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April 3, 2024 foasummit0

James Cubitt MENA (JC MENA) intends to boost its focus on innovative engineering solutions and integrating sustainability principles into all projects, in line with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future. James Cubitt & Partners’ origins date back to 1947 in London and, this year, the firm’s regional subsidiary – JC MENA – is celebrating 25 years of operations in the region.

“Over the past quarter-century JC MENA has marked significant milestones as a construction consultancy company. Throughout this period, we have completed numerous iconic projects for our esteemed clients, consistently meeting deadlines and budgetary constraints, showcasing our ability to deliver high-quality work,” says JC MENA Director, Mohamed Abushady.

Since its regional debut 25 years ago, the firm has delivered a diverse range of successful projects, including: the Hilton Garden Inn and Embassy Suites, Makkah KSA; Seven City, JLT Dubai; Al Reef Compound, Riyadh KSA; Mudon Arabella, Dubai; TBC Wave 2 (60 Schools in various locations), KSA, and the SEHA Disease Prevention and Screening Center, Abu Dhabi UAE.

“JC MENA’s involvement in infrastructure projects is one of the key achievements of the company over the past period such as masterplan developments, or stadiums, which demonstrate the company’s capacity to handle complex assignments up to the expectation of the end user. Each of these projects stands as a testament to our firm’s commitment to excellence and our ability to meet the diverse needs of our clients. We take pride in our track record of success and look forward to continuing to exceed expectations in the years to come,” adds Abushady.

He also notes that the firm is a trusted partner for several clients and enjoys significant repeat business. “Maintaining strong, long-term relationships with clients, underpinned by trust, reliability, and satisfaction is of paramount importance. Our firm places immense value on understanding clients’ needs and aspirations. By fostering strong relationships and maintaining open communication channels, we tailor our solutions to precisely match their requirements, thereby delivering projects that exceed expectations,” he emphasises.

In addition to stepping up its focus on sustainable development, Abushady points out that the firm will stay abreast of evolving regulatory frameworks and ensure strict compliance with local laws and regulations, to mitigate risks and maintain a positive reputation. He states, “We will continue to prioritise client satisfaction by delivering high-quality engineering services that meet or exceed expectations, ensuring long-term relationships and repeat business. We are also excited to explore opportunities to diversify our service offerings and expand into new sectors or markets within the UAE or internationally to broaden the consultancy’s portfolio and revenue streams.”

The firm has a broad portfolio of projects in Saudi Arabia, including the Hilton Makkah

The firm has made a name for itself in the residential and educational sectors within the MENA region, and has delivered several key projects such as the Musaffah Gardens and Saraya R14 residential projects for the Al Nahda Group, Sharjah Majestic Tower and Khalidiya Shining Towers for Emirates Land Group, TBC Wave 2 Schools Project (60 Schools in various locations) for Vision Invest in Saudi Arabia, as well as Elite school in Knowledge Academic City, Medina.

Going forward, the firm is keen to explore greater opportunities in Saudi Arabia and has invested in a new office in the Kingdom in support of its aspirations.

“JC MENA recognises significant opportunities in the Saudi market, particularly in the realm of infrastructure development, commercial projects, healthcare facilities, and hospitality ventures. The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative presents a conducive environment for our firm to expand its presence and contribute to the nation’s growth,” says Abushady.

“Our regional headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia serves as a strategic foothold to capitalise on these opportunities effectively. By establishing a local presence, we aim to strengthen our relationships with key stakeholders, better understand the unique intricacies of the market, and tailor our services to meet the specific needs and demands of clients in the region. The office enables us to provide timely and localised support, fostering stronger partnerships and enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional results.”

He adds, “In addition to our focus on residential and education segments, our expansion into the Saudi market opens doors to explore new sectors such as infrastructure, commercial developments, healthcare facilities, and hospitality projects. With our diverse expertise and proven track record in delivering high-quality engineering and consultancy services, we are well-positioned to make a substantial impact across various segments in the Kingdom, contributing to its economic development and sustainable growth.”

Apart from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the firm is also anticipating significant growth from several other regional markets. “JC MENA anticipates significant opportunities for expansion and growth in Nigeria, Egypt, and Libya, where we have already established branch offices. With our presence in these countries, we are well-positioned to capitalise on emerging projects and developments in the engineering and consultancy sectors.”

He concludes, “Our established local presence allows us to better understand the unique market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances of each country, enabling us to provide tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of clients in these regions.”

The post JC MENA celebrates 25 years in the region appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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April 3, 2024 foasummit0

A deal has been inked that will see DP World and Brazilian railway operator Rumo develop a new US $500mn terminal at the Port of Santos. The facility will be able to handle 12.5m tonnes a year of grain and fertiliser, and is expected to position the port as the country’s primary trade gateway and a key hub for South America.

The expansion is in addition to recent investments in DP World’s container handling facilities in the port, increasing capacity from 1.2m TEUs to 1.4m TEUs, while expanding the size of the quay from 1,100m to 1,300m.

The new project will leverage Rumo’s resources in addition to loans and potential strategic partnerships. Construction is expected to take 30 months, all other services including container handling at Santos will continue, with no impact to container handling operations.

“We are thrilled to partner with Rumo on this transformative project, which underscores our commitment to driving growth and innovation in Brazil’s logistics sector. This new terminal will not only bolster trade capabilities but also create long-term value for our customers and stakeholders,” said Fabio Siccherino, CEO of DP World Santos.

Once complete, the new terminal will handle nine million tonnes of grains and 3.5m tonnes of fertilisers a year. Under the 30-year agreement, DP World will provide the terminal area located on the left bank of Brazil’s Port of Santos to Rumo and assume responsibility for operations and port services. The port is one of the largest and most modern private multi-purpose port terminals in the country, said a statement.

The collaboration is said to solidify DP World’s position as the country’s leading multipurpose port operator, capable of simultaneously handling containers, cellulose, grains and fertilisers.

The new terminal marks DP World’s fourth round of investment since operations began in Brazil in 2013. It comes at a crucial time with the port achieving record cargo movements in January, handling 11.9m tonnes of cargo. Bulk solids, such as sugar and soy, accounted for five million tonnes, up 13.9% compared to the same period in 2023, according to the Port of Santos.

In line with DP World’s global decarbonisation strategy, the new terminal will be equipped with 21 new pieces of equipment, featuring advanced technology to reduce consumption and emissions of polluting gases. DP World began the process of electrifying its Rubber-Tired Gantry Cranes (RTGs) at the Port of Santos in 2023.

DP World is said to have already invested $35mn in 2023 to expand and modernise its facilities at the Port of Santos. The terminal currently inhabits 845,000sqm, with an additional 130,000sqm available for expansion.

The post DP World and Rumo to develop new facility at Port of Santos appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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April 2, 2024 foasummit0

ESG still have you stumped? You aren’t alone. Until a set of global and local standards emerges, the conversations will only get louder and more complicated.

But these changes don’t just mean new expenses, burdensome regulations, and more red tape to navigate. When evaluating how the changing ESG regulations can affect your core business, there are exciting new opportunities emerging, including:

  • Offsetting financial risk
  • Improving long-term operational efficiencies
  • Cultivating inclusive social dynamics within your building environments

On Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 3.00pm CEST/2:00pm BST/9:00 AM EST industry experts from EBUSINESS STRATEGIES, Gilbane, HOK, Schneider Electric, and Planon will explore those opportunities in . They will discuss many challenges the commercial and corporate markets face today, and will dive into some hot topics around corporate ESG and sustainability.

What can you look forward to in the panel discussion? Here are some conversation starters around the changing ESG regulations that our panellists have posed and will be bringing to the discussion:

  1. ‘ESG isn’t just about collecting and reporting data. It’s about learning from your current building performance to be able to do better.’
  1. ‘When it comes to ESG, we aren’t talking enough about it in terms of how it can offset financial risk for an organisation’s building portfolio. Insurance is going to be the ultimate driver in market stability moving forward. Could your building soon become too risky to insure?’
  1. ‘Shifting the focus away from short-term profitability and onto long-term operational liability is the biggest opportunity ESG offers us when compared to plans of the past. Perspective is critical and timing is everything.’
  1. ‘ESG standards demand a higher level of granularity than federal regulation can handle. While there will have to be standard global rules – like the greenhouse gas protocol – we will see many local variances from country to country within Europe and state to state within the US.’
  1. ‘Whether you’re new to the ESG conversation or a seasoned pro, there is a huge amount of jargon and complexity to navigate for a relatively simple concept: Are we doing good for the environment? For the future?’

Don’t miss this exciting discussion! . While registering, you can also submit a question to the panellists. Some may be addressed during the live discussion.

The post Virtual Event – ESG by the Numbers appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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April 1, 2024 foasummit0

Iraqi authorities have announced that designs for the new Baghdad Metro project have been completed.

