Mohamed-Ibrahim-Al-Hammadi-ENEC-CEO-MD1_1000x600.jpg

May 8, 2023 wicsummit0

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (ENEC) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, has been selected as the new Chair Elect of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) Board of Directors.

The role will see Al Hammadi become Chairman of the WNA in 2024.

“Receipt of the role of chair elect for such an important organisation as the WNA has been made possible because of the UAE’s visionary leadership to transform its energy sector. Through their ongoing support in developing the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, the UAE model for nuclear energy has been hailed a global success story. It offers a new blueprint for other nations that choose to pursue this vital source of clean electricity to decarbonize their energy portfolios, as nations around the world work to drive energy security and energy sustainability in parallel, in pursuit of Net Zero 2050”, explained Al Hammadi.

According to a statement from ENC, the WNA is headquartered in London and supports the development of nuclear energy programs worldwide. It also noted that its members are responsible for 70% of the world’s nuclear energy generation.

In early October 2022, Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Plant was successfully connected to the UAE power grid and, later in the month, Inspire marked five million man-hours with zero LTI at the Barakah Nuclear Plant.

The members appoint a General Manager and elect a Board of Directors of 20 members, where the board performs its duties related to managing the Association and setting its policies and strategic objectives. Al Hammadi was elected as a member of the Board of Directors of WNA in April 2022, the statement added.

His appointment highlights the UAE’s continued commitment to collaboration with the international nuclear energy community, by sharing best practices, knowledge and lessons learnt. The UAE has become a global benchmark for new nuclear energy projects, with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant widely recognised as one of the most advanced, nuclear plants in the world, delivered to the highest standards of safety, quality and transparency.

Barakah is a successful case study for other nations looking to diversify their energy portfolio during a time of international energy crises. With three units now operating commercially, Barakah is delivering energy security, powering sustainable economic growth, driving innovation and contributing to achieving the UAE’s Net Zero strategy by 2050, ENC noted in its statement.

Al Hammadi is also President of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) after being voted in by members in October 2022, during the WANO Biennial General Meeting (BGM) in Prague, Czech Republic.

In late March 2023, ENEC signed a MoU with a Romanian nuclear group to collaborate on the development and expansion of the nuclear energy programmes in the UAE and Romania.

The post ENEC MD & CEO appointed Chair Elect of World Nuclear Association Board of Directors appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


Riyadh_1000X600.jpg

May 5, 2023 wicsummit0

Cundall has launched a new office in Riyadh in support of its commitment to strengthen its Middle East operations and grow its global practice. The opening of Cundall Arabia was marked with a reception hosted at the British Embassy in Riyadh, which was attended by local business leaders and representatives of the Foreign Office, as well as Cundall staff and clients from across the region, a statement from Cundall noted.

The new Riyadh office serves as a hub for the practice in-country work and is said to strengthen the firm’s ability to serve its Saudi clients. The expansion will complement Cundall’s existing offices in Dubai and Doha, bring more of the business’s skills and expertise to the market and increase influence on projects across the region, the firm explained.

The firm said it is already working on a number of high-profile projects throughout Saudi Arabia, encompassing entertainment, masterplanning and the Red Sea Global’s Dark Sky Initiative.

“The eyes of the world are on Saudi Arabia as we witness unprecedented positive transformation, both socially and economically, to realise the ambition of the Saudi Vision 2030. This is driving an incredible level of growth in development and construction and 2023 should be a pivotal year for the country as work on the many of the transformational projects announced in recent years begin to come to fruition,” said Richard Stratton, Partner & Managing Director EMENA.

In mid May 2022, Cundall’s Mrunmai Vaidya said there are three key areas to consider as an industry to pursue development without escalating climate change.

He continued, “Saudi Arabia has demonstrated a clear intention for its projects to set new sustainability benchmarks and this aligns well with our own Net Zero Carbon 2030 commitments. We look forward to building on the success of the projects we are already driving in the region, and continue delivering Cundall’s design and engineering excellence to both public and private sector clients in this exciting and burgeoning market.”

The recent diversification of the Saudi economy with the implementation of Saudi Vision 2030 provides an opportunity for Cundall to help create a more equitable and sustainable built environment which aligns well with its own strategy and values, the firm pointed out.

Carole O’Neil, Global Managing Partner at Cundall commented, “The expansion into Saudi Arabia is a significant and exciting milestone for Cundall. We are already working with some great clients, and we’re looking forward to building new relationships in the region and continuing to have a positive impact on every project we touch. With the recent significant cultural and economic changes that the country has undergone, as well as its plans for a more sustainable future, we see a huge opportunity to support the country on its journey and this aligns well with Cundall’s commitment to building a more sustainable future.”

Cundall is dedicated to achieving sustainable design throughout the built environment. The development of the business’s footprint in Saudi Arabia is a testament to its unwavering commitment to its clients and supporting social and economic growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the statement added.

In late June 2022, Carole O’Neil said Cundall is committed to building an inclusive business where anyone can thrive.

Cundall’s partner in Saudi Arabia, Abdulaziz M. AlBassam, Managing Partner, MABconsult remarked, “We are thrilled with the launch of Cundall, a globally renowned engineering consultancy, here in Riyadh, where we are certain of the value that it will bring to the local industry. We look forward to the transfer of knowledge to the local talented Saudi engineers and the participation in the unprecedented movement towards the realisation of Saudi Vision 2030.”

The new Riyadh office is Cundall’s 24th global office and brings the practice to over 1000 employees worldwide. In 2023, Cundall will open an office in the Philippines and will make further announcements about openings in the coming months, the statement concluded.

In late March 2023, Mario Saab, Head of Sustainability MENA at Cundall said the wisest course of action is to build on the IPCC call to action and scale up efforts to improve existing buildings and communities.

The post Cundall expands into Saudi Arabia with opening of 24th global office appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


Tilal-Al-Ghaf_1000X600.jpg

May 5, 2023 wicsummit0

Majid Al Futtaim Development, part of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, said it has set a new benchmark for luxury real estate in Dubai, with the recent sale of a Lanai Island luxury mansion for US $54.4mn, the highest recorded sale to date at Tilal Al Ghaf.

Designed in collaboration with South African architects SAOTA and with interior finishes by interior designer Kelly Hoppen, Lanai Islands offers a limited collection of 13 ultra-luxury villas on a secluded private island, rising from the waters of a 150,000sqm recreational lagoon, stated the developer.

These villas have become a favourite among the ultra-high-net-worth-individuals (UHNWIs) segment, an exclusive global community that increased by 9% last year.

In mid October 2022, Majid Al Futtaim Properties deployed solar hybrid power at Tilal Al Ghaf and, in mid November 2022, LUXHABITAT Sotheby’s International Realty completed the sale of a $39.5mn Palm Jumeirah villa.

The sale of the property for $54.4mn was closed by Orange City Properties and is said to underscore the strong demand for premium properties in Dubai, where the real estate market is currently at a 12-year record high.

Located on a large corner plot with extensive landscaped gardens extending to a private water frontage, the record-breaking Lanai Island product offers expansive living with over 30,000sqft of gross floor area (GSA), stated the developer.

The villa features eight bedrooms and a number of unique features including a floating lounge deck directly on the water, a sunken rooftop terrace with unrivalled 360-degree views across the lagoon, and a triple-height courtyard that brings light and lush greenery into the centre of the home.

In mid February 2023, Metropolitan Premium Properties closed the sale of a $24.6mn Tilal Al Ghaf villa.

The post Lanai Island mansion sells for $54.4mn says Majid Al Futtaim Development appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


DaVinciTower1_1000x600.jpg

May 5, 2023 wicsummit0

Real estate developer Dar Global has announced that it has awarded the fit-out works for its Da Vinci Tower in Business Bay, to the regional unit of Indian construction and real estate conglomerate, Shapoorji Pallonji.

Dar Global said the $31.5mn contract award comes following a rigorous selection process. The fit-out works for the Da Vinci Tower will ensure that every aspect of its interiors, including the fittings, fixtures and finishes, meet the highest standards of luxury and sophistication, the firm said.

Announcing the contract award, CEO Ziad El Chaar said: “We are pleased to have the global contractor Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast on board for the fit-out works of the Da Vinci Tower. As a company, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of excellence in all our projects, and we believe that Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast is the ideal partner for this project due to their proven track record of delivering projects to the same level of quality. The tower is expected to be completed in December 2025 and will offer its residents breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline including the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.”

In early June 2022, the developer said it began construction works of the $272mn W Residences Dubai and, in early August 2022, the firm said it was eyeing aggressive regional and international expansion.

A US $218mn project, Da Vinci Tower features 80 apartments including high-end one-, two- and three-bedroom units and a luxurious penthouse. The tower was designed by Pagani, and directly overlooks the Dubai Canal, with each home being designed to offer residents views across Dubai’s skyline.

The Da Vinci Tower by Pagani is part of Dar Global’s portfolio of luxury residential projects, which also includes Urban Oasis Tower by Missoni in Dubai, Les Vagues Residences by Elie Saab in Doha, Sidra Residences in Bosnia, and Aida Master Development in Oman, with its Trump Golf Club, hotel, and residences.

In early October 2022, the developer showcased the world’s first Pagani apartments.

The post Shapoorji Pallonji wins $31.5mn fit-out contract for Da Vinci Tower appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


VIA-Riyadh1_1000x600.jpg

May 3, 2023 wicsummit0

VIA Riyadh, a new luxury shopping and entertainment hub in the Saudi capital will open its doors to the public on 11 May according to the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA).

The shopping destination is part of the wider Saudi Vision 2030 agenda which plans to modernise the country and develop its entertainment sector to help diversify the economy. VIA Riyadh will boast the Kingdom’s first St. Regis Hotel property, in addition to elite shopping outlets, cinemas and international food market, said a report by the Saudi Press Agency.

Lauding Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for their support in turning the Kingdom into a mega tourist destination, GEA Chairman Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al Sheikh said VIA Riyadh, one of the finest entertainment destinations in the capital, will offer visitors upscale hospitality, shopping, and accommodation services.

“Via Riyadh will feature five-star hotel Regis, 22 luxury stores, 15 restaurants and cafes, seven cinemas, and an international food market,” he explained.

In mid February 2023, the Saudi Crown Prince launched the New Murabba Development Company to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh and, in late March 2023, Dar Al Arkan said it had 3D printed a ‘smart’ villa in Riyadh.

Construction of the area, which is built in the Salmani style, took 20 months. The Salmani design process is based on six core values outlined by King Salman: authenticity, continuity, human-centricity, livability, innovation and sustainability.

Salmani architecture integrates modern lifestyles while evoking the local identity and architectural heritage of the kingdom, a report by Arab News noted.

The opening ceremony will showcase the new zone, which is distinguished by a combination of authentic and modern architecture, but at the same time, its spaces are designed in a way that gives comfort and relaxation through vast green spaces, artistic sculptures, and perennial trees near the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh.

The new venue will also include a theatre for live performances, which will be inaugurated by Saudi singer Abdul Majeed Abdullah on 18 May, the report concluded.

In late April 2023, Benoy unveiled the designs for Konoz in Riyadh.

The post New luxury shopping destination to open in Riyadh on 11 May appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


Al-Falah-Housing-Project1_1000x600.jpg

May 3, 2023 wicsummit0

Development of the third phase of the Al Falah housing project has begun according to Abu Dhabi officials. The project is being developed over an area of 2.1m sqm at a total investment of over US $523mn.

According to officials, the project will boast 899 residential villas, five mosques, as well as other key amenities and allocated plots of land for commercial and community facilities. The latest phase reflects the increasing urban expansion of the Al Falah area, according to the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently conducted an inspection tour of the project. He was briefed on the infrastructure, building specifications and architectural design features of the project, which is part of the Emirati Neighbourhood initiative.

Later he reviewed the interior and exterior finishes of the villas, which are designed to meet the needs of citizens and enhance their quality of life in line with the highest international standards, the statement concluded.

In mid September 2022, Sheikh Hamdan launched an integrated housing plan for Dubai nationals.

Sheikh Khaled was accompanied by Dr. Ahmed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; Muna Al Dhaheri, Director-General of Operational Affairs at Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Saif Badr Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Talal Al Dhiyebi, Chief Executive Officer at Aldar Properties; and a number of senior engineers from the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.

“The inauguration of this phase of the housing project reflects our leadership’s directives to ensure the highest living standards, stability, and wellbeing for Emirati citizens and their families. The project contributes to creating dynamic, attractive and secure neighbourhoods that enhance the lifestyle of citizens and stimulate economic and social growth across Abu Dhabi,” said Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa.

Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi added, “In delivering the directives of our leadership by enhancing quality of life and stability for our citizens, we remain committed to develop housing projects that meet their needs and ensure the comprehensive development of neighbourhoods.”

The expansion of Al Falah is the latest phase of the project, which was first launched in 2012. The project’s first and second phases are said to have already provided citizens with 4,857 homes.

In late February 2023, 8,500 housing plots were awarded to UAE nationals.

Each villa will boast five bedrooms, two Majlis (one for men and one for women), dining and living rooms, and other facilities, the announcement explained.

In late March 2023, Hill won the 50,000-unit Al Fursan PMC contract.

The post Development of $523mn third phase of Al Falah housing project commences appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


Aramco-and-Baosteel1_1000x600.jpg

May 3, 2023 wicsummit0

Aramco and the Public Investment Fund (PIF) have joined forces with Baosteel, the world’s largest steel conglomerate, to establish an integrated steel plate manufacturing complex in the Kingdom. It is set to provide a production capacity of up to 1.5m tonnes per year.

Subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, the joint venture (JV) complex will be built in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City, one of the four new special economic zones recently announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.

It will be the first facility of its kind in the Kingdom (as well as in the GCC region), and is expected to strongly advance the regional steel industry ecosystem. The project aims to enhance the domestic manufacturing sector through localising the production of heavy steel plates, transferring knowledge, and creating a raft of new export opportunities.

The plant will be equipped with a natural gas-based, direct reduced-iron (DRI) furnace and an electric arc furnace, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the steel-making process by up to 60% compared to a traditional blast furnace.

In early January 2023, Dana Steel announced a major new facility in Abu Dhabi.

The DRI plant would be compatible with hydrogen without the need for major equipment modifications, potentially reducing CO2 emissions by up to 90% in the future.

Aramco President & CEO, Amin H. Nasser said, “The Kingdom’s first steel plate production facility is expected to enhance Saudi Arabia’s steel industry ecosystem and improve supply chain localisation. Under our flagship industrial investment programme, Namaat, and supported by the government’s Shareek programme, this JV is expected to create jobs and contribute to economic growth and diversification. This JV is also an example of bringing together expertise from other sectors. With Baosteel and PIF supporting in-capacity building in the Kingdom’s industrial sector, Aramco aims to create additional value for our company and our partners.”

PIF Deputy Governor and Head of MENA Investments, Yazeed A. Al-Humied added, “PIF is diversifying the Saudi economy by unlocking opportunities and enabling key strategic sectors in the local market. This partnership aims at establishing an integrated steel plate manufacturing facility that will strengthen Saudi Arabia’s industrial development and enable its role as a supplier within the metal industry.”

The investment aligns with PIF’s strategy of resourcing promising sectors and technologies, and the most strategically important industries, in order to drive the diversification of the local economy.

In mid January 2023, Emirates Global Aluminium announced the Aluminium Recycling Coalition.

Baosteel Chairman Zou Jixin commented, “This project is an active practice by our group to explore lower-carbon paths for the steel industry, a major achievement in promoting the international development strategy of Baosteel. The project aims to contribute positively to the localisation of the steel industry chain, to job creation, and to local economic prosperity in Saudi Arabia.”

In early February 2023, a Saudi-Korean JV broke ground on a $240mn stainless steel pipes production facility.

The post Aramco, PIF and Baosteel enter into major steel-focused partnership appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


Akun1_1000x600.jpg

May 2, 2023 wicsummit0

Developer Red Sea Global (RSG) has launched Akun, which is billed as an adventure sports brand that will create authentic and unique experiences for guests at RSG destinations, in line with the responsible ethos of the group.

According to the developer, ‘Akun’ comes from Arabic meaning ‘to be’. It is said to be deeply connected to the ambition of empowering guests to “find their way and just be. Be present. Be in the moment. Be real”.

The brand reflects a mission to encourage people to live meaningfully, where every day is different. It is about finding your way, it added.

“At Red Sea Global, we believe the experiences available for our guests are just as important as the destination itself, and this new brand will provide them with world-class experiences in land and in connection with the sky above. Akun will offer a diverse range of ‘bucket-list’ adventures set in, over and throughout breath-taking sea and landscapes, and each builds on the exciting sense of exploration we nurture at our destinations,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global.

In late March 2023, RSG awarded the contracts for Amaala’s Marina Village.

According to a statement from the developer, Akun will operate and manage adventure and sports experiences at RSG destinations including gravel, mountain, fat tire and electric biking, plus trail running and hiking through diverse natural trails. Guests can choose from climbing, scrambling, and a wide selection of thrilling action sports for both beginners and athletes.

Akun will also be closely connected to the local communities in each destination, working to develop conservation and cultural trails, and telling the incredible stories of these ancient lands.

The company’s formation comes after the developer’s transformation into Red Sea Global last year, which came with an ambition to establish a series of RSG-owned subsidiary businesses to support the evolution of its developments. WAMA and Galaxea were the first two subsidiary businesses to be announced back in February, the statement explained.

“Combined with WAMA and Galaxea, our water sports and diving brands, we can now offer a full trio package of sporting experiences ahead of our first guests arriving at The Red Sea this year. Aligning with these brands and our broader company vision, Akun will operate with sustainability at its core and in line with our regenerative ambitions to protect and enhance the local environment,” Pagano commented.

In early April 2023, RSG appointed ILF Consulting Engineers to implement a $1.5bn project.

WAMA is responsible for offering invigorating water sport adventures, from stand-up paddleboarding through the destination’s mangrove forests, to sailing the Red Sea’s soft swells, while Galaxea will offer diving experiences that let guests explore the rich marine life below the water, the developer reiterated.

Akun has already signed two initial partnership deals with operators Bungy New Zealand and Air Sports Group, which will both assess the capacity for adventure tourism at RSG destinations. Air Sports Group will carry out a 13-week on-site technical assessment to ascertain the air sports potential at both Amaala and The Red Sea, with sports including skydiving, paragliding, paramotoring, and hot air ballooning. Bungy New Zealand will focus on developing the overall adventure tourism plan and concept designs for individual guest experiences, the statement clarified.

“Akun focuses on discovery – discovering yourself and your physical and mental strength and discovering the Kingdom. Through such partnerships with leading international experts, we are confident that we can successfully unlock the potential of our land, sea and skies, welcoming guests to find their way in this new adventure playground,” added Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director-Destination Development at Red Sea Global.

Three resorts at The Red Sea will open this year along with the first phase of the Red Sea International airport, welcoming domestic flights. A further 13 hotels will open in 2024, and 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, the statement concluded.

In mid April 2023, a Red Sea hotel MEP contract was awarded to Elegancia Arabia Trading Company.

The post Red Sea Global launches new adventure sports company in Saudi Arabia appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


Oman-Solar-Power_1000x600.jpg

May 2, 2023 wicsummit0

The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) said it is sourcing requests for proposal (RFPs) from interested bidders to provide project management and supervisory consultancy services for its key solar PV projects: Manah I and Manah II.

The large-scale Manah independent power projects (IPP) is to be set up on a 15m sqm area within the Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah, and will jointly produce a total 1,000MW of power.

It is expected that over two million solar panels will be installed in these two stations, which will be the largest solar panel project for the sultanate. Oman has already declared that solar power should play a major role in its transition towards largely alternative energy sources by 2035, and notably, has already worked with a number of European solar power exponents to develop its conversion strategy and the technologies required to do so most efficiently.

In late February 2023, Baynouna Solar Energy Company opened Jordan’s largest clean energy project and, in early March 2023, ALEC Energy partnered with Solar Earth to bring pavement integrated photovoltaic solution to the GCC.

OPWP, a member of Nama Group, is responsible for procuring new capacity for power and water in the sultanate in accordance with the provisions of the law for the Regulation and Privatisation of the electricity and related water sector, as promulgated by Royal Decree 78/2004.

In its tender notification, OPWP said the winning consultant will provide PMC and supervisory consultancy services for the key renewable project during its construction, commissioning and testing phase.

According to OPWP, work on these two stations will kick off in Q3 this year and the entire project is due for commercial operations by mid-2025. The deadline for submitting the tenders has been set for 11 June 2023.

In late April 2023, Big Project Middle East announced its 2023 Energy & Sustainability Summit will take place at the Habtoor Grand Resort on 23 May.

The post Oman launches RFPs for 1GW solar plant appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews