumeirah Development Oceana Hotel & Apartment Complex
Owner DAMAC Group Holding (DAMAC Properties) Consultant Whitbybird Ltd. Contractor Arab Technical Construction Company (Arabtec) Project
Status Design
Dubai Investment Park - Dubai Lagoon Development - Phase 4
Value $M 136
Update Design work is in final stage. Tender documents are expected to be issued by the end of 2010.
Status Execution Update Construction work on Zone four is scheduled to start during July 2010.
Owner Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC)
Owner Schon Properties Project
Sheikh Zayed Road Expansion & Upgrade - Interchange 8
Value $M 177 Status Execution Update Finishing work in progress.
Contractor Bin Sabt Contracting Company Project
Status Execution
Owner Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
Update Cladding work is in progress.
Consultant Cansult Limited - Dubai Contractor Shimizu Corporation – Dubai Project
Al-Reem Island Development (Abu Shuoom Island Development Emirates Pearl) - Shams - The Gate 1st Plot
Nikko Hotel (Jal) & Nassima Towers - Dubai
Value $M 123
Owner Emirates Aerated Concrete Industries Company (ACICO) Consultant Feuring Hotel Consulting GmbH Contractor Ghassan Ahmed Saud Al Khaled & Partners Company - Kele Constructions
Value $M 170 Status Execution Scope The project calls for the design and construction of 65-storey residential tower that will form a part of The Gate development.
Project
Status Execution
Update Final works are in progress.
Update Construction work is in completion stage.
Owner Sorouh Real EstateCompany
Owner Al Derea For Real Estate Development & Investment
Consultant Hyder Consulting Middle East Ltd. - Abu Dhabi Contractor Arabian Construction Company (ACC) - Abu Dhabi Project
Dubai Waterfront Development - Housing Project - Phase1
Value $M 170 Status Execution Update Finishing works are in progress. Handover will be in July 2010.
Consultant Hadi Consulting Engineering Contractor Shin Sung Corporation Project
Status Execution Update Nexans has been awarded the contract.
Contractor Mammut Building Systems Mixed-Use Development - Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone (Tecom) - The One Tower
DEWA - Al Mamzar Beach Substation 400 kV - Cabling
Value $M 119
Owner Nakheel
Project
Dubai Silicon Oasis Development - Silicon Gates
Value $M 123
Owner Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) Contractor Nexans - Middle East Project
Al-Reem Island Development (Abu Shuoom Island Development Emirates Pearl) - Marina Square Plot 1 - Zone D
Value $M 150 Status Execution Update Construction work on the building has reached the 22nd floor. Owner Al Yasat Holding Consultant Dewan Architects & Engineers - Dubai Contractor Al Shafar General Contracting Company L.L.C.
Value $M 111 Status Execution Update Finishing work is in progress. Owner Tamouh Investments Contractor National Projects & Construction Company (NPC)
www.ccsgulf.com | Tel: +971 4 267 6115 | sales@ccsgulf.com
ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL 64
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
JObS
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON001 Location: Dubai, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON024 Location: Ajman, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON008 Location: Ajman, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON025 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON010 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON035 Location: Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Saudi Arabia,
QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON015 Location: Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Saudi Arabia,
Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
PROJECT MANAGER Ref: CON039 Location: Dubai, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
COST MANAGER Ref: CON021 Location: Dubai, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing
COMMERCIAL MANAGER Ref: CON043 Location: Dubai, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
allowance and benefits
SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON023 Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
www.thebigprojectme.com
ASSOCIATE QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: CON051 Location: Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait) Salary: Excellent salary, car, housing allowance and benefits
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
65
JObS
PROJECT DIRECTOR Ref: V0146 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Salary: Excellent salary and benefits
CONTRACT MANAGER Ref: CON0136 Location: Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Middle East Salary: Excellent salary and benefits CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR / SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR Ref: V0144 Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Salary: Excellent salary and benefits
SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR/CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR Ref: V0148 Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Salary: Excellent salary and benefits PROJECT MANAGERS (ROADS AND BRIDGES) Ref: VO149 Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Salary: Excellent salary and benefits PROJECT MANAGERS Ref: V0152 Location: Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Salary: Excellent salary and benefits
CONTACT For further details on the jobs listed or to find out about other vacancies in the region, please email: max@kadtech.co.uk and quote the reference code. Don't forget to mention where you saw the advert. Jobs supplied by UK-based Alan & Partners recruitment firm.
66
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
reCrUItmeNt aNd traININg
Career ladder breaking the glass ceiling There are many challenges facing women pursuing careers in construction, but those who overcome them will reap the rewards, as will the industry says Dr Reem Sabouni
I
n spite of challenges facing women pursuing a construction career in the Middle East, the number of female students studying engineering at Alhosn University in Abu Dhabi has increased over recent years. “This is due to a growing awareness in society of possible opportunities for women in the engineering industry, which is supported by more female role models in the sector,” says Dr Reem Sabouni, an assistant professor in the Civil Engineering Department at Alhosn University and VP of the Society for Women in Engineering (SOWIE). However, female applicants are still
not be pursued by women”, she says. Furthermore, many employers in the industry prefer to take on males over females and those women that do land a job in the field are often paid less
“woMEn in indUstry dEcision-MAking positions offEr nEw ApproAchEs to problEM solving” outnumbered by male applicants 10 fold. SOWIE was set up at the university to meet a number of objectives (see boxout), but overall its aim is to empower women to prosper in the field of engineering and to enhance the role of females in the industry. Sabouni can speak firsthand on the unique obstacles women entering the industry face. Coming from a family of engineers and with a keen interest in maths and physics, engineering felt like a natural career route for Sabouni to take, but this didn’t change society’s longstanding view of engineering as a “muscular carrier that should www.thebigprojectme.com
than their male counterparts, she adds. “However, there are two types of employers in this field; the first thinks men’s skills are more flexible and will give them priority, the second wants to reach a gender balance in the company and will view applications equally. “If the post is an office-based position, it is more likely a woman will have the same chance of getting the job as a male competitor,” says Sabouni.
old thinking versus new “Increasing the number of women employed in construction and engineering introduces new blood into
the construction industry. Women in decision-making positions offer new approaches to problem solving, strategies and tactics that can be lucratively used in industry as thinking trends and management skills vary between the two sexes.” Plus, utilising qualifications held by both genders will help in meeting skills shortages and so forth the high demands of the construction industry in the Gulf region. So while the role of women in the region’s construction industry is still marginal, Sabouni sees a great potential for an increased number of women in the field. And those who choose to pursue a career in the industry can even benefit from opportunities to excel as awareness of the importance of having gender-balanced working environments increases: “I would advise any woman who wants a career in construction to be aware of the challenges. If she believes she has what it takes, she should be confident in her abilities and skills,” concludes Sabouni. TBP
whAt sUpport doEs sowiE providE? z z
z
z
z
The Women in Engineering @ Alshosn University Scholarship Seeks funds and sponsors for annual awards for female students pursuing degrees in engineering fields The society organises competitions to raise the profile and effectiveness of women in engineering Offers regular workshops, seminars and conferences on engineering offered to women Initiates outreach activities and social engagement
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
67
dIary
SAVE the
DATE
July 5-8 IranConmin Tehran Permanent Fairground Iran July 12 Developing Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure dinner and conference Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi UAE Invitation only
THE 10TH INTERNATIONAL BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES EXHIBITION July 30-August 2 Tehran Permanent Fairground, Iran
September 13-16 Tunnels and Underground Construction India New Delhi India September 26-29 Acoustics in Construction 2010 Summit Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi UAE September 26-29 Vertical Transportation Middle East Radisson Blu Hotel Golf Plaza, Abu Dhabi UAE September 26-29 Affordable Housing Development Summit Middle East Gulf Hotel Bahrain, Manama
www.thebigprojectme.com
September 27-30 Bridges Eurasia 2010 Istanbul Turkey October 18-19 Innovative Roofs India Venue to be confirmed Mumbai India October 25-27 Piling & Deep Foundations India 2010 Mumbai India
July 12-15 Erbil Trade Solo Building & Municipality Exhibition Erbil International Fairground Iraq August 2-5 Jordanbuild Amman Exhibition Park Jordan
Plan the months ahead with our handy construction events diary for the region
The 10th International Building & Construction Industries Exhibition, organised by Iran International Exhibitions Company, is expected to attract contractors, consultants, engineers, managers, scientists, technicians and administrators from both the private and public sectors. Exhibiting at the four-day event will be manufacturers and suppliers of lifts and cranes, construction machinery and equipment, ceiling and wall coverings, flooring, sanitary ware, tools and equipment, doors and windows, heat and acoustic insulators, pipes, fittings and faucets, among other products.
October 18-21 Saudi Build – The PMV Series 2010 Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre Saudi Arabia November 7-13 Building & Construction Exhibition Kuwait International Fair Hall Eight Kuwait November 22-25 The Big 5 Dubai Dubai World Trade Centre UAE October 31-November 2 Garden + Landscaping Middle East Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre UAE October 31-November 2 Light Middle East Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre Dubai UAE
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
69
tea break
your shout This month, we asked LinkedIn users in the building materials sector: does social networking boost business for those in the construction industry...or is it just a waste of time? We have a dedicated social media director who controls our social networking and online presence. We create YouTube videos; client testimonials etc., and we feel it has helped us to brand ourselves more effectively. The challenge for us has been connecting with the correct target market.
lawrence joss, cEo and tribe leader, surfaces UsA
“We utilise Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to promote our how-to/installation videos for some of the tools we distribute. It makes a better, more-effective demonstration than just putting something on paper. In addition, we offer special deals to subscribers to our social networks. The response has been great. While it's difficult to track ROI from social networking, we do track sales from special promotions. In addition, on our website’s Contact Us page, we now have a check box for Twitter, Facebook and YouTube to track new customers from these mediums.
Matthew thomas, vp marketing, Manning Management corp. “Social networking helps us to share ideas and solve problems while being in touch with people from a similar field. While it may not have directly helped me to get customers, it has enabled me to gather views and opinions from experts across the globe.”
tejas tagdiwala, owner of supplier tej innovative products
We have a fulltime person dedicated to these activities. Additionally, the co-founder and I are active on Twitter, YouTube and in producing written and video blogs. Our entire staff base is incentivised to be involved in social media through prizes for employees who grow their Twitter followers and the quality of those followers. It is easy for the marketplace to distrust a faceless company. Social media is an effective way to build trust. I believe referrals are vital for most business growth and it is a fabulous way for happy customers to spread the word. I see that many use social media incorrectly. I focus on sharing experiences and attempt to educate on relevant areas of our industry. I rarely mention my products. If someone gets value from my experiences then they’re likely to feel better about me and my company. I may not sell anything, which is fine, since I get other benefits, such as being asked to speak at a tradeshow or be quoted in an article. I have also been introduced to three key suppliers that have generated revenues. Our brand receives a lift. Social media is a commitment and discipline is key. Don't let it eat away at your day but don't do it once every six months. It’s about connecting with people; be genuine, be social and adopt etiquette.
rob banks, co-founder and executive officer, builddirect
Bon Tool created a Facebook page that allows 'fans' to stay connected with corporate events, our operations (we have posted photos of our manufacturing, warehousing etc.), learn new tips and techniques (we publish hints or tips once a week), and have a platform where our industry community can communicate with one another. Recently, a customer of ours in Las Vegas was trying to explain a decorative concrete process. We were able to walk them through it using one of the photo albums from a seminar we hosted in the past. Moving forward, our challenge is to put measures in place to determine what kind of (if any) ROI Facebook has provided us. Either way, I am confident that Facebook has helped us to build our corporate image and tell our story.
john bongiovanni, safety committee chair, bon tool co. “Social Networking is a very important part of business; ideas are exchanged, you can size up people you've heard of but have never met, and meet your next employer or your current competitor.” TBP
richard farrell, building materials independent sales professional
join the big project group on linkedin to have your say or visit thebigprojectme.com 70
THE BIG PROJECT
July 2010
www.thebigprojectme.com
Thermal insulation systems for the entire building envelope • Environmentally sound in it’s manufacturing, usage and eventual disposal • Totally free from CFC and HCFC • 66% recycling glass content
Ref: Abu Dhabi Officer’s Club (pictured under construction)
tHERMal InsulatIon wItH sEaM Roof fInIsH
FOAMGLAS®
Ref: Social Service Department, Stuttgart, Germany
tHERMal InsulatIon foR Roof gaRdEn
FOAMGLAS®
Ref: BMW factory, Regensburg Germany
Roof InsulatIon foR factoRy
Ref (also main image): Islamic Museum of Modern Art, Doha
Roof InsulatIon foR tERRacE
FOAMGLAS®
FOAMGLAS®
PITTSBURGH CORNING Europe (Rep Middle East) Arenco Tower, Media City, P.O. Box 213345, Dubai, UAE TEl +971 (0)4 434 7140 Fax +971 (0)4 432 7109 EMaIl info@foamglas.ae WEB www.foamglas.ae www.thebigprojectme.com
July 2010
THE BIG PROJECT
71