The process of loading fuel into Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, in line with all national regulations and the highest international standards has been completed by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) subsidiary Nawah Energy Company (Nawah).

According to a statement, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, recently issued the Operating License for Unit 4 to Nawah. This milestone is said to take the UAE one step closer to full fleet operations at Barakah, the largest single source of clean electricity in the region.

Once operational, the final unit of the plant will enable the facility to generate 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs around the clock for the next sixty years. The three current commercially operating units at Barakah, delivered in three consecutive years, are already generating more than 30TWh of zero-emission electricity every year.

Unit 4 will raise the Barakah Plant’s total clean electricity generation capacity to 5.6GW, delivering more than 40TWh of clean electricity per year, once commercial operations begin. Barakah is already preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions, the leading cause of climate change, every year, the statement noted.

ENEC said that the operations team will now move through a comprehensive testing program, prior to successfully completing the start-up of Unit 4. Testing is undertaken under the continued oversight of FANR. Once Unit 4 is connected to the national electricity grid, the operations team will continue with the process of gradually raising power levels, known as Power Ascension Testing (PAT). The phase will be continuously monitored and tested until maximum electricity production is reached, while adhering to all regulatory requirements and the highest international standards of safety, quality and security.

With Unit 4 due to start up in 2024, ENEC said it is now focused on capitalising on the full value of the UAE’s investment in the nuclear energy sector, working closely with key global partners and technology companies to identify the right technology and meet the growing demand for clean electricity and molecules.

ENEC said it is also focused on evaluating the latest technologies in the advanced, Small Modular Reactor (SMR) and microreactor categories. These solutions can generate clean electrons and molecules, such as steam, hydrogen and ammonia, as well as process heat for industrial processes. ENEC is working with national stakeholders to determine deployment pathways, and with international partners for both technology and project collaboration opportunities.

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A US $2.4bn tunnelling package on the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East public transport project in Melbourne, Australia has been awarded to a consortium of three contractors. The consortium comprises Cimic Group subsidiary CPB Contractors, Acciona and Ghella.

The contractors are responsible for tunnelling on a 16km section of the line’s 26km twin tunnels as part of the Suburban Connect consortium.

The confirmation that the firms had won the contract came after they were named preferred bidders in September.

“CPB Contractors is an industry leader in the delivery of complex construction and brings decades of experience to this first major package of SRL East, providing critical transport connections for the city. We are pleased to be selected by the Victorian Government to construct this valuable piece of infrastructure, improving the lives of people across east and south east Melbourne,” said Juan Santamaría, CEO of Cimic Group’s parent company Hochtief.

According to a report, the contractors will also build two new station boxes for the line, with major tunnelling works expected to begin in 2026.

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Azizi Developments has renewed its tie-up with Italian kitchen appliance manufacturer Elba for six buildings in the fourth phase of Azizi’s Riviera project in MBR City. Elba will supply premium kitchen sinks and kitchen mixers, the firm said.

Established in 1950, Elba has emerged as an industry leader through its expertise and agility in producing some of the most premium cooking and houseware appliances – with a presence in more than 60 diverse global markets, said a statement from the developer.

Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments said: “Our commitment to procuring and delivering only the highest quality of materials remains steadfast, with this renewed collaboration underscoring our continuous pursuit of enriching the lives of our valued investors and end-users.”

Riviera is part of Azizi Developments’ award-winning portfolio. It is a waterfront lifestyle destination comprising 75 mid- and high-rise buildings with approximately 16,000 residences.

Designed to introduce the French-Mediterranean lifestyle to Dubai – which is not merely about architectural art but also about a certain ‘joie de vivre’ – Riviera represents a new landmark destination that is both residential and commercial. It features three districts: an extensive retail boulevard, a lagoon walk on the shores of its 2.7 km-long swimmable crystal lagoon with artisan eateries and boutiques, and Les Jardins – a lush, green social space, the firm said.

With its strategic location near the upcoming Meydan One Mall and the Meydan Racecourse – home of the Dubai World Cup – Riviera is one of Azizi Developments’ most coveted projects.

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DP World has unveiled the design for its new global head office, to be located in Expo City Dubai. The move to Expo City is part of the company’s journey from a local port operator in 1972 to a truly global supply chain solutions provider, it said.

The firm has been based in Jebel Ali, at the heart of its port and free zone operations, since it was established under its current name in September 2005.

Announcing its elaborate plans, DP World said the relocation of its global head office to Expo City Dubai marks the latest milestone in its 50-year journey, as it continues to expand its global supply chain solutions.

Spread over a 37,000sqm area, the new head office is a nine-storey tower that will be able to accommodate 800 of its staff members, and also provide a platform for clients and partners to engage directly with DP World’s portfolio – across ports and terminals, marine services, logistics and technology.

The Dubai group said the first two floors are dedicated to engaging external stakeholders and visitors – with space for casual meetings and dining through to the highest-level VIP meeting rooms and facilities. The building also includes an automated parking area, showcasing DP World’s commitment to technological advancement in every aspect of its work.

Dubai-based DEC Dynamic Design Studio has been given the job to create a facility that reflects DP World’s vision for the future of global trade, combining functionality, sustainability and aesthetics.

The project also provides surface car parking facilities near the entrances specifically designated for EV charging. This arrangement promotes convenience and encourages the use of sustainable and efficient modes of transportation.

Unveiling the plan, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World said, “DP World’s relocation to Expo City Dubai is a not an isolated project; it is one of many within our overall transformation to become the leading global provider of end-to-end supply chain solutions. Moving to Expo City puts us at the heart of Dubai’s future, while also signifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and making trade flow for our global customers.”

“We are confident that our new state-of-the-art home will not only facilitate our continued growth, but also serve as a testament to our dedication to excellence and environmental stewardship. Across our business, we are committed to providing sustainable solutions for customers and partners and this same innovative mindset drives the vision for our new head office,” he concluded.

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Construction project management specialist, Zepth, has announced that it has integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its platform, which is said to represent a ‘transformative leap in the industry’. The firm said it plans to deploy 40 AI agents to reach an artificial general intelligence (AGI) status where its machine will have human-level intelligence — which is billed as a first-of-its-kind endeavour in the Middle East and worldwide.

According to a statement, the AI Risk Manager will harness the power of AGI, with 40 AI agents proactively identifying potential risks, collaborating with each other, carrying out likelihood and impact assessments, and assisting in mitigation plans for the identified risks, to enable project managers to make data-driven decisions.

The tool is a testament to Zepth’s commitment to innovation and excellence, ensuring project success even in the most challenging environments. AGI comprises intelligent agents with human-like capabilities to carry out a range of tasks, including in construction, the firm said.

“Zepth stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, redefining the common-data environment with AGI-driven human-level intelligence. Our platform epitomises intelligence, simplicity, and efficiency, designed for the modern world. Zepth’s AI-driven solutions are delivering extraordinary efficiency and precision to clients globally. The traditional Big Tech solutions, while once groundbreaking, now lag in a rapidly changing world. They are complex relics of a bygone era — no longer the best fit for today’s dynamic industry needs,” said Zepth Founder Prasoon Shrivastava.

The firm added that it is expanding its AI ecosystem to include hundreds of specialised agents, each designed to adapt to the complex, ever-changing demands of construction management. The move is said to reaffirm Zepth’s status in the software domain and highlights its ingenuity and the influence of technological advances globally.

The UAE, with its multiple government-led initiatives in smart buildings and cities, presents a strong appetite for AI-driven construction management solutions like Zepth, the statement noted.

Confirming the company’s mission to empower the developer community, Shrivastava said the journey that Zepth is charting is clear: in the world of construction, Zepth stands as the embodiment of advanced intelligence, driving an industry towards unparalleled efficiency.

“The UAE’s demonstrated track record of futuristic and innovative developments has inspired us to embrace AI as much as it has incentivised us to be a part of the region’s next growth phase,” he concluded.

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His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved a budget of more than US $17.7bn for new capital projects – and also gave directives to advance the Emirati culture and heritage ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.

The go-ahead for the 2024 budget came at the council’s meeting, which was being chaired by Sheikh Khaled.

During the meeting, he gave directives to focus efforts on conserving Emirati heritage and upholding national identity by increasing awareness of national traditions, and by empowering local talent within the sector to help embed UAE cultural heritage among young people.

Sheikh Khaled emphasised that the leadership is continuing to prioritise and activate projects that drive infrastructural development to foster a sustainable community environment and ensure the stability and cohesion of Emirati society.

A series of new directives were also announced, which aim to further develop a sustainable cultural heritage ecosystem in the emirate by building on the success of current exhibitions, festivals, and heritage programmes.

The Crown Prince explained, “Preserving national heritage and fostering Emirati traditions springs from a deep-rooted belief that heritage is essential for building both the present and the future.” He added that these measures aim to build a future in which the nation’s cultural heritage is a source of pride and inspiration for all.

Later in the agenda, Sheikh Khaled was briefed on plans to establish the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre, which aims to develop a framework for effectively handling hazardous materials. The centre also aims to ensure co-ordination among the relevant authorities to further enhance planning and response efforts to manage hazardous materials in line with best international practices.

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A US $1.65bn contract has been awarded by National Highways to Bouygues Travaux Publics and J Murphy & Sons to construct the ‘largest bored tunnels in the UK’. The $13.4bn Lower Thames Crossing contract for tunnel boring is said to be the final major award for the road link between Kent and Essex. The contract also includes the tunnel systems, portal buildings and approach roads.

BMJV is a joint venture comprising Bouygues Travaux Publics SAS and J Murphy & Sons, supported by consulting engineers Mott McDonald and Ove Arup & Partners.

In June 2023, the Planning Inspectorate initiated a six-month phase of a thorough examination of National Highways’ application for a development consent order. If the consent is granted, and both the current and the following governments support the project, construction could commence in 2026, a report noted.

“This contract award completes a world class team that has carbon reduction, community and value at its heart. By bringing the team together at an early stage we can focus on driving out carbon, delivering the best possible value for money and maximising the huge benefits the project will deliver nationally, regionally and locally,” said Matt Palmer, Lower Thames Crossing Executive Director.

The Tunnels and Approaches contract involves the design and construction of two road tunnels beneath the River Thames. These tunnels will span 2.6-miles, which will make them the longest in the UK. The tunnels will be over 16m wide and will allow for three lanes of traffic to pass through.

“Bouygues Travaux Publics – Murphy JV and all of our delivery partners are fully bought into our passion for delivering a green-skills legacy and share our ambition to use the Lower Thames Crossing as a catalyst to change the whole construction industry’s attitude and approach to carbon reduction,” concluded Palmer.

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A US $983mn memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed by Korea Airports Corporation (KAC) and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) with Ukraine’s Boryspil International Airport Corporation. The MoU outlines the reconstruction and expansion of the terminal and runway at Kyiv International Airport.

The agreement also calls for the sharing of business information and exploring joint projects to facilitate the restoration of the Boryspil International Airport, which is Ukraine’s largest airport. The MoU also calls for Boryspil airport authority to provide project information and support to ensure seamless operations during the reconstruction.

The KAC, which oversees operations at 14 airports across Korea, will support the reconstruction through airport operation consulting, international education and training, in addition to supplying its safety equipment, said a report.

“Our goal is not only to assist in the recovery of Boryspil Airport but also to elevate its infrastructure to a higher standard. It will set the stage for Korea’s airport operational expertise to enter the Eastern European region,” said Yoon Hyeong-jung, CEO of Korea Airports Corporation.

Hyundai E&C will be responsible for the design, procurement, and construction responsibilities of the airport project, the report stated.

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