Construction Business News, March 2019
Page 1
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS
March 2019
P 6 8 - U N S U N G H E R O E S - D e b o r a h B o m s t e i n
Walid El-Hindi, CEO of IMKAN Properties, gives us an insight on how each IMKAN projects are
built around a research-led approach that enables the company to shape communities
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Ed Note
INTERVIEW
Kareem Farah, Director
of ECC Group, on the
delivering uniquely
designed, and challenging
projects
Opinion
Should You Move to
a Cheaper Home or
Renegotiate Your Existing
Rent to Save Money?
UPDATE
Emirates Steel 2018
Overview
COVER
Walid El-Hindi, CEO of
IMKAN Properties, on how
IMKAN projects are unique
FEATURE
Special feature with the Top
Developers in the region
REAL ESTATE
The latest on the real
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48
50
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// contents
March 2019 // Issue #49
S U B S C R I B E
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// construction business news me // March 2019
8
// Editor's note
Projects Galore
Just an update regarding the construction
and real estate market in 2019.
International construction and real es-
tate consultancy, Drees & Sommer Middle
East, believes the regional construction sec-
tor will hold greater opportunities for the
Digitization and Revitalization of built as-
sets, as well as Adaptive Modular Design
as a construction tool, following 2018’s
slowdown in construction activities attrib-
uted to reduced oil prices and subsequent
cuts to project spending across the region
in 2018.
Drees & Sommer predicts increased mo-
mentum for the construction sector driven
by government support through long-term
economic diversification plans, including
Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and Saudi Vi-
sion 2030. The consultancy believes these
agendas will develop fundamental sectors
including hospitality, healthcare, and infra-
structure, while tourism and gradually sta-
bilising oil prices will contribute to higher
capital spending on construction projects
in the region over the coming year.
Currently, Saudi Arabia and the UAE re-
main the largest regional markets and are
expected to award construction contracts
valued at over US$320 billion over the
next twelve months. In addition, there is
currently over $3 trillion worth of projects
in the pipeline for the regional construc-
tion sector over the next decade.
As this edition of Construction Busi-
ness News shows, the top developers in
the region continue to grow in confi-
dence and their latest projects showcase
how creating innovative new designs and
homes will continue to make them stand
out in the market.
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 // March 2019
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Challenges are meant to be met and
overcome. There are a very few who
understand this and are lifted by the
challenges and complexities of the
industry and can create a success story
out of it. One such fine example is
young and dynamic Kareem Farah,
director of ECC Group, who’s always
on a lookout for challenging oppor-
tunities. With construction and design
industry booming, and Expo 2020
drawing closer, Farah realised that
there lies an opportunity in the reno-
vations and the design sector. In 2015,
ECC Renovations, an entity of ECC
Group, was established in response to
a gap foreseen in the growing small-
to-medium enterprise (SME) sector, a
sector that makes up for 95% of the es-
tablishments in Dubai as of 2018. The
firm offers renovation services, turnkey
fitout solutions, interior design servic-
es, project management, MEP works,
and more. Farah explains: “As of
2018, SME’s contribute to over 47% to
Dubai’s GDP, and is proving to be one
of the leading sectors in Dubai that is
currently driving the market. ECC Ren-
ovations will continue to capitalise on
this market by providing a wide range
of services to our diverse clientele no
Kareem Farah, director of ECC Group, on thriving by thinking outside the box,
delivering uniquely designed, and challenging projects
By Roma Arora
Conquering the
Challenges
matter what the challenges are. We of-
fer a complete range of services from
inception to completion that includes
design, value engineering, and project
management across the UAE and have
built a diverse portfolio that consists of
commercial, residential, industrial, and
infrastructure projects.”
Some of the key milestone projects
are the construction of the first H2
Fuel Station in the Middle East, Zayed
University, LACASA office fit-out, and
installation of the skylight at the Dubai
Airport among many others. The
current pipeline of projects includes
the Dusit Residence, Emaar Pumping
Station, Makeen Skylight, a couple of
office fit-outs, villa extensions, and
several internal projects within the ECC
Group. Farah takes great pride in his
team and his true leadership quali-
ties are adding to the success of ECC
Renovations. Farah feels: “Behind every
successful project, there is an excellent,
diverse team of professionals that bring
their international and local expertise
while understanding the market, its
needs and requirements. If we are able
to deliver a tailored approach on time
and ahead of a schedule that benefits
our clients, it’s all because of the skilful
team. We have built a reputation for
our consistency in delivering promises
and offering adaptability to all project
requirements – regardless of technical
and/or logistical complication, a bi-
product of having an excellent team.”
Farah believes in innovation and he
keeps on updating himself with inter-
national and local market trends. With
timely and relevant insights, he helps
in bridging the gap between chal-
lenges and impactful solutions. Farah
says: “It’s important to bring fresh
and new ideas to the table and have
a great knowledge about the market
trends. Earthy, neutral tones for floor-
ing, use of natural materials for interior
decoration, wooden elements and
rustic furniture, low-hanging lights as
well as pastel-toned walls and drapes
are some of the trending elements
that we have noticed in some of our
recent projects as well as in the food &
beverage (F&B), residential, and com-
mercial sectors. We are also noticing
a peaked interest by clients to extend
and renovate their homes, with a few
of our ongoing projects pertaining to
the scope of work.”
Farah thinks that challenges give
an opportunity to learn and grow as
// Interview
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15
Page 16
// construction business news me // March 2019
16
every project comes with its own set
of unique challenges and require-
ments. In a short span of time, ECC
Renovations has delivered over 60
projects pertaining to various sectors
such as industrial, residential, com-
mercial, hospitality, and infrastructure.
So, which projects are most challeng-
ing? Farah answers: “According to my
opinion, residential projects are often
the most challenging ones, requiring
bespoke services, and the customisa-
tion that we are able to provide and
deliver on-time due to our strategic
partnerships with our suppliers. We
also understand that renovation work
to existing residential projects is ex-
tremely stressful to our clients and we
ensure to be very transparent about
the process upfront, in addition to
supporting our clients at every stage of
the process from authority approvals
to completion.”
Farah believes that technological in-
// Interview
novation and advancement is unavoid-
able for a company to stay ahead of
the curve and to maintain a competi-
tive edge in the market. At the start of
2018, ECC Group made the decision of
implementing a full-fledged Business
Information Modelling (BIM) depart-
ment, anticipating new industry trends
and to stay abreast of international in-
dustry standards. BIM is an intelligent
3D model-based platform that provides
users with insights or tools for archi-
tecture, engineering, construction, and
ensures all processes are adaptable,
flexible, and carried out in the most
efficient manner possible. BIM is a
boon for the design and construction
industry. The adoption of BIM ensures
project clashes or inconsistencies in
design, materials, and their quantities
are realised in earlier stages of the
project, making it invaluable in coordi-
nating information across departments,
as a collaboration between entities is
an integral aspect of any project. Farah
shares: “The implementation of BIM
has multiple advantages in the design,
construction, and architecture industry
ensuring increased cost efficiency and
time saved on a project. We were able
to see fruitful results of the implemen-
tation of BIM on ECC Group’s and
ECC Renovations’ ongoing proj-
ect—Rawda, located at Town Square,
Dubai. Rawda currently is 3.2% ahead
of schedule and 43% complete, is a
great case study showcasing the added
value and benefits of BIM.” Farah is
always looking for something new
to work on, be it a taller tower, more
complex designs, bespoke contract
arrangements, to accommodate special
client requirements.
Farah is excited about his latest
project H2 Fuel Station and says: “We
thrive by thinking outside the box,
delivering uniquely-designed projects
and have developed a solid reputa-
Page 17
construction business news me // March 2019 //
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17
tion The implementation of BIM has
multiple advantages in the design,
construction, and architecture industry
ensuring increased cost efficiency and
time saved on a project. One of our
recent milestones, the H2 Fuel Station,
the first of its kind in the Middle East
was an exciting experience for us. Un-
dertaking such an interesting project,
a new concept to the Middle East was
a daunting task. Our scope of work
included the complete construction
and civil works – heavy equipment
foundations, sheds, roads, equipment
storage units along with MEP work.
We were able to complete it success-
fully, on-time and ahead of schedule
due to the hard work and dedication
of our invaluable skilled workforce
and team members.” Farah is opti-
mistic about Expo 2020 and strongly
believes that the event will attract new
investors and potential buyers to the
market, boosting the economy, further-
more, post expo as well.
Farah feels: “The expos in the past
like Shanghai in 2010 and Milan in
2015 have had a positive effect on
the country’s economy, especially in
the real estate sector, which I foresee
happening for Dubai as well. Dubai’s
GDP for construction and real estate
is set to record a growth of 4.2% and
3.8% respectively during the next five
years.” Farah has extremely promis-
ing plans for the future and he wants
to achieve more milestones and is
further keen to expand the portfolio
and work on projects in the F&B and
the retail sector. Farah concludes: “We
have tripled in numbers since our
inception in 2015 and are definitely
looking to expand in the future,
systematically and organically, similar
to the expansion of ECC Group. Hav-
ing vast experience in office fit-out
and residential projects, our aim is to
continue working on more innovative
projects in the same field. One of our
long-term plans is to grow the busi-
ness in the SME sector and become
the most well-known and sought-after
company for SME scale construction
projects across the UAE.”
Raneesh Mundon, project manager, ECC
Renovations
Zamahn Sajjad, project manager, ECC
Renovations
Page 18
// construction business news me // March 2019
18
// Opinion
Many Dubai residents are taking full
advantage of the decline in rental
rates. Whether you’re planning to
upsize your home or save money by
renegotiating your current rent with
your landlord or moving to a cheaper
home, it’s the ideal time to do so. But
it isn’t always easy to figure out the
most suitable option if you intend to
save money on your annual rent. You
have to consider a number of factors
and crunch some number to make
an informed decision. To make this
decision easier for you, the experts at
ServiceMarket, the UAE’s largest mar-
Should You Move to a Cheaper Home or Renegotiate Your Existing Rent to Save Money?
By ServiceMarket.com
Compare Your Savings
ketplace for moving services, have put
together some guidelines.
Compare savings on rent to cost
of moving
If you’re living in one of the expensive
areas in Dubai and are willing to move
to a more affordable one like the
newly developed suburbs of Dubai,
which generally provide better value
for money, then you might be able to
save more by moving than renegotiat-
ing your existing rental rate.
But, first of all, you need to figure
out whether or not it even makes
financial sense for you to move to a
cheaper home. The following calcula-
tions can help you decide.
Step 1: Calculate the cost of
moving
Start the process by considering the
cost of moving, which would depend
on the amount of items in your home
and the type of moving service you
choose. For example, the average cost
of moving your belongings to a new
home ranges from AED 1000-2000 for
one-bedroom apartments. You can
save a significant amount of money
Page 19
construction business news me // March 2019 //
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19
by doing some comparison shopping
though platforms like ServiceMarket
that allow you to get free quotes from
multiple movers and packers in Dubai.
Next, take into account the various costs
associated with renting a new home:
When you get a new lease agree-
ment, you’ll have to pay 5% of the
total rental agreement to the real
estate agent.
• You will have to register your
tenancy contract with Dubai Land
Department’s Ejari system, for which
you should expect to pay AED 215.
• Pay a 5% move-in security deposit
to your landlord before you move
in. You can get the full amount back
when you move out of house if you
return it in its original state.
• When you get a new DEWA ac-
count, you’ll have to pay a connec-
tion fee of around AED 110 for small
meters and a security deposit of
AED 2000 for an apartment.
• In addition, you might have to face
other costs such as buying new
furniture, painting, cleaning, renova-
tions, etc.
Step 2: Calculate savings on rent
over the next two years
You can compare the average rent
range for your area with that of other
areas using the Dubai Land Depart-
ment's Real Estate Regulatory Authority
(RERA) rental increase calculator. Once
you’ve picked an area and decided the
size and type of property you want,
you can calculate the difference in an-
nual rent, and then find out how much
you’ll be able to save over the next
two years.
Step 3: Compare
Once you’ve added all the costs men-
tioned in ‘Step 1’, and found out how
much you can save on rent by mov-
ing, compare the two. If the amount
you’ll be able to save is larger than the
cost of moving, then it makes financial
sense to move. Otherwise, it would be
better to stay in your existing home.
If you have decided to move to a
cheaper home and are in the process
of negotiating the rental rate, see if
your landlord is willing to discuss
other options like more parking
spaces, waiving the rent for one or
two months, the number of cheques
to pay the annual rent, and free
home maintenance.
When is it better to renegotiate?
If you’re happy with your current
home and your landlord is willing to
renegotiate the rent to your satisfac-
tion, then obviously it makes more
sense to stay instead of moving to
another home, which, as we’ve seen,
can be a costly and time-consuming
process. It’s important to realize that
in the current buyer’s market, most
landlords would prefer to renegotiate
rental rates, especially if they’re happy
with their tenants. Given the growing
number of vacant properties in Dubai,
landlords are keen to keep good ten-
ants because they lose a lot of money
if their house stays vacant for a long
period of time.
But renegotiations might not work
if your current rental rate is already
below the average rent range for your
area. To find out if that’s the case, use
the the Dubai Land Department's Real
Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA)
rental increase calculator to see the
average rent range for your area and
then compare it to your current rental
rate. You should feel confident while
renegotiating the annual rent with
your landlord if your existing rent
is above the range showed by the
rental increase calculator. Be sure to
start the negotiation process at least
a couple of weeks before the start of
the notice period specified in your
tenancy contract.
While it's currently a buyer's market,
many realtors are of the opinion that
prices might stabilize after the first
quarter of 2019. This means that if you
want to leverage the lower rent rates
to upsize or save money, then now is
the right time to make a move.
Page 20
// NEWS
// construction business news me // March 2019
20
Emirates Steel achieved AED 7.5 billion
in revenue in 2018, an increase of 15% as
compared to AED 6.6 billion in 2017. In
addition, Emirates Steel has delivered an
incredible 44% increase in earnings before
interest, tax, depreciation and amortiza-
tion (EBITDA). EBITDA in 2018 reached
AED 1 billion, as compared to AED 678
million in 2017. In addition, Emirates Steel
reduced its debt to equity ratio by 9%,
from 56% in 2017 to 47% in 2018.
During an annual media briefing held
today at Emirates Steel’s headquarters,
Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi,
Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Steel
said: “Despite the challenges faced by
the metals and steel industry globally
last year, our results for 2018 were posi-
tive. I believe this is a testament to the
success of our resilient business model
and our sustainable growth strategy.
With this year on year growth, we are
continuing to enhance our position as a
world class steel manufacturer adept at
delivering the highest quality products,
services and comprehensive solutions to
our customers.”
“While we foresee challenges in 2019,
including the slowdown of the regional
construction sector, surge in Iron Ore
prices, drop in sales prices, market vola-
tility, market protectionism, we remain
focused on increasing sales revenues and
reducing direct and indirect costs to fur-
ther improve our financial performance.
We are aiming to achieve this through the
further development of our product range
and by driving efficiencies across the
business, focus on customer retention,
and customer satisfaction. The success of
our strategy and our ability to deliver the
highest quality products is increasingly
Emirates Steel, the only integrated steel plant in the UAE, and a subsidiary of the General
Holding Corporation (SENAAT), has announced an outstanding set of financial results for 2018.
Emirates Steel achieves 15%
increase in revenue in 2018
evident through the growing demand for
Emirates Steel’s products in international
markets,” added. Eng. Al Remeithi.
In 2018 Emirates Steel’s export sales
to more than 40 countries accounted for
20% of total volumes, with the remain-
ing 80% being consumed within the
UAE where the company maintains
a 60% share of the rebar market and
69% share of the section market. It is
worth mentioning that the steel market
dropped significantly in second half of
2018, nevertheless the company man-
aged to maintain its sales.
Emirates Steel produced 3.1 million tons
of finished products in 2018, in line with
the volumes achieved in 2017. Emirates
Steel’s presence is solid in the domestic
market where it sold 2.514 million tons of
finished products, with exports accounting
for the remaining 631,000 tons.
Emirates Steel’s reinforcing bars pro-
duction accounts for roughly 2.1 million
tons of the company’s overall produc-
tion. In addition, the company manu-
factured 500,000 tons of wire rod and
600,000 tons of heavy sections.
In November of 2018, Emirates Steel
signed a four-year (2018-2021), high
value contract with Vale, the world’s
largest producer of iron ore and iron ore
pellets, to supply iron ore pellets for its
steel production. Emirates Steel has an
iron ore pellet requirement of around 6
million tons per year, and the four-year
contract and strategic partnership with
Vale provides the company with a flex-
ible source of iron ore at competitive,
stable and long term prices.
As part of its efforts to implement best
practices to achieve the highest levels
of efficiency, reliability and production
availability, in July 2018 Emirates Steel
signed a 10-year contract with Phoe-
nix Services for a Dust Agglomeration
Project. The contract includes collecting
Emirates Steel’s by-products (Mill-scale,
FTP Dust, IOP & DRI Fines, DR Sludge),
and converting them into pellet, and
then re-releasing those pellets back into
the furnace in our SMP plants.
As part of this contract, Phoenix
Services will build a plant in Phase 2,
which is expected to be completed in
the middle of Q2 2019. This project will
not only be beneficial from an environ-
mental stand point, but also from an
efficiency and cost perspective.
Page 21
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Page 22
// construction business news me // March 2019
22
// Cover Story
Page 23
Walid El-Hindi has over 20 years of professional
experience in the Real Estate Development Sector.
As the Chief Executive Officer of IMKAN Proper-
ties, he is responsible for the Global Real Estate
Portfolio for the holding company, Abu Dhabi
Capital Group. In addition, Walid holds the posi-
tion of Chief Executive Officer for Capital Group
Properties in Egypt, responsible for the Develop-
ment of Alburouj, a fully mixed-use development
with 25,000 residential units, Smart Village East
Office park, and a major cultural hub.
His previous experience included working for
AECOM and Elness Swenson Graham Architects.
As a member of the Executive Committee of the
Minneapolis Planning Commission Board, he
served the city to establish its comprehensive
plan. From 2002-2008, Walid taught Architecture
as an Adjunct faculty member at the University of
Minnesota, where he graduated with a Bachelor
of Architecture degree.
We catch up with Walid El-Hindi, CEO of IMKAN Properties, who gives us an insight on
how each IMKAN projects are built around a research-led approach that enables the
company to shape communities while adding value for its stakeholders
IMKAN is an Abu Dhabi-based real estate de-
veloper with a portfolio of 26 projects spanning
four continents and covering 30 million sqm in
various development stages.
IMKAN’s proposition is built around a unique
research platform that uncovers the distinct social
behaviors and habits of specific market segments
– from millennials to discerning high-net-worth
individuals – to formulate tailored user profiles.
This research-led approach enables the company
to shape communities that are in tune with the
mindset of each profile, thereby adding value for
its stakeholders.
IMKAN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Abu
Dhabi Capital Group (ADCG). Its key projects
include two developments in Makers District –
The—Artery, a multi-use building that integrates
a makers’ space with a parking garage, and
Pixel, the company’s first mixed-use destination
– as well as Nudra, a luxury beachside villa
construction business news me // March 2019 //
www.cbnme.com
23
Soulful
Places
Page 24
// construction business news me // March 2019
24
community, and Sheikha Fatima Park,
an open-air project that seeks to
enhance community interaction.
“We are the first developer in the
region to build an in-house research
platform that allows us to design
projects around distinct user profiles.
Nothing like this has ever been at-
tempted before,” said Walid.
AlJurf
AlJurf, set in a prime location of exist-
ing natural beauty, along with the
Sahel Al-Emarat Coast, is the perfect
respite from city life and just a short
drive from the hustle and bustle of
both neighboring cities.
“Sahel Al Emarat, the UAE’s first
Riviera destination, will soon start
taking shape on a magnificent and
preserved stretch of the coastline
between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Promising an authentic and unparal-
leled cultural and tourism experience
that pays homage to the UAE’s rich
heritage, the first coastal development
of its kind,” said Walid.
Scheduled for completion in 2021,
AlJurf Gardens will be the first phase
of the entire development. Comprising
of 293 residential villas and land plots,
AlJurf Gardens’ facilities and amenities
include unique residential communi-
ties and serviced residences, a world-
renowned wellness clinic, a private
beach, a private marina, and commu-
nity center all nestled amid abundant
open spaces.
Walid said, “AlJurf serves residents
wanting an escape from the hectic life
on weekends, as well as those look-
ing for an adjustment in their lifestyle
completely. While offering a unique
chance to appreciate the existing
land, this second home development
provides a new way of living; among a
naturally scenic landscape on Sahel Al
Emarat – the Riviera of the UAE.”
AlJurf Gardens harnesses a uniquely
green environment featuring villas
of four different architectural styles,
designed by four globally renowned
// Cover Story
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25
award-winning architects. Once
complete, the 370-hectare destination
will comprise of three distinct districts
- AlJurf Gardens, Jiwar Al Qasr and
Marsa AlJurf, each with its own defin-
ing architectural characteristics.
Reflecting on a vision cultivated by
the founders of this nation, IMKAN is
preserving the present ecosystem at
AlJurf by creating a wildlife sanctuary
aimed at protecting the land’s natural
habitat. The fully integrated community
is set to be a unique haven, where resi-
dents will also benefit from the conser-
vation of the surrounding environment.
Just a short retreat from the UAE’s
metropolises, the coastal destination
offers residents and visitors the oppor-
tunity to relax and escape the hustle,
bustle, stress of everyday life.
“AlJurf is the perfect place for a
second home and a chance to recon-
nect with nature in your own slice of
tranquility,” remarked Walid.
Makers District
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s
Reem Island, across from the cultural
hub of Saadiyat Island, the development
is making scheduled progress towards
its completion timeline of Q4 2020.
The renowned local engineering and
Page 26
// construction business news me // March 2019
26
contracting firm Dutch Foundation has
completed all 938 secants of shoring.
Alongside, five meters of excavation
work has also commenced within
Pixel to accommodate two basements
of approximately 22,000 square meters
each, while piling works are set to be
finished by February 2019.
Walid said: “The development vali-
dates our priority to enrich the UAE’s
residential and commercial landscape
through setting a new benchmark for
community-living.”
The 18-hectare creative residential
component of Makers District will
transform urban living by providing
residents the opportunity to be a part
of a creative environment where in-
novation and interaction thrive.
Pixel, featuring seven towers com-
prising apartments, co-working office
spaces, as well as food and beverage
and retail elements surrounded by
water features, is set to change the
property landscape in the city by infus-
ing a sense of creativity and well-being
into everyday living.
Nudra Project
Last year it was announced that there
was significant progress on the con-
struction of Nudra, a luxury develop-
ment of 37 villas on Saadiyat Island
in Abu Dhabi. Located in Saadiyat’s
Cultural District, the development
is already over 20 percent complete
and is well on track for a timely
handover in July 2019.
The meticulously-planned 26,000 sq
ft development plots along the beach-
front are currently being graded and
hoarded, ready for handover before
year-end. Site offices are well-estab-
lished and the first stage foundation
work, including the bulk excavation,
dewatering and the installation of
over 1,500 piles, has been successful-
ly completed. Furthermore, 11 out of
the 32 villa basements are ready and
five of the ground floor slabs already
cast, with the remainder set to follow
in quick succession.
IMKAN has also reported that the
Jerusalem Limestone, which is to clad
the external elevations, has been quar-
ried and is now being cut and finished,
with the first batch due to arrive at
the site later this month. The building
structures are already starting to rise
above ground level, giving purchasers
an increasing sense of the scale of these
luxurious villas. The ‘shell and core’
finish will enable purchasers to fully
customize their interiors.
The construction of the hillside re-
taining wall at the rear of the project is
also now complete. This structure is de-
signed to support the gentle rising hill
that is located approximately six meters
above the entrance level, providing
villas at the rear with magnificent views
of both the Arabian Sea and the Louvre
Abu Dhabi. Formation of the beach is
also progressing well with completion
forecast for February 2019.
// Cover Story
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27
“IMKAN is fast gaining a strong
reputation in this market because of
our ability to differentiate ourselves
from our competitors through proj-
ects such as Nudra that bring the
notion of place-making to life. We
believe in building enriched com-
munities and spaces that allow for
human interaction - going beyond
just providing housing. With Nudra,
we are introducing a concept of
customized fit outs (shell and core)
while simultaneously setting new
benchmarks for community-living.
With its ability to offer bespoke
properties that cater to the indi-
vidual needs of customers, IMKAN’s
developments have achieved high
uptake among potential investors
and end users,” said Walid.
Sheikh Fatima Park
In alignment with the Abu Dhabi
Economic Vision 2030, which out-
lines a strategy for reduced reliance
on the oil sector as a key source
of economic activity over time,
IMKAN is focused on strengthen-
ing the Emirate’s economic vision
and in solidifying its footing as the
region’s investment haven. Abu
Dhabi is a world-class investment
destination, offering a promising
value proposition to businesses
and investors alike with attractive
returns and yields.
The park encompasses an area of
46,000m2, which is inclusive of an ad-
venture zone, and a section devoted
to women and children. The project’s
timely commencement coincides with
regional and global businesses in-
creasingly looking towards Abu Dhabi
for stronger investment opportunities.
The Park is strategically located at
the corner of Al Bateen Street and
Zayed the First Street, offering close
to 10,000sqm of leasable space for
businesses to provide their unique
services in a picturesque setting.
Avenues for collaboration and invest-
ments are available in commercial,
retail and leisure segments. Food &
beverage units, offices, and clin-
ics are designed with the flexibility
to expand and with the option of
having terraces surrounded by park
vistas and overlooking event plazas,
green activity spaces and tranquil
open lawns.
Walid remarked, “Sheikha Fati-
ma Park will not only benefit the
physical health and wellness of this
community, but it is also a platform
for businesses. We will be consider-
ing offers from groups that comple-
ment our ethos of creating soulful
places that enrich people’s lives. Our
research-led approach has enabled
us to develop the ideal urban green
space that will focus on promoting
mental, physical and spiritual health
equity, and we want the outlets who
operate in Sheikha Fatima Park to
promote these values.”
Page 28
// Special Feature
// construction business news me // March 2019
28
In this special feature, we catch a glimpse of the latest projects being
delivered by the leading developers in the region. The feature indicates
how the top developers in the region continue to grow in confidence
and their latest projects showcase how creating innovative new
designs and homes will continue to make them stand out in the market.
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29
Aurora real
estate development
“Aurora is a boutique property devel-
oper in the UAE with a robust culture
and ethos of quality, transparency, and
attention to detail that offers a person-
alized service in delivering creative
concepts at an affordable price.
We began 2019 by delivering Lyra
– our first rental-only development
located between Dubai Silicon Oasis,
Dubai International Academic City and
International City, which caters to fam-
Special Feature | Developers you should know
ilies and the professional demographic
in Dubai. The project was developed
keeping in mind professionals and
families living in Dubai.
We are very excited about our sec-
ond milestone project, Hyati Avenue,
which is targeted for delivery in De-
cember 2019 and where the construc-
tion is progressing on schedule.
Hyati Avenue is born out of a vi-
sion for a clean, modern space, the
likes of which Dubai has never seen
before. The development encom-
passes contemporary architecture,
complemented by distinctive design
and premium finishes on par with in-
ternational standards, appealing to the
diversified community of Dubai and
UAE. We designed this development
keeping our clients in mind to create
a home that lasts for life.” - Cian
Farah, CEO, Aurora
Cian Farah, CEO of Aurora Real
Estate Developments
Page 30
// construction business news me // March 2019
30
// Special Feature
Azizi Developments
Azizi Riviera is a multiphase de-
velopment of 71 mid-rise buildings
with over 16,000 residences, includ-
ing studios, one-, two-, and three-
bedroom apartments, located in the
prestigious Meydan One. The devel-
opment features a mega-integrated
retail district that will consist of
shopping, leisure and entertainment
options, eateries, an extensive canal
promenade, and direct access to the
adjacent Riviera Les Jardins, a vast
lush green space that spans across
the whole development.
Special Feature | Developers you should know
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31
“One of the 200+ projects that we
at Azizi Developments are involved in
is Azizi Riviera in Meydan, our flag-
ship community project. The prop-
erty continues to be one of the most
unique waterfront residential develop-
ments in Dubai, offering residents and
investors attractive ROI in the buildup
to Expo 2020 and beyond.
Sustainability is one of our core
commitments, reflected in all of our
projects, including our flagship mas-
ter-planned community, Azizi Riviera.
Our commitment is supported by
three core pillars: social, environmen-
tal and economic. Our social goals
nurture the community and create
an equitable setting by promoting
creativity, aesthetics, and human com-
fort, in addition to thermal comfort,
lower noise levels, and an emphasis
on promoting well-being through a
wide range of exercising and relax-
ation facilities.
With our projects, we aim to cre-
ate an exemplary sustainable de-
velopment model. Azizi Riviera, for
example, is a sustainable community
with environmental considerations
integrated into the development from
conception to construction.
I am optimistic about Dubai’s real
estate sector, not just for 2019 but
also for the long-term as the city is
the best place to live in, work in,
and visit. The positivity of Dubai
and the sense of belonging it fosters
among all residents will continue to
attract professionals from across the
world and in turn contribute to more
demand for property.” – Farhad Azizi,
CEO of Azizi Developments.
Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi
Developments
Page 32
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32
DAMAC Properties
“Our customer’s aspirations inspire
all of DAMAC's living spaces, includ-
ing Golf Town, our latest ready-built
offerings located within the thriving
DAMAC Hills community. Golf Town
offers spacious, modern apartments
with spectacular views of the 7,300-
yard Trump International Golf Club.
Residents enjoy the ultimate golfing
lifestyle as well as access to world-
Special Feature | Developers you should know
ability which aims for a 30 per cent
reduction in energy use by 2030.
We have believed in building
communities where residents can
raise their families and share special
bonds with their neighbours. It is this
simple concept that makes DAMAC’s
residential projects unique.” - Niall
McLoughlin, Senior Vice President at
DAMAC Properties.
class amenities and features including
green parks, tennis courts, and an
international school, among others.
Dubai has been a model for sus-
tainable urban development in the
Middle East and North Africa. The
city has the highest share of green
buildings in the region and its real
estate sector has aligned itself with
the government’s vision of sustain-
// Special Feature
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33
Emaar development
Emaar Development has unveiled
Arabian Ranches III, a secure gated
townhouse neighbourhood. The new
masterplanned community offers a
happy lifestyle with a central park
spanning an area of over 30,000 square
metres (about 7.5 acres), a 4 km long
boulevard, community parks with
an extensive choice of play areas for
children, as well as wellness and sports
facilities for all.
The lush-green neighbourhood also
features a lazy river, cycling tracks, a
retail strip, a clubhouse and community
centre, a mosque as well as reputed
schools and healthcare facilities in close
proximity. The central park serves as a
hub for recreation and socialising with
a central plaza, lawns, adventure zones,
parkour course, skate park, barbeque
areas, gymnasium, jogging tracks and
a cricket pitch, among other facilities.
Arabian Ranches III also offers a direct
connection to the 86-kilometre long Al
Special Feature | Developers you should know
Qudra Cycling Track, while the 42-me-
tre-wide boulevard loop promotes a
pedestrian-friendly healthy lifestyle.
Residents can also access the golfing
facilities at the Arabian Ranches Golf
Course and hone their equestrian and
polo skills at the Dubai Polo & Eques-
trian Club.
Arabian Ranches III is effortlessly ac-
cessible to all key business and leisure
destinations in the city. It is in half-
hour travelling distance of Downtown
Dubai, Dubai International Airport, Al
Maktoum International Airport and the
Expo 2020 Dubai site, while the Global
Village and Sheikh Hamdan Sports
Centre are only five minutes away. The
masterplan will be served by a Metro
link in the future.
Arabian Ranches III will feature 3 and
4-bedroom townhouses. Recreating the
happy lifestyle of Arabian Ranches –
which has high ratings in the residents
Happiness Score, the new townhouse
community will be the most desirable
destination for families.
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34
Gemini Group
For over 30 years, the Gemini Group
has excelled in all the businesses it
has been involved with.
At Gemini Property Developers, the
team is devoted the client’s objective,
and delivers the best property options
and solutions accordingly. Their ex-
pertise in real estate investments and
the real estate development ecosphere
in Dubai and the UAE will ensure the
best investment for your needs.
“The year 2018 has been challeng-
ing for the industry, although for us,
it was a year of delivery of our first
project and the launch of the second
project. Gemini Property Developers
Special Feature | Developers you should know
has been doing quite well in terms of
sale and development activities. We
have delivered our maiden project,
Gemini Splendor last year and fami-
lies have started to move in.
Gemini has delivered Splendor at
Mohammed Bin Rashid City. We are also
developing our second project, Sympho-
ny, Business Bay – which will also be
an energy efficient building with smart
solutions. Construction of Symphony
has already commenced with piling and
shoring works which is nearing comple-
tion soon and then main contract shall
be awarded.” - Mr. Sudhakar Rao, Chair-
man of Gemini Property Developers.
Sudhakar Rao, Chairman of
Gemini Property Developers
// Special Feature
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35
Meraas
Meraas has unveiled its plans for Cen-
tral Park at City Walk, a new exclusive
residential neighbourhood which will
surround a 40,000 sqm private park
in the heart of Dubai. As part of its
dedication to create mould-breaking,
imaginative ways of experiencing city
life that inspire an active lifestyle for
residents and visitors in sustainably-
minded destinations, Meraas’ latest
Special Feature | Developers you should know
neighbourhood will redefine commu-
nity living in the emirate.
Spanning a total area of 230,000 sqm,
Central Park at City Walk will include 12
terraced mid-rise residential buildings.
The residential complex will comprise
187 spacious one- to four-bedroom units
that overlook a year-round fertile park,
with Dubai’s majestic downtown skyline
standing imperiously in the background.
Central Park at City Walk will also be
one of the most connected and easiest
to access communities in the city. Just
two minutes from City Walk’s retail
complex and the 17,000 capacity Dubai
Arena – the region’s most anticipated
entertainment destination. Central Park
at City Walk will combine a tranquil
lifestyle with the city’s best leisure, shop-
ping, dining and wellness experiences.
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36
Pantheon Development
Pantheon Development, part of
Pantheon Group, entered Dubai’s
real estate market in 2016 with the
AED 150 million Pantheon Boule-
vard project at the Jumeirah Village
Circle. The project was successfully
completed with the company’s own
capital and delivered to its owners.
The Group’s second project – Pan-
theon Elysee – is being developed at
District 13, Jumeirah Village Circle.
With a development value exceeding
Dh 180 million, it is expected to be
delivered in October 2020, before the
beginning of the World Expo 2020.
The Group plans to launch a number
of real estate projects in the UAE.
“Numerous residential, commercial
and industrial projects have com-
menced, and our affordable luxury
project Pantheon Elysee located in
Jumeirah Village Circle, a few min-
utes away from the mega expo site
has witnessed significant interest from
investors as well as end-users. I believe,
Special Feature | Developers you should know
China and Chinese buyers will figure
prominently in Dubai’s real estate mar-
ket. The Chinese already figure in the
top five spots of international investors
with property interests in Dubai, after
those from India, Pakistan and the UK.”
“The UAE has been a beacon of in-
spiration when it comes to sustainability
and energy efficiency. From adopting
district cooling solutions to integrat-
ing solar panels and LEED certified
amenities, most projects in the country
have opened its arms to environmental
principles. At Pantheon Development,
affordability is the core of our opera-
tions. As such, our projects are not only
cost-effective, but implement modern
architectural and engineering thinking,
to develop homes that are sustain-
able and energy efficient.” - Kalpesh
Kinariwala, Founder and Chairman of
Pantheon Group
Kalpesh Kinariwala, Founder and
Chairman of Pantheon Group
// Special Feature
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37
Samana developers
2018 marks Samana Group of Com-
panies forays into Dubai real estate
market with the launch of its maiden
Dh75 million ‘Samana Greens’ project
in Arjan near Dubai Miracle Garden in
April 2018. Despite Dubai’s challeng-
ing real estate market, the developer
was inspired by the bright vision of
His Highness Sheikh Muhammed Bin
Rashid Al Maktoum who thinks and
plans 10 years ahead of the world to
transform Dubai into the attractively
designed Samana Greens with its eco-
friendly systems has earned Samana
Developers credibility in the Dubai real
estate market which has been bolstered
Special Feature | Developers you should know
by investors and real estate agents’
confidence in this quality product. e of
the world’s most advanced cities.
“Samana Developers’ first project
‘Samana Greens’ is a freehold resi-
dential property and is self-financed,
which gives the developers a comfort
to deliver the project on time. The
Dh75 million project’s 116 residential
units comprise of studio to two-
bedroom apartments. Located right
opposite the Miracle Garden tourist at-
traction, Samana Greens will be easily
accessible through two major express-
ways – Al Khail Road and Mohammed
Bin Zayed Road – and gives its resi-
dents easy access to the major attrac-
tions of the city of Dubai. Arjan master
community is a new and growing
neighbourhood and is surrounded by
Arabian Ranches, Sports City, Jumeirah
Village Circle, Dubai Hills, along with
close proximity to a five-star hospital
and five international schools.
Samana Developers second proj-
ect – Samana Hills – will address the
growing need of the holiday market.
The new project will be fully-serviced
hotel apartments and is scheduled to be
launched by the end of the first quarter
of 2019.” - Imran Farooq, Chief Execu-
tive Officer of Samana Developers.
Imran Farooq, Chief Executive
Officer of Samana Developers
Page 38
// construction business news me // March 2019
38
Select group
“With 15 projects to its credit within
UAE, Select Group has delivered
10 million ft² of development with
a GDV in excess of AED 7.5 billion
and remains committed to long term
investment in the UAE real estate
market and development continues
to be the group’s core area of focus.
Marina Gate I, the first tower in
The Residences at Marina Gate, was
handed over in early 2018. With a
built-up area of 1,139,500 ft2 and
spread over 51 floors, the develop-
ment features 399 residential units
and luxurious amenities.
No.9 is a waterfront development
located on the Dubai Marina prom-
enade and offers stunning waterfront
views. The 34-floor tower houses 220
apartments has a built-up area of ap-
proximately 500,000 ft2. The devel-
opment was handed over to owners
in December 2018.
Special Feature | Developers you should know
Another 10 million ft² of prime
residential property in the group’s
portfolio is currently under construc-
tion. This includes Marina Gate II and
Studio One developments. Both proj-
ects are located in Dubai Marina and
are scheduled for completion in 2019.
In addition to the above, as part of
its diversification plans, Select Group
has also made a significant invest-
ment in a chain of quality but afford-
able fitness and lifestyle gymnasiums.
With the first gym now operational,
multiple new branches across UAE
are at various stages of progress.
Select Group has a track record
of quality and timely delivery which
has resulted in a loyal customer base
over the years. Our properties cater
to an audience who seek a curated
lifestyle, strong rental returns and
capital appreciation.” – Rahail Aslam,
Group CEO, Select Group.
Rahail Aslam, Group CEO,
Select Group
// Special Feature
Page 39
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Page 40
// construction business news me // March 2019
40
Shapoorji Pallonji
Shapoorji Pallonji is one of India’s
oldest family business conglomerates
with a rich legacy of more than 154
years constructing world-renowned
landmarks including the tallest resi-
dential building in India, the largest
mall in India, the largest cement
clinker plant in Asia, nuclear research
establishments, airports, factories,
stadiums and more.
Committed to building a long-term
relationship with the Middle East and
International markets, Shapoorji Pal-
lonji International Property Develop-
ers’ first real estate project outside
India, Imperial Avenue, is currently
Special Feature | Developers you should know
being constructed in Downtown
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
In 1971, Shapoorji Pallonji became
the first Indian construction company
to venture into the Middle East, when
they were chosen to build the 'Royal
Palace for the Sultan of Oman'.
“Imperial Avenue, an exclusive col-
lection of luxury homes in Downtown
Dubai, is Shapoorji Pallonji’s first real
estate project outside India. Complete
with five levels of podiums and state-
of-the-art facilities, Imperial Avenue
consists of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom
apartments, 4 and 5 bedroom pent-
houses, 3 bedroom villas and 4 and 5
bedroom villas with a private pool at
the podium level.
Standing 45 storeys tall with 424 apart-
ments and 5 levels of parking, Imperial
Avenue emphasizes on opulent living
spaces offering high quality living. With
modular kitchens, designer bathrooms and
private decks, every apartment is unique.
A premium 10,000 sq. ft. lobby, rooftop
infinity pool, family pool on the 9th floor,
fitness center, squash court, indoor and
outdoor kids play area, private AV room
and private function hall is available for
residents of Imperial Avenue.” – Cyrus
Engineer, Managing Director of Sharpoorji
Pallonji Property Developers.
Cyrus Engineer, Managing
Director of Sharpoorji
Pallonji Property Developers
// Special Feature
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41
Sobha Realty
“2018 has been an excellent year
with unprecedented growth and
achievements for Sobha Realty. We
refreshed our corporate brand and
rechristened it as ‘Sobha Realty’ in
2018 and presented a new identity
for our flagship ‘Sobha Hartland’. By
mid-2018 we began the handover
for our flagship product - Phase 1
of Hartland Greens apartments and
have recently launched the much
awaited upper floors of the Creek
Vistas. The next phase of deliveries
which include Phase 2&3 of Hartland
Greens apartments, 4 & 5 BR Hartland
Estate villas and Townhouses are now
getting ready for a timely comple-
tion and delivery. Additionally, the
exquisite landscape for 30% of the
Sobha Hartland community which is
dedicated for green and open spaces
is progressing at a rapid pace. This
Special Feature | Developers you should know
only reiterates the company’s commit-
ment to the Middle East region and
with Sobha Realty, we present homes
which embody the founder’s vision of
the finest in luxury living.
Being the foremost backward in-
tegrated real estate developer in the
world, we have our inhouse teams for
design & construction who have been
delivering high quality projects for de-
cades now. We believe that our focus
on timely and perfectly choreographed
delivery experience to the customer
will be more beneficial in the long
run. With aggressive plans in place,
we plan to ramp up construction and
handover activity to generate up to
$680m (AED2.5bn) in revenue by
2021. Brand consolidation is in place
and hopefully will be done in the next
3-5 years.” - Tirthankar Ganguly, Chief
Marketing Officer, Sobha Realty.
Tirthankar Ganguly, Chief
Marketing Officer, Sobha Realty
Page 42
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42
Tonino Lamborghini
Tonino Lamborghini Residences –
Oriental Pearls
The project is developing rapidly,
with reinforcements and post-tension
work in progress on the first floor.
Once complete, Tonino Lamborghini
Residences Dubai will offer freehold
premium apartments inspired by time-
less design, reminiscent of Tonino
Lamborghini’s clean lines and dynam-
ic forms with top quality finishes.
Tonino Lamborghini Residences
Dubai will offer a combination of
smart technology, contemporary
design and lush green landscapes. It
will also offer a full spectrum of con-
venient amenities and retail services,
along with seamless technology and
advanced climate control of commu-
nal spaces for residents.
The agreement with Oriental
Pearls will see the developer apply
the Tonino Lamborghini branding,
philosophy and values across its real
estate developments in Dubai.
Special Feature | Developers you should know
Ma Guolong, CEO of Oriental Peals,
said: “We are delighted to announce that
the development of Tonino Lamborghini
Residences Dubai is progressing at a
rapid pace barely two months since we
unveiled the project. We are especially
happy to announce these developments
during the Spring Lantern Festival – an
auspicious occasion which historically
marks prosperity and good health. We
believe 2019 will be a momentous year
for us as we continue to hit even bigger
milestones in our journey to deliver this
one-of-a-kind project in the UAE.”
Ma Guolong, CEO of Oriental Pearls
// Special Feature
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43
Trigono Developments
Trigono Development is a leading com-
pany in the real estate field based in
Dubai and its major activity is to man-
age, purchase, sell and develop lands
and properties. Trigono seeks to de-
velop new projects in Dubai to position
itself as one of the new companies that
care about the welfare and comfort of
investors inside and outside of Dubai.
“The50 by Trigono, our first project,
is located in Majan. It is a 10-storey resi-
dential building with 40 one bedroom
and 20 two-bedroom apartments. In
addition to the apartments, The50 offers
its resident's health and recreational
amenities with the swimming pool
and gym located on the rooftop of the
building. Our focus in this project was
to offer our residents spacious apart-
ments with top quality fittings at afford-
able pricing. Everything in The50 has
been handpicked by our team from the
design stage with the intention of offer-
ing everything that we felt was needed
from our experience as property
owners and tenants, as well as from
understanding what clients are looking
for. Our vision in The50 is to build a
residential building by the people for
Special Feature | Developers you should know
the people, and I believe that can only
be achieved by eliminating the small
developer mindset of purely focusing
on IRR. The50 will have 24-hour secu-
rity in a gated area with no commercial
outlets on the ground floor to maintain
peace and tranquility for its residents.”
- Mahmoud Shehada, Founder, Trigono
Developments
Mahmoud Shehada, Founder,
Trigono Developments
Page 44
// construction business news me // March 2019
44
Union Properties
OIA Residence
Inspired by Oia, a small town on the
island of Santorini in Greece, re-
nowned for its bright white buildings
and blue skies, OIA Residence by
Union Properties is a modern and so-
phisticated gated community featuring
low-rise apartments set amid expan-
sive greenery and an abundance of
recreational facilities.
Located in Dubai MotorCity, the
community is home to 269 contempo-
rary one to four-bedroom apartments,
of which 28 are premium three and
Special Feature | Developers you should know
// Special Feature
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45
four-bedroom duplexes, that come
complete with lavish gardens and
private terraces providing exclusive
access to the swimming pools.
Avenue District
Avenue District by Union Properties
is the latest urban development in
Dubai MotorCity. Spanning over two
million sq ft, the project will feature
two mid-rise residential developments
and a self-contained shopping mall.
The lifestyle-focused retail centre,
spanning over 1.3 million sq ft, will
boast a diverse F&B mix, along with
entertainment and retail options.
The first residential development
comes complete with 366 elegantly
designed studios to three-bedroom
units. Residents will have access to a
variety of excellent amenities, includ-
ing a fully equipped gym that over-
looks the swimming pool, and 31,000
sq ft of retail space on the ground
floor of the building.
The second residential project
will house more than 252 studios,
one-bedroom, two-bedroom and
three-bedroom apartments. The con-
temporary living space will provide
ease of access to the best in leisure,
F&B, entertainment and sports ame-
nities in the community. There are
also plans to include 13,000 square
feet of retail space on the ground
floor of the building.
Avenue District will also be home
to the ultra-modern 118,000 sq ft
BMW and MINI showroom, that will
allow visitors to have a full view into
the workshop area through specially
crafted glass panels.
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// construction business news me // March 2019
46
// Renovation
JA Beach Hotel to
Undergo Massive
Facelift & Renovation
As the 1 million square metre, expe-
rience-packed, JA The Resort in Jebel
Ali prepares to add a third hotel to the
area, the original and much-loved JA
Beach Hotel will also undergo an ex-
tensive makeover and refurbishment,
ensuring all three properties in JA The
Resort compete with a unique style
and proposition.
Boasting a strong base of 30% repeat
guests every year, it’s clear that JA
Beach Hotel has a loyal following and
families who treasure years of good
memories at the property. The hotel
experiences high volumes of repeat
guests from Europe, while also provid-
ing UAE residents with an ideal stayca-
tion destination a short drive from the
city centre. A true escape from the
city vibe of Dubai, JA Beach Hotel has
always offered a resort feel, with a
surrounding expanse of greenery and
wildlife, a private marina and a host of
family activities to suit all generations.
The renovation plans for JA Beach
Hotel include an enhanced facade with
new, all-glass balconies for the rooms
and suites which will further improve
the panoramic sea views and effectively
showcase the stunning 800 metre vista
of private beach. The bedrooms will
also be given a new look for 2019, with
modern wood tile flooring, new beds
and furniture in a fresh colour scheme
of soft greys, neutrals and relaxing royal
blue. All food and beverage outlets will
be refurbished with new concepts to be
announced in due course.
William Harley-Fleming, Cluster
General Manager of JA The Resort,
commented; “JA Beach Hotel has been
a landmark property for over 38-years
and many people who have grown up
in the UAE fondly remember days trips
to the hotel. We also have many loyal
guests who have been coming to the
hotel for 15 years or more. Though the
property is still in a great condition,
we have made a conscious decision to
modernize it and maximize its appeal,
in tandem with the opening of our
third hotel JA Lake View Hotel and the
many other leisure facilities we have at
JA The Resort.”
Page 47
• Environment Friendly • Fuel Economy • Advance Technology • Best in Class • Minimum Cost of Operation
Most Extensive and Environmentally Friendly Line-up of Vehicles
ALL NEW EURO 4 HAS ARRIVED
Page 48
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48
// Real Estate
Savills, one of the world’s leading real estate advisors, has released its first comprehensive
view of the United Arab Emirates, The UAE Property Report.
SAVILLS RELEASES FIRST
UAE MARKET REPORT
According to the specialist report, the
UAE Government’s increased invest-
ment into infrastructure, its commit-
ment to diversifying the economy
and positive regulatory changes have
paved the way for economic recovery
and growth.
The dedicated country report,
compiled by Savills’ experienced team
based in the United Arab Emirates,
assesses the state of the current real
estate market with particular focus on
the residential, commercial and indus-
trial sectors. Savills identifies the UAE
as ‘one of the great success stories of
the Middle East’, that is looking to the
future through bold moves such as
visa liberalization and increasing gov-
ernment spending on infrastructure.
It is estimated that UAE GDP growth
will accelerate from 2.3 per cent in
2018 to 2.9 per cent in 2019 accord-
ing to the World Bank and Oxford
Economics. The International Mon-
etary Fund (IMF) recently quoted even
higher potential growth rates of 3.7 per
cent for 2019. According to Savills, this
growth is stimulated by an increasingly
diversified economy and private sector
investment. Savills’ report underlines
that the non-oil sector grew by 50
basis points in 2018 to 3%, driven by
ongoing investments attributed to the
upcoming Expo 2020 in Dubai and the
country’s long term focus on infra-
structure development.
In the real estate market, supply
addition in the residential sector actu-
ally witnessed a year-on-year decline
as developers focused on consoli-
dating their operations and comple-
tion of existing under-construction
and launched projects. The level of
existing supply combined with new
launches caused price value drops
across most UAE markets, while both
capital and rental values witnessed
year-on-year decline. This has created
a buyer / tenant’s market, with de-
velopers currently offering generous
payment plans and schemes.
Within the overview, Savills ac-
knowledges that price compression
across the real estate market con-
tinued through 2018, but with the
inspirational focus of the UAE Vi-
sion 2021 and steps taken to achieve
its goals, the UAE real estate market
can deliver opportunity for domestic
and international investment over
2019 and beyond.
Steve Morgan, CEO of Savills Mid-
dle East said: “The UAE Government
has made a number of bold, innova-
tive changes to stimulate the growth
of the economy and secure its long-
term future. Through both public and
private sector investment, we envision
the UAE will continue its progress
towards a diversified economy and a
more mature real estate market. There
is still some way to go towards recov-
ery but we are starting to see investor
optimism return.”
Savills compiled the report from
business data acquired across residen-
tial, commercial and industrial sectors
throughout the UAE. Savills carries
out around 10,000 valuation instruc-
tions per year and represents many
globally significant companies and
organisations looking for commercial
space in the Middle East.
“It is our job to unearth opportuni-
ties, gaps in the market and find alter-
native ways of looking at real estate
for our clients. Under the right condi-
tions, the UAE is trending towards a
positive opportunity for investors.”
Steve Morgan, CEO of Savills Middle East
Page 49
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50
// Projects
Road development continues to be top priority for GCC with projects worth more
than USD 122 billion
Road development projects continue
to be among the largest infrastructure
investments across the GCC region and
remains a top priority for governments
in line with their urban planning initia-
tives, according to the latest report
released by Orient Planet Research,
an Orient Planet Group venture. The
report titled ‘Fast Tracking Develop-
ment: Road Infrastructure in GCC’
highlights the massive investments on
road, tunnels and bridges across the
GCC amidst oil prices fluctuation in
recent years.
The GCC countries are among the
world’s most ambitious when it comes
to developing mega infrastructures,
driven by the vision to become a
regional powerhouse that will attract
investments and further diversify from
oil, the Gulf’s major source of income.
Worldwide, the UAE and Saudi Arabia
rank among the top 12 global mar-
kets for infrastructure investment, the
report noted.
The expenditure on road infrastruc-
ture has been a major growth factor in
the region and governments continue
to find these investments as vital to
social and economic growth.
The report cited that total value of
active infrastructure projects in the
GCC has reached to USD 1.14 trillion
with roads, highways and bridges
among the highest number of projects.
It further noted that there was a total
of 1,069 road projects in the region,
the highest number among all infra-
structure projects, with a combined
value of USD 122.6 billion.
Nidal Abou Zaki, Managing Director
of Orient Planet Group, said: “One of
the important findings of the report
points to the level of priority given to
road projects by GCC governments,
even when low oil prices impacted
the regional economy in 2014 and
2015. Governments have maintained
a positive approach to infrastructure
development, including exploring new
ways of financing important initiatives
such as public-private partnerships.”
The report highlighted some of the
major projects across the region such
as Dubai’s allocation of AED 15 bil-
lion (USD 4.8 billion) to complete key
projects eyed to serve the upcoming
Expo 2020, including the upgrade
of roads, ramps and flyovers. In
Saudi Arabia, over USD 400 million is
invested in nine major road projects
including the King Hamad Causeway.
In Kuwait, the government is set to
implement the construction of the
Seventh Ring Road Project, a 93-kilo-
metre road network development.
Road Construction Projects
Page 51
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// construction business news me // March 2019
52
// Event
The question facing modern architects and developers is how to retain the accessibility and
strength, but improve upon the practicality, durability and performance.
Fibrelite’s Load
Bearing Access Covers
Are Going Lightweight
From access covers and manhole
covers, to trench covers, steel and
concrete have traditionally been the
market’s materials of choice. However,
these options are often cumbersome
to lift and easily corrode – requiring
regular maintenance.
To meet the challenges of modern
construction, Fibrelite, the global
leader in the manufacture and devel-
opment of GRP composite manhole
and trench covers, has developed an
ultra-light, yet ultra-strong solution
that can be manufactured to match
almost any specification, size, colour,
or project.
With an unrivalled strength to
weight ratio, this highly engineered
GRP composite material is significantly
lighter than metal, yet just as strong,
and is fast becoming recognised as an
effective modern alternative to tradi-
tional steel and concrete.
This breakthrough has subsequently
led to the development of the world’s
first F900 rated (90-tonne) load rated
composite covers at the Port of Felix-
stowe - one of the UK’s leading com-
mercial ports.
Designed to protect the fresh water
pipes used to supply arriving vessels,
the original covers had to be removed
and replaced with a mobile crane each
time access was required. However,
despite sharing the same load rating,
the new Fibrelite composite covers can
be safely and conveniently installed
and removed by a two-man team.
What’s more, unlike conventional
steel alternatives, the new replace-
ments are resistant to corrosion from
sea salt – making them ultra-durable
and maintenance-free. Designed,
manufactured and developed specifi-
cally for Felixstowe, these covers are
colour-coded to denote fresh drinking
water and have been engineered to
fit seamlessly into the existing frames
with custom-made security bolts – pro-
viding a made-to-measure fit.
From the Premier League to La Liga,
architects and developers in the field
of sports stadium design have also
been quick to embrace the benefits of
GRP composite technology. In areas of
high use, such as underground service
trenches, high load bearing GRP ac-
cess covers that can be easily removed
and reinstalled are replacing the tradi-
tional alternatives.
Having worked with leading clubs
across the world, Fibrelite are experts
in creating custom designs to match
any application and regularly design
maintenance-free, trench covers featur-
ing club colours and logos, to blend
into the surrounding pitch. These
bespoke designs neatly fit existing
trenches and are skid-resistant, making
them ideal for pedestrian areas.
Specified by major oil companies
worldwide since the 1980s, including
locally: ExxonMobil, Total, ADNOC,
Woqod, ENOC and OiLibya; Fibrelite’s
high performance composite covers
can be custom designed to suit any
specification in Fibrelite’s dedicated
facilities in the UK, the US and South
East Asia. A rapid design to delivery
process, and a responsive local dis-
tribution network also guarantee fast
turnaround times.
Since 2013, Fibrelite has been a part
of OPW (a Dover company) allow-
ing the company to offer an unprec-
edented portfolio of complementary
best-in-class products.
Page 53
Jebel Jais is part of the Hajar Mountain Range in Ras Al Khaimah.
It is the highest peak in the UAE. And for centuries unreachable by most.
For 8 years, a fleet of Volvo FMX Trucks carried a total of more than 5.5 million cubic meters around the clock
building a 36 km road that goes up more than 1910 meters. The rugged terrain, steep slopes and loose rock
were not a challenge for Volvo FMX, which is built tough for such conditions. That is why more than 30 of our
Volvo FMX trucks completed this ambitious road project without any major breakdown.
To watch the full video please visit www.volvotrucks.ae/jebeljais
Building the UAE ’s
highest road
www.volvotrucks.ae/jebeljais
Page 54
// construction business news me // March 2019
54
// Interview
Interview with Henrik Ambak, Senior Vice President of Cargo Operations Worldwide
Emirates SkyCargo is now the second
largest air cargo operator in the world,
operating a fleet of freighters to over
40 destinations across six continents,
next to its 260 passenger aircraft mov-
ing passengers and cargo between 158
airports. In total the company carried
2.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2017/18.
The driving
force behind
Emirates SkyCargo
Operating its freighter aircraft out
of Al Maktoum International Airport
(DWC) and its passenger aircraft out
of Dubai International Airport (DXB),
Emirates SkyCargo has by 1 August
2018 connected 1 million containers
in just 4 years between the passenger
and freighters fleet, making Dubai the
most successful two airport hub.
In order for operations to run
smoothly, Emirates SkyCargo is
equipped with the best facilities avail-
able to them, including a fleet of 49
trucks, which make around 375 trips
per day between the hubs.
From the handling of agricultural
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55
goods, pharmaceuticals, to sensitive
cargo, odd-sized equipment, textiles
and supercars, Emirates SkyCargo
maintained high standards of service
for our customers by investing in inno-
vation and utilising advanced technol-
ogies such as SkyChain which enables
customers to request services and trace
their shipments in real-time.
In order for operations to run
smoothly, Emirates SkyCargo is
equipped with the best facilities avail-
able to them. In addition to that, there
are two key players assisting Emirates
SkyCargo in their daily cargo opera-
tions, Allied Transport and MAN Trucks.
Emirates SkyCargo operates between
Al Maktoum International Airport
(DWC) and Dubai International Airport
(DXB). This is where Allied Transport
plays a key role in ensuring that Emir-
ates SkyCargo can connect between
the two airports in ease.
“What Allied Transport does for us
is to connect our 2-airport hub. We
have our freighters at DWC airport and
our passenger fleet operating out of
DXB thus Allied transport helps us to
make that connection, along with local
deliveries connecting DXB/DWC with
other UAE airports, explained by Mr.
Henrik Ambak, Senior Vice President
of Emirates SkyCargo worldwide.
Allied Transport Company (ATC) is
one of the leading transport compa-
nies with the largest trucking fleet in
the UAE market and the region. The
company was founded in 1972 and
ever since has been providing a caliber
of service that is unrivaled within the
industry. The company specializes in
land freight transportation and haulage
of all types of cargo.”
‘It is essential for us to have the
transport provider that offers reliability,
on-time performance and flexibility.
This is especially important when you
have unexpected flights and shipments
that require flexible logistics and ad-
ditional trucks to operate.
“The two airports are around 65
kilometers apart, meaning that to
date we have covered an estimated
19 million kilometers – the equiva-
lent of travelling to the moon and
back twenty-five times. To cover this
distance requires a mode of transport
that is both durable and reliable, and
we depend on our key partners, Allied
Transport and MAN Truck & Bus to
ensure our cargo keeps moving.
We trust Allied Transport and MAN
Truck & Bus to provide dependable,
long-lasting vehicles and have never
had a single breakdown with a MAN
truck, enabling us to maintain our
tight schedules, especially when cargo
needs to go onto passenger planes
from DXB. For example, we have
about four freighter flights that come
in from Hong Kong. That cargo needs
Henrik Ambak
Page 56
// construction business news me // March 2019
56
to be transported between DWC and
DXB on-time because we can’t keep
the other planes waiting. We don’t
want the freighter fleet to sit on the
ground as it wastes a lot of money.”
While there is a need to transport
the cargo from one airport to another
quickly and on time, Mr. Ambak also
emphasizes the need of safety. “Our
logo is painted on these trucks so we
need to ensure that these trucks are
safe and operating in a safe manner as
our brand is associated with the high-
est degree of safety.
Looking to the future, Mr. Ambak is
keen to see how developments includ-
ing electric trucks and autonomous
driving to further increase efficiency
and improve sustainability across the
logistics chain.
“As an airline we are always look-
ing for ways to innovate and become
more sustainable so it would be inter-
esting to see how trucks become more
sustainable from going from digital to
electrical. There is also a discussion
about autonomous trucks as well. The
technology exists in Europe, especially
platooning, which is making logistics
more and more efficient, so it will be
interesting to see the expected regula-
tions from ESMA to understand how
this will work in practice in the UAE,”
remarked Mr. Ambak.
// Interview
Page 57
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Page 58
// construction business news me // March 2019
58
// Interview
We caught up with Asif Khan, General Manager GENAVCO, and Saif Khan, Senior Sales
Manager GENAVCO, who give us an insight on how the company’s road construction
equipment has performed
GENAVCO was founded in 1967 by
His Excellency Juma Al Majid, follow-
ing the establishment of the Juma Al
Majid Group in 1950.
It is one of the leading companies
in the UAE for supplying commercial
vehicles, road construction equip-
ment, quarry, and mining equip-
ment, material handling equipment,
lubricants, and other industrial/con-
struction equipment, representing the
world's leading brands from the USA,
Japan, Germany, UK, and France. The
group overall has a turnover of an
estimated $5.2 billion.
Paving The Road
Market Overview for GENAVCO
“We at GENAVCO have three main
business verticals which are commercial
vehicles, heavy equipment, and BP lu-
bricants,” said Asif Khan, General Man-
ager of Plant & Equipment, GENAVCO.
“Our ability to sustain the busi-
ness for the past 50 years illustrates
the strength of our equipment’s and
services,” added Asif
Asif has been part of the company for
over 25 years now and has seen massive
changes in the company since he joined.
“I have seen the ups and downs in
the market. When I initially joined the
buyers would have to wait for months
to receive equipment, they needed to
reserve it in advance.”
In 2019, Asif tells us that the market
has picked up and this is mainly due
to confidence instilled by the rulers of
the UAE which is encouraging busi-
nesses and investors in the country.
Saif Khan, senior sales manager of
Equipment Business Unit in GENAV-
CO, elaborates more about the chang-
es he has seen in the last five years.
“In terms of infrastructure, we
have seen a lot of new things be-
ing developed. The number of new
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59
roads and highways are just a few
examples of these changes. For us,
this is good as we supply the equip-
ment for these projects.”
“We are catering to about six differ-
ent market segments. By doing so we
get to know what is exactly happening
with the economy of this country. As a
company we know well ahead of time
the projects that are coming up, even
during the design stages, this is just an
illustration of how closely we follow
the market,” remarked Asif.
Road Construction Equipment
Asif says that that road construc-
tion equipment is one of their largest
market shares. Such equipment’s like
Writgen, Hamm, and Vogele are in
such high demand in the market.
GENAVCO has been representing
WIRTGEN since 2003. WRITGEN as
a technological leader, it offers to the
customers, mobile machine solutions
for road construction and road reha-
bilitation, as well as for mining and
processing minerals.
Since then we had been excelling
our market presence and in a short
span of time we became the market
leaders, with our professional team of
sales and after sales, we are maintain-
ing and improving our market share.
“Our WIRTGEN Milling machines
had worked on the prestigious airport,
highways and internal road projects in
the country. All the leading Road con-
tractors are our satisfied fleet users.”
In 1988 GENAVCO started to
represent HAMM and with their
technologies such as Oscillation,
Hammtronic, and HCQ - Hamm
Compaction Quality underline
HAMM's high competence and ex-
pertise as a manufacturer of com-
paction equipment.
“We feel proud to say that we are the
leading Rollers suppliers to Road Con-
struction Industry in UAE," said Asif.
GENAVCO is representing Vogele
since 1999 and sold the first paver in
the year 2000.
Saif tells us the importance of using
these equipment’s when it comes to
road construction.
“In road construction, you first need
to remove the road by using the milling
machine, then you need a paver to lay
the asphalt, then you need rollers to
compact it. These machines complement
each other in making these roads are
built with high quality,” remarked Saif.
After Sales Support Team
One of the key reasons why GENAV-
CO has continued to succeed is due
to their after sales support and spare
parts team which is essential when
providing this high-value equipment.
“Customers are expecting immediate
support. When there is a breakdown
are repair team need to immediately fix
the problem. The machines itself have
a self-diagnostic system in the machine
which means when there is a problem
the repair team will know exactly what
the problem is and will provide the cor-
rect replacement parts and which areas
they need to repair,” said Saif.
Asif further elaborated, “Today in
the asphalt paver business we enjoy
roughly about 80% of market share
and maintaining that market share
means we have to be on top of our
game and are after sales support team
has helped greatly in maintaining cus-
tomer confidence.”
From Left to Right Asif Khan and
Saif Khan
Page 60
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60
// Profile
Bobcat
Keeping it compact
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61
As well as being the market leader
in the Middle East, Bobcat is world
number one in compact loaders, with
one out of every two compact load-
ers in use today worldwide being a
Bobcat model. Bobcat is also a leading
supplier of backhoe loaders, mini-ex-
cavators, telehandlers and attachments.
Bobcat machines and attachments are
used in a wide variety of construction
and material-handling applications,
including demolition and recycling.
Bobcat offers 12 skid-steer loader
models covering operating weights
from 1268 to 4643 kg and rated operat-
ing capacities from 343 to 1850 kg.
Complementing these wheeled ma-
chines, the company also offers a wide
range of compact track loaders com-
prising seven models from the MT55
to the top-of-the-range T870 model,
covering operating weights from 1186
to 5863 kg and rated operating capaci-
ties from 254 to 1726 kg.
When paired with a genuine Bobcat
attachment, each loader model can be
a powerful partner on the jobsite. All
Bobcat compact loaders are equipped
with the quick-change Bob-Tach
attachment mounting system. This
allows them to be combined quickly
and safely with several hundred dif-
ferent Bobcat attachments, delivering
versatility and time-saving efficiency
across a huge range of different ap-
plications. The Bob-Tach system can
quickly and easily replace a bucket
with pallet forks, a landscape rake, a
backhoe, an auger, a grapple or a host
of other attachments.
Bobcat Backhoe Loader Range
The backhoe loader range from
Bobcat comprises four models – the
B700, B730, B750 and B780 – offering
a choice of different specifications for
diverse applications in construction,
utility, rental, roadworks, demolition,
excavation, landscaping and agricul-
ture. The standard two-year powertrain
warranty is a testament to the reliabil-
ity and durability of the components
and the design of the powertrain in
the backhoe loaders, providing extra
protection and peace of mind.
The backhoe loaders provide a
spacious and comfortable operator
environment – the B700 and B730
offer a choice of an open canopy or
an enclosed cab, whilst the B750 and
B780 are all equipped as standard with
an enclosed cab. The cab is easy to
enter/exit; has a fully adjustable opera-
tor’s seat with all the controls within
close reach, leading to less fatigue
through greater comfort and more pro-
ductivity; a tiltable steering column; a
high performing optional HVAC system
and excellent all-round visibility for
the operator.
The Bobcat mini-excavator range
comprises 17 models with operating
weights from 1.0 to 8.5 tonne, designed
for a wide variety of digging, trenching
and demolition applications including
cable laying, foundations and footings
for buildings and installation of drain-
age and sewerage systems.
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// construction business news me // March 2019
62
The newest addition to the range
is Bobcat’s new R(Revolutionary)-
Series mini-excavators from 2-4 tonne,
comprising five models – the E26, E27,
E27z, E34 and E35z – all five machines
offering a best-in-class mix of high
digging forces, superb stability and
smooth controllability of working func-
tions complemented by low weights
for easy transportation.
Bobcat offers a range of fifteen dif-
ferent rigid frame telehandler models,
covering maximum lifting capacities
between 2.6 and 4.3 tonne and maxi-
mum lifting heights from 6 to 18 m.
These are complemented by a range
of four rotary telehandlers offering
maximum lifting capabilities from 3.8
to 5.0 t and maximum lifting heights
from 15.7 to 24.1 m.
The latest model from Bobcat is the
TL43.80HF model, which offers a high
lift capacity of 4.3 tonne and a maxi-
mum lift height of almost 8 m. The
TL43.80HF is a compact telehandler
(width 2.30 m, a length of less than
5 m from the rear to the fork face),
offering an impressive package, which
brings together robustness, rough
terrain ability and ease of use for the
operator in the same machine.
There are more than 80 different
types of specialised attachment for
the Bobcat range, from hydraulic
breakers, crushers and planers and
other construction and demolition
attachments to scarifiers, graders, flail
mowers, stump grinders and wood-
chippers for turf and forestry work.
The usefulness and productivity of
Bobcat tool carriers is continually be-
ing extended with the growth in the
attachment range, saving time, effort
and cost in carrying out an increasing
range of applications.
// Profile
Page 63
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// construction business news me // March 2019
64
// Event review
Global brands make inroads in Saudi’s US$7.6 billion spare parts and auto services market
during Automechanika Jeddah 2019. More than 80 exhibitors from 15 countries line up
products and solutions at Kingdom’s foremost auto aftermarket trade fair.
Automechanika Jeddah 2019 arrived
in its 3rd edition as new government
policies and a significant boost in the
car park (vehicles in operation) fuel
rising demand for related auto after-
market supplies a services.
Initiatives such as allowing women
to drive in 2018 coupled with a
concerted shift toward implementing
cleaner technologies are having a posi-
tive impact on the market, as is ongo-
ing infrastructure development.
According to global research com-
AUTOMECHANIKA
JEDDAH
pany Aranca, Saudi’s car park stood
at 7.7 million in 2018, with 350,000
new passenger cars and 115,000 new
commercial vehicles sold for the year.
Around 10.5 million vehicles will ply
Saudi roads by 2023, including 6.85
million passenger vehicles and 3.65
million commercial vehicles.
The upshot will be felt keenly by
industry professionals in Saudi’s
spare parts and related auto services
market, which is expected to be worth
US$10.15 billion in 2023 says Aranca,
compared to US$7.6 billion in 2018.
Tires contributed the most to the
KSA’s spare parts market revenue in
2018, with a 30 percent share (US$2.28
billion). That’s followed by lubricants
(US$1.44 billion), batteries (US$380
million), and other electronics, ac-
cessories, and components (US$3.49
billion).
These key product groups, and
much more, are on show this week
at Automechanika Jeddah 2019, as
the two-day event brings together
Page 65
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// construction business news me // March 2019
66
// Event review
thousands of Saudi workshop own-
ers, distributors, retailers, traders, and
importers with manufacturers and sup-
pliers from across the globe.
“Automechanika Jeddah 2019 arrives
as the Saudi automotive sector under-
goes a sizeable transformation,” said
Mahmut Gazi Bilikozen, Automechan-
ika Jeddah’s Show Director. “One of
the big developments in recent months
has of course been the lifting of the
ban on women driving, and as a re-
sult, since June 2018, more than 40,000
driving licenses have been issued to
women across the Kingdom.
“Reports also indicate that 20
percent of the female population, or
three million drivers, are expected to
be added to Saudi roads by 2020, and
so not surprisingly, vehicle parc will
also grow. With this new customer
segment, the flow-on effect will be felt
in the aftermarket, not only in terms of
rising demand for spare parts but also
in related auto services.”
Bilkozen added: “We strive to
present an unrivalled platform for
global suppliers to tap into emerging
opportunities in Saudi Arabia, and in
Automechanika Jeddah, we’re offering
thousands of Saudi trade buyers and
professionals an important information
source with the latest products and
solutions from the global aftermarket,”
Hadi Al-Harith, CEO of ACE Group,
added: “The Automechanika brand has
established itself as the leading and
only exhibition catering to the automo-
bile aftermarket providing a singular
opportunity to this industrial cluster
supporting the indispensable and ex-
panding requirements of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.
“The increasing infrastructure
projects, the annual pilgrimage and
the new segment of female drivers to
the market all portend a strong and
continuous business for the interna-
tional and Saudi stakeholders and to
the specialist visitors a vast invest-
ment potential.”
Among the many exhibitors shining
the spotlight on their latest innovations
was American-headquartered Armolan,
which is launching its IR Ultimate
window tints that effectively block up
to 99 percent of UV rays and reduce
heat by as much as 90 percent in hot
Middle East climes.
Tetyana Bianchino, Managing Direc-
tor of Armolan Middle East, said its
sales in Saudi has vastly improved
since women have been allowed to
drive: “That change (allowing women
to drive) was so important for our
business and our KSA sales records
have improved almost 60 percent since
that time (June 2018),” said Bianchino.
Another US-based exhibitor this year
is Giant, a manufacturer of a premium
quality metallic and ceramic non-asbes-
tos disc brake pads. Eli Youssian, Vice
President of Giant Manufacturing, was
also positive about the future of Saudi’s
auto aftermarket: “Giant’s market in
Saudi Arabia has been increasing rap-
idly and we’re seeking to expand our
participation with new potential and
current distributors,” he said.
Automechanika Jeddah 2019 returns
with its popular Truck Competence
initiative for products dedicated to the
entire value chain in the truck sector,
while the global presence is underlined
by five country pavilions from Turkey,
Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Also returning is the Automechanika
Academy in partnership with Autolink
and Institute of the Motor Industry,
where C-Level Recruitment in the auto
industry and developments in Electric
and Hybrid Vehicles are among the key
topics discussed by industry experts.
Page 67
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Page 68
// construction business news me // March 2019
68
Describe your main role in ALEC
I have been with ALEC for just over a
year. I am currently looking after the
Marketing & Communications depart-
ment for the group including the devel-
opment of the overall Marketing strategy
and overseeing all our Related Business-
es. Ensuring that our presence in term of
branding is constant across this region is
key for me as well as ensuring that our
digital visibility is developed with strong
and impactful websites, etc. I also work
a lot with different stakeholders and cli-
ents so we can combine our forces and
develop significant activities to maximize
exposure throughout the year.
Your Goals and Objectives
Contribute to the success of the group
by developing innovative activities.
Assist each of our Related Business to
develop their own brand and contrib-
ute to their success. Ensuring as well
that our strategy is aligned with the
overall vision and destination state-
ment of the business. Maintaining a
strong brand perception and contrib-
ute to have ALEC to be known for best
employer in the region.
ALEC’s vision for 2019
ALEC will continue to work towards
more Design & Construct projects in the
market promoting this new model of
construction. Off-site manufacturing is
also a global shift that we are working
on (modular construction)
We also see our industry moving
towards smart energy efficient solu-
tions. We are fortunate that due to the
various businesses that we are involved
with, we can add additional value to
our Clients by providing Roof Top Solar
solutions through ALEC Energy and pro-
viding Energy saving solutions through
Smart4Power which will also be a focus
for us this year.
Unique Attributes
Hearted-led manager, passionate,
open-minded and I would say very
approachable. I am also coming from a
different industry (working in hospital-
ity and fashion in the past) so I believe
I had a fresh pair of eyes when I joined
the company which was definitely an
advantage in developing new activities
within the business.
Importance of Teamwork
Teamwork is extremely important for
me. We would not achieve that much
without combining ideas, hardwork-
ing and goal driven people together.
We are a very lean team but we can
all wear different hats and lead great
projects to completion. My team has a
great set of skills which make us very
efficient and productive.
We talked to Deborah Bomstein, Marketing & Communications Manager of ALEC, about her role
and how she is helping contribute to ALEC’s success
Bomstein
Unsung Heroes
March 2019
Page 69
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Kingdom’s construction and real estate industry
10 APRIL, 2019
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Page 70
// construction business news me // March 2019
70
// Save the date
Mark your calendar
Save the date
Kuwait Construction Week
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Kuwait Construction Week is the larg-
est construction event in Kuwait on 5-9
March 2019 at the Kuwait International
Fair, Mishref, Kuwait. The most important
event to meet buyers, decision-makers and
end-users from Kuwait's building, design
and construction industries. The event wel-
comes both trade visitors and consumers
who are looking to find the latest products
and services in the market.
The Big 5 Saudi
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
The Big5 Saudi is an exclusive event that
focuses on construction products, building ma-
terials and equipments, construction materials
and equipments, construction designs and all
associated with building and construction. It is
a huge platform that displays good quality and
innovative construction products and also con-
ducts seminars, conferences and workshops.
The platform is also open to educational
events and creates excellent opportunities and
possibilities for marketing and sponsorship. It
is also one of those events that focus on pro-
fessional development of the attendees.
2nd Annual Malls Middle
East Conference
Dubai, UAE
The 2nd Annual Malls Middle East event
will take bring together mall owners,
developers, design consultants, architects
and contractors from the mall develop-
ment industry across the region to address
common pitfalls in driving footfalls and dif-
ferentiating from other malls in the region.
Facilities Management Ireland
Dublin, Ireland
The NAHB International Builders’ Show
held alongside the Kitchen and Bath In-
dustry show exhibits an exciting range of
building materials, construction equipment,
pipes and fittings, electrical fittings, heating
and cooling systems, door and window ac-
cessories, security systems, home furnishing
products, sanitary ware, kitchen tools and
modular fittings, sustainable solutions for
home improvement, garden and landscap-
ing products and more.
March
March
April
March
5-9
10-13
16-18
5-6
Page 71
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