Johnson Arabia used a special open day in Dubai last week to demonstrate the Vita Load Navigator (VLN) technology, a remote-controlled propulsion-driven device which connects below the hook of the crane and is remotely controlled. Measuring over 1,000 data points per second, the system detects load movement in real-time and adjusts the load with high-powered fans to eliminate spinning, rotations, and other problems that cause site damage or injuries.

The system’s arrival in the UAE is part of a partnership between the Colorado-based manufacturer Vita Industrial and Johnson Arabia’s crane supplier WOLFFKRAN.

Both Vita Industrial and WOLFFKRAN believe the VLN enables projects to achieve faster lifting operations, enhance efficiency through precise load placement, and minimise downtime attributed to adverse weather and environmental conditions.

WOLFFKRAN, renowned for its crane sales, crane rentals, and operation services, has been at the forefront of showcasing the capabilities of the VLN technology. Beginning with the United Kingdom and expanding to other countries, the response from industry professionals and project sites has been resoundingly positive. As a result, WOLFFKRAN has confirmed the purchase of 10 units of the Vita Load Navigator (VLN) technology for immediate delivery. Such order underlines the commitment of both WOLFFKRAN and Vita Industrial to delivering state-of-the-art solutions to their crane clientele, say both parties.

The initial 10 units will be integrated into WOLFFKRAN’s extensive rental and sales portfolio, providing construction customers with access to the latest advancements in crane technology. Vita Industrial anticipates a surge in demand and additional orders as WOLFFKRAN continues to demonstrate the innovative capabilities of this technology in real-world applications.

Describing the VLN as a ‘gamechanger’ ahead of the Johnson Arabia open day, WOLFFKRAN said the event was an unparalleled opportunity to witness first-hand the cutting-edge advancements in the lifting industry.

Caleb Carr, the CEO of Vita Inclinata Technologies, commented on the partnership, saying, “Our collaboration with WOLFFKRAN has exceeded our expectations, and we are excited to witness the rapid adoption of Vita Load Navigator technology. Together, we are empowering construction professionals with innovative solutions that will drive industry advancements for years to come.”

Duncan Salt, CEO of WOLFFKRAN, said: “The overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received underscores the transformative potential of our collaboration with Vita Industrial. We are proud to bring the Vita Load Navigator technology to our partners worldwide, enhancing their lifting operations and setting new standards for efficiency and safety.”

 

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The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are doing the most in the GCC to fight climate change in several key areas despite their fossil fuel dependency, according to a new report that compares government and business sustainability policies, investment and actions across the Middle East and Africa.

South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia rank at the top of the 17-country Middle East and Africa Evironmental Sustainability Scorecard, released Thursday. The scorecard is the most detailed examination to date of country performance in environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies, and corporate practices in the two regions.

The report concludes that the 17 countries covered “are relative ‘late comers’ to global sustainable development but at the same time represent regions that are rapidly stepping-up their sustainability strategies, programs and investments.”

The report was commissioned by Agility, a global supply chain services company based in Kuwait. It was compiled by Horizon Group, a Geneva-based firm that specializes in research and analysis for governments, international organizations, and leading businesses worldwide.

Horizon scored countries in six key “pillar” areas. The UAE ranks 1st in Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport; Energy Transition; and Environmental Ecosystem. Qatar is 1^st in Green Investment, Innovation & Tech; and Governance & Reporting. Saudi Arabia ranks in the top five in five out of six key pillar areas.

Bahrain performs well (3^rd) in Circularity, a measure of resource-use efficiency and waste management; Oman’s highest ranking (6^th) is also in Circularity. Kuwait did best (5^th) in Environmental Ecosystems, which examines air, soil and water pollution, along with conservation and biodiversity.

All six hydrocarbon-intensive GCC countries are at the bottom of the 17-nation ranking in Energy Transition, which looks at energy supply, and renewable energy use, subsidies and taxes, along with energy-transition agendas at national and corporate levels. Leaders in Energy Transition are: Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa.

GCC countries are investing heavily in sustainable development, which will spur their economic growth. Current World Bank projections forecast combined GCC economic output to be $6 trillion by 2050. But “embracing a strategic green growth approach to economic diversification could potentially elevate this figure to over $13 trillion,” the report says, citing World Bank estimates.

The scorecard uses 48 performance and progress indicators to compare countries. The indicators include data, regulatory frameworks, policy assessments, incentives and corporate practices across six pillar areas: green investment and technology; sustainable infrastructure and transport; governance and reporting; energy transition; environmental ecosystems; and circularity. To capture corporate practices and progress, Horizon surveyed 647 business executives in the 17 countries.

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The Shortlist for the 2023 Middle East Consultant Awards is as follows:

AI-Led Design Champion of the Year

• Jacobs
• OBMI
• Tangram Meta

Metaverse Architect of the Year

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

Architectural Company of the Year

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

Company of the Year

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

Cost Consulting Company of the Year

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

Dispute Resolution Champion of the Year

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

Gender & Ethical Employment Champion of the Year

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

HR & Wellness Champion of the Year

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

Interior Design Company of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Key Concept Interiors
• U+A

MEP Engineering Company of the Year

• AESG
• Al Suweidi Engineering Consultants
• Jacobs
• Lasco

On-Site Health & Safety Champion of the Year

• AtkinsRealis
• Jacobs

Project Management Company of the Year

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

Specialist Consulting Company of the Year

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

Structural Engineering Company of the Year

• ASG
• B8 Architecture
• IHC
• KPM Engineering

Sustainable Consultancy of the Year

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

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

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

Project of the Year – Residential & Commercial

• Aedas Dubai – Solar House
• 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

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

Under-30 Champion of the Year

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

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

Lifetime Achievement Award

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

Multi-Discipline Consulting Company of the Year

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

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Citi Developers, a global master developer with a legacy of over a decade of trust and quality announced the launch of Aveline Residences.

Aveline Residences is a collection of 263 apartments located in the heart of Jumeirah Village Circle.

Scheduled for handover in Q2 2026, the project offers a variety of unit types catering to different lifestyles including Studios,1, 2  and 3 bedroom apartments. Ranging from 453.70 sq. ft to 1391.99 sq. ft, each unit is meticulously crafted to provide a harmonious blend of comfort, convenience, and celebration.

“It is a moment of great joy to introduce our development to the UAE and bringing our decade-long legacy in global markets to this region. The launch of Aveline Residences, is a testament to our dedication to excellence in real estate. As this exceptional property is nestled in the vibrant landscape of Jumeirah Village Circle, we are confident that Aveline Residences will not only redefine luxurious living but also play a pivotal role in propelling community living in Dubai. Our commitment to innovation and thoughtful design is a sign to Dubai’s vision for a progressive and sustainable future, making Aveline a cornerstone in the city’s continued success,” said Malik Taha, Managing Director of Citi Developers.

Citi Developers, in 10 years, has earned a reputation creating spaces for family and community living.

Once ready in Q2 of 2026, Aveline Residences will more than just luxurious living, says developers: “Residents will be able to explore a variety of retail options, indulge in culinary delights at restaurants and cafes, enjoy strolls and playtime in open spaces, and benefit from easy commuting with JVC’s strategic links to major hubs.”

The design philosophy of Aveline Residences emphasizes a harmonious balance between indoor and outdoor areas, providing residents with the luxury of nature just outside their doorstep. From yoga and games areas to a beach pool, padel court, kids pool, spa, sauna, mini cinema, and a fully equipped gym, Aveline Residences will offer a diverse range of amenities to enhance the residents’ living experience.

“At Citi, we passionately develop projects that understand and cater to the needs of investors and residents. Each endeavor is thoughtfully planned, efficiently executed, and designed to captivate with its innovative lifestyle offerings. We are optimistic that Dubai’s strategic location, investor-friendly policies, and most importantly the safety and security that the metropolis offers will serve as a magnet for our new launch,” added Malik Taha.

The booking process for Aveline Residences is made easy with a flexible payment plan which includes 10% booking installment, 10% on SPA, 30 days after booking, 1% for 30 months, and 50% upon handover.

With an impressive track record of developing over 450 Million square feet of prime real estate, building over 350,000 homes, and serving a network of 500,000 happy clients across the globe, Citi Developers have solidified its position as a master developer that has a keen eye for community living. Through its meticulously planned and impeccably executed projects, the company continues to redefine the benchmarks of innovative and modern lifestyle for families.

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Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, has announced a significant expansion of Yas Island’s Yas Waterworld. This 16,900 sqm expansion, set to be completed by 2025, aims to increase the park’s guest capacity by 20% and add 18 new rides and attractions, bringing the total to over 60.

The expansion includes the addition of 3.3 km of slide sections. Highlighting this development is the introduction of the UAE’s tallest slide and the GCC’s first amusement ride within a water park’s waterslide complex. This unique ride features a 15-meter-high drop for up to 20 guests, offering an unmatched adventure experience.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, expressed pride in this development, saying, “This expansion is not just an enhancement of Yas Waterworld, but a step towards solidifying Yas Island as a premier global destination for entertainment and leisure. It aligns with our vision of contributing to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification and enhancing its appeal as a global tourism hub.”

Yas Waterworld, known for its narrative of ‘The Legend of the Lost Pearl’ that reflects the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage, will now introduce a new adventure theme – ‘The Lost City’. This addition promises guests an engaging journey to discover hidden treasures and secret passages, all while enjoying thrilling attractions.

The expansion caters to all ages, featuring a swim-up bar, high-thrill boat ride, various slides, family raft rides, and a dueling master blaster. For younger visitors, scaled-down versions of iconic rides like a mini-Dawwama and a mini-Boomerango are planned, ensuring a fun experience for mini thrill-seekers.

A Broader Vision for Yas Island
Yas Waterworld is part of the Yas Island’s diverse attractions, including Ferrari World Yas Island, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and the newly opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. This expansion further solidifies the island’s status as a leading global destination for entertainment and leisure.

Miral’s commitment to customer-centric, progressive, and efficient development continues with this project. The organization aims to enhance Yas Island’s success as a destination and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification through new leisure and entertainment ventures.

This expansion, blending modern thrills with cultural narratives, is set to enhance Yas Waterworld’s reputation as a top-tier water adventure park, offering new and exhilarating experiences to both local and international visitors.

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WOW Resorts has entered a “prestigious agreement with the esteemed” JW Marriott to announce the unveiling of a jewel in the crown of Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK), UAE – the JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island.

The development, with an estimated value of USD 1.3 Billion upon completion, “will stand as a beacon in Marriott International’s luxury portfolio, a testament to its iconic stature on Al Marjan Island, a cherished destination for tourists and investors alike,” said the two partners..

The founders of WOW Resorts, Anwar Ali Aman and Bhupender ‘Bruce’ Patel, representatives of Marriott International and the respected Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, were all present during the resort and residences’ unveiling at a ceremony held at the Marriott Resort on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai.

The partners said the exclusive collaboration marks the birth of the first JW Marriott-branded resort and residences on Al Marjan Island, and is expected to attract over five million visitors annually, “thereby enhancing the island’s stature on the world map of tourism and opulent living.”

Described as an “architectural masterpiece”, the project is designed by celebrity Beverly Hills Architect Tony Ashai with Dubai-based Lead Consultants Architecture Design Unit, ADU.

“Anticipated to open its doors towards the end of 2026, JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island herald WOW Resorts’ debut in the UAE’s Northern Emirates, a favoured destination for leisure and luxury. With a legacy of over two and a half decades crafting hospitality and real estate projects across North America, WOW Resorts are bringing yet another exemplar. The newly announced development promises to redefine the very essence of hospitality and residential opulence. Infused with bold design and premium experiences, for which the JW Marriott brand is celebrated, this new establishment is designed as an exquisite haven for both vacationers and those seeking the pinnacle of luxury resort living. This extraordinary property caters to aspiring homeowners, the discerning globetrotter of tomorrow, nature enthusiasts, and aficionados of aquatic sports,” said WOW Resorts and JW Marriott in a statement.

Comprising an exclusive portfolio of 524 residences, featuring a selection of 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom residences and luxurious penthouses, alongside 300 meticulously appointed guest rooms, JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island are set against the backdrop of breathtaking turquoise waters, offering uninterrupted vistas of the vast ocean: “The allure extends to the many amenities that grace this sanctuary, including a curated selection of seven distinctive dining venues, an indulgent spa, refreshing pools, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. These aspects, among others, render this property an irresistible proposition for discerning investors. Positioned conveniently, the property is a leisurely thirty-minute drive from the RAK airport, and less than an hour’s journey from the Dubai International Airport, ensuring the utmost in accessibility for residents and visitors alike.”

Anwar Ali Aman, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of WOW Resorts, expressed his gratitude for the prestigious partnership and said: “It is a privilege to work with the prestigious Marriott International and Al Marjan Island to unveil our flagship project in one of UAE’s most eagerly anticipated developments. We are humbled by the opportunity to further enrich our portfolio in the luxury sector, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the leadership for their efforts in enhancing investments in the tourism, hospitality, and residential segments within the region.”

Bhupender ‘Bruce’ Patel, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of WOW Resorts, conveyed his profound pride in the forthcoming property.

“Our collaboration with Marriott International and our venture on Al Marjan Island represents a new chapter in our journey,” said Patel. “With the demand for waterfront living on the rise, we are committed to optimising and elevating the experiences of all our cherished guests and residents as we embark on this remarkable project in the UAE, set on the enchanting Al Marjan Island, a prime investment destination in the region.”

Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer, Marjan, added: “We are delighted to welcome JW Marriott and WOW Resorts to our flagship development, in line with our commitment to creating unparalleled living experiences for residents and guests on Al Marjan Island. JW Marriott Al Marjan Island Resort & JW Marriott Residences Al Marjan Island, are a luxury offering that will boost investment opportunities for both homeowners and tourists keen on enjoying the perks of waterfront living in prime leisure hubs. Al Marjan Island offers a perfect blend of luxury and nature and with excellent returns on investment, it further reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal as an investment and lifestyle destination.”

Jaidev Menezes, Regional VP, Mixed-Use Development EMEA for Marriott International described the project as truly unique, adding that it “will provide an unparalleled experience for visitors and residents alike. With its stunning beaches, luxurious outlets, and world-class amenities, Al Marjan Island is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. We look forward to its continued success.”

Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Marjan Island in particular, have witnessed a consistent and steady demand for residential and tourism developments, indicating a positive outlook for real estate investment opportunities in the northern emirate. The sustainable growth in Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate market and the appeal of waterfront living experiences have further attracted investors from across the globe, making Al Marjan Island a prime destination for lucrative returns on investment.

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In response to several requests for additional time to submit nominations for the 2023 edition of the Big Project Middle East Awards, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has decided to extend the nomination deadline to 10pm on 23 November.

The date of the gala dinner remains unchanged – 18 January 2024 – and the BPME Awards will be returning to the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai to unveil the shortlist, and winners, in each category, the BPME editorial team confirmed.

The 2023 edition of the BPME Awards has been revamped significantly, and now features 31 categories that enable government organisations, developers, contractors, construction specialists, construction teams and individuals, greater opportunities to participate and compete with their peers from across the Middle East. For the first time in its 14 year history, the BPME Awards is recognising mentors in the built environment, construction/project teams, and has further segmented the developer and contractor categories. You can read about all the categories by clicking here.

“Now in its 14^th year, the Big Project Middle East Awards carry significant recognition in the region, so making the shortlist or bagging an award is a sure-fire way to earn significant industry credibility. Taking into consideration how much the industry has evolved over the years, I felt the time was right to expand the BPME Awards programme, and judging by the nominations we’ve received so far, the move has been well received,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

As categories have been updated and changed compared to past editions of the BPME Awards, the editorial team stated that companies and individuals should pay close attention to category descriptions, in order to make sure they qualify for the category, and can submit a strong nomination. The BPME team also advised firms to look at the broader nomination guidelines here.

Following the close of nominations on 23 November, the BPME editorial team will collate all the nominations and begin the first round of eliminations. The second round of eliminations will then take place with a panel of industry judges. Ahead of the awards gala in January, the shortlist will be unveiled on Middle East Construction News, with winners announced on the night of 18 January at the Ritz Carlton JBR. Click here to nominate now.

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Batelco, part of the Beyon Group, has signed an agreement with Naseej, one of Bahrain’s leading real estate development companies, to provide smart home solutions for its Nasayim residential project located in Arad, Muharraq.

Through this partnership, Batelco will equip the Nasayim villas with the latest technologies, creating smart enabled homes that will provide homeowners with convenience, efficiency in power consumption, security systems and personalised settings.

The agreement was signed by Naseej CEO, Amin Al Arrayed, and Batelco Chief Operating Officer, Maitham Abdulla in the presence of representatives from both companies.

Amin Al Arrayed commented: “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Batelco, appointing them as our Technology Partner for the Nasayim villa project. We look forward to leveraging Batelco’s ICT expertise in enabling these homes as smart homes for the affordable sector.

“We are confident that these smart enabled homes will provide high value to their owners for many years to come without incurring the hassle of modifying or redesigning them in the years ahead, paving the way for a more prosperous future in the housing sector in the Kingdom of Bahrain. With our strategic tie-up, we aim to deliver the highest standards of quality in our product offering, thereby serving clients with enhanced value and distinguishing Naseej’s projects in the market.”

Meanwhile, Maitham Abdulla said that Naseej has proven, through its portfolio of projects, its capabilities in the field of real estate development and it was delighted to be collaborating as the technology partner for their project. “Everyone today”, he explained, “dreams about owning homes that are smart enabled, and Batelco is committed to delivering the technology that will meet the aspirations and needs of Bahraini homeowners. The project combines real estate and innovative technological solutions, and we are looking forward to working with Naseej, unifying our efforts to deliver smart enabled villas in line with the demands for a modern-day lifestyle.”

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