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April 25, 2024 foasummit0

SGW, a safety and security consultancy with offices in the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore has been acquired by AESG. AESG notes that the deal augments AESG’s portfolio of multidisciplinary services for the construction industry, and has enabled the company to launch its new Security Consultancy service line.

Simon Whitehouse, founder of SGW and an industry veteran of nearly four decades, will head the newly founded service line as AESG’s Director of Security Consultancy. Having focused solely on the security engineering and security management profession through his career, Whitehouse holds a number of industry certifications including Chartered Security Professional (CSyP), Fellow of the Security Institute (FSyI), Certified Protection Professional (CPP), and Physical Security Professional (PSP), the statement from AESG explained.

AESG was founded in the UAE a little over a decade ago, and has expanded across the Middle East, Europe and APAC, the release noted.

“Our ability as a privately held consultancy firm to expand across the globe and bring industry-leading firms such as SGW under our banner is testament to the incredible work of our talented teams. We are now leveraging our prominent position in the market to seek out new partnerships that enable us to draw on the established expertise of specialist consultancies and pioneer new services that perfectly cater to the needs of the ambitious projects currently underway in the region,” said Saeed Al Abbar, CEO of AESG.

“With its proven impressive portfolio of world-class projects throughout the Middle East, UK, Russia, China and Europe, SGW’s commitment to excellence and specialisation perfectly aligns with the ethos that has fuelled the success of AESG. I am confident in the value that our new Security Consultancy service line will bring to our global Client base. Having worked with Simon over many years, I am delighted to welcome him and his team to AESG and look forward to an exciting future together,” added Al Abbar.

Under Whitehouse’s management, the new team will offer services that include Security Consultancy, Video Surveillance System (VSS) Consulting, Security Assessment and Compliance, and Counter Terrorism Planning. Through these offerings, AESG Security Consultancy aims to redefine security and risk management consultancy with comprehensive solutions that integrate security seamlessly to address physical, personnel and procedural protections in harmony with design, the statement outlined.

At launch, AESG will focus on serving clients across 14 sectors that include Healthcare, Transportation, Tall Buildings, Public Sector, Financial Services, Education, Leisure, Hospitality, Mixed-Use developments and Industrial facilities.

“As the region undertakes an ever-growing number of iconic projects and national development strategies, Security Consultancy is becoming critical to helping protect the population, built assets and infrastructure against crime and other nefarious activities. AESG is already a trusted partner to so many of these ambitious developments and their multidisciplinary capabilities have been immensely valuable to clients seeking a comprehensive portfolio of world class consultancy services. SGW’s expertise compliments AESG capabilities, and our experts will work closely with counterparts from other service lines to deliver highly effective solutions. I am delighted to join AESG at this incredibly exciting phase of its expansion,” Whitehouse concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 24, 2024 foasummit0

Saudi-based Waja Company has announced plans to set up a new venture in Egypt, dedicated to producing and manufacturing electric cars. The initiative will take place via a new partnership with the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation in the Republic of Egypt.

A leading Saudi business entity with interests in construction, contracting and technology, Waja Company said it has recently signed a framework co-operation agreement with the Egyptian group.

In its filing to the Saudi bourse, Tadawul, Waja Company explained that the  partnership represents a step towards enhancing the company’s strategic goals as a leader in multiple industry sectors, with a strong presence at the vanguard of the New Energy transition.

It added that JV with the Arab Organisation for Industrialisation in the Republic of Egypt will cater to the needs of both the local and export markets, responding to the growing appetite for leading-edge electric vehicles.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 24, 2024 foasummit0

The implementation phase for the US $3bn railway project between the Sultanate of Oman and the UAE has begun, according to Ahmed Al Musawa Al Hashemi, a top official of Oman Rail and Etihad Rail Company. The joint venture company between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail Company has also been rebranded to Hafeet Rail, and will operate the railway network linking Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network.

The rebranding announcement was made on the sidelines of the joint UAE-Oman Business Forum in Abu Dhabi, where three major agreements pertaining to the joint rail project were sealed.

“The UAE-Oman railway project will serve as a catalyst for further cooperation in various economic and industrial sectors, noting its direct impact on passenger movement between the two countries, further boosting tourism and ties between their peoples,” stated Al Hashemi.

Al Hashemi added that several tangible steps have been taken, starting with the signing of the partnership agreement between stakeholders, and the awarding of major contracts for the project to a UAE-Omani alliance comprising companies from both countries operating as one team.

The first is a partnership agreement between Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment signalling the project commencement. The second is a set of civil contracts for the joint network, awarded to an Omani-Emirati joint venture led by Trojan Construction Group and Galfar Engineering and Contracting. The third involves the systems and integration contracts for the railway network, awarded to a partnership between Siemens and HAC, said a report.

On the new identity, Al Hashemi said the name pays tribute to the Jabal Hafeet region which extends between Oman and the UAE.

The railway line in this project extends from the existing network in the UAE, specifically from the Al Wathba area to the city and the port of Sohar, passing through diverse geographical areas from desert to mountainous and valley regions, and running alongside Jebel Hafeet, he concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 23, 2024 foasummit0

The Middle East Consultant (MEC) editorial team has announced that its Future of Architecture Summit will take place on 12 June at the Habtoor Grand Resort JBR in Dubai. The event’s focus has been expanded significantly and now features a dedicated awards ceremony component, the editorial team confirmed.

The day will be split into two; the morning session will see well known industry leaders converge to discuss and debate key topics relating to the architecture and design discipline. Register for the summit by clicking here.

Following the morning session, the awards gala segment will take place in the second half of the day, and will recognise excellence across 13 different categories, including: Architect of the Year; Young Architect of the Year (Under 30); Landscape Project of the Year; Super-Tall Structure of the Year; Lightning Installation of the Year; Residential Project of the Year; Civic & Public Sector Project of the Year; Cultural & Heritage Project of the Year; People of Determination Access Project of the Year; Urban Planning & Infrastructure Project of the Year; Sustainable Design Champion of the Year; Re-purposed Project of the Year, and Outstanding Achievement of the Year. Click here to read about all the categories.

The event is being supported by:

Strategic Sponsor: KEO International Consultants
Supporting Partner: Climatize, GAJ Architects, National Engineering Bureau (NEB)

Read more about the event by clicking here.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 23, 2024 foasummit0

WSP Middle East has launched its Real Estate Advisory services in the region. The firm says the move is in response to evolving market dynamics, as clients increasing look for comprehensive, end-to-end project lifecycle services under a unified platform.

The new service line will operate across a wide range of sectors including residential, office, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, leisure & entertainment, data centres, industrial & logistics and mixed-use. In addition, services entail bespoke market research, feasibility, highest & best use studies, portfolio advisory, pricing strategy, benchmarking & competitive analysis, investment strategy, master planning support & review, and financial modelling.

“I am thrilled to introduce our new Real Estate Advisory Services in the Middle East. Reflecting on over 17 years’ experience in the Middle East region in leading the largest real estate consulting teams, WSP is the first to fulfil the long-awaited ask from our clients to provide a seamless service offering that covers all aspects of the development cycle. I look forward to meeting and working with our clients in the region and offering our services from this integrated platform,” said Michael Heitmann, Head of Real Estate Advisory at WSP Middle East.

The Real Estate Advisory team will be led by Michael Heitmann, as well as Gabriella De La Torre and Arash Darabnia, both Senior Directors; three industry veterans with a proven track record in providing real estate development advice to clients in the Middle East, WSP Middle East said in a statement.

Kathleen McGrail, Managing Director, Advisory Services.

The team aims to support clients in delivering world-class projects and communities, creating value for property owners and developers, whilst also enhancing user experience, quality of life, and ensuring sustainability for future generations of end users, it added.

“The launch of our new strategic Real Estate Advisory team marks a pivotal moment for us and reflects our commitment to our client requirements through providing a full project lifecycle service offering. This also reinforces our ambition to be a leading market force at the front-end of the development lifecycle,” explained Kathleen McGrail, Managing Director, Advisory Services.

The addition of the Real Estate Advisory service ensures WSP Middle East’s clients receive market-driven recommendations that incorporate prevalent market requirements, whilst planning for the future and enabling the creation of Future Ready communities and projects across the region, the statement outlined.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 22, 2024 foasummit0

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has launched the second edition of its Infrastructure NOC (No Objection Certificate) Technical Manual – a key reference for accredited contractors, consultants and developers.

This manual helps facilitate and accelerate the acquisition of electricity and water services according to the best international standards and practices regarding reliability, quality, and efficiency.

In this edition, DEWA has added 17 new project types, bringing the total number to 67. It also includes the key standards for water assets and an update of the technical specifications and protection details for new electricity assets.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA said: “Due to the increasing number of infrastructure projects in Dubai and soaring demand for electricity and water services, we are committed to keeping pace with the emirate’s economic prosperity and the increase in population, and to support Dubai Economic Agenda D33. We provide all the necessary capabilities and digital services that help consultants and contractors carry out their work and conduct their transactions smoothly and easily, to enhance Dubai’s competitiveness in facilitating business.”

He added that DEWA also offers consultants and contractors a wide spectrum of programmes and services, including the Al Namoos service, the Marafeq smart feature, and the Ownek (Arabic for ‘your help’) awareness initiative.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 22, 2024 foasummit0

An initiative has been announced by Emaar Properties to repair all homes in its communities that have been affected by the recent severe weather in Dubai, at no cost to residents.

The developer said its dedicated teams are already assessing and repairing damages, working in close coordination with local authorities to expedite the process. Since the severe rains began on 16 April, Emaar’s facility management and community management staff have been on the ground, assisting customers day and night, it said.

The teams have been dealing with challenges, including clearing numerous water-clogging issues, and continue to work around the clock to provide solutions, the developer noted.

“At Emaar Properties, we are deeply committed to the well-being and safety of all our residents and stakeholders. In response to the challenges posed by this adverse weather and heavy rains that Dubai has experienced in the past few days, I am announcing that Emaar will undertake the repair of all properties within our communities that have been damaged by the recent rains at its own cost to ensure that our residents can return to their daily lives as swiftly and smoothly as possible,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties.

He added, “Emaar has always strived to support our community in times of need, and as a responsible company, we undertake to provide all possible support in such situations including complete repair of our customers’ homes.”

Emaar’s dedicated teams are already coordinating with local authorities and have begun assessing and restoring the damaged properties. All homes, whether old or new, that have reported damages directly resulting from the recent rainfall and registered through Emaar call centre are eligible for this service, the developer noted.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 19, 2024 foasummit0

An agreement has been signed which will see Emerge install a 980kWp rooftop solar plant for Dubai Maritime City. Emerge is a joint venture between Masdar and EDF Group ans notes that the plant will offset 780t of CO2 emissions a year.

According to a statement, the project is part of a wider energy transition led by DP World, the parent company of Dubai Maritime City, to facilitate the widespread adoption of renewable energy and battery energy storage systems (BESS) within DP World’s global supply chain.

“Our agreement with Dubai Maritime City to install a rooftop solar plant builds on the success we have enjoyed in developing several projects in the UAE since Emerge was formed as an energy services company offering full turnkey solutions at no upfront cost to the client. We are proud to support this project and to significantly contribute to the Dubai Maritime City’s decarbonisation goals,” said Michel Abi Saab, Emerge General Manager.

To be placed on the roof of the staff accommodation building and consisting of more than 1,700 solar modules, the plant will be delivered by Emerge as a turnkey solution, including finance, design, procurement, construction, operations, and maintenance of the solar modules for 25 years.

Ahmed Al Hammadi, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Maritime City, DP World added, “The deployment of clean energy is a central part of our sustainability strategy to become carbon neutral by 2040 and Net Zero carbon by 2050. We are excited to partner with innovative companies like Emerge and Masdar to accelerate our transition to renewables and look forward to starting work on this solar plant at Dubai Maritime City.”

The project will contribute to the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 initiative, which aims to see renewable energy make up 44% of the country’s clean energy mix by 2050. Rooftop solar PV could provide approximately 6% of the UAE’s total power generation by 2030, according to a projection by the International Renewable Energy Agency in its REmap 2030 report on renewable energy prospects for the UAE.

As an energy services company, Emerge offers clients full turnkey solutions through solar power agreements at no up-front cost to the client, the firm noted.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 19, 2024 foasummit0

Alstom has been awarded a major contract to boost the capacity of the Innovia automated people mover (APM) system at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The move is said to be a significant step in the Kingdom’s preparations to accommodate the airport’s projected passenger growth, which is expected to surpass 100m passengers by 2030.

As per the terms of the deal, Alstom will undertake the design, engineering, supply, integration, testing and commissioning of a full system upgrade of Jeddah’s International Airport Terminal 1 People Mover, including four additional Innovia APM cars, to be added into the current fleet of ten.

The firm said the project also calls for an upgrade to the signalling and communication systems, the implementation of platform screen doors, cybersecurity enhancements, and the establishment of a new Operation Control Room.

“The enhancement of the Innovia APM system is a crucial element in enriching the transit experience at King Abdulaziz International Airport, a bustling gateway influenced by the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. This significant upgrade will be instrumental in accommodating the increased passenger volumes resulting from the nation’s active promotion of tourism and the modernisation of visa protocols,” stated Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director of Alstom in Saudi Arabia.

He continued, “Alstom’s mission to bolster the Jeddah Airport Company’s (JEDCO) operational efficiency shines through this project, reinforcing our pledge to be a resilient, long-term partner in the region’s remarkable evolution.”

According to Khalil, the project will draw on Alstom’s global in-house expertise in integrated railway systems.

The APM cars are equipped with Cityflo 650 CBTC solution, which has been designed to meet the most stringent safety, reliability, maintainability and availability requirements. The existing fleet will be retrofitted with the latest Motion Recording Video systems, he added.

In 2022, Alstom and Jeddah Airports Company (Jedco) entered into a new five-year contract for the operation and maintenance of Jeddah Airport’s APM system, the firm stated.

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Source: ME Construction News


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April 18, 2024 foasummit0

The financial close of a 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination project in Hassyan has been announced by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Saudi-based Acwa Power.

According to a report, the project is a key component of DEWA’s strategy to enhance the emirate’s water desalination capacity. It will be the world’s largest project of its kind using RO technology under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, with an investment of US $920mn.

“We are committed to developing an advanced and integrated energy and water infrastructure that aligns with Dubai’s progressive development and caters to the increasing demand for electricity and water services while meeting the requirements of comprehensive sustainable development plans and the Dubai Urban Plan 2040,” remarked Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the MD & CEO of DEWA.

He added, “This initiative supports Dubai’s Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 2030, which emphasises resource optimisation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.”

The project is expected to play a crucial role in Dubai’s plan to produce 100% of its desalinated water by 2030 from a clean energy and waste heat mix.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of Acwa Power expressed delight at joining forces with DEWA to finalise the financing of the project. He noted, “This partnership serves as a model for fruitful projects that we operate and manage in cooperation with DEWA, as part of our commitment to contributing to Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050.”

“We have set a world record for the lowest tariff for desalinated water as well as the most energy-efficient reverse osmosis technology for the first plant in the world that is fully powered by renewable energy at the Hassyan complex in Dubai,” he concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News