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April 5, 2024 valueeng0

Egis has been awarded a contract for the landmark Souq Al Mubarakiya Development and Reconstruction Project in Kuwait. Building on the successful pre-design and design management phases of the project, Egis will now serve as the overall construction management consultant, the firm stated.

A significant landmark in Kuwait, Souq Al-Mubarakiya played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political, commercial, and social history. Now, this project aims to revitalise and preserve the historic market’s unique 120-year-old heritage, with the development led and financed by Kuwait Finance House (KFH). The main contractor is Alghanim International (AGI), working alongside Gulf Consult (GC) as the design consultant.

Egis will oversee the reconstruction of 17 buildings, along with a complete upgrade of the infrastructure network to meet current standards and comply with the latest regulations.

Following a fire that partially damaged portions of the landmark, the design ensures the reconstruction adheres to modern specifications while meticulously preserving the historical significance of this treasured site.

Khaled El Mir, the Country Managing Director at Egis Kuwait explained, “Egis brings a long history of technical expertise and project management experience to the Souq Al-Mubarakiya Development project. We are committed to collaborating closely with all stakeholders to deliver this significant project to the highest standards, ensuring the revitalised Souq becomes a cherished landmark for generations to come.”

Kuwait Finance House Chairman, Hamad Abdulmohsen Al Marzouq remarked, “We are delighted to celebrate the launch of the reconstruction project for the area damaged in the Al Mubarakiya fire. This follows the successful completion and approval of the design phase by the relevant advisory team dedicated to addressing the effects of the incident.”

The post Egis to oversee rebuilding of historic Kuwait souq appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 5, 2024 valueeng0

Dubai South Properties has awarded contracts worth US $408mn to Al Kharafi Construction Company for the development of the third, fourth and fifth phases of its premium South Bay development.

Located in the heart of Dubai South’s Residential District – alongside Expo Road – South Bay will feature over 800 villas and townhouses, more than 200 waterfront mansions and a 1km-long lagoon. There will also be a 3km waterfront promenade with cafes, multiple beaches, a clubhouse and fitness centres.

Announcing the new contract, Dubai South Properties said it will now accelerate the completion of the next three phases, and officially launched Phase 4. This comes following increased demand from investors and buyers to own a unit at South Bay and the sell-out of the limited inventory that was released previously.

Slated for a Q1 2027 completion, the fourth phase will incorporate 138 units comprising three-, four-, and five-bedroom villas and a limited number of five-to seven-bedroom mansions.

Last year, Dubai South Properties appointed Ginco General Contracting for the construction of the first two phases and the infrastructure facilities for the project.

On the new contract, CEO Nabil Al Kindi said, “We are confident that the expertise of the appointed contractor will help us realise this project, which will be an ideal option for those seeking quality living with world-class amenities. The project has witnessed lots of interest since its launch due to its strategic location, modern amenities, and unique selling points. The sell-out of each phase upon launching onto the market exemplifies South Bay’s uniqueness. At Dubai South, our mandate is to develop projects that cater to the demand for premium residences and enrich the lifestyles of residents.”

“We are also excited to announce that soon we will be launching our next project specifically catering to the demand for high quality apartments in Dubai South, which will be a first-of-its-kind in Dubai South,” noted Al Kindi.

“This new development promises an elevated living experience with meticulously crafted luxury finishes and thoughtfully designed amenities. We will continue with our well-studied approach of launching projects that add value to our discerning customers and we are confident that our new development will create huge interest among investors,” he concluded.

The post Dubai South accelerates work on South Bay appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 4, 2024 valueeng0

Dubai South and Aldar have partnered to develop a Grade A logistics complex near the Al Maktoum International Airport. Ground has now officially been broken on the facility, which when complete will span approximately 23,000sqm of gross floor area.

The facility offers bonded and non-bonded access, as well as providing a usable eaves height of 16m and being temperature controlled to 24-degrees Celsius. The facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, said Dubai South in a statement.

The project follows an agreement that was signed recently by Dubai South and Aldar, to develop Grade A logistics facilities at Dubai South’s Logistics District.

The groundbreaking facility was attended by Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District, Dubai South, David Dudley, Chief Partnerships and Investments Officer from Aldar, as well as other senior executives from both entities.

“Following our agreement with Aldar, we are pleased to witness the groundbreaking of the new facility, which will be of added value to the logistics sector, and we are committed to reinforcing its growth and cementing the emirate’s position as a global logistics hub. We will spare no effort to support Aldar’s venture into the sector and look forward to announcing the commencement of construction work at further logistics facilities,” said Ahmad.

Representing the epitome of logistical innovation encapsulated within a premier infrastructure network, Dubai South’s Logistics District offers premier services and operations as well as uninterrupted access to Jebel Ali Port via a bonded logistics corridor, Ahmad noted.

The district comprises multiple zones, which have direct access to the cargo terminals at Al Maktoum International Airport; EZDubai, a fully dedicated e-commerce free zone; and a Contract Logistics Zone, he concluded.

The post Dubai South and Aldar break ground on new logistics facility appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 4, 2024 valueeng0

Bada Al Jubail, a new exclusive beachfront gated community, has been launched by Abu Dhabi-based Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC). The project is set to feature a limited number of mansions and various amenities including: bespoke yachts marina, yacht club, cycle tracks, and jogging paths, and is being developed at a cost of US $1.08bn.

Plot areas on Bada Al Jubail will range from 2,000sqm to 6,000sqm with nine typologies of mansions ranging from 1,100sqm to 3,000sqm, said JIIC.

A secluded island haven located within Jubail Island, Bada Al Jubail is nestled amid pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters and surrounded by an ecosystem of mangroves. Spanning over 446,000sqm of land with 8km of beach frontage, it is poised to house some of the capital’s most luxurious residential properties within a protected natural environment.

“We are thrilled to unveil Bada Al Jubail, an island within an island, emerging as a unique private residential haven cradled by turquoise waters and lush mangroves. This prestigious stand-alone community caters to a discerning few who value unparalleled privacy and an elevated lifestyle, complete with state-of-the-art facilities, and enriching experiences,” said Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of JIIC.

He continued, “Abu Dhabi has established itself as a premier destination for premier real estate, driven by many factors, such as robust economic growth, government investor-friendly policies, visa initiatives, freehold ownership options, and the increasing demand for properties in waterfront communities and exclusive branded residences, all of which cater to high-net-worth individuals.”

Owned by JIIC and developed and managed by LEAD Real Estate Developer, Jubail Island will house six residential villages nestled among mangroves. The low density, low-impact landmark community will offer residents every convenience and amenity, seamlessly blending sustainable living, luxury, and wellness in an iconic new addition to Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape, said a statement.

Residents of Bada Al Jubail will have access to Jubail Island’s amenities, including private schools, beach club, retails destinations, restaurants, and 1.4m sqm of parks and open spaces, JIIC noted.

Bada Al Jubail is due for completion by end of 2027, and is only a short drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi, offering a prime location with excellent connectivity options, it added.

“Following the soft launch of Bada Al Jubail, which received an overwhelmingly positive response, and with the recent handover of the residential units on Jubail Island, homeowners are beginning to appreciate the island’s unique value proposition. This is attracting affluent buyers and investors seeking a unique blend of exclusivity, world-class amenities, and an investment opportunity in a growing and dynamic market,” stated Haidar.

He concluded, “Bada Al Jubail redefines luxury living and contributes to Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, solidifying its position as the perfect choice for quality lifestyle, investment, and a gateway to Gulf and Asia. We are grateful for the continuous support we have received from Abu Dhabi government and all relevant authorities. Their role was vital in bringing Bada Al Jubail to life.”

The post JIIC unveils $1.08bn Bada Al Jubail gated community appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 3, 2024 valueeng0

For its work at the Al Khobar 2 SWRO desalination plant, Saudi Arabia, infrastructure specialist ACCIONA has achieved a safety landmark of 14m man-hours without lost-time injuries (LTI).

The Spanish firm believes this reflects the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including subcontractors and their personnel, prioritising safety alongside project execution throughout the diverse spectrum of works.

To celebrate this milestone, the company organised a special event, bringing together all project employees, consultants and end-user representatives. During the day, Jesús Corral, Project Director, emphasised the company’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards and completing the project on schedule, without any LTI. He stated that their aim is the overall completion of the project with a zero LTI index.

Meanwhile, Chan Zeb, Acciona’s Al Khobar 2 HSE Manager, highlighted the C-Suite’s belief in fostering a Health and Safety culture and promoting safe practices to ensure the well-being of every individual involved in the project.

Al Khobar 2 SWRO desalination plant is located on the east coast of Saudi Arabia, approximately 400km from Riyadh. It will have a daily capacity of more than 600,000cu/m, making it one of the biggest facilities in the country. Once commissioned, it will serve a catchment area of more than three million residents.

The post Acciona celebrates safety milestone at Al Khobar 2 appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 3, 2024 valueeng0

James Cubitt MENA (JC MENA) intends to boost its focus on innovative engineering solutions and integrating sustainability principles into all projects, in line with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future. James Cubitt & Partners’ origins date back to 1947 in London and, this year, the firm’s regional subsidiary – JC MENA – is celebrating 25 years of operations in the region.

“Over the past quarter-century JC MENA has marked significant milestones as a construction consultancy company. Throughout this period, we have completed numerous iconic projects for our esteemed clients, consistently meeting deadlines and budgetary constraints, showcasing our ability to deliver high-quality work,” says JC MENA Director, Mohamed Abushady.

Since its regional debut 25 years ago, the firm has delivered a diverse range of successful projects, including: the Hilton Garden Inn and Embassy Suites, Makkah KSA; Seven City, JLT Dubai; Al Reef Compound, Riyadh KSA; Mudon Arabella, Dubai; TBC Wave 2 (60 Schools in various locations), KSA, and the SEHA Disease Prevention and Screening Center, Abu Dhabi UAE.

“JC MENA’s involvement in infrastructure projects is one of the key achievements of the company over the past period such as masterplan developments, or stadiums, which demonstrate the company’s capacity to handle complex assignments up to the expectation of the end user. Each of these projects stands as a testament to our firm’s commitment to excellence and our ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We take pride in our track record of success and look forward to continuing to exceed expectations in the years to come,” adds Abushady.

He also notes that the firm is a trusted partner for several clients and enjoys significant repeat business. “Maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients, underpinned by trust, reliability, and satisfaction is of paramount importance. Our firm places immense value on understanding clients’ needs and aspirations. By fostering strong relationships and maintaining open communication channels, we tailor our solutions to precisely match their requirements, thereby delivering projects that exceed expectations,” he emphasises.

In addition to stepping up its focus on sustainable development, Abushady points out that the firm will stay abreast of evolving regulatory frameworks and ensure strict compliance with local laws and regulations, to mitigate risks and maintain a positive reputation. He states, “We will continue to prioritise client satisfaction by delivering high-quality engineering services that meet or exceed expectations, ensuring long-term relationships and repeat business. We are also excited to explore opportunities to diversify our service offerings and expand into new sectors or markets within the UAE or internationally to broaden the consultancy’s portfolio and revenue streams.”

The firm has a broad portfolio of projects in Saudi Arabia, including the Hilton Makkah

The firm has made a name for itself in the residential and educational sectors within the MENA region, and has delivered several key projects such as the Musaffah Gardens and Saraya R14 residential projects for the Al Nahda Group, Sharjah Majestic Tower and Khalidiya Shining Towers for Emirates Land Group, TBC Wave 2 Schools Project (60 Schools in various locations) for Vision Invest in Saudi Arabia, as well as Elite school in Knowledge Academic City, Medina.

Going forward, the firm is keen to explore greater opportunities in Saudi Arabia and has invested in a new office in the Kingdom in support of its aspirations.

“JC MENA recognises significant opportunities in the Saudi market, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development, commercial projects, healthcare facilities, and hospitality ventures. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative presents a conducive environment for our firm to expand its presence and contribute to the nation’s growth,” says Abushady.

“Our regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia serves as a strategic foothold to capitalise on these opportunities effectively. By establishing a local presence, we aim to strengthen our relationships with key stakeholders, better understand the unique intricacies of the market, and tailor our services to meet the specific needs and demands of clients in the region. The office enables us to provide timely and localised support, fostering stronger partnerships and enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional results.”

He adds, “In addition to our focus on residential and education segments, our expansion into the Saudi market opens doors to explore new sectors such as infrastructure, commercial developments, healthcare facilities, and hospitality projects. With our diverse expertise and proven track record in delivering high-quality engineering and consultancy services, we are well-positioned to make a substantial impact across various segments in the Kingdom, contributing to its economic development and sustainable growth.”

Apart from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the firm is also anticipating significant growth from several other regional markets. “JC MENA anticipates significant opportunities for expansion and growth in Nigeria, Egypt, and Libya, where we have already established branch offices. With our presence in these countries, we are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging projects and developments in the engineering and consultancy sectors.”

He concludes, “Our established local presence allows us to better understand the unique market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances of each country, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of clients in these regions.”

The post JC MENA celebrates 25 years in the region appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 3, 2024 valueeng0

A deal has been inked that will see DP World and Brazilian railway operator Rumo develop a new US $500mn terminal at the Port of Santos. The facility will be able to handle 12.5m tonnes a year of grain and fertiliser, and is expected to position the port as the country’s primary trade gateway and a key hub for South America.

The expansion is in addition to recent investments in DP World’s container handling facilities in the port, increasing capacity from 1.2m TEUs to 1.4m TEUs, while expanding the size of the quay from 1,100m to 1,300m.

The new project will leverage Rumo’s resources in addition to loans and potential strategic partnerships. Construction is expected to take 30 months, all other services including container handling at Santos will continue, with no impact to container handling operations.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rumo on this transformative project, which underscores our commitment to driving growth and innovation in Brazil’s logistics sector. This new terminal will not only bolster trade capabilities but also create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders,” said Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos.

Once complete, the new terminal will handle nine million tonnes of grains and 3.5m tonnes of fertilisers a year. Under the 30-year agreement, DP World will provide the terminal area located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos to Rumo and assume responsibility for operations and port services. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country, said a statement.

The collaboration is said to solidify DP World’s position as the country’s leading multipurpose port operator, capable of simultaneously handling containers, cellulose, grains and fertilisers.

The new terminal marks DP World’s fourth round of investment since operations began in Brazil in 2013. It comes at a crucial time with the port achieving record cargo movements in January, handling 11.9m tonnes of cargo. Bulk solids, such as sugar and soy, accounted for five million tonnes, up 13.9% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Port of Santos.

In line with DP World’s global decarbonisation strategy, the new terminal will be equipped with 21 new pieces of equipment, featuring advanced technology to reduce consumption and emissions of polluting gases. DP World began the process of electrifying its Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Santos in 2023.

DP World is said to have already invested $35mn in 2023 to expand and modernise its facilities at the Port of Santos. The terminal currently inhabits 845,000sqm, with an additional 130,000sqm available for expansion.

The post DP World and Rumo to develop new facility at Port of Santos appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 2, 2024 valueeng0

ESG still have you stumped? You aren’t alone. Until a set of global and local standards emerges, the conversations will only get louder and more complicated.

But these changes don’t just mean new expenses, burdensome regulations, and more red tape to navigate. When evaluating how the changing ESG regulations can affect your core business, there are exciting new opportunities emerging, including:

  • Offsetting financial risk
  • Improving long-term operational efficiencies
  • Cultivating inclusive social dynamics within your building environments

On Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 3.00pm CEST/2:00pm BST/9:00 AM EST industry experts from EBUSINESS STRATEGIES, Gilbane, HOK, Schneider Electric, and Planon will explore those opportunities in . They will discuss many challenges the commercial and corporate markets face today, and will dive into some hot topics around corporate ESG and sustainability.

What can you look forward to in the panel discussion? Here are some conversation starters around the changing ESG regulations that our panellists have posed and will be bringing to the discussion:

  1. ‘ESG isn’t just about collecting and reporting data. It’s about learning from your current building performance to be able to do better.’
  1. ‘When it comes to ESG, we aren’t talking enough about it in terms of how it can offset financial risk for an organisation’s building portfolio. Insurance is going to be the ultimate driver in market stability moving forward. Could your building soon become too risky to insure?’
  1. ‘Shifting the focus away from short-term profitability and onto long-term operational liability is the biggest opportunity ESG offers us when compared to plans of the past. Perspective is critical and timing is everything.’
  1. ‘ESG standards demand a higher level of granularity than federal regulation can handle. While there will have to be standard global rules – like the greenhouse gas protocol – we will see many local variances from country to country within Europe and state to state within the US.’
  1. ‘Whether you’re new to the ESG conversation or a seasoned pro, there is a huge amount of jargon and complexity to navigate for a relatively simple concept: Are we doing good for the environment? For the future?’

Don’t miss this exciting discussion! . While registering, you can also submit a question to the panellists. Some may be addressed during the live discussion.

The post Virtual Event – ESG by the Numbers appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews


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April 1, 2024 valueeng0

Iraqi authorities have announced that designs for the new Baghdad Metro project have been completed.

Spanning over 148km, the US $2.5bn project will feature 64 stations covering 85% of the city including all holy sites, colleges and tourism districts, stated Nasser Al Asadi, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s advisor on transport affairs, as per a report by the Iraqi News Agency.

Last month, authorities began inviting bids for the project for which a total of 26 multinational corporations from China, India, Germany, Italy, Spain and Qatar expressed their interests in the project.

The project is being developed under the DBOMFT (design, build, operate, maintain, finance and transfer) ownership model, he added.

At a key meeting held last month with Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the representatives of China Railway demonstrated the company’s capacity to take part in executing the project, the report noted.

The Chinese company is implementing the Nisour Square development project in central Baghdad as part of the government’s projects to relieve traffic congestion in the Iraqi capital, the report concluded.

The post Designs for US $2.5bn Baghdad Metro project complete appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews