Mubadala Energy announced two significant milestones in its Andaman exploration activities. The company together with Harbour Energy has been awarded the Central Andaman license (Harbour 60% operated interest, Mubadala Energy 40%) by MIGAS, the Indonesian oil and gas regulator as part of the recent Indonesian licensing round. The achievement strengthens Mubadala Energy’s growth strategy in the Andaman Sea, providing added potential in the basin.

In addition, Mubadala Energy has also confirmed the successful and safe completion of the South Andaman drilling campaign, with the appraisal of the Layaran discovery. The exploration and appraisal campaign, which included Layaran-1, Tangkulo-1, Layaran-2 and Layaran-2ST1 in South Andaman, demonstrated the multi-TCF potential of the Andaman Sea basin. The exploration and testing activities harnessed advanced technology and deep-water capabilities to ensure an efficient and safe drilling campaign, the firm said.

“The successful bidding for the Central Andaman block is an important strategic development that will unlock further potential opportunities. Capitalising on our operational capabilities and deep understanding of the basin we are well positioned to realise the potential of South and Central Andaman and look forward to working with our partner and government stakeholders to develop these projects,” said Adnan Bu Fateem, Chief Operating Officer, Mubadala Energy.

Abdulla Bu Ali, President Director, Indonesia, Mubadala Energy added, “We are delighted to have concluded this drilling campaign successfully while maintaining safe operations. The results are not only a win for our team, but also an important milestone for our company that will support Indonesia’s energy transition and energy security priorities.”

This campaign in South Andaman and Andaman II has enabled Mubadala Energy and its partners to confirm significant in-place discovered resources, which is potential to play a vital role in the Indonesian and Southeast Asian energy landscape. The company is actively forming a strategy to develop these resources into production as quickly as possible.

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Source: ME Construction News

Sankari in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to launch the world’s first Regent Residences in Dubai. The project is a twin-tower managed residential development that has been designed by Foster + Partners.

Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place will be built in Dubai’s Marasi Marina neighborhood and will feature 63 residences as well as ten floating homes. The project is said to mark a significant milestone for both Sankari and IHG, being the first Regent-managed standalone residential project of its kind, set to transform the definition of luxury lifestyle. “The best talent from the industry has been brought together to deliver on the Sankari family’s vision,” says Mark Phoenix, CEO of Sankari.

The waterfront peninsula aims to offer residents unparalleled views of Dubai Creek and Downtown Dubai, providing a blend of serenity and urban convenience. The concept of Sankari Place is designed to create an exclusive living experience, with amenities and services that cater to the refined tastes of modern luxury homeowners, the firm noted in a statement.

Mohammed Sankari, Chairman of Sankari notes, “Sankari Place is deeply significant to me and my family. This development is more than just a project; it is the foundation of a legacy we are building in honor of my father. It embodies our family’s commitment to excellence and innovation in real estate, and we are proud to see our vision come to life in such a prestigious location.”

Dr. Sankari, Founder and Chairman of Sankari explains, “This flagship project is a testament to our vision of creating developments that leave a lasting impact. We are committed to building a legacy that holds value and demands respect, and our collaboration with IHG on Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place is a significant step towards realising this dream.”

The Regent brand is known for properties such as the Carlton Cannes, a destination for Hollywood stars and the global elite. Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place will be the first standalone residential flagship project developed from inception. This project marks the beginning of Regent’s vision to develop their branded residences footprint in the region.

Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG adds, “Regent Residences Dubai – Sankari Place represents a unique opportunity for IHG to strengthen our offering in the branded residential space in Dubai. We trust our partnership with Sankari will drive forward our success in this remarkable city and are committed to elevating luxury living options for Dubai residents.”

The project will feature private swimming pool and outdoor living spaces. Residents will have access to health and fitness centres, a golf simulator, a cinema, and gaming room, tennis and padel courts, while lovers of fine dining can enjoy a private dining room, cigar lounge, and cellar. The development also includes a business lounge, spa and a residents’ lounge, the firm explained.

Mark Phoenix of Sankari concludes, “We are thrilled to partner with IHG, a world-renowned industry leader, to bring this vision to life. This collaboration sets the stage for a state-of-the-art residential complex with the highest service standards in the UAE, offering owners and residents an exceptional hospitality experience in their homes. We proudly introduce this area as Sankari Place.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Trimble has announced that the 2024 edition of its Connected Construction Conference will take place at the Museum of the Future, Dubai on 30 October. The conference will explore how technological advancements are shaping and revolutionising the way the built environment thinks, plans and builds, Trimble confirmed.

Some of the key topics are: data management in construction; future trends and emerging technologies; connected construction; resilience and adaption challenges; digital transformation, and will explore how Dubai’s ambitious projects and cutting-edge practices are setting global benchmarks in construction innovation.

The conference will bring together over a dozen key personalities from across the regional built environment, in addition to senior figures from Trimble’s regional and global teams.

The event will be chaired by Paul Wallet, Regional Director for the Middle East at Trimble, with speakers from ALEC, Group AMANA, Ramboll Middle East, AtkinsRealis, Buro Happold and others scheduled to participate.

The event is free to attend for construction professional, however registration is mandatory. Click here to register.

The conference is expected to kick-off at 9am and conclude by 5pm, Trimble confirmed.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) and led by Plenary Group and BESIX Group, inaugurated three schools in Abu Dhabi’s Zayed City. Completed on schedule and within budget, the project has significantly enhanced Abu Dhabi’s educational landscape by ensuring additional capacity for 5,360 students, from kindergarten to Grade 12, for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond, said a statement.

The newly inaugurated educational facilities represent the first time that school infrastructure has been developed in the UAE under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. ADEK’s role was to ensure the project met the standards of design, material and equipment selection. Through the active coordination of various entities, the project was delivered successfully, in line with operational expectations.

As the first educational facilities delivered through ADIO’s PPP framework, the project aims to elevate the standard of educational facilities in the emirate and serve as a model for increased private sector participation in the delivery and financing of public infrastructure across Abu Dhabi.

Yaser Al Nuaimi, Acting Head – Infrastructure Partnerships at ADIO said, “The Zayed City Schools project exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships in realising Abu Dhabi’s future-focused infrastructure development. By leveraging private sector expertise in design, construction, and financing, we’ve created world-class educational facilities equipped to empower students with the learning spaces they need to reach their highest potential. This success paves the way for further collaboration, offering our private sector partners unprecedented opportunities to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s sustainable growth while capitalising on long-term investment returns.”

Dr. Tareq Al Ameri, Assets and Facilities Office Director at ADEK stated, “The inauguration of Zayed City Schools marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide world-class education in Abu Dhabi. This project not only empowers more students to access quality education, but also highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in realising Abu Dhabi’s ambitious educational goals. We remain committed to this journey, ensuring that every student in the Emirate has the opportunity to learn and succeed in an environment that fosters innovation and excellence.”

“As a key partner in the Zayed City Schools project consortium, BESIX/Plenary is proud to contribute to a project that embodies a visionary approach to infrastructure development. This strategic collaboration leverages the strengths of all partners to set new benchmarks, highlighting the transformative impact of uniting powerful government and private entities to drive innovation and development,” explained Mohamed Badr El Din, General Manager at BESIX Plenary Education Properties Development (BESIX Plenary Consortium).

“The Zayed City Schools PPP project stands as a testament to the true spirit and success of public-private partnerships. This achievement, delivered on time and within budget, marks the beginning of a long-term relationship that will extend throughout the operation phase. It showcases the power of strong collaboration between the public and private sectors in shaping a brighter future. By merging public interests with private sector innovation, we are creating sustainable solutions that meet the needs of future generations and inspire new hope,” El Din added.

This initiative aims to increase private sector participation and foreign direct investment, enhance accountability and efficiency in public asset management, develop long-term collaborations between government and private entities, and provide investors with access to lucrative concessions.

BESIX and Plenary are the private sector partners in the Zayed City Schools PPP Project. Plenary is an independent investor, developer, and manager of public infrastructure, with over US $56bn in public-private partnerships, local development, and asset management, delivering infrastructure. Building on this success, ADIO is advancing other PPP opportunities, including the development of student accommodation facilities in partnership with Khalifa University of Science and Technology.

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Source: ME Construction News

Austria-based Coop Himmelb(L)AU has revealed details of the architectural statement for the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, planned for Dubai South. The architecture of the new passenger terminal will be a fusion of state-of-the-art design, innovation and sustainability, the firm said.

With Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) as the client behind the Al Maktoum International Airport Project, and Dar Al-Handasah serving as the main consultant for the master planning and design, Coop Himmelb(l)AU is said to be pushing the boundaries of airport design language, incorporating sophisticated structural solutions and energy-preservation technologies.

The project is expected to begin the planning phase in 2024, with Phase I due to be delivered by 2032. The fully completed airport will have a capacity of 260m passengers annually, five parallel runways, and 407 Code-E contact gates, underscoring its intended role as a new global hub.

The design of Al Maktoum International Airport will introduce artificial intelligence (AI) into the user experience; from streamlined check-in processes to leading-edge security, every aspect of the airport has been carefully planned with customer comfort and ease of transit uppermost in mind, said a statement.

Algorithmic processes and parametric design will be used throughout the concept planning and build. These are powerful tools for optimising architectural geometry in order to meet various design criteria, such as daylight analysis, sun, wind, structure grid, and curvature analysis, the statement noted.

Another prime focus is energy efficiency, and a variety of new energy concepts have been considered in the design to minimise the environmental impact of the facility and contribute to its efficient operation. Every step will be taken to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future; the orientation and shape of the terminal are planned so as to take advantage of the sunlight and prevailing winds, effectively maximising natural light sources while reducing glare and heat gain. This not only creates a more comfortable environment for the passenger and users but also reduces the need for artificial energy and consumption.

The total cost of the airport expansion and new passenger terminal is estimated to be US $34.8bn.

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Source: ME Construction News

Moro Hub presented a Green Certificate to National Holding, an Abu Dhabi-based group with strategic investments across sectors of the economy. The initiative acknowledged the efforts of National Holding’s business entities for choosing Moro Green Data Centers for their IT workloads.

Moro Hub’s Green Data Center is certified as the largest solar-powered data center by the Guinness World Record and is home to cutting-edge and sustainable Smart Cities Command and Control Centre that enables government and enterprise clients to fast track the adoption of new-age digital technologies, said a statement.

By hosting their IT workloads on Moro’s Green Data Centre, National Holding’s business entities are saving more than 200,000kg of CO2e carbon emission during the hosting period.

“Moro Hub’s Green Data Centers serve as the cornerstone for businesses aspiring to not only thrive in the digital realm but also contribute positively to the planet. National Holding, by choosing Moro Hub’s sustainable infrastructure for their critical IT workloads, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to corporate responsibility. This initiative goes beyond a mere acknowledgment—it embodies a collective endeavor to redefine industry standards and foster a culture where progress and sustainability coexist,” said Mohammad Bin Sulaiman, CEO of Moro Hub.

The Green Certificate represents businesses in eco-friendly practices and a culture of environmental responsibility. The initiative aligns with Moro Hub’s commitment to minimising carbon footprints and contributing to the United Arab Emirates Green Agenda – 2023.

“Receiving the Green Certificate from Moro Hub for our business entities is a celebration of our steadfast commitment to sustainable practices in the digital age. This accolade is a symbol of our dedication to not only meeting the demands of a dynamic and competitive market but doing so with a keen awareness of our environmental impact. It underlines our belief that business growth should not come at the expense of the planet; instead, it should be a catalyst for positive change,” explained Saed Arekat Chief Financial Officer of National Holding.

As an integral part of Moro Hub’s mission to foster a greener future, the Green Certificate underscores the significant role played by National Holding in supporting renewable energy initiatives. By acknowledging the efforts of organisations that have chosen Moro Hub’s Green Data Centers for their IT workloads, the initiative solidifies the collective commitment to environmental preservation and the advancement of sustainable practices within the digital landscape, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

AtkinsRéalis has re-located to a new office in Dubai in a bid to cater to its business and clients’ evolving needs. The new office opening coincides with the first anniversary of the company’s re-branding.

“With over 50 years’ presence in the UAE, our office move in Dubai is a significant milestone that underpins our commitment to supporting the emirate’s transformational journey and global positioning as one of the most innovative and liveable cities in the world,” said Campbell Gray, CEO, Middle East and Africa at AtkinsRéalis.

“The new office not only carries on our successful legacy of delivering some of the most iconic projects in the country, but also paves the way towards shaping a better and sustainable tomorrow where we continue to push boundaries, engineer end-to-end solutions, foster an empowering workplace culture and build local talent of the future,” added Gray.

Located in Downtown Dubai, Emaar Square, the new office across two floors spans over 3,000sqm and can accommodate up to 500 employees. The workspace transcends the traditional idea of just sitting at a desk and are designed to promote wellbeing, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. These include solo spaces for individual and quiet work, 15 meeting rooms and breakout areas for informal chats, an immersion room for creative design and architecture development, “Le Café” – canteen and lounge area, and lush green spaces that encourage connection and employee engagement, said a statement from the firm.

Emaar Square is one of the key business hubs in the UAE. Each building is connected by a central walkway with ground floor retail and dining options, in addition to nearby access to Dubai Mall providing over 1,200 retail shops and amenities. The location offers seamless access to various public transport links, including the AtkinsRéalis-designed Dubai Metro – promoting walkability and decreasing carbon footprint, it added.

Regionally headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, AtkinsRéalis witnessed significant growth in the Middle East contributing 12% to the group’s annual revenues in 2023. This regional growth is spearheaded by its Buildings & Places capability delivering best-in-class programs, as well as end-to-end services in Transport, Water, Nuclear, and Industrial integrated with digital and Net Zero solutions. In addition to its Dubai presence, AtkinsRéalis has another office in the UAE located in Abu Dhabi Trade Center Building to support the emirate’s rapid growth and transformational projects, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

JLL and Mashreq have partnered to advance the bank’s Net Zero ambitions for its global headquarters. Mashreq Global Headquarters in Downtown Dubai was awarded LEED Zero Carbon certification from the US Green Building Council for achieving Net Zero carbon emissions and prioritising energy efficiency through sustainable design and operations.

Based on performance metrics of the past 12 months the building’s Net Zero carbon status was realised through carbon emissions avoided or offset from the building’s annual operational energy and occupant transportation over a year, leading to a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) balance of zero for the bank’s global HQ during the assessed period.

The new accolade follows the LEED Zero Energy (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification conferred on Mashreq’s stone-clad L-shaped tower last year for its efforts in addressing Net Zero resources (energy, water, and waste). The Mashreq Global Headquarters was also recognised with LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Gold certification in 2022.

Darren Denikiewicz, Head of Engineering & Energy, Project & Development Services UAE at JLL said: “Having earned multiple LEED Zero certifications, Mashreq’s Global Headquarters is a model of environmental stewardship and reinforces the bank’s position as a sustainability champion in the UAE and the wider MENA region. Harnessing the potential of leading renewable energy technologies and innovations in design integration.”

He added, “JLL is working with Mashreq to fulfill its Net Zero goals and position it for long-term success through a compelling carbon emissions reduction strategy. As the social impact of green buildings becomes evident, we look forward to seeing more projects achieving LEED Zero certifications and making net zero goals a reality in the region,” stated Denikiewicz.

Bassem Fekry Farid, Executive Vice President, Head of Corporate Real Estate & Administration, Mashreq added, “Achieving the prestigious LEED Zero Carbon certification for our Global Headquarters is a testament to the significant strides that Mashreq has made in meeting global sustainability standards as we move towards a low-energy, reduced carbon footprint future.”

“The transparent tracking of energy use and reliance on renewables aligns with the UAE’s ambitious Net Zero by 2050 agenda. Through our partnership with JLL’s energy and engineering services, we remain committed to fulfilling our carbon neutrality goals and scaling our impact to assure an enhanced quality of life for our employees, tenants, and the wider community,” Farid concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RECREE) to offer Pan Arab Certified Energy Management Professionals (PA-CEMP) course in the region.

Billed as a first-of-its-kind offering in the region, PA-CEMP is a professional certification program for managers, engineers and technicians working in the energy field, tailored for the Arab region.

Endorsed by the Executive Bureau of the Arab Ministerial Council of Electricity during their 32nd session on 31 May 2016, PA-CEMP aims to assist energy efficiency policy makers and program administrators in planning and implementing energy efficiency programs and measures. Participants will learn about the latest technologies, energy essentials and effective means to reduce energy consumption in a cost-effective manner to achieve energy targets in line with the Arab EE Guideline.

The course will train personnel on electrical and thermal systems and Energy Management (ISO 50001), Energy Auditing (ISO 50002), Instruments and Tools for Energy Auditing, Economic Analysis and Project’s Financing, Demand Side Load Managements Programs and National situation, Political & Legal Framework among others.

Khaled Bushnaq, Chairman of EmiratesGBC noted, “Emirates Green Building Council has been working tirelessly alongside our partners to help build a sustainable future for all. It is for the first time that the PA-CEMP certification course has been introduced to the UAE in collaboration with RECEE to equip the Pan Arab region to handle the energy crisis at hand and ensure a brighter, better future for all. Companies and organisations involved with policy making should make use of this opportunity to train their people so they can be part of this bigger movement and join forces for this common cause.”

With the UAE and the region aiming to lead the global transition into clean energy, the calculation modules and concepts have all been carefully adapted to the needs of the Arab Market to ensure maximum energy and cost saving, said the statement.

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Source: ME Construction News

Bentley Systems has acquired 3D geospatial company Cesium. Cesium is recognised as the foundational open platform for creating powerful 3D geospatial applications, and its 3D Tiles open standard has been widely adopted by leading enterprises, governments, and thousands of application developers globally. Cesium ion, the company’s SaaS platform, brings 3D geospatial experiences to active devices every month, Bentley Systems explained in a statement.

Bentley’s iTwin Platform powers digital twin solutions that are used by engineering and construction firms and owner-operators to design, build, and operate the world’s infrastructure. The combination of Cesium plus iTwin enables developers to seamlessly align 3D geospatial data with engineering, subsurface, IoT, reality, and enterprise data to create digital twins with user experiences that scale from vast infrastructure networks to the millimeter-accurate details of individual assets—viewed from land, sky, and sea, from outer space to deep below the Earth’s surface, it added.

Bentley CEO Nicholas Cumins said, “A 3D geospatial view is the most intuitive way for owner-operators and engineering services providers to search for, query, and visualise information about infrastructure networks and assets. With the combined capabilities of Cesium and iTwin, infrastructure professionals can make better informed decisions in full 3D geospatial context—all within a single, highly performant environment.”

Patrick Cozzi, CEO of Cesium added, “Joining Bentley marks an important milestone for Cesium as we continue our journey to create the best developer platform for the built and natural environment—founded on open standards and open-source technologies. The combined power of our two organisations and our shared commitment to openness will provide new opportunities for growth and create greater value for an already flourishing developer ecosystem that ranges from small start-ups to global enterprises.”

Chikashi Shike, Executive Officer, Smart Construction Promotion Division, Komatsu Ltd noted, “Komatsu and Cesium brought novel thinking to the construction industry by leveraging advanced visualisations to deliver more precise insights and enable our customers to make better, more informed construction decisions. With Cesium as part of Bentley, we can further enrich our Smart Construction digital twins with engineering models, subsurface data, and more, for safer and more efficient construction projects.”

In addition to the widespread adoption of its platform, Cesium is also promoting open standards, such as 3D Tiles for visualising massive 3D geospatial data, which was adopted as a community standard by the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) in 2019.

Peter Rabley, CEO of OGC remarked, “As infrastructure sectors become more data-centric, the importance of an open ecosystem will only increase. As the leading voice for open standards and interoperability in the geospatial community, OGC welcomes the ongoing commitment of Bentley and Cesium to solve global challenges through open, interoperable platforms.”

With the acquisition, Cozzi was named Bentley’s Chief Platform Officer, leading the development of the combined Cesium and iTwin platform offerings, reporting to Bentley’s CTO Julien Moutte.

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Source: ME Construction News