The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has said that the first edition of its Critical Infrastructure Summit (CIS) will take place on 17 April, at the Two Seasons Hotel in Dubai.

The event will shine a light on the region’s infrastructure, including airports, seaports, road and rail transportation systems and data centres. The CIS was originally scheduled to take place in late 2023 but was postponed with a view to expand its agenda and incorporate a greater breadth of public and private sector speakers.

At present regional governments are working with the private sector to either expand or develop all new infrastructure, in line with changing market appetites, requirements, and even the threat of climate change. Data from Mordor Intelligence said that the Middle East and Africa infrastructure market is valued at US $48bn and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2023 and 2028.

“The Critical Infrastructure Summit drew a fantastic response from public and private sector entities when it was first announced last year, and I’m pleased to announce it will now take place on 17 April. The event will focus on the development and refurbishment of a variety of regional infrastructure, which I think aligns perfectly with many of the developments we’re seeing across the region. The new date enabled us to expand the event’s focus and give it the time it deserves, away from the traditionally busy events season in the last quarter of the year,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The event in 2024 will comprise a mix of panel discussions and high-level presentations, and is supported by:

Gold Sponsor: KEO International Consultants
Strategic Content Partner: ALEC
Silver Sponsor: AECOM
Endorsed by: The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)

To discuss participating at the event as a speaker, contact conference producer Jason Saundalkar on Jason.s@cpitrademedia.com. Sponsorship inquires can be addressed to Raz Islam on raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com.

Read more about the Critical Infrastructure Summit by clicking here.

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Senegal’s national electricity company Senelec and a subsidiary of French construction firm Vinci have inked a $219.5mn deal to build electricity transmission and distribution infrastructure.

According to a statement, the project will be partially funded by French authorities. The three-year project will involve the construction of 1,350km of high-voltage and very-high-voltage overhead and underground transmission lines, in a bid to connect thousand of homes.

The project will also see the construction of eight very-high-voltage transformer stations.

The grid management system will be enhanced with the addition of an interface to remotely manage operations and detect defects in the overhead and underground power lines.

Local teams will receive training with support from Vinci Energies’s French and Moroccan subsidiaries, the report noted.

The project is part of a wider programme to expand Senegal’s transmission and distribution grid, with a view to strengthening the country’s energy capacity by 2026 and move towards universal access to electricity.

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UAE-based developer RAK Properties has appointed BHM Capital as the liquidity provider for the company’s share-holding. This move is aimed at enhancing trading liquidity and boosting transactional efficiency for the developer’s shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Under the terms of the agreement, BHM Capital will ensure liquidity for RAK Properties’ shares by actively participating in the market trading system in compliance with the regulations set by the ADX and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA).

On the key appointment, RAK Properties CEO, Sameh Muhtadi said: “This underscores our commitment to offer a reliable foundation for our investors, fostering an environment of confidence and assurance within the market, while paving the way for long-term growth opportunities.”

He added, “This partnership will facilitate access for regional and international investors to easily participate and engage with our stock, diversifying our investor base while solidifying our market presence. We have been impressed by the commitment and expertise demonstrated and look forward to a long-term collaboration to further evolve and advance capital market practices.”

A private joint stock company listed in the Dubai Financial Market, BHM’s involvement is expected to strengthen RAK Properties presence on the ADX and foster investor confidence by facilitating efficient and transparent trading mechanisms.

BHM CEO, Abdel Hadi Al Sa’di, commented, “Through our appointment as the liquidity provider on RAK Properties’ shares, we aim to enhance price stability, attracting a broader range of investors to trade in the company’s shares, and increasing its turnover. This in turn, is expected to enhance its market value by injecting new investments, and contributes in stimulating the financial markets and increasing the appeal of listed companies.”

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The Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has launched the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium, which aims to further enhance Qiddiya’s philosophy of the Power of Play. The QIC Board of Directors said the futuristic venue, located in Qiddiya City atop the 200m-high Tuwaiq cliff and just 40 minutes from Riyadh, is anticipated to become a must-visit destination.

Designed by global architectural firm Populous, the stadium is set to become the world’s first fully integrated venue with a combined retractable roof, pitch and LED wall – an architectural innovation offering unparalleled versatility and allowing the space to transform into different ‘event modes’ in a matter of hours, said a statement from QIC.

The LED wall will be a portal to live event broadcasts, high-definition films and laser shows, offering guests a novel, immersive experience with each visit. When not activated, it will open to reveal breathtaking views of Qiddiya City. It aims to draw visitors from across the globe and revolutionise the traditional stadium experience with its immersive design and unique technological features, putting spectators at the centre of the show, the statement explained.

Upon opening, it is anticipated to host some of Saudi Arabia’s biggest sports, entertainment, and cultural events.

“Our ambition is for Qiddiya City to become a global destination for entertainment, sports and culture and this iconic new stadium will be at its very heart. The futuristic venue aims to reinvent the traditional stadium concept and embody the true spirit of Qiddiya’s Power of Play philosophy. It uses state-of-the-art technology and innovative, world-leading design to put the spectator at the centre of the experience,” commented QIC Managing Director Abdullah bin Nasser Aldawood.

The stadium will become a bucket-list destination for fans and enthusiasts across the world, hosting major events from across the world of sport and entertainment. The stadium will deploy cutting-edge technology to provide fans with instant access to live data and information including the use of state-of-the-art holographic technology, enabling virtual interactions with celebrities and stars, he added.

The unveiling of the stadium follows the launch of Qiddiya City’s world first multi-use Gaming & Esports District.

“As a central venue in an urban entertainment district, this uniquely versatile space promises an extended play experience with direct and convenient access to Qiddiya City’s vibrant Gaming & Esport District as well as other city entertainment options,” noted Aldawood.

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Saudi-based Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies Company has secured contracts worth a total of US $57.2mn from the National Water Company for the operation and maintenance of water and sewage networks in Makkah and Dammam.

A leading EPC and O&M contractor in the water and wastewater sectors, Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies is one of the largest subsidiary companies of Alkhorayef Group – which has been in business for over 60 years across 40 countries and six continents.

In its filing to the Saudi bourse, Tadawul, Alkhorayef explained that it will deliver O&M services for water and sewage networks in Makkah City for a five-year period, in a deal valued at $27.2mn.

Meanwhile, for Dammam City, the National Water Company has awarded a three-year wastewater maintenance contract to Alkhorayef worth $30mn.

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The Middle East Consultant editorial team has expanded its focus on equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) in the region, and has announced the opening of nominations for its new ‘Equality Diversity & Inclusion Awards’.

The awards feature 10 categories, including: Gender Empowerment Champion of the Year, Ethnicity Human Capital Champion of the Year; People of Determination Facilities Champion of the Year; Mentoring Champion of the Year; Management Education Champion of the Year; Workspace Inclusiveness Champion of the Year; C-Suite Gender Champion of the Year; Human Capital Manager of the Year; ED&I Programme of the Year, and ED&I Company of the Year. Read about all the categories here.

The deadline for nominations is 22 March 2024, click here to read the nomination guidelines. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner event, which will take place on 24 April in Dubai – a venue will be announced soon on the award’s website.

“The ED&I Awards have been created to honour the innovators and change-makers who are defining equality, diversity & inclusion in the workplace – and are transforming for the better the raft of gender, disability and ethnicity issues that they involve,” said Paul Godfrey, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant.

The awards aim to recognise the achievement at a corporate and individual level, and also honour programmes that have proven to be most popular and most highly effective. One of the key factors within these awards is that they also recognise businesses who are empowering and supercharging ED&I and gender progress and participation at all levels of the organisation: from the shop floor to the boardroom, the editorial team noted.

Read more about the 2024 ED&I Awards by clicking here.

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RAK Properties has announced it has successfully sold out the first set of units at its recently launched residential waterfront development, Quattro Del Mar, in Ras Al Khaimah.

Quattro Del Mar forms part of RAK Properties’ broader masterplan for Hayat Island, reinforcing Mina Al Arab’s position as a community-centric lifestyle destination in line with RAK Vision 2030.

A four-tower property, it boasts a range of premium amenities that caters to families, wellness enthusiasts and millennial investors.

Following the successful sellout, RAK Properties has released the next collection of residences for sales to local and international buyers.

RAK Properties’ CEO, Sameh Muhtadi said: “As predicted, Quattro Del Mar has been widely accepted by the market, due to our lifestyle promise which comprises a sea of luxury amenities offerings, solidifying Mina Al Arab as the most desirable residential addresses in Ras Al Khaimah. We are launching the next collection of residences earlier than anticipated due to buyer demand.”

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The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced that it commissioned 1,414 11kV distribution substations across Dubai in 2023.

The construction of these substations and related tasks resulted in a total of 996,648 man-hours, which were completed following the highest standards of health and safety.

“We are building a state-of-the-art infrastructure that keeps pace with the sustainable development requirements in Dubai and meets the needs of customers, developers, and businesses. This is achieved through well-thought-out and reliable planning processes based on the latest foresight tools to contribute to the sustainable urban development of Dubai, supporting the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan,” said DEWA MD and CEO, Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer.

He continued, “In addition to energy and water production projects, DEWA is working to enhance the transmission and distribution networks based on electricity demand forecast until 2030, considering the emirate’s demographic and economic growth.”

Rashid Bin Humaidan, Executive Vice President of Distribution Power, said the total number of medium voltage substations (11kV and 6.6kV) reached 44,015 stations by the end of 2023. He added that all substations are implemented according to the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety using the latest digital technologies, and follow strict international standards of Best Practice.

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Damac Properties has launched its first apartment complex within its upcoming master community, Damac Lagoons. Damac Lagoon Views will offer one- and two-bedroom apartments across the ground + six floors of living space with a host of amenities complementing the community’s Mediterranean theme, the developer said.

According to a statement, residents will have an opportunity to revel in a range of relaxation and recreational experiences. There will be hills where people can lounge in the sun on mini mounts of green spaces, and a honey bar that offers wellness products. Adding to this offering are comfortably placed hammocks over the lagoons, an outdoor spa and an aqua boho lounge.

“What truly sets Damac Lagoon Views apart is its commitment to offering unparalleled experiences. This is not just a residence; it’s a lifestyle, a promise of unforgettable memories, and a testament to our commitment to creating exceptional communities that redefine modern living,” said Mohammed Tahaineh, General Manager of Projects at Damac.

The developer also noted that an olive tree garden will provide an ideal wedding venue, and will be set amidst the backdrop of an event space, while a Flamenco Gardens concert stage will be at the centre of the community. Unique to the project will be an aqua opera school pavilion and a volcanic stone park. As well as a beach club and glow lounge, a board games pavilion and a dedicated kids area wrap up the entertainment offerings at Lagoon Views.

The gastronomy hub will offer a range of F&B experiences, including a tapas lounge, a pool bar and a sunset beach bar. Keeping in line with the water theme of Damac Lagoons, the new project also promises to awe with its Lagoon Rain Party Zone, and a unique aquatic party venue. For fitness enthusiasts, Lagoon Views will also offer an aqua gym with a running track, it added.

The UAE developer said that it has so far awarded contracts worth nearly US $1.90bn for Damac Lagoons, with over $270mn assigned for infrastructure, and more than $1.52bn for the construction of villas in the community.

“We are very pleased to see the progress at Damac Lagoons and are excited to start welcoming residents this year,” he concluded.

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