The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed that the 2024 edition of its annual Big Project ME Golf Day will take place on 30 January. Now in its 14^th year, the industry event will bring together construction industry stakeholders from across the region for a day of friendly competition and networking. The venue for the event will be announced in the coming weeks, the BPME team confirmed.

Registration is complementary but mandatory for regional developers, consultants, contractors and construction specialists. The event will kick off on the day at 11am with registration and practice, and is scheduled to conclude by 6pm with the announcement of winners, followed by a buffet dinner and beverages.

Individuals interested in participating in the event can register here – registrations are expected to close one week prior to the event.

“We’ll be kicking off our roster of events in 2024 with our annual golf day event, which has become something of an industry staple. The BPME editorial team looks forward to bringing together stakeholders from across the industry for a bit of friendly competition and networking, which we hope will lead to closer collaboration on projects in the region,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

Previous editions of the industry event took place at several prestigious venues in Dubai, including the Trump International Golf Club, Montgomerie Golf Club, and Emirates Golf Club.

The 2024 edition of the BPME Golf Day is sponsored by: AtkinsRéalis; Kingspan Insulation and Meesons. Commercial inquiries can be addressed to Raz Islam at raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com.

To learn more about the Big Project ME Golf Day, click here.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

US-based LanzaTech Global has partnered with Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer) to initiate an integrated waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feasibility study. This will assess SAF production from municipal and commercial solid waste.

Headquartered in Illinois, LanzaTech is a carbon recycling company that can transform waste carbon into sustainable raw materials for everyday products.

Using its biorecycling technology, LanzaTech captures carbon generated by energy-intensive industries at the source, preventing it from being emitted into the air. It then gives that captured carbon a new life as a clean replacement for virgin fossil carbon, in everything from household cleaners and clothing fibres to packaging and fuels.

According to experts, the proposed facility is likely to see up to 350,000t of hard-to-recycle municipal and commercial solid waste getting transformed into 200,000t of ethanol per year, ultimately producing 120,000t of SAF annually.

Tadweer Managing Director and CEO Ali Al Dhaheri said, “The waste management industry has the potential to reduce almost 1.8 gigatonnes of emitted CO2 per year, an indicator of its critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to working closely with LanzaTech on developing a waste-to-SAF solution, which strengthens our efforts to implement a sustainable waste management system in the emirate. This builds on our vision of becoming an international model for a circular economy.”

LanzaTech CEO, Jennifer Holmgren added, “Recycling municipal solid waste, rather than letting it pile up in landfills, offers incredible potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel at scale and reduce air travel’s carbon footprint. This solution creates an alternative, lower carbon supply chain. With LanzaTech’s technology in Tadweer’s facilities, this project is an opportunity to address the climate crisis on two fronts simultaneously and keep virgin fossil fuels in the ground.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews

GFH Group has unveiled the masterplan for its high-end destination Areen, in Bahrain, that will boast a new township featuring residential, hospitality and retail elements on a two million sqm area. Comprising 16 major clusters, it will be home to 25,000 residents.

The Areen project is located near Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in the southern region of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is in close proximity to Bahrain International Circuit and Al Dana Amphitheatre.

With a built-up area of 1.5m sqm, the project features 16 major clusters, including commercial offices, retail units, restaurants and hotels, health and education facilities, and a range of residential communities. The masterplan is said to have been updated and enhanced to accommodate new health and wellness trends in addition to walkable shopping streets.

A key highlight of Areen’s masterplan is the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, the newest five-star hotel in the Kingdom, which opened it doors on 11 December.

Set over a 131,213sqm area, the signature hotel features 78 villas and 120 rooms, which include 1/2/3 bedrooms, each with private pools and gardens. The hotel also boasts five F&B outlets, a rooftop restaurant and an award-winning spa brand.

The groundbreaking of the new masterplan and the launch of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, was held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty King of Bahrain and the President of the Supreme Council for Environment.

Speaking on the occasion, GFH CEO and Chairman of Al Areen, Hisham Alrayes said, “We are delighted to unveil plans for Areen – our unique, high-end, mixed-use development that embodies the finest of Bahraini ingenuity, natural beauty and drive – and that too in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah, whose leadership and commitment to the kingdom’s sustainable growth and development serve to inspire the establishment of new landmark projects such as ours.”

He concluded, “We are also proud to announce the establishment of Bahrain’s newest five-star hotel, which is being operated by the world-renowned Raffles, who are set to offer visitors from the region and around the world a new standard of excellence and luxury at Areen.”

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The Gardens 2 mixed-use development has been launched by UAE-based Iman Developers. The project features 223 residential units and is located in the Arjan community in Dubai, and is said to be a significant addition to the developer’s portfolio.

The project was developed at a cost of US $54.5mn and is designed to seamlessly combine residential units and retail outlets. The developer says that it aims to redefine the concept of upscale living by harmoniously blending elements of nature and modernity.

The mixed-use development features a basement + ground + roof + five floor layout and offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. It also features 15 retail outlets on the ground floor, the developer noted.

“Gardens 2 represents our vision to create living spaces that are not just homes but sanctuaries. We are particularly proud of our innovative approach to sustainability and smart living, ensuring that Gardens 2 sets new benchmarks in eco-friendly and technologically advanced homes. Our residents will not just inhabit a space; they will be part of a community that values quality, luxury, and a sustainable future,” said Ismail Marfani, Managing Director of Iman Developers.

Located in Arjan, the development is said to offer residents a seamless connection to Dubai’s major landmarks, and is said to feature top-notch facilities, including a working zone, lobby lounge, lift lobby, bicycle parking with a wash area, drop-off area, EV charging station, and designated parking for people of determination.

“At Iman Developers, our focus extends beyond mere construction; we endeavour to shape environments that seamlessly blend luxury with nature, technology with sustainability, and modern living with wellness. The first floor hosts a luxurious oasis with an array of amenities, including an infinity pool, Baja shelf, sunken seating area, pool sun lounger area, kids pool, outdoor seating area, leisure deck, meditation area, splash pad, and dedicated changing rooms for both males and females,” explained Marfani.

He added that the rooftop can transform into a wellness & fitness zone, encompassing a rooftop infinity pool, outdoor kids play area, indoor cardio zone, sauna and steam room, BBQ and seating area, swimming pool bar, rooftop seating, clubhouse, foosball table and kitchenette, communal working zone, and dedicated changing rooms.

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As part of its continued development in Saudi Arabia, real estate advisor CBRE has announced that it has opened a new office in Riyadh. The offer is in the Al Faisaliah Tower and is said to follow a year of continued growth in the Kingdom.

Earlier in the year, the firm also made a number of senior appointments, including Elias Bou Habib as Head of Consulting – Saudi Arabia, Jena Ladhani as Country Managing Director – Saudi Arabia for CBRE Global Workplace Solutions and Pedro Ribeiro as General Manager – Saudi Arabia for CBRE Advisory.

The firm is said to have been serving clients in Saudi Arabia for over 15 years, and now has over 300 real estate experts based on the ground across all its group divisions. The firm said it had recently advised on some of the biggest real estate projects across the Kingdom, including Saudi Arabia’s largest standalone hotel transaction in Jeddah, and over 30 mega and giga projects as part of Vision 2030. It also worked on its largest ever valuation project, valuing over 700,000 real estate assets in Saudi Arabia since 2021, as part of the Kingdom’s transformational change initiatives.

“I am proud to open our new Riyadh office today, at a time of unprecedented development in Saudi Arabia. This strategic milestone is a testament of our ongoing growth in the Kingdom and underscores our commitment to foster local partnerships, drive innovation and help our clients realize their potential in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic business landscape,” said Nicholas Maclean, Managing Director of CBRE Middle East.

The opening ceremony for the new office was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud, CBRE Saudi Arabia & Dar Al Riyadh Board Member, Prince Naif bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud, CBRE Saudi Arabia & Dar Al Riyadh Board Member, and Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO of CBRE in India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa among other senior guests.

Pedro Ribeiro, General Manager – Advisory of CBRE Saudi Arabia added, “I am delighted to welcome our Saudi Arabia team into our new office, designed to encourage collaboration and flexibility. It is a great example of the modern work environment that supports how people work today. This not only represents a significant business milestone but also our dedication to contributing to the development of the Kingdom and its Vision 2030.”

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The Saudi Architecture and Design Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as part of its endeavour to enhance its raft of global strategic partnerships.

Part of the organisation’s remit is to help attract the best international practices and experiences into the kingdom – and RIBA has a 150-year history of supporting and benchmarking many of the world’s finest architectural developments and portfolios.

The signing ceremony was held at the institute’s headquarters in London, where the commission was represented by its CEO, Dr. Sumayah Al Solaiman, and the institute by CEO, Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick.

Dr. Sumayah explained the importance of this new partnership in contributing to the commission’s strategic plans: “It will”, she said, “contribute to the transfer of the best practices in the architecture and design industries as we work as strategic partners in the sector, to achieve the aspirations of the architecture and design community in the Kingdom.”

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Europe’s oldest luxury hotel company, Kempinski Hotels, has signed an agreement with Bahrain-based Infracorp to launch its premium development – Kempinski Hotel and Residences – in the heart of Manama’s burgeoning downtown district.

Kempinski Hotel and Residences will occupy one of three signature towers that are part of the mixed-use Bahrain Harbour development.

It will feature 74 guestrooms situated on the upper floors and an additional 186 Kempinski branded residences spread across the rest of the building, which is expected to open its doors by the end of 2025.

A pioneer in infrastructure developments in the kingdom, Infracorp currently has more than $3bn in assets under management.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Bernold Schroeder, Chairman and CEO of Kempinski Group, said this landmark development re-establishes its foothold in Bahrain and the long-standing commitment to the Middle East. “At Kempinski Bahrain Harbour”, he explained, “guests will discover a warm European welcome in a setting that reflects the riches of the Arabian Gulf; a modern and sophisticated environment set around a wonderful marina at the heart of Bahrain’s financial district. We are thrilled to be partnering with Infracorp on this prestigious project.