Spanning over 148km, the US $2.5bn project will feature 64 stations covering 85% of the city including all holy sites, colleges and tourism districts, stated Nasser Al Asadi, the Iraqi Prime Minister’s advisor on transport affairs, as per a report by the Iraqi News Agency.

Last month, authorities began inviting bids for the project for which a total of 26 multinational corporations from China, India, Germany, Italy, Spain and Qatar expressed their interests in the project.

The project is being developed under the DBOMFT (design, build, operate, maintain, finance and transfer) ownership model, he added.

At a key meeting held last month with Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the representatives of China Railway demonstrated the company’s capacity to take part in executing the project, the report noted.

The Chinese company is implementing the Nisour Square development project in central Baghdad as part of the government’s projects to relieve traffic congestion in the Iraqi capital, the report concluded.

The post Designs for US $2.5bn Baghdad Metro project complete appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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April 1, 2024 foasummit0

A US $262.7mn power purchase agreement (PPA) has been signed by Acwa Power and the National Electric Grid of Uzbekistan for a 200MW wind project. As per the terms of the 25-year agreement, the company will develop the Nukus2 200MW wind power project along with a battery energy storage system (BESS).

Billed as a ‘key public-private partnership (PPP) project’, it is being undertaken under the build, own, operate and transfer (Boot) model.

Acwa Power said that it had $1.085bn in investments in Uzbekistan, which would be used for the construction of two wind-power plants at overall capacity of 800MW.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved the investment agreements sealed with Acwa Power on wind farm construction projects in Karakalpakstan (at 500MW) and in the Bukhara Region (at 300 MW).

As per prelimenary estimates, the agreement on the construction of a wind farm in the Kungrad district of Karakalpakstan is set to attract foreign direct investment worth $682 million, and $403 million for the project in the Gijduvan District of the Bukhar Region.

The post ACWA Power inks $262.7mn wind PPA in Uzbekistan appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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April 1, 2024 foasummit0

Bahrain’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to consultants for providing contract management and construction supervision of the East Sitra Social Housing Project. The development will feature 531 residential units.

The project represents one of Bahrain’s largest-ever residential developments and aligns with the Kingdom’s aims of encouraging urban growth and regeneration as part of a commitment to an increasingly-diversified economy. This in turn is a key element of the nation’s ambitions to achieve regional leadership as a major trading hub.

According to the ministry, only engineering consultants with a Category ‘A’ licence from the Council for Regulating the Practice of Engineering Professions (CRPEP), Kingdom of Bahrain, will be eligible for the contract.

The tenders will be evaluated in two phases, assessing qualification, technical and financial criteria. The deadline for submitting the entries is 24th April.

The post RFPs announced for Bahrain residential project appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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March 28, 2024 foasummit0

The groundbreaking ceremony for the EYWA real-estate project in Business Bay was marked by placing an energy time capsule in its foundation – a long-standing tradition for developer R.Evolution.

The time capsule contains photographs of the building, healing crystals and architectural plans, as well as precious items from the children of the team at R.Evolution. There are also coins and bracelets, and a letter from R.Evolution expressing best wishes for the future residents’ happiness at EYWA, the bio-living waterfront development by the canal

The time capsule ritual has been carried out by R.Evolution in every one of its projects around the world over the last 25 years.

The founder and CEO of R.Evolution, Alex Zagrebelny said, “For me, a building embodies the collective energy of its creators, and EYWA must encapsulate the spirit of our children, representing the next generation. Thousands of years later, somebody will find this Time Capsule and open it and find our letter to them, and see the paintings and drawings, and feel our love and heartiness.”

“At R.Evolution, we craft aesthetically superior, health-centric buildings that pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. Witnessing the enthusiasm and momentum generated by the groundbreaking ceremony fills me with joy. It’s not merely about laying the foundation; it’s a celebration of community and a moment to reflect on the profound impact this project will have on everyone involved.”

The post Time capsule tradition continues at EYWA appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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March 28, 2024 foasummit0

The highly-anticipated Construction Machinery Middle East Awards 2024 is set to take place in Dubai, shining a spotlight on the pioneering achievements and innovations within the construction machinery industry.

This prestigious event, hosted in one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving construction markets, aims to recognse and honor the exceptional contributions of companies and individuals who are pushing the boundaries of technology, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Scheduled for 18th June, at the Habtoor Grand Resort in JBR, Dubai, the Construction Machinery Middle East Awards 2024 will gather industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from across the region and beyond. The awards ceremony is dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements and best practices that are shaping the future of construction machinery and equipment.

Categories and Nominations

This year’s awards feature a broad range of categories, reflecting the diverse nature of the industry. From groundbreaking new machinery and technological innovations to sustainability initiatives and best practices in operation and management, the awards are designed to highlight excellence across all facets of the construction machinery sector.

Nominations for the awards are now open, inviting companies and professionals to submit their entries for consideration. The nomination process is streamlined and accessible, with detailed information available on the official awards website.

Submitting your entry is easy, simply upload your nomination with images and other information, including technical specifications, before 30 April.

From the 1 May, Construction Machinery Middle East will then be staging a public vote to find out the market’s preferred winner in each of the open-vote categories. This is expected to close on the 1st June.

The voting categories are open to all industry professionals. All submissions are subject to verification. Votes made by employees or associates of nominees will not be counted.

The all-important Contractor Awards entries are not open to voting and are treated as confidential as part of the assessment process. Fleets wishing to be nominated can also visit the site to upload their entries.

“The Construction Machinery Middle East Awards are getting bigger every year and it is exciting to once again launch the next event,” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East.

A Platform for Recognition and Networking

The Construction Machinery Middle East Awards 2024 not only serves as a platform for recognizing industry excellence but also as a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration. Attendees will have the chance to engage with peers, discuss emerging trends and challenges, and explore new business opportunities in an exclusive setting.

Key Highlights of the Event

  • Prestigious awards ceremony celebrating excellence in construction machinery
  • Diverse categories covering technology, sustainability, and operational best practices
  • Networking opportunities with industry leaders and innovators
  • A showcase of the latest advancements and trends in construction machinery

Join Us in Celebrating Industry Excellence

We invite all industry stakeholders to join us in Dubai for the Construction Machinery Middle East Awards 2024. Whether you are looking to gain recognition for your achievements, explore the latest industry trends, or connect with fellow professionals, this event promises to be an invaluable experience.

For more information on the awards, including how to nominate and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our official website.

The post Construction Machinery Awards 2024 to take place on 18 June appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News


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March 27, 2024 foasummit0

Construction of a water treatment plant that is part of the Zuluf onshore oil plant complex in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia has begun according to Fisia Italimpianti. The firm is part of the Webuild.

The Zuluf oil field, owned and managed by Aramco, is part of a large development programme that began in 2018 within the Saudi Vision 2030 growth plan of Saudi Arabia. The project was awarded to Fisia Italimpianti last year, with the two contracts worth a total of US $439mn, includes building and managing the plant.

Webuild’s positioning in the water market, a sector where it is already leader, has further strengthened, thanks to this project that has allowed Fisia Italimpianti to step into the oil and gas sector, returning to its operation and maintenance activities, said a company statement.

The formal start of construction works follows the engineering design, material procurement and carrying out of the preliminary activities that served to improve the soil’s characteristics. These works were carried out by Fisia Italimpianti during the last few months, to allow the site to be able to host the plant’s foundations.

Once complete, the plant will be able to treat up to 185,000cu/m per day of water, which will be injected in the offshore wells, contributing to increase the production of the field’s crude oil. The plant will include a water de-gassing system that will extract, compress, and deliver the gas found in the water that enters the plant, to the final client. Then, a water treatment and filtration section will follow in the plant, with the aim of clarifying and reducing the content of solids in the water, to make it suitable for the injection in the oil wells. The project also includes auxiliary systems and the buildings that will be used as administrative offices, technical rooms, and control rooms, the statement said.

Fisia Italimpianti is said to boast a strong presence in the Middle East, where it has been building desalination and water treatment plants in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. These plants feature technologically innovative solutions, serving over 20m users.

The Webuild Group is also engaged in several other significant projects in Saudi Arabia. It is currently building 57km of the Connector high-speed railway line for NEOM to link Oxagon and The Line projects. It recently also won the contract to build a lake and unique architectural works at Trojena.

In Ryadh, the company is building 42km of Line 3 of the capital’s metro system, the longest of the metro. The company is also working on Diriyah Square – Package 2 Super-basement Works, the structure of the new Ad-Diriyah neighbourhood that will include a multi-storey parking lot for 10,500 vehicles, the statement concluded.

The post Works begin on Zuluf water treatment plant says Fisia Italimpianti appeared first on Middle East Construction News.


Source: ME Construction News