The Middle East Consultant editorial team has revealed the third edition of the Future of Architecture Summit (FOA Summit) will focus on several key themes including: artificial intelligence (AI) led generative design and its ability to bring the design discipline to engineering firms, and whether future cities will be built around high-rise/supertall structures or community-led concepts such as 15-minutes cities.

The event is free to attend for industry professionals (registration is mandatory) and will take place at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, in Dubai on 14 June. The event will open for breakfast and networking at 8.30am, with an aim to kick off at 9.30am sharp.

The day-long event will feature speakers from several reputed architecture firms, specialist designers, academia and suppliers and a number of panel discussions and presentations, in addition to a keynote presentation titled: ‘The Future of World Architecture’ by Christian Vasquez, Architect and Business Development Executive at NEB and Director at the American Institute of Architects Middle East. To read more about the event’s agenda, click here.

“On Wednesday 14 June, the Future of Architecture Summit will tackle head-on the most provocative debates across urban planning and its quest for new, sustainable solutions. Should we opt for a super-tall future or a low-rise, accessible community? Are architects and their profession being replaced by the new generation of AI-led software? The event brings top experts, not just to debate, but to reach clear and powerful conclusions,” explained Paul Godfrey, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant.

The 2023 FOA Summit is supported by:

Bronze Sponsor: Atkins
Supporting Partners: Climatize, JLL, National Engineering Bureau (NEB), Omnium and Polypipe

To read more about the Future of Architecture Summit, click here.

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20 winners were recognised at the 2nd Construction Machinery Middle East Awards last night, with the Habtoor Polo Resort hosting more than 160 guests from across the GCC.

With more than 13,000 votes deciding the winners, this was an evening to celebrate the best and most popular brands in the region.

Four special end-user awards were also handed to companies representing the construction, FM and rental community. 

“This year, we had some really strong nominations and winners from all over the region to represent the strength in depth of the market.” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East.

“And even more importantly, the atmosphere in the room was fantastic with the audience really doing their bit to make it a night of celebration.”

“A special thank you to Svetlana Petrova and our Platinum Sponsor JCB who helped get the night off to a great start with her welcoming speech. And, of course, congratulations to everyone.”

Silver Sponsors
Dayim Equipment
Lissmac
TotalEnergies Marketing Middle East
TVH

Support Sponsors 
Al Marwan
Case CE
Rapid Access

List of winners

Road Making Machinery of the Year

Bomag BW211

FM Equipment Experts of the year Award

FARNEK

Lifting Achievement of the Year

Johnson Arabia

Safety Champion of the Year

Rapid Access

Contractor of the Year

Wade Adams

Innovation of the Year Award (GCC)

Salim Equipment Trading – SAC-HHK16A-1-21625 Hammer

Material Handling Equipment of the Year

TOYOTA 62-8FD30

Temporary On-Site Solution of the Year

Doosan G300XW

Access Machinery of the Year

JLG X33J PLUS

Earthmoving Equipment of the Year Award

Volvo A40G Articulated Hauler

Compact Equipment of the Year

Bobcat S450 Skid-Steer Loader

Innovation of the Year (Manufacturer)

JCB Hydrogen Engine

Heavy Equipment Rental Company of the Year Award

Al Marwan Heavy Equipment

Crane of the Year Award

Manitowoc Grove GRT8100 Rough Terrain Crane

Excavator of the Year.

CASE CX 220C LC-HD

Access Rental Company of the Year Award

Dayim Equipment Rental

Electric Machinery of the Year Award

Bobcat E10e ZTS Mini-Excavator

Distributor of the year Award (GCC)

FAMCO

Distributor of the year Award (UAE)

GALADARI

Outstanding Manufacturer of the Year

Volvo CE

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An oil refinery with a daily production capacity of 10,000 barrels is to be set up in with Sharjah’s Hamriya Free Zone Authority (HFZA), following a new deal between Infinite Mining & Energy (IME) and the freezone.

Saud Salim Al Mazrouei, Director of the HFZA, and Bilal Merchant, Managing Director of Infinite Mining & Energy FZE signed the agreement at HFZA headquarters, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

India-based IME said it will double its investment in the free zone and establish the plant with annual refining capability of up to 3.6m barrels, alongside a modern oil storage facility equipped with over 20 loading slots. As per the terms of the agreement, IME will lease a 200,000sqft plot of land in the free zone to build its facilities. This expansion is expected to significantly increase the company’s storage capacity, catering to the growing demand for its services and products.

With an ideal business environment and a system of exceptional services and benefits, HFZA continues to stand as a prominent industrial base for international companies in the sector. This latest investment by IME further underscores HFZA’s success in attracting key players in the oil and energy industries, a statement highlighted.

Al Mazrouei noted that IME’s new expansion plans demonstrates HFZA’s leading reputation as a preferred investment destination for heavy industries and the petrochemical sector.

“This also reinforces HFZA’s appeal and significance in the oil, energy, and various other sectors, a testament to our commitment to the visions and directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, which have transformed the free zone into a role model, showcasing a strong return on investment and an ideal environment for establishing key projects, thereby becoming a vital contributor to the national economy,” explained Al Mazrouei.

He continued, “Infinite’s new facility will be a significant addition to the emirate’s burgeoning economic landscape through its production volume, which caters to the demand for energy products and derivatives for both existing and future industrial projects.”

He said the company’s choice of Hamriya Free Zone underscores the high global standards and the favourable investment climate HFZA offers to investors in the energy and oil sectors.

Al Mazrouei stated, “As of today, the free zone houses over 1,200 companies including major international corporations specialising in this sector. They operate within a dedicated area for petrochemical industries, which boasts a strategic location and is connected to a commercial port with a depth of 14m. This strategic positioning supports import and export operations for our investing companies, offering easy access to major markets. Coupled with our range of distinguished services, state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class logistics services, and facilities, we have grown to become the second-largest petrochemical center in the country.”

Merchant noted, “IME began operations in the Hamriya Free Zone in 2018, and our plans to set up a multifunctional oil refinery is a testament to our strategic expansion to broaden our reach in both regional and international markets. HFZA’s strategic geographical location aligns perfectly with our company’s specialties in the petrochemical, metallurgy, and energy sectors, enabling us to maintain direct interactions with leading manufacturers both locally and globally.”

He also highlighted the competitive advantages offered by the free zone accelerate the firm’s ability to reach a larger customer base in the most efficient, speedy, and cost-effective manner. Merchant concluded, “Upon completion, the new facility is set to create over 100 job opportunities for technicians and workers, thereby contributing to the local employment landscape.”

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A 9.7km hiking trail has been set up at Mushrif National Park by Dubai Municipality, a statement said. Billed as a first of its kind feature in Dubai, the park now features multiple tracks designed for beginners and professionals.

The park features a 8.3km yellow recreational track and a 1.4km orange sports track designed to provide a safe and secure environment for hikers to practice their hobby; the trail will be open to the public starting from 20 June 2023, the statement noted.

The municipality said that it has established a variety of guidelines for visitors and hikers to follow, while using the tracks to ensure their safety. These include ensuring the emergency communication methods are available and mountain hikers are carrying sufficient drinking water and wearing proper clothing, footwear and safety tools for hiking. Additionally, children between the ages of 12 and 15 are permitted to use the tracks, provided that they are accompanied by an adult, the statement explained.

“The mountain track in the Mushrif National Park’s forests offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals who are fond of walking, climbing, and adventure to explore and enjoy various unique facilities. In a continual effort to improve Dubai’s appeal, aesthetics, quality of life, and wellbeing for all inhabitants and visitors, we are developing recreational facilities and parks as well as equipping them with all the leisure amenities and components. In line with this, the municipality has made an effort to incorporate all amenities and services in the park including public restrooms, safety instructions, and warning signage boards with directions,” said Ahmed Al Zarooni, Director, Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department in Dubai Municipality.

He added, “The trail will be open and free to use all year round for visitors and hikers. It further consists of various sculptures, wooden stairways and bridges, slopes and rest areas, which provide a comprehensive view of the landscape and wildlife in Mushrif Park. To assist hikers and guarantee their safety, administrative and supervisory employees are also stationed at the track locations.”

The municipality underlined the need for hikers to abide by the trail etiquettes and instructions mentioned on the boards, to ensure they leave the mountain bike trail in Mushrif Park safe before crossing and making way for cyclists, to always walk in the direction of the trail, not the opposite, and to adhere to the designated track. In addition, hikers must be careful while choosing the right track level as the orange track is designed to be suitable for skilled athletes with higher levels of fitness and endurance. One must also keep in mind to do warm-up exercises before hiking in order to ensure their safety, the statement noted.

The municipality also emphasised that setting fire, cooking, smoking, camping, and staying overnight in the forest after the hiking is completed must be avoided, the statement concluded.

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Ideal Standard has unveiled its roadmap to carbon neutrality and reiterated its commitment to ‘building a better planet’, in its newly-released sustainability report (Together for a Better Future). The report sets out Ideal Standard’s nine key commitments in areas such as decarbonisation, the circular economy, product innovation, safety and equality, which together will drive impactful change.

According to a statement, the nine goals are closely aligned with the sustainability principles defined by the UN Global Compact, which the company joined in 2022, as a mark of its commitment to responsible business actions.

‘Together for a Better Future’ defines clear and accountable goals to monitor and measure progress along the manufacturer’s journey, including its aim to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 30% in 2030, with a view to reaching complete carbon neutrality by 2050, the firm added.

“As one of the leading bathroom manufacturers, we recognise that we have an important role to play when it comes to shaping a responsible future for the industry, and we’re committed to stepping up to that challenge. There’s no one single change we will make as a company that will make us completely sustainable. It’s about looking across the business and making sure that in every area we are committing to progressive, constant change to ensure we make a genuine impact,” said Ideal Standard MENA CEO Ahmed Hafez.

The firm says it has already made significant steps on its sustainability journey, transitioning its UK ceramic plant to fully renewable electricity in 2021, saving 2,200t of CO2 each year. It has also installed over 3,000 photovoltaic panels at its German fittings plant, which will generate 1.2m kWh of energy a year and switched to 100% FFS/PEFC sustainable certified timber in all its products.

In addition, the company has embarked on a journey to achieve zero-waste to landfill by 2030. It notes it is already reusing 100% of its brass and acrylic waste in its own manufacturing processes and is currently working with environmental authorities to unlock new technical solutions to improve its recycling of ceramic waste from 70% to 100% by 2025.

Furthermore, it is committed to eliminating all single use plastic packaging by 2025 and has so far removed 80t of virgin plastic from its packaging through optimisation and transitioning to sustainable alternatives.

Building on Its commitment to sustainability efforts, Ideal Standard recently launched Aesth|ethics, a temporary pop-up showroom in Venice. This event highlighted Ideal Standard’s design prowess, ethical achievements, and sustainability commitments. The carbon-neutral pop-up, held at Arsenale di Venezia, showcased bathroom solutions across product categories and featured a special installation by Chief Design Officer Roberto Palomba. Ideal Standard also partnered with Up2You to offset the event’s carbon emissions, reinforcing their dedication to a sustainable future, the statement highlighted.

Ideal Standard pointed out that transparency has been at the heart of its sustainability programme and, as such, the company is in the process of publishing ‘cradle to grave’ Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for over 5,000 of its products within its largely European supply chain. These EPDs will help architects and specifiers understand the environmental impact of Ideal Standard’s products, how they affect the ecological footprint of their projects and help them to meet environmental targets, it stated.

These full life-cycle assessments will cover products across all product categories including taps, basins, toilets, cisterns, bathtubs, shower trays and more, providing detailed and independently verified information for all bathroom fixtures. The report also launches the company’s new EcoLogic concept. EcoLogic focuses on four key values to enable customers to easily understand the sustainable benefits of Ideal Standard’s product portfolio and make informed purchasing decisions, the statement concluded.

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A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been inked by Dubai Municipality and the International Code Council (ICC). According to a statement, the MoU will expand bilateral collaboration to develop codes and standards used to assess and organise modern and innovative building systems, as well as to encourage the safe use of 3D printing technology in construction, in order to promote Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for 3D printing technology and modern and innovative building methods.

Eng. Maryam Obaid Al Muhairi, CEO of Buildings Regulation and Permits Agency, Dubai Municipality, and Dominic Sims, CEO of the International Code Council signed the MoU.

The MoU will strengthen areas of collaboration between the two parties. Dubai Municipality will contribute its knowledge in innovative construction materials, form an action team to cooperate with the council, support educational sessions and seminars and improve overall cooperation through public safety forums. It also aims to educate those interested in measuring the safety of construction products and raise awareness of the necessity of product and building safety evaluation, the statement noted.

“International cooperation between Dubai Municipality and private sector institutions with global expertise in the construction sector promotes sustainable growth and prioritises building safety and innovation. The significance of this collaboration lies in sharing of knowledge and expertise, as well as the development of new and pioneering ideas. Through the MoU, we aim to support the use of 3D printing technology in construction work in Dubai, given Dubai Municipality’s position as the relevant authority responsible for implementing the objectives of Decree No. 24 of 2021 on the use of this modern technology across the construction sector. This step is in line with the Dubai 3D Printing Strategy 2030, which was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The strategy aims at harnessing 3D printing technology to serve people and establish the UAE and Dubai as a leading hub for 3D printing regionally and globally by 2030,” stated Al Muhairi.

Dominic Sims, CEO of the International Code Council added, “We are delighted to be in Dubai today to meet with our counterparts from the Dubai Municipality and begin the next phase of our collaboration, especially as Dubai is home to some of the most innovative architectural marvels in the world and is a world leader in innovation. We are glad to assist this ongoing endeavour in accordance with the goals of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Dubai 3D Printing Strategy 2030.”

Under the MoU, the ICC will enlist Dubai Municipality as a government member to enhance its participation in establishing building codes, and further include the municipality in the ICC MENA Building Science Advisory Council.

In addition, the council will enable the municipality to conduct a secondary review or approval or local registration system for innovative products approved by the council, and further evaluate innovative new products and systems in accordance with the Dubai Building Code. Various webinars and workshops on cutting-edge building materials and systems will be held by the council to train municipality representatives on the use of admission criteria, the statement concluded.

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A project management consultancy (PMC) services contract to support the development of the Historic Jeddah project has been awarded to Faithful+Gould by the Ministry of Culture in Saudi Arabia.

According to a statement from Faithfu+Gould, Historic Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Historic Jeddah Development Program aims to revitalise the living space in the city by attracting new businesses and cultural projects, based on a modern vision of urban planning and natural conservation harmonized with people’s needs.

As part of the two-year contract, the firm will provide PMC services across the Historic Jeddah Development Program including project and cost consultancy services for site-wide utilities, design management, program set up and governance processes and procedures. In addition, Faithful+Gould will oversee the coordination with program stakeholders, from real estate development to infrastructure, public realm and landscape to ensure the historic and non-historic building protection measures are met. These services will be executed throughout the masterplanning, design, tender and construction stages.

“As a leading professional services and project management solutions company, our purpose is to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. The rehabilitation of Historic Jeddah is a significant project that will showcase the depth of the Kingdom’s cultural heritage and redefine mixed-use destinations experience, providing great opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. We are proud to work with the Ministry of Culture on this world heritage landmark, in what is one of the most truly remarkable cultural sites worldwide,” said Campbell Gray, Chief Executive Office, Middle East & Africa at Atkins and Faithful+Gould.

The Historic Jeddah area, known locally as Al-Balad (the town), is situated on the eastern shore of the Red Sea and was established in the 7th century AD as a major port for Indian Ocean trade routes, funnelling goods from Jeddah to the holy city of Mecca. The project is set to create an integrated environment in Historic Jeddah that has multiple natural components including 5km of developed waterfronts, green spaces and open gardens covering 15% of the total project area of 2.5sqkm.

Historic Jeddah is expected to become an incubator for Saudi entrepreneurs and artists where they can meet within a creative community that combines national heritage with nature and contemporary architectural designs. The area has more than 600 historic buildings, 36 historical mosques and five major historical markets. It also holds ancient corridors, squares and sites of important historical significance. The project work will extend for the next 15 years, during which the Historic Jeddah area will be developed according to multiple tracks, including infrastructure and services, developing the natural and environmental field, improving the quality of life, and enhancing urban aspects, the statement explained.

“In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Historic Jeddah Development Program will play a key role in conserving historical sites in the Kingdom and driving cultural tourism and investments. By adopting a fully integrated program and project management approach, underpinned by digital solutions and net zero best practices, we’ll work closely with all key stakeholders to drive efficiency and value throughout the project,” concluded Andrew Rotteveel, Managing Director, Program Advisory, Middle East & Africa at Atkins and Faithful+Gould.

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According to a senior official from the Works Ministry in Bahrain, construction on a drainage project is on track for complete. The project is located in bloc 733 within the Capital Governorate in Bahrain.

According to a report from BNA, the Tender Board had awarded the urban infrastructure project to Al Naseef Construction Company under a contract worth US $685,032.

The move is part of the ministry’s strategy to expand drainage networks across the Kingdom of Bahrain, said the Works Ministry Assistant Undersecretary for sewage projects Fathi Abdulla Al Farea.

“The Ministry has taken important steps to benefit from wastewater treatment. We are stepping up efforts to benefit from triple-treated sewage water to irrigate crops in streets and parks, in addition to supplying farms with treated water,” stated Al Farea.

Al Farea stressed the importance of optimising the use of treated water by expanding pumping, transporting and distributing services.

“Creating a balance between available water and future demand in line with the goals of the 2023 Bahrain Economic Vision 2030 is vital,” he concluded.

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Mace has been appointed by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) as the building operations management entity for its soon-to-be-launched Uptown Tower. The 340m-tall skyscraper will boast a 188-key five-star luxury hotel – ‘SO/ Uptown Dubai’, SO/ branded residences and commercial office spaces, as well as exclusive F&B offerings in The Atrium.

Scheduled for launch later in 2023, the project was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill, and is said to be the first tower to be built within the Uptown Dubai district.

“Uptown Tower represents the first key milestone in the development of the wider Uptown Dubai district. Matching the tower’s premium status with a leading operations management company was essential to ensure the highest level of service to our office tenants, residents and all who visit Uptown Dubai. The appointment of Mace is the latest step in solidifying the tower’s position as one of the most sought-after destinations in Dubai and the region,” said DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO Ahmed Bin Sulayem.

DMCC pointed out that the 22 floors of premium Grade A commercial office space within Uptown Tower were fully pre-leased ahead of its launch.

Bringing its international expertise to bear at Uptown Tower, Mace will ensure the delivery of industry-leading building services across the board, providing an offering that reflects the premium nature of the 81-storey tower, Bin Sulayem stated.

The dedicated Mace operational team will bring additional value to Uptown Tower through facilities management services, with a central focus on residents, commercial office tenants and visitors, he added.

Ross Abbate, Chief Executive of Mace Operate remarked, “We are delighted to have been appointed by DMCC to manage the building operations and facilities of Uptown Tower, playing a driving role in maintaining the tower’s premium status in the years to come. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of DMCC’s journey in redefining the premium mixed-use communities of Dubai, whilst also having a core focus on robust ESG delivery.”

Kicking off before the official launch of Uptown Tower, Mace will implement essential operational governance, policies, procedures and standards to enable the effective delivery of their services.

The services include building maintenance, contract management, building strategy and more, all aimed at enhancing the functionality and longevity of buildings while creating safe and comfortable environments for occupants, Abbate concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews