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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS JUNE 2020 REDEFINING REAL ESTATE Atif Rahman Haleema Al Owais Francis Alfred P32// A LOOK AT THE PROGRESS ON THE DUTCH PAVILION FOR EXPO
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 3 NEWS DIGITAL COVER STORY PROJECT EXPO TALKING POINT INTERVIEW 14 22 26 32 34 36 38 14 26 34 // CONTENTS JUNE 2020 // ISSUE #64 S U B S C R I B E subscriptions@bncpublishing.net CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group Publishing Director Joaquim D'Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706 Business Development Director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 Deputy Editor Kasun Illankoon kasun@bncpublishing.net Art Director Aaron Sutton aaron@bncpublishing.net Marketing Executive Aaron Sinanbam aj@bncpublishing.net PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196 For all commercial enquiries related to Construction Business News ME contact sales@bncpublishing.net T +971 50 440 2706 All rights reserved © 2015. Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors. Construction Business News ME and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Construction Business News ME. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Images used in Construction Business News ME are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. All images not credited courtesy Shutterstock. Printed by UPP
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// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 6 // EDITOR'S NOTE COVID-19 EFFECT ON REAL ESTATE According to Property Monitor, Dubai property prices experienced what most would consider an unexpected uptick in April 2020, with prices increasing 0.49% from a month ago. Prices in April stood at AED 866 per sq ft, marginally higher than the AED 862 per sq ft recorded in March. As anticipated, the volume of closed transactions in April was signifi- cantly lower than last month as mobility restrictions impacted financing and pur- chase decisions. A total of 1,825 transac- tions were recorded during the month, down 47% from March. Furthermore the report states, this in- crease is likely artificial and temporary in nature as closing resale deals in the absence of physical viewings is a greater challenge than for off plan. Now that the mobility restrictions have been eased and online modes of transfer for both off plan and resale properties have become avail- able, a more normal market mix should result. The outlook for prices will be close- ly watched by brokers, developers, lend- ers and surveyors alike for any evidence of the renegotiation of existing deals and the inevitable activities of short term bargain hunters. Any of these short term price move- ments would not necessarily point to a sustained, more rapid or longer term sof- tening of prices. It is too soon to judge the longer term impacts of lockdown and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures being adopted around the globe. EDITOR’S NOTE Kasun Illankoon Deputy Editor kasun@bncpublishing.net Keep up to date with all the latest news, features and much more on our website. www.cbnme.com ON THE WEB
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// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 14 FOR NEWS, FEATURES AND MORE, VISIT WWW.CBNME.COM FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR BREAKING NEWS: @CBN_ME FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR UP-TO-THE-MINUTE BREAKING NEWS AN UPDATE FROM AROUND THE REGION INVESTMENTS UPDATE // Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced the sign- ing of a five-year framework agreement with Detecon Al Saudia Co. Ltd. (DETASAD) via a virtual signing ceremony. The scope of the agree- ment provides for a fully integrated system delivered to Qiddiya by DETASAD that includes all require- ments and operation of the company’s IT infrastructure, managing ICT hardware and providing hybrid cloud, con- nectivity and manpower for all Qiddya’s resources. “As Qiddiya is set to be- come the Kingdom’s Capital of Entertainment, Sports and the Arts, it is important that we have the right strategic partner that can provide IT solutions to support our rapid growth and development and we see this in DETASAD. We are happy to be entering into this long-term agreement, es- pecially because it’s an estab- lished Saudi company with access to the latest global IT know-how,” commented Mi- chael Reininger, CEO of QIC. Present at the virtual sign- ing ceremony was Mike Reininger, Abdulaziz Al Qa- htani, IT Director of QIC, Fe- lix Wass, CEO of DETASAD. Speaking on the signing Felix Wass, CEO of DE- TASAD said, “Over the last 38 years, DETASAD has many cloud, connectivity, deployment, operation & maintenance contracts for leading financial institutions, ministries and other govern- mental organizations across Saudi Arabia. As a Giga- project and a major tourist destination, this strategic partnership with Qiddiya is a great opportunity for us to contribute to the develop- ment and evolution of the Kingdom’s entertainment sector within the IT field. DETASAD is fully committed to the Saudi Vision 2030 and we are excited to support Qiddiya through this jour- ney to become a global tour- ism hub and destination”. Construction is continuing on site at Qiddiya and it is expect- ed that the Giga-project will announce several new partner- ships as the year progresses. QIDDIYA SIGNS 5-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH DETASAD AS IT STRATEGIC PARTNER
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 15 REAL ESTATE The Real Estate and Infrastruc- ture arm of Mubadala Invest- ment Company, the Abu Dhabi- based sovereign investor have announced the rent deferment plans for ADGM Square. This is part of Mubadala’s ‘We Are Dedicated’ campaign and aims to support ADGM Square commercial tenants cur- rently leasing office spaces in the four towers, Al Khatem, Al Sila, Al Maqam, Al Sarab. The campaign launched in April in response to the eco- nomic impact brought on by the COVID-19 virus outbreak in the UAE. This initiative is effective from April to the end of June 2020. Tenants will be offered a deferment of rent and service charges for a three month period, with an option to defer their Quar- ter 2 or Quarter 3 payments. As an alternative to a de- ferment of rent and service charges, tenants will also be offered the ability to make their payments on a monthly basis. This is in line with Mubadala’s earlier invest- ment of AED 420 million in economic relief for tenants, out of which AED 70 million has been allocated to several relief measures for commer- cial tenants. This initiative complements the measures launched by Abu Dhabi Global Market, the governing body of Al Maryah Island, to support businesses operating on the island and within the finan- cial free zone. Ali Eid Al Mheiri, Execu- tive Director of Real Estate & Infrastructure, Mubadala stated, “As a responsible global investor, we are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees, partners and the communities in which we operate. We stand side- by-side the UAE’s leader- ship and in solidarity with the international commu- nity to support the fight against COVID-19. Our integrated response har- nesses the reach of our portfolio both at home and abroad and aims to support businesses, individuals and communities in this global effort. I am confident that by working together we can emerge stronger than ever before.” MUBADALA ANNOUNCES RENT DEFERMENT FOR ADGM SQUARE TENANTS
// NEWS // CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 16 ELEVATORS Slip-form construction of thyssenkrupp Elevator’s In- novation and Qualification Center (IQC) and elevator test tower has been recently completed. The IQC is part of thyssenkrupp elevator’s new North American headquarters at The Battery Atlanta and, at 420 feet tall, will be the tall- est elevator test tower in the Western Hemisphere. The IQC and adjacent Cor- porate Headquarters (CHQ) are on schedule for comple- tion in 2021 with final move-in by early 2022. Both the IQC and CHQ are being built on property owned by the Braves Development Company. Employees moved into the Business Headquarters (BHQ) location in nearby Pennant Park in March 2019. Slip-form construction in- volves a moving formwork system being set down on the foundation with concrete being placed on a continu- ous basis. Often referred to as the core or skeleton of a building, the slip-form con- struction process is relatively rare in the U.S. but is popu- lar in Europe – this process was used for thyssenkrupp’s 800-foot-tall elevator test tower in Rottweil, Germany. Construction of thyssen- krupp Elevator’s new test tower, including the slip- form construction, is be- ing handled by its general contractor, Brasfield & Gor- rie. Subcontractor Gleitbau – Salzburg provided the de- sign, engineering and over- sight over the slip-form con- struction process. To showcase the eleva- tors at the test tower, the IQC will feature a complete glass exterior façade facing The Battery Atlanta, allow- ing millions of visitors annu- ally to view operations that are normally hidden behind concrete walls in rural loca- tions. In addition to the ele- vator test tower, the IQC will also feature event and meet- ing spaces located at the top of the building – providing breathtaking views of the region – as well as a digital showroom, software lab, en- gineering offices and train- ing facilities. THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR COMPLETES CONSTRUCTION ON CORE OF THE HIGHEST TEST TOWER IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 17 ENTERTAINMENT CONTRACTS Arada is preparing to open a new drive-in cinema at Madar at Aljada, the recently opened family entertainment destina- tion in Sharjah. With a sched- uled opening date of Wednes- day, 1 July, Movie Nights at Aljada will showcase a wide range of films throughout the summer period and beyond, in a fun and secure environment. Screenings at Movie Nights at Aljada will take place on a daily basis from 8pm and will be free to enter on a first come, first served basis. Visitors to the permanent cinema, which has a capac- ity of 150 vehicles, will be allocated specific parking spaces, depending on the size of their car, and will be able to access the sound of the movie via FM radio. Visitors will also be able to order directly from Zad at Aljada, the new food district featuring 17 different types of cuisine located only a few steps away from the cinema, from the comfort of their car. Meals will then be delivered to cars in a contactless and safe manner. HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chair- man of Arada, said: “Movie Nights at Aljada is a sig- nificant addition to the list of attractions on offer at Madar at Aljada, and it is also our way of thanking the Sharjah community for its strength and resilience during these exception- ally challenging times. We look forward to welcoming guests back to Aljada and providing them with a safe form of entertainment.” Fluor Corporation announced that it was named project management consultant for Advanced Global Investment Company’s (AGIC) new pro- pane dehydrogenation, poly- propylene and utilities and offsites complex in Jubail Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. Fluor will perform project management consultant ser- vices for the front-end engi- neering design, detailed en- gineering, procurement and construction phases of the project. Fluor booked its por- tion of the undisclosed con- tract value in the first quarter of 2020. “Fluor has supported cli- ents and safely executed projects in Saudi Arabia for more than 70 years,” said Mark Fields, group president of Fluor’s Energy & Chemi- cals business. “Our legacy of execution excellence con- tinues with this most recent award from AGIC. We look forward to helping AGIC and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia meet the world’s growing demand for polymers and support their efforts to di- versify its economy and also become one of the world’s leading global producers of polypropylene.” Once complete, the com- plex will manufacture 843,000 tons-per-year of pro- pylene and 800,000 tons-per- year of polypropylene that will be used for the produc- tion of specialty polymers for the face masks, automotive, pipes, food packaging and textiles industries. ARADA TO LAUNCH SHARJAH’S FIRST DRIVE-IN CINEMA EXPERIENCE WITH MOVIE NIGHTS AT ALJADA FLUOR CORPORATION AWARDED PROJECT MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT CONTRACT FOR AGIC’S PROPANE COMPLEX IN KSA
// NEWS // CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 18 PROJECTS Sungang MixC Market Hall, China Resources’ new mixed- use development is under construction in Shenzhen, China with anticipated com- pletion by Q3 2022. Located on a former industrial zone, this retail-gastronomy desti- nation will provide an immer- sive gastronomic experience under one roof. 10 DESIGN, Chief Oper- ating Officer, Miriam Auy- eung, commented: “The site used to accommodate a warehouse within the old industrial district of Sungang and will soon be converted into a new CBD. MixC Mar- ket Hall is aimed to create a lifestyle complex around food and dining. The com- plex will mark an important milestone for the ongoing transformation of Sungang, acting as a catalyst to drive urban regeneration in the area.” MixC Market Hall will ac- commodate 78,890sqm of retail and F&B dining space, with two office towers above providing 102,320sqm of workspace. As part of the regeneration of the district, the overall masterplan will also include residential and serviced apartment towers, resettle- ment housing, and public amenities, providing a holis- tic redevelopment. Jointly led by two design partners, Ted Givens and Chin Yong Ng, the concept for this new development is to break away from the conventional shopping mall design and instead draw in- spiration from a more tradi- tional market square, creat- ing a central meeting place for public enjoyment. This resulted with a series of spaces created at different scales all interconnected. The frontage of MixC Market Hall is marked by a stainless steel sculptural canopy which leads to a pedestrianised retail street, creating a new and dynam- ic boulevard for shoppers and diners to enjoy. The retail street is punctuated with the market hall en- trance – the jewel of the landmark. It is animated by three floating box-shaped structures, the design of which is inspired by food truck containers. MIXC MARKET HALL IN SHENZHEN BY 10 DESIGN IS ANTICIPATED TO COMPLETE BY Q3 2022
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// NEWS // CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 20 REAL ESTATE Statistics released by the Department of Municipalities and Transport today revealed that the value of real estate transactions in Abu Dhabi has been increased by 34% to reach AED 6.3 billion by the end of last April, through 2617 real estate deals, com- pared to AED 4.6 billion through 1840 deals during the same period last year. The Department’s data in- dicated that mortgages ac- quired 60% of the total real estate transactions in April 2020, it increased by 100% during April 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 up to AED 3.8 billion, which was made through (1170) mortgage transactions, with mortgages worth AED 1.9 billion, through (598) mort- gage transactions. Statistics of the Department of Municipalities and Trans- port also showed that the value of the of buying and selling operations in April 2020 reached about AED 2.5 billion, which was made through (1447) transactions, compared to AED 2.8 billion during the same period last year, through (1242) transac- tions. H.E. Dr. Adeeb Alafeefi, Managing Director of the real estate sector in the Department of Municipali- ties and Transport, said: “Based on the directives of the wise leadership to sup- port the business sectors during these exceptional circumstances, Abu Dhabi real estate market has main- tained its vitality, position and excellence despite these unprecedented repercus- sions caused by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) on the global economy and its repercussions on real estate markets around the world. ” His Excellency add- ed: “The incentive plans launched by the UAE gov- ernment and the economic support plan of the central bank along with the eco- nomic incentives package launched by of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, accord- ing to which the Depart- ment of Municipalities and Transport has exempted individuals and compa- nies from 34 of real estate registration fees until end of this year 2020, all con- tributed to providing suf- ficient flexibility and help- ing the real estate market in Abu Dhabi to respond to the current circumstanc- es and continue its growth and maintain the momen- tum of its transactions.” ABU DHABI REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS IN APRIL INCREASED BY 34% COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 21 INFRASTRUCTURE Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), today announced that Ejadah, a leading asset management company in Dubai, has been contracted to manage all infrastructure maintenance works across the integrated community. Ejadah’s services include the maintenance and repair of DSO’s sewerage network, irrigation network, storm network, and their respec- tive pumping stations, as well as the fountains and water features at its lakes and street lighting. Public park maintenance and open area infrastructure is also part of the scope. Speaking on the appoint- ment, Eng. Khalil Shalan, Senior Vice President – Op- erations & Facility at DSOA, said: “DSOA is committed to maintaining a state-of- the-art community that of- fers its residents and visitors an enhanced quality of life. As part of this priority, we are keen to offer our com- munity members a clean, aesthetically appealing, and seamlessly connected envi- ronment. This includes all elements of our infrastruc- ture – from civil works to landscaping. He added: “Given Ejadah’s consistent track record of ex- cellence in providing a com- prehensive range of world- class and innovative facilities management and commu- nity service solutions, we are confident in their ability to carry out the required work in a professional manner that best suits DSO’s advanced in- frastructure.” For his part, Tarek Nizameddin Senior Execu- tive Director at Ejadah, said: “This contract follows sev- eral similar high-profile ones that Ejadah has managed to secure across the UAE, and is well-aligned with our stra- tegic expansion plans for the year 2020. We have achieved remarkable growth over the past few years, which has positioned us as an industry- leading asset management company in the UAE and the wider region.” DUBAI SILICON OASIS AUTHORITY APPOINTS EJADAH FOR INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE AT HI-TECH PARK
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 22 // DIGITAL Kasun Illankoon explores how UAE based contractor, ALEC, have utilized technology and innovation to elevate themselves as one of the leading contractors in the region ALEC, DRIVEN BY INNOVATION The COVID-19 pandemic has been im- pacting construction and engineering projects worldwide in numerous ways, and many projects have been stopped or delayed as a result. However, UAE-based contractor, ALEC has seen a different result thanks to their digital transformation, which began well before the COVID-19 crisis. There seems to be a clear cor- relation with companies that have a robust digital infrastructure being able to navigate through this. During 2019, ALEC implemented numerous/ several digital initiatives to become more efficient, sustainable and to transform the construction industry. These implementations are providing maximum safety for employees as well as ensuring productivity and enhanced collaboration during the pandemic ALEC’s use of new technologies rap- idly alters the landscape they currently operate in, and there will be significant benefits if leveraged correctly. While the modern technological landscape is exciting, its benefits cannot be fully realized without a culture of clear communication, transparency, and col- laboration across the entire supply.
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 23 Striking the correct balance between initiatives in these areas allows ALEC to consistently review and assess their progress while fine-tuning their path to fulfilling the vision by utilizing infor- mation management and digitalization, modular and offsite construction, ro- botics and automation, and emerging technologies including 3D printing. The best software enables users to set up automation rules, so that team members are automatically notified about changes that affect their tasks. For example, if the plumbing contrac- tor will not have their job completed until Friday due to a backordered part, the platform can automatically update the schedule based on this change. The most enterprise-ready platforms can also send notifications to all team members affected by a change, so they can immediately change their plans. They can also digitize many manual processes such as punch lists, change orders, and safety logs, and keep them in a single central location, so time isn’t wasted chasing down the latest information. Minutes and hours wasted on a proj- ect can add up to days and weeks of delays. Because often one portion of a project must be finished before the next one begins, progress often stops while people wait for information or approvals. By using a work execu- tion platform to create automated alerts, collect digital signatures, and keep project documentation updated, companies automatically ensure their projects continue to move forward at all times. ALEC has implemented a new project management informa- tion system to streamline construction processes across the business. This will enable them to capture and consoli-
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 24 // DIGITAL date data to provide better decision making. From a technological standpoint, many construction technologies are in their infancy and have rapid devel- opment cycles that make adoption on live projects challenging. Mature technologies from other industries are inflexible enough for construction projects, and adapting them to our changing environment is equally chal- lenging. ALEC’s proactive steps, though, have made technology and innova- tion a priority. Recently, ALEC signed a deal with CMiC, the innovation leader in ERP and field operations software for the construction industry in North America, to use its platform and software to run financials and field operations. CMiC’s Single Database Platform™ architecture, which delivers a single version of the truth to users across all functional areas, was the key advantage over alternative ERP soft- ware vendors. As the only ERP solu- tion built specifically for construction, CMiC includes functionality designed to support international best practices and collaboration. Furthermore, ALEC has been utiliz- ing data, analysis, and calculations as a basis for making decisions. By analyz- ing their operations and concentrating on low productive areas, they have seen improvement ranging from 10 % to 400 % as a result of some of the initiatives. Data collection & utilization is vital in modern construction. ALEC’s innovative use of BIM on a large scale has introduced new pro- cesses and ways to design a project. Architecture and design are iterative processes that have traditionally been manually intensive. Architects, struc- tural engineers, and builders all need to view different pieces of information and use unusual design templates. Different models must then be made to show clients. When any changes are made, care needs to be taken that all documentation is updated. A BIM database improves collaboration, it also provides a store of architectural and design data that can be used for 3D modeling and software simulations. These programs can be used for de- sign and structural purposes, allowing for the creative deployment of new materials and design concepts. To fully utilize BIM to its fullest, the company has implemented a BIM training pro- gram to level the skills gaps on tools and processes. To stay one step ahead, ALEC’s vi- sion towards the future has seen them introduce smart and green power solu- tions to address new market trends by utilizing their subsidiary divisions such as ALEC Energy, which is a provider of financially sound green energy solutions, in addition to ALEC Modu- lar which is intended to supply fully integrated modular units to ensure that they are ready for the future of construction. Due to that, the number of innova- tion initiatives being implemented is on the rise year-on-year. ALEC contin- ues to collaborate with external stake- holders, including the micro-environ- ment suppliers and business partners, and they have contributed positively to their innovation initiatives.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 26 REDEFINING REAL ESTATE CBNME spoke with Atif Rahman, Director and Partner at Danube Properties, Haleema Al Owais, CEO of Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real Estate, and Francis Alfred, Managing Director & CEO at Sobha Realty in detail about the impact COVID-19 has had on the real estate market Atif Rahman Haleema Al Owais Francis Alfred // COVER STORY
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 27 EXPECTATIONS FOR 2020 ATIF RAHMAN: The market was slug- gish worldwide; however, in UAE, we were bullish for the year 2020, espe- cially with the prospect of Expo 2020. We were all hoping that Expo’s impact was going to positively affect the over- all economy and how things are done in Dubai. I was confident that Expo was going to be unique and have a tremendous effect on the economy. It would have done wonders for the real estate industry due to the nature of the event. Expo Dubai would have acted as a gateway for buyers toward the MENA market. With Expo Dubai moved to 2021, I do expect things to fall back in line with what was ex- pected this year. FRANCIS ALFRED: We began 2020 on a positive note, including an increase in the number of real estate transac- tions year-on-year. We started 2020 by announcing an AED 2.5 billion sales target, following the success achieved last year, when we surpassed our total sales target of AED 2 billion. On the back of these phenomenal results last year, we were confident that 2020 would help generate strong returns. These targets stemmed from an opti- mistic trend witnessed across the real estate sector in Dubai. In fact, the total value of all transactions in Dubai in Q1 2020 was at approximately AED 21.6 billion, which was two per cent higher compared to the same period in 2019. In 2019, Sobha Realty sold a total of 1,491 units, comprising a net area of 1.23 million sq. ft, with Creek Vistas emerging as the most popular project within the development, followed by Greens and Estates villas. The high up- take from investors in 2019 supported the launch of more projects within the masterplan during the year. HALEEMA AL OWAIS: As Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Real estate, coming from a heritage of real estate development where we build to rent out, our prima- ry audience is predominantly made up of expats looking for long term rentals. That surely does not mean that we are immune to the demand and supply dy- namics of residential and commercial units coming into market supply this year. But on the other hand, the same report mentions an above-average in- crease of 5.64% in the city's population based on the country's economic and leisure offerings. This number is well in line with our on-ground experience and will only increase, considering the Expo2020 and other government initiatives. In essence, the demand and supply matrix can and will stay in bal- ance if developers are intelligent with their planning. Furthermore, every market and OLIVZ Residence by Danube Properties
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 28 // COVER STORY metropolis has an appetite for different kinds and classes of projects. If the mix of developments between luxury/ high-end, mid-market and affordable housing is in sync with the population it is designed to cater, and the UAE's demand will always have the potential to match its supply if not exceeding it. We are currently in the midst of introducing over 300 residential and 50 Commercial rental options across various parts of the UAE by mid-2020, which is a straightforward addition to the country's expected consumption potential in our understanding. One project we have been focusing on launching in time for Expo 2020 is short term furnished units to supply those coming in for the first time to attend the Expo. As well as hitting a different market for clients who prefer a more temporary stay whether it's tourists, employees looking for a more lenient lease as well as ready ameni- ties. COVID-19'S IMPACT IN CURRENT PROJECTS FRANCIS ALRED: The real impact of COVID-19 became evident in the second quarter of 2020, as transactions began to drop as a result of the pan- demic. These are extremely challeng- ing times for all of us, and we are well aware of the current market condition. At Sobha Realty, our singular focus remains the continuous development of Sobha Hartland, and all the projects within the master development, which is set for completion in 2025. Despite the challenging times, Sobha Realty has instilled a number of mea- sures to ensure the wellbeing and safety of its staff and maintained a steady pace in its construction activi- ties, ensuring timely deliveries. With a reputation of offering the highest qual- ity of residences and timely project deliveries, we are proud to have man- aged this phase with minimal disrup- tions to our construction operations and we are on schedule to hand over a series of projects within the Sobha Hartland development. The construction for Gardenia Villas Phase II and Hartland Greens Phase III are moving forward as per sched- ule and are 90% complete for timely handovers within the year. While our sales offices have been closed, in accordance with the directives of the UAE government, we remain acces- sible to potential customers through our online channels. We have con- ducted virtual reality tours, online video conferencing, and offered digital brochures and online transaction op- tions to help buyers have a better and more seamless experience with us. HALEEMA AL OWAIS: We have two projects under development, and we intend to complete them as per plan. Sure there have been challenges with reduced working hours and reduced mobility by some, but we intend to make up for that lost time in any way we can because if there is anything we have learned from COVID 19, it is to respect time as we don't have enough if it. And besides stalled projects in a time like this serving as dead CAPEX on our balance sheet, which is not the best idea under any circumstances. I consider ourselves to be in the business of necessity, and as long as there are habitats and roofs needed, all
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 29 that the real estate industry needs to do it reboot itself to match its circum- stances and keep moving. ATIF RAHMAN: I foresee a couple of issues that would impact the market, and one of the critical things to com- bat in this crisis is accepting the reality of the situation. Two key challenges that every company would face are the cash flow and the supply chain, as these two factors could either delay or halt a particular project. During the lockdown, all my sites were hyperactive; I had more than 6,000 people working on various construction sites and were not feeling the impact. Although, when it came to the supply chain of materials there was impact on that front, due to the factories overseas being impacted. There is only so much local manufac- turing you can do in the UAE. We rely heavily on overseas import of goods, especially on the finishing parts of the project. That needs to be mitigated and needs to ensure that materials are being delivered to our sites on time. Also, as we progress into this crisis, we need to consolidate the business, and as a developer, we need to reduce exposures on new projects and focus on delivering the ongoing projects. A LOOK INTO BUYER BEHAVIOUR AS A RESULT OF COVID-19 HALEEMA AL OWAIS: I will presume buyers as renters based on what we do, and yes, I would most definitely agree, and we have seen a 40% in- crease in inquiries/demand for specific types of properties. Traditionally, studios and smaller units are known to be highest in demand and the quickest to rent out, but most inquiries between March and April 2020 with us have been for bigger, groups specifically those with balconies. The shift in tenant and rental - seeker behavior is quite remarkable and evident at the same time. Lately, we have had a particular surge in families looking for villas with large outside areas and especially spa- cious apartments with balconies, to aid the socially distancing shift in every- one's lifestyle and increase in Stay at Home activities. ATIF RAHMAN: The first reaction you would get is naturally is panic, and my advice to everyone who has invested or planning to invest is not to panic. It's a natural cycle that every economy is going to go through. In UAE especially, due to the size of the economy, the fantastic infrastructure for investors, and the regulations that were laid out for over a decade, will ensure the UAE will come out of this crisis stronger. We have seen this before in 2008/2009, due to the worldwide recession and financial crisis, inves- tors had written off the region, but the UAE was one of the first to bounce back from this economic crisis. The UAE government spending on our infrastructure never stopped due to the crisis and now with the type of catalyst developed by the government in terms of local indigenous develop- ments when it comes to iconic projects will father add to the attractions of Sobha - Creek Vistas Reserve
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 30 the UAE. You will see the UAE market trending upwards for sure. There will be temporary trends where people may consider changing their buying behavior from one property to another property. In the meantime, long term, we should be focusing on developing quality real estate and reinforcing the regulatory framework, and the con- sumer confidence will only continue to grow in UAE. FRANCIS ALFRED: We expect to wit- ness a temporary decline in activity, with fewer number of buyers in the market and a vast majority of them taking a more cautious approach. Over the past couple of months, with social distancing guidelines in place, the real estate sector has embraced digitization and created digitally enabled services for investors and end-users. Accessibility, sustainability, affordability, and quality services are some trends that are witnessing greater demand from the buyers. We are also seeing consistently low interest rates being offered, with the mortgage gap reduced by 5 per cent for first time homebuyers and inves- tors. We expect these sops to have a positive impact on the market. RECONSIDERING DESIGNS OF FUTURE PROJECTS ATIF RAHMAN: When it comes to residential properties, I don't think there is a phenomenal change in our homes as we continue to live in our conven- tional homes built over the last decade or so. In terms of common areas, we can incorporate useful health measures that have been implemented during this crisis. On the commercial side, there would be a phenomenal change, take, for example, the hospitality sector, you need to revisit how that sector’s real estate is looked at. We have to clearly distinguish between seasonal trends or temporary trends that may develop out of this crisis versus the more permanent changes that may occur as a result of this crisis. There will be changes in how the offices are looked at, and again I believe this is a balancing act, and it is too early to establish a formidable trend in terms of what changes we might have to make and deliver. We might have to wait a couple of quarters to understand how businesses are changing their necessities and requirements in terms of commercial real estate. FRANCIS ALFRED: At Sobha Realty we have always raised the bar higher and set ourselves challenging goals in terms of the standard and qual- ity of our products and the unfailing commitment to flawless craftsmanship. We also believe that all crisis lead to greater transformation and already the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a greater demand for many design features, including Indoor recreation areas, less preference for open floor plan, spacious balcony/terraces and natural lighting, enhanced vertical transport to avoid queuing, integrated open usable spaces with amenities such as private pool and automation features such as contactless elevator button and door handles. Buyers are also looking for work- space within home and community areas with restricted access, as well as outdoor spaces that are an extension of indoor spaces. The real estate sector isn’t just about selling space but selling intuitive living places that answers the demands of the greater community and keeps indi- viduals feeling secure, happy and safe. HALEMA AL OWAIS: I recently wrote a short paper on Post Coronial Real Estate Landscape, and I particularly feel that Real estate companies have withstood the test of time in the past and we all know from experience that there is no reward in being a spectator in a time like this We all agree that the UAE govern- ment is playing its part, and now com- panies operating in the sector have to stay vigilant and be prepared for the new normal post-COVID-19 which will transform how people finance, operate and occupy real estate. As we are discussing these issues in just a few weeks, homes have turned into a place where we also work from, study, workout at, and more People are likely to be mindful of these times and want homes suitable for all purposes, and everyone occupy- ing them. I was going through a survey by McKinsey where it said that consumers are experiencing a decrease in income and with reduced income follows the preference for affordable housing increases, but some people have been putting off investing in a home and have the savings to support it now. Those people are likely to opt for housing options that offer excellent quality of life and amenities to support stay at home if they need to. // COVER STORY Sobha - Gardenia Villas Terrace
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// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 32 // PROJECT The Netherlands pavilion, designed as a climate system, is a so-called biotope that allows visitors to experience the connection between water, energy, and food. Water will be harvested out of the air, energy is collected from the sun and edible plants and oyster mushrooms will be grown inside the pavilion. All for visitors to see, smell and taste. As the Netherlands pavilion is lo- cated in the Sustainability District, V8 Architects believed the pavilion should be designed and constructed as a showcase of sustainability and circular- ity. Therefore, all materials used are reusable, recyclable, or bio-degradable, keeping the pavilion's footprint as small as possible. The architects decided to use as many building materials as possible from Dubai, to rent them and to return them after the expo event ends. This local sourcing resulted in the use of steel sheet piles and construction tubes. Materials that generally are used underground are, in this case, used above the ground, as the walls of the pavilion to be precise. This is a unique approach to empha- size the circularity of the construction material while also showcasing the Netherlands' civil engineering expertise. In contrast to the exteriors civil en- gineering character, the interior adds a scintillating layer of light and refinement, inspired by the typical rhythm of the Dutch landscape and geometric patterns and elements from the Arabic culture. One interior item that will reflect ele- ments from both cultures in its design is a first of its kind bio-based curtain, made of bio-polymers. Also, specially designed solar panels generate energy CBNME gets an exclusive update on the progress of the Netherlands Pavilion from V8 Architects A BIOTOPE PAVILION Facts • 3,3 km sheet pile • 13,500 edible plants • Growing mushrooms • 800 liters water per day • 400 m2 bio textile • 650 m2 biobased mycelium tiles
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 33 while having sunlight feed the edible plants at the same time. Also, floor and wall parts of the lounge area are designed and execut- ed with a new bio-based building material for which mycelium forms the basis. Mycelium is the vegeta- tive part of a fungus that once dried forms the basis for wall and floor tiles. V8 Architects are currently also involved in a research project with Dutch universities to further look into mycelium qualities regarding acoustics, weight, absorption, con- struction methods, and aesthetics. The latest update on how the pavil- ion is shaping up to fulfill the initial vision of the design From July onwards, all construction works on the Dutch pavilion will be halted. At that time, the load-bearing structure of the tent will be finished. In other words, 80% of the entire build- ing will be completed, including the steel structure of the large cone, against which edible plants have to grow in the pavilion, and the chimney above it. The fact that the largest part of the pavil- ion will be ready by then has to do with the materials used. The pavilion is being built using locally available materials, such as steel sheet piles and construction tubes. Those materials are resistant to high temperatures and retain their natu- ral appearance in the long term. As a result, little or no adverse effects are expected during the period that the construction is halted. The roof’s watertight layer and front facade will be installed next year when the construc- tion of the World Expo is resumed, most likely in January 2021. The same goes for innovations, installations, and AV equipment.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 34 // EXPO France Pavilion reinvents itself tackling today’s challenges and is looking forward to welcoming visitors in 2021 PUSH FOR 2021 Through its Commissioner General for the World Expo 2020 Dubai, France supports the decision to postpone the event by one year, from October 1st, 2021 to March 31st, 2022. This postponement has been officially announced by Expo 2020 Dubai and is set to be approved by the Bureau International des Expositions’ (BIE) on May 29th. The France Pavilion, with the support of Compagnie Française des Exposi- tions (COFREX), the body in charge of organizing France’s participation in international and world exhibitions, and its partners, invite visitors to share their renewed ambition in October 2021. The one-year postponement will give France the opportunity to reinvent its Pavilion to better suit today’s global challenge of innovative eco-friendly and user-oriented mobility solutions. France, through its Commissioner General for World Expo 2020 Dubai, has voiced its support of the decision made by more than two-thirds of BIE’s Member States and the organizers of Expo 2020 Dubai; a reasonable and responsible step during these uncer- tain times. The decision to postpone the event, supported by France and by more than two-third of BIE’s Member States, aims to ensure that the millions of visitors expected at Expo can enjoy the event in the best of conditions. The goal of a World Expo is to raise awareness and work towards solving the greatest challenges we face today. Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme of “Connect- ing Minds, Creating the Future” is now more important than ever. All nations will come together for six months to brainstorm, pitch and implement con- crete solutions to serve humankind. Given the current health crisis, this theme is no longer a suggestion, but a priority. France will echo this need, using the France Pavilion to convey how French innovation can play a part in reaching that goal. This international event will give
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 35 France a platform to showcase its actions and innovations featuring new eco-friendly and user-oriented mobility solutions. “I recognize this responsible deci- sion, which is the most suitable given the current international health crisis and demonstrates a collective will to keep everyone safe and healthy. Through COFREX’s actions and with the support from our sponsors, France’s participation will be even more impactful. This extra year will give us the opportunity to further focus on the program and experi- ence we want to create for our visitors on the France Pavilion. It is also our responsibility to contribute to and support post-crisis efforts to reboot the French economy,” said Erik Linquier, Commissioner General for the France Pavilion at World Expo 2020 Dubai and Chairman of COFREX. The France Pavilion’s sponsors positively welcomed the decision to postpone the event in order to focus on the health and safety of the inter- national community. They confirmed their support through maintaining their participation in the France Pavilion, and COFREX would like to thank them for their trust, cooperation and efforts. COFREX is delighted to keep working with its sponsors to make France’s par- ticipation in the World Expo a unique experience for its visitors. The success of France's participation in the World Expo 2020 Dubai will also and above all be measured by the success of the companies involved, economic stake- holders and local French authorities, which will showcase their actions in contributing to the economic rebound we are all working towards. Furthermore, France Pavilion con- tinues to be built under the Emirate authorities’ health and safety rules. The construction team working on the France Pavilion is closely monitored every day by the medical staff of the building company BESIX to ensure their health. Erik Linquier, Commissioner General for the France Pavilion at World Expo 2020 Dubai and Chairman of COFREX
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 36 // TALKING POINT Nasser Al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, tells us how using technology will strengthen our community LIFE AFTER COVID-19 Across the world, it is claimed that the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pan- demic is bringing communities closer together. On the ground, community developers need to do more than hope this is true. We can take practical steps to ensure that this noble aim is a crucial part of the changing reality around us. To counter COVID-19, ‘social distancing’ emerged as a solution to ‘flatten the curve’ of transmission, by setting restrictive minimum distances between people outdoors and, ideally, ensuring that individuals are only in the proximity of people in their imme- diate household. The simplest way to enforce it has been to have everyone stay at home. Unfortunately, this policy could also leave people feeling more isolated – the opposite of bringing communities closer together. At Al Mouj Muscat we are doing our part to defeat COVID-19 by following the directives of the Supreme Commit- tee and medical advice. When it comes to sustaining the community spirit during this time, we are actively taking a lead. This approach comes from our long-standing recognition that commu-
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 37 nities are much more than just physical dwelling places – I.e. more than their bricks and mortar. Our colleagues have taken the initiative in using technology to keep in touch with residents and investors during the pandemic. Whereas the conventional approach to this might have been to send out a few emails, we opted to do things differently. This matters – not least because it could provide a model to other organisations wondering how to develop their own approach to community building. For residents and prospective resi- dents, it is important to keep up to date. If the usual stresses and strains of buying and selling a home seem daunting, conditions of ‘lockdown’ could potentially ramp up the stress levels. Our innovative response is the Al Mouj Muscat Virtual Assistant, an interface helping potential buy- ers and customers to connect with sales agents. This has improved the ‘working from home’ experience as it allows customers to contact our team of experts with enquiries about the lat- est offers. Communication works both ways, meaning that virtual meetings are now the norm, cutting out the risks of COVID-19 transmission associated with face-to-face meetings. We are deploying new technologies to ensure that finding a new home can continue as smoothly as possible. To this end we are implementing virtual show home tours, where prospec- tive buyers can visit premises online and navigate from their desktops to discover and explore the features of their future homes. In the current cir- cumstances, this constitutes a powerful means with which to experience the benefits of living in an Al Mouj Muscat property. So far, so business-like. What about building community so that it con- nects the people who live there? Here’s where some major steps have been taken to help keep our residents engaged and informed. Running on a mixture of creative thinking and high- speed internet connectivity, our Stay at Home Challenge videos bring together residents and online users of the service, prompting them to keep active throughout this challenging period. Each Stay at Home Challenge video features one or more local influencers who set up and encourage activities by our residents and other visitors online. Divided into the four broad areas of Cooking, Art, Sports and Kids Activi- ties, each Challenge gives the viewer something practical to complete. Responding to these videos is both fun and educational, where there is always something new to learn. Such activities support physical and mental wellbeing by keeping Al Mouj Muscat’s residents inspired and engaged. The video-based experience is supported by various other com- munications channels and platforms, including email, social media and newsletters. Our messages encompass more than just encouraging people to take part in activities, however. They can also update the community on the latest Al Mouj Muscat developments and – when necessary – supply the latest public health-related direc- tives. Such work would have been almost impossible back in the days of analogue media, which lacked the flexibility of keeping in touch across multiple platforms. Now we can switch between factual, playful and urgent messaging, whenever the situation demands it. Additionally, in celebration of this Eid Al Fitr, we held an engag- ing online session for our community’s little ones encompassing fun activities and sing alongs to keep them enter- tained during the holidays. To support our vulnerable resi- dents who have been affected by the lockdown situation and may have experienced difficulties in obtaining necessary groceries and prescrip- tions, we have also introduced a vol- unteer initiative to support them as much as possible. Residents in need of support can now contact our Con- tact and Information Centre through emails or phone calls to express their needs or simply have someone to talk to, we would then reach out to our volunteers to support them and look out for them. For Al Mouj Muscat to be a rounded, authentic community, it must look after its employees too. We want to ensure that some of this lockdown time is used for staff development. This is where digital learning can fill in some gaps, now that more conven- tional face-to-face training is on hold. Recently all colleagues received access to several insightful courses provided by Knowingo+, either through work email or by downloading the Knowin- go+ app. More senior team leaders, including all line managers, are now undertaking digital learning courses on the LinkedIn Learning Platform. For Al Mouj Muscat, these chal- lenging times are an opportunity to strengthen the sense of belonging of our community, whether through great communications, encouraging resi- dents’ activity or by enhancing online every employee’s skills. We hope to emerge from this time stronger and more cohesive than ever, with our destination to continue be the leading place to live and work in Oman. Chris Aird, director, JLL
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 38 // INTERVIEW Kasun Illankoon spoke to Husni Al Bayari, CEO & founder of D&B properties, on his thoughts on how Dubai is an ideal place for an buyer LAND OF OPPORTUNITY VISION 2020 The future of the real estate market in Dubai is my opinion a very bright due to the leadership shown in the UAE. Dubai is probably one of the best infrastructures, a city in the world, and their aspirations to always be the best at what they do. We want to grow as a company, along with Dubai's ambi- tions. Since its inception in mid-2015, we have grown organically and suc- cessfully to become a serious player in the market. We have also built a fantastic team based on professional family ethics, and long may this con- tinue. Dubai's real estate market will come down to basic economics, which is supply and demand. At this stage, I would say that supplies probably a little bit higher than the demand. Still, I am sure that the government is putting in place the right policies and regulations to increase that supply. Once the demand increase is achieved, we will see a healthy recovery of the real estate sector in this great city. PROPERTY MARKET The real estate market in Dubai has
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 39 continued to grow over the years, establishing itself as one of the most exciting markets in the world. The luxury sector is also consistently get- ting better and better, and investors from around the world are consider- ing adding Dubai to their property portfolio. The term luxury and the Middle East always go together, in my opinion. There will always be a sig- nificant demand for luxury in this part of the world. Over the past couple of years, we've seen developers build Master communities and Supply the market with a large number of units, not at the level that we consider high- end luxury goods. This, combined with where we are priced at in terms of price per square foot compared to many metropolitan cities around the world, will create a formula that will be extremely attractive for people who are looking for high-end luxury products. Due to Dubai's dynamic culture, robust security, and incredible lifestyle. Keep in mind that the popularity of the Dubai real estate market only started 20 years ago. Over this short time, the emirate has established itself as a significant player on the global stage. COVID-19’S IMPACT Yes, sales have been affected, and the market has naturally slowed down as a result. However, we have seen a considerable increase in demand from people wanting to buy and rent properties all over the city; the sales and leasing teams have not seen this amount of pipeline for a long time. We utilized the most advanced tech- nology to communicate and motivate everyone within the company as well as increased our marketing budget, lead generation, and incentives to in- still every agent with the inspiration to keep moving and closing deals. ADAPTING TO CHANGE We were able to adapt by employing the best technologies, making more calls than ever, and working with Dubai Land Department to complete transactions virtually and securely. We believe that Dubai is fully prepared to cope with COVID-19 just as it recovered from the last global reces- sion in 2008. The impact on technol- ogy is priceless. Our industry from Brokers perspective, the majority of the technology that we used helps us increase our reach to customers who are interested in this part of the world and improve our internal efficiency operationally. In front of the govern- ment, I think technology is helping by making the process of transferring and registering properties quicker and more efficiently. The constant im- provement of these technologies and processes will have a direct impact on the quality of service that the govern- ment provides.
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 40 // MACHINERY COMPACT SDLG E660FL PROVES MIGHTY AND POWERFUL ON INDONESIAN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT The newly launched SDLG mini ex- cavator E660FL is proving it is small but mighty on a housing development in Indonesia. Property developer PT Tanggamus Niaga Tama is using the E660FL mini excavator to build new houses in Lampung province in Suma- tra, Indonesia. “Indonesia’s urbanization is growing rapidly, and companies need versatile machines that can work within tight space constraints,” said Deky Asitky, director of PT Tanggamus Niaga Tama. “The SDLG E660FL mini excavator may be small but it has proven its mighti- ness on site, and it is perfect for our work.” On site since July 2019, the E660FL works about eight hours a day, preparing the land for the housing development in Tanggamus Lampung at Tanggamus Regency. The E660FL excavator also helps with drainage and landscaping works. “I am very satisfied with the pur- chase of the SDLG E660FL excavator. Despite having to work with hard materials like stones, the E660FL has proven its strength,” Asitky said. “Fuel consumption has also reduced and its bigger bucket makes work easier. It is very affordable yet reliable.” The 6 ton-rated E660FL is powered by a 38.3 kW engine and has a bucket capacity of 0.22 m3. The compact ex- cavator features a reinforced four-valve structure and multistate air intake filter to provide reliable performance in a wide range of climates and environ- ment. The E660FL is also available with an optional X1 hydraulic function that allows hydraulic rock breakers and other attachments to be used with the machines. Hydraulic breakers are suited for breaking rocks, asphalt and other hard surfaces found in general construction applications. Optional rubber track pads are also available to allow the units to work on asphalt or concrete without damaging the road surface. “As a machine operator, it is very important for us to be comfortable operating the machine as it helps to increase efficiency,” said Ringgo, ma- chine operator at PT Tanggamus Niaga Tama. “I love operating the E660FL as it is very easy to use. The joystick response is fast, the excavator is easy to operate, and the cabin is very comfortable. That’s just the most ideal excavator.”
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 // WWW.CBNME.COM 41 BPH BREAKS INTO SAUDI ARABIA MARKET WITH PRODEM DEDICATED SHEARS Hi-capacity: get the best out of the lifting cycle BPH Attachments has broken into the Middle Eastern market with its PRODEM Dedicated Shears hydraulic attachment range. Purchased to demolish fire-damaged 35-metre high fuel tanks for a project in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the PRODEM PDS200R, PDS300R and PDS400R shears were selected to connect with the crew’s high reach excavators. Given the strenuous work the shears will be undertaking, the bolt-on piercing tip and blades – which can be turned up to four times before replacement – will ensure that service downtime is kept to an absolute minimum. Furthermore, a reduction in cycle times thanks to an innovative speed valve regenerates power and protects the shear eliminating internal oil pressure peaks, while the upper jaw guides make for easy and perfect alignment every time – increasing cut- ting power, efficiency and production The main advantage of the new 460SJ HC3 is its increased flexibility. When it comes down to getting all the people, materials, and tools you need to go where they need to be, lifting time is significantly reduced and efficiency is improved on-site with JLG’s 460SJ HC3 extra capacity. HC means: “Hi-Capacity”, the “3” stands for three dif- ferent work areas to which the machine automatically adjusts itself. Thanks to the increased load capacity of 300 kg in the entire work area and in the restricted area of the work envelope from 340 kg to 454 kg; three people with tools can carry out a wide range of tasks in height – with a maximum side inclination of 5 degrees. Stability, trac- tion and a working height of 16,20m and a maximum outreach of 13m (depend- ing on the platform load) and continuous a 360-de- gree swing characterize the HC3 series. for this major project. This is set to be the first of many projects for PRODEM in the Middle East. As the world’s largest oil export- ers, the transcontinental region plays host to many disused tanks which have now been deemed more profitable to demolish rather than stand empty. Matt Bastable, Sales Director at BPH Attachments which distributes PRO- DEM Attachments, said: “This is our first step into the Middle Eastern market and we are look- ing forward to a long and successful relationship with contractors through- out the region in the future. We have seen significant continued growth for the PRODEM brand over the past few years and, with new business opportunities presenting themselves worldwide, we are thrilled that our reputation for innovation, reliability, performance and customer-service is spreading.”
// CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS ME // JUNE 2020 42 // MACHINERY JLG DELIVERS 10 HEAVY-DUTY TELESCOPIC PLATFORMS TO GERMANY JLG AWP’S – HIGH DEMAND WITH WILLENBACHER JLG Industries, Inc., an Oshkosh Cor- poration company and leading global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms and telehandlers, announces the first delivery of 10 460SJ HC3, the all- new Hi-Capacity models, into Germany. If you want to rent work platforms in Munich, Landshut, Regensburg and the surrounding area, Willenbacher is your competent contact. The company The family-owned company “Wil- lenbacher Arbeitsbühnen” has been successfully using machines, devices and technologies from JLG for 20 years in order to offer continuous innovations for working at height and the best possible service to the German market. “We have had very good experiences with JLG, the is the first to receive ten new 460SJ HC3 heavy-duty telescopic platforms from JLG in Germany. The delivery expands the Willenbacher fleet of ap- prox. 500 units on AWP’s and forklifts. The state-of-the-art machine continues the successful 460SJ and addresses the current market requirements with expanded options: more workload and more people in the basket. cooperation has existed for a long time,” explains Christian Willenbacher, owner and managing director. “The support at JLG is simply good, the appearance is very professional in all areas,” he praises, “and JLG always delivers the latest technology – whether it’s electric drive or high payloads.” ClearSky telematics system installed ex works The 460SJ HC3 is fit- ted with JLG’s ClearSky telematics system. With this convenient tool, real- time information about the status of the machine can be received, allowing for easier maintenance of equipment. All activi- ties are logged and can be easily accessed via computer. This means that any operating problems or necessary repairs that cause error messages can be solved quickly and easily – because support is also possible from a distance. The JLG 460SJ HC3 deliv- ered to Willenbacher are equipped with non-marking tyres, making them ideal for use near buildings with new or sensitive floors. The 460SJ HC3 was intro- duced at bauma 2019. Wil- lenbacher GmbH is the first rental company to see a delivery of these Hi-Capac- ity machines. The 460SJ HC3 is available to order.
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