“Elegant and luxuriously appointed rooms and suites at Kempinski Bahrain Harbour Hotel and The Residences at Kempinski Bahrain Harbour, will be the highest in the Kingdom, offering elevated views across the marina and Manama skyline from floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies.

“Moreover, the guestrooms and branded residences will feature contemporary style interiors with soft colours, marble features and wooden textures, with accented feature walls and brass fixtures.”

Bahrain Harbour is within walking distance of local attractions such as The Avenues Mall, Manama Souq and Moda Mall, along with Bahrain World Trade Centre and Bahrain Financial Harbour.

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Dar Group has announced it is rebranding to Sidara. The firm says the new global brand reflects the group’s ambitions and mission of building a healthier, more equitable world, where humanity and nature coexist in harmony. The new brand was unveiled for the first time at COP28 in Dubai.

A family-owned business of around 19,000 people across more than 300 locations, Sidara specialises in infrastructure, architecture, project management and the energy sectors.

“We explore design-level insights for the aviation, healthcare, mobility, data centre and urban hydrogen sectors and chart concrete pathways to zero emissions. It is an apt symbol of our mission to create environments, where humanity and nature harmoniously coexist, elevate how people live, connect communities, and make room for all cultures to shine,” remarked its Chairman and CEO Talal Shair.

The group’s collaborative is home to 17 leading, specialist firms in the built environment, including Dar, Perkins&Will, Currie & Brown, TYLin, and Penspen.

At COP28, the Sidara Collaborative is launching Solutions – a collection of investigations into how to rapidly decarbonise the most challenging sectors in the built environment. Shair has been advocating for pushing forward beyond low-hanging fruit and tackling some of the toughest areas on the path to Net Zero.

“We’re aligning our house of leading brands with this mission – and amplifying our collective strengths through a new global identity. As Sidara, we’re working to develop transformative solutions and pathways towards meaningful, long-term change for all our clients and communities. While this is our first time at COP28 UAE as Sidara, this is a continuation of our advocacy for the world as we would for our own home,” he concluded.

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A new residential project – Mercedes-Benz Places – has been announced, following a deal between Binghatti Properties and Mercedes-Benz.

The residential tower will be developed in Downtown Dubai and will offer views of the Burj Khalifa and access to landmarks including the Dubai Mall. According to a statement, the tower will have a height of 341m and will feature 65 storeys.

“We are profoundly excited to be working alongside Mercedes-Benz – a truly iconic name – to develop the first Mercedes-Benz branded luxury residence in the world. Mercedes-Benz Places in Dubai is not merely a real-estate development; it will also place community and mobility at its core, setting a new benchmark for intelligent living,” stated Muhammad BinGhatti, CEO of Binghatti.

Binghatti and Mercedes-Benz have been defining the details on this project for over a year. During this time, the main focus has been on creating a customer-centred approach that places the needs of future residents at the forefront of the experience. The Mercedes-Benz design philosophy revolving around Sensual Purity is a driving force behind the project’s architecture, creating timeless and beautiful spaces in an oasis of serenity and purity. By combining smart home technologies with intelligent mobility solutions, Mercedes-Benz Places Dubai aims to redefine comfort and convenience in a modern living space, said a statement.

Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Marketing & Sales added, “With Mercedes-Benz Places in Dubai, we are going beyond automotive to create outstanding brand moments. With their many years of experience in real-estate development, Binghatti is the ideal partner for us. Our aim with our first branded, real estate residential tower is to create new, desirable grounds that inherit our brand’s DNA and give our customers a place to arrive, unwind and come home to.”

The collaboration will commence with a launch event in Dubai on 24 January 2024, where further details about the project will be announced, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

At a satellite meeting at COP28, Dubai Municipality and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) signed an agreement to co-operate in a project to generate electricity from biogases extracted from the landfill in Muhaisnah 5.

The MoU is a part of Dubai Municipality’s participation in COP28 as a Strategic Pathway Partner. Representatives from more than 1,000 municipalities and cities were invited to attend COP28.

Dubai Municipality said it is showcasing to a global audience the UAE’s leading model in planning, designing, and building sustainable urban communities of the future.

The signing supports Dubai’s leading sustainability practices and supports the realisation of the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050. The deal was signed by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA and Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, within the Green Zone of COP28.

Al Tayer said that DEWA’s aim is to achieve 100% energy production capacity from clean sources by 2050: “Additionally, we actively contribute to the implementation of the Integrated Waste Management Strategy Roadmap 2021-2041, fostering innovation in waste management, recycling, and energy conversion. Furthermore, we are committed to executing groundbreaking, long-term clean projects over the next two decades, providing practical solutions to environmental challenges in line with the specified goals in the government agenda.”

Dawood Al Hajri emphasised that the partnerships Dubai Municipality is building align with its aspiration to create a more sustainable, pioneering and livable city. “Coinciding with the UAE hosting COP28, this strategic agreement with DEWA reflects the growing capabilities of Dubai and the UAE in clean energy as well as the circular and green economy. It will also contribute to reducing approximately 300,000t of carbon emissions annually. We are confident this project will consolidate Dubai’s position as a preferred global destination to live and work as well as support the country’s net zero strategic initiative.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews