WakeCap presented its suite of construction site management technology to the Kingdom’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, and said it aims to improve the safety of mining and manufacturing projects across the Kingdom. WakeCap’s technology has been adopted by more than 35 leading developments and projects, the firm said.

Dr. Hassan Albalawi, CEO and founder of WakeCap, presented the technology at the closing ceremony of the accelerator and industrial business incubator initiative Nomu, in the presence of Bandar I. Alkhorayef, the Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources; Mr. Khalil Ibn Salamah, the Deputy Minister for Industrial Affairs; Mr. Majid Alargoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones Modon; and Mr. Sami Alhussaini, Governor of the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority Monshaat.

“We are honored by his excellent comments and endorsements, which not only validate our technology as crucial for setting new safety standards, but also signal a directive for mandating technology on major projects. Doing so will serve to promote transparency and ensure better compliance rates. This aligns perfectly with our mission to transform safety protocols and practices in the construction industry and beyond, leveraging Wakecap’s capabilities to forge a safer, more secure working environment for all,” stated Dr. Albalawi.

Wakecap’s standing is further emphasised by the ministry’s role as a board member in NCOSH, which positions WakeCap as a key player in shaping the future of occupational safety and health regulations, the statement noted.

The government’s strategy is to mandate safety and security in construction and related sectors and WakeCap’s technology will support these goals by enhancing emergency response times and providing data for compliance and incident investigation. WakeCap facilitates real-time monitoring of workers’ conditions, enabling instant alerts in the event of an emergency, which reduces response times, it added.

The data collected by WakeCap will ensure safety regulations, but also investigate incidents, identifying root causes, and implementing preventative measures to avoid future occurrences. This approach further supports the government’s commitment to not only mandate safety regulations, but to foster a culture of safety and accountability through data-driven insights and actions.

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Source: ME Construction News

Gensler has announced the appointment of Tariq Shaikh as Co-Managing Director for its Middle East offices. Tariq will join current Managing Director Tim Martin, the move is said to highlight the company’s commitment to growing in the region.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tariq into his new role. His visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and extensive experience in large-scale Middle Eastern projects will be incredibly valuable to our team. His deep understanding of the region’s complexities and opportunities will drive our efforts to expand Gensler’s presence and influence. We look forward to his contributions in steering our growth and continuing to deliver exceptional design solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients,” noted David Calkins, Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler’s Asia Pacific Middle East (APME) region.

Shaikh is said to bring over three decades of managing and delivering complex, large-scale projects across mixed-use, retail, and lifestyle markets in Europe and the Middle East. As the former Managing Director of Gensler’s Birmingham office for seven years, Tariq has a record of building and managing large teams, ensuring smooth project execution, and meeting the critical requirements of developers and tenants. His portfolio includes collaborations with major global brands and significant contributions to some of Gensler’s largest Middle Eastern projects, including The Avenues in Kuwait and Msheireb Downtown Doha in Qatar, the press release from Gensler explained.

Shaikh stated, “I am excited to step into this role and continue driving the region’s growth and expansion. The Middle East is a region of immense potential and opportunity, and I am eager to build on the strong foundation we have established. I look forward to collaborating with the team in the Middle East to deliver innovative design solutions and strengthen client partnerships, contributing to the region’s transformation and our firm’s sustained success.”

Based in Riyadh, Gensler’s newest office in the Middle East, Shaikh’s appointment is said to be part of the firm’s strategic initiatives, focusing on the Riyadh office in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 program. This appointment follows the appointment of Theresa Sheils as Co-Regional Managing Principal for Gensler APME.

“Gensler’s co-leadership model promotes a dynamic and collaborative work environment by encouraging interdisciplinary insight sharing. Tariq’s extensive market knowledge and proven track record will drive innovation and enhance our ability to adapt to evolving client and market needs. Together with Tim, I am confident they will elevate our operations in the Kingdom and solidify Gensler’s leadership in innovative design throughout the region,” commented Sheils.

As Gensler Middle East continues to broaden its expertise, the firm remains dedicated to strengthening client relationships and enhancing its market presence. The new leadership highlights Gensler’s commitment to delivering projects that address the diverse needs of Middle Eastern clients and create spaces across the region, the statement concluded.

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The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) introduced its regulatory roadmap for the products sector, with a focus on gas systems in residential, commercial, and industrial establishments, and called on stakeholders to unite in efforts to build safer communities across the emirate.

The presentation comes ahead of the DoE’s release of ‘Executive Regulations for Gas Systems’ and a unified gas code for residential, commercial and industrial sectors. The regulations will set wide ranging safety standards, protocols, and controls for all gas-related activities, as well as violations and penalties for non-compliance. It also establishes a DoE mandatory register of certified gas companies, engineers, operators and inspectors, said a statement from the DoE.

DoE said that it has been collaborating with other Abu Dhabi partners to issue key compliance documents such as the gas system certificate of completion, gas annual operation & maintenance contract, no objection certificate and LPG filling and withdrawal permits. This year alone, the DoE has issued more than 4,000 LPG filling permits.

Acting Director General for Regulation at DoE, Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi emphasised the collective responsibility of both government and private sectors in shaping a safe, secure, and sustainable energy future for the emirate. “Safety is more than just a regulatory requirement; it is a shared responsibility that must be prioritised throughout the gas value chain. Gas is familiar in everyone’s life in Abu Dhabi, and it is imperative that it is used safely and responsibly by everyone in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors – from operators and contractors to food establishments and homeowners,” he noted.

Ahmed Alsheebani, Acting Petroleum Products Sector Executive Director at DoE who led over 20 site visits that reached over 120,000 stakeholders during the summer, expressed optimism about the progress of the sector. He commented, “I’m pleased to say that compliance to safety standards is encouraging. But much work remains to grow a culture of voluntary safety compliance.”

“Complying with safety protocols protects lives and the community. It also brings significant social and economic benefits, such as enhanced operational efficiency, improved business reputation, more reliable gas systems, cost savings and safer communities. Safety will always remain our number one priority and with government and private sectors’ stakeholders, we still have more to accomplish,” he continued.

In June this year, the DoE launched its ‘Petroleum and Gas Systems Summer Readiness Campaign’ to assist establishments in meeting safety standards, compliance requirements, and navigating upcoming regulatory transformation, the statement concluded.

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DUBAL Extrusion Investment (DEI), a wholly owned subsidiary of DUBAL Holding (DH), has completed a rooftop solar power generation project (phase I) at OSE Industries, a local aluminium extrusion company owned by DEI, in alignment with its commitment to sustainability and contributing to the UAE’s renewable energy goals.

The rooftop solar power project, executed by Emirates Electrical Engineering, went live in the beginning of July and is situated on the roof tops of buildings 1 and 2 of the OSE plant. With a rated capacity of 633 kilowatts peak (kWp), the system is expected to generate 1.1GWh of clean electricity annually.

The project is estimated to produce up to 12% of OSE Industries annual electricity power needs. In terms of its environmental impact, the annual generation of 1.1GWh of clean electricity can power a small town for several days or even a week, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 440,000kg of CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable practices, as per the press release.

Phase II of the project, covering the remaining buildings and service areas, is planned to be commissioned in 2025. The project exemplifies DEI’s commitment to advancing the UAE’s sustainability initiatives, including the DEWA SHAMS Dubai Initiative, Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and UAE Net Zero 2050.

The project was executed under a Solar Lease Agreement, which cuts upfront costs and ensures a hassle-free approach on operation, maintenance, and affordable energy rates. The supplier handles checking the system’s performance, ensuring its cleanliness and maintenance, as well as availability of spare components. Preliminary data for July 2024 illustrates that the solar system produced 109.5MWh of electricity, 12 % of monthly demand, and contributing to a reduction of carbon emissions of 43,800kg of CO2 emissions, the statement said.

The rooftop solar power project installation is said to be a testament to DEI’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices. As the UAE continues to evolve and prioritise renewable energy, DEI is poised to support this major transition and play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable future for the nation, the statement concluded.

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SSH will work work with Enevoria Development as the lead design consultant on Nobu Hotel and Residences. Located on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, the five-star hotel and residences plans to offer a blend of modern living and Japanese tradition.

With a built-up area of 70,000sqm the project aims to create a premium waterfront experience while contributing to Ras Al Khaimah’s present and future hospitality ambitions. Guests of the Nobu Hotel can look forward to Nobu Hospitality’s five-star service, dine in the brand’s Japanese cuisine, amenities, including spa and fitness facility, swimming pools, and Nobu by the Beach club, said a statement.

In addition to the hotel, the 200 Nobu-branded residences will introduce a lifestyle beach community to Ras al Khaimah. The development sits on a two-storey podium with landscaping and several pools. The two residential towers offer a range of living options, for bedroom, apartments and beachfront villas. It also features a wellness centre for residents, sports courts, and 150m of pristine beachfront access, it added.

SSH’s scope of work includes complete engineering services from the concept design stage onward and architectural services from the schematic design stage onward.

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The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has approved a total of 30,920 applications for Value Added Tax (VAT) refunds worth a total of US $691m, submitted by Emirati citizens for taxes incurred on building new residences until the end of June 2024.

In comparison, by the end of H1 last year, the total number of approved applications amounted to 23,340, with a total value of US $419mn. This marks a 32.45% increase in the number of approved applications and a 65.07% increase in the value of refunded amounts over a period of 12 months.

The FTA explained that in the year between the end of June 2023 and the end of June 2024, 7,580 new applications were approved, allowing citizens to reclaim over $272,200 in taxes they paid on building new homes. In the first six months of this year, 3,590 new applications were approved, refunding $91.48mn in taxes.

Companies are increasingly adopting technology to increase productivity and create more value for end customers. In this respect, modular construction shifts 90% of building activities to offsite manufacturing, accelerating project timelines by 20 to 50% and cutting costs by 20%. Furthermore, it has been observed that the rise of multiple mid- to late-stage offsite construction start-ups are pushing the modular-homes space forward. Such new entrants making new bets and new funding from venture capital and private equity are also accelerating the disruption of current business models. As the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds, an increase in corporate restructuring and M&A activity is to be expected.

Khalid Ali Al Bustani, Director-General of the FTA, attributed the significant increase in the number of UAE citizens benefiting from the Tax Refund Scheme to an increased tax awareness and continuous improvements made by the Authority to the service since its launch six years ago.

“These enhancements include introducing more facilities to streamline and expedite the refund process for UAE citizens who meet the legal requirements for tax refunds,” he said.

Additionally, the FTA launched its Maskan smart application this year, providing further facilities for UAE citizens to request refunds on VAT incurred on the construction of their new homes, using 100% digital and paperless procedures.

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NMDC Group has received approval from the Securities and Commodities Authority and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) to proceed with an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of a portion of its NMDC Energy shares.

NMDC Energy, a key subsidiary of NMDC Group, provides integrated solutions in the energy sector. The company operates manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi, covering 1.3m sqm. The IPO presents an opportunity for investors to engage in NMDC Energy, the firm said.

The group is set to offer 1.150 billion shares (one billion one hundred and fifty million shares) at AED 2.8 per share. The subscription period will open on 30 August 2024 for individual investors in the UAE and will remain open until 4 September 2024, for qualified and professional investors.

Backed by Alpha Dhabi Holding, a subsidiary of International Holding Company (IHC), NMDC Group has a strong track record of delivering major projects with innovative and cost-effective solutions. The IPO presents an attractive opportunity for investors to engage in NMDC Energy’s promising growth trajectory, said a statement.

NMDC Energy is said to have a diverse international portfolio in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India, and Taiwan. To further expands, the company is developing a 400,000sqm manufacturing facility at Ras Al Khair Port in Saudi Arabia.

In its recent financial results for the first half of 2024, NMDC Group reported a 79% increase in revenue, compared to the first half of 2023. Net profits rose by 66% in the same period last year. The group’s asset value also grew significantly, as per the press release.

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Kiverco and Britanicacrest have collaborated for the development of a new recycling plant. Having outgrown their existing recycling facility, Britaniacrest turned to Kiverco to discuss plans for an innovative solution to handle two parallel waste streams: construction and demolition (C&D) waste and commercial and industrial (C&I) waste. The newly installed recycling plant can boast throughput of up to 50-60t per hour.

Having a reliable recycling plant capable of high levels of throughput is essential to waste management companies such as Britaniacrest, and the relationship between the two companies has evolved into a trusted partnership, which played a significant role in their decision to invest in a much larger Kiverco plant, said a statement from the firm.

“I was involved in installing the Britaniacrest plant 16 years ago when I worked as a fitter. Now, being part of the process of selling their new plant makes me extremely proud that they have chosen Kiverco once again. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with the team at Britaniacrest on this exciting new project, which will feature some of the latest industry technology. This will future proof their business for many years and provide a significant return on investment for Britaniacrest,” said Kiverco Sales Manager JP Devlin.

Ray Foss from Britaniacrest added, “We have been working with Kiverco for many years and have been consistently impressed by the durability of their products and their exceptional aftercare support. When it came to upgrading our facilities, we needed a trusted partner who understands the work we do, and Kiverco has once again delivered with an impressive plant. The team listened to our needs and provided a solution to enhance our purity levels with a fines clean-up.”

He added, “We relocated our existing Kiverco trommel, which we’ve had for nearly 16 years. It has been reliable throughout, and after some modifications and maintenance, it’s been brought back to life. We expect to get another four or five years of use from it. Now, we’re diverting nearly 100% of our waste from landfill—everything is separated, baled, and exported. I highly recommend Kiverco, and I’ve already referred them to other customers interested in waste plants.”

Kiverco will provide design and manufacture of recycling plant solutions. With a focus on building lasting relationships with customers, tailored as each client’s specific needs. The company’s prime focus is environmental sustainability and providing recycling equipment, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

KEZAD Group and UAE-based Apex Engineering Industries have signed a 50-year land lease agreement for the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility in KEZAD Area A – Al Ma’mourah. To be developed with US $24.5mn in investment by Apex Engineering, the plant will produce industrial parts, components, machinery and equipment for the oil and gas, locomotive and defence industries.

Spanning over 40,000sqm, the facility will use advanced engineering for the design and development of systems to serve the aforementioned sectors. All operations at the plant will take place in alignment with environment protection commitments and will uphold the sustainable business practices in KEZAD.

The construction of the proposed plant is set to further propel manufacturing for industries with large-scale undertakings and positions KEZAD as the prime hub for industrial development. The agreement emphasises AD Ports Group’s strategy to attract manufacturing companies from around the world and across the board to drive economic growth.

Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group said, “The setting up of the new plant will be a welcome addition to our ecosystem of diverse industrial manufacturing companies driving sustained economic growth. We look forward to the project’s contribution to UAE’s strategic vision of diversifying its economy and becoming the global hub for innovation.”

Nooruddin F. Daud, Partner, Apex Engineering Industries added, “Apex Engineering Industries LLC are pleased to set up our state-of-the-art engineering R&D and manufacturing facilities in Abu Dhabi. We aim to provide services to the oil & gas, locomotives, automotive, defence and engineering sectors in the UAE. We look forward in contributing to the engineering & manufacturing eco-system of the UAE in general and Abu Dhabi in particular.”

He continued, “We already have our plant and equipment installed for a unique material treatment process that enhances the lifecycle of metal wear parts like cutting tools, brake discs, gears etc. thereby providing economic benefits to our customers. The industry enabling regulations, and the business-friendly environment provided by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development coupled with world class facilities provided by KEZAD make it a very attractive option to set up our facilities here in KEZAD.”

While oil and natural gas contribute significantly to meeting the world’s energy demands, locomotives are the steering gear behind the transportation sector’s efforts to tackle climate change with higher efficiency and reduced carbon footprint. The new establishment at KEZAD will meet the demands of these industries and enable them with more productivity and performance, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Grundfos has announced the availability of its SP18 submersible pump in India, Middle East, Africa and Central Asia (IMEA). Following its launch in Kenya, Ghana and the United Arab Emirates earlier this year, the SP18 pump is said to be able to deliver consistent performance during periods of high demand, ensuring low long-term costs and high operating reliability due to the optimised hydraulics design.

The SP18, one out of the four models in the Grundfos SP 6” pump range, is engineered to address two operational challenges in the region faced by farmers and water authorities: high energy consumption and frequent pump failures leading to downtime. With its superior efficiency and robust design, the SP18 promises to enhance operational continuity and sustainability for water management systems. The pumps are suitable for a variety of applications, including groundwater supply to waterworks, irrigation, groundwater lowering, mining and fountains, the firm said in a statement.

This new model boasts state-of-the-art 6″ hydraulics combined with a recently launched permanent magnet motor, which together can reduce energy consumption by at least 15% and potentially up to 30% compared to its predecessor, operated with a conventional induction motor. This significant reduction not only lowers the total cost of ownership but also contributes to decreasing carbon emissions by the same margin, it added.

Michael Nielsen, Regional Sales Director for India, Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) at Grundfos

“The launch of the SP18 pump represents a crucial step in responsibly accessing the strained water resources across the MENA/IMEA region. The SP18 sets a new benchmark in submersible pump technology with its best-in-class efficiency and reliability. By adopting sustainable implementation and digitalised operations, the pump supports customers in their journey towards decarbonising water management and combating regional water scarcity challenges,” said Feroz Khan Mohammed Jaffer, Regional Market Development Manager, IMEA.

Michael Nielsen, Regional Sales Director for India, Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA) at Grundfos, added: “Our goal with the SP18 pump is to provide a robust and energy-efficient solution that meets the evolving needs of our customers in the region. With its advanced technology and sustainable design, the SP18 not only ensures reliable water supply but also contributes to significant energy savings and reduced environmental impact. We are committed to supporting our customers in their efforts to achieve greater sustainability in water management.”

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Source: ME Construction News