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Source: ME Construction News
Accor, Valor Hospitality Partners and ICD (Investment Corporation of Dubai) have strengthened their partnership with the launch of a six-hotel cluster in Dubai Deira Waterfront as part of the Deira Enrichment Program. Accor operates over 290 properties in the Middle East across all its brands, with plans to expand further, adding +130 new addresses by 2028, said a statement from the firm.
Valor Hospitality Partners will manage the responsibilities for the six-hotel cluster comprising 999 guest rooms. This includes three Accor properties under the ibis Styles, Aparthotel Adagio, and Mercure brands, along with three newly constructed properties that will be branded as Novotel, ibis Styles, and Mercure in Dubai.
This expansion meets the growing need for mid-scale and economy hotels. It also expands Valor’s management team in the UAE and shows Accor’s commitment to being careful with money and operations. With a diversified portfolio, this partnership caters to distinct traveler needs, with Adagio meeting the demand of extended stays, Mercure delivering locally inspired experiences, ibis Styles providing design-driven affordability, and Novotel blending business and leisure, said a statement.
“Focusing on strategic, sustainable and exponential growth is the driving force of our partnership with ICD and its wholly owned property developer Ithra Dubai,” said Julien Bergue, Co-Founder & Managing Partner ME, AMEA at Valor Hospitality Partners. “This intensifies our firm commitment to the UAE and Dubai Hospitality Sectors, both well known for their innovation and excellence. The project also reflects our belief in our new slogan ‘A Whole World of Local’ which underscores our dedication to being closely connected to our partners and communities in the UAE, the Middle East, and wherever we operate.”
“Strengthening our collaboration with ICD reaffirms our commitment to sustainable growth with trusted partners. By integrating these properties under the Accor umbrella, we are reinforcing our alignment with the UAE’s vision to enhance tourism and hospitality infrastructure in key districts. This expansion also reflects the increasing demand for quality mid-scale and economy accommodations in Dubai, catering to a diverse range of travelers,” said Paul Stevens, Accor’s Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy brands for MEA.
The partnership between Valor Hospitality Partners, ICD, and Accor exemplifies the synergy of global expertise and deep local market insights. By optimising financial performance and driving sustainable growth, this collaboration sets new benchmarks for Dubai’s hospitality industry, ensuring each property thrives in its unique context.
Aligned with the UAE’s sustainability and economic goals, Accor and Valor Hospitality Partners integrates eco-conscious practices and community development throughout its operations. From resource conservation initiatives to skill development, Accor and Valor remain dedicated to fostering local talent and supporting national employment objectives.
From acquisition advisory to innovative food and beverage concepts, Valor provides solutions that bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. Its approach spans hotel management, branded residences, asset management, branding, and luxury lifestyle services, including golf, spa, and fitness management, the statement concluded.
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Source: ME Construction News
Nominations for the Digital Construction Awards (DC Awards) have officially opened, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has announced. Formerly known as the ME Digital Construction Awards, the DC Awards gala event will take place this year at the Ritz Carlton JBR, Dubai on 26 June, where the full shortlist and winners will be revealed in each category.
The awards comprise 15 distinct categories designed to recognise trailblazers and innovation across individuals, companies and projects. The BPME editorial team has confirmed that all categories are open to nominations from government organisations, developers, consultants, contractors, integrators/specialists as well as suppliers.
“Innovation and technology go hand-in-hand with the design, delivery and management of buildings and infrastructure in the region, and the BPME team is keen to recognise the crème de la crème, whether they are individuals, organisations or projects. As before there is no cost to nominate, however nominations must be submitted by 5pm on 21 May 2025 – no extensions will be offered under any circumstances,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.
The 2025 edition of the awards comprises the following categories: Young Technology Champion of the Year; Digital Visionary of the Year; Digital Team of the Year; Construction Software Provider of the Year; Construction Hardware Provider of the Year; Digital Contractor of the Year; Digital Consultant of the Year; Technology SME of the Year; Digital Government Organisation of the Year; Data Champion of the Year; Digital Construction Innovator of the Year; Net-Zero Technology Champion of the Year; Excellence in Collaboration & Productivity; Digital Construction Project of the Year – Building, and Digital Construction Project of the Year – Infrastructure. Nominations will close on 21 May, read the nomination guidelines by clicking here.
Once nominations close, they will go through a two-step judging process; the first will be conducted by the magazine’s editorial team, following which a panel of industry judges will deliberate and vote on the strongest nominations. Read about all the categories here.
Read more about the Digital Construction Awards here.
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Source: ME Construction News
Nakheel launched the third phase of Bay Grove Residences on Dubai Islands, following the launch of the second phase last year.
Featuring three new buildings, Phase 3 of Bay Grove Residences, with its location on Island B, is a community where residents can enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Comprising of 241 residential units, each unit is said to be positioned to maximise water views and easy access to Crystal Beach.
This phase of Bay Grove Residences will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, open-layout four-bedroom duplexes, and features designs with curved balconies that create a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Featuring en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, the residences combine style and functionality. The four-bedroom duplex is a balance of openness and warmth, said a statement.
Residents will be able to enjoy direct access to the beach, a green boardwalk, and a raised ocean pool on the beachfront. An adjacent park offers green space for outdoor activities and can serve as a setting for community events and gatherings, fostering connections and well-being among neighbors.
Bay Grove Residences features several amenities which include an infinity lap pool on the upper podium with the backdrop of the city skyline, a fitness centre overlooking the pool and kid’s club with an interactive space designed to provide a stimulating environment. The pet-friendly development also includes dedicated pet washing areas for grooming and maintaining pets.
Billed as a waterfront destination, Dubai Islands aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, with open spaces, parks and golf courses overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Dubai Islands comprises five islands with beaches, beachfront living, resorts, and cultural hubs within 20 minutes of Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport and marine ports.
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Source: ME Construction News
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Source: ME Construction News
Volvo Trucks and Putzmeister unveiled their largest battery-electric concrete pump trucks at the Bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany. The zero-emission battery-electric concrete pump have a reach of 42m and the first units will be delivered to Swedish construction company Swerock.
The company, in collaboration with Putzmeister, following a request from a long-standing partner, Swerock, developed an entirely new battery-electric truck-mounted concrete pump. Volvo Trucks can now show a fully electric alternative for pumping concrete to construction clients. Traditionally, pumping concrete requires the operation of a diesel truck, which results in exhaust emissions and noise pollution, said a statement.
The all-electric pump truck can travel up to 50km and pump approximately 50cu/m of concrete without the necessity of charging. For extended distances or larger quantities of concrete, a Combined Charging System (CCS2) solution with a charging capacity of 63 or 32 amperes can be installed at the site, the truck can continue pumping concrete while undergoing recharging.
“Volvo Trucks is the innovator when it comes to new technologies in combination with electric trucks. After presenting electric concrete mixers and heavy applications for construction, we are proud to show yet another world-class innovation for the construction segment here at Bauma. We believe in cooperation to move forward, and one example of this can be seen here in Germany together with Putzmeister. With this battery-electric pump truck, customers can have a zero-exhaust emission solution, low-noise operation and an efficient process thanks to the work-while-charging capacity,” said Christoph Fitz, Head of Sales at Volvo Trucks in Germany.
With the introduction of its new battery-electric pump truck, Volvo Trucks presents construction customers with a fully electric solution for the transportation, mixing, and pumping of concrete. Volvo commenced series production of electric trucks in 2019, and its product portfolio encompasses the decarbonisation of the entire construction transport lifecycle, encompassing transport trucks, cement mixers, concrete pumps, tippers, cranes, and hook lifts, the statement concluded.
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Source: ME Construction News
U+A has appointed Liliana Momcilovic as Head of Interior Design. The move is said to strengthen its leadership team with her expertise in high-end residential, hospitality, and mixed-use developments.
With over two and a half decades of international experience, including seventeen years in the Middle East, Momcilovic has consistently delivered innovative and design-driven solutions across a diverse range of markets, said a statement from U+A, which is a subsidiary of the Egis Group.
Momcilovic commented, “As the Head of Interior Design at U+A, my goal is to reshape our team into a space where each member’s strengths are recognised, nurtured, and empowered. I want to inspire and encourage everyone to explore emerging technologies and innovative approaches that enhance how we express our ideas. Through this, we will strive to surpass client expectations while taking pride in our work, continuously pushing ourselves to new creative heights and redefining what’s possible in design.”
Her ability to bridge design disciplines and drive forward-thinking solutions established her in the field. Passionate about innovation and the evolution of interior architecture, she has been integrating technologies such as 3D printing, digital automation, and wellness-oriented design into contemporary developments, the statement outlined.
Momcilovic, an architect and interior designer with a Master’s Degree in Architectural Engineering from the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Belgrade, has held leadership positions in property developers, architecture and interior design firms in Serbia and the UAE.
Throughout her career, she has led multidisciplinary teams, developed interior design strategies, and implemented solutions that integrate sustainability, smart technology, and contemporary aesthetics. Her expertise spans concept design, standardisation of hospitality and residential interiors, and the creation of functional spaces that enhance user experience, the statement concluded.
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Source: ME Construction News
SENNEBOGEN has agreed a strategic partnership to locally manufacture crawler cranes through its national partner PWS and Bersy Engineering Consultancy Bec-Fze with backing from the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), the industrial investment arm of the government of Saudi Arabia.
As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and its ongoing efforts to localise strategic industries, Pipes & Wells Services Company (PWS), a subsidiary company of Abdel Hadi A. Al-Qahtani & Sons (AHQ), signed the industrial partnership with the leading German manufacturer “to manufacture an attractive product line of crawler cranes within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia” this week.
The deal was sealed with the support and presence of the National Industrial Development Center (NIDC), with “the goal of enhancing technology transfer and advancing local manufacturing capabilities”.
The official agreement was signed by Abdulmalik Alqahtani on behalf of PWS, Erich Sennebogen on behalf of SENNEBOGEN, and Eng. Bakr Bersy Bersy on behalf of BEC. The signing ceremony was also attended by Eng. Mohammed Atia Nosser, General Manager of the Equipment Division at PWS, along with the Executive Vice President of the NIDC and the Manager of the Machinery and Equipment Sector at the Center.
Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is emerging as a global leader, showcasing substantial investment and employment opportunities for both domestic and international companies. The nation’s focus on mega-projects and advanced infrastructure initiatives is successfully attracting foreign businesses by promoting an environment centered on sustainability and innovation.
This transformation is evident in the machinery sector of the Middle East, where the demand for various types of equipment continues to rise. SENNEBOGEN and PWS, recoognises this trend and are poised to invest in the production of the first crawler cranes manufactured in Saudi Arabia, noted Hasan Al-Shehri, Business & Product Development Manager at NIDC.
“I am honored to be part of this localisation journey, and we eagerly anticipate the establishment of a state-of-the-art factory in the country soon.”
“This initiative is part of the NIDC’s efforts to promote collaboration between local and international companies and to bolster the growth of the Kingdom’s industrial sector, positioning it among the world’s leading nations in this domain.
“This partnership aims to enhance the transfer of cutting-edge industrial technologies and develop local manufacturing capabilities, marking a significant milestone in the localisation of the heavy equipment manufacturing sector,” said Al-Shehri “It will also strengthen local supply chains, create high-quality job opportunities, facilitate knowledge transfer, and empower national talents.”
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Source: ME Construction News
In industrial settings, safety is paramount, especially in environments where flammable or toxic gases are present. A robust gas detection system is an important line of defense, but it’s not the whole story. Integrating flame detection into your safety setup can create a safer and more reliable environment.
The Role of Gas and Flame Detection Systems
Gas detection systems are designed to identify harmful gases in the air, whether combustible, toxic, or asphyxiating. They provide early warnings, helping to enable preventive action before conditions become dangerous. However, gas detection alone doesn’t account for what happens when a gas leak ignites.
Flame detection systems complement gas detectors by identifying the presence of fire, which may occur even where gas concentration hasn’t yet reached detectable levels. Together, these systems can contribute to a more comprehensive safety net that addresses both potential and actual hazards.
Seven Reasons to Include Flame Detection in Gas Detection Systems
- More Comprehensive Hazard Mitigation
Gas detectors and flame detectors work hand-in-hand to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. While gas detectors alert you to the presence of a leak, flame detectors respond to fires that could result from undetected or ignited gases.
- Faster Response to Fire Emergencies
A gas leak can ignite in seconds, turning a potential hazard into an active emergency. Flame detectors react in real-time to the presence of a flame, helping to enable prompt action to contain the fire and prevent escalation.
- Helps Eliminate Blind Spots
Gas detection systems can only monitor specific zones. In scenarios where a leak occurs outside the detection range or a minor leak ignites directly, flame detectors can be an important second layer of protection.
- Tailored for High-risk Industries
In industries like oil and gas, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, the risk of fire due to flammable gases is ever present. Flame detection helps protect these high-stakes environments against both minor and catastrophic ignition events.
- Meeting Regulatory Standards
Safety regulations often require both gas and flame detection systems for compliance. Adhering to these standards not only protects your team and assets but also ensures your operations meet legal and industry benchmarks.
- Minimizing Damage and Downtime
Early flame detection can activate suppression systems, limit the spread of fire, and enhance the safety of personnel. By containing incidents quickly, businesses can avoid costly equipment damage and extended downtime.
- Enhanced Operational Safety and Continuity
Combining gas and flame detection creates a more resilient safety framework that reduces the likelihood of accidents and enables a quicker recovery in the event of an incident. This reliability is key to maintaining trust and productivity.
Despite its importance, users might hesitate to include flame detection in their safety systems due to perceived challenges such as cost, complexity, or maintenance. Users may also assume that gas detection alone is sufficient for preventing incidents, underestimating the speed at which a leak can escalate into a fire. Addressing these misconceptions and highlighting the critical role of flame detection in mitigating catastrophic events is key to overcoming reluctance and ensuring comprehensive safety solutions.
The Bottom Line: A Layered Defense is Key
Safety in industrial environments is not about choosing between gas or flame detection—it’s about understanding the benefits of both to build a layered defense. While gas detectors prevent potential hazards by identifying leaks, flame detectors act as a safeguard when ignition occurs.
Safety managers may consider this combination a necessity in today’s high risk, high stakes industries. By integrating flame detection into your gas detection system, you help to ensure that your operations are protected from the full spectrum of potential hazards, safeguarding lives, assets, and your reputation.
Ready to Enhance Your Safety System?
Investing in a comprehensive detection system is an investment in the future of your business. Discover how gas and flame detection solutions can work together to create a safer workplace.
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Source: ME Construction News
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI) have jointly released the ACI/PCI CODE-319-25 in PDF format. This code offers valuable insights into the materials, design, and detailing of structural precast concrete buildings and non-building structures.
Developed through a general agreement process, ACI/PCI CODE-319-25 sets minimum requirements for plant-produced and site-produced structural precast concrete incorporating non pre-stressed or pre-tensioned reinforcement. The Design Standard Committee of PCI played important role in shaping the code’s provisions and commentary, contributing their expertise to advance the industry.
ACI 319 PLUS subscribers have had exclusive digital access to ACI/PCI CODE-319-25 through the ACI PLUS Platform, featuring digital notetaking, search capabilities, 3D graphics, and cross-referencing tools. With this release, the PDF version is now available for wider accessibility, ahead of the physical print edition.
“The collaboration between ACI and PCI to produce ACI/PCI CODE 319-25 has been phenomenal said Andrea Schokker, ACI/PCI Committee 319 Chair, we owe its success to the dedication and expertise of committee members and staff in both organizations, and we look forward to continuing this strong partnership in the next cycle.”
ACI recently expanded its ACI PLUS Platform to provide industry professionals with interactive digital access to multiple new concrete codes and resources. In addition to ACI 319 PLUS, the platform’s subscriptions include ACI 318 PLUS, ACI 320 PLUS, and the ACI 562 PLUS Repair Subscription, offering subscribers access to up-to-date codes, design examples, and supplementary materials.
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Source: ME Construction News