Majid Al Futtaim Development has announced the launch of Serenity Mansions, a new addition to its ultra-luxury projects and situated at Tilal Al Ghaf, the company’s flagship community in Dubai.

The new neighbourhood features 106 exquisitely designed mansions, varying between six to seven-bedroom villas, which can each be customised as per the buyer’s individual needs.

Offering a selection of three villa types, ARA, AYLA and LUNA, Serenity Mansions presents buyers with an array of design concepts that blends indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a seamless and fluid design throughout. Taking inspiration from the local landscape, the most striking feature of the ARA and AYLA styles is their relationship to the natural world. Offering a choice between two facades, Earth and Wave, each with its distinct character and captivating aesthetics, these villas employ a combination of contemporary architecture and ancient materials to enhance, rather than dominate, the surrounding landscapes, the firm said.

“Serenity Mansions is more than just a luxury neighbourhood. It represents an exceptional new era of luxury living tailored to Ultra-High-Net-Worth Individuals who are progressively looking for exceptional and unique experiences across every aspect of their lives,” explained Majid Al Futtaim Development CEO, Hawazen Esber.

“Serenity Mansions was designed in collaboration with a team of world-renowned architects and consultants, including the innovative residential design approach of multi-award-winning architectural firms SAOTA and Nabil Gholam, and the revered interior design expertise of BLINK Design, known for its work on the world’s most luxurious hotels,” he concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

A new CBRE report shows that Saudi Arabia’s office market performance further improved in the third quarter of 2023, as quality supply rapidly emerged across the kingdom.

As of Q3 2023, Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) has leased more than 60% of its office space. Meanwhile, for occupiable premises, this rate is substantially higher, at 92.2%.

Landmark transactions within KAFD included the acquisition of around 22,000 sq. m. of office space by two major management consulting firms. Whilst demand remains very much centered towards Riyadh, demand nonetheless trickles into Jeddah and the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA).

In terms of upcoming quality supply in the next two years, key additions in Riyadh’s office market include 166,100 sq. m. in KAFD, 200,000 sq. m. in EZDI Park, 60,000 sq. m. in STC Square and over 60,000 sq. m. in phase two of Laysen Valley.

This drive for office space in Riyadh, particularly for quality space in the likes of KAFD, has driven prime rents to record growth rates of 23.6% in the year to Q3 2023, where rents currently stand at SAR2,617 per sq. m.

Grade A rents grew by 12.9% over the same period, reaching an average of SAR1,900 per sq. m. Grade B offices increased by 18.9% in the 12 months to September 2023, settling at the average rent of SAR 1,529 per sq. m.

According to CBRE, the occupancy levels in Riyadh’s Grade A segment of the market have reached full occupancy as at Q3 2023. During the same period, the average Grade B occupancy rate remained stable at 99.4% and the average prime occupancy rate increased by 8.2% to reach 92.2%.

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23 winners were recognised under the stars of the Ritz Carlton JBR beachfront in Dubai last night at the ninth annual edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards (MEC Awards).

With almost 400 people attending and a record 317 nominations, the 2023 MEC Awards set a new benchmark for an event which celebrates the work of architects, consultants and engineering firms in the region.

Discussing the judging process, the editorial team said the process to create the shortlist and, finally, pick the winners ahead of the gala night was exceedingly tough with the standard of competition between entries stronger than ever.

The judges for the 2023 MEC Awards were: Dr. Hagir Hakim, Senior Director of Studies for Construction Management and Surveying Programmes, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai, Matt Doran, MENA Regional Hub Manager, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Paravasthu Jagannathan, Senior General Manager – Sustainability, Sobha Realty, Babette Cilliers, Independent Quantity Surveyor and Dr. Bhakti More, Chairperson & Associate Professor, School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai.

“Now in its ninth year, the Middie East Consultant Awards continues to identify and honour the Consultants doing exceptional work in the Construction and Real Estate sectors across the GCC – identifying the innovators, the champions of best practice and those who have worked on stand-out projects of lasting significance to the region,” said Middle East Consultant’s Head of Content, Paul Godfrey.

“Yet it also aims to show proactively what are the real trends shaping the future of the sector – and the event’s 23 categories have evolved to factor in key areas such as the impact of AI,  the widespread adoption of the Digital Twin and changes within the workplace itself, such as the advent of ED&I compliance and the importance of ESG commitments to the balance sheet.”

The Winners and Nominees for the 2023 Middle East Consultant Awards:

AI-Led Design Champion of the Year

• Jacobs
• OBMI
• Tangram Meta

Winner: Jacobs

Metaverse Architect of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Dewan Architects & Engineers
• OBMI
• Tangram Meta

Winner: Dewan Architects & Engineers

Architectural Company of the Year

•  Aedas Architects
• B8 Architecture
• Jacobs
• RSP
• U+A

Winner: B8 Architecture

Company of the Year

• AESG
• AtkinsRéalis
• B8 Architecture
• Dewan Architects & Engineers
• Jacobs
• Kingspan Insulation
• Meinhardt
• Omnium International

Winner: AESG

Cost Consulting Company of the Year

• C-Quest
• Compass Project Consulting
• Currie & Brown
• JLL
• Omnium International

Winner: Omnium International

Dispute Resolution Champion of the Year

• HKA
• North 51 Consulting
• Omnium Resolve
• TBH
• Turner & Townsend

Winner: HKA

Gender & Ethical Employment Champion of the Year

• AESG
• AtkinsRéalis
• B8 Architecture
• Currie & Brown
• Dewan Architects & Engineers
• JLL

Winner: JLL

HR & Wellness Champion of the Year

• AtkinsRéalis
• B8 Architecture
• Currie & Brown
• Jacobs
• Omnium International

Winner: AtkinsRéalis

Interior Design Company of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Key Concept Interiors
• U+A

Winner: B8 Architecture

MEP Engineering Company of the Year

• AESG
• Al Suweidi Engineering Consultants
• Jacobs
• Lasco

Winner: AESG

On-Site Health & Safety Champion of the Year

• AtkinsRéalis
• Jacobs

Winner: Jacobs

Project Management Company of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Compass Project Consulting
• JLL
• Land Sterling
• North 51 Consulting
• Turner & Townsend

Winner: Compass Project Consulting

Specialist Consulting Company of the Year

• AESG
• K Tech Consulting
• Lasco
• TBH
• Turner & Townsend

Winner: TBH

Structural Engineering Company of the Year

• ASG
• B8 Architecture
• KPM Engineering

Winner: ASG

Sustainable Consultancy of the Year

• AESG
• B8 Architecture
• Climatize Engineering Consultants
• JLL
• Parsons

Winner: Climatize Engineering Consultants

Project of the Year – Government & Infrastructure

• AECOM – Abu Samra Land Border Crossing
• Godwin Austen Johnson – Jafar Centre, Dubai College
• JLL – The Egypt Services Centre, Aswan
• Kalbod Design Studio – Sandstorm Absorbent Skyscraper
• Parsons – Zayed Road Network, Mina Zayed

Winner: JLL – The Egypt Services Centre, Aswan

Project of the Year – Hospitality & Tourism

• AECOM – SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
• JT & Partners – Tawila Island
• JT & Partners – Mango House
• MZ Architects – Centre of Curiosity
• U+A – Amaala – Six Senses

Winner: AECOM – SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

Project of the Year – Residential & Commercial

• B8 Architecture – Hills View 64
• Climatize Engineering Consultants – The Link at Masdar City
• Kalbod Design Studio – Dubai Art Museum
• LWK & Partners – DIFC Living
• MZ Architects – Sea La Vie
• MZ Architects – The Grove, Louvre Residence
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – The Cube, Lusail

Winner: MZ Architects – The Grove, Louvre Residence

Project of the Year – Retail & Public Facilities

• Climatize Engineering Consultants – DAMAC Lagoons
• JT & Partners – Canal Walk
• JT & Partners – Shakhbat City Community Market
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – The Cube, Lusail

Winner: JT & Partners – Canal Walk

Under-30 Champion of the Year

• Aedas Architects – Andre Valdez
• Egis – Aishwarya Chengappa
• Omnium International – Roxy Reynolds
• RSP – Saagarika Dias
• TBH – Kathren Salah

Winner: Omnium International – Roxy Reynolds

C-Suite Executive of the Year

• AESG – Katarina Uherova Hasbani
• B8 Architecture – Kristina Brateng
• Climatize Engineering Consultants – Engi Jaber
• Dewan Architects & Engineers – Ammar Al Assam
• Egis – Alaa Abu Siam
• North 51 Consulting – Natasha Abbas

Winner: B8 Architecture – Kristina Brateng

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dewan Architects & Engineers – Mohammed Al Assam
• Jacobs – Michalis Paschalis
• Tangram Meta – Sandra Woodall
• U+A – Pierre Martin Dufresne

Winner: Dewan Architects & Engineers – Mohammed Al Assam

Multi-Discipline Consulting Company of the Year

• AECOM
• AtkinsRéalis
• Egis
• KEO International Consultants
• Meinhardt
• TGP International

Winner: AtkinsRéalis

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Construction works have begun on a rail bypass around the commercial capital of Almaty according to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the country’s national railway organisation. The railway will run between the towns of Zhetygen and Kazybek Beka, and will include laying 130km of track as well as building 13 bridges, KTZ noted.

The project is expected to reduce the traffic on the Almaty hub by around 40% and cargo delivery by 24 hours, however its cost and timelines have not been revealed.

An increase in e-commerce in recent years has driven growth in rail freight volumes, in addition to increased traffic at the Almaty railway junction, said a report.

The line through Almaty is said to be one of two main lines that form Kazakhstan’s part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which connects the industrial eastern and central China with Europe through Turkey.

In recent years, the route has become an increasingly important part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as European sanctions have since required freight to be diverted from Russia, the report concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The installation of solar energy panels at the Dubai Metro Depots at Jebel Ali and Al Qusais as well as the Tram Depot at Al Safouh is underway according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). According to the RTA, the project will be completed in the first quarter of 2024 and will produce a total of 9.959MW of solar power.

The move is said to align with the Dubai Government’s ‘Shams Dubai’ initiative and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy. It is also in support of the RTA’s long-term strategy aimed at reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, focusing on three primary sectors: public transportation, buildings and related facilities, and waste management.

The solar PV power system represent a key element of sustainable renewable energy sources, which supports RTA’s efforts to improve the efficiency of the infrastructure of facilities. Moreover, solar panels save costs, conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental sustainability, the firm stated.

The installation of solar panels is spread over two phases; the initial phase is the mechanical setup during which the supporting structures are erected and the PV panels are mounted. The second phase involves the electrical setup, which includes laying out the wiring and establishing connections for the solar energy system. The RTA is expected to achieve a total saving of carbon dioxide emissions amounting to 3.962t annually.

The total solar energy production amounts to 3.165MW at Jebel Ali Metro Depot, 3.804MW at Al Qusais Metro Depot, and 2.990MW at Al Safouh Tram Depot. The expected lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, and a periodic maintenance programme is being developed to follow energy production readings and monitor the operational efficiency of these facilities, the RTA noted.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Jacobs has been appointed as the programme management and construction management (PMCM) partner for Thyssenkrupp Steel’s initiative to decarbonise its steel mill. The $2.5bn initiative is said to be one of the world’s largest industrial decarbonisation initiatives.

According to a statement, Thyssenkrupp Steel’s Duisburg site in Germany is Europe’s largest steel mill. The project’s scope includes the delivery of a green hydrogen-powered direct reduction plant, which aims to revolutionise the conventional iron reduction process. The operation will replace the traditional coal-powered blast furnaces with hydrogen-powered electric smelters.

As the PMCM partner, Jacobs will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of engineering services, assembly, and logistics, the firm stated.

Patrick Hill, Executive VP at Jacobs said, “This is a major project with a complex undertaking delivered through an integrated German and international team. The implementation of this emerging technology is an important step in transforming the industry and supply chain in Europe and beyond.”

The scope of work also includes construction management and supporting contract management, assembly management of the engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor for the direct reduction plant, and interface management across the construction and assembly teams, the firm added.

Scheduled to be in operation by the end of 2026, the plant is expected to produce an annual output of 2.5m metric tons of direct reduced iron (DRI), simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by 3.5m metric tons per year.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Parsons has announced its successful implementation of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and 360-degree imagery in numerous mega- and giga-projects across the Middle East.

Collaborating with SEKTOR.build, Parsons is utilising the OpenSpace.ai platform to revolutionise construction supervision technologies, significantly enhancing efficiency across the entire project lifecycle.

