Modular construction specialist, SIBS, has won a new contract to deliver an additional 1,300 apartments to a large-scale residential project in Neom. SIBS says it is the sole supplier for this project and notes that this is the second order from Neom in less than four months.

The latest contract, a design and build one, includes the design, production, logistics, assembly, and finalisation of 1,300 apartments spread across 22 buildings, totalling approximately 100,000sqm GFA. SIBS said it will deliver turn-key buildings from a finalised bottom slab upwards. The entire project will be commissioned and delivered by Q4 2024.

The order solidifies SIBS position in Saudi Arabia specifically but also globally as one of the world’s leading industrial producers of apartment buildings, it said. The first order of 2,174 apartments is already in production, the company stated.

“We are very proud to once again have been awarded a contract of this magnitude and to have received all orders of high-quality apartments of permanent standard that Neom has awarded so far. We have already initiated the production of over 2,000 apartments in Neom, and this new contract demonstrates our capacity to handle extensive and complex deliveries. It’s clear that our offering is appreciated in the market, and this is another confirmation that we possess the competence and delivery strengths that few others can match. We look forward to our continued delivery of high-quality houses to Neom, a revolutionary urban development we truly believe in,” says Erik Thomaeus, CEO of SIBS.

According to SIBS, the buildings comprise one- and two-bedroom high-standard apartments equipped with designed kitchens, exclusive bathrooms, and balconies. Solar panels will be built on the roofs, and the firm says that low-energy building materials, together with its modular building system which ensure 90% completion ahead of delivery to the construction site, make the buildings highly energy efficient.

The buildings are adapted in detail to comply with Neom’s stringent regulations and are designed for future relocation if needed elsewhere as the development of Neom progresses throughout other parts of the region, the statement concluded.

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Dubai Municipality has launched what is billed as the world’s first system for certification and conformity marks for 3D printing in the built environment. The system will serve as a proactive measure to streamline procedures and improve the quality of concrete mixes used in factories licensed and operating in Dubai.

“The certification and conformity mark system for factories and entities operating in the field of 3D printing for construction has been comprehensively established in alignment with Dubai Municipality’s proactive vision. This system embraces international best practices to provide exceptional services to both individuals and the community, thereby enhancing Dubai’s global reputation and aligning with Dubai Municipality’s strategic objectives outlined in Dubai’s 2030 Plan,” stated Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

He added, “Additionally, the system supports Dubai’s 3D printing strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The strategy aims to utilise technology for the advancement of humanity and position the UAE and Dubai as prominent regional and global hubs for 3D printing technology. The new system is anticipated to make significant strides in the efforts to streamline practices and procedures for 3D printing and enhance the quality of concrete mixes used in licensed factories.”

According to a report from WAM, the initiative plays a key role in advancing Dubai’s position as the world’s first city to adopt a conformity marking strategy for 3D printers used for construction and regulating this new form of project delivery.

Alia Al Harmoodi, CEO of the Environment, Health, and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality said that the main focus of the new system includes assessing product and raw material quality, ensuring the efficiency of manufacturing equipment and machinery, defining technical standards of manufacturing operations at every stage of production, and ensuring efficiency of management systems within factories.

“In line with its efforts, Dubai Municipality included an integrated guide on its website featuring four chapters that cover the key requirements to be met by factories and entities engaged in 3D printing for the construction sector. The guide, which has a flexible and relevant design, sheds light on various methods and technologies of manufacturing concrete used in 3D printers, while also considering different components and specifications of materials used by companies,” Al Harmoodi explained.

The Dubai Central Laboratory will supervise the management of the new system in terms of product evaluation, auditing, and lab testing and issuing conformity certificates in accordance with approved technical principles and controls.

The laboratory is said to have developed various certification and quality marking systems in recent years, which have been instrumental in elevating product quality and ensuring consumer protection across Dubai. This includes conformity certification programs for ready-mix concrete factories, precast concrete factories as well as cement and chemical additive factories.

By integrating cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing, construction projects can yield numerous benefits such as reducing chances of errors, wastage of materials and natural resources used in mixtures like water, aggregate and cement, and accelerating work completion with minimum manpower, Dubai Municipality said.

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Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) has awarded two engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts worth US $17bn for the Hail and Ghasha Offshore Development project.

The project aims to operate with net zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, reinforcing Adnoc’s legacy of responsible energy production and supporting its Net Zero by 2045 ambition and accelerated decarbonisation plan, said a statement from Adnoc.

The first EPC contract for the offshore facilities includes facilities on artificial islands and subsea pipelines. It has been awarded to a joint venture between National Petroleum Construction Company and Saipem. It is estimated to be worth about $8.2bn. The second EPC contract will deliver the onshore scope, including CO2 and sulphur recovery and handling. It has been awarded to Tecnimont. This contract is valued at $8.74bn.

Hail and Ghasha are part of Abu Dhabi’s Ghasha concession, which is set to produce more than 1.5bn standard cubic feet per day (bscfd) of gas before the end of the decade, contributing to UAE gas self-sufficiency and Adnoc’s gas growth and export expansion plans.

Over 60% of the investment value of the entire project will flow back into the UAE’s economy under Adnoc’s In-Country Value (ICV) program, reinforcing the company’s commitment to ensuring more economic value remains in the country from the contracts it awards.

Abdulmunim Al Kindy, Adnoc Upstream Executive Director said: “The final investment decision, for Hail and Ghasha, is a major milestone for Adnoc and our strategic partners, and we are delighted to progress this pioneering project with Net Zero carbon dioxide emissions, significantly boosting Adnoc’s carbon capture capacity as we work toward a lower carbon future.”

“The project will drive in-country value, provide highly skilled career opportunities for UAE Nationals and stimulate socio-economic growth for the nation. Natural gas is an important transition fuel and Adnoc will continue to responsibly unlock its gas resources to enable gas self-sufficiency for the UAE, grow our export capacity and support global energy security,” he concluded.

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A Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for power generated from the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Programme has been inked between EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar). The agreement will see EWEC procuring power from the UAE’s utility-scale wind programme for the first time.

The agreement was signed by Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar Chief Executive Officer. Also in attendance was Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President-Designate, and Chairman of Masdar, and Engineer Awaidha Murshed Ali Al Marar, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE).

The agreement was signed following the official UAE Wind Programme inauguration presided over by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Located at Sila, Sir Bani Yas Island and Delma Island, the wind power farms have a generation capacity up to 99MW of renewable, carbon-free electricity, enough to power 22,000 homes, displacing 115,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

The purchase agreement will draw power from 22 wind turbines standing at 95m high with a 155m wingspan, able to generate power at lower wind speeds, and also includes 14MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power.

“We are honoured to welcome H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council to inaugurate the UAE’s first utility-scale Wind Programme, and witness the signing of this landmark power purchase agreement which reflects a significant milestone for EWEC as we further expand our energy generation portfolio and increase the share of renewable energy in the UAE’s total energy mix. The addition of wind power to Abu Dhabi’s energy system enables EWEC to deliver power from a diverse array of renewable and clean sources that support the conservation and preservation of the UAE’s natural heritage while simultaneously accelerating the country’s socio-economic growth,” stated Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC.

He added, “This strategic partnership with Masdar signifies our joint commitment to driving the country’s energy transition and significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with energy generation. With the UAE hosting COP28 this year, EWEC is proud to be supporting the UAE in achieving its carbon-neutral future by mid-century and becoming the world’s most dynamic economy as outlined in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”

Being at the forefront of driving the country’s energy transition and decarbonising the energy sector, EWEC’s historic deployment of utility-scale renewable energy is accelerating the UAE’s realisation of its economic and sustainability objectives. With the addition of wind power, EWEC’s portfolio now encompasses multiple sources of strategic green energy, solidifying the UAE’s energy transition leadership, a report from WAM stated.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Masdar’s Chief Executive Officer concluded, “This is a remarkable milestone in the UAE’s renewable energy journey as wind energy is now for the first time powering the UAE national grid through our partnership with EWEC. Thanks to the vision of the wise leadership, Masdar was empowered to engineer and construct a technologically advanced, utility-scale wind programme across the UAE, collaborating with international partners, when many considered it impossible due to low wind speeds in the UAE. Today we see that pioneering vision become a reality as a result of UAE-led innovation and expertise.”

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Jubail Island, the master-planned property featuring more than 30km of waterfront in Abu Dhabi, has announced that Spinneys will open a new supermarket located in the development’s Souk Al Jubail neighbourhood.

The 1,000sqm standalone store, with its own dedicated parking lot, is situated at the main gate of Jubail Island, which is located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.

The Souk Al Jubail district is itself a focal link connecting six villages across the island and provides residents with a central hub combining well-being, connectivity, leisure, retail and commercial services. With a range of parks, swimming pools, sports facilities and play areas, it also offers a number of entertainment attractions and a selection of key-brand restaurants.

The US $4.08bn Jubail Island project is owned by JIIC and developed and managed by LEAD – Real Estate Developer. It is nestled amidst the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the Abu Dhabi mangroves, and covers more than 3,000ha

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The volume of super-prime homes sold in Dubai, priced at over US $10mn, totalled $1.59bn during Q3, according to the latest market analysis by global property consultant, Knight Frank.

Faisal Durrani, Partner – Head of Research, Middle East & Africa, explained: “Demand for luxury homes in Dubai remains resilient and supply continues to stubbornly lag demand. The total number of $10mn+ home sales in Dubai for the first nine-months of the year has hit 277, a record high with three-months of the year still left to run. This builds on Dubai’s emergence as the world’s busiest $10mn+ sales market during H1, ranking ahead of New York (125), Hong Kong (109), and London (99).”

The average transacted price for homes that were sold for more than $10mn stood at $1785 per sqft at the end of Q3, according to Knight Frank’s analysis.

City luxury home demand continues to strengthen, attracting both local and international purchasers. Dubai’s prime residential areas are witnessing consistent interest, with The Palm Jumeirah remaining the key focal point for super-prime home sales, accounting for 52.3% of total sales in this exclusive 10mn+ price bracket.

Not to be outdone, however, is Umm Suqeim Three, which is anchored by the Madinat Jumeirah Living development. Average transacted prices here stand at $4,274 per sqft, 62%% higher than its nearest competitor, Business Bay, says Knight Frank.

Durrani continued, “The extraordinary run of price rises in this third market cycle has seen prices escalating for nine consecutive quarters. Dubai’s prime neighbourhoods of the Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Jumeirah Bay Island, have been and continue to be the real stars of this cycle, leaving prime values 15.9% higher than this time last year.”

Dubai’s latest freehold residential market cycle remains firmly in its growth phase. Cash purchasers dominate activity, and the buyer pool is still exceptionally diverse. Stock in the prime markets is restricted and demand for luxury beach-front homes, as seen with the recent sell-out of the initial tranche of villas on the Palm Jebel Ali, is likely to sustain rising prices for the foreseeable future.

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DP World and Indonesian conglomerate Maspion Group have begun development of a new container terminal in Gresik, East Java. The terminal will enhance East Java’s position as a key trade gateway and connect Indonesian enterprises with customers in the region and globally, DP World noted.

The firm said that its strategic partnership with Maspion Group underscores its commitment to boost infrastructure and capacity in East Java and facilitate seamless trade in the region.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the facility was attended by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO, DP World and Dr Alim Markus, Chairman and CEO of Maspion Group, and witnessed by Budi Karya Sumadi, Minister of Transportation, Republic of Indonesia and Septian Haryo Seto, Deputy of Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

“We see significant potential in Indonesia as a major hub for global trade, and we hope to unlock further growth in the region through meaningful partnerships and investments that bring opportunities through greater trade connectivity for local businesses and communities. Our partnership with Maspion Group to build new infrastructure in Gresik will strengthen East Java’s position as a key trade and logistics gateway. It will also serve as a cornerstone in our strategy to expand our global ports and logistics network to offer our customers end-to-end solutions and boost supply chain resilience,” said Bin Sulayem.

The joint venture (JV) company, DP World Maspion East Java, will operate a modern international container terminal with a design capacity of up to three million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) – elevating efficiency and operational excellence in Indonesia. As part of DP World’s goal of delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions, the JV will also develop an integrated industrial and logistics park, adjacent to the container terminal, with an initial land area of 110ha and with scope for future expansion, the firm said in a statement.

Dr Markus added, “Maspion Group shares DP World’s vision and is dedicated to contributing to sustainable economic development in Indonesia and harnessing investment opportunities in the interest of the country’s fiscal growth. This project is a strong proof of how both companies – with the support of the government – can leverage our respective resources and capabilities, to jointly develop East Java’s infrastructure in tandem with President Joko Widodo’s vision to accelerate economic growth through his Indonesia Golden Generation 2045 strategy. We are excited about the prospects of this project and its long-term economic impact.”

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The UAE is set to generate a total capacity of 19.8 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy by 2030, Suhail bin Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, told a global audience of energy leaders at the opening of Adipec 2023.

“Having one of the fastest-growing clean energy industries in the world, the UAE is set to generate a total capacity of 19.8 gigawatts of clean energy by 2030. In addition, the UAE seeks to become a leading producer and supplier of low-carbon hydrogen, working towards producing 1.4m metric tonnes of low-carbon hydrogen per annum by 2031 and 15m metric tonnes per annum by 2050,” he explained.

He affirmed that International collaboration is crucial to addressing energy challenges, reported Emirates News Agency (WAM).

Adipec is underway in Abu Dhabi from 2nd – 5th October, under the theme of ‘Decarbonising. Faster. Together’.

Tayba Al Hashemi, Chair of Adipec 2023 and CEO of Adnoc Offshore stated, “By 2030, the world will be home to an additional half a billion people, demanding more energy every year. At the same time, the global challenge of climate change calls for urgent, game-changing solutions to eliminate emissions. Every government, industry, business and individual has a role to play in decarbonising quicker, and creating the future of energy, faster, while safeguarding energy security and ensuring nobody is left behind.

“Decarbonising, faster, together, is not just the theme of Adipec 2023, it is a rallying call to industry to work together to transform, decarbonise and future-proof our industry. We want to accelerate the innovation and tangible actions needed to enable a lower-carbon and higher-growth future for the world.”

Amin Nasser, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aramco, commented that: “At Aramco, we believe that energy security and sustainability can co-exist. We remain committed to helping supply the world’s growing energy needs as we also expand our efforts to develop lower-carbon solutions that will provide future generations with cleaner and more sustainable energy.”

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The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has commissioned the 200MW second unit of its parabolic basin solar complex. This is a key element in the fourth phase of deployment for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.

This phase uses the Independent Power Producer (IPP) model, with investments of up to US $4.3bn. It is set to provide clean energy for approximately 320,000 residences and reduce carbon emissions by 1.6m tonnes annually. The 950MW 4th phase is the largest single-site project in the world combining both Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and photovoltaic technologies.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO, DEWA commented: “The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park’s projects constitute one of the key pillars of the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050. Commissioning the 200MW second unit of the parabolic basin complex in the fourth phase increased the solar park’s production capacity to 2,627MW, and Dewa’s total production capacity to 15,117MW.”

“The fourth phase of the solar park supports DEWA’s efforts to increase the share of renewable and clean energy and energy storage. DEWA is implementing other energy storage projects, including the 250MW pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in Hatta, with a storage capacity of 1,500MW-hours, and the Green Hydrogen project that produces and stores hydrogen using solar energy,” he added.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park is the largest single-site solar park in the world, with a planned total capacity of 5,000MW by 2030. DEWA and the Acwa Power-led consortium, established Noor Energy 1 as a project company to design, build, and operate the 4th phase of the park. DEWA holds a 51% stake in the company, Acwa Power holds 25%, and the Chinese Silk Road Fund owns 24%.

The 4th phase of the Solar Park uses three hybrid technologies to produce clean energy: 600MW from a parabolic basin complex (three units of 200MW each), 100MW from the world’s tallest solar power tower at 262.44m (based on Molten Salt technology), and 250MW from photovoltaic solar panels. So far, 717MW have been commissioned from this phase, which will have the largest thermal storage capacity in the world of 15 hours, allowing for solar energy availability round the clock.

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Source: MEConstructionNews