A partnership has been signed between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and French water and waste management specialists Suez. The deal will see the provisioning of essential municipal and environmental services for AlUla’s expanding community of residents, businesses, and visitors.

According to a statement, the deal will further enable RCU’s transition into a mature and advanced municipality, and empower AlUla’s development into city that is prepared to overcome any challenges it may face as part of its ongoing growth.

Integrating Suez’s expertise into RCU’s delivery of city services will ensure the safe, sustainable, and consistent provision of water and waste solutions throughout AlUla. The partnership also strengthens RCU’s efforts to tackle the effects of climate change on the natural and urban landscape while also conserving biodiversity in AlUla.

RCU and Suez will both undertake strategic development projects and knowledge sharing to maintain and expand water and waste management within the framework of RCU’s goal to improve people’s quality of life. This will be done in full alignment with the pillars of AlUla’s Sustainability Charter, the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan, and the Saudi Green Initiative, the statement added.

With more than 160 years’ experience in the field, Suez is ideally suited to aid RCU in its long-term goal of regenerating AlUla into a sustainable, liveable, and efficient destination that employs smart water, waste, and environmental technologies and solutions in its management of key resources, the statement noted.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

App-based property inspection firm VeriEstate says it has added the capability for prospective buyers and renters to source ‘accurate, unbiased, and comprehensive insights on the quality of properties’. The platform will help uncover mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and/or other issues that are not visible to the naked eye, enabling buyers and renters to make informed decisions before purchasing or moving in, the firm pointed out in its statement.

The firm is said to be gearing up for its launch, which will help ‘usher in an era of higher trust, transparency, and cutting-edge technology in the real estate industry’.

The solution was conceived by Rajab Ali Virani, CEO of Vision Tech and is said to showcase the integration of blockchain and other advanced technologies. With a dedicated team of MEP engineers and experts for property inspection and reporting, VeriEstate harnesses the power of real-time information. The reports produced by the company boast formal credentials, making them a trustworthy and universally recognized point of reference for buyers, renters, brokers, and property owners alike, said a statement.

“Real estate properties are more than what meets the eye. They can appear perfect, while concealing flaws that can significantly impact their utility and valuation. So, the market is rife with buyers and renters wary of structural issues related to MEP systems. As often as not, such scepticism deters many from closing transactions. We are geared toward allaying such fears through scientific, non-intrusive quality checks,” stated Virani.

VeriEstate is said to leverage advanced sensors and imaging technology to detect hidden issues that traditional, superficial inspections may have missed. Additionally, the platform’s integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) helps identify patterns and potential concerns, providing valuable insights for future design considerations. The company said these outcomes have profound implications for real estate transactions, addressing the prevailing trust deficit and accountability issues in the industry, thus streamlining processes and reducing delays and confusion.

Snagging has long been a headache for both buyers and developers. The firm said its app excels in addressing this pervasive problem. With its cutting-edge technologies and blockchain to record and process real-time information and a team of meticulous experts, VeriEstate ensures no detail is overlooked during snagging and facilitates a quick and seamless process. This comprehensive solution not only saves valuable time for both parties but also enhances transparency and accountability, the company confirmed.

“Real estate transactions are capital-intensive, so complexities can arise. A credible certificate following a thorough property inspection can alleviate some concerns and accelerate transactions in both primary and secondary markets. There was a pressing need for an accessible, affordable, and user-friendly service — which is our vision with VeriEstate,” said Suhail Dawoodani, Managing Director of VeriEstate.

He added that the app aligns with Dubai’s reported move to revamp its official Rental Index to factor in quality and amenities while determining rents. Industry sources say policymakers aim to correlate property prices with quality and amenities instead of trends like locality, community, and brand.

VeriEstate is well-equipped to facilitate that transition while contributing to bigger goals, such as buildings’ compliance with green and sustainability standards and certifications for legal and insurance purposes. Such an interdisciplinary role, scientific methods, and an alignment with the government vision, will enable VeriEstate to achieve a user base of 10m by 2025, Virani noted.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

A long-term agreement has been inked between the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and Saudi Telecom Company (STC). The 15-year partnership is said to showcase the joint vision of RCU and STC to drive AlUla’s digital transformation, said a statement.

STC said that it will integrate neutral host infrastructure into AlUla’s existing ICT (information and communication technology) framework, which includes 5G enablement. This will solidify the county’s technological landscape, paving the way for high-speed, robust infrastructure advances to streamline digital capabilities and elevate AlUla’s progress on its digital transformation journey, the telecoms firm explained.

Neutral fibre optic networks are networks that are open to all service providers. They can offer benefits such as lower costs, higher speeds, and greater efficiency through sharing of resources.

“Our collaboration with STC is an immensely significant step in AlUla’s digital transformation journey. By building advanced telecommunication infrastructure, we are setting the foundation for innovation, creating boundless opportunities for our community, and ensuring AlUla stands at the forefront of technological progress,” explained Waleed AlDayel, RCU’s Chief of Strategy and Digital.

The RCU-STC strategic partnership will not only improve the availability and quality of telecommunication in AlUla but also provide a myriad of opportunities for technologies that require high speeds and efficiency. Such improvements in telecommunications mean that more companies can serve AlUla’s residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 to raise service quality throughout the Kingdom, the statement added.

The integration of top-tier telecommunication technologies embodies RCU’s dedication to its community-first approach, focusing on enhancing residents’ quality of life through digital advancement, the RCU said.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) has announced it has achieved a milestone on its Power Station 5 (PS5) Block 4 Project, following the arrival of Mitsubishi Power’s M701JAC Gas Turbine (GT). The M701JAC GT is the first-of-its-kind in the world GT manufactured for a primary aluminium smelter and installed in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

According to a statement from Alba, the JAC GT is an air-cooled version of the J-series GT and Steam Turbine, and has a combined cycle output 680.9MW, and reduces CO2 emissions when compared to conventional coal fired boilers and turbines worldwide.

“We are pleased to see the Gas Turbine at Alba’s Project site as that will bring us one step closer to boost our operational efficiency while accelerate our ESG transformation in line with the Kingdom’s objectives of Net Zero Emissions by 2060. The state-of-the-art JAC GT will enable Alba to reduce its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and deliver clean energy. This GT will support our vision once fully commissioned to be a sustainable and responsible aluminium producer,” said Alba’s CEO Ali Al Baqali.

He added, “I thank our partners Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and SEPCOIII for their support to progress with this project’s milestones safely and on time. I also want to thank our project team for achieving to date around 1.5m safe working hours without LTI.”

Takashi Tozawa, Senior Fellow, Senior General Manager, GTCC Business Division of Energy Systems at MHI continued, “Today, marks an important milestone in our growing partnership with Alba, with the on-schedule progress and arrival of Mitsubishi Power advanced JAC gas turbine to Alba’s new Combined Cycle Gas Turbine Block 4 in Power Station 5. This project reflects Mitsubishi Power’s ongoing commitment to deliver our state-of-the-art and hydrogen-ready gas turbine technologies and services to support Alba and our partners in Bahrain, in meeting their power and decarbonisation goals, which are aligned with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 for sustainable development.”

Alba’s PS5 Block 4 Expansion Project is the addition of a fourth Block of similar combined cycle configuration with 680.9MW M701JAC Gas Turbine Combined Cycle, and includes tie into the existing 220kV Substation. Once operational in Q4 2024, Block 4 will increase the nameplate capacity of PS5 Complex from 1,800MW to 2,481MW, and reduce its overall GHG emissions intensity ratio by 0.5t of CO2 per 1.0t of aluminium produced.

Kong Lingfeng Vice President of SEPCOIII concluded, “We express our commitment to support Bahrain’s energy goals and meet Alba’s expectations through the timely installation of the gas turbine and generator. SEPCOIII aims to provide Chinese expertise to boost Alba’s production capacity while delivering this Project within the schedule.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews

As part of its plans for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup, Morocco has said that it plans to build a large stadium in Benslimane, near Casablanca, and upgrade six others.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office, a deal was signed on the same day between the government and state-owned fund CDG to finance the new stadium to be ready by 2028 for a total cost of US $500mn.

The six stadiums to be renovated to host the African cup of nations in 2025 and the 2030 World Cup are in the cities of Agadir, Casablanca Fez, Marrakech, Rabat and Tangier. The refurbishments are estimated to cost a total of $1.4bn between now and 2028.

The funding will go towards ensuring the stadiums meet the standards that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has set for the 2025 AFCON, as well as the requirements FIFA has set for the 2030 World Cup.

FMRF’s President Fouzi Lekjaa said that stadium renovation work has already started and it “will progress at a pace that guarantees the successful organization of both tournaments”.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi Arabia’s PIF has announced that its hospitality unit, Boutique Group, has appointed the lead architect and interior designer for a landmark project that aims to transform a historic royal palace in Riyadh into an ultra-luxury hotel.

PIF explained that to drive this architectural and design transformation, two key entities have now been appointed. First, Aedas, known for applying research-based architecture and merging it with local and global knowledge; and Tristan Auer, an interior architect known to have a rich aesthetic vision. Together, they will be designing The Red Palace, one of three royal palaces that the Boutique Group is set on transforming into world-class ultra-luxury hotels.

The Red Palace in Riyadh was constructed in the early 1940s by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founding monarch of Saudi Arabia, to serve as the residence and administrative centre for his son, King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Notably, it was the country’s first concrete building, marking a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s architectural history.

Mark De Cocinis, CEO of Boutique Group said, “Our transformation project will protect The Red Palace’s key architectural and design features, creating a compelling guest experience by combining the new function of the palace as an ultra-luxury hotel, while preserving its original character and celebrating the Kingdom’s rich architecture and history. Saudi Arabia is on a journey of unprecedented diversification of its economy under Vision 2030, and we are committed to supporting the transformation of the Kingdom’s tourism and cultural sectors.”

Throughout its history, The Red Palace hosted international receptions and royal banquets, welcoming heads of state, government officials, and other prominent figures. Later, it served as the Council of Ministers’ headquarters for over three decades and housed the Court of Grievances until 2002.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Plans have been announced to develop a third cross-border railway between Kazakhstan and China.

An agreement was signed by the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the State Committee for Development and Reform of the People’s Republic of China, on the joint development of cooperation on the Ayagoz-Tacheng railway construction project.

According to the statement made by Marat Karabayev, the Minister of Transport of Kazakhstan, the agreement includes plans for a railway line that will connect the Kazakh city of Ayagoz to the Chinese city of Tacheng.

Plans have also been unveiled to build a third railway checkpoint between Kazakhstan and China, in addition to the development of terminal facilities in the border area.

“There are now two railway checkpoints with a capacity of 28m tons. This year we expect them to be at full capacity. Now it is necessary to develop new capacity between our country and China. Therefore, with the commissioning of the third railway checkpoint, the volume of transportation between Kazakhstan and China by rail will reach 50m tons,” explained Karabayev.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Aldar Properties has achieved a 97% occupancy rate across its prime Grade A commercial properties, signalling robust demand for premium office spaces in Abu Dhabi. Occupancy rates at the towers located at ADGM, the international financial centre on Al Maryah Island, stand at 99% compared to 79% when acquired by Aldar in 2022, the firm explained.

These towers now enjoy an average lease term of more than four years and host some of the world’s most prestigious companies, including PwC, Deloitte, Brevan Howard, Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), G42 Asset Management and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

Aldar’s other Grade A commercial properties in Abu Dhabi, HQ and International Tower currently hold an average occupancy rate of 95%. During H1 2023, the office sector in Abu Dhabi enjoyed vibrant growth, with Grade A rents returning to levels last seen in 2016, the firm said.

The current performance of the office market is supported by a positive economic landscape, as demand for high-quality Grade A assets remains firm amidst limited supply, resulting in rising occupancy rates across prime commercial properties.

Aldar Investment CEO, Jassem Saleh Busaibe said, “Abu Dhabi’s commercial property market continues to perform strongly, bucking the global trend. The occupancy rates within Aldar’s commercial portfolio reflect the confidence of investors in the strong macro fundamentals and stable regulatory environment of the emirate. With a favourable business environment, the city continues to be an attractive destination for leading global corporates to establish their regional presence, and we are seeing this result in strong demand for future developments.”

Based on the healthy demand pipeline, Aldar recently partnered with Mubadala to acquire Al Maryah Tower, another prime commercial property located on Al Maryah Island, which is expected to achieve a pre-leasing occupancy rate of 50% by the end of this year and be operational in Q1 2024.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Red Sea Global (RSG) has completed the installation of the largest off-grid electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Saudi Arabia. The network includes more than 150 charging stations spread across phase one of The Red Sea destination area.

The stations are said to be strategically placed to keep RSG’s initial fleet of 80 electric Lucid and Mercedes vehicles continually charged and on the road. The Mercedes-Benz EQS and Lucid Air vehicles are for the exclusive use of guest transport during their stay at The Red Sea, the developer noted.

Whether arriving or departing from the airport, or travelling between the various resorts and facilities, guests can reserve the electric fleet through advanced bookings or on an on-demand basis, according to their needs.

Group CEO John Pagano explained, “Our ambition to combine sustainability and luxury like never before takes a new form as we drive The Red Sea into the future of next-gen, smart mobility, fully powered by sunlight. Our electric transport fleet and charging network not only elevates our environmental credibility with yet another global benchmark in carbon-neutral operations but does so in a way that matches our guests’ expectations for high-end style and comfort.”

The infrastructure required to service, maintain, and operate the fleet is also now in place ready for the arrival of the first guests to the destination. This includes a mobility hub that is expected to create 1,500 new jobs such as chauffeurs, hub managers, skilled technicians, and EV charging specialists, RSG added.

These roles will in turn contribute to enhancing the Kingdom’s role in the field of future mobility, while reaffirming RSG’s commitment to empowering young Saudis, particularly in local communities.

Andreas Flourou, Group Head of Mobility, added: “Red Sea Global heralds a new era of cutting-edge mobility with Saudi Arabia’s premier luxury EV fleet marking a milestone in sustainable transportation. The addition of Mercedes-Benz EQS and Lucid Airs, powered by our solar grid, reinforces our commitment to regenerative tourism. Our carbon-neutral operations provide guests with a seamless and stylish travel experience, while creating new jobs and empowering young Saudis.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Project developer London Gate has announced plans to deliver 2,000 high-end residential units across prime locations in Dubai over the next six months. Having established a reputation in countries around the world, London Gate is now set on bringing London’s elegance and built-environment quality to Dubai’s own urban landscape, the firm said.

The firm’s key upcoming projects – all promising ‘Extraordinary Living’ – include Marina 106, Nadine I & II and Maya V.

CEO Eman Taha remarked, “Dubai is an unparalleled destination for top-tier real estate ventures. At London Gate, our vision is to redefine and revitalise the city’s iconic skyline and property landscape, thereby establishing new thresholds that transcend industry standards. Our unwavering commitment lies in not only meeting but exceeding the ever-evolving demands of the market. Our developments will cover Dubai’s prominent hotspots and will deliver one of the tallest buildings overlooking the Dubai Marina, as well as a one-of-its-kind suite of branded residences, and a selection of prime residential spaces across Dubailand and Jumeirah Village.”

The super-tall tower in the Marina mentioned by Eman Taha is Marina 106, which will be 434m high, offer 649 luxurious living spaces, including one to four-bedroom apartments and deluxe duplexes – all with city views.

Nadine I & II, inspired by the architectural wonders of Venice and Rome, will create a vibrant community in Al Furjan, while Maya V in JVT will provide interconnected living spaces designed for families, offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom homes, the firm stated.

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Source: MEConstructionNews