Construction project management specialist, Zepth, has announced that it has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its platform, which is said to represent a ‘transformative leap in the industry’. The firm said it plans to deploy 40 AI agents to reach an artificial general intelligence (AGI) status where its machine will have human-level intelligence — which is billed as a first-of-its-kind endeavour in the Middle East and worldwide.

According to a statement, the AI Risk Manager will harness the power of AGI, with 40 AI agents proactively identifying potential risks, collaborating with each other, carrying out likelihood and impact assessments, and assisting in mitigation plans for the identified risks, to enable project managers to make data-driven decisions.

The tool is a testament to Zepth’s commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring project success even in the most challenging environments. AGI comprises intelligent agents with human-like capabilities to carry out a range of tasks, including in construction, the firm said.

“Zepth stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, redefining the common-data environment with AGI-driven human-level intelligence. Our platform epitomises intelligence, simplicity, and efficiency, designed for the modern world. Zepth’s AI-driven solutions are delivering extraordinary efficiency and precision to clients globally. The traditional Big Tech solutions, while once groundbreaking, now lag in a rapidly changing world. They are complex relics of a bygone era — no longer the best fit for today’s dynamic industry needs,” said Zepth Founder Prasoon Shrivastava.

The firm added that it is expanding its AI ecosystem to include hundreds of specialised agents, each designed to adapt to the complex, ever-changing demands of construction management. The move is said to reaffirm Zepth’s status in the software domain and highlights its ingenuity and the influence of technological advances globally.

The UAE, with its multiple government-led initiatives in smart buildings and cities, presents a strong appetite for AI-driven construction management solutions like Zepth, the statement noted.

Confirming the company’s mission to empower the developer community, Shrivastava said the journey that Zepth is charting is clear: in the world of construction, Zepth stands as the embodiment of advanced intelligence, driving an industry towards unparalleled efficiency.

“The UAE’s demonstrated track record of futuristic and innovative developments has inspired us to embrace AI as much as it has incentivised us to be a part of the region’s next growth phase,” he concluded.

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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a budget of more than US $17.7bn for new capital projects – and also gave directives to advance the Emirati culture and heritage ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

The go-ahead for the 2024 budget came at the council’s meeting, which was being chaired by Sheikh Khaled.

During the meeting, he gave directives to focus efforts on conserving Emirati heritage and upholding national identity by increasing awareness of national traditions, and by empowering local talent within the sector to help embed UAE cultural heritage among young people.

Sheikh Khaled emphasised that the leadership is continuing to prioritise and activate projects that drive infrastructural development to foster a sustainable community environment and ensure the stability and cohesion of Emirati society.

A series of new directives were also announced, which aim to further develop a sustainable cultural heritage ecosystem in the emirate by building on the success of current exhibitions, festivals, and heritage programmes.

The Crown Prince explained, “Preserving national heritage and fostering Emirati traditions springs from a deep-rooted belief that heritage is essential for building both the present and the future.” He added that these measures aim to build a future in which the nation’s cultural heritage is a source of pride and inspiration for all.

Later in the agenda, Sheikh Khaled was briefed on plans to establish the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre, which aims to develop a framework for effectively handling hazardous materials. The centre also aims to ensure co-ordination among the relevant authorities to further enhance planning and response efforts to manage hazardous materials in line with best international practices.

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A US $1.65bn contract has been awarded by National Highways to Bouygues Travaux Publics and J Murphy & Sons to construct the ‘largest bored tunnels in the UK’. The $13.4bn Lower Thames Crossing contract for tunnel boring is said to be the final major award for the road link between Kent and Essex. The contract also includes the tunnel systems, portal buildings and approach roads.

BMJV is a joint venture comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS and J Murphy & Sons, supported by consulting engineers Mott McDonald and Ove Arup & Partners.

In June 2023, the Planning Inspectorate initiated a six-month phase of a thorough examination of National Highways’ application for a development consent order. If the consent is granted, and both the current and the following governments support the project, construction could commence in 2026, a report noted.

“This contract award completes a world class team that has carbon reduction, community and value at its heart. By bringing the team together at an early stage we can focus on driving out carbon, delivering the best possible value for money and maximising the huge benefits the project will deliver nationally, regionally and locally,” said Matt Palmer, Lower Thames Crossing Executive Director.

The Tunnels and Approaches contract involves the design and construction of two road tunnels beneath the River Thames. These tunnels will span 2.6-miles, which will make them the longest in the UK. The tunnels will be over 16m wide and will allow for three lanes of traffic to pass through.

“Bouygues Travaux Publics – Murphy JV and all of our delivery partners are fully bought into our passion for delivering a green-skills legacy and share our ambition to use the Lower Thames Crossing as a catalyst to change the whole construction industry’s attitude and approach to carbon reduction,” concluded Palmer.

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A US $983mn memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) with Ukraine’s Boryspil International Airport Corporation. The MoU outlines the reconstruction and expansion of the terminal and runway at Kyiv International Airport.

The agreement also calls for the sharing of business information and exploring joint projects to facilitate the restoration of the Boryspil International Airport, which is Ukraine’s largest airport. The MoU also calls for Boryspil airport authority to provide project information and support to ensure seamless operations during the reconstruction.

The KAC, which oversees operations at 14 airports across Korea, will support the reconstruction through airport operation consulting, international education and training, in addition to supplying its safety equipment, said a report.

“Our goal is not only to assist in the recovery of Boryspil Airport but also to elevate its infrastructure to a higher standard. It will set the stage for Korea’s airport operational expertise to enter the Eastern European region,” said Yoon Hyeong-jung, CEO of Korea Airports Corporation.

Hyundai E&C will be responsible for the design, procurement, and construction responsibilities of the airport project, the report stated.

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The eagerly anticipated 2024 Access and Handling Summit is set to take place on February 15th, 2024 at the Habtoor Polo Club, Dubai.

This event, now in its fourth iteration, is shaping up to be an essential gathering for industry professionals in the Middle East’s burgeoning access and handling market.

The summit will offer a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge and networking, catering to a diverse group of stakeholders, including end-users, manufacturers, suppliers, and investors. It aims to delve into market trends, innovations, and opportunities, offering insights into the latest technologies and sustainable practices.

One of the key focuses of the summit will be on advancing access and handling technology, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, safety, and supporting major infrastructure projects. These topics are crucial given the substantial investments in infrastructure by Middle Eastern governments, highlighted by recent projects like Dubai’s Expo 2020, Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

“We run over 20 events at CPI Trade Media, but this is one of my personal favourites as we always get great interaction between the audience and the speakers,” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East. “We will again be inviting end-users to join our line-up and I’m sure we will be hosting another valuable event for everyone involved in working at height in a safe and sustainable way.”

In addition to exploring technology advancements in automation and robotics, the summit will address the growing importance of sustainability in equipment design. Discussions will cover eco-friendly practices, energy-efficient solutions, and the integration of green technologies, aligning with the region’s environmental goals.

Manufacturers are invited to participated to demonstrated the latest equipment and technology for rental and contractor fleets – with delegates invited to enjoy an array of equipment live on the day.

The event will also spotlight significant infrastructure projects in the Middle East, including airports, ports, logistics hubs, and urban development. This segment will examine the specific requirements for access and handling equipment needed for these mega projects.

Moreover, the summit will provide insights into current market trends, demand drivers, and investment opportunities in the sector. Discussions will include potential partnerships, financing options, and market entry strategies for businesses looking to expand in the region.

A notable aspect of the summit will be the focus on on-site training for access and handling equipment, particularly Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), with sessions designed to outline protocols in practical terms.

The Access and Handling Summit is being brought to the industry by Construction Machinery Middle East, a leading media entity with a strong presence across print, digital, and in-person platforms. The event promises to include cutting-edge panel discussions, interviews, and presentations, all aimed at effectively conveying key aspects of the vital Access & Handling debates.

This summit is not just an opportunity for a knowledge exchange but also a chance for attendees to engage with esteemed professionals and influential decision-makers in the field. With its comprehensive program and diverse array of speakers, the 2024 Access and Handling Summit is poised to be an important event for an industry facing a huge amount of challenges and opportunities.

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A consortium comprising Saudi Archirodon and DEME have secured the second phase of transformation work at the Port of NEOM, the primary seaport of entry to northwest Saudi Arabia.

Based in Oxagon, the Port of NEOM is said to be strategically located along the coast of the Red Sea, and is adjacent to the nearby Suez Canal, through which 13% of global trade passes.

According to a statement, the port will be a critical enabler to the overall build, operations and economic ambitions of NEOM, and will facilitate the import of goods and materials during the development phase and as a new global port serving the region.

“We are proud to be awarded this important project which focuses on building a next generation sustainable port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This contract underscores our technical and engineering expertise which, alongside the capabilities of our partners at Archirodon, were undoubtedly key factors in DEME securing this landmark contract,” explained Christopher Iwens, Managing Director Dredging at DEME.

DEME said that project work will kick off later this month and involves setting up the basin that will enable the world’s largest ships to call at Port of NEOM. All materials recovered as part of the channel development will be used to support the wider development of Oxagon.

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Cenomi Centres, an owner, operator and developer of contemporary lifestyle centres in Saudi Arabia, has said it will install solar PV panels across its sites, in a bid to drastically reduce its Scope 2 emissions.

The firm said it has executed a Portfolio Development Agreement with a consortium formed by FAS Energy and Marubeni Corporation.

The partnership was signed by Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centres, Yoshiaki Yokota, CEO, Energy & Infrastructure Solution Group of Marubeni, and Turki Mansour Al Hokair, CEO of FAS Energy, during COP28.

The parties will initially deploy solar PV panels for a period of 20 years on the roofs and carports of 13 selected Cenomi Centres’ assets, and may extend to the installation of related EV charging infrastructure, subject to all regulatory approval and permits applicable in Saudi Arabia.

Solar panels absorbing the suns energy on hot summer day

The initial deployment is expected to accommodate a total capacity of approximately 52MWp and generate 93GWh per year. At full deployment, it is expected that 15% of Cenomi Centres’ annual electricity consumption will come from 100% renewable sources.

The installations will result in the reduction of 53,000t of CO2 emissions per year, which is equivalent to 870,000 trees grown for 10 years. This agreement with FAS Energy and Marubeni Corporation supports Cenomi Centres in delivering on its ambitions to create and maintain a sustainable business model that offers a positive, lasting impact on the communities in which it operates.

The installations will be rolled out in phases, beginning with Cenomi Centres’ sites in Riyadh in early 2024, before moving on to other shopping centres across the Kingdom. All sites are expected to be completed and in operation by 2025. The agreement is based on a design, finance, build, own and operate model – without upfront capital investments or any operational burdens to Cenomi Centres.

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Arcilla Property Partners has announced it has won contracts to develop and design more than 100,000sqft of luxury residential real estate in the UAE.

Founded by Alexis Stellakis and Harry Helsby, Arcilla’s portfolio of projects has risen to eight sites across the UAE, including two penthouses in the prestigious new residences at Atlantis The Royal, one three-bedroom and one five-bedroom. The company is fully redeveloping and designing the properties and their interiors, which are set to be completed, on schedule, by the end of the year.

For one of the properties, the penthouse owner who commissioned Arcilla as their developers and designers, acquired the 32nd floor of Atlantis The Royal off-plan in 2016. The design work then commenced in 2021, allowing for a full two-year process to visualise and craft every element of the interior architecture and design, including bespoke furniture and joinery designed by Arcilla and manufactured by a local fit-out partner, Bond Interiors.

The company said it is working to fulfil the UAE demand for a higher standard of quality and more understated luxury, that draws on the sophistication and style of design seen in other premier markets.

In addition to Atlantis The Royal, Arcilla is working on a growing number of ultra-luxury individual units, and larger-scale developments alongside their local partners across the UAE, including Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

Harry Helsby, Co-founder and the Creative Director said, “It has been an incredible journey so far, and we’re privileged to be working on so many iconic property and interior architectural projects within our first few years of operation in the UAE. Here at Atlantis The Royal, we have designed every single item of furniture, down to the button going onto the headboard. We have tailored the size and scale of every single piece and item of joinery going in.”

Alexis Stellakis, Co-founder and Managing Director added, “We are seeing a trend from our clients for high quality, prestigious aesthetics within their properties. So, we are supporting them in this vision, bringing our own insight and experience in this space to the UAE. We see a big appetite for it here.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews