AMEA Power, one of the fastest growing renewable energy companies in the Middle East, announced today that it has been awarded a 120MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project in South Africa as part of the Sixth Bid Submission Phase of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) Program. The Doornhoek PV Project will sell electricity to the state utility, Eskom, under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement.

AMEA Power is the majority shareholder in the US$120 million project, and has partnered with a consortium wholly owned by African women, formed by Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Consulting.

To further support the development of the country, AMEA Power and its partners will form a community trust, which will own a share of the project, and contribute towards the economic development of communities close to the project.

Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power, said: “The awarding of this project, represents another major milestone for AMEA Power as it is our first in South Africa and was granted in competition with other major renewable energy players. Over the next decade, the country will undergo a massive transition in its approach to electricity generation as the network decommissions large amounts of coal generation and adopts cleaner solutions like wind and solar. AMEA Power aims to bring many more clean energy projects onto the grid to help address the energy shortfall, and provide clean, affordable energy to the country in the long term.

“Clean energy solutions presents tremendous opportunities for delivering investment, job creation and social development across South Africa. As AMEA Power expands its clean energy footprint across the continent, South Africa will be a major market for the Company and an opportunity to work with local partners to develop projects across the country.”

The solar project, which is located near the town of Klerksdorp in the North West Province, will generate more than 325GWh of clean energy per year and power around 25,000 households. In total, the project is expected to offset 290,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

The construction of the Doornhoek PV Project will commence by mid-2023, and will make use of more than 45% of locally sourced materials and resources.

As part of its long term planning to reduce its carbon emissions and provide greater energy stability across its electricity network, South Africa aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix from 11% to 41% by 2030. The country also plans to decommission between 8GW and 12GW of coal fired power plants over the next decade.

AMEA Power has a secured a number of sites suitable for the development of a further 1GW of renewable energy projects in South Africa, which the Company will bid into future REIPPP Programs, and provision for private sector consumers. The Company is also exploring opportunities with a number of commercial and industrial entities across South Africa to provide them with access to renewable energy.

AMEA Power is rapidly expanding its investments in wind, solar, energy storage and green hydrogen, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the global energy transition. The Company has clean energy pipeline of over 6GW across 16 countries.

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Iman Developers, the Dubai-based luxury residential developer, has announced the launch of its latest project, The Grove – a nine-storey building located within the Dubai Hills community.

In a statement, the developer said that the project is the eighth in its residential development portfolio. It will feature 121 apartments with a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. It has an estimated value of $53 million, it added.

The property features a variety of world-class amenities and design features, including a lobby with double-height ceilings and elegant fittings. Other amenities include a 25-metre recreational pool, a rooftop adults pool with a jacuzzi, a basketball court, cabanas and decks, a green area, a fully equipped gym, club lounge and games area, indoor and outdoor play areas for children, and rooftop barbeque facilities, amongst others.

Apartments will also come with smart door locks with fingerprint sensors, as well dual verification and hidden pic codes to provide additional security, the developer said.

Iman Developers Director Ismail Marfani said: “We have designed every square foot to be a luxurious experience. We aim to ensure that The Grove is elegantly personified with facilities and amenities that set it apart because the quality of life is directly related to the quality of one’s home.”

“We have constantly developed our projects focusing on every aspect, from the scope and scale of the project to the smallest details, to ensure the pinnacle of modern living for our customers,” he noted.

He added that the residential units will range from 414 sqft to 477 sqft; 700 sqft to 896 sqft, 1,078 sqft to 1,292 sqft, and 1,706 to 2,560 sqft respectively.

“We aim to provide our residents with a comfortable and welcoming environment with all the amenities they could want available at their fingertips, with a focus on sustainability and smart living. We pride ourselves on being able to ensure that we are able to meet the highest expectations of consumers for luxury development,” noted Marfani.

“The apartments at the Grove also enable sustainable living with smart living features, such as Google Nest Thermostats which are fitted in every unit that turns on and off based on usage patterns, providing complete automation, and offering a smart solution to energy saving,” he concluded.

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Voltas, the Indian-headquartered air conditioning and engineering solutions provider, has said that it has been awarded a US$114 million contract for providing and installing the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) services for Qiddiya Water Theme Park.

Qiddiya is a Public Investment Fund project that aims to become the capital for entertainment, sports, and arts in Saudi Arabia. Part of its objectives is to help establish the Kingdom as a global tourist destination and to support Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the country’s economy.

Offering a range of innovative and immersive experiences, the destination aims to be completed by October 1, 2024.

Commenting on the project win, managing director and CEO Pradeep Bakshi said: “We are delighted to win yet another prestigious project in Saudi Arabia. We have been making our headway in Middle East market – predominantly the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, for over 40 years.”

“We have transformed adversities into opportunities through improvised processes, embraced automation, eliminating significant costs arising out of mobility restrictions and other project risks.”

Founded in India in 1954, Voltas is part of the Tata Group, and in addition to ACs, it also has air purifiers, water dispensers, commercial refrigeration, and air conditioning products in its portfolio.

“Today, Voltas is the leading MEP services provider in the region, felicitated with several awards for its quality, capability and safety records,” Bakshi said, adding that Qiddiya is being designed into a place where Saudi Arabia’s youth can achieve their goals.

He pointed out the destination will be a place where students may enjoy, appreciate, strive for, develop, and cultivate their potential; a place that opens doors and creates new career paths to support the creation of a more affluent and progressive society.

“With this new project, we believe that we will provide vast opportunities for development and collaboration in the coming years,” he concluded.

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Khidmah, the regional facilities management and home maintenance company, said it has acquired two key businesses – green building enabler Pactive Sustainable Solutions; and Mace Group’s UAE-based hard facilities management unit – Mace Macro Technical Services.

Pactive Sustainable Solutions (Pactive) is an accredited Energy Service Company (ESCO), a certified energy auditor, and a company that specialises in energy performance contracts, and building and industrial energy audits. It also offers ‘Green Building Services’ such as LEED Certifications and 3D Energy Modelling.

Pactive focuses as well on HVAC Automation and has unique solutions to save energy in split air conditioners. Meanwhile, Mace Macro Technical Services, part of global property agent Mace Group, provides Hard Facilities Management solutions to various commercial buildings in the region.

These acquisitions are part of Khidmah’s expansion and growth strategy that aims to strengthen its services proposition and geographical reach while driving the company’s operational and financial performance forward, said a statement from the company.

They open new opportunities for Khidmah and its clients, enabling the company to provide various sustainable solutions that help built environments become greener, as well as grow its portfolio and geographic footprint throughout the UAE and the wider region, it stated.

Khidmah was also recognised as a Great Place to Work (GPTW) in the UAE in July. It was ranked among the top 50 best workplaces in the country for 2022 and was selected for developing an agile and sustainable organisational culture based on collaborative teamwork, accountability, and customer centricity.

On the latest strategic move, CEO Abdellatif Sfaxi said: “Acquiring Pactive and integrating the business within our operations supports the UAE’s strategic focus to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. As a certified ESCO and a sustainable solutions provider, Pactive and Khidmah will help clients realise their green ambitions, achieve operational efficiency, and safeguard the environment.”

“On the other hand, the acquisition of Mace Macro technical services boost our portfolio in Dubai by more than 50%,” he added.

Pactive, which was founded in 2015, is one of only a few companies in the UAE to receive ESCO accreditation. Since then, the company has audited over 700 commercial and residential assets in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Ajman, including mosques, schools, hospitals, police stations, and free zone buildings.

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According to global property expert CBRE, Dubai’s residential market reached record activity levels in November, with its total transaction volumes hitting 10,505 – up 60% over last year – mainly backed by a sharp rise in the off-plan and secondary market transactions.

In the year to date to November 2022, a total of 81,919 residential transactions have been recorded, overtaking even the record highs registered in 2009 over the same period, stated CBRE in its Dubai Residential Market Snapshot – December 2022.

In the 12 months to November 2022, average prices increased by 9.5%. Over this period, average apartment and villa prices increased by 9.0% and 12.7%, respectively, it added.

According to CBRE, Dubai’s average apartment prices stood at AED1,161 per sq ft, while average villa prices stood at AED1,374 per sq ft.

These average rates for apartments and villas remain below the highs recorded in 2014 by 22.0% and 4.9%, respectively, it stated.

In early December 2022, Knight Frank said that Dubai’s prime residences are set to lead global price rises.

Taimur Khan, the Head of Research (MENA), said: “Activity levels in Dubai’s residential market have reached record levels in the year-to-date to November with total transactions volume reaching 81,919, surpassing record highs of full year 2009, when transaction numbers totaled 81,182.This strong level of activity has continued to support increases in average prices, which for apartments and villas have risen by 9.0% and 12.7% in the 12 months to November 2022 respectively.

“However, we are seeing the rate of average price growth slowing, particularly in the villa market, a trend that we expect to see repeated in the apartment market shortly. That being said, certain prime markets will continue to record strong growth rates.”

According to Taimur, in the apartment segment, Jumeirah registered the highest sales rate per sq. ft. at AED2,310, while in the villa segment of the market, Palm Jumeirah clocked the highest sales rate per sq. ft. at AED3,802.

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His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has inaugurated Khalifa Port’s expansion – a major development project with a total investment of US$1.08 billion.

As part of the expansion, which includes the development of the port’s South Quay, Khalifa Port Logistics, and Abu Dhabi Terminals at a total investment of US$1.08 billion, Khalifa Port has grown from 2.43 square kilometres to 8.63 square kilometres, while its quay wall has been significantly extended from 2.3 kilometres to 12.5 kilometres.

It now provides 21 berths and offers a range of bespoke services for key strategic industries, positioning it among the global elite of deep-water ports, with an estimated value of US$5.55 billion.

The programme is set to make a major contribution to AD Port Group’s goal of increasing handling capacity at Khalifa Port by 2030 to 15 million TEUs per year, and general cargo handling capacity to 25 million tonnes.

His Highness was briefed by His Excellency Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, and Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, on the key milestones of Khalifa Port expansion projects since its opening ten years ago, and reviewed future plans for the leading port in the region.

He also toured the new, expanded facilities and logistics available to serve import and export operations, a statement said.

His Highness said: “Khalifa Port Expansion is a major national project that is considered an important addition to the UAE’s ports and logistic services and will further enhance the UAE’s position in the global trade.

“Khalifa Port, along other national ports, are important cornerstones to the development and diversification of the national economy,” he added.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Advisor of Special Affairs at the Presidential Court, His Excellency Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and a number of senior officials.

The official inauguration of the expansion programme by the UAE President marks another major milestone in a year that has seen AD Ports Group list on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADX), open new trade corridors, complete a series of major acquisitions, rapidly transform its business and portfolio of services, and build strong relations with existing and emerging trade partners for the UAE.

Officially inaugurated by the late Sheikh Khalifa on 12/12/12, Khalifa Port was developed from a stretch of reclaimed land four kilometres out to sea and is now a major hub serving more than 25 container shipping lines with direct links to more than 70 international destinations.

In September, AD Ports Group installed the first 90t block for the quay wall of the new CMA Terminals Khalifa Port – a major milestone in the construction of the terminal.

The port has been ranked in the top five of the global Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), developed by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence, and now hosts three of the world’s top four shipping operators, CSP COSCO, MSC and CMA CGM.

H.E Falah Mohammed Al Ahbabi, Chairman of AD Ports Group, added: “We are honoured to welcome His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to inaugurate the Khalifa Port expansion, which is a vital national project to support the direction of our wise leadership to position Abu Dhabi and the UAE at the frontier of global trade.

“Today, Khalifa Port is one of the most advanced deep-water ports in the world. By continuing to expand our operations internationally, we are honouring the memory of the leaders who placed us on the path to progress. We have continued to reach new heights and deliver outstanding results through our expertise and global focus.”

AD Ports Group has evolved into a significant driver of economic growth, contributing US$41.6 billion to UAE GDP, representing 13% of the UAE’s non-oil GDP and creating approximately 373,500 jobs. It continues to attract foreign direct investment through economic cities and industrial zones managed by KEZAD Group and provides a broad range of digital services to enable trade and transport.

Some of the key achievements in 2022 include a series of transformative acquisitions, including a 70% stake in Transmar and TCI in Egypt, providing the company with a market-leading platform for operations along the entire Red Sea and beyond; an 80% equity stake in Global Feeder Shipping, contributing to its long-term strategy to become one of the world’s premier short-sea and feeder shipping players; and the acquisition of Noatum, which will enable the company to build a strong international logistics brand with deep roots in this region.

The company has also acquired companies and announced a series of joint ventures to expand its portfolio of maritime services and its global presence, such as SAFEEN Invictus, Divetech, Alligator Shipping, ASCL, and SAFEEN Surveys and Subsea Services.

In addition, AD Ports Group has significantly grown its fleet to more than 175 vessels and expanded the range of trade routes to span most of the world and provide the highest levels of connectivity between the Arabian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, East Africa, and Central Asia.

The result has been a record financial performance – with revenue of US$399.1 million and net profit of US$90.9 million in Q3 2022 – as well as a significantly higher global profile for the company and for Abu Dhabi as a major driver of trade, industry, and logistics.

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, concluded: “We thank His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for honouring us by inaugurating the Khalifa Port expansion. Everything we have achieved throughout our history has been with the support and guidance of the UAE’s leadership.

“It is fitting that we are celebrating Khalifa Port’s 10th Anniversary and Zayed Port’s 50th Anniversary today in 2022, which has been a transformational year for our organisation as we expanded our international reach and strengthened our portfolio.

“We have grown from a local champion into a publicly listed group with an expanding global reach. We will continue to expand and invest in the future and demonstrate our capacity for excellence across international markets,” he concluded.

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Saudi Arabia’s National Work Company (NWC) has said that work on a range of water desalination plants, worth a total of US$1.1 billion, is set to begin, covering key regions of the country, such as Dammam, Al Khobar, Al Ahsa, and Qatif.

In a statement, the company said that the project scope includes the implementation of more than 316 kilometres of conveyor and main lines, and the construction of operational reservoirs with a capacity of 1.5 million cu m in addition to projects to improve water networks.

“It will contribute to strengthening the infrastructure of the distribution system and ensuring the efficiency of its operations in the cities and governorates of the Eastern Region,” said Nimr Al Shibl, CEO of NMC.

His comments came during an inspection of the progress of infrastructure projects for water services and environmental treatment in Dammam as well as the Al Khobar and Al Ahsa governorates.

The company added that the engineering design work for the projects has been fully completed and the preparation of operational reservoir construction sites as well as the work on the main and branch pipelines will begin this month.

In late November 2022, Engie and HIWPT launched a desalination training program exclusively for Saudi women.

These projects will be implemented using the best and latest technologies, in coordination and integration between all relevant authorities to ensure the speed of completion of projects and maximise the benefit from them, the official stated.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, the projects will be beneficial to more than four million of the Kingdom’s residents.

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JLG Industries has introduced an all-new vertical mast lift series for both indoor and outdoor use, the company has announced.

The new JLG E18MCL model has been designed for construction and industrial applications that require outdoor and indoor capable machines, while the E18MML has been rated for indoor use only, making it most suitable for sensitive flooring and finish work applications, including maintenance. Equipped with solid, non-marking tires the E18MCL has a scissor-style steering that similar to JLG scissor lifts for quick familiarisation and reliable control through tight areas like doorways, the company explained.

The E18MML is said to be equipped with caster wheels and has point & go steering, the same as the more traditional vertical lift steering style on JLG’s predecessor models.

In late July 2022, JLG launched its X22SJP straight boom compact crawler and, later in the month, it appointed Mirco Negri as Senior Product Manager.

The “E” in these models’ nomenclature stands for electric, giving a nod to the machines’ modern DC electric drive system. JLG’s E18 models are said to offer two times more duty cycles than the market-leading competitive machines. Due to the batteries being mounted under the platform, the E18s also are designed with improved machine weight distribution for efficient loading and unloading.

According to Misty Mason, Product Manager at JLG, “The new E18 vertical lift series has been engineered to provide the most important features and benefits: maximised durability, ease of serviceability and enhanced productivity — while keeping operator safety, confidence and comfort in mind.”

In late September 2022, Johnson Arabia said it had enhanced its fleet with a wide range of new battery-powered equipment.

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