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THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO THE REGION'S CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS october 2020 IN Civil Engineering Leaders Managing Director, Al Naboodah Construction Group Senan Abdullah Mohammed Juma Al Naboodah Automating Construction How construction sites are being elevated by automation, software solutions, and digital twin technology
2 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 3 A LEADER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING 12 News 18 Op-Ed Learnings from FM giant on how the personal touch can help improve cash flow during a crisis 20 Software Automating Construction How construction sites are being elevated by automation, software solutions, and digital twin technology 26 Comment Industry 4.0 Demands a New Approach to Asset Management 28 Project Construction Update RAK AMI Hotel marks significant construction progress of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island 32 Real Estate Mo’asher Secondary market transactions accounting to more than70% of total sales 34 Product Review Think Big Print Easy with the new HP DesignJet Studio Series 38 Launch Eltizam launches 800TEK Specialist Company provides tailored maintenance services for homes, offices, and retail shops 40 Machinery Cat® D6 GC Dozer New, fully mechanical Cat® D6 GC Dozer delivers solid all-around performance with easy operation and maintenance 42 Truck Renault Truck Introducing the ‘T X-PORT’ model to the African and Middle East market 22 | Cover Story 20 30 CBNME takes a look at the progress on the Wadi Al Qawr Hatta Link Road project 22 in this issue
4 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com Your business continuity is our top priority. Our initiatives and remote solutions have got you covered in all situations. du.ae/wegotyourb
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 5
6 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com All rights reserved © 2020. Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors. Construction Business News ME and all subsidiary publications in the MENA region are officially licensed exclusively to BNC Publishing in the MENA region by Construction Business News ME. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Images used in Construction Business News ME are credited when necessary. Attributed use of copyrighted images with permission. All images not credited courtesy Shutterstock. Printed by UPP Editor’s note cbnme CEO Wissam Younane wissam@bncpublishing.net Director Rabih Najm rabih@bncpublishing.net Group Publishing Director Joaquim D'Costa jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706 Business Development Director Rabih Naderi rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 Deputy Editor Kasun Illankoon kasun@bncpublishing.net editorial design Christian Harb chrisoharb@gmail.com Marketing Executive Aaron Sinanbam aj@bncpublishing.net L eading international construction consultancy, Linesight, has released its latest Middle East construction industry findings, underlining the impact of COVID-19 on the sector in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. As part of the company’s Knowledge Centre, the findings highlighted ongo- ing economic volatility however, the construction industry across the region is expected to be buoyed by a range of government stimulus packages. As a result, modest growth within the indus- try is expected to be realised in 2021, with recovery already being witnessed in some countries. The UAE is expected to see an uptick of 3.8% in 2021, this is predominantly a result of construction remaining on- site in the UAE during the pandemic. In Saudi Arabia, spending on infra- structure alone in the next 20 years is expected to top US$1.1 trillion. Several multi-billion-dollar infrastructure pro- jects relating to Saudi Vision 2030 and the country’s drive to become a tour- ism hub, have lifted the construction industry. These projects include the US$500 billion NEOM project, US$20 billion Diriyah Gate Development, US10 bil- lion Red Sea Development, and the US$5 billion Qiddiya Entertainment project. Elsewhere in the GCC, the construc- tion industry is expected to witness a sharp contraction. According to Linesight, the annual GDP from con- struction in Bahrain fell slightly from US$631 million in Q4 2019 to US$624 million in Q1 2020. This is likely to be exasperated by increased preliminary costs as a result of setting up sites to meet COVID-19 restrictions, placing further burden on the Bahraini con- struction industry. The construction industry in the country is expected to witness an up- tick, in line with the country’s Vision 2035. A range of transport and health- care related infrastructure, commercial buildings, industry facilities, water dis- tillation facilities and renewable energy projects should bolster the construction industry. Construction Growth Expected Beyond 2020 Keep up to date with all the latest news, features and much more on our website and social media platforms. cbnme.com Kasun Illankoon Deputy Editor kasun@bncpublishing.net subscribe subscriptions@bncpublishing.net For all commercial enquiries, contact sales@bncpublishing.net T +971 50 440 2706 PO Box 502511 Dubai, United Arab Emirates P +971 4 4200 506 | F +971 4 4200 196 CBNME @CBNME construction business news me
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 7 3D Middle East proudly announces distributorship of FARO Technologies 3D Middle East offers a seamless solution for capturing existing as-builts efficiently and accurately in order to process data directly into deliverable CAD plans and BIM models www.3d-me.com info@3d-me.com +971.4.443.3853 FARO’s Ecosystem to support AEC professionals to ensure traceability over complete building lifecycle Scan to BIM
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12 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com A bu Dhabi Tourism Investment Company (ADTIC), where Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has 84.3 per cent stake, has announced a major hotel refurbishment project in Egypt. Aimed at providing a momentum to the tourism and hospitality industry, one of the country’s leading economic sectors, the initiative will be implemented throughout next year. Commenting on the project, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADTIC, said: “The hotel refurbishment initiative is aimed enabling Egypt to turn the current challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic into an opportunity to gear up for the future. Egypt’s tourism sector would pick up once international airlines resume normal services.” Abu Dhabi Tourism Investments’ Egypt portfolio includes three hotels in the four and five-star category, located in Cairo, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. It also has a 99.28% stake in Arab Misr Hotels that owns a five-star resort in the ancient “open museum” city of Luxor. “The strategic locations of the hotels, combined with their popularity and potential to generate significant revenues, make the investment meaningful,” said Haitham Farouk, Chief Executive Officer of ADTIC. “We expect many changes and we are preparing accordingly. The lean period is a golden opportunity to plan for the next step and focus on reopening. One barely gets such a scope in normal times. We look forward to reopening with brand-new look and recouping occupancy.” He indicated that post-pandemic the sector would witness heavier application of digital tools and cutting-edge technology that would enable it to keep pace with the developments taking place in the global tourism industry. “Such changes will lead to increased occupancy and revenue generation,” he added. Mr Farouk expressed hope that that the major phases of refurbishment project would be completed by the second half of next year. The tourism and hospitality industry is a leading source of Egypt’s national income, with more than 18% growth rate over 2018, Egypt tourism generated high-record revenues of US$13 billion (AED47.7 billion) in 2019 As part of its strategy to generate revenues to drive sustainable economic growth in developing countries, as well as to support the UAE’s economy, ADFD invests in prospective companies and projects in vital sectors. The fund has a tradition of investing in the tourism sector in various countries, including Tunisia, Uzbekistan and Sudan. ADTIC Announces Major Hotels Renovation Project in Egypt regional news cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 13 A zizi Developments, a leading private de- veloper in the UAE, is seeing a high demand from in- ternational investors, especially from Israeli nationals, for Creek Views II, its recently launched AED 350m-development on the shores of the iconic Dubai Creek in Dubai Healthcare City, a budding community that is rapidly coming to life and in- creasing in demand. Creek Views II, much like its predecessor Creek Views I and Aliyah, is outstandingly well po- sitioned among global real es- tate offerings, as international demand highlights, with 30% of units sold having been ac- quired by Israeli investors, 30% by UAE Nationals, and 20% by Azizi’s Saudi clientele. The rest of the units were sold to over 6 nationalities. With demand in Dubai Healthcare City being on the rise due its exceptionally strategic location in the heart of Dubai and superb ease of access, Azizi’s three DHCC developments – Aliyah, which is already handed over, Creek Views I and Creek Views II – have all sold out to investors all over the world within impres- sive timeframes. Creek Views II’s design phi- losophy represents Dubai’s remarkable transition from a traditional past to a modern, reinvented future. Home to 587 families, this building will comprise 116 studios, 436 one- bedroom, and 35 two-bedroom apartments. With a focus on enriching lifestyles, Creek Views II will feature two swimming pools, a sauna, a steam room, a fully equipped gym, and a children’s play area. Units in Creek Views II are inspired by the concept of compact homes, with design being well-though-out to max- imise comfort and well-being in moderately sized apartments. Azizi will soon be launching a mock-up apartment, allowing interested investors to experi- ence the clever, intricate inte- rior designs first-hand. In his comments, Mr Nima Khojasteh, Executive Direc- tor – Sales & Marketing at Azizi Developments, said: “While we knew very well that this would be yet another popular devel- opment in one of Dubai’s most promising, growth-inclined localities, the international dimension of the remarkable investor response is certainly worth noting. We are delighted to welcome a new nationality and geographic segment to our clientele, with Israeli investors expressing substantial interest in Creek Views II and our port- folio as a whole. With this par- ticular project having been sold to more than 9 nationalities within just weeks of the sales launch and commencement of construction, and us receiving triple-digit enquiry figures on a daily basis from both local and international investors, our sales team is working hard to keep up. We are now look- ing forward to releasing the remainder of the Creek Views units, as well as the first homes of our other recently launched developments – our esteemed Avenue projects in MBR City.” Creek Views II is situated in the beautifully landscaped and well-thought-out DHCC, the emirate’s health and well- ness destination, with direct access to Al Khail Road. This community is not only home to a wide variety of leading, high-tech medical centres, but also comprises an abundance of lifestyle and shopping op- tions. Creek Views II will grant picturesque views, as well as an elegant, ultra-modern design and finishing. Azizi implemented a spe- cial pricing model for Creek Views II, with each unit type being offered at a fixed price. Studios go for AED 398K, one- bedroom units for AED 558K, and two-bedroom residences for AED 758K. Azizi Developments’ Creek Views II is selling out rapidly to international investors regional news
14 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com M uscat’s ground-breaking $3.5 billion The Wave waterfront community has become the first project of its kind in Oman to benefit from innovative digital water solutions developed by world-leading pump specialist, Grundfos. The project brings together high efficiency Grundfos submersible pumps with intelligent controllers and state- of-the-art cloud-enabled Grundfos Remote Management (GRM) to control the pumps bringing water into the creek and lakes that provide the central infrastructure for the new Marina and other leisure activities. The pumping installation was designed by Grundfos specialists, working closely with infrastructure engineers Parsons and Mr. Mohammed Galwash, who led the Al Mouj developers’ team. TM Sanath, Project Engineer for Parsons, said: “The size and complexity of the massive 270-hectare waterfront site, which has been plagued in the past by water drainage issues, demanded a new approach.” The GRM system gives Al Mouj engineers a complete status overview of the entire pumping system, providing real-time monitoring and analysis and enabling them to adjust and plan maintenance schedules from the comfort of their office. “They will immediately be alerted to changes and trends, so will be able to constantly optimise pump performance and minimise energy usage. It is an innovative solution with major financial and environmental benefits for Al Mouj, and the local community”, said Oman Pumps team leader, Mr. Kapil Deo. “By linking cloud-based Grundfos Remote Management technology with the latest digital pumps and controls, we have not only created a highly sustainable solution for Al Mouj, but a template for similar developments throughout the Middle East”, Aaron Fernandes of the Grundfos team. “The benefits of digitisation go far deeper than simply improving control and efficiency and cutting energy usage.” “Forward-looking companies, like Al Mouj, are already reporting that digitised solutions are helping them to stay afloat during the current COVID-19 pandemic, reducing manpower and operating costs, and providing a critically important boost when revenues are under serious pressure.” Muscat’s ground-breaking $3.5bn ‘The Wave’ project goes digital Based in the heart of the city, The Wave Muscat was the first Integrated Tourism Complex to open in Oman in 2006. regional news cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 15 A ECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, has been appointed to design transport and utilities backbone infra- structure for NEOM, a new model for urbanization and sustainability located in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia. In addition to design services, AECOM’s scope will also include environmental and geotechnical support. “We are excited to be playing such a pivotal part in delivering one of the world’s largest and most complex in- frastructure projects,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “As the centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM will become one of the world’s leading destinations to attract talent and investment and drive economic change in the Kingdom. Our global multi-disciplinary team of experts will bring together a diverse set of skills to deliver a sustainable project that will connect communities and create thousands of jobs across Saudi Arabia.” NEOM will support an economy that is oriented to the future. Providing a new model for urbanization and sustain- ability, it will include hyper-connected towns and cities, ports and enterprise zones, entertainment venues and tourist destinations. Speaking about the agreement, Brett Smythe, Chief Projects Officer of NEOM, said: “NEOM’s next generation cogni- tive cities will support its cutting-edge urban environments, improving the lives of residents and businesses far beyond the capabilities of today’s smart cities. It will be a beacon for future living. We are pleased to have one of the world’s leaders in AECOM helping to create the primary and base infrastructure to sup- port our ambitious vision.” Ian Laski, AECOM Arabia’s president and chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have extended our rela- tionship with NEOM, to which we now provide project management consul- tancy and infrastructure design services across this transformational project,” said “We are fully committed to support- ing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and this agreement is testament to our local presence, global reach and track record of delivering projects that enable eco- nomic diversification in the Kingdom.” Bill Price, program director at AE- COM, said: “In order to accelerate the delivery of this transformative project, our global team will be using the latest innovations to deliver a 100% digital design. Digital tools will play a vital role in the collaborative approach and stakeholder engagement, with quickly produced visualizations that are built from live design data that is geospatial accurate, enabling and unlocking the power of a data-driven design.” Digital will play a key role in deliver- ing the core scope of services within the program requirements, as well as achiev- ing the vision for technological advance- ment. The delivery team will adopt a data-led process, providing information- rich 3D models and geospatial data. The digital delivery processes will also enable collaboration across global teams and provide them with the tools to efficiently design for construction. This contract builds on AECOM’s ap- pointment in July 2019 to provide pro- ject management consultancy services for phase 1 construction in NEOM. AECOM secures backbone infrastructure design role for Saudi Arabia’s NEOM regional news
16 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com J ubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) has awarded a contract to design 16 villa and townhouse typologies to be constructed within Phase 1 of the AED5 billion Jubail Island project. The unique designs will cater to discriminating and diversified buyer demands; and include a myriad of differing floor plan layouts, and serviced plots ranging in size from 1,200 to 2,205 square metres – meeting market demand particularly addressing Emirati household preferences. The units will blend seamlessly into the adjacent natural environment which com- pletely surrounds and meanders through the communities. The impressive design themes embrace modern and traditional styles; and the villas will range in size from 145-square metre two-bedroom of- ferings to unparalleled 820-square metre six-bedroom designs. The homes will be interlaced and nestled within a tranquil, very low-density realm as highlighted in the celebrated vision behind the overall project master plan. With AED400 million in infrastructure works already underway – having already started in early January 2020, home con- struction is on schedule to start in Q1 2021 with completion slated for 2023. In addi- tion, a mix of serviced plots will also be available for buyers to build their custom dream homes from as early as Q3 2021. Speaking on the announcement, Richard Russell, Chief Operations Officer of Lead Development – the development man- agement firm overseeing Jubail Island, said: “Following the on-schedule start of infrastructure works on Phase 1 of Jubail Island, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Ramon Esteve Estudio (REE) and EHAF Consulting Engineers for this prestigious design assignment. We are confident that buyers looking for a premier community in Abu Dhabi; providing unpar- alleled quality of lifestyle for discriminat- ing residents, as well as outstanding and world-class home designs will find residen- tial sanctuary on Jubail Island.” Jubail Island is a designated freehold investment zone in Abu Dhabi that will comprise a mix of serviced plots, high-end and mid-range properties as well as retail, office park and F&B outlets. For his part, Architect Ramón Esteve, added: “We are delighted to ink our part- nership with JIIC, bringing our housing design expertise to Jubail Island. Cur- rently we are developing new residential varieties with distinct and distinguishable adaptations; using wood, metal, and stone materials to create a diversity of residential ambiences integrated with the surround- ing nature. We are excited to bring our recognised work to the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi.” Jubail Island will also feature spacious and well-appointed outdoor areas, includ- ing parks, walking tracks, kayaking stations and cycling routes to provide a welcome venue for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Located within 4.6 million square metres, very low-density develop- ment, entwined within pristine natural en- vironment, the community will also offer all amenities. JIIC Awards Villa and Townhouse Design Contract for Jubail Island Phase 1 The project masterplan spans 400 hectares and comprises a mix of high-end and mid-range residential, as well as retail unites, offices and restaurants. regional news cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 17 A bu Dhabi Ports announced today that Khalifa Port’s expan- sion is on pace for completion. The Khalifa Port expansion, announced in December 2019, aims to attract new business and significantly boost capacity in line with evolving customer expectations, and has pro- gressed significantly since its inception despite the challenging economic conditions presented by the global pan- demic. Upon completion, the project is expected to substantially increase handling volumes by providing addi- tional deep-water