AESG has announced further international expansion with the launch of its office in Sydney that will serve as its headquarters for the Australian market. The Sydney office will work closely with AESG’s Singapore office to further strengthen the firms’ value proposition to clients throughout the Asia Pacific region.

The move marks another milestone for the company which, in just 14 years since its founding, has grown to be one of the region’s largest privately held consultancies with offices across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, and Singapore, serving the Middle East, Europe and Asia, said a statement from the firm.

“Today, we proudly extend the reach of our world-class service portfolio into Australia.  The nation’s ambitious decarbonisation strategy and emissions reduction targets for 2035 aligns perfectly with our mission as a business to drive the Net Zero and sustainability agenda in our sectors. I am excited by this unique opportunity for our team to rise to the exciting and challenging opportunities in the Australasian market, at a very exciting period in the nation’s development,” said Saeed Al Abbar, CEO at AESG.

He added, “By placing our industry experts on the ground, with their years of international experience yearned from working on some of the world’s most demanding development undertakings, we hope to infuse the market with global best practices and fresh perspectives. By the same measure, I am confident that the talented professionals we hire locally will not only provide local know how within the Australian market but also inject significant value back into our organisation, and the clients we serve across markets.”

AESG’s momentum in Australia will be spearheaded by Devan Valenti who has been brought on as Director of Sustainability for the country. He is said to have over a decade of expertise in sustainability across three continents and has been pivotal in advancing ESG practices within the property sector. Prior to joining AESG, Valenti served as Senior Manager and ESG Lead for Asia Pacific at the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), highlighting his strategic acumen and deep commitment to sustainable development.

In appointing Valenti – who was instrumental in the development of the Green Star Buildings Rating now embraced as a cornerstone by Australian property developers – as Director of Sustainability in Australia and Brent Ridgard – who previously served as National Director of Environmental Assessment & Planning at a prominent firm in Australia – to lead its Environmental Division in the Middle East, AESG has already demonstrated the value of its ability to tap into top talent from across geographies, the statement explained.

AESG will focus on developing its Environment and Sustainability and Specialist Engineering offerings in alignment with its intent to guide developers in Australia towards energy-efficient Net Zero solutions, as well as solve complex engineering challenges at the onset.

The service lines offered by these divisions include Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD), Facade Engineering, Fire and Life Safety, ESG Advisory, Carbon and Net Zero Consultancy, Green Building Certifications, Low Carbon Engineering, Ecological Surveys, and Environmental & Social Impact Assessment.

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Source: ME Construction News

AMEA Power has broken ground on a 24MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) project in Uganda. The project is being implemented by Ituka West Nile Uganda Limited, a project company registered in Uganda and fully owned by AMEA Power.

The project is located on a 52Ha site in Ombachi village, Uleppi Subcounty, Madi Okollo District in the West Nile Sub-Region, around 450km from Kampala.

The ceremony was attended by Hon. Dr. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda who was the Guest of Honour, Irene Bateebe, the Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, and Aqueel Bohra, Chief Investment Officer, AMEA Power.

Senior representatives from the Uleppi Subcounty, the Madi Okollo District, local Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Development, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited, the Electricity Regulatory Authority, the Ugandan Embassy to the United Arab Emirates, and other government and private energy sector agencies were also present at the event.

The project includes a 1X24 MVA 33/132kV transformer substation/switchyard and will be evacuated through the newly constructed Lira-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua 132kV transmission line, operated by UETCL, the offtaker. Once commissioned, it will be the first and largest utility-scale grid-connected solar PV project in the West Nile Region.

The investment for the $19mn project financing was secured during COP28 from Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF). African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI) is supporting the project via its Regional Liquidity Support Facility (RLSF).

Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power said, “We are excited to begin construction on this landmark solar project in Uganda, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to expanding our footprint across East Africa. This project aligns perfectly with Uganda’s vision for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, and we are confident that it will deliver substantial economic and environmental benefits for the country.”

The commissioning of the solar PV power plant is expected in Q3 2025. It will be AMEA Power’s first operational asset in the country. It will generate approximately 53,940MWh of clean energy per year, power more than 192,640 households and will offset 26,600 tons of carbon emission annually.

The Power Purchase Agreement with the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company, and the implementation agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, signed in September 2023. AMEA Power will work closely with the local communities as part of its commitment to economic development and will undertake key social initiatives under its ‘Community Investment and Development Programs’, aimed to focus on gender equality, education and training programs.

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Source: ME Construction News

Work is currently underway on the ‘initial design’ of the railway project linking Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, aimed at providing a direct link for transporting passengers and commercial goods.

The move comes following the go-ahead from The Project Management Committee of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, based on the outcomes of their financial, economic, technical, and social feasibility studies.

International companies will shortly be invited to submit competitive tenders, pending the release of the project RFPs. The actual implementation of the project is expected to begin in 2026.

Once operational, the railway is expected to carry 3,300 passengers daily with six round trips; the line will start from the Shaddadiyah area in Kuwait and extend to Riyadh.

The project is expected to be completed within four years, aligning with a series of Kuwaiti-Saudi projects aimed at economic integration and strengthening historical relations between the two countries.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a total of 52,571 no-objection certificates (NOCs) for infrastructure works and projects in the first half of 2024, achieving a growth of 13.4% when compared to the same period last year.

This statistic highlights the efficiency and flexibility of service delivery through the Electronic NOC System – an integrated platform that includes 11 different service entities under one umbrella, in order to issue unified NOCs for a wide spectrum of infrastructure works. Meanwhile, the processing time for each application ranges from three to seven days, depending on the nature and scale of the work, the firm noted.

Bassel Ibrahim Saad, Director of Right-of-Way, Traffic and Roads Agency, RTA said: “The first half of 2024 saw a remarkable increase in applications for NOCs for infrastructure projects in Dubai. NOCs for road and construction works accounted for the largest share at 45.4% of the total issued certificates, which reflects the high demand and thriving activities in the construction, engineering consultancy, and real estate development sectors. The remaining portion was distributed among design works, exploratory drilling, information services, and completion certificates.”

“The RTA is committed to strengthening cooperation with relevant service entities to ensure the sustainability of infrastructure projects and works in Dubai. The Electronic NOC system encompasses several RTA departments as well as government service providers, such as Dubai Municipality, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa), Etisalat (e&), Du, Etihad Rail, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), Dubai Supply Authority, Ministry of Defence, Dubai Airports, and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects.”

The RTA is continuously seeking to further upgrade the Electronic NOC system, enhancing service quality and delivery times, thereby helping to ensure optimum, flexible business operations for companies and real estate developers, the statement noted.

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Raimondi Middle East has deployed five luffing jib cranes for one of the Dubai’s new projects. The new development spans over 1.423m sqft, offers a total of 1,030 units across two towers and is situated at the intersection of Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

“By renting these five Raimondi LR213s we continue to prove our strong flow of commercial activity and active involvement in the development of the region,” stated Wael Hasan, General Manager, Raimondi Middle East. He continues, “Participating in this high-profile project underscores our fleet reliability and efficiency, while reflecting our commitment to providing solutions that cater to the complex urban construction projects.”

Installed in Q2 of 2024, the LR213s are all currently freestanding at 45m with jib lengths ranging between 44.5m and 55m. Based on site progression, four out of the five luffers will be externally climbed to reach the impressive heights of 145m and 190m. Equipped with a 55kW hoisting winch with a drum capacity of 880m, the cranes lift at a maximum speed up to 104m per minute.

“The LR213 has been selected to meet the specific requirements of the project’s contractor, ensuring timely and safe execution, while avoiding collision and overfly of surrounding properties; making it ideal for high-rise construction in densely populated areas,” he explained, highlighting how this specific model helped in the development of similar projects across the United Arab Emirates.

The 14t model offers lifting capacities and flexibility, facilitating the efficient handling of heavy materials and components, streamlining the construction process and enhancing site safety. The cranes were installed with meticulous planning and precision, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding areas while maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency.

“Considering the congested location we carefully evaluate each stage of the installation process, from components arriving onsite at night to early morning installations. The positioning of each machine has been studied to reduce contractor’s costs with each LR213 supporting the installation, and subsequently dismantling, of the others,” Hasan concluded.

Raimondi Middle East’s technical team will continue to provide onsite support throughout the whole project’s duration, including the several climbing stages to allow the crane to reach the final heights, as well as the dismantling procedures.  The LR213s will remain onsite for approximately 18 to 22 months. Upon completion the new residential development will offer housing units, luxurious amenities, recreative areas, and restaurants.

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Source: ME Construction News

ZāZEN Properties has announced its second project in Al Furjan, ZāZEN Ivy. Featuring 71 units, ZāZEN Ivy caters to both investors and end-users alike, the developer noted.

Scheduled for handover in Q1 2026, the project includes amenities and ground-floor retail outlets catering to residents and visitors of Al Furjan. As the second LEED-certified project from ZāZEN, Ivy sets a new standard for homes that are built for families to flourish, catering to their well-being and the environment, said a statement from the developer.

Ivy stands out with its spacious layouts, premium finishes, modern designs and a focus on spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The development offers a variety of unit types, from standard one- and two-bedroom apartments to two- and three-bedroom apartments with maid’s rooms, fully fitted kitchens, expansive balconies and terraces. The project offers a range of amenities such as a temperature controlled pool, resident’s lounge, indoor and outdoor gym, sauna, BBQ deck & entertainment areas, kids climbing wall & solar panels for clean energy. Ivy emphasizes abundant natural light and lush outdoor green spaces, contributing to a vibrant and inclusive urban environment and strategy that aims to double green spaces. Being a Vastu-compliant design creates a positive and serene atmosphere, that fosters community growth and well-being, the developer explained.

Madhav Dhar, Founding Member and COO of ZāZEN Properties, commented, “ZāZEN Ivy represents our vision of redefining urban living through innovative design, high quality finishes, and a commitment to sustainability. This project embodies our belief in creating residences that not only elevate living standards but also integrate seamlessly with how people want to grow in their homes and the vibrant fabric of Dubai’s evolving landscape. Our success is defined not only by our projects like ZāZEN One and ZāZEN Gardens but also by our community of owners, who experience what the brand stands for and advocate for it. With ZāZEN Ivy, we uphold this legacy, ensuring that every detail of the project is thoughtfully curated to create a genuine sense of home while setting a benchmark in this area.”

Located in Al Furjan, Ivy also stands to benefit from the increasing demand driven by major infrastructure projects such as the new terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport and the Metro expansion by 2024. Located close to The Gardens metro station, it offers convenience by its proximity to Ibn Battuta Mall, The Beach JBR, and both airports. This prime location blends convenience, comfort, and strategic investment opportunities, significantly boosting property values in Al Furjan.

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Source: ME Construction News

Building on the success of the Big Project ME Golf Day in Dubai which has been running for 14 years, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team has announced the launch of a new corporate golf day in Riyadh. The inaugural BPME Construction Golf Day Riyadh will take place on 17 October at the Dirab Golf & Country Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The inaugural event aims to bring together construction industry stakeholders from across the Kingdom for a day of friendly competition and networking. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration fees set at SAR 550 per player.

The event will kick off in the morning with registration and practice, and will allow players to enjoy a full round of golf on the 18-hole championship golf course. The day will conclude with a winner’s presentation, dinner and beverages, the BPME team confirmed.

“Big Project Middle East is one of the most respected construction focused trade titles in the Middle East, and the team is keen to expand its engagement with stakeholders with engaging live events that provide tremendous value to participants. Following the launch of our inaugural Suhoor in Dubai, and our forthcoming Future of Engineering Summit in Riyadh, we are pleased to unveil the BPME Construction Golf Day Riyadh. We look forward to welcoming players to the Dirab Golf & Country Club on 17 October for a memorable day of business and leisure,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The event is supported by: ALEC, AtkinsRéalis, KEO, RIB | Buildsmart, RIB | Candy,
RIB | CostX.

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact Raz Islam at raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com.

Read more about the Construction Golf Day Riyadh by clicking here.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) said it will launch two luxury properties in Bahrain under its Taj brand, in partnership with Kingdom Projects. The two properties are the Taj resort Hamala and the Taj hotel in Downtown Seef, Manama.

These greenfield projects are said to mark a significant milestone, as IHCL becomes the first major Indian hospitality company to establish a presence in Bahrain, further extending the company’s footprint in the Middle East.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said: “We are pleased to announce two hotels in the island nation of Bahrain in line with our strategy of growing Taj’s presence in key gateway cities of the world. With a portfolio of seven hotels including four under development in the Middle East, these hotels will extend our presence in the MENA region. We are delighted to partner with Kingdom Projects to introduce the iconic Taj with its world- class hospitality, elevating Bahrain’s tourism landscape.”

Nestled amid picturesque surroundings, the Taj resort in Hamala will feature 251 luxury rooms, each designed to reflect the serenity of the island. The resort will also offer an all-day dining restaurant, two specialty restaurants, a swimming pool and an exclusive beach club. Curated to create an atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation, the Hamala resort will emphasise wellness, with dedicated areas including a state-of-the-art gym and tranquil spa. The 1,200sqm banquet facilities will cater to grand events and celebrations, making it a key player in Bahrain’s emerging leisure sector.

Meanwhile, the 200-room Taj hotel in Manama, located in the heart of Bahrain’s capital, is set to cater to the needs of business travellers and tourists alike. Coupled with facilities including a modern gym, spa, and swimming pool, the hotel will provide guests with a broad range of culinary experiences, ranging from all-day dining and specialty restaurants, to an exclusive pool bar. The Downtown Seef hotel will additionally feature banquet areas tailored for meetings, corporate events, and weddings.

Jalal Al Wazzan, Managing Director of Kingdom Projects explained, “We are delighted to welcome the prestigious and world-renowned Taj brand, a first for Bahrain, which will work towards attracting tourists in greater numbers from across the region and around the globe, thereby enhancing the tourism sector’s contribution to GDP.”

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Source: ME Construction News

AD Ports Group has completed an environmental and social impact study, as part of its 30-year concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Congo – Brazzaville, for managing and operating the multipurpose New East Mole Terminal in Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo – Brazzaville.

The study was conducted using diverse scientific methodologies in line with the national Congolese regulations and international best practices such as International Finance Corporation (IFC) environmental and social performance standards. It outlines the optimum recommendations for AD Ports Group to enhance the social, communal and environmental performance of the project during the construction and operational phases.

As part of the study, a public consultation was held in May 2024 attended by all relevant stakeholders in Pointe Noire including the Port authority – Port Autonome de Pointe-Noire, Préfecture – Prefecture De Pointe-Noire, Marine Marchand, Mayor’s office, National & International NGOs, Port operators, and all major minister’s representatives related to the project, with aim of informing and engaging the relevant parties in the development of the project.

Apart from the provision of state-of-the art hardware, AD Ports Group will also provide the new facility with digital services and technological solutions to enhance its efficiency and minimise impact of its operations on the environment.

Throughout the concession agreement, AD Ports Group is committed to the policies related to urban planning, safety, security, and sustainability. The environmental and social issues are of paramount importance and demonstrating community support is a priority, the group noted.

Mohamed Eidha Tannaf AlMenhali, Regional CEO – AD Ports Group said, “At AD Ports Group, we recognise our role in driving economic growth and prosperity, both locally and globally in the communities where we operate. Conducting these environmental studies before we embark on any project reflects our approach focused on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into our business practices to drive sustainable growth and create long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Under the terms of the agreement signed in June 2023, AD Ports Group will have the exclusive right to invest in the development, operation, management and maintenance of the ‘New East Mole Port’ that will handle containers, general cargo, break-bulk and other types of cargo. The agreement runs for thirty years from the date of signing and AD Ports Group shall have the right to further extend it for a further period of twenty (20) years on the same terms and conditions.

Pointe Noire is the main commercial centre of the Republic of the Congo – Brazzaville, and its port plays a key role in the economy and development of the nation and wider region. Executives are confident that the collaboration will help stimulate trade and enhance connectivity for the Republic of the Congo – Brazzaville, which is pursuing a new National Development Plan (NDP) focusing on economic diversification and high, resilient, and inclusive growth.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority has announced the adoption of Digital Twin technology to showcase its housing projects. This initiative focuses on 3D real-time visualisation of housing options. Additionally, through collaboration with technology firm NNTC, the authority offers an integrated virtual experience where individuals can explore housing options that best suit their needs and book them interactively.

Supported by advanced technologies like Unreal Engine 5 and NVIDIA’s DLSS, the system enables the full visualisation of the internal and external layouts of more than 3,000 houses. Users can virtually tour residential complexes and view the various infrastructure, facilities, and the available services. Via integration with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the system also provides housing details, simplifying the real-time viewing of available units and booking process. Additionally, the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through the system simplifies the actual booking process.

The solution is accessible via digital kiosks at the ‘ISKAN Abu Dhabi Center’ or through the ‘ISKAN Abu Dhabi’ app, which consolidates all the authority’s services under one smart app.

“We look forward to leveraging the adoption of these modern technologies to showcase ADHA’s housing projects through an advanced system that simulates reality. This aligns with our continuous efforts to develop more technologies to enhance our customers’ experience and empower them to make informed decisions regarding their housing needs.” said His Excellency Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority.

Dmitry Doshaniy, General Director of NNTC added, “The system offers a transformative solution that will bring about a qualitative shift in the housing sector, setting new standards and providing an interactive experience to facilitate the selection of appropriate housing. We are proud to cooperate with the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority on this project and anticipate the positive impact on its services.”

The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority continues its efforts to adopt cutting-edge technologies aimed at enhancing the customers’ experiences in line with the emirate’s digital goals. The recently integrated version of the ‘ISKAN Abu Dhabi’ smart app was launched, serving as an interactive digital platform to all services provided by ADHA, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News