Centered around the theme ‘Our Land, Our Future’, NMDC Group has partnered with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to launch a beach cleaning initiative that aims to tackle plastic pollution. The project’s first phase will see the deployment of two specialised beach cleaning machines capable of processing various types of waste, which is expected to triple globally by 2040, according to the United Nations.

This collaborative effort reflects NMDC Group’s and EAD’s shared commitment to environmental preservation, natural resource protection, and the fight against plastic pollution in marine ecosystems and along beaches. This effort is said to align with the objectives of the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ 2024 and supports the country’s ongoing efforts to uphold sustainable practices, and protect its natural environment, ensuring its recovery from environmental challenges and preventing future degradation.

The specialised machines are designed to operate in shallow waters, can reach depths up to half a metre and are claimed to have exceptional maneuverability and agility. Each machine features a 15m long and 4m wide hydraulic arm, enabling collection of waste and debris from the water’s surface.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD said, “This initiative is in line with our strategic objectives and national directives and is set to play a vital role in preserving natural resources and protecting them from environmental challenges and risks. It is also part of our citizen science education program “Sahim”. We hope it will contribute to creating a healthy, clean, and safe environment for every community member in Abu Dhabi and advance the UAE’s efforts at local, regional, and global levels to promote sustainability practices and principles essential for the preservation of diverse ecosystems around the world.”

“On World Environment Day, our dedication to protecting marine waters continues, and we will continue to support national and global environmental efforts to protect and restore ecosystems for comprehensive sustainable development. The urgency of incorporating sustainability in all areas of life is now undeniable,” H.E. added.

Engineer Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO of NMDC Group added, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to delivering green solutions to protect aquatic ecosystems and to implementing sustainable practices that support environmental sustainability and reduce pollutants impacting our natural resources, thus fostering a sustainable environment for the community members in Abu Dhabi. In the second phase of the initiative, we plan to expand the deployment of this equipment to ensure the safety of sea waters and beaches from harmful contaminants, particularly plastic particles that threaten marine life and habitats.”

“Our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, timed with World Environment Day 2024, signifies our collective commitment to tackling the growing environmental threats worldwide. By adopting swift and adaptable sustainability-driven actions, we support the quality of life for people and communities. The UAE, under its wise leadership, continues to lead in pioneering local and global environmental initiatives,” Zaghloul added.

NMDC Group, as part of its sustainability efforts, is said to have implemented several environmental initiatives across the UAE. Their projects like the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi exemplify their commitment to environmental health, where they dredged channels and created additional irrigation, recycling a million cubic tons of water​ according to the group.

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Source: ME Construction News

AMEA Power announced it has reached financial close on its 120MW Doornhoek Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Project in South Africa. When commissioned, the USD120 million project will be the company’s first operational asset in the country.

AMEA Power is the majority shareholder in the 120MW solar pv project, and had partnered with Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Energy. The project was first awarded to the consortium through Bid Window 6 of the REIPPPP. Standard Bank South Africa provided the debt funding of USD100 million to AMEA Power, while Industrial Development Corporation provided the USD8 million of equity funding to the local partners.

AMEA Power’s Chairman, Hussain Al Nowais, said: “We are delighted to reach financial close on the 120MW Doornhoek solar project in South Africa. The country has vast renewable energy opportunities, and we are proud that with this project, we will support South Africa in its renewable energy transition. We are also grateful for the support from our lenders and that of the South African government for turning this project into a reality.”

Standard Bank Group’s Executive of Energy and Infrastructure Finance, George Kotsovos, said: “We are extremely proud to have partnered with AMEA Power, Ziyanda Energy and Dzimuzwo Energy and to play a key role in the success of a project that will generate more than 325GWh of clean energy per year and power an estimated 97,000 households in support of our country’s energy requirements in a sustainable manner.”

Industrial Development Corporation’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, David Jarvis, said: “The IDC is pleased to be partnering with AMEA for its inaugural utility-scale solar project in South Africa. We are especially excited to facilitate the equity participation and operational involvement of two new black women-owned entrants in the energy sector. We are committed to replicating this role in future energy projects to achieve the goal of enabling meaningful transformation in the sector.”

The project will take shape near the town of Klerksdorp in the North Western Province, and will generate 325GWh of clean energy, power an estimated 97,000 households and offset 330,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. The project is expected to commence commercial operations by December 2025.

As part of AMEA Power’s “Community Investment and Development Program”, the company will implement initiatives aimed at benefiting the socio-economic growth and development of the local community, which are aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, the company stated.

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Emirates Building Systems (EBS) has announced the achievement of major contracts valued at over US $61.2mn, which is said to underscore the firm’s position as a trusted partner in the region’s steel manufacturing and construction industry.

The new projects include the Advanced Manufacturing Plant AMP-2 for Lucid Motors in King Faisal Abdullah Economic City, the Catering Central Building and Laundry Building for Catrion, the ADNOC Gas Processing and Habshan CO2 Recovery plant, and part of the steel structure for the 82-floor Habtoor Tower.

These contracts are said to add to EBS’s extensive portfolio of ongoing projects, which includes the Calcined Petroleum Coke Plant in Sohar, Oman, two aircraft hangars for Etihad Engineering at Abu Dhabi International Airport, and various factories and logistics centers across the region.

“The steel manufacturing industry in the Middle East is undergoing a paradigm shift driven by rapid technological advancements and a heightened focus on sustainability. According to recent reports by the World Steel Association, steel demand in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to grow significantly, with forecasts predicting approx. 3.2% increase in 2024. This surge is largely due to expansive infrastructure projects and the region’s economic resilience​,” said Joseph Chidiac, General Manager at Emirates Building Systems.

He added, “At EBS, we are stepping up our efforts to meet this growing demand by expanding our capabilities and embracing cutting-edge technologies. Our commitment to delivering high-quality steel solutions across various industries—be it advanced manufacturing, oil and gas, or high-rise residential projects—positions us at the forefront of this industrial evolution. “We remain dedicated to not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of our clients and contributing to the sustainable growth of the steel industry in the region.”

EBS has expanded its workforce to ensure timely and high-quality project execution. The firm also said it maintains stringent quality management standards across its internal systems and processes, and noted that its commitment to quality and environmental standards has been recognised.

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Source: ME Construction News

KPM has appointed Dmitri Jajich as the new Global Director of Structures. His appointment is said to mark a significant milestone in KPM’s journey towards engineering excellence in the Middle East and UK markets.

As part of his role, Dmitri will lead and elevate KPM’s structural engineering department. He will maintain a strong client focus, strengthening value partnerships with leading architects as the leader for structural projects across key sectors. Dmitri aims to grow the structural group’s reach and reputation, establishing KPM as a design-led, sophisticated structural design practice, the firm said in a statement.

Dmitri started his career at Skidmore, Owings and Merrill’s (SOM) Chicago office in 2000, followed by a stint in the SOM New York office before settling in London in 2013. Under the guidance of William Baker, he flourished throughout his time at SOM. As a Principal of Structural Engineering leading the London office, Dmitri spearheaded the delivery of several award-winning structural engineering solutions, the statement noted.

“I am thrilled to take on this new role at KPM. Our goal is to offer sensitive and creative ideas that enhance and enable architects’ ambitions. We see our role as creative design partners to architects, integrating structural design holistically into the overall project,” said Jajich.

Jajich’s appointment underscores the company’s commitment to expanding its client base and establishing a stronger presence in the Middle East and UK. KPM’s expertise in both structural and MEP engineering is also a perfect pairing of services that brings efficiency to the design process and insures seamless integration between mechanical and structural systems. With Dmitri’s leadership, KPM aims to establish best-in-class internal workflows and processes. These efforts will help KPM deliver cutting-edge structural solutions to its clients, the firm explained.

Dmitri’s expertise in tall building design, wind engineering, and long-span structures and architecturally exposed structures will be invaluable to KPM. His projects are known for their elegantly integrated structural design, with an emphasis on clear, hierarchical structural expression and carefully crafted details. He is a proponent of advanced analytical techniques and methods beyond conventional code-based approaches; many of his projects have realised structural solutions that push the physical limits of span and slenderness. His extensive expertise spans various materials, including steel, concrete, timber, and glass, enabling him to create versatile and robust designs, KPM added.

Kashif Fakih, KPM’s Director expressed his confidence in Dmitri’s ability to drive the company’s growth. He stated, “We are excited to have Dmitri on board. His extensive experience and vision align perfectly with our goals of delivering exceptionally well-resolved and coordinated designs valued by architects, clients, and contractors alike.”

During his career, Dmitri has led the structural design of super tall buildings, award-winning museums, cultural spaces, transportation hubs, and private residences. His notable projects include the Burj Khalifa, Cayan tower, Karlatornet tower in Sweden, which will be the tallest building in Scandinavia, and Manhattan Loft Gardens in London, featuring an ambitious notched, double-cantilevered construction, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Eagle Hills has announced that it had acquired prime land in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and will develop a golf resort at a total investment of US $1.5bn. The ‘Baghdad Golf Course and Spa’ will feature a world-class golf course, high-end residential neighbourhoods, a five-star hotel, and an exclusive resort club, said the Abu Dhabi based developer.

It is set to become a prominent feature in the city’s landscape, effortlessly combining contemporary luxury with the area’s deep-rooted cultural legacy. The development aims to create a unique lifestyle experience for both residents and visitors, offering a perfect blend of leisure, relaxation, and high-quality living.

The announcement comes following a meeting between Iraq Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani and Eagle Hills Chairman Mohamed Alabbar.

“Baghdad is a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Our aim with the Baghdad Golf Course and Spa is to honour this heritage, while also providing a modern, luxurious experience for its residents and visitors. This project praises Baghdad’s enduring spirit and celebrates its bright future,” said Alabbar.

The golf course will be designed to international standards, catering to both amateur and professional players.

The residential neighbourhoods will have meticulously designed homes, creating a tranquil and luxurious living environment. The hotel and resort club will provide top-tier amenities such as fine dining, spa services, and recreational facilities, ensuring a comprehensive and unforgettable experience for all, the developer noted.

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Source: ME Construction News

Shamal Holding has appointed McLaren Construction for the delivery of Nad Al Sheba Gardens Mall, Dubai.

With a contract value of circa US $217mn, the contract comprises the full construction and fit-out of public areas of the two-storey retail and F&B offering. The project will feature an overall built-up area of around 12,600m2 and will be located at the heart of the growing residential neighbourhood.

McLaren will be responsible for all site preparation and civil engineering associated with the project and full superstructure works including MEP installations and fit-out to all public areas and back-of-house areas. The contractor will also be delivering all external roads, parking and utility infrastructure, in addition to hard landscaping, street design installations, and seamlessly linking to all surrounding masterplan and public realm works.

Lyndon Hives, Preconstruction Director at McLaren Construction LLC, comments: “The quality of community spaces and architectural design, particularly its shopping centres and community malls, are part of what makes Dubai such an appealing international destination, and Nad Al Sheba Gardens Mall will become an immediate landmark in its local community, once completed. This unique community mall beautifully designed by local architectural practice LOCI, will bring both an important convenience through extensive retail partners as well as an enticing experience for all with exciting food and beverage options for the neighbourhood. McLaren is proud to be working with our valued client Shamal Holding to create a seamless retail experience for the community.”

Craig Rooney, Senior Executive Vice President at Shamal Holding stated, “Nad al Sheba Gardens has been purposefully designed to provide an extraordinary living experience that reestablishes the essence of community through a safe and open environment. Our community mall is the fundamental cornerstone in this ethos, serving as a unique central location that supports contemporary living and allows every resident and visitor to flourish. Selecting the right partner for this project was essential in bringing this vision to life and we are pleased to be working with McLaren Construction to deliver it.”

The appointment by Shamal which is a diversified investment firm through a unique portfolio of investments and experiences, not only follows the UAE’s ambition to be the best place to live, but also the rising demand for smaller retail outlets and community focused shopping centres in developing areas of exclusive residential neighbourhoods.

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Source: ME Construction News

Acwa Power has said it has reached an agreement to sell 30% of its stake in the Rabigh Arabian Water & Electricity Company (Rawec) IWSPP to Hassana Investment Company for the sum of US $844mn. The latter is the investment manager of Saudi Arabia’s social security and pension fund GOSI.

According to its filing to the Saudi bourse Tadawul, the deal was inked with Arabian Company for Water and Power Projects (Rawec), Oasis Power One Conventional Energy and Water Company and Gosi Investment Ventures Limited.

The Rabigh IWSPP is owned and operated by Rawec, a joint venture (JV) between Acwa Power, Marubeni Corp, JGC Corporation, and Petro Rabigh. The project was constructed under an EPC contract by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and consists of a conventional thermal power with five 118MW steam turbines, nine 470 t/hr steam generators, three wet limestone Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units, and sixteen 504 m3/hr Reverse Osmosis (RO) trains.

Rawec is an independent water, steam and power producer, supplying essential utilities on a captive basis to Petro Rabigh Company.

Acwa Power said the sale was part of its capital recycling strategy. The Saudi utility giant till now had 99% shareholding in the project. It said it expects to have a gain on this divestment, which will be calculated on the closing date of the transaction.

Additionally, Rawec’s contribution to the group net income will proportionately reduce in line with the divestment, it concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

A Mixshield tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been delivered by Herrenknecht for the construction of a 3.3km two-storey road tunnel with three lanes in each direction. The project is taking shape in Jinan, China.

The order for the Herrenknecht Tunnelling Machinery (HTM) was for a machine to cross under the Yellow River in Jinan, in a geological environment with high groundwater pressure, and to create just one tunnel tube for both directions of travel. Given the requirements, a large diameter was required: 17.5m. The TBM’s 5,600kW cutterhead drive delivers 35,017kNm of torque, said a report.

Mixshield technology is said to be designed for the extreme conditions of tunnelling under the Yellow River. The TBM is currently being dismantled and will then be reassembled at the construction site.

To adapt to the clay, sand and silt geology and the 7.5-bar groundwater pressure under the Yellow River, a Mixshield TBM was selected. Herrenknecht’s Mixshield technology is an advance on conventional slurry technology: the support pressure in the excavation chamber is managed using an automatically controlled air cushion. This means that heterogeneous geologies and high-water pressures of more than 15-bar can be controlled even with very large excavation diameters. An individual, new slurry circuit was designed especially for this TBM, which has been called Shanhe, the report noted.

Jinan, 400km south of Beijing, has a population of nine million and is the capital of the Chinese province of Shandong. The Jinan Huanggang Road Yellow River Crossing Tunnel is the second road tunnel project to cross under the Yellow River in 2024. Tunnelling is scheduled to begin in late 2024.

China Railway 14th Bureau Group Company was appointed as the contractor for the project.

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Source: ME Construction News

US $564mn in contracts for the construction of roads and other infrastructure works have been awarded by Kuwait’s Public Authority for Housing Welfare (PAHW). The works are connected with the 13,812 residential units coming up within South Sabah Al Ahmad City, which is located 80km south of Kuwait City.

According to a report, the first contract worth $306mn was awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited for the construction and maintenance of road and infrastructure networks for 7,623 residential units for the suburbs (N5, N7, N9, N10), while the second one for the works related to 6,189 residential units for the suburbs (N4, N6, N8) was clinched by Sinohydro Corporation after both the Chinese firms emerged as the lowest bidders.

Deputy Director General for Oversight and Information Systems Affairs, Amina Abdul Karim Al Awadhi, said the entire work will be completed by both companies within a period of 900 days.

The scope of work includes implementation of rain, sewage, irrigation, treated water and freshwater networks, in addition to implementing the traffic works necessary for the project. It also covers the implementation of civil works for telephone networks, road lighting, electrical cable crossings, and irrigation tank buildings and substations, she stated.

The companies are also responsible for delivering the first, second and surface asphalt layers for secondary and collector roads in residential suburbs as part of the project infrastructure work.

Al Awadhi said the tender for the third contract for the infrastructure of the remaining residential plots for the suburbs was currently on the table.

The scope of work includes construction and maintenance of road and infrastructure networks related to 6,568 plots, thus bringing the number of plots in the city to 20,830, she concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

UAE-based developer Al Farwaniya Property Developments has announced the official launch of Reem Mall. The shopping, dining and entertainment project was developed at a cost of US $1.3bn, and is located on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island.

According to a statement from the developer, the project features 186,000sqm of gross leasable area, and has more than 400 retail stores and 80 food and beverage outlets, and is poised to be a prime destination for residents and tourists.

The mall was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence in the presence of Jamal Al Ghunaim, Ambassador of Kuwait to the UAE, Tarek Sultan, Chairman of Agility Global; Al Farwaniya Property Developments Chairman Faisal Jamil Sultan Al Essa and Vice Chairperson Nadia Akil as well as other senior officials.

“Reem Mall is an iconic project that epitomises innovation, offering a premium mall experience and fostering community spirit. As a one-stop-shop family destination, it combines cutting-edge design with a diverse range of retail, dining, and entertainment options catering to every member of the family. Both NREC and UPAC are committed to creating a unique destination that aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision to offer a remarkable lifestyle and leisure experience,” stated Al Essa.

The mall offers exclusive attractions, a unique retail mix with the latest design concepts, and the largest snow park in the region. It is home to one of the region’s fully integrated omnichannel retail ecosystem with digital, e-commerce, and logistics capabilities, the statement added.

Al Essa added, “Reem Mall is not just a shopping center. It is a vibrant hub where families, tourists, and shopping enthusiasts can enjoy an array of experiences and services tailored to their needs.”

Bruce von Kaufmann, Mall Director, Reem Mall stated, “Our exclusive attractions and diverse retail mix will appeal to locals, residents and Abu Dhabi visitors. Abu Dhabi is swiftly establishing itself as a worldwide hub for family entertainment and leisure, and we are thrilled to introduce a unique experience that surpasses visitors’ expectations.”

Al Farwaniya is a joint venture between logistics giant Agility Global, United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), and the National Real Estate Company (NREC). These three Kuwait-based entities bring a sound financial base, extensive experience in asset management and commercial real estate development, and a successful track record of mall operations.

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Source: ME Construction News