access and enhanced infrastructure. To date, 200 metres of quay wall and almost 175,000 sqm of land within Khalifa Port Logistics (KPL) have been handed over ahead of the project’s full phase one completion in Q1 2021. At the same time, considerable pro- gress has also been made on the first phase of Khalifa Port’s South Quay development that is slated for comple- tion by Q4 2020. With 80 percent of construction already complete, a total of 650 metres of quay wall, containing two berths alongside 37,000 sqm termi- nal yard is now available in advance of receiving its first shipment. Progress has also been made on Abu Dhabi Terminals’ (ADT) expansion plans with the delivery of five new ship-to- shore cranes. With each unit boasting a lifting capacity of 90 tonnes, the new cranes have boosted capacity at the ter- minal significantly and have put Khalifa Port Container Terminal on track to meet its target of 5 million TEUs by the end of the current year. Saif Al Mazrouei, Head of Ports Clus- ter, Abu Dhabi Ports, said: “The contin- ued expansion of our infrastructure at Khalifa Port demonstrates Abu Dhabi Ports’ commitment to transforming trade and logistics in the region. “Thanks to the strategic direction and guidance of the Government of Abu Dhabi, our emirate is ensured to ex- perience increased direct foreign in- vestment and growth of non-oil GDP. “We are confident that the ongoing expansion of Khalifa Port will signifi- cantly enhance our operational and cargo handling capabilities. “Our ports are not only gateways to the Gulf, but also convenient de- parture points to markets around the world, connecting east and west. The multimodal connections between Abu Dhabi and global markets through land, sea, air, and future rail channels have elevated the emirate’s status as a leading trade and logistics hub in the Middle East.” The addition of land plots with adjacent quay wall and deep-water access at Khalifa Port provides a host of new customer opportunities, particularly for industrial producers requiring prime land plots in proximity to Khalifa Port Industrial Zone (KIZAD) and cargo owners that wish to import, export and trans-ship with global markets via Khalifa Port’s multimodal touchpoints. Abu Dhabi Ports announces expansion of Khalifa Port is on track for completion regional news
18 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com op-ed cbnme A s many sec- tors ease their way back to work, many businesses are experiencing operational, financial and liquidity chal- lenges. Cash flow is a concern for all businesses, but the pan- demic has amplified the issue, increasing cash pressures. We made the decision several years ago to share ownership of cash collection throughout the organisation on a rela- tionship-basis. The important function of cash flow is not just the sole responsibility of the finance department, but is instead a relationship-based model, tackled by collaborative teamwork across operational departments and leadership team. This has worked well for us during economic instability, enabling us to increase the or- ganisation’s liquidity buffer. Emrill services over 130 project sites, and each of them has a dedicated team. This has led to individuals within the company developing a stronger connection with the clients they work with. When pay- ment delays are experienced, whoever holds this close rela- tionship reaches out to clients personally. We find this per- sonal touch and high level of communication have been key components in the successful management of cash flow. Of- ten agreements with clients can be forged. Where there is good communication, transparency and some part payments made, we work hard to be as flexible and accommodating as we can. We treat every overdue in- voice as an individual project. Together, the leadership team decides how to best tackle these invoices during weekly cash meetings held between finance, commercial and op- erations. High-risk debts are discussed and we review what work has been completed and what should be paid. We understand that every client circumstance is different, so this discussion determines the course of action, taking every- thing into account. Where a client simply cannot pay any more, we may agree to suspend services temporarily or permanently. There is no set breaking point or time limit. Instead, we approach every client individually, consider- ing the combination of several factors and an element of intui- tion to decide whether a rela- tionship should be terminated and debt recovery procedures initiated. While following up on late payments is a crucial part of any business, this is not where Emrill starts to build relation- ships. We lay this groundwork during the very early stages of a contract, building a rela- tionship and working hard to strengthen it. Cash collection is not always delayed as a re- sult of a customer not paying. Rather, there could be an issue with incorrect invoicing or a delay in the final KPI report submission. Understanding what is causing payment de- lays, creating appropriate ac- tion plans to rectify any prob- lems and working proactively with clients can often help to unlock cash quicker. If a client only ever hears from a provider when money is due or late, that relationship starts to break down. For that reason, com- munication is meaningful and frequent, regardless of payment issues. Having implemented this approach, we have found our- selves in a much better position to deal with economic down- turns or market fluctuations and have successfully built up a cash reserve that has helped us navigate the challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. How the personal touch can help improve cash flow during a crisis by Sam Emery, CFO at Emrill As an industry leader, Emrill helps organisations shape environments and create great places to live, work and visit while achieving their commercial goals through providing a range of highly effective FM solutions. Learnings from FM giant
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20 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com T he construction industry, following in the footsteps of finance and manufacturing, has been going digital for the past couple of years. The pandemic and social distancing requirements are accelerating that trend, and many users around the world are migrating to digital workflows and remote project collaboration. Going digital is a process and involves software, workflows, and processes. It is also scalable, and users can benefit greatly from going digital in specific contexts, like simulating the change of ticket machines in a station during the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements. Later the data can connect to a larger digital twin of the asset. Bentley’s solutions to create and curate digital twins are branded iTwin Services. Digital twins are a primary component of a digital workflow. They are virtual representations of assets that can be used to simulate and enhance performance throughout their lifecycle. Digital twins are created by digital context, such as reality meshes composed by photogrammetry and point cloud data using applications like ContextCapture. They are supported by components that are widely adopted in Bentley’s open design integration software, including OpenBuildings, OpenRail, and OpenRoads. SYNCHRO, Bentley’s new digital construction portfolio, brings virtual construction and 4D model-based workflows that create an operation-focused construction digital twin. Other important components are collaboration platforms such as ProjectWise 365 that allow users to have the right access to the right data at the right time. Innovative Use of Technologies Going digital enables users to maximize the performance of their assets throughout their lifecycles. Applications like ContextCapture provide safer and more efficient surveying, site management, and asset operations through digital context. ContextCapture generates reality meshes using point cloud and photogrammetry data. Moving along the project lifecycle, SYNCHRO supports the full 4D planning and project management, visualization and implementation of construction schedules, reducing time and cost to operators. We have also seen a considerable increase in demand for our collaboration software since the beginning of the year. Our “Bentley Has Your Back” campaigns include no-fee access to OpenBuildings Station Designer and LEGION Simulator through November 30th, as well as ProjectWise 365 for collaboration among multidiscipline team members which ends by September 30th. There is great interest in accelerating the digitalization of workflows, working remotely, and focusing on resilience as a fundamental requirement of ongoing and future projects. Bentley’s open design tools and open source platform iModel.js have also seen an increase in demand, as owner-operators and consultants around the world accelerate their development of services associated with design, build, and operation of infrastructure. Using technology to combat COVID-19 issues Owner-operators of infrastructure assets around the world are using simulation to test cost- effective operational levels while adhering to social distancing guidelines designed to limit contact and potential infection. LEGION is a leading pedestrian simulation application that is part of Bentley’s portfolio of applications for the design, construction, and operations of buildings and infrastructure. Some of the world’s leading transit organizations have used LEGION to improve pedestrian safety and operational efficiency in train stations, as well as airports and stadiums. What LEGION does is simulate how people behave and move in spaces. The model for the simulation of people How construction sites are being elevated by automation, software solutions, and digital twin technology By Eduardo Lazzarotto Automating Construction software cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 21 movement in OpenBuildings Station Designer includes defining the building geometry within which the people will be moving, as well as objects such as ticket machines and gate lines. In addition, it also includes elements such as signage and barricades, which will impact passengers’ movement. The building geometry can be imported into LEGION from CAD/ BIM files of the model. All the leading formats are supported including DGN, DWG, DXF, IFC, and RVT. In time, LEGION will be integrated with Bentley’s multidiscipline BIM application, OpenBuildings Designer, which will automatically bring the BIM model of the design to be simulated into LEGION. OpenBuildings Designer is typically used for designing large projects such as train stations, airports, and stadiums, for which it includes dedicated libraries of components common to these building types. Once LEGION models are developed, users can test multiple “what-if” scenarios by altering demand or operational measures, such as staff communications, signage or one-directional flows, or changing the infrastructure with new entrances, separation barriers and security checks. Users such as AREP (SNCF subsidiary), London Underground, and Santiago Metro can also test future assumptions, changing the number of trains, service disruptions, and demand, guaranteeing that every station, or other types of public spaces, are ready for a wide range of scenarios, including response strategies and guaranteeing faster recovery times. Redeveloping the workforce Going digital is a process and involves workflows, tools, and, most important of all, people. Innovation is driven by diversity, so, bringing specialists from different disciplines, people from diverse backgrounds, with different knowledge, working together in projects will become the new normal. Bentley strongly believes in openness. Not only of our design tools that enable multiple industry file formats and efficient collaboration among players, but also sharing the right data, at the right time for the right people. Three key elements of planning cities and buildings of the future are remote collaboration, resiliency, and places. The first one is a direct reaction to other accelerating trends of the past couple of decades, namely the improvement in communication networks, computational capacity, and globalization. All of these are enabling stakeholders in different locations to efficiently collaborate in all sorts of projects. The second one derives from other accelerating trends, urbanization, and global warming. As our cities grow faster than ever, and our impact in the natural world becomes more apparent, resiliency to all sorts of disruptions, man- made or natural, becomes an imperative. Lastly, human beings are naturally social beings, and one of the needs that COVID, quarantining, and social distancing have highlighted is for places. These are spaces in buildings and cities that allow for safe interaction and convivial in parallel to the services being offered. Embracing Disruption It is difficult to predict how long social-distancing requirements and other COVID-19-related changes will remain in place. But some trends have been accelerating over the past couple of years, including urbanization, growing public transport demand and technological disruption. Within these challenges also grow the demand for efficient, resilient, and cost-effective infrastructure. So, the most important prediction is that in the future, starting now, cities must go digital to enable exponential growth of simulation-led enhancements and operations improvements. We cannot forecast which exact changes will happen, but simulation-powered digital twins can help us be more resilient, from readiness, through response and into recovery from disruptions. Eduardo Lazzarotto, Director of Product Management at Bentley Systems Construction sites automation, software solutions, and digital twin technology Images © bentley
A LEADER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING cover story cbnme CBNME takes a look at the progress on the Wadi Al Qawr Hatta link road project. Due for completion in January 2021, the new E102 to E44 link road upgrade by Al Naboodah Construction Group will offer a smoother, wider, and faster route to Hatta.
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 23 F ounded in 1958 by two brothers, the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group is among the most well-respected family company names in the UAE. Al Naboodah Group’s core business focus covers civil engineering, building, and MEP. In addition to representing a diverse portfolio of global brands in the automotive, transportation, travel, electrical, logistics, agriculture, smart cities, real estate, and renewable energy sectors. Senan Abdullah Mohammed Juma Al Naboodah is the Managing Director of Al Naboodah Construction Group (ANCG). Under his leadership, ANCG is focused on maintaining its status as one of the leading construction companies in the UAE with a reputation for delivering above client expectations. Senan began his career with ANCG in 2005, immersing himself into all areas of the Group’s thriving construction business. Demonstrating leadership and commitment, Senan was promoted to Managing Director in 2013. Within the ANCG portfolio, Senan oversees all Civils, Building, MEP, Facilities Management, and National Plant. Construction Business News ME caught up with Senan to discuss ANCG’s latest and vital infrastructure project here in the UAE, which would provide a faster route to Hatta. Significant upgrades to the E102 to E44 link road through Wadi Al Qawr are currently underway to improve this increasingly important highway’s capacity and maximum speed. “In the past, this route was a minor wadi road serving the Wadi Al Qawr area and surrounding villages,” explains Senan. “However, with recent changes in legislation regarding the movement of non-GCC nationals along the E44 road, this link is now a vital highway joining the E102 and the E44.” In previous years, the main link between Dubai and Hatta was the E44, which is known as Al Khail Rd in central Dubai, before becoming Al Khor Road as it passes over the E66 next to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, and then the Dubai- Hatta Road out past Al Awir. Due to a geographical peculiarity, this road passes through a portion of Omani territory, before returning back to the UAE on its way to Hatta. Much confusion was created when it was announced this route to Hatta was closed to expatriates in 2016, with many thinking that this also applied to the Hatta border itself, but this was not the case. The route closure was simply due to new restrictions on non-GCC nationals moving freely between UAE and Omani territory, which excluded them from using the E44 past the Madam town. As a result of these new rules, the E102 Sharjah – Kalba Road became the new route for expatriates to reach Hatta. After a 40 minute trip through the Sharjah desert and a pleasant mountain drive, you take a right turn on to the link road through Wadi Al Qawr, which takes you back to the E44 after it has passed through Omani territory, and then a short drive into the scenic mountain town of Hatta. In previous years, the main link between Dubai and Hatta was the E44, which is known as Al Khail Rd in central Dubai, before becoming Al Khor Road as it passes over the E66 next to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Significant upgrades to the E102 to E44 link road through Wadi Al Qawr are currently underway to improve this increasingly important highway’s capacity and maximum speed. www.cbnme.com Under Senan’s leadership, ANCG is focused on maintaining its status as one of the leading construction companies in the UAE with a reputation for delivering above client expectations. >>> A LEADER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING | Al Naboodah Construction Group
24 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com “In addition to being the main cross- ing point into Oman for residents of Dubai, Hatta has become an impor- tant tourism, leisure and adventure hub in recent years,” explains Senan. “The change in rules regarding the E44 significantly increased traffic flow on the E102 and Wadi Al Qawr link, both of which struggled under the added burden. As a result, major up- grades to both routes were planned.” The Wadi Al Qawr Link Project Before the upgrades, the link road between the E44 Dubai – Hatta Road and the E102 Sharjah – Kalba Road passing through the Wadi Al Qawr area was an existing dual carriage- way with two lanes in each direction through a rugged mountainous area passing through the territories of Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, and Dubai for a length of 22km. “After the completion of the project, anyone travelling to or from Hatta via the Sharjah – Kalba Road will enjoy a smoother, wider and faster route from early next year onwards,” says Senan. The Civils division of ANCG was awarded Package 2 of the project, the limits of which start from the approaches of the existing roundabout on the E44 Dubai – Hatta road until the border between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah on the existing Wadi Al Qawr connection to the ongoing project’s Package 1, with a total length of 7km within the emirates of Ajman and Dubai. The scope of work includes the construction of the trumpet interchange at the existing roundabout in Hatta at the start of the link road, and the widening of the existing dual carriageway from 2 to 3 lanes in each direction, including the construction of new dual carriageway sections at realignment locations designed to reduce sharp turns and improve traffic flow rates. The scope also includes all peripheral work such as construction shoulders, metal guard rails, crash barriers and cover story cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 25 the provision of MSE walls at required locations, construction of culvert and associated drainage works, construction of bridges and other structural works, the road lighting network, utility diversions wherever necessary, and providing proper signage along the corridor. The work is being carried out on behalf of the client, the UAE’s Ministry of Presidential Affairs, with the consultants being Parsons Overseas Limited. The project commenced on the 29th of October 2019, and is on track for completion by the projected deadline in January 2021. A Leader in Civils ANCG was chosen for the project as it is considered a leader in civil engineering projects in the UAE, having successfully completed numerous major infrastructure projects across the Emirates over the years. Some of these include the DXB South Runway Rehabilitation Project which was completed in just 45 days, the RTA’s Parallel Roads Project which greatly improved traffic flow around the Business Bay and Downtown Areas, and the Expo Roads & Car Parks Project, which also included surrounding access roads and junctions as well as emergency services stations for the Police, Ambulance and Civil Defence. Part of ANCG’s appeal is its ability to self-supply on its projects through its in-house supplier for concrete and asphalt, Al Naboodah Readymix Concrete (ARCON), and for plant and heavy equipment through its National Plant business. “Being able to self-supply in these areas is a major advantage for ANCG, as it enables us to guarantee a reliable supply of asphalt, concrete and heavy equipment, as well as maintaining strict control over the quality of the materials and services supplied,” adds Senan. ARCON boasts in-house laboratory testing facilities for asphalt, concrete, and wet-mix, and is fully equipped to supply specialised products tailored to specific applications, such as eco- friendly Crumb Rubber Bitumen using recycled tyres, and the highly-durable Polymer Modified Bitumen for airport runways. In addition, ARCON achieved a major sustainability milestone in 2018 by implementing industry-leading Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) software, becoming the first concrete supplier in the Emirate of Dubai to provide a fully internal EPD facility. The Gabi EPD software from leading German developer Thinkstep enables ARCON to substantiate end-to-end life cycle programmes for construction materials, thus providing a basis of information for sustainability and environmental impact. “Our ability to produce specialised products to the exact standards stipulated by the consultants is one of the many reasons why ANCG has been a preferred contractor for so many airport projects over the years, including DXB’s recent South Runway Renovation Project,” explains Senan. “Polymer Modified Bitumen is a highly specialised product that must be produced to exact standards if it is going to withstand the incredible stresses of hundreds of passenger jets landing on it every day. In addition, being able to self-supply on concrete, asphalt and equipment meant that we could confidently commit to completing the project within the strict 45-day timeframe. With a piece of infrastructure that important, there was absolutely no margin for error!” ANCG has weathered the recent challenges posed by COVID-19 with remarkable resilience, mostly thanks to a highly effective COVID-19 Management Plan, which was rapidly established and implemented by its Facilities, SHEQ, and HR teams to respond to the developing crisis. The Management Plan involved a combination of extensive disinfection activities, social distancing measures, health monitoring, well-equipped medical facilities manned by professional medical staff in its Employee Villages, and strict quarantine zones for suspected cases. It enabled ANCG to keep COVID-19 infection rates well below projected levels across all of its projects, yards, and facilities, and maintain critical operations on vital infrastructure projects being carried out across the UAE. ANCG was chosen for the project as it is considered a leader in civil engineering projects in the UAE, having successfully completed numerous projects across the Emirates over the years. A LEADER IN CIVIL ENGINEERING | Al Naboodah Construction Group
26 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com I t is key for organizations to manage their asset base with future flexibility, scalability and control. Businesses acquire other businesses, sites are extended, new buildings and production lines are created as obsolete ones are closed. This is where current technology makes things very exciting. With the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), organisations can do much more than understand their asset structure and relationships. Because assets can talk to each other and communicate data, businesses can understand cause, effects, faults and performance on a much wider and more detailed scale. Something commonly known as Asset Performance Management (APM) 4.0. Endless possibilities of APM 4.0 Because of APM 4.0 companies are able to exploit asset usage in a more end-to- end way. This is leading to a range of new possibilities with immediate benefits: saving costs and enhancing ecological footprints, reducing asset downtime and increasing the return on investments. When you add the development of digital technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twins and both predictive and prescriptive maintenance, APM 4.0 is transforming the way companies produce goods to achieve the maximum level of production efficiency while also increasing sustainability. It funnels multiple silos and formats of information into a single view. Visualization capabilities garner real-time, actionable insights. In fact, some of our customers have reported improvement in workforce effectiveness by 25%, increased asset availability by up to 15% and reduced maintenance and inspection costs by 50% by using APM 4.0 strategies. A game-changer for businesses The combination of visualisation tools, simulation, modeling, and real-time data acquisition is a game-changer for businesses. Using these tools in the cloud means data can be shared across the global community of suppliers, sales, operations, and customers, so decisions can be made collaboratively and efficiently. And the good news is that organisations don’t need to take on a massive redesign or make huge investments to achieve value from pursuing APM 4.0. In many cases, portions of the technology pillars are already part of a plant’s portfolio today. All that is needed to get started pursuing APM 4.0 is the vision, a defined architecture that supports APM 4.0 and the decision to make future technology investments that align with that architecture. A New Approach to Asset Management by Kim Custeau Industry 4.0 comment cbnme Kim Custeau, Global Asset Performance Management Lead, AVEVA
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28 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com R AK AMI Hotel, a company based in Ras Al Khaimah with the mission to develop and manage hotels, has announced significant progress in the construction of its flagship hospitality project in Ras Al Khaimah, the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. Scheduled for completion in September 2021, work on Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island has been progressing as per schedule, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis. RAK AMI Hotel has now achieved a milestone with nearly 40 per cent of the total construction completed by mobilising all resources and people required to accelerate project work. NSCC, which was awarded the excavation, piling and enabling works, completed its work in February 2019. Subsequently, RAK AMI Hotel awarded the construction contract to Al Ali Construction & Development in February 2019, following a competitive tender with three other leading contractors. Groundwork commenced in April and the construction of the hotel started in July last year. Within a year, the project made remarkable progress. Structural works have reached the seventh floor while over 50 per cent of the construction of the beach villas has also been completed. The foundation for the spacious ballroom that can host more than 400 guests has also been completed. Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chairman of RAK AMI Hotel, said: “As the first project under RAK AMI Hotel, we are focused on ensuring not only the timely completion of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island but also to create industry benchmarks in its construction and operation. Work has been ongoing in the past months, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. The hotel will be a vibrant addition to the hospitality sector of the Emirate when it opens next year.” He added: “Al Ali Construction & Development was chosen for its distinctive and proven strengths in undertaking Construction Update project Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chairman of RAK AMI Hotel cbnme RAK AMI Hotel marks significant construction progress of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 29 large-scale hospitality projects in Ras Al Khaimah. The company brings best-in- class technology and the latest advances in the construction sector, which ensures that the project progresses as per the agreed timeline. “The company committed to deliver on time and as per budget, and we are seeing the progress on-ground. Every aspect of the development is undertaken to the highest standards of quality in terms of finish, similar to other hospitality projects completed by the company in Ras Al Khaimah. Our commitment is to ensure cost-competitive and high-quality project management.” The construction of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is undertaken by a dedicated team of over 520 skilled workers and professionals on-site. As of end-June, nearly 1.45 million manhour without loss-time incidents were recorded. A total of 460 working piles have been erected for the project by NSCC. Over 20,000 cubic metres of concreted have been poured to date by the project team that includes: MACE -project manager, ATKINS - supervision consultant and KQS - quantity surveyors. The entire project, excluding the piles, will need over 29,000 cubic metres of concrete. The frame of the two towers are on-schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of this year with bridge and roof concreting works also be undertaken as per schedule, following the clear timelines set. The Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is located centrally in Al Marjan Island, the flagship lifestyle and leisure destination developed by Marjan, the master-developer of freehold property in Ras Al Khaimah. With a total development of AED 543 million, the hotel is set in elegantly landscaped gardens with its own secluded white sandy beach. It will add 418 hotel keys, all with direct sea views. Guests can choose from large-sized family rooms, suites or 28 beachfront chalets with private pools and gardens. Other highlights of the hotel include a specially designed food and beverage offerings, ranging from two beach front restaurants, an exquisite garden restaurant and rooftop sunset terrace with 360-degree sea views. Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island will also feature a kids club, modern gymnasium and spa, all with indoor and outdoor options. The world-class property will add to the choice of hospitality and leisure experiences available for guests in Ras Al Khaimah’s iconic Al Marjan Island, and supports the Destination Strategy of the Emirate. The hotel is being developed to the highest standards of environmental sustainability with a focus on energy and water use efficiency and will incorporate green building principles. Currently, Al Marjan Island has over 1,600 operational five-star hotel keys, including Rixos Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Accor Hotels brands, and more than 2,000 residential units including Bab Al Bahar residential and Pacific by Select Group. The plan is to develop 2,400 hotel-, residential- and mixed-use units by 2025 with several already under design review or in different stages of completion. Construction Update | Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island The construction of Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island is undertaken by a dedicated team of over 520 skilled workers and professionals on-site. A render of the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island “Work has been ongoing in the past months, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis. The hotel will be a vibrant addition to the hospitality sector of the Emirate when it opens next year.”
30 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com O MNIYAT has created the most sought- after residences in the epicentre of luxury, offering unparalleled views of the coast of Dubai. This incredible project will be managed by Dorchester Collection, renowned for their iconic properties from around the globe. Thanks to continuous progress in construction, OMNIYAT are set to deliver One at Palm Jumeirah with over 91% of the work completed already; ready for audiences to immerse themselves in unrivalled living as of December 2020. The interior design of this 910,000sqft architectural masterpiece has been brought to life by two of the world’s most prestigious designers; London’s acclaimed interior design studio, Elicyon and Japanese born design firm Super Potato. With two of three state-of-the-art penthouses having already been sold for record-breaking prices, this architectural masterpiece is in The project is set to complete in December 2020 One Palm Jumeirah project cbnme Located on one of the world’s most astonishing landmarks, Palm Jumeirah, One Palm embodies modern-day architecture at its finest
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 31 reaching distance of the finish line with construction focussed on interiors, finishing touches, landscaping and commissioning. Mahdi Amjad, founder and executive chairman of OMNIYAT, comments: “As the world was hit by a global pandemic, we worked tirelessly to maintain safety measures, allowing us to continue with construction and stay true to our promise of delivering unrivalled beachfront living. We are focused on completing this magnificent project by the end of 2020.” OMNIYAT is the first developer to collaborate with the legendary hospitality brand Dorchester Collection, to launch its first ever offering in the Middle East region. Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection comments, “As One at Palm Jumeirah is the first project in the region that Dorchester Collection is managing, my team and I are delighted to see it so close to completion. This is a landmark not only for Dubai but for the region and reinforces our close partnership with Omniyat, a company renowned for its architectural vision. The units carefully designed by Elicyon are sophisticated, layered and opulent, giving these residences a timeless, elegant look, highlighted by classic detailing and rich materials. Super Potato’s work exudes authentic Japanese inspired raw and a natural material pallet. Renowned for fashioning spaces that blend an Asian sensibility while celebrating the unique character of each project’s location, at One at Palm Jumeirah Super Potato uses natural stone and woods with glass and steel to craft a minimalist environment that is warm and inviting. These highly recognizable finishings can be found in some of the 94 residences and public areas around the building but are mainly showcased in the stunning lobby of One at Palm Jumeirah. Celebrity landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic was appointed to cultivate pristine, lavish gardens that take centre stage to promote relaxation, comfort, and well-being. One Palm Jumeirah project set to complete in December 2020 Images © OMNIYAT Two very acclaimed designers were handpicked to work on creating an ultimate home for the buyers of this property - Super Potato and Elycion. World-renowned master landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic has brought his groundbreaking vision to One Palm to create an awe-inspiring timeless landscape.
32 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com D ubai Land Department (DLD), in cooperation with Property Finder, launched the fifth edition of Mo’asher, Dubai’s official sales-price index. The base year for Mo’asher is 2012 and the base month for the monthly index is January 2012, with the base quarter for the quarterly index being Q1 2012. In July 2020, DLD recorded a total of 2,404 sales transactions worth AED 4.69 billion, with 29.6% in the off-plan segment and 70.4% in the secondary segment. This brings the year-to-year total to 18,168 sales transactions worth AED 36.99 billion. Latifa Ibrahim Ahmed, Director of the Real Estate Studies & Research Department at DLD, said: “Through the regular issuance of Mo’asher, we aim to provide transparent and accurate data to all parties in the real estate market, including developers and investors as well as local and international media and analysis agencies, especially as the index is receiving increased attention. We believe that providing these detailed data on a monthly basis will place Dubai’s real estate market on the list of the most transparent markets, helping investors make information-based decisions and develop long-term plans for their investments, especially in light of the interest of financing companies and global investment funds in the Dubai market, and for them to benefit from the promising opportunities in it.” Mo’asher Secondary market transactions accounting to more than 70% of total sales The total index value in July reached 1.108 with an index price of AED 1,058,115. For apartments, the value is 1.171 with a price standing at AED 1,010, 882, while villas/townhouses recorded a value of 1.023 amounting to AED 1,619, 298. Real Estate cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 33 Overview Real estate sales transactions in July 2020 recorded a growth of 3.7% month-on-month, averaging around 600 properties sold in Dubai every seven days. The secondary market exceeded off-plan sales in terms of sales volume, which has been the trend since the end Q2 2020. The Dubai overall Index declined by 0.45%, the Dubai apartment Index declined by 0.69%, and the Dubai villa/townhouse Index declined by 1.63%. In July 2020, Mo’asher recorded an overall Index value of 1.108 compared to 1.113 in June, with an Index price of AED 1,058,115. Compared to the last six months, July’s Index decreased by 0.36%. However, if we look at the Index for the year, the Index number is still higher than what it was in February and March 2020, and the July index recorded a 10.8% growth compared to January 2012. The apartments July 2020 Index value was 1.171 compared to 1.179 in June 2020, and the Index price was AED 1,010,882. Compared to the last six months, the Index witnessed a decrease of 0.26%. However, if we look at the Index for the year, the Index number is still higher than what it was in February and March 2020. The Index value for villa/townhouses for the month of July declined to an Index number of 1.023 compared to 1.04 in June 2020, and the Index price was AED 1,619,298. Compared to the last six months, July’s index decreased by 2.66%. The most important results Over the past few months, we noticed an interesting trend whereby the number of transactions in the secondary market is increasing at a significant pace, especially in the villa/townhouse segment. Lynnette Abad, Director of Research and Data at Property Finder, said: “In July, we had 493 sales transactions for ready villa/townhouse properties, which was historically the highest number of transactions in this segment for a single month.” One of the reasons we are seeing this trend is due to the high demand for larger properties with more outside space. During the lockdown, search and demand data showed that people started looking for bigger properties, shifting from the traditional small family apartments to villa/townhouses. The ‘search and demand’ data revealed that this trend has grown significantly since the lockdown started and continues to have an effect on the market. The number of transactions has increased significantly since the ease in the lockdown and despite the Eid holidays, the majority of people have chosen to stay in Dubai. In addition, attractive pricing has lured many investors and end-users, and we have seen the number of transactions return to normal levels. Another significant achievement in the month of July was the value of mortgages, which totalled AED 18.26 billion for 1,153 total transactions. This is 3.09 times more in value compared to June 2020 and 3.36 times more in value compared to July 2019. Dubai Land Department (DLD) was founded in January 1960 to estab- lish the most prominent real estate sector in the Middle East and the world. It provides outstanding and integrated services to all its custom- ers while developing the necessary legislation to propel the real estate sector in Dubai through the regula- tion of the sector, organising and promoting real estate investments, and spreading industry knowledge in search of regional and worldwide real estate innovation. DLD seeks regional and worldwide innovation in real estate with the aid of its active sectors that include real estate registration services, real estate investment promotions, and corporate support, and with the aid of its active organisations that include the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, the Dubai Real Estate Institute, and the Rental Dispute Centre. About Dubai land department Mo’asher | Secondary market transactions accounting to more than 70% of total sales The Dubai Land Department in July 2020 recorded a total of 2,404 sales transactions worth AED 4.69 billion with 29.6% in the off-plan segment and 70.4% in the secondary segment. This brings the year-to-date total to 18,171 sales transactions worth AED 37 billion.
34 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com W ith the world becoming increasingly more innovative, it is essential that designers and architects recognize the importance of implementing new innovative technologies within their businesses. To cater to this, HP has released its new innovative DesignJet Studio Printer Series that stands out with high-speed & high quality printing. For those who aim for the highest standards of design, HP DesignJet Studio Printer Series is your perfect partner. These printers are the world’s first large- format plotters which combine industry- leading performance, precision and quality with a high-concept design and a high-tech look. Their design simplicity extends to the user experience with a uniquely streamlined and intuitive print process. Easy-to-use, HP DesignJet Studio Printer Series is ideal for creative firms where practitioners are often working on the move, between the studio, work sites, clients, and other locations. Aesthetics Is your office a design-led space? Design thinking is now a respected philosophy and a problem-solving approach. It involves taking the principles of design - solving problems with reference to the challenge, the user experience and the available materials, then iterating your way to a solution -and applying them to a whole range of challenges in different areas of life. Most clients today arguably expect the workspaces of their creative agencies and professionals, whether minimalist offices or bare-brick loft spaces, to reflect their aesthetic ethos and design-led skills. Indeed, the growing prominence of disciplines such as design-led thinking makes it even more important certain for design professionals to live up to their customers’ aesthetic expectations. It’s a matter of branding and brand advertising. The HP DesignJet Studio Printer Series are the world’s first large-format plotters which combine industry-leading performance, precision and quality with a high-concept design and a high- tech look. Available in two models - 24 and 36 inch - the new printer series is compact by design, so models easily fit into smaller offices and home offices. Print Easy with the new HP DesignJet Studio Series Think Big product review cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 35 Able to print an A1 page in as little as 25 seconds, the new printers are also the first carbon-neutral large-format plotters from HP. Intelligent Workflow Is there really one part of the design workflow you can’t streamline? You can batch-process design files, automate manual tasks, switch to additive technologies for prototyping and use AI to simulate stress testing - but what about printing? Increasingly, the best CAD design tools have built-in artificial intelligence which helps designers, engineers and architects find the best forms for their intended purpose, helping shortcut the design cycle. This is just one way in which design professionals are finding new and innovative ways to streamline their work, cut out unnecessary iterations and get to the result the client needs, faster. Whether it’s 3D printing for faster prototyping, gathering data on designs in their environment with augmented reality or using BIM to turn schematics into ever-evolving datascapes, designers are constantly finding new ways to make their work more efficient and intelligent. In reality, improving the speed at which the physical parts of the print engine - the latest HP DesignJet plotters print an A1-size design in as little as 30 seconds - is just one aspect of making printing for designers faster, and more integrated into their workflow. To overcome these challenges and meet customers’ evolving needs, HP has released the new DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio Printer series. All three new product ranges are built specifically to help design professionals accelerate their workflows and eliminate unnecessary production overheads. Simplicity that integrates seamlessly into your work routine One of the most effective, and deceptively simple workflow optimisations on the new models is simplified multi-size printing. Without manually switching the media source, you can print files at any size from A0 to A3, at the click of a mouse. Print submission have also been simpli- fied overall, allowing you to print multiple files with a single click. And print times for multiple files are up to 2 times faster than they are for comparable printers from competitors. Another key innovation is the ability to print from any connected device, any- where. Not only does this allow your staff to print from on site or when they’re in transit, it makes it easy for partners and clients to print files, either remotely or when they are visiting your offices. Sustainability So, what can design professionals do to make their businesses more sustainable? In the first two months of the COVID-19 pandemic, just one video conferencing app saw its usage rise by 574%. Over the last few months, businesses in every sector - including designers, architects, civil engineers and other design engineers - have grown used to doing everything from internal meetings to business pitches through video. >>> Think Big | The new HP DesignJet Studio Series The HP DesignJet Studio Printer Series are the world’s first large-format plotters which combine industry-leading performance, precision and quality with a high-concept design and a high-tech look.
36 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com And this growth in video conferencing has a potentially huge impact on reducing business-related carbon emissions. According video conferencing platform Zoom, the average business trip produces 168 times the carbon emissions of the same meeting carried out by video conferencing. Another way to make your studio or practice more sustainable is to look at processes, such as printing, which consume energy and some form of raw material, such as ink or toner. If you can find a way to produce the same quality output while using less energy and raw materials, this can have a significant impact on how sustainable your business is to run. To meet this demand from creative professionals for a new generation of more environmentally sustainable large- format printers, HP has released the new HP DesignJet T200, T600 and Studio Printer series. All three new product ranges are made with a high proportion of recycled plastic and are designed to be more sustainable across their entire lifecycle than other comparable products. Ways in which the new large-format printers are more sustainable than the competition include: > consisting of up to 30% recycled plastic > emitting up to 7.3 tons less carbon a year than comparable large-format printers > using up to 95% less ink for routine maintenance than comparable large- format printers The world’s easiest plotter Designed to fit the way you live, this plotter provides design that performs, in technology that stands out in the first net carbon neutral HP DesignJet plotter. Extreme simplicity Bring your master plan to life in moments and multitask with ease. Print multi-size A3/B, A1/D or A0/E, without manual intervention to switch the media source, with HP Click software. Fits the way you work Your office is wherever you say it is. With the HP Smart App you can print virtually from anywhere with your smartphone or tablet. With design that performs and technology that stands out, the world’s easiest large-format plotters1 fit the way you live and work. Print multi-size projects automatically. Avoid waiting with high-speed printing as fast as 25 sec per A1/D plot. product review cbnme Another way to make your studio or practice more sustainable is to look at processes, such as printing, which consume energy and some form of raw material, such as ink or toner.
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38 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com I n a move to cement its position as the Middle East’s leading asset man- agement company, Eltizam Asset Management Group has launched 800TEK, a new company in the UAE established to provide households and business owners with tailored home, office, and retail maintenance services. A tech-driven company that uses the latest Eltizam technology platforms to deliver fast, competitively priced and high-quality solutions for a wide range of maintenance needs. Offering advanced and comprehensive in-unit B2C services for individual clients company employs innovative digital por- tals and apps for seamless and convenient delivery of its services aligned with Elti- zam’s digital transformation plan. Ala’a Al-Khraisha who has worked for Eltizam companies in a number of roles has been appointed as General Manager for the new company. “800TEK will bridge industry gaps and further expand Eltizam’s reach by provid- ing an extensive range of specialized solu- tions to help individuals and companies from a B2C perspective manage their re- spective spaces and facilities smartly. The launch of 800TEK illustrates Eltizam’s commitment to continuously innovate, deliver the highest levels of services, and use technology solutions to meet and anticipate customer demands. Already the company has secured over $19m in contracts in its first few months of opera- tions. 800TEK is now setting its sights on expanding across the region in the near future in line with our overall group business strategy,” Chris Roberts, Chief Executive Officer, Eltizam, said. The company will not only provide a range of B2C in unit services such as MEP maintenance, cleaning, handyman, civil works and sanitization services, however it will also offer in-house spe- cialist services to our existing client base including façade cleaning, generator maintenance, parking & camera man- agement and leisure services including swimming pool and sports facilities man- agement. 800TEK also offers commer- cial, residential, and retail fit-out project management delivered by its professional team of architects and civil engineers. “Our highly trained and experienced teams of specialists are fully capable of delivering certified services that comply with international quality, health, safety and environmental standards. We assure our customers of outstanding services delivered according to the best industry practices and the criteria set by renowned global industry associations,” said Ala’a Al-Khraisha, General Manager of 800TEK. Specialist Company provides tailored maintenance services for homes, offices, and retail shops Eltizam launches 800TEK “800TEK will bridge industry gaps and further expand Eltizam’s reach by providing an extensive range of specialized solutions to help individuals and companies from a B2C perspective manage their respective spaces and facilities smartly.” LAUNCH cbnme Chris Roberts, CEO of Eltizam
40 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com New, fully mechanical Cat® D6 GC Dozer delivers solid all-around performance with easy operation and maintenance Cat® D6 GC Dozer machinery cbnme
contruction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 | 41 The newest Cat® bulldozer brings back familiar components to meet the needs of customers who require a robust machine that is easy to maintain, productive and economical to own and operate. Fully mechanical components and robust structures offer a dozer that is tough in a wide range of conditions and provides a quick return on equipment investment. The D6 GC is an addition to the Cat dozer lineup with 158 kW (212 hp) of nominal net power and operating weight ranging from 21,630 to 22,710 kg (47,686 lb to 50,067 lb). Fully Mechanical Like the long-popular D7G dozer, the D6 GC is powered by the well-known Cat 3306 engine. A 3-speed planetary powershift transmission and Caterpillar exclusive torque divider ensure that more useable power gets to the ground for solid all-around performance in a wide variety of applications. These mechanical components make up a robust power train that is easy to diagnose and maintain, even in remote locations. Easy to Operate Operators will find familiar 2-lever clutch and brake steering controls. Traditional blade controls and an easy-to-read analog dash display add to the simplicity and ease of operation. Choose a dozer with either open (canopy) or enclosed cab, both with Integrated Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS/FOPS) for comfort, excellent visibility and added safety. Suspension seat includes a built-in retractable seat belt, and the cab is available with air conditioning for added operator comfort. The elevated sprocket undercarriage provides excellent ride balance and puts more track on the ground for added stability and performance. Heavy components are located low in the machine delivering a low machine center of gravity compared to its D7G oval track predecessor. Maintenance Made Easy Everything about the D6 GC is designed to help make it easy to own. Familiar systems and widely available parts help make maintenance and repairs easier, especially in remote locations. Efficient aluminum bar plate cooling package delivers excellent ambient capability. The durable system is highly abrasion resistant and designed to minimize plugging. The elevated sprocket helps make maintenance easier with modular components that are easy to remove/install for service. Segmented sprockets are easy to replace. The undercarriage is optimized with strong structures for stability and durability. The two-piece track roller frame has a maintenance-free recoil system, and the sealed and lubricated track helps prevent internal wear and maximize bushing life. To save time on daily maintenance, the D6 GC features grouped service points and a minimal number of daily grease points. Equipped for the Job Semi-Universal (SU) blade provides more capacity than the former D7G dozer for more productivity. Or customers can choose a robust mechanical tilt Angle Blade to suit the work they do. Rear attachment choices include ripper or rigid drawbar. Several options are also available for dealer-installed winches. A variety of factory options are available to increase the durability in tough applications like forestry and land clearing. Cab and canopy machines can be ordered with sweeps to help protect against falling debris. Front, side, rear and/or door screens are available to surround the operator station. Extra guarding helps protect the fuel and hydraulic tanks, transmission and air pre-cleaner. Heavy- duty bottom guards are standard and added sealing helps keep debris out of the engine compartment. SU and Angle blades are available with brush rack for more carrying capacity and to help protect the machine from debris. Outfit the machine with a dealer-installed winch for towing capability. For extreme cold weather work, the D6 GC can be outfitted with features like heavy-duty batteries, a solid engine hood and an engine coolant heater connection to aid frigid weather starting. Manually adjustable reversible fan varies air flow through the radiator and optional in-line fuel heater aids operation in colder climates. Cat® D6 GC Dozer delivers solid all-around performance The elevated sprocket undercarriage provides excellent ride balance and puts more track on the ground for added stability and performance. Everything about the D6 GC is designed to help make it easy to own. Familiar systems and widely available parts help make maintenance and repairs easier.
42 | construction BUSINESS News ME | october 2020 www.cbnme.com F or customers operating on the African continent and in the Middle East, where Euro 3 legis- lation is in force, Renault Trucks has developed the T X-Port. This is a Renault Trucks T Euro 6 model, converted to Euro 3 using strict industrial processes in the company’s specialised Used Trucks Factory workshops, in order to guarantee the highest level of pollution reduction in force in these markets. A Euro 6 used truck driven without the ad- dition of Adblue would be permanently damaged and its emissions would equate to those of a Euro 0 vehicle. A robust Euro 3 vehicle The conversion starts with dismantling the Euro 6 components, namely the si- lencer and AdBlue components, which are then sent to the manufacturer’s recy- cling network. Operators at the Renault Trucks Used Trucks Factory then install the Euro 3 components and the reinforced filtration system. The software and manufacturer’s documentation are updated, allowing the vehicle to be recognised throughout the network with its new features. The air and diesel filters are reinforced, enabling the vehicle to adapt to its new environment (topography and the char- acteristics of fuel distributed locally). Fi- nally, ground clearance is increased by 30 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear. After conversion, the Renault Trucks T X-Port’s emission levels and engine per- formance (power and torque) are certified by UTAC, an independent international organisation. The truck undergoes the same quality process as a new vehicle. Meeting all needs in the road haulage sector The Renault Trucks T range meets the needs of all companies operating in the road haulage sector: industrial transport, controlled temperature transport, tanker transport, and livestock transport. It offers customers the perfect balance be- tween fuel savings and life on-board. All T models feature top-of-the-range finishes for the best on-board comfort for drivers. These include all-textile seats designed by RECARO®, two driver’s armrests, the option of rearranging the positions of the control buttons and an ergonomic dashboard with a 7” cen- tral display, which is the largest on the market. Also available are a storage compartment that can be accessed from both inside and outside the vehicle, plus a door-opening angle of 85°. The truck as a whole, the cab and every element of the powertrain have been designed to promote fuel savings. The windscreen is inclined by 12° and the cab itself is trapezoid in shape, being 2.35 metres wide at the front and 2.50 metres wide at the back, which improves its drag coefficient (cx) by up to 12%. Enhanced productivity Is provided by a GCW (gross combined weight) rating of up to 60 tonnes and a fuel tank capacity of up to 1,475 litres for long journeys. Finally, all Renault Trucks T models are fitted with the Optidriver transmission as standard. This automated gearbox selects the right gear at the right time according to speed, load and driving style in order to guarantee better mobility and greater comfort while driving. A 12-month international manufac- turer’s warranty The Euro 3-certified Renault Trucks T X-Port comes with a 12-month inter- national manufacturer’s warranty that covers all incidents relating to the engine, gearbox and axles and is valid through- out Renault Trucks sales and service outlets in Africa and the Middle East. The T X-Port is only available from the Renault Trucks network. In addition, a 24 months international manufacturer’s warranty and service contract are offered for a limited time. Introducing the ‘T X-PORT’ model to the African and Middle East market Renault Trucks The Renault Trucks T X-Port’s emission levels and engine performance (power and torque) are certified by UTAC, an independent international organisation. truck cbnme
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www.casece.com 2. TOUGHER & CLEANER 5. HIGH VERSATILITY 3. SPECIFICATIONS Controls are within easy reach and you can choose between standard mechanical (hand- or foot-controlled) drive levers and electro-hydraulic controls. With the electro- hydraulic joysticks you can set the control pattern to match your preferences. With just two retaining bolts, the cab is easy to tilt, providing access to hydraulic and transmission components when necessary. A safety locking system that prevents the cab from dropping is automatically activated. 25% more space in the cab; controls at the operator’s ngertips; best-in-class 360 visibility. Extended range of attachments; easy and fast attachment changes. • Net Power: 49 hp @ 2800 rpm • Tipping load: 1179 kg • Rated Operating Capacity: 590 kg • Operating Weight: 2300 kg More precision & fuel ef ciency; best in class break out forces; unrivaled pushing power. 1. TOP SPACE AND VISIBILITY 6. CONTROLS AT YOUR FINGER TIPS 4. BEST-IN-CLASS SERVICEABILITY CASE S130 SKID STEER LOADER www.casece.com