Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed two MoUs for the development of new and innovative transportation systems, as part of the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).

The first MoU involves studying the feasibility of the ‘Floc Duo Rail’ system, a double-track system that allows transportation units to move quickly and efficiently. The second MoU is related to developing a rail bus system, which travels on a bridge equipped with solar panels to generate the electricity needed to operate the system.

The MoUs were signed with Urban-Mass Company, a UK-based provider of zero emission mass transit mobility solutions, and Rail Bus, a start-up company based in Delaware, US, that has created the first 100% solar powered mass transportation system.

The CEO of the RTA’s Rail Agency, Abdul Mohsen Kalbat, signed the deals with Ricky Sandhu, the Founder & CEO of Urban-Mass, and Dr Hatem Al Taher Ibrahim, the Director of Business Development at Rail Bus.

Later, Abdul Mohsen Kalbat commented, “The signing of the deals is part of RTA’s strategic plans to engage in communication with premier companies and specialised entities in this field to identify and adopt the most sophisticated and advanced practices.”

He explained that currently, the RTA is exploring a range of innovations in the field of transportation systems including a highly innovative transportation system, called the ‘Floc Duo Rail’. “This system features double tracks that allow transportation units to move swiftly and efficiently within urban areas. It is a driverless system and uses electrical power. It uses short units during low peak periods and long units during high peak periods to meet the emirate’s needs effectively.”

“The second novel transportation system from Urban Mass features vehicles operating on a bridge outfitted with solar panels. These panels harness solar energy to power the system, ensuring its operation in Dubai. This system is distinguished by its contemporary design and offers the advantage of lower costs in comparison to similar transportation systems.”

On the strategic deal Sandhu commented, “Our company views its commitment to introduce the Floc Duo Rail system in Dubai through this MOU as a significant stride forward. The partnership between Urban Mass and RTA epitomises the robust mutual commitment of Britain and the UAE to combat climate change. This partnership is set to pave the way for sustainable mass transit solutions through innovative technology, transforming urban mobility across the city.”

The post RTA inks MoUs to develop innovative transportation systems appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

UAE-based Alphabeta Properties has launched its new residential project, M77, located on Meydan Avenue at Nad Al Sheba.

While the development is set to feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, each of the 77 apartments will showcase Alphabeta’s blend of innovative layouts and high-grade finishes – and also provides the residents with views of Downtown Dubai. The amenities include two lobbies, four elevators; full-floor gymnasium; 50m Olympic-sized pool; and additional basement parking, as well as a smart keyless entry system.

M77 sales plan is via an invite-only auction, thereby, according to Alphabeta, “revolutionising how residents are chosen and adding an element of exclusivity to the community.”

Abdulla Al Shaibani, founder of Alphabeta Properties said, “M77 is not just about living; it’s about creating an unparalleled lifestyle. The auction mechanism reflects our commitment to fostering a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate the exceptional quality of living that Alphabeta Properties offers.”

“What sets M77 apart is the groundbreaking approach to resident selection. Unlike conventional rental procedures, M77 will determine its residents through an invite-only auction, a pioneering concept in Dubai’s real estate landscape.”

The post Alphabeta Properties launches new residential project in Dubai appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The post Truck&Fleet ME – January 2024 appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has revealed the shortlist of companies, individuals and projects ahead of the 14^th edition of the annual Big Project Middle East Awards. The gala dinner event is scheduled to take place on 22 January at the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai.

Nominations closed in early December 2023, following which each nomination went through two rounds of scrutiny; the first was conducted by the BPME editorial team, with the remaining nominations then being presided over by a panel of five judges in early January.

In excess of 150 nominations were submitted across 31 categories by a diverse mix of organisations, including government departments and ministries, developers, operators, contractors, specialists and suppliers.

Individuals, companies and projects that made the shortlist, as well as those that scored the most first choice votes, will be celebrated at the gala dinner event on 22 January. The impartial elimination rounds saw the consolidation of some categories due to a lack of stand-out nominations; conversely, in categories with several strong nominations, a decision was made to expand the category. The full shortlist and list of winners will be revealed at the gala dinner.

“It’s been a long road to get here, and the BPME team and I are pleased to be at the stage where we can reveal the shortlist for most of our categories. Competition was tough, as it always is at the Big Project Middle East Awards, and I look forward to revealing the full shortlist, the winners, and celebrating their success on 22 January,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The shortlist for the 2023 Big Project Middle East Awards is as follows:

Mentor of the Year

• Ahmed Maged Mohamed Ali – VE Experts
• Amr Metwally – Engineering Contracting Company

Woman of the Year

• Rana Nassar – Parsons
• Rexy Seema Machado – Dutco Interiors
• Sheikha Ali – ALEC Engineering & Contracting

Team of the Year

• Connect Conference Centre Expo City Team – ISG
• Khazna Data Centre, AUH6, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi – McLaren Construction Group
• Innovo MEP / ASU

Executive of the Year

• Barry Lewis – ALEC Engineering & Contracting
• Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Properties
• Maryam Almheiri – Dubai Municipality
• Pierre Santoni – Parsons

Sustainable Contractor of the Year

• ACCIONA
• The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)

Sustainable Developer of the Year

• Abu Dhabi Ports Group
• Fakhruddin Properties

Sustainable Project of the Year

• Advancing Sustainability – Imdaad
• Restoration of Burullus Lake – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• Solar PV Energy System for RTA Buildings & Facilities – Roads and Transport Authority
• The Red Sea Destination – Red Sea Global

Fit-Out Contractor of the Year

• ALEC FITOUT
• Depa
• ISG

MEP Contractor of the Year

• ALEMCO
• LASCO JV SSG
• Sobha Constructions
• United Masters Electromechanical

Infrastructure Contractor of the Year

• China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East)
• The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)

Large Contractor of the Year

• ALEC Engineering & Contracting
• Sobha Constructions
• The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)

Project of the Year: Fit-Out

• Intercontinental Residences – Depa
• One & Only One Za’abeel – ALEC FITOUT

Project of the Year: Offsite Construction

• The Crest – Sobha Constructions
• The Point – DBB Contracting

Project of the Year: MEP

• New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Animal Life & Safety Systems – ALEMCO & Miral
• Skylight – Al Wathba – LASCO JV SSG
• The Crest, Sobha Hartland – Sobha Constructions

Project of the Year: Refurbishment & Retrofit

• AT.MOSPHERE – ALEC FITOUT
• Restoration of Amr Ibn Al-Aas Mosque – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• Unified 7 UAE Customer Happiness Centres – Ministry of Health & Prevention

Project of the Year: Water

• New Delta Wastewater Treatment Plant – Arab Contractors-Metito-Orascom-Hassan Allam JV
• Shuqaiq 3 RO Desalination Plant – ACCIONA

Project of the Year: Infrastructure & Transport

• Greater Cairo Metro Line 3 – Phase 3A – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• LRT – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)
• UAE National Railway – Etihad Railway

Project of the Year: Leisure, Retail & Hospitality

• SeaWorld Abu Dhabi – ALEC Engineering & Contracting
• The Islamic Cultural Centre in the New Administrative Capital – The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.)

Project of the Year: Residential

• Intercontinental Residences – DEPA
• Seef Lusail Residential Development – Parsons
• Waves Grande – Sobha Constructions

The 2023 Big Project Middle East Awards are supported by:

Gold Sponsor: ECC
Silver Sponsor: Procore
Support Partner: Compass Project Consulting, Kingspan, RIB Software

To learn more about the Big Project Middle East Awards, click here.

The post Revealed: Shortlist for 2023 Big Project Middle East Awards appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi-listed Acwa Power has announced that its consortium – which includes construction group Hassan Allam – has signed a 25-year agreement with Egypt’s New and Renewable Energy Authority. This will see the development of a 1.1GW wind energy project, which will be one of the largest onshore wind energy initiatives ever conceived.

It is being set up at an investment of US $1.5bn and aims to reduce regional CO2 emissions by 2.4m tonnes annually. The consortium will work during the project’s development phase to complete site studies and secure project financing in the Gulf of Suez and Jabal Al-Zeit regions.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt; Dr Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy of Egypt; Hassan Allam Utilities, Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Dahas; and Deputy Ambassador of di Arabia in Cairo, Amjad Saeed.

As per the deal, the Acwa Power-led consortium will help secure financing and also find land for the massive new wind farm, set to be built across the Gulf of Suez and Gebel al-Zeit.

The wind farm will boast some of the tallest wind turbines yet built, which will be in excess of 220m tall and will power up to 1.08m homes.

The post Egypt plans world-class wind energy project appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Majid Al Futtaim Development has announced its final project at Tilal Al Ghaf, with the launch of Amara.

Unveiling the project, the developer said Amara comprises 116 private twin villas with interiors curated by The Bergman Design House. Built around a community park, the key development is brought to life with well-designed water and play areas. The complex also houses several residential amenities, including a gym and multipurpose hall – features that have become staple hallmarks across Majid Al Futtaim’s lifestyle destinations, it noted.

The ground-plan for Amara creates an interplay between each pair of villas; a third of each twin villa is recessed to create space for the entrance, dramatically offsetting it from its successor. These arrangements then follow the snaking contours of the masterplan, further breaking the alignments of the twin villas to create a dynamic street façade.

Each villa features ‘semi-outdoor’ areas that introduce greenery into the living quarters, encouraging an indoor-outdoor living experience, while single and double-height spaces lead residents from the entrance to the garden, where they can enjoy optimally framed views of the surrounding landscapes.

Majid Al Futtaim Development CEO, Hawazen Esber said, “The launch of Amara is set to usher in a new era of residential complex design and connectivity, promising a uniquely integrated lifestyle marked by communal experiences and outdoor elements.”

“With dynamic architecture and façades, the beating heart of Amara will be felt through its intentional interior design; earthy colour palettes and natural materials work in synergy to present a community of understated luxury and unassuming elegance, complete with the workings of an inner sanctuary.”

Marie Soliman and Albin Berglund of Bergman Design House added, “At Bergman Design House, we seamlessly blend modern luxury with the natural beauty of Tilal Al Ghaf. The careful use of timbers and handpicked stones highlights the organic elements, offering residents unobstructed views of the picturesque surroundings.”

“Our design reflects Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to unmatched lifestyle experiences. Amara fosters a sense of belonging, harmonising elevated living with nature and the neighborhood, creating a sanctuary of luxury and tranquility,” Soliman concluded.

The post Amara to showcase ‘new era’ of villa design appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The post Big Project ME – January 2024 appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has said that the first edition of its Critical Infrastructure Summit (CIS) will take place on 17 April, at the Two Seasons Hotel in Dubai.

The event will shine a light on the region’s infrastructure, including airports, seaports, road and rail transportation systems and data centres. The CIS was originally scheduled to take place in late 2023 but was postponed with a view to expand its agenda and incorporate a greater breadth of public and private sector speakers.

At present regional governments are working with the private sector to either expand or develop all new infrastructure, in line with changing market appetites, requirements, and even the threat of climate change. Data from Mordor Intelligence said that the Middle East and Africa infrastructure market is valued at US $48bn and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2023 and 2028.

“The Critical Infrastructure Summit drew a fantastic response from public and private sector entities when it was first announced last year, and I’m pleased to announce it will now take place on 17 April. The event will focus on the development and refurbishment of a variety of regional infrastructure, which I think aligns perfectly with many of the developments we’re seeing across the region. The new date enabled us to expand the event’s focus and give it the time it deserves, away from the traditionally busy events season in the last quarter of the year,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The event in 2024 will comprise a mix of panel discussions and high-level presentations, and is supported by:

Gold Sponsor: KEO International Consultants
Strategic Content Partner: ALEC
Silver Sponsor: AECOM
Endorsed by: The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

To discuss participating at the event as a speaker, contact conference producer Jason Saundalkar on Jason.s@cpitrademedia.com. Sponsorship inquires can be addressed to Raz Islam on raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com.

Read more about the Critical Infrastructure Summit by clicking here.

The post Critical Infrastructure Summit to take place on 17 April in Dubai appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Senegal’s national electricity company Senelec and a subsidiary of French construction firm Vinci have inked a $219.5mn deal to build electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.

According to a statement, the project will be partially funded by French authorities. The three-year project will involve the construction of 1,350km of high-voltage and very-high-voltage overhead and underground transmission lines, in a bid to connect thousand of homes.

The project will also see the construction of eight very-high-voltage transformer stations.

The grid management system will be enhanced with the addition of an interface to remotely manage operations and detect defects in the overhead and underground power lines.

Local teams will receive training with support from Vinci Energies’s French and Moroccan subsidiaries, the report noted.

The project is part of a wider programme to expand Senegal’s transmission and distribution grid, with a view to strengthening the country’s energy capacity by 2026 and move towards universal access to electricity.

The post US $219mn deal inked to develop infrastructure in Senegal appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

UAE-based developer RAK Properties has appointed BHM Capital as the liquidity provider for the company’s share-holding. This move is aimed at enhancing trading liquidity and boosting transactional efficiency for the developer’s shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Under the terms of the agreement, BHM Capital will ensure liquidity for RAK Properties’ shares by actively participating in the market trading system in compliance with the regulations set by the ADX and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

On the key appointment, RAK Properties CEO, Sameh Muhtadi said: “This underscores our commitment to offer a reliable foundation for our investors, fostering an environment of confidence and assurance within the market, while paving the way for long-term growth opportunities.”

He added, “This partnership will facilitate access for regional and international investors to easily participate and engage with our stock, diversifying our investor base while solidifying our market presence. We have been impressed by the commitment and expertise demonstrated and look forward to a long-term collaboration to further evolve and advance capital market practices.”

A private joint stock company listed in the Dubai Financial Market, BHM’s involvement is expected to strengthen RAK Properties presence on the ADX and foster investor confidence by facilitating efficient and transparent trading mechanisms.

BHM CEO, Abdel Hadi Al Sa’di, commented, “Through our appointment as the liquidity provider on RAK Properties’ shares, we aim to enhance price stability, attracting a broader range of investors to trade in the company’s shares, and increasing its turnover. This in turn, is expected to enhance its market value by injecting new investments, and contributes in stimulating the financial markets and increasing the appeal of listed companies.”

The post RAK Properties boosts trading liquidity appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews