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October 24, 2024 foasummit0
International polyurethane (PU) insulation solutions provider Pearl Group has partnered with TotalEnergies to install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems at three of its production facilities in the UAE. This solarisation initiative is said to mark a major step in Pearl’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint by cutting its annual CO2 emissions by 568t.
In collaboration with TotalEnergies, Pearl Group has installed a total of 1,653 solar PV rooftop panels with a total installed capacity of 821 kilowatt-peak (KWp). Together, the three Dubai facilities will produce 1,336 megawatt hours (MWh) of energy a year.

The site in Dubai Investments Park (DIP) South is now contributing 372kWp, the DIP North site adds 359kWp, and Ras Al Khor provides 90kWp.

“We are thrilled to partner with TotalEnergies on this transformational project,” said Martin Kruczinna, CEO at Pearl Group. “The installation of solar power systems across our Dubai sites is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our proactive approach to reducing our environmental impact. This initiative not only supports our operational needs but also aligns with our long-term vision of promoting renewable energy.”

Hamady SY, Managing Director of TotalEnergies Renewables Distributed Generation, Middle East and Africa said, “TotalEnergies is pleased to partner with Pearl on its decarbonisation journey by solarisation of these three plants, which showcase the potential for renewable energy integration within industrial operations. By providing turnkey services that help solar energy add value to businesses, we are committed to supporting our partners in achieving their sustainability goals.”

As part of its Net Zero by 2050 goal, TotalEnergies is building cost-competitive portfolio combining renewables (solar, onshore and offshore wind) and flexible assets to deliver clean firm power to its customers. At the end of 2023, TotalEnergies’ gross renewable electricity generation installed capacity was 22GW. TotalEnergies said it will continue to expand this business to reach 35GW in 2025 and more than 100TWh of net electricity production by 2030.

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Source: ME Construction News


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October 23, 2024 foasummit0

KASCO Developments has launched its debut project, ONDA in Business Bay, with a focus on well-being. The company has a planned pipeline for the development and sale of one million sqft of residential projects by 2025, it noted.

The 23-floor freehold community building offers 348 residences including 85 studios, one-bedroom, two bedrooms and four three-bedroom units. Prioritising wellness, residents will be treated with indoor and outdoor community spaces, wellness hubs, state-of-the-art architecture, cutting-edge smart-home technology in each apartment, and amenities promising residents not just a living space but a healthy lifestyle, the statement explained.

The construction for ONDA is expected to start in Q4 2024 and the completion and handover is anticipated in Q2 2027.

Mustafa Al Kaissi, Chairman of KASCO Developments said, “We at KASCO Developments are thrilled to introduce ONDA as our debut project in the UAE. We aim to stand out in Dubai’s rapidly growing market by focusing on client well-being and creating an inspiring living experience.”

“Dubai’s real estate market has been growing rapidly over the last 3 years and we felt it is time for us to establish a strong base in this market which is expected to continue its growth trajectory for many years to come. ONDA is the first of several new projects that we plan to develop aligning with our vision of crafting spaces that inspire and elevate lifestyle,” said Issa Abdul Rahman, CEO,of KASCO Developments.

The tower will have fitness and wellness facilities, like a running track,  gym, premium spa with a cold plunge & sauna, enabling residents to inculcate wellness into their daily living. The residents at ONDA will also be offered both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a rare offering in Dubai providing year-round access to residents to incorporate fitness into their busy lifestyles. The project’s wellness cafés offering designed spaces to relax within the property’s community-focused environment, the statement added.

The top-floor three-bedroom apartments come with private pools, offering residents a unique living experience that blends innovative design and high-quality finishes with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline. These private pools promote a healthy and active way of living, making these apartments a choice for their health and wellness, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News


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October 23, 2024 foasummit0

One Za’abeel has appointed The Executive Centre (TEC), a premium workspace provider, to manage the launch and operation of One Offices – the development’s premium managed office offering – which is scheduled to open in January 2025.

One Offices will offer office space designed to meet the demand for workspace. Managed by The Executive Centre, the fully furnished offices will offer 27 private suites, 307 desks, collaborative spaces, dedicated reception areas, business lounges, meeting and focus rooms, pantries, event space and more. The contemporary spaces are designed with a variety of layout and workspace solutions available including private and co working options, One Za’abeel said in a statement.

One Offices location connects the fitted offices to Dubai’s Central Business District, with proximity to DIFC, Downtown, the exhibition hub, and the Dubai International Airport. With 24/7 dedicated concierge and security services, seven levels of basement and smart parking, valet services, access to the building, and the use of its amenities are hassle-free. The business community at One Offices connects occupants directly to the ecosystem of offerings including retail, restaurants, hospitality, and more, it added.

The development’s sustainable practices and connectivity have achieved LEED Gold certification for its energy efficient usage and eco-friendly practices, and WiredScore Platinum certification for its high-speed and uninterrupted digital experiences, and connections in the ‘future-ready’ structure.

Henry Mathews, Director – Leasing at One Za’abeel said, “Modern businesses demand modern environments that align with their ever-growing expectations for eco-conscious, technologically-driven, and innovative spaces. One Za’abeel offers the ideal home for One Offices, extending the advantages of its prime location, top quality services, and the benefits of its unparalleled ecosystem only an elevator ride away. We look forward to welcoming One Offices to One Za’abeel and seeing them into the grow into a household name in the Dubai market as they elevate businesses to their maximum potential.”

Rajat Kapur, Managing Director of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and North India at TEC added, “The Executive Centre is delighted to operate One Offices, a premium fully equipped workspace solution under the One Za’abeel brand. We are excited to bring our global expertise in providing world-class workspaces to the unique One Za’abeel ecosystem. As flexible workspaces become an increasingly important part of any organisation’s real estate portfolio, the industry is witnessing accelerated growth in demand globally. TEC looks forward to a long and fruitful partnership with One Za’abeel, delivering exceptional experiences to our members in this iconic location.”

One Za’abeel’s dual licensing provides tenants with access to the advantages of the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone, while also welcoming DED Mainland tenants, allowing local and global businesses to thrive in the setting.

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Source: ME Construction News


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October 23, 2024 foasummit0

Parsons has been awarded two contracts worth US $25mn to perform design engineering for a Middle East transportation customer. With the same customer, Parsons has won more than $90mn in contract awards over the last nine months it said.

Per the terms of the contract, Parsons will lead the design engineering and construction supervision of transportation infrastructure. The scope includes development of mobility solutions and their dedicated corridors, roadway capacity upgrades, and public transit initiatives on critical streets to improve urban mobility and reduce congestion.

Parsons will conduct a strategic study to assess a new corridor to alleviate traffic and optimise traffic. The firm will also manage the planning and design to minimise disruption to existing traffic, while supporting these improvements into the region’s transportation network.

“Projects like these demonstrate the evolving nature of transportation in the Middle East. I am proud that we are leveraging Parsons’ 80 years of global experience, combined with our local knowledge to create bespoke solutions for our transportation clients’ needs that are transforming regional mobility,” said Pierre Santoni, President of Infrastructure EMEA at Parsons.

“As demand rises for sustainable modes of transportation, Parsons is committed to working with its clients to imagine the future of transportation with safe, secure, connected and sustainable solutions,” Santoni noted.

These projects will enhance transportation infrastructure with advanced design practices that are environmentally conscious, Parsons said it is creating mobility solutions that will promote alternative, eco-friendly modes of transport. Parsons’ focus on sustainability through Environmental Impact Assessments and the development of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure aligns with the region’s vision for a greener future.

With a regional team of more than 6,500 employees, Parsons brings urban and destination development, transport infrastructure and smart mobility, industrial and commercial development, asset management, sustainability, and resilience in the region, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News


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October 22, 2024 foasummit0

ALEC Engineering and Contracting has launched its AHLAN program, which aims to encourage greater participation of Saudi nationals in the country’s booming construction sector. According to industry data, the industry is projected to grow at an average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of 5.2% from 2025 to 2028.

Modelled after global best practices in employee onboarding, the AHLAN program is heavily tailored to maximise the value it offers to Saudi professionals seeking opportunities in the construction sector, the firm explained.

Over a 30-day period, the program will ensure local recruits have daily one-on-one time with their manager, with a focus on enabling them to not only rapidly ramp up the skills they need for their specific job function, but also gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader business. In parallel, these new employees will be able to avail of dedicated workshops and mentorship sessions conducted by the firm’s world-class Learning & Development (L&D) department, it added.

“Saudi Arabia is presently one of the most exciting construction markets in the world. Projects like Qiddiya, Misk, Diriyah Gate, Sindalah and the ongoing advancement of urban infrastructure in thriving metropolitan hubs like Riyadh are setting new global benchmarks. In doing so, they are providing Saudi nationals the opportunity to play a lead role in developing some of the sector’s most impressive undertakings. As a key growth market for ALEC, and as a leader in the construction field, we believe that it is incumbent on us to grow local talent and empower Saudi nationals to become valuable contributors to the sector,” said Barry Lewis, CEO at ALEC.

ALEC said that the launch of the AHLAN program showcases its deep commitment to aligning with government initiatives such as Vision 2030 and the Nitaqat initiative, as its steadily expands its business across the Kingdom.

The launch of this program follows the 2023 launch of the cadet program, aimed at fostering early-stage recruitment and training of Saudi professionals through collaboration with local educational institutions, the firm highlighted.

“AHLAN is the latest in a long line of successful career enrichment and leadership programs that ALEC has implemented. This program enables us to attract top Saudi talent to the flourishing construction sector and will give them the dedicated support needed to rapidly ramp up their skills and knowledge. I have no doubt that with this, these professionals will be set to make invaluable contributions to the construction industry, both within the Kingdom and beyond its borders,” said Gavin Stone, Group Director- People & Culture at ALEC.

Clare Verrall, ALEC’s Learning and Development Business Partner added, “In the true spirt of the Saudisation initiative, we are seeking to support citizens in establishing meaningful careers in the construction sector. It is an industry that offers diverse and rewarding career journeys – from administration and management positions at offices, to engineering and supervision roles on site. At ALEC, we are committed to accelerating the career progression of Saudi nationals. We are therefore delivering all the support they need to rapidly develop the skills they need to thrive in their daily roles. AHLAN will provide a steady on-ramp for increased participation in the private sector, and our hope is that this framework will be replicated by other organisations aspiring to support the government’s vision.”

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Source: ME Construction News


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October 22, 2024 foasummit0

KEO International Consultants (KEO) has launched OPTIMA, an independent facility management (FM) consultancy that aims to change how building and infrastructure assets are managed across the GCC and beyond.

As part of KEO’s Allied Practices, OPTIMA benefits from a rich legacy of excellence, yet it stands as a distinct entity, delivering bespoke FM solutions that are data-driven, customer-centric, and designed to maximise value and longevity, the firm noted in a statement.

The FM consultancy was launched in response to growing demand for specialised facility management services that extend beyond the traditional. Whether it’s maintaining complex infrastructure or maximising the value of real estate portfolios, OPTIMA brings an innovative approach to facilities management, focusing on proactive asset care, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation, said the statement from KEO.

“Our goal with OPTIMA is to deliver transformative FM solutions that help our clients maximise their investments in real estate and infrastructure,” said Donna Sultan, President and CEO of KEO.

As an independent provider, OPTIMA will offer tailored services designed to meet the specific needs of its clients – whether public or private – while drawing on KEO’s 60 years of experience in design, engineering, and project management, KEO explained.

“While we benefit from KEO’s incredible legacy, we are charting our own course as an independent leader in the FM sector, offering a fresh perspective on how assets are managed, maintained, and optimised,” stated Jason Morris, Managing Principal of OPTIMA.

According to KEO, OPTIMA will leverage the latest in FM technology and best practices to offer services that extend asset lifecycles, reduce operational costs, and ensure higher asset availability.

From FM strategic planning and facility condition assessments to digital integration and building services analysis, OPTIMA provides solutions designed to create resilient, efficient, and future-proof facilities. With a focus on sustainability, digitalisation, and practical innovation, OPTIMA’s team of FM specialists works closely with clients to ensure their assets perform optimally throughout their lifecycle, minimising risks and enhancing value, the statement highlighted.

KEO also said that while OPTIMA will operate independently, it will maintain the high standards of quality and client service that KEO is known for. This allows OPTIMA to deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients across many market sectors, while also benefiting from access to KEO’s vast regional network and resources.

“With OPTIMA, we’re creating something new, driven by the same values that have defined KEO but focused solely on the evolving needs of the FM industry. We look forward to working with asset owners to help them navigate the future of facility management, with solutions that are as innovative as they are pragmatic,” concluded Morris.

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Source: ME Construction News