Ensuring the health and longevity of properties is crucial in today’s digital age, PlanRadar has announced. With most of the time spent indoors, building quality directly affects well-being and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ (SBS) is a significant concern, leading to health issues from poor indoor environments, the firm stated.

Sick Building Syndrome manifests through a range of symptoms among occupants, including headaches, respiratory issues, fatigue, and emotional distress. The incidence of SBS has been reported as 57% in office buildings, 31% in university laboratories, and between 23-41% in university administrative buildings. Often unrecognised, these symptoms are linked to factors such as poor ventilation, high levels of indoor pollutants, and moisture, the firm explained.

Ibrahim Imam, CEO MENA + APAC and Co-Founder of PlanRadar commented, “The increasing awareness of Sick Building Syndrome worldwide is driving demand for healthier buildings. We are observing that this trend is increasingly influencing global real estate markets, as investors and occupants alike will prioritise buildings that offer healthier environments for occupants.”

SBS is reported to affect tenants due to off-gassing and air pollution from new materials. Indoor air pollution, caused by dust, smoke, and volatile substances, significantly impacts air quality, especially when compounded by inadequate ventilation. Inefficient HVAC systems affects tenants by allowing high pollutant levels and failing to provide adequate air exchange. Additionally, excess moisture fosters mold growth, leading to respiratory problems and allergies. Maintaining thermal comfort through proper heating and insulation is also crucial for ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures.

Imam noted, “As awareness of Sick Building Syndrome grows, there is a heightened demand for practices, training, education and certifications that prioritise indoor air quality and occupant health.”

The firm says that its digital led facilities management offering provides a simple solution for efficient property management – one that improves building maintenance, contributes to a healthy indoor environment and ultimately increases property values.

Imam added, “Digital real estate and facility management platforms are proving to be vital in identifying and mitigating the factors that contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, such as poor air quality and inadequate ventilation. The adoption of these systems allows for more precise control over building systems, continuous monitoring and adjustment capabilities, and enable prompt interventions to reduce health and safety risk.”

Even in modern, energy-efficient buildings, maintaining optimal air quality and overall building health is crucial. Properties affected by Sick Building Syndrome require targeted strategies to enhance their quality and market value. Tools such as PlanRadar provide a comprehensive solution, enabling precise planning, efficient resource utilisation, and improved communication. This ensures properties remain healthy and valuable assets.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

AD Ports Group has announced the completion of the acquisition of Tbilisi Dry Port. The group is now the majority stakeholder with a 60% stake.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group stated, “We are delighted with the completion of the Tbilisi Dry Port acquisition. The agreement highlights AD Ports Group’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening global supply chains, and we recognise the growing influence of the Middle Corridor on global trade.”

“We are fully focused on successfully operating this important logistics hub, which enhances connectivity between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, and positions AD Ports Group at the forefront of global trade. This is the latest in a number of strategic international investments by AD Ports Group, in line with our wise leadership’s vision to advance economic growth, job creation and mutual benefit,” AlShamsi added.

The new hub is positioned between the Caspian Sea and Black Sea, it integrates multiple facilities including a container freight station, warehouses and a car storage park. Serving as a crucial point of entry, exit, and regional transit, it accommodates manufactures, shippers and consignees moving containers, vehicles and various goods for distribution and storage.

The project will be completed in three phases. By the end of the initial phase, the handling capacity is expected to reach 96,500 TEUs, with 10,000sqm of warehouse and a car storage yard. Upon the completion of phase three, the project will have a handling capacity of 286,000 TEU, 100,000sqm of warehouse and a significantly expanded car storage yard.

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Hitches & Glitches (H&G), part of the Farnek Group, has witnessed an increase in demand for home maintenance in Dubai’s luxury residential property sector. The firm says it has been appointed to maintain numerous luxury properties in prime residential communities such as Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills Estate.

One notable contract H&G has acquired is for a luxury villa in Jumeirah Bay Island, often referred to as ‘Billionaires Row’, which has a built-up area (BUA) of over 7,200sqm, equivalent to the size of Manchester City’s football pitch. H&G provides a full-time housekeeper, maid, chef, driver, service butler, a technician and a watchman. The firm maintains gym equipment, a jacuzzi, home automation, laundry and kitchen appliances, a swimming pool and water features, extensive landscaping and manages pest control and 24-hour security.

“According to property finder, a 2,237sqm plot of land in Jumeirah Bay Island is currently valued at $42,234,552mn. That obviously doesn’t even include the cost of building a villa! So, having made that level of investment, these discerning owners recognise that they require regular high-quality management and planned preventative maintenance, particularly if they are away from their home for any extended period,” commented Zohaib Azhar, Director of Operations at Hitches & Glitches.

In addition, H&G was recently appointed to manage 900 premium branded apartments and five-star hotel residences in Dubai Downtown, Dubai Creek Harbor and Dubai Marina neighborhood. Presently H&G’s home maintenance division has more than 1,500 active Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC), serviced by 210 qualified technicians.

“We initially recognised this trend over two years ago when it became apparent that increasing numbers of wealthy overseas investors were buying luxury properties in Dubai. So, we formed a specialist unit of highly trained technicians to compete in this niche market with a tailored offering, providing a convenient one-stop shop for MEP, civil, carpentry, smart home automation, white goods, special renovation projects and fit out works,” added Azhar.

H&G’s smart technology platform, which was developed in-house by Farnek’s smart FM solutions company HITEK, is also enhancing the company’s competitive advantage, especially for luxury property owners based overseas. It’s home maintenance app enables owners and property managers to follow the progress of their planned maintenance and other service requests from initial reporting to completion and allows customers to approve and pay for any materials that maybe required to complete the job, said the statement.

“Demand is also soaring for smart home gadgets, as improved technology has made devices easier to use and more effective, particularly those with remote options for international investors. Customers can buy smart product bundles direct from the H&G online store with the added convenience of installation, ongoing maintenance, relocation and add-ons, providing a seamless experience,” added Azhar.

To consolidate its security offering, H&G teamed up with smart home security company Ring, which has products, including motion-activated security cameras with two-way talk, built in floodlights with alarms, as well as their renowned Video Doorbell. This allows owners or managers to answer the door from anywhere in the world, via a two-way voice call and one-way live streaming of any visitor, through their smartphone app or laptop, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company (SWS), Marubeni Corporation, and Suez have signed a joint development agreement with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and of Uzbekistan, and Uzsuvtaminot JSC for the development of a wastewater treatment plant in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The project, which will be capable of producing 1.5m cu/m of treated water per day, is the largest of its kind in Uzbekistan and the wider Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The project, which is valued at more than US$1bn, is a collaboration between the UAE and Uzbekistan and aims to support economic progress in the city of Tashkent and surrounding areas as stated in the press release.

The agreement was signed in Tashkent by His Excellency Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan; Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of SWS Holding, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company; Akhmad Suvankulov, Chairman of the Board at Uzsuvtaminot; and with SWS’ consortium partners, Kazuaki Shibuya, General Manager of Marubeni, Environmental Infrastructure Department; and Silvere Delaunay, CEO of CIS region at Suez.

The collaboration will include the development, financing, engineering, procurement, and construction of the wastewater treatment plant and sewer trunk lines and will manage the operation and maintenance of the plant for 25 years. Uzsuvtaminot JSC, as the public entity in Tashkent, will take over the operation of the new trunk sewer lines once commissioned.

Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan said, “This agreement follows the earlier signed Memorandum of Agreement, demonstrating the ongoing economic collaboration between the UAE and Uzbekistan, forging strong partnerships between entities and organisations. Developing crucial infrastructure projects that improve the quality of life for the people in Tashkent and by extension the CIS region. This project further exemplifies the shared commitment to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address priorities around Clean Water and Sanitation; Infrastructure; and Sustainable Cities and Communities.”

Ahmed Al Shamsi, Managing Director and CEO of SWS Holding, and the Abu Dhabi Sustainable Water Solutions Company added, “Signing the joint development agreement with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and Uzsunvtaminot, underscores the mutual interest and commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship between the UAE and Uzbekistan. The partnership demonstrates SWS’ unwavering commitment to providing sustainable water solutions at scale, and reaffirms our global expertise in developing, operating and managing large-scale wastewater treatment facilities efficiently and effectively. We look forward to continuing the close collaboration with our partners as we actively support the UAE’s contribution to enhancing socio-economic cooperation with Uzbekistan and enabling the country to achieve long-term sustainable water security.”

Akhmad Suvankulov, Chairman of the Board at Uzsuvtaminot remarked, “Our partnership with SWS underscores our mutual commitment to deepening collaboration between the UAE and Uzbekistan, nurturing stronger ties and common strategic objectives to ensure a secure and sustainable environmental solution. This project contributes to the realisation of Uzbekistan’s economic development ambitions and builds a prosperous future for the people of Tashkent, benefiting from our combined experiences and unwavering dedication to achieving sustainable progress for generations to come.”

The construction of the project is expected to begin in 2026, with the plant scheduled to become operational by 2030. Upon completion, the facility will serve approximately three million people in Tashkent and surrounding cities and replace the two existing wastewater treatment plants in Salar and Bektimir.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Roshn has launched the sale of 1,251 new homes for the fourth phase of its flagship Sedra community, in Riyadh.

Sedra’s residences offer a range of 10 floor plans and two facades, with three colour variations for buyers to select. A key theme throughout he development is an emphasis on creating an eco-friendly environment, and approximately 30% of the area is dedicated to green public spaces, exercise facilities and pedestrian walkways.

Phase 4 of the project also includes the Saudi ‘Sports for All’ Federation Dome, as part of its broader partnership with the Saudi Sports for All Federation, aimed at providing year-round, all-weather access to sports facilities catering for all skill levels.

Sedra is also easily reachable via the Airport Road and is in walking distance from two metro stations. Nearby landmarks include Princess Nourah University, Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, and the SAR train station.

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Arada has announced its first expansion outside the UAE market with the launch of operations in Australia. The Dubai-based developer has set up a new office in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont and is planning multiple projects in Australia. Arada’s extended pipeline of projects will contribute towards urban renewal required to address the current housing shortage in Sydney.

Adding over 2,500 homes to the Sydney housing market, sales and construction for Arada’s initial projects will begin in 2025. With significant land holdings, the sites will deliver commercial and retail components. Arada has partnered with architecture firm Woods Bagot to design and deliver its vision to the Australian market, the firm noted in a statement.

Arada has been led by its Australian-born Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, who is also spearheading the Australian operations and business growth.

Alkhoshaibi remarked, “Launching in Australia marks a pivotal moment for Arada as we continue to realise our vision of integrated residential communities that help people lead happier, healthier and more meaningful lives. Arada is passionate about delivering activated precincts that deliver a community-based approach to housing supply.”

“Our initial projects in Sydney are strategically located within growth corridors, aligning with local government initiatives to expand housing near transport hubs and minimizing strain on existing infrastructure. With a strong financial position, an impressive track record and a dedicated local team, we are poised to make a positive impact on our future residents and the communities we serve,” Alkhoshaibi added.

In Australia, Arada will continue to deliver diverse housing options with facilities and amenities, alongside events and activations for residents and their friends to enjoy in the surrounding area. Its developments will feature green spaces, retail outlets and Arada’s own fitness and wellbeing offering, Wellfit, which focuses on providing active, healthy living for the whole family via state-of-the-art facilities, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

ENBD REIT has announced the successful sale of the Remraam residential assets at a slight premium to market value. The decision to divest this asset with ENBD REIT’s turnaround strategy was to optimise its portfolio with a focus on dividend growth via proactive asset management. The proceeds from this sale will be utilised to reduce debt.

“Following a comprehensive review of the portfolio, we have identified a clear turnaround strategy to unlock value for our shareholders and maintain our position as a reliable dividend payer. This divestment marks a significant first step to streamline our future-facing portfolio by improving the overall mix of the portfolio and strengthen our financial foundations by reducing our debt,” said Samir Kazi, Head of Real Estate at Emirates NBD Asset Management and CEO of ENBD REIT.

The two Remraam residential towers, Al Ramth 57 and 59, are in Dubailand and offer 105 units with a net leasable area of 112,154sqft. Acquired in September 2015, Remraam represents 4% of the REIT’s portfolio value.

As part of the sustainable turnaround journey, ENBD REIT continues to explore opportunities for investments and portfolio re-balancing. Despite challenges posed by a high-interest rate environment and pricing expectations, ENBD REIT.

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BESIX announced the financial closing of the Khalifa University accommodation PPP project, confirming that all funding has been secured and financing conditions met. With this milestone achieved, the project will move ahead with full momentum, the firm said.

Construction is scheduled for completion in time to welcome residents in Winter 2026.

