Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has signed an agreement with China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) for Phase 3 of the kingdom’s Sitra housing project.

Under the agreement, CMEC will construct 1,269 new housing units at a total cost of BD119m ($314m).

Phase 3 will include secondary infrastructure services, and will commence in Q1 2025.

The Sitra Housing Project stands as a model of integrated urban development, designed to blend residential units with expansive green spaces, advanced road networks, waterfronts, cycling and pedestrian paths, and a comprehensive array of services, including educational, health, and commercial facilities.

At the signing ceremony, Amna bint Ahmed Al Rumaihi, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, explained that Phase 3 of the Sitra housing project (which is part of the ministry’s plan to provide comprehensive housing services for citizens), is also the largest in terms of numbers of housing units. It is also the final phase in the construction timeline.

Present at the ceremony was Wang Bo, Director of the Board of Directors, CMEC.

The minister said the third phase will span 670,000 sq. m. and feature a 23.6-km-long main and secondary road network; in addition to a 22.8 km sewage network, and 27.6 km rainwater drainage network.

The signing of this agreement comes just three months after the inauguration of the second phase, which included 531 housing units.

Phase 3 will also include 36 electricity substations, six telecom towers, and various service facilities including a shopping mall, five commercial centres, three schools, an auditorium, and a child development centre.

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Source: ME Construction News

Cundall has placed Dubai-based Olga Litkovets into its international leadership team as part of a series of partner appointments within the global, multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy.

Olga Litkovets joins three other new partners – David Rivers in London, Wojtek Stec in Warsaw, and Jose Castilla in Spain.

The firm confirmed that the new appointments take the number of partners to 51 and will help strengthen “Cundall’s existing leadership team and pave the way for continued global growth.”

Based in Dubai, Olga first joined Cundall in 2017 as Head of Business Development and Marketing in MENA. Cundall explained that she has become an integral part of MENA’s leadership team, helping to solidify client relationships and grow Cundall’s profile in the region.

In 2023, she was promoted to lead a team of 40 as Global Director of Business Development and Marketing.

“Over the past seven years, I have been proud to witness Cundall’s remarkable growth, strengthening our team and diverse portfolio of projects,” said Litkovets. “From a Guinness World Record breaking rollercoaster to city-wide masterplans to preserving the Dark Skies in Saudi Arabia – just to name a few.

“As I transition into this new role, I’m excited to not only continue the work I’ve been driving, but also take it to the next level. Our success and work-winning on such a unique and diverse range of projects across multiple sectors is a testament to the trust our clients place in us. It is a testament to the incredible talent within our organisation, and that is the greatest reward.”

In recent years, Olga has also extended her influence on the wider business as chair of Cundall’s EMENA Board and helped to establish Cundall’s business in KSA. Commenting on Olga’s appointment as a Partner, Cundall Managing Partner, Carole O’Neil, said: “I am so pleased to welcome Olga to our global senior team. Her passion and dedication to building client relationships and growing the reputation of our business is felt not just in MENA, but around the global practice. She is an innovative leader and a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in our industry, and I know her contribution to the leadership team will be invaluable as we work together to continue growing the business internationally.”

Other key regional appointments include Jon Lee to Associate Director and Head of Specialisms MENA. In this new role, Jon will continue leading the acoustics team whilst providing strategic support to strengthen Cundall’s specialist disciplines in the region. Since joining Cundall in 2017, Jon has seen the acoustics team go from strength to strength, both delivering and contributing to many award-winning environmental and building acoustics projects across the Middle East and beyond. He is passionate about providing innovative acoustic solutions, particularly where there is an opportunity for technologies such as Virtual Acoustic Reality (VAR) to be embraced.

Fazel Bashir also steps in to become UAE Head of Structures, as the team expands to meet increasing demand for complex and large-scale projects. Fazel is a chartered engineer with 20 years structural engineering experience, delivering projects ranging from high rise residential and commercial towers to retail and airports. Fazel has a great reputation with clients for his technical knowledge, experience and professionalism.

Commenting on the promotions within Cundall’s MENA leadership team, Lee French, Partner and Managing Director MENA said:

“I am thrilled by the expanded capabilities these appointments bring to our senior regional leadership team. Jon and Fazel’s leadership and expertise will continue to be instrumental as we deliver exceptional projects for our clients.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai has approved the master plan for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project. Set to extend 6.6km, the beach is poised to become a distinctive recreational destination, and a key focal point for environmental preservation and local ecosystems.

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to create the world’s best public beaches in the emirate, the project was approved by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Jebel Ali Beach will be the largest public beach in Dubai, covering an area of 330ha. The plan includes developing two adjacent zones: a long, sandy beach to be developed by Nakheel and a 1.6km mangrove beach to be developed by Dubai Municipality. The area features a unique ecosystem due to the presence of mangrove trees, which enhance value as a ‘sanctuary’ and provide habitats for many living organisms.

The plan includes a 2km open swimable beach, a 2.5km diving sports area, a walkway with viewing platforms to blend with the surrounding environment, and recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages, including kids play zones, sports and marine activity areas. The beach will be connected with integrated infrastructure, including a two-lane road in each direction, parking for 1,000 vehicles, 80 bicycle racks, a cycling track, and a 5km running track.

Sheikh Hamdan commented: “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we are committed to developing the infrastructure and services needed to offer diverse urban experiences for citizens, residents, and visitors. Our focus is on creating spaces rich in beaches, open areas, and recreational greens. The ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being of the city’s people, create a healthy environment for all and make Dubai the world’s best place to live in.”

“The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is part of a broader master plan to develop public beaches in the emirate aimed at increasing the total length of beaches by 400%. This involves adding new public beaches, enhancing existing ones, and equipping them with new recreational, sports, aesthetic, and investment facilities as envisioned in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan,” he concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Sobha Realty has started work on a new flagship community mall, set to be the focal point of the Sobha Hartland development. The project, which is being set up at an estimated cost of US $57mn will blend the vibrancy of leading-edge retail with the landscaped serenity of an urban park, the developer said.

With a built-up area of 339,000sqft and a gross leasable area of around 115,000sqft, the project will house a variety of amenities, including a supermarket, gym, play courts, a soft play/entertainment zone and diverse restaurants offering a wide range of food choices.

It will feature 35 retail shops and F&B outlets, along with 10 select dining options, creating a complete gastronomic destination for the surrounding community. The mall is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2026.

Ravi Menon, the Co-Chairman of Sobha Group said, “We are delighted to unveil our new mall, which is a testament to our long-standing commitment towards elevating living experiences for our residents. The project underscores our vision to create integrated and community-focused spaces that seamlessly combine convenience while offering multi-tier retail stores, gourmet dining and diverse entertainment options. Beyond a retail space, the mall is designed to be a pivotal hub for community engagement that offers an ideal blend of nature, culture and recreation that will elevate the living quotient of community members and visitors.”

The project marks Sobha Realty’s strategic foray into the UAE’s retail sector, emphasising its commitment to delivering exceptional living experiences.

The mall will also have a strong accent on biophilic features to help foster sustainability, with substantial greenery, water conduits, energy-efficient lighting, solar panels, green building materials and a skylight roof for natural light.

Additionally, it will feature a variety of unique architectural elements, such as a vibrant bowl with a cascading void stretching from the basement to the roof, and a media screen strategically placed on the facade to enhance community messaging.

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Source: ME Construction News

In the dynamic landscape of the Middle East construction sector, where towering skyscrapers and sprawling infrastructure projects shape the horizon, change is not just inevitable but a driving force behind progress. According to a Global Data Report, the UAE’s construction market reached a value of US $93bn in 2023 and is projected to maintain an average annual growth rate (AAGR) exceeding 3% from 2025 to 2028. Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s market was valued at $133.1bn in 2022 and is poised to witness an AAGR surpassing 4% from 2024 to 2027.

The substantial expansion of both markets is primarily fuelled by factors such as infrastructure development, economic diversification, and technological advancements, among others. However, alongside these opportunities come challenges such as project complexity, tight deadlines, and evolving regulatory landscapes. Therefore, to overcome these challenges and harness the full potential of opportunities, businesses must embrace transformative changes at both organisational and project levels. Central to this transformation is the imperative of effective change management.

Need for Effective Change Management

Change management isn’t merely about adopting new technologies or processes; it’s about orchestrating a cultural shift within organisations. According to a PwC CP&I survey from 2022, while businesses are ready to modernise their operations and invest in new technologies, large enterprises must significantly change their organisational capabilities and skill sets to adapt to the demands of the giga-project age. More importantly, businesses require internal preparation in order to drive successful outcomes and enable seamless transition to a new technology.

This is where change management – a term that describes the preparation, guidance and resources provided to employees within an organisation to assist them in effectively implementing new practices – comes into play. The development of change management systems must consider the many aspects of project development and address all the internal and external factors that influence a project’s progress. Regardless of an organisation’s size, structure, or complexity, it is critical to comprehend the principles that underpin change in order to successfully accomplish objectives and implement sustainable change.

Challenges in Embracing Change

One of the many obstacles to implementing change in an organisation is employee resistance. These reservations may stem from a variety of factors, such as concerns on new practices, lack of information, expertise, or status risks, as well as other concerns. One risk that comes with implementing changes in the construction industry is the need to manage different levels of operations, while maintaining efficiency.

This is significant given that the industry is characterised by rapid projects and tight deadlines. For industries such as construction, change management is therefore an essential procedure to quell concerns and minimise any short-term disruption. Implementing effective change management strategies, some of which are mentioned below, can assist in overcoming resistance, increasing employee engagement and ensuring effective execution of new initiatives.

Role of Leadership in Driving Change

Visible and active leadership involvement throughout the project or initiative is crucial for effectively managing change at every level of the organisation. Leaders’ commitment and support for the initiative increase as they gain a better understanding of their role and how they can contribute to the change. By creating a data-driven, interactive, and adaptive stakeholder engagement plan, appropriate supporting structures can be created at every level, resulting in improved adoption across the entire organisation.

Leaders play a critical role in allocating resources, whether financial, human, or technological, to bolster change initiatives. Moreover, they foster a culture of continuous learning and development, offering coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities to facilitate smooth transitions amidst change. Through these efforts, leaders empower their workforce to embrace new technologies, procedures, and operational modes as they move forward.

Communication and its Impact on Change

Communication, an often-overlooked component of a cohesive team, is arguably one of the most important drivers of successful change management. It is fundamentally linked to leadership, as leaders must establish a culture of effective and transparent communication, thereby conveying the change vision seamlessly across all organisational tiers to pave the way for a smooth transition. Transparent communication fosters understanding among employees and stakeholders regarding the rationale behind proposed changes, promoting engagement and removing internal barriers.

As part of this, leaders must determine appropriate communication channels, goals of communication, and governance framework for message approvals. Additional strategies that can aid in this transition include employee involvement and training, thorough assessments to identify organisational needs, employee surveys, pilot groups for employee training initiatives and feedback loops to encourage open-ended communication.

The integration of new technologies has enormous potential to propel businesses forward, especially in the construction landscape. More importantly, choosing the right technology partner is critical to the success of your change management initiative. Implementing new technologies can be challenging due to the changes in processes, skills, and culture.

Companies that collaborate with trusted change management partners are better able to overcome challenges and transform themselves into future-ready, resilient entities that effectively navigate technological complexities. Businesses can get the right assistance from a qualified partner when managing change and implementing new technology. Through structured approaches and effective leadership strategies, organisations can ensure a smooth transition for teams and stakeholders, while minimising disruption, cutting costs, increasing user acceptance, and ultimately realising the full potential of technological advancements.

To know more about the story, please click this link.

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Source: ME Construction News

In a bid to strengthen its commitment to smart buildings and sustainability in the Middle East, Cundall is offering WiredScore certification for Homes and Neighborhoods. As one of the first Accredited Professionals (AP) in the region, Cundall will empower clients to realise their smart building and sustainability ambitions, the firm explained.

With the increasing demand for smarter, connected residences and communities, the WiredScore certification sets a global benchmark for the built environment. This industry-leading certification helps create best-in-class buildings that attract and retain tenants, meet high sustainability standards, and are future-proof, said a statement from Cundall.

“Smart building solutions can power a sustainable future by monitoring, managing, and optimising energy consumption through data and connectivity. Aspects such as sustainability, resilience, and smart technology are now common expectations from clients. With technology underpinning our lives, residents and end users demand a best-in-class user experience that only the most well-connected buildings with forward-thinking smart features can offer,” explained Steven Fry-Harris, Associate Director, Cundall and certified Accredited Professional.

He added, “As we face an increasing demand for smart building approaches and resilient IT infrastructure, delivering world-class technological buildings is hugely important to Cundall and our clients. The WiredScore certification serves as a global benchmark, aligning other well-known certifications such as WELL. By ensuring technological resilience, minimising future disruptions, and setting clear building services system requirements, WiredScore offers a comprehensive approach for homes, workspaces, and communities.”

SmartScore Neighborhood is said to extend connectedness to an urban scale, helping landlords and developers demonstrate that their community has top-tier connectivity within its buildings and in the public spaces around them.

Mario Saab, Head of Sustainability MENA, Cundall commented, “This certification complements WELL and LEED Cities by focusing on digital connectivity and technological resilience. Together, these certifications create a comprehensive framework for building human-centric, sustainable, and technologically advanced urban environments. In addition, we are delighted to already be certifying a groundbreaking major residential scheme in Dubai that pushes the boundaries of sustainability in the UAE and the region.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Douglas OHI has begun the construction of temporary office facilities and essential utility infrastructure for the Ghubrah 3 Desalination Plant in Oman. The groundbreaking is said to signal the commencement of construction activities, and marks a significant milestone in the journey toward realising the project, which – once complete – will be the largest desalination plant in Oman,

Set to serve as a lifeline for 2.5m inhabitants of the capital Muscat, the Ghubrah 3 Desalination Plant, designed and built by Spanish group GS Inima, is billed as a vital infrastructure project.

With a normal capacity of 300,000cu/m per day and the ability to ramp up to 315,000cu/m per day during peak demand periods, its significance in meeting the region’s water needs cannot be overstated, said the company in a statement.

Group Managing Director Aaron Hennessy highlighted the group’s extensive experience in successfully delivering projects within the power and water sectors. He underscored the company’s fruitful collaboration with GS Inima, the EPC contractor, and expressed confidence in their ability to uphold standards of excellence.

“Our team is fully committed to ensuring the successful execution of this project,” remarked Hennessy.

Michael Hall, General Manager at Douglas OHI concluded, “This endeavour epitomises the essence of Douglas OHI’s work.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai-based developer Sunrise Capital has announced the successful handover of all 132 units within its ‘Legacy By Sunrise’ premium residential project in Al Barsha South. Spanning over 91,000sqft, the residential property features 67 studios, 43 one- and 22 two-bedroom apartments.

According to Sunrise Capital, units were sold out in record time thanks to its quality design and interiors. Each residence has been crafted with precision and artistic flair displaying a harmonious blend of luxury and functionality. The interiors are thoughtfully designed to maximise space and light, featuring high-end finishes, custom details, and fully equipped kitchens with premium appliances by Teka (Germany).

“We are delighted to hand over the keys to the first residents of Legacy and couldn’t be prouder of this landmark achievement in luxury residential development. Sunrise has once again proved its commitment to the market by delivering on time and to the highest possible standards. We believe demand has been so high due to the project’s architectural brilliance, and the unique blend of sophistication and comfort,” explained Yogesh Bulchandani, Founder of Sunrise Capital.

The project is said to offer varied layouts for its units, accommodating a range of lifestyles from bustling family life to serene solitary living, all underpinned by an unwavering commitment to quality, the firm added.

It boasts a range of amenities including kids’ play area and fully shaded parking; semi Olympic length pool; gym; lavish double height lobby; executive library and a cinema room, stated Bulchandani.

The handover follows the successful delivery of the developer’s Legend by Sunrise project, which is also located in Al Barsha South. The development features 112 apartments across six floors, with luxury amenities including a grand lobby and four high-speed elevators, concluded Bulchandani.

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Source: ME Construction News

Project development consultancy Compass Project Consulting (Compass) has appointed Nassib Al-Sibassi as the new Managing Director for its Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) operations.

In his new role at Compass, Sibassi will focus on several key initiatives to drive the company’s growth and excellence in the KSA market including: team empowerment – enhancing professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative environment to ensure the team remains motivated and capable of delivering exceptional results and the Compass Vision; project excellence – refining PMO and project development processes to maintain the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction; strategic growth and innovation – exploring new opportunities and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to expand service offerings and enhance capabilities.

Sibassi’s vision is said to align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, emphasising innovation, sustainable development, and transformative projects that positively impact the Kingdom’s ambitious goals.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nassib Al-Sibassi to the Compass family. His extensive experience and strategic approach will be invaluable as we continue to lead some of the region’s most transformative projects, as a national delivery partner in the Kingdom. Nassib’s leadership will undoubtedly enhance our capabilities and drive our mission to achieve greater project results,” said Nawfal Al Khudhairy, President of Compass.

Luke Somerville, Co-founder of Compass added, “Nassib’s appointment is a significant milestone for our KSA operations. His expertise and leadership will help us navigate the intricacies of the Saudi market and deliver on our commitment to quality. We are excited about the future and the positive impact Nassib will bring to our team and clients.”

With over 30 years of experience in civil engineering and project management, Sibassi brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in delivering high-profile projects across the Middle East. His distinguished career includes leadership roles at top-tier firms, where he successfully managed major portfolios, engaged with senior government officials, and led teams to execute complex, multi-disciplinary projects, said a statement from Compass.

“I am honoured to join Compass at such an exciting time. The company’s dedication to innovation, quality, and community impact resonates deeply with me. I look forward to working with the talented team at Compass and contributing to the remarkable growth and success of our KSA operations,” stated Sibassi.

Sibassi holds a Master’s degree in Highways and Transportation from City University London and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Beirut Arab University. He is also a Fellow of the Saudi Council of Engineers and a member of several prestigious engineering institutions in the UK and the Gulf region.

Compass is committed to leading the region’s most transformative projects, offering end-to-end services including development management, program management, project management, procurement management, construction management and commercial management. The company’s vision is to positively impact the communities in which it works, evolving a better tomorrow, today, the statement noted.

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Source: ME Construction News

The 2024 edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards will take place on 14 November, the Middle East Consultant (MEC) editorial team has announced. Nominations are now open, with the MEC team noting that the deadline for nominations will be announced in due course.

According to the MEC team, the 2024 edition of the awards features 23 categories including: Multi-Discipline Consulting Company of the Year; Project Management Company of the Year; Specialist Consulting Company of the Year; Project of the Year: Residential & Commercial; Under 30 Champion of the Year and others. Click here to read about all the categories.

The gala dinner event will be hosted at the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai, where the MEC team will announce the full shortlist in each category, as well as the winners.

“This year’s edition of the Middle East Consultant Awards aims to reflect trending developments such as the use of AI and Smart tech, through to sustainability and the quest for better, wellness-centred workplaces. We invite nominations that are rich in detail and include positive testimonials from stakeholders – and companies can enter right now, either through video entries or by completing the forms on the Awards website,” said Paul Godfrey, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant.

As before, all of the nominations submitted for the 2024 MEC Awards will go through a multi-step judging process which includes several rounds of elimination. Apart from the magazine’s editorial team, an independent panel of judges will also preside on the nominations; both groups will work together to produce a shortlist and decide upon winners. Read about the nomination guidelines here.

To read more about the Middle East Consultant Awards, click here.

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Source: ME Construction News