Serco has been appointed by Red Sea Global (RSG) to act as the managing agent for a full suite of sustainable mobility services across Saudi Arabia’s new tourism destination, The Red Sea and Amaala. The contract will see Serco working with RSG’s Mobility team to ensure a world-class, Net Zero mobility experience for guests at The Red Sea.

The carbon-neutral destination covers more than 90 islands of which only 22 will be developed. The resorts will be reliant on multiple modes of green transport across land, marine, and air – from seaplanes and boats to buggies – to ensure that guests enjoy a seamless luxury experience from the moment they arrive.

Following their successful partnership with Transport Management Services (TMS) Global, this marks Serco’s first major transport partnership within a giga-project. Serco will be responsible for supporting the oversight of operations and maintenance, performance management, health and safety, and guest experience across the development.

“This landmark partnership for our transport operations in Saudi will create new roles in the Kingdom and is very much aligned with our company purpose of bringing national visions to life. Our global experience in mobility operations, coupled with the huge ambitions for The Red Sea, means guests will enjoy an incredible experience throughout their entire journey. Through giga projects, such as this one, Saudi is pushing exciting boundaries in the use of innovations, technology and international best practices to deliver the best possible customer experiences,” said Phil Malem, CEO, Serco Middle East.

In early February 2023, Serco launched its ESG focused ‘Advisory with Purpose’ division and, in early May 2023, RSG launched its new adventure sports company in Saudi Arabia.

John Pagano, Group Chief Executive Officer, Red Sea Global

John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global said the unique mobility requirements for The Red Sea are ambitious ones. He noted, “Our mobility network was meticulously designed to advance our vision, redefining destination operations in line with our regenerative approach to tourism development. In Serco, we have found a best-in-class partner who shares our values in prioritising people and the planet, armed with global delivery expertise to shape seamless experiences for our guests.”

The Red Sea is on track to welcome its first guests this year when the initial hotels open, alongside the first phase of the Red Sea International Airport. Upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.

“In addition to providing the ultimate guest experience, equally important to The Red Sea is ensuring that mobility modes operate within high standards of sustainability to protect the stunning location. Our Serco team, including our Advisory with Purpose division experts, will be working closely with all stakeholders, to coordinate journeys that deliver luxury guest experiences, as we prepare to welcome millions of tourists each year,” concluded Samantha Rowles, Operations Director for Transport at Serco Middle East.

In early May 2023, Saudi Arabia said it was targeting massive growth in hotel capacity.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Developer Q Properties has announced the launch of the second phase of its new luxury apartments at Reem Hills – after all the units in Phase One were sold out in record time, the firm said.

Located in the heart of the capital and billed as the only gated community on Al Reem Island, Phase One of the new residential offering attracted immediate buyer interest; it was the largest on the Abu Dhabi market, set in a highly desirable neighbourhood and featured an extremely competitive price point, the statement explained.

Meanwhile, the newly-launched Phase Two features two new buildings with 300 residential units and consists of spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, as well as three-bedroom townhouses.

Announcing the launch, Q Properties said all these apartments come with a two years’ service charge waiver, thereby offering an attractive extra benefit for potential customers.

In late November 2022, Ellington Properties said it awarded a US $30.5mn contract for the development of Ellington House and, in late February 2023, Sobha Realty launched Verde by Sobha in Dubai’s JLT district.

All the apartments are said to be designed with absolute comfort and ease of use in mind, with open, closed and combined kitchens and dining, maid’s rooms, en-suite bedrooms, ample storage, dedicated laundry areas, walk-in closets, and large balconies.

On the launch, Q Properties CEO, Ben Hudson, said, “We were delighted at the market’s incredibly positive response to Phase One and are now excited to launch this second phase and anticipate an equally great reaction. It clearly shows the demand out there for spacious, beautifully designed homes in a well-connected yet peaceful community with plenty of green space for everyone to enjoy, while being close to a fantastic retail destination.”

Since Q Properties also believe that a ‘commitment to wellness’ should be at  the heart of every design, residents can explore extensive landscaped areas, relax in covered plazas, or enjoy a picnic or barbecue in lush green parks. There are also walkways for strolling, jogging, and cycling, plus outdoor fitness zones and temperature-controlled pools, the statement concluded.

In early April 2023, Dubai saw Q1 sales of 88 homes worth over $10mn.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Compass Project Consulting (Compass) has inked a partnership deal with the Afyaa Group and ENVI Eco-lodges for the development of the new ENVI Al Ahsa Farm project in Saudi Arabia. The announcement is said to have been formailised at the Future Hospitality Summit Saudi Arabia.

Celebrating our latest construction management win – with the new service line being launched in January 2023 – our team has been chosen to provide turnkey construction management services, complemented by our expert project development solutions, for the upcoming ENVI Lodges Al Ahsa Farm, a nature-driven wellness retreat, Compass said in a statement.

The new ENVI Al Ahsa Farm will feature state-of-the-art amenities and will showcase how modern construction techniques and design can be used to create eco-friendly lodges that are in harmony with their surroundings. The design of the 25 eco pods at ENVI Farm Al Ahsa is inspired by the natural elements of the surrounding environment. These low-impact pods, some of which feature private pools, will be complemented by a farm-to-table dining concept, a holistic wellness sanctuary, and a range of leisure activities suitable for fitness enthusiasts, eco-educators, and crafts enthusiasts alike, the statement from Compass explained.

‘’Our partnership with Afyaa Group and ENVI Eco-lodges is a testament to the trust and confidence that our clients have in our commitment to excellence in project delivery and the development of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. We are thrilled to be associated with this project, which promises to be a major attraction for visitors to Al Ahsa, and a landmark achievement for eco-friendly hospitality in the Kingdom,” explained Spencer Wylie, Chief Executive Officer at Compass Project Consulting.

In early November 2022, Compass appointed a new Regional Director of Project Management and, in early May 2023, Red Sea Global launched a new adventure sports company in Saudi Arabia.

ENVI is a luxury experiential ecolodge specialist, and is said to be renowned for its environmentally conscious lodges that offer immersive experiences in nature. The company specialises in tented camps and eco-pods that adhere to high sustainability standards. Each lodge is designed, developed, and managed according to ENVI’s seven sustainability pillars, which prioritise the protection of wildlife, mindful use of resources, and support for local communities, the statement added.

All parties involved share a common ethos, believing that the future of tourism lies in the creation of nature-centric lodges that not only regenerate the environment but also provide guests with purpose-driven, transformative experiences, the firm confirmed.

Compass notes that it is committed to offering project solutions that empower its clients to achieve their desired outcomes. Having assembled a world-class team of integrated design and technical construction consultants including industry trailblazers Fractal Architects, and Kristina Zanic Consultants, we will work closely with both the owners and operator to ensure that the project is completed to the highest international eco-awareness principles, the statement elaborated.

“The ENVI Farm Al Ahsa promises to offer a unique and sustainable nature-centric experience to travelers seeking a memorable destination in the largest governorate of the Kingdom. We are thrilled to witness the development of this project, and we have full confidence in our partnership with Compass as the perfect project partner,” concluded Abba Al Saleh, Chief Executive Office of Afyaa Group.

In early May 2023, Saudi Arabia said it was gearing up for massive growth in hotel capacity.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Defining success in real estate project management is relatively easy but achieving it is often more difficult. One of the most common reasons that projects fall short of expectations is the failure to correctly identify and address the concerns of the wide range of stakeholders impacted by any real estate project. The role of effective stakeholder engagement is  often overlooked. This is visible across the Middle East and North Africa region, where projects face delays and cost overruns because of disgruntled third-party stakeholders dissatisfied with how things are.

Most project managers would agree that any successful project is delivered to  the client’s expectations within the agreed timelines, cost parameters and to the required quality. However,  the external stakeholder’s  influence in achieving or preventing this success, is often dismissed as a subjective aspect beyond the control and scope of the project manager.

Savvy project managers recognise the inherent dangers in ignoring the expectations of external stakeholders and make the effort to identify these stakeholders, engage them in the process and take measures to assure their expectations are met.

While it is not possible to please everyone all the time, as some stakeholders may have mutually exclusive expectations, this should not dissuade the project manager from identifying those expectations and do whatever is possible to address them.

Broadly, a stakeholder is a person or entity who can affect or be affected by an ongoing project or its outcome. Therefore, the first step for successful project management is to identify all stakeholders, internal and external, early in the project lifecycle and review who may influence or get impacted.

Client, developers, owners, investors, architects and contractors are obvious stakeholders as are government agencies governing traffic, planning and building codes. But many project managers fail to recognise other stakeholders such as neighbouring landlords or the department of public utilities. In Egypt for example, many external governing bodies are influential stakeholders with the ability to either accelerate or delay a project. Still, these stakeholders are not always addressed.

Once the full range of stakeholders have been ascertained, the next step is to correctly identify their interest, influence and expectations in relation to the  project. The process requires the project manager to analyse both internal and external stakeholders’ positioning (level of interest) and power (level of influence), typically grouped into four groups:

• High power, high interest (investors, government bodies, owners)
• Low power, high interest (communities, protection agencies)
• High power, low interest (employees, regulators)
• Low power, low interest (competitors, suppliers)

This process should be undertaken iteratively throughout each stage of the project lifecycle, from initiation to close out.

Another important task for  the project manager is  to control and reduce risk. It typically involves creating a risk matrix, assessing and quantifying attributes (possibility and impact) and creating possibility/impact (PI) measures to manage and mitigate risk.

In summary, the successful delivery of any project is influenced by the ability to effectively manage stakeholder expectations. The key to optimum stakeholder management is understanding that any affected individual or organisation can either positively or negatively impact any project delivery.

Read more:

• How data-driven programme management ensures every project hits the ground running
• Think globally, act locally: Delivering projects across borders
• Enabling the airports of tomorrow with digital twins

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Source: MEConstructionNews

399 Hills Park has been announced by National Properties, the real estate subsidiary of shari’a-compliant savings and investment firm National Bonds Corporation. Located in Dubai Hills Estate close to the Dubai Hills mall, the property is valued at US $272mn and is set to be a prime attraction in the UAE’s real estate market.

Scheduled for completion in Q4 2025, 399 Hills Park will feature a range of units including one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments.

It will offer a luxurious lifestyle with a range of state-of-the-art amenities such as indoor and outdoor children’s play areas, as well as swimming pools suitable for both adults and children, a rooftop terrace with BBQ and family gathering areas in addition to electric car charging stations, a statement from the firm explained.

In early April 2023, Iman Developers launched the Oxford Gardens residential development and, later in the month, DAMAC launched the 45-storey Canal Heights 2 residential tower.

“We are thrilled to launch the 399 Hills Park project, which guarantees a superior standard of urban living for its residents and a secure lucrative investment for our clients. As a reliable and trusted developer supported by the $3.54bn investment portfolio contributed by more than 800,000 Bondholders, we take immense pride in delivering excellence and fulfilling our commitments,” stated National Bonds Corporation CEO Mohammed Qasim Al Ali.

He noted that the project offers ample parking for residents and visitors, 24/7 security, spacious 5-star like lobbies and a diverse collection of premium retail shops.

Sports enthusiasts can enjoy outdoor sports facilities including a paddle tennis court, yoga lawn and fully equipped gyms with the latest equipment, separate saunas and steam rooms for ladies and gents, he concluded.

In late April 2023, Samana launched its ‘Samana Mykonos Signature’ residential project.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

UAE-based RAK Properties has signed up Gulf Asia Contracting Company (GACC) as the main contractor for the development of Phase Two of its flagship community, Bay Residences. Located on Hayat Island, the beachfront development will include 324 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, across two towers.

The second phase of the community has already been sold out, said RAK Properties, highlighting a surge in demand for beachfront properties in the emirate, a statement from RAK Properties noted.

GACC operates across the GCC with a number of fully-active projects in the region. The firm has previously been appointed as the main contractor for several large-scale projects including hotels, residential communities, petrochemical plants, oil refineries and infrastructure-related projects.

In late November 2022, RAK Properties announced it had broken ground on the Bay Residences project and, in mid February 2023, the developer awarded the main contract for its Marbella Villas residential project to Gulf Contracting.

On the contract award, RAK Properties’ Chief Development Officer James Marsh said, “At RAK Properties we are dedicated to working with best-in-class partners to realise our vision to deliver exceptional residential communities to the people of Ras Al Khaimah and those wanting to invest in this fast-growing tourism hub. Gulf Asia is a natural partner as it shares our commitment to developing the highest quality communities. We look forward to the delivery of this exciting project which will add a new dimension to RAK Properties’ rich portfolio.”

Situated in close proximity to InterContinental Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa and Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, Bay Residences will also provide access to several key amenities including swimming pools, playgrounds, retail stores, food and beverage outlets, and gyms, in addition to scenic pedestrian paths, parks and landscaped, open green spaces.

In late April 2023, Wynn Resorts revealed the name and design vision of its $3.9bn RAK hospitality project.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Private developer Azizi Developments has just announced its plans to invest up to US $16.3bn in the hospitality sector, through the launch of 50 upmarket, luxury hotels and resorts in Dubai, in addition to an ultra-prestigious seven-star hotel.

With these new launches, the developer will add close to 20,000 new keys to Dubai’s hotel stock over the next five years.

Azizi said these new hotels and resorts in the UAE (and beyond) will be managed by its own in-house hospitality division.

In early March 2023, Azizi said it had extended its partnership with Kludi and, in early April 2023, the developer launched its Azizi Grand development in Dubai Sports City.

The announcement follows Azizi’s recently-revealed plans to enter the hospitality sector, an initiative set to be led by the company’s new Chief Operating Officer – Hospitality, Michael Zager.

As a leading developer, Azizi is now leveraging its real estate aptitude and in-depth understanding of the market’s wants and needs to grant visitors leading-edge hospitality experiences, a statement from the firm noted.

Azizi pointed out that it was seeing its entry into the tourism sector as the next big stride in its mission of enhancing lifestyles – and it looks forward to showcasing its key hospitality projects to the group’s stakeholders in the UAE and beyond.

In early May 2023, Azizi appointted Peri to its Beachfront 1 project.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The acquisition of a majority stake in Turkey-based Su-Yapı Engineering & Consulting (Su-Yapı) has been announced by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Dar). Su-Yapı employs over 200 professionals and is said to be a regional leader in water, wastewater, infrastructure, energy, dams and hydropower.

According to a statement from Dar, the move will strengthen its foothold in Türkiye and Central Asia and reinforce its leadership position in the Middle East and Africa in water resources, dams and hydropower.

“The addition of Su-Yapı to our family of brands supports our strategy for growth in key sectors and regions. We share a common mission to serve communities and deliver complex multidisciplinary iconic projects which create long-term social value,” said Talal Shair, Dar Group Chairman and CEO.

Director of Operations for Türkiye at Dar Beshara Wakim noted that the partnership presented a significant opportunity to leverage its combined resources and competencies for collaborative growth and renewed ambition.

In early June 2022, JCDC awarded the masterplan design contract for its $20bn Jeddah Central Project to Dar and, in late January 2023, Dar opened a new office in Warsaw.

“We are thrilled to become part of the Dar family, as we share common values and a purpose of ‘Making Progress Together’. We are excited about the potential opportunities this transaction brings for our staff, clients, and communities,” remarked Su-Yapı’s Chairperson Sedef Odabaşı Erdoğan.

Su-Yapı will continue to operate independently under its own brand while benefiting from the vast international network, resources, and capabilities of Dar Group where world-class specialist brands collaborate on quality, innovation, reliability, delivery and excellent customer relationships, she added.

Founded in 1956, Dar provides planning, design, engineering, and project management services for buildings, cities, transportation, civil infrastructure, water, and the environment. With 7,800 professionals spread across 47 offices in 30+ countries, Dar has delivered 4,500 projects worth over $540bn for 950 clients worldwide, the statement concluded.

In mid March 2023, Dar Group acquired a Canada-based building analytics solutions provider.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

PowerBar Gulf has successfully expanded its production facility in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (Rakez) to address the growing regional demands for power distribution products and continuity solutions.

The company noted that it is now operating out of a large and purpose-built unit occupying 16,000sqm in the emirate’s Al Ghail Industrial Zone.

This factory expansion is set to boost the production of power distribution products and continuity solutions, including low-voltage switch-gear, Vertiv PowerBar iMPB busway system and prefabricated power modules, it stated.

Moreover, the company will be catering to the energy and utility aspects of the booming $86.7bn construction market in the UAE – which until 2027 is projected to grow annually by over 3%, according to a Global Data forecast report.

In late July 2021, RAD International said it was building a new $2.7m asphalt plant in RAKEZ and, early November 2021, Hira Industries started work on a 9,300sqm expansion of its production facility in RAKEZ.

“We have been in Rakez since 2008 and this is our fourth expansion phase over the years. Back when we were just setting up, the organisation assisted us with licence, lease, permits and related matters. Their developmental projects in Al Ghail Industrial Zone also enabled our company’s efficiency. Our journey to date has been excellent with the professional, cooperative and helpful staff at Rakez who have supported us in all our expansion phases. We enjoy the ease of operating in the region with our world-class manufacturing facilities in Ras Al Khaimah, enabled by Rakez,” stated PowerBar Gulf General Manager Joe Sheerin.

PowerBar Gulf is a subsidiary of Ireland-based E+I Engineering Group, a provider of electrical switch-gear and power distribution systems, which was acquired by the American firm Vertiv in 2021.

Rakez Group CEO Ramy Jallad concluded, “We are happy to witness the remarkable growth and accomplishments of our long-standing partner, PowerBar Gulf. Over the course of 14 years, we have seen them achieve numerous milestones while facilitating their journey in terms of infrastructure, workforce, and regional operations. PowerBar Gulf’s continued success is a testament to our unwavering commitment towards enabling the progress of our business community. As we continue to extend our support and care to all our members, we are confident that an increasing number of industrial companies will scale new heights and set benchmarks for others to follow.”

In early February 2022, SAN Group said it would set up a new green biotechnology facility in Rakez.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Tecom Group said that it has observed its first quarter (Q1) net profit jump 34% to US $69mn, boosted by a growth in occupancy rates at its properties. The company reported a 6% year-on-year (YoY) increase in revenues to $140mn.

Meanwhile, its EBITDA increased 14% to $109mn, primarily driven by top line growth and lower operational expenses, a statement explained.

The net profit increase was underpinned by strong growth in revenues, enhanced operational efficiencies and sustained growth across all business segments. Funds from operations (FFO) reached $98mn, a 44% increase on Q1 2022, due to strong collections and continued high levels of customer retention.

Tecom Group shareholders have approved a dividend payment of $54.5mn, which was paid in April 2023. This follows a $54.4mn pay-out distributed in November 2022, taking the total dividend payment for the second half of 2022 (H2) to $109mn.

In late December 2022, Tecom broke ground on the $120mn Innovation Hub Phase 2 in Dubai Internet City, following which, the firm’s CEO said it is a pillar for Dubai’s businesses.

As per the dividend policy set out in the IPO prospectus, Tecom Group is committed to paying a total dividend amount of $218mn per annum over the first three years of being a listed company. The next dividend payment will be distributed in September 2023, subject to shareholder approval, and will cover the first half of 2023.

Abdulla Belhoul, Chief Executive Officer, Tecom Group, said: “Tecom Group’s solid first quarter results, are not just a testament to the success of our long-term growth strategy, but also a reflection of the underlying business confidence in Dubai and the thriving business ecosystem in the emirate. The sustained growth in our occupancy demonstrates the continued demand for our specialised assets and reaffirms Dubai’s position as a global hub for investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We believe we are well positioned to continue to capitalise on the booming real estate market in Dubai.

“Looking ahead, our outlook for the rest of the year is positive, particularly with the prospect of higher rental rates, continued growth in occupancy and the immense potential that the city offers to businesses of all sizes and from all sectors. We will maintain our focus on maximising value to our shareholders and all our stakeholders,” he concluded.

In early March 2023, SLG Group said it would build a $55mn facility in Dubai Industrial City.

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Source: MEConstructionNews