Operating under the banner of KUnnected Living, this project will bring together BESIX, Plenary Group, Mazrui International, and United Engineering Construction. This collaboration combines international infrastructure expertise, facilities management proficiency, and local UAE investment.

“By leveraging our expertise as an industrial equity provider and our leadership in the PPP domain, we are committed to setting new benchmarks and demonstrating the transformative power of public-private partnerships in driving community and economic development,” said Peter Lembrechts, General Manager of BESIX Middle East.

KUnnected Living represents a partnership rooted in synergy. With the support and trust of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIO) and Khalifa University, KUnnected Living is well-positioned to drive this project forward, noted Elias Sfeir, Head of Concessions & Assets, BESIX Middle East.

“A key component of our facility management team is to enhance student satisfaction through well-maintained facilities, reliable equipment, a clean, safe, hygienic living environment, and seamless service delivery. This commitment to operational excellence is at the core of our facility management approach,” noted Eric Tranchant, Head of Operations and Maintenance – Concessions & Assets, BESIX Middle East.

The Khalifa University accommodation will cover 114,000sqm on two sites and with a capacity of 3,260 beds. It will prioritise individual ensuite rooms, green spaces, natural light, and student-centric amenities, ensuring an optimal living and learning environment.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plans to build Africa’s largest airport in Abusera a critical element of the airline’s 15-year plan to become one of the most competitive aviation groups in the world. Building on a 78-year track record, Ethiopian operates Africa’s most modern fleet to more than 150 destinations across five continents, said a statement.

The airport’s location allows the airline to meet the International Air Transport Association’s forecasts of more growth over the next decade. Growing beyond Bole International Airport, Abusera’s lower altitude will elevate aircraft take-off performance, while an express rail link to Addis Ababa facilitates connectivity.

In its first phase scheduled for 2029, the airport will have capacity for 60m passengers annually almost three times Africa’s current busiest airport creating thousands of jobs to serve Ethiopian’s expanding customer base and fleet. Ultimately, the airport will serve 110m passengers annually four times the capacity of Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian’s CEO Mesfin Tasew stated, “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation.”

To deliver this transformational new project, Ethiopian Airlines awarded a consultancy contract to a consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Pascall+Watson Architects, Landrum&Brown, and TY Lin.

Dar, TY Lin, and Landrum&Brown belong to Sidara, a global collaborative that ranks first in aviation (Engineering News Record 2023). ZHA brings design expertise and a record of acclaimed airport projects, while Pascall+Watson Architects has completed over 2,000 aviation projects across 70 airports, the statement noted.

These companies will cover technical advisory, engineering, project management, and construction supervision services for passenger facilities, airline support facilities, two Code 4E parallel runways along with associated airfield infrastructure, and other major airport facilities and infrastructure.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

EDL Anlagenbau Gesellschaft mbH (EDL) has been commissioned by Puraglobe Holding GmbH (Puraglobe) to engineer another HyLube plant. The client will build the fourth used oil re-refining plant, this time outside Europe. In this new project EDL will be responsible for basic and detail engineering with the necessary adjustments to the non-European location. The official signing of the contract was celebrated in May.

Puraglobe is the only manufacturer of API Group III/III+ base oils based on waste oil worldwide. The company invested an undisclosed sum into the construction of the HyLube3 plant, which was successfully commissioned in spring 2024.

In the EPCm project, 430t of piping and pipe support material, around 50km of cable, around 1,200 instruments, 10,000t of concrete and 1,000t of steel work were installed. Particularly challenging was the very limited space available for installation. Therefore, detailed planning and assembly sequence scheduling had to consider the limited pre-assembly options and the delivery of equipment by the required deadlines.

“We are delighted to be working with Puraglobe again. As the previous plants, HyLube 4 will also produce sought-after base oils, which are urgently needed due to their high quality and lower CO2 emissions. For these reasons, there is a high demand on them on the market,” says Luis Villalobos, Director Project Execution at EDL.

The 47m fractionating column, which was completed horizontally and then lifted into place in the previous project, the HyLube2 plant, was lifted into place, scaffolded and completed step by step with steel platforms, pipelines and other components in the HyLube3 project. There were also changes to the political situation in February 2022, which had a particular impact on the procurement of materials at equipment manufacturers. Irrespective of all these challenges, the plant was mechanically completed on schedule. It was handed over to Puraglobe in spring 2024 and went into proper operation, said the statement.

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Source: MEConstructionNews