The Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE) has announced that steady progress is being made on its hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, with 70% of the work already completed.

The plant, which is being built by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) at a total investment of US $387mn, is on track for completion in Q4 next year, stated DSCE in a meeting chaired by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The meeting also discussed the progress of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park phases, in accordance with the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050. The project is set to provide 100% of Dubai’s total power capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. The solar park’s production capacity has reached 2,327 megawatts (MW) in addition to 533MW underway, said DSCE in its statement.

DEWA announced the 1,800MW sixth phase of the solar park, due to reach 5,000MW of production capacity by the end of 2030. The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park includes a Research and Development Centre specialising in developing photovoltaic cells, storage batteries, and improving the efficiency of solar panels.

The meeting was also attended by Ahmed Buti Al Muhairbi, Secretary-General of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and board members Dawood Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Abdulla bin Kalban, Managing Director of Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA); Saif Humaid Al Falasi, CEO of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC); Juan-Pablo Freile, General Manager of Dubai Petroleum; and Hussain Al Banna, Acting CEO of the Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector at the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Dubai retained its No. 1 spot globally for attracting greenfield FDI projects in 2022, further reinforcing its position as the world’s top foreign direct investment hub, according to data from the 2022 Financial Times ‘fDi Markets’ report.

Retaining its top spot for a second successive year, Dubai achieved 89.5% Y-o-Y growth in the number of FDI projects announced in 2022, while total FDI capital surged 80.3% over the same period. This further consolidates the emirate’s status as one of the top three global cities for FDI, a key goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, as launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The emirate’s share in attracting global Greenfield FDI projects reached 4%, an increase of 1.9% compared to 2021, with a record 837 projects enabling the city to achieve the highest growth in global shares across the past seven years, according to data from Financial Times’ ‘fDi Markets’.

Dubai FDI Monitor’s data also revealed that the total estimated FDI capital flowing into Dubai in 2022 was US $12.8bn compared to $7.08bn in 2021. An estimated 38,447 jobs were created in Dubai in 2022 compared to 24,932 jobs in 2021.

The top five source countries for FDI projects accounted for 54% of the total in 2022, split among the United States (20%), the United Kingdom (13%), India (12%), France (5%), and Switzerland (4%). Additionally, the top five source countries for FDI capital accounted for 72% of the total estimated flows into the emirate in 2022, split among Canada (41%), the United Kingdom (12%), the United States (11%), India (4%), and Switzerland (4%).

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, said: “Dubai’s ability to secure the No. 1 global ranking for Greenfield FDI projects for the second year in a row demonstrates its ability to sustain its compelling investment value proposition even at a time when the worldwide economy is facing headwinds.”

“Driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate offers the deep stability, sustainability, infrastructure and opportunity-rich environment needed to ensure the long-term trust of international investors, businesses and entrepreneurs. Over the years, Dubai has forged dynamic partnerships with global investors to accelerate innovation and create enduring economic value. Dubai leads the world in attracting FDI in a wide range of industries, especially future-oriented sectors, a fact that is a testament to the strategic vision articulated in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to consolidate Dubai’s position as one of the world’s top urban economies,” he concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Euro Auctions Group’s first sale at its new, permanent site in Abu Dhabi has raised almost $4 million as bidders turned out in their droves to the live auction.

Euro Auctions is Europe’s largest auction house and oversees sales for industrial plant, construction equipment and agricultural machinery in the Middle East, UK, Germany, Spain, Australia and the USA.

On the 4^th May, the auctioneers held their first live and online, unreserved sale at the new site in KEZAD, Abu Dhabi. With a sale inventory of 518 lots, from 35 vendors, from five countries including, UAE, GB, USA, Seychelles and Sri Lanka, the hammer total was $3.66 million, with a total from floor bidders being $2.33 million and $1.33 million transacted online, reported the firm in a statement.

“There was much interest on the day, with 365 registered bidders participating, of which 102 of those bidders were bidding for the first time with Euro Auctions. The sale attracted interest from a global audience with the top buying countries being: UAE, Iraq, India, UK, Armenia, Saudi Arabia and Bolivia,” said Euro Auctions.

Euro Auctions announced it was expanding its current UAE operations in KEZAD across a facility of more than 43,000 square metres, with site operations scheduled to commence in Q1 2023, in December last year. 

Euro Auctions, general manager for the UAE, Richard Sweatt, added: “On sale day we saw plenty of familiar faces and our loyal clients commented that they were glad we are back! We had a good inventory of stock, with many late plate, low hours machines, for this first sale and we attracted new consignors and new bidders to Euro Auctions.

“The prices achieved at this sale pleased both consignors and the buyers and getting that balance right is the essence of a good sale. With limited space on site, due to construction works on the main office building, the crowds were impressed with the new facility.”

“With large development projects in the region, in the UAE, and KSA, including oil & gas, rail, hospitality and domestic housing, new or late, low hours excavators of all sizes were in great demand, as were telehandlers, skid-steers, commercial vehicles and 4x4s. With major contractors preferring to acquire plant and machinery ‘in country’ rather than import, Euro Auctions, with its international network of auctions, and sales managers, sources machinery to bring to this site for upcoming sales.

“As this new sale site is located in the Khalifa Economic Zone, Abu Dhabi, with easy shipping access to and from Khailfa Port, by collaborating with Abu Dhabi Customs and KEZAD Group, a proportion of the Euro Auctions yard is categorised as a ‘Customs Bonded Warehouse’ offering import and export customers the same advantages as a freezone operation. As 60% to 70% of our customers are local, this site provides Euro Auctions with enormous strategic advantages in the region.

“UAE customers no longer have the documentation requirements to deliver and collect equipment from the auction site, enabling them to have easy access to inspect the stock prior to the auction day. Inspections can be carried out in the yard, easily and seamlessly and the location provides cost-effective connectivity to major markets, with the Abu Dhabi facility contributing to growth in the UAE and the Middle East.”

According to Sweatt, relocating from Dubai to the new site – the biggest in the region – gives Euro Auctions scope for expansion.

“With over 43,000sqm of yard, with facilities for handling all aspects associated with the sale of industrial plant, construction and agricultural machinery including transportation to carrying out minor repairs, Euro Auctions has plans to develop the business in the region, developing this site to become the #1 in the Middle East,” he said.

“Whilst being the leading auction company in Europe for heavy machinery, Euro Auctions has operations worldwide, conducting more than 60 auctions per year and markets to an international audience from over 100 countries due to its strong online presence. We plan on hosting four sales per year at the new site and the next  sale will be on the 7^th September.”

Top Prices Achieved at the Euro Auctions Sale

Here are a number of notable machines with the final hammer prices:

Tractors

2019 Deutz Fahr 6110.4W 4WD Tractor, A/C             (multiple machines sold)            17,000

Site Dumpers

2008 Barford SXR3500 3.5T Swivel Skip Dumper      (multiple machines sold)            4,500

Skid Steer Loaders

2019 Bobcat S740 Skid Steer Loader, Full Cab, A/C, Piped                                                    24,000

2023 Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader, Closed Cab, A/C, HVAC                                         21,000

2023 Bull AV490 Skid Steer Loader, Closed Cab, A/C                                                     19,000

2008 Caterpillar 226B Skid steer Loader                                                                           7,000

2009 Case 430 Skid steer Loader, Piped                                                                                5,500

2009 Case 410 Skid Steer Loader, Piped                                                                                5,250

Telehandlers

2013 Genie GTH4018SR Telehandler, Joystick Control, Sway,  Bucket, Forks            25,000

2019 Deici ICARUS 40.17 Turbo Telehandler, Joystick Controls, Sway, Bucket                  29,000

2019 Deici ICARUS 40.17 Turbo Telehandler, Joystick Controls, Sway                                  30,000

2014 Haulotte HTL4017 Telehandler c/w Joystick Controls, Sway                            25,000

2019 JCB 540-140 HI VIZ Turbo Powershift Telehandler                                           49,000

Wheeled Loaders

2015 Shandong SWM952 Wheeled Loader c/w Bucket, 741 hrs                              12,500

2013 Kawasaki 85Z5 Wheeled Loader c/w Bucket    3                                              2,000

Backhoe Loaders

2005 JCB 3CX Backhoe Loader c/w Extendahoe, 4 in 1 Bucket, Forks                       16,500

Motor Graders

2021 SEM SEM915 Motor Grader c/w Blade, Full Cab                                              61,000

2013 Komatsu GD705A-4 Motor Grader c/w Blade, Full ROPS Cab, A/C                  46,000

2008 Komatsu GD705A-4 Motor Grader                   (multiple machines sold)             40,000

Mini Excavators

2018 CAT 305.5E Blade Piped, A/C                                                                             16,500

2017 Komatsu PC56-7 Blade, A/C                                                                              9,250

2013 Komatsu PC56-7 Blade, Piped, A/C                                                                   9,250

2013 Caterpillar 301.4C Blade, Offset, Piped, Aux. Piping, Canopy                          7,750

2012 Komatsu PC56-7 Blade, A/C                                                                              9,250

2012 Komatsu PC56-7 Blade, A/C      (3x machines sold)                                          8,750.00

2012 Kubota KX161-3SZ Blade, Offset, A/C                                                                6,500

2002 Komatsu PC12UU-1 Rubber Tracks, Blade, Offset Boom, Canopy                   5,000

2018 Zoomlion X10 Blade, Canopy                                                                            3,750

6T Excavator

2010 CAT 306 Blade, Piped, A/C                                                                                9,000

10T Excavator

2018 CAT 349D2L 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C, Bucket                                                  115,000

2022 Hyundai R340L 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C                                                          116,000

2021 Hyundai R340L 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C                                                          116,000

2022 Hyundai R245LR 800mm Pads, Long Reach, A/C, Bucket                                 91,000

2023 Hyundai R245LR 800mm Pads, Long Reach, A/C, Bucket                                 91,000

2023 Hyundai R210 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C, Bucket (multiple machines)             70,000

2021 Hyundai R210-7 XL 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C                                                    50,000

2022 Hyundai R210 600mm Pads, Piped, AC, Bucket                                                            59,000

2022 JCB JS215LC 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C, Bucket                                                  68,000

2023 JCB JS205LC 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C,Bucket                                                  64,000

2022 Hitachi EX210LC 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C, Bucket                                           52,000

2016 Komatsu PC210-8M0 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C                                                28,000

2021 Tata Hitachi ZX220LC-GI 600mm Pads, Piped, A/C (multiple machines)            70,000

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Source: MEConstructionNews

RAK Properties posted revenues of $70.4mn for Q1 2023 compared to $29.2mn during Q1 2022, the developer has announced. Meanwhile, net profit for the period increased to $12.1mn, as opposed to $8.3mn for the same period last year.

The performance represents a year-on-year increase of 141%, with growth driven by strong customer demand for new project launches in Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah, as well as the large-scale handover of completed residential developments to owners. The company’s hospitality assets have also added significant value to revenue streams, strengthened the balance sheet and driven the appeal of Mina Al Arab as a lifestyle destination, the developer explained.

Development highlights for RAK properties during the successful Q1 2023 include: rapidly selling-out all the released units in its Julphar Residence apartment building located on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi; positive investor and end-user demand for Bay Residences, located on Hayat Island, Mina Al Arab. The apartment buildings launched as part of Bay Residences Phase 1 have been fully sold out and their construction is currently underway and on schedule according to the development plan. The Bay Residences Phase 2 launch received a similar response with two apartment buildings consisting of 324 apartments; construction is ongoing for Gateway Residence 2, a 146-apartment residential building located on Hayat Island, and sales are in process; the sales programme for Marbella Villa Phase 2 comprising of 89 villas and townhouses was also launched during Q1. Construction has begun and is progressing well on schedule.

In mid February 2023, RAK Properties said it had awarded the main contract for its residential project to Gulf Contracting and, in late April 2023, Wynn Resorts revealed the name and design vision of its $3.9bn RAK hospitality project.

Commenting on the results, Sameh Al Muhtadi, CEO of RAK Properties stated, “This set of results signals the beginning of a new phase of growth driven by our re-envisioned development pipeline. Sales from our launch of 679 units in Q1 have been driven by enthusiastic demand from end-users locally and by strong interest from international investors.”

“We have a very exciting period coming up, with further new launches in Q2 and the second half of the year. Our primary focus is on introducing new residential developments, forging partnerships that enrich our communities and focusing on transformation projects within existing locations throughout the emirate of RAK. We remain committed to pursuing growth opportunities and investing in strategic acquisitions. With a robust liquidity position supporting us, we are strongly placed to successfully execute our long-term growth strategy. We are dedicated to RAK’s vision 2030 and the real estate mandate by developing destinations that feed into the economic, societal, and environmental pillars of the emirate,” he concluded.

In early May 2023, Gulf Asia was appointed as the contractor for Bay Residences by RAK Properties.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The Dubai Municipality has started development works on the Deira Clocktower roundabout. The project involves the renovation of the roundabout to improve its aesthetic appeal by integrating hard floors with greenery and multicolored lighting along with upgrading the design of the water fountain.

The project is said to reflect the municipality’s commitment to leverage its full potential to support sustainable urban development that meets Dubai’s futuristic urban and economic development goals and plans.

“Dubai Municipality has set development plans for all the prominent landmarks across the Emirate, including Deira Clocktower roundabout, which is one of the remarkable memorials and architectural landmarks that city is known for. By maintaining Dubai’s historical and architectural landmarks, and safeguarding them for future generations, this project helps the Municipality to achieve its objectives of implementing high-level sustainable urban planning that will improve the city’s appeal,” said H.E. Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.

He noted that the project aligns wit the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which outlines a detailed strategy for sustainable urban development in Dubai, with a focus on boosting the quality of life and happiness of people, as well as reinforcing the city’s global competitiveness.

In early October 2022, Dubai Municipality shared an update on a beach rehabilitation project and, in late January 2023, it launched a 3D underground scanning project in Dubai.

The Deira Clocktower roundabout is a significant historical and architectural landmark and is said to be one of the most stunning clock towers across the world. The clocktower was built in 1963 and holds a significant position in history as it was the first land passage between Deira and Bur Dubai, and is located at the intersection of Umm Hurair Street and Al Maktoum Street, one of the most important crossroads in Dubai. Before the construction of the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Road, it served as the initial point of junction for the main highways heading to Dubai.

Eng. Jabir Al Ali, Director of General Maintenance Department at Dubai Municipality stated that the project, which will last for three months, includes decorative gardening, replacing old floors with hard floors, implementing multicolored lighting, and revamping the fountain.

Dubai Municipality will ensure that the new modern design of the roundabout matches Dubai’s theme, while also preserving the old structure of the clocktower roundabout without interrupting its historical or architectural significance, the statement concluded.

In early April 2023, the UAE activated e-signatures for engineering contracts.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The drive to decarbonise is ushering in new ways to produce hydrogen. Traditionally hydrogen has been produced for heavy industry by industrial gas suppliers; with supplier and user often in close proximity. Green hydrogen allows for more distributed production in more diverse locations, serving a broadening client base.

This has heralded a slew of new projects – many first-of-a-kind – and new entrants into the hydrogen market. As we help organisations bring green hydrogen projects to fruition, we have identified six core considerations that require serious attention in a project’s earliest stages to ensure a successful outcome.

Consider early on how to ensure your project is safe

Safety considerations are vital. From the project’s earliest phases onwards, safety compliance has to be integrated into planning. Safety compliance is a potentially steep learning curve for green hydrogen projects because they are a fast-developing area, many aspects of which are not yet covered by designated safety regulations. Instead, in many areas existing codes and regulations are being applied to projects for which they were not originally designed. This means actions and requirements are not always explicit, and in comparison to more established types of project, more time and effort is required to understand what compliance entails.

Developers and owners need to establish a full and clear understanding of what health and safety regulators want to know in order to authorise project construction and operations. In our experience, for example, understanding how the requirements of the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations, or their local equivalent, apply to green hydrogen projects requires a significant amount of time and attention. The amount of hydrogen being stored, for instance, can have a significant effect on the measures the regulations require, and thus influences other elements of the project.

Be sure water resources are sufficient to support your ambitions

An abundant and reliable water supply is essential for green hydrogen production. High-purity water is one of the feedstocks needed for electrolysis. The quantity of water consumed differs depending on the application, but roughly 9,800-litres of demineralised and deionised water is required for each tonne of green hydrogen produced. In addition to being a feedstock, water is also necessary for cooling the electrolysers and other equipment such as compressors. It is vital to know if sufficient water is available to support the capacity of electrolysis planned.

Have a clear understanding of what to do with your green hydrogen

For owners and developers of renewable energy projects, green hydrogen offers an attractive alternative to selling power. But a clear understanding of the short-to-medium-term market for the chemical is needed, which considers both local demand and markets further afield. This analysis should encompass level of demand, types of use, and the relationship between patterns of demand and your hydrogen production profile. The latter factor will influence areas such as the project’s hydrogen storage capacity, as well as potential customer base.

Options for transporting hydrogen is another factor that supports an understanding of how a project’s product can be used. Although the prospects for green hydrogen consumption are strong, demand in many areas is currently low. We found that local market characteristics for one green hydrogen project, for example, meant that converting green hydrogen in-situ to green ammonia resulted in a more commercially-viable product.

Establish the right balance between power output and electrolyser capacity

You are confident of your windfarm or solar array’s 100MW capacity rating. But, does this mean 100MW of electrolyser capacity is the best business choice? On this basis maximum electrolysis can only be achieved when maximum power generation is being achieved, which with intermittent renewables will not be possible consistently.

Hydrogen production calculations need to take this into account in order for customer expectations to be met, and to avoid unprofitable levels of redundant electrolyser capacity. Conversely, curtailment will be necessary if electrolyser capacity is significantly lower than typical power output. This will have a potentially adverse effect upon the cost of hydrogen production because that cost is highly dependent upon the cost of energy – which is increased when energy is wasted. Thus, it may be worth calculating not just energy yield, but the generation profile.

The ability to export surplus power to the grid will help address the power and revenue loss that curtailment may cause. For both scenarios, battery storage has a potentially valuable role. Ultimately, a trade-off between capital and commercial considerations is required to ascertain the optimal configuration for achieving the project’s business goals.

Understand the cost of your product

Include in your planning levelised cost of energy analysis and levelised cost of hydrogen analysis, or a commitment to undertake them. Doing the research to ascertain your energy costs and a per kilogramme cost for your product will inform the creation of an accurate and robust business plan – an understanding of the price points required to reach your business goals.

There are two physical hydrogen storage options, compressed or liquefied. Due to the fact that your choice of storage option will have significant implications on project cost and end-use opportunities, storage needs to be given careful consideration during the very early stages of project development. A business plan including these types of detail will help attract and reassure investors.

Early public engagement can pay dividends down the line

Making stakeholders aware of your intentions early in the development of a green hydrogen project will give you early insight into concerns that may disrupt progress. More importantly, it will give you time to address concerns before they become a major issue. You will have the opportunity to engage, inform and influence parties with reservations about your project and, if necessary, amend your plans to ameliorate those reservations at a time when change will engender fewer disruptions.

This is an opportunity to show how you are supporting the drive to decarbonise; and reassure communities that hydrogen production, storage and distribution are tried and trusted processes – you are bringing a proven technology to a new setting.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Cultural infrastructure (CI) is the physical and institutional elements that support the propagation and preservation of culture. This includes museums, libraries, public spaces and cultural districts; along with educational institutions, research centres besides policies, regulations, and funding mechanisms that support the arts and culture sector.

CI is rooted in two-core principles: empowering people to partake in development that recuperates their lives; achieving the value-chain of cultural expressions, requires access to opportunities for cultural exchange and support for the preservation of cultural heritage.

Why is the term arising?

The cultural curve in placemaking has been growing since the 1980s. However, the study of culture is a fairly new entrant in the dictionary of development. Surprising right? Failing spaces around the world have created awareness around cultural aspects that should have been considered during initial development phases. Cities learnt that by overlooking the cultural dimensions of a community, spaces don’t resonate with their resident’s social cohesion, and an inclusive and equitable environment approach that promotes community identity and a sense of belonging is required.

The growing global role of culture is exemplified in the UAE. Increasing emphasis on bottom-up and participatory approaches to placemaking is witnessed; this led to collaborative initiatives that address both soft power initiatives through cultural relations, as well as those focused on placemaking transformation. Accordingly, communities participate in the design and use of public spaces, fostering a sense of place-based identity and belonging.

Where does the UAE fall in the map of CI growth?

The UAE has emerged as a significant CI player, showing focus on studying the complex and subtle ways in which culture influences a city’s development. The UAE has invested in many cultural initiatives that reflect its commitment to preserving and promoting CI. These include “Hala China” and the “Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Centre for Cultural and Social Understanding” initiatives, as well as the “Zayed National Museum” and the “Abrahamic Family House” in Abu Dhabi. Other examples are the country’s Heritage Villages, experiential centres and museums.

What are the challenges the UAE faces in further integrating CI? How can it be tackled?

The UAE has an unusual proportion of expatriates, making-up over 80% of the population. The expat community brings a diverse range of cultural backgrounds, which can enrich the cultural landscape of the UAE. Yet, this entails that the management of CI must account for the ever-changing needs and interests of this diverse population.

The arrival of large groups from a country can lead to increased demand for cultural programming that reflects their interests. Enrichment of cultural diversity is probably the most exciting thing about this, whereby the community is inspired to explore new cultural traditions and perspectives.

The UAE demonstrates remarkable adaptivity, creating initiatives such as the implementation of multi-lingual signage tailored to the cultural concentration of the expat community of the area, and others such as introducing innovation hubs in the capital to attract cultural talents and feed the integration of new cultures. These adjustments show commitment to inclusivity and sensitivity to the diverse needs of the population.

UAE expats are fusion humans born from the amazing exposure they get. The UAE expat demographic has its challenges and opportunities; and there is no better country to handle that than the UAE.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Oman’s Ministry of Health has started the construction of 11 new hospitals across a number of key governorates, in order to develop the health sector and keep pace with the demands of the nation’s rapidly-growing population.

Jamal Salim Al Shanfari, Director General of Projects and Engineering Affairs at the Ministry of Health, explained that the projects under way include the new Al Suwaiq Hospital in North Al Batinah Governorate (with a capacity of 307 beds; to be completed in 2024) and the new Sultan Qaboos Hospital in Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, which is expected to be completed in 2025.

He added that the new Khasab Hospital in Musandam Governorate (164 beds) is planned to open in 2024. In addition, the Ministry of Health is upgrading Mad’ha Health Centre in Musandam Governorate, to make it a fully-fledged hospital, scheduled to open later this year (2023).

Meanwhile, the Thamrait Health Centre will also be upgraded into a full hospital and is expected to be completed during 2023. Jamil Salim Al Shanfari explained that the designs and layout of three new hospitals are being finalised in preparation for the formal bidding process. They are the new Samayil Hospital in Al-Dakhiliyah Governorate; Al Nama Hospital in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate; and Al Falah Hospital in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate. He added that the new Khasab Hospital in Musandam Governorate (164 beds) is hoped to be open in 2024, pointing out that the Ministry of Health is additionally upgrading Mad’ha Health Centre in Musandam Governorate, giving it full hospital status for late 2023.

Meanwhile, preparatory tasks are also under way for setting up the new Mahout Hospital, in Al Wusta Governorate, with the project scheduled to be opened in 2025.

 

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Fisia Italimpianti, a subsidiary of the Webuild Group, has won two contracts with a combined value of $439m, for the construction and management of a water treatment plant in the Zuluf onshore oil facility, Saudi Arabia.

A global leader in water treatment and desalination plants, Fisia Italimpianti said these contracts mark its entry into the oil and gas industry and its return to the operation and maintenance segment of the water sector.

The project strengthens Webuild’s position in the water industry, a field where it aims to grow market share, according to its recently announced 2023-2025 roadmap.

The first contract clinched by Fisia Italimpianti involves engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services worth $327 million.

The project scope includes the construction of a plant for the Zuluf Central Processing Facilities, which is required to support onshore structures, and is in fact part of the Arab Heavy Crude Oil Increment development programme being led by oil giant Aramco.

Located in eastern Saudi Arabia, 6 km west of the airport in Tanajib, it will be built for a consortium comprising of Almar Water Solutions and Aljomaih Energy and Water Co Ltd., on behalf of Aramco.

As per the contract, Fisia Italimpianti will build the plant that will treat, de-gas and filter water for iron and suspended solids at a maximum production capacity of 185,000 cu. m. per day.

The plant will reinject the water in the oil wells to facilitate the production of Arab Heavy crude oil by maintaining pressure in the wells. The project is expected to take three years to complete and create approximately 1,500 direct and indirect jobs.

For the second contract – worth $112 million – Fisia Italimpianti will be a joint-venture partner with Almar Water Solutions, Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Aquatech International. It involves the operation and maintenance of the completed plant for 25 years.

Fisia Italimpianti has enjoyed a long history in the Middle East, where it has built desalination and water treatment plants in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Across the globe, its plants provide potable water for more than 20 million people.

 

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Voting for the second Construction Machinery Middle East Awards will now continue to 19th May, 2023, after a record 6,000 votes were recorded up to this week’s first deadline. 

The Construction Machinery Middle East Awards celebrate manufacturers, suppliers and dealers whose machinery plays a key role at the heart of the GCC economy through a region-wide vote.

Head of content Stephen White said the extension was agreed after voting numbers continued to stream in on deadline day.

“We had such a good response to our first awards last year, but the voting this year has blown it out of the water,” he said. “We want to make these awards as inclusive as possible, and with voting still going strong, it makes sense to register as many votes as we can.”

He added: “Thank you to everyone who has taken part so far, and now we can focus on reaching to many more people to make sure the final winners reflect the machinery community’s opinion as accurately as possible.”

This year’s awards are also asking for users of machinery and equipment in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, FM, as well as members of the logistics chain in the market, to submit nominations in the special contractor and end-user awards.

The deadline for nominations in categories such as FM contractor of the Year and Roadbuilder of the Year is also set for the 19th May.

“If you have voted already, but haven’t nominated yourselves yet, then I urge you to visit the site and fill in the nomination form as soon as you can,” urged Stephen White. “Don’t miss this opportunity to get your hard work recognised!”

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Source: MEConstructionNews