This initiative marks a notable expansion in the use of AI technology within the region, with over 30 deployments, firmly establishing Parsons as a leader in this field. The integration of OpenSpace.ai with Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands out as a pioneering move, offering a value-driven approach that ensures near real-time site imagery for stakeholders. This integration not only improves project visibility but also drives commercial advancements, quality enhancements, better coordination among stakeholders, and more rapid reporting processes.

Pierre Santoni, President of Infrastructure for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Parsons, emphasised the transformative impact of this technology: “Automation is just one factor in the transformative revolution in the engineering sector. What sets Parsons’ projects apart is our expertise in deploying the latest technologies, which has enabled a seamless integration of AI and ushered in an era of unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities.”

The introduction of these technologies by Parsons is not just a step towards advanced automation, but it also brings substantial benefits in project management. By freeing up human resources from routine tasks, these technological advancements allow for a more focused approach to critical project management activities. This shift is not only reducing project timelines but also mitigating risks. Moreover, the digital transformation championed by Parsons significantly reduces the need for physical travel, thereby lowering the carbon footprint of these projects.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Penthouse.ae, powered by Metropolitan, a Dubai-based full-service real estate agency specializing in serving the needs of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), has announced the launch of The Luxury Collection, a portfolio of 60 ultra-luxury properties worth over AED 30B.

This collection comprises off-plan and secondary units strategically located in some of Dubai’s most sought-after locations, including Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Island, Jumeirah Islands, Downtown Dubai and more. The Collection, a mix of lavish villas and penthouses, includes standalone units from premium developers and branded residences such as Fairmont, Armani, Pagani, Baccarat, Six Senses, SLS and more. Prices for properties in The Luxury Collection range from AED 10M to AED 1B, with sizes ranging from 3,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft.

The Collection offers investors a portfolio of ultra-luxury properties that offer high return on investment and which tend to appreciate over the long term. Properties within the collection are designed with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, featuring unique architectural elements, premium finishes and the latest technology, allowing for customisations and personalisation to suit specific needs and preferences. The properties also offer beautiful views and amenities such as pools, spas, gyms, home theatres, expansive outdoor space for entertaining and advanced security features.

“The Luxury Collection represents the epitome of luxury living and the creme de la crème in Dubai’s luxury real estate market,” said Petri Mannila, Head of Luxury at Penthouse.ae. “These properties offer our clients a unique opportunity to invest in some of the most exclusive properties in the most coveted locations in Dubai. We are confident that these units will appeal to discerning buyers from all over the world as Dubai remains a popular destination for ultra-high net worth individuals.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Abu Dhabi-based National Marine Dredging Company has announced that its key unit, National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), has secured a $1.3bn contract from Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco. The contract relates to two key projects that are core to the Arab Medium (AM) facilities upgrade scheme.

In its filing to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the National Marine Dredging Company explained that the project scope includes two key elements: firstly, the fabrication and installation of 11 slipover production decks modules and nine structural jackets; then, the installation of eight subsea pipelines with an approximate length of 23 km.

The order also includes 22 units of 15 kV subsea cables with a total length of 115 km.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

During a bilateral meeting, the rulers of Bahrain and Qatar reviewed developments on the Bahrain-Qatar Causeway Project and directed authorities to complete the necessary plans to initiate the project’s immediate implementation.

The review took place during a meeting between His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Manama.

The two leaders also reviewed the Bahrain-Qatar partnership and ways to further bolster cooperation.

The causeway will link the northern region of Qatar to the eastern coast of Bahrain. Once completed, the 40 km Qatar-Bahrain Causeway will reduce travel times between Bahrain and Qatar from five hours to 30 minutes.

The causeway will have a dual two-lane highway, accompanied by a rail platform, featuring a total of four lanes.

The bridge project was originally planned to be built 10 years ago, but was stalled following the regional crisis involving Qatar and its trading partners.

Under a MoU signed in 2005 to launch the project, a joint institution was formed and it was entrusted with managing, maintaining and operating the causeway and investing in its facilities.

The project holds a significantly positive impact in promoting the strong and historical ties between the citizens of the two countries, and is now set to achieve both nations’ aspirations.

About half of the causeway will consist of bridges and the rest of the highway will be built on reclaimed land. Flyovers will be as high as 40m above sea level in order to allow uninterrupted ship crossings. The project is expected to take four years to build.

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Source: MEConstructionNews