A new date has been set for the Construction Intel Summit KSA, the editorial teams at Big Project Middle East (BPME) and Middle East Consultant (MEC) have announced. The event will now take place on the 29^th of November at the Rosh Rayhaan by Rotana, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

“The 2023 edition of the Construction Intel Summit KSA is shaping up to be the best edition of the event yet. As a result, the BPME and MEC editorial teams wanted to ensure the event stood out from the other activities taking place in the Kingdom, and opted for a new date for the day-long event. Delegates can expect to hear from a number of high-profile speakers on crucial issues and opportunities in the Kingdom; we look forward to hosting everyone on the day,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The event will combine keynote speeches, high-level panel discussions, and expert presentations and will focus on four key themes: Saudisation and the transmission of knowledge within the built environment; the multi-disciplinary engineering and delivery of giga-projects; the impact of AI and other disruptive technologies on the future of the built environment, and the requirements and challenges associated with owning and operating giga-projects.

Registration is complementary but mandatory for built environment professionals across the Middle East.

The 2023 Construction Intel Summit KSA is supported by:

Strategic Content Partner: ALEC
Silver sponsor: AECOM, KEO
Supporting partner: Al Masood, Climatize, Compass Project Consulting, Cundall, JLL, Omnium, Polypipe, TBH Consultancy
Endorsed by: Chartered Institute of Building

To discuss participating at the event as a speaker, contact conference producers Jason Saundalkar on Jason.s@cpitrademedia.com or Paul Godfrey on paul.godfrey@cpitrademedia.com. Sponsorship inquires can be addressed to Raz Islam (raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com), Andy (andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com), and Madeleine Martin (madeleine.martin@cpitrademedia.com).

To learn more about the 2023 Construction Intel Summit KSA, please click here.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

An infrastructure reconstruction plan has been unveiled by the Moldovan government, a report has revealed. It includes the construction of a new terminal at Chisinau International Airport, the development of a critical highway, and the reconstruction of the Giurgiulesti state port.

The most significant element of the plan is the proposed terminal at Chisinau International Airport. The urgent expansion of the airport is required as forecasts predict an increase in air traffic of up to five million passengers in the coming years, stated Moldova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Andrei Spînu.

He also revealed that the project will have an estimated investment of at least $213mn. “The construction of a new terminal, built to European standards, needs to commence as soon as possible,” he remarked.

The report also noted that the Ungheni – Chisinau – Odessa highway is the next most crucial part of the infrastructure project. The project will take shape in two phases: Ungheni – Chisinau, covering a distance of 110km, and Chisinau – Odessa, spanning 190km, with 145km of the work being undertaken within Moldovan territory.

The highway project aims to improve transportation links, boost trade, and facilitate greater connectivity between Moldova and neighboring countries, including Ukraine and the European Union, the report outlined.

Spînu stated: “It is a strategic project that will develop our country and will integrate us into the European Union.”

He also emphasised the importance of initiating and completing these projects, from both an economic and geopolitical perspective, irrespective of their timeline.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

A South Korean delegation recently visited Ukraine to discuss six reconstruction projects in the country. The delegation included 18 state-run organisations and private businesses, such as Korea Land & Housing Corporation, Hyundai E&C, and Naver, and was led by South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, Won Hee-ryong.

During the visit, they met with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and participated in a reconstruction cooperation forum.

The projects they agreed to work on include smart transportation in Kyiv, a smart city in Uman, modernisation of the Boryspil International Airport, and the construction of a sewage system in Bucha. Hyundai signed a partnership with the city government of Mykolaiv to provide construction equipment, said a report by Korea JoongAng Daily.

Earlier, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pledged US $300mn in short-term aid for Ukraine next year and another $2bn in mid- to long-term support for the country’s war recovery at the G20 summit in New Dehli.

The Korean government said that it plans to provide short-term aid to Ukraine in 2024 in the form of grants, humanitarian aid, and support through international financial institutions. The $2bn support package will be in the form of a long-term, low-interest concessional loan through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund from 2025, the report concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

PIF subsidiary Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) has awarded the contract to build a new entertainment destination in Yanbu to a joint venture (JV) of Al Bawani Co and UCC Saudi. The Seven Yanbu project is being developed at a cost of US $293.27mn, with construction already underway.

The entertainment destination is said to be located along the seafront promenade on Al Nawras Island, and has been designed to play a pivotal role in the city’s entertainment sector. The project will offer guests a wide variety of experiences designed to engage all age groups, a statement explained.

Seven Yanbu is designed by Gensler and is inspired by the city’s heritage as a historic port located on the Kingdom’s western Red Sea coast. The design is said to be a celebration of water, with elements of the beach and the sea threaded throughout.

“Our entertainment destination in Yanbu will provide residents and visitors with a wealth of new and exciting experiences while supporting the city’s rapidly developing entertainment sector. Seven’s entertainment destination is inspired by Yanbu’s beautiful natural seascape, embodying the city’s the rich history as one of the oldest ports in the Kingdom. Seven Yanbu will offer something for everyone,” explained Abdullah AlDawood, Chairman, Seven.

Seven Yanbu will feature a carnival themed family entertainment centre with world class rides. Other attractions will include a Clip ‘n Climb facility providing 30 climbing challenges for both adults and children to enjoy, a junior family entertainment centre, a state-of-the-art 10-screen cinema, a futuristic neon 10-lane bowling experience, a fun-filled indoor adventure golf course, as well as a wide variety of local and international retail and dining experiences, the statement added.

Fakher Al Shawaf, Chairman and Group CEO, Al Bawani Co remarked, “We are excited to partner with SEVEN to deliver this project. The design has taken into consideration Yanbu’s coastal location and its history as one of the oldest ports in Saudi. Seven’s investment will support Yanbu’s growing population to meet its entertainment needs. Al Bawani is well-positioned to deliver this unique destination to meet the ever-growing aspirations of Saudis.”

Seven is mandated to invest in, develop, and operate entertainment destinations and create a sustainable entertainment sector that caters to the needs of all in Saudi Arabia, in accordance with the highest and latest international standards.

“We are delighted to spread joy in Yanbu through our partnership with Seven. We will leverage our extensive experience in building entertainment destinations to deliver the project on time, to the highest international standards,” concluded Ramez Al-Khayyat, the President of UCC Holding.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Real estate developer MAG has launched the launch of Keturah Business Bay. The US $545mn tower will offer transformational living through the design of space, and is scheduled for completion by Q3 2027.

According to a statement, the new tower will be the first in the Middle East to immerse residents in nature through the ‘Bio Living’ concept that incorporates nature into the built environment to improve the physical, mental and emotional health of its occupants. The developer had previously offered the concept with its Keturah Reserve project.

Bio Living, inspired by Biophilic Design, emphasises creating architecture and interiors that connect residents with surrounding nature. Engaging all five human senses with nature improves physical and mental well-being, adding genuine value to residents’ lives. Bio Living respects all life forms, including flora, fauna, and humans, the firm said.

“The launch of Keturah Business Bay is in response to the high demand we observed for the previous two developments under the Keturah brand – Keturah Reserve and Keturah Resort. There’s a significant demand for luxury residences that prioritize the well-being of residents. This project has been meticulously conceived and designed, with every detail aimed at elevating and enriching the lives of its occupants. Through its innovative inside-out design, we connect them with the surrounding nature, embodying the Bio Living concept,” stated Talal Moafaq Al Gaddah, Senior Executive Vice Chairman of MAG.

Keturah Business Bay will offer studios, one-, and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 600sqft to 2,200sqft. Amenities at the project include an outdoor pool, a gym, restaurants, and retail spaces.

The firm stated that the tower’s homes will feature double-volume interior spaces, which enhance the flow and circulation of naturally cooled air, and noted that the open plan spaces, which are devoid of corridors or hallways, optimise movement throughout the apartment.

Furniture and fixtures are custom-designed and tailor-made for each space, seamlessly integrating into the interior, which facilitates the flow of movement and uplifts the resident’s physical and mental well-being, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

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Renewable energy firm Arevon Energy has chosen Bechtel to oversee the design and construction of a new 190MW solar project in Posey County, Indiana, in the United States. The energy produced by the facility will be distributed by CenterPoint Energy, and is expected to power over 25,000 homes in Indiana, and 150,000 customers in Southwest Indiana.

Bechtel will be in charge of overseeing and completing the entire solar project, which includes engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and project management. Throughout the construction phase, Bechtel will hire over 300 workers from the surrounding area, such as electricians, operators, safety professionals, solar installers, and general laborers. They will also provide on-the-job training programs for local residents, a report stated.

“We are thrilled to work with both Arevon and CenterPoint Energy to deliver a transformational renewable energy project to the people of Indiana,” said Scott Austin, Bechtel’s General Manager of Renewables & Clean Power.

Bechtel said it will also collaborate with the regional supply chain in Indiana and the nearby states during the project’s execution.

“We are delighted to be working with Bechtel, whose history of power plant construction and global reach are unparalleled. Bechtel offered a high-quality, competitive solution, and we saw intrinsic value in their in-house engineering capability, self-perform delivery approach, and innovative mindset to help us deliver this important project to CenterPoint Energy,” concluded Justin Johnson, Arevon’s Chief Operating Officer.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The SNC-Lavalin Group has announced a major rebrand that brings SNC-Lavalin, Atkins, Faithful+Gould, DTS and Atkins Acuity under a single brand, AtkinsRéalis. Making the announcement, the Montréal, Canada headquartered firm noted that the move represents a ‘major milestone’ in its transformation journey.

The name AtkinsRéalis is a coined term that combines Atkins, a legacy brand that is well-established across the company’s international markets, and ‘Réalis’, inspired by the city of Montréal and the company’s French-Canadian roots. Réalis also resembles the verb ‘to realise or ‘to make happen’ which emphasises our focus on outcomes and project delivery, the firm said in a statement.

“AtkinsRéalis is a new name for a new transformed company: our ability to draw upon such breadth and depth of global capabilities will maximise our ability to work seamlessly and provide one integrated offering for our clients and partners. Everything starts with our people; they care about each other, this company and most importantly, they care about the work we do and believe in our purpose to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. I could not be prouder of our team’s dedication to the success of this Company”, said Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRéalis.

The single brand entity encompasses the expertise of 36,000 employees across the globe to deliver end-to-end solutions in the built and natural environments, the firm stated.

“In recent years, we have deliberately repositioned the company. We exited those parts of the business that were not profitable or aligned with our strategy; corrected underlying issues affecting our performance; doubled down on high-growth global markets; embraced digital transformation; and most importantly, redefined our purpose and strengthened our culture. We have reached an inflection point, so now is the right time to rebrand to AtkinsRéalis and reflect the exciting future ahead of us,” added Edwards.

As of September 13, the company’s new brand and associated visual identity will be used on all communications materials. The company’s common shares will begin trading on the TSX under the new ticker symbol (TSX: ATRL) prior to market open on September 18, 2023. SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. will not change its legal name until the company obtains shareholder approval, as required by law, at its 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The UAE will ban heavy vehicles weighing over 65 tonnes from plying on its roads, effective from the beginning of next year, 2024.

In a significant move aimed at preserving the country’s advanced infrastructure and bolstering road safety the announcement comes as part of a federal law regulating vehicle weights approved by the UAE Cabinet.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressed the rationale behind this pivotal decision. He emphasized that the primary objective of the ban is to protect and maintain the UAE’s state-of-the-art road infrastructure while enhancing overall road safety for residents and visitors alike.

One of the key features accompanying this regulatory change is the implementation of a sophisticated smart electronic gate system.

This system will be responsible for measuring and continuously monitoring the weights and dimensions of heavy vehicles passing through designated checkpoints. It is expected to ensure strict compliance with the new weight restrictions and swiftly identify any violations.

The ban on heavy vehicles weighing over 65 tonnes reflects the UAE government’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and efficient transportation systems. By reducing the strain on the country’s roads caused by exceptionally heavy vehicles, the authorities aim to extend the lifespan of the road network and minimize maintenance costs.

Moreover, this move aligns with global efforts to enhance road safety standards and environmental sustainability within the transport sector. It is expected to contribute to reducing accidents, traffic congestion, and emissions on UAE roads, fostering a safer and more eco-friendly transportation environment.

In light of the upcoming ban, stakeholders within the heavy vehicle industry, including transport companies and truck operators, are encouraged to assess their fleets and operations to ensure compliance with the new regulations. This proactive approach will help facilitate a smooth transition to the updated legislation and contribute to the overall success of the initiative.

The introduction of the smart electronic gate system represents a technologically advanced and efficient means of enforcing the weight restrictions. Its implementation demonstrates the UAE’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology to enhance road safety and infrastructure management.

As the ban on heavy vehicles weighing over 65 tonnes is set to come into effect in 2024, the UAE is taking a significant stride towards achieving safer, more sustainable, and better-maintained roadways for the benefit of all road users.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced that more than 70% of the work has been completed on its pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in the Hatta region – and it is fully on-track for completion in Q1 2025.

Once operational, it will have a production capacity of 250 megawatts (MW), a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours, and a life span of up to 80 years.

In terms of the science behind the project, the hydroelectric power plant works via energy storage with a turnaround efficiency of 78.9%, using the potential energy of the water stored in the upper dam. This is converted to kinetic energy during the flow of water through a 1.2-km subterranean tunnel. This kinetic energy rotates the turbine and converts mechanical energy to electrical energy sent to the DEWA grid.

This is the first station in the GCC region, with investments of up to AED1.42 bn, said DEWA Managing Director and CEO, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.

He was speaking after an inspection tour of the plant site in Hatta, where he witnessed the assembly of generators and the ongoing construction of service and operational facilities.

The visit also included an examination of the upper dam, where the water intake structure and the associated bridge have now been successfully completed.

Also, the construction of the 72-metre main Roller Compacted Concrete wall of the upper dam has been completed, and preliminary measures are now in place to commence filling the upper dam by the end of the year.

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Source: MEConstructionNews