The eagerly anticipated 2024 Access and Handling Summit is set to take place on February 15th, 2024 at the Habtoor Polo Club, Dubai.

This event, now in its fourth iteration, is shaping up to be an essential gathering for industry professionals in the Middle East’s burgeoning access and handling market.

The summit will offer a dynamic platform for sharing knowledge and networking, catering to a diverse group of stakeholders, including end-users, manufacturers, suppliers, and investors. It aims to delve into market trends, innovations, and opportunities, offering insights into the latest technologies and sustainable practices.

One of the key focuses of the summit will be on advancing access and handling technology, with a particular emphasis on environmental sustainability, safety, and supporting major infrastructure projects. These topics are crucial given the substantial investments in infrastructure by Middle Eastern governments, highlighted by recent projects like Dubai’s Expo 2020, Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

“We run over 20 events at CPI Trade Media, but this is one of my personal favourites as we always get great interaction between the audience and the speakers,” said Stephen White, head of content, Construction Machinery Middle East. “We will again be inviting end-users to join our line-up and I’m sure we will be hosting another valuable event for everyone involved in working at height in a safe and sustainable way.”

In addition to exploring technology advancements in automation and robotics, the summit will address the growing importance of sustainability in equipment design. Discussions will cover eco-friendly practices, energy-efficient solutions, and the integration of green technologies, aligning with the region’s environmental goals.

Manufacturers are invited to participated to demonstrated the latest equipment and technology for rental and contractor fleets – with delegates invited to enjoy an array of equipment live on the day.

The event will also spotlight significant infrastructure projects in the Middle East, including airports, ports, logistics hubs, and urban development. This segment will examine the specific requirements for access and handling equipment needed for these mega projects.

Moreover, the summit will provide insights into current market trends, demand drivers, and investment opportunities in the sector. Discussions will include potential partnerships, financing options, and market entry strategies for businesses looking to expand in the region.

A notable aspect of the summit will be the focus on on-site training for access and handling equipment, particularly Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs), with sessions designed to outline protocols in practical terms.

The Access and Handling Summit is being brought to the industry by Construction Machinery Middle East, a leading media entity with a strong presence across print, digital, and in-person platforms. The event promises to include cutting-edge panel discussions, interviews, and presentations, all aimed at effectively conveying key aspects of the vital Access & Handling debates.

This summit is not just an opportunity for a knowledge exchange but also a chance for attendees to engage with esteemed professionals and influential decision-makers in the field. With its comprehensive program and diverse array of speakers, the 2024 Access and Handling Summit is poised to be an important event for an industry facing a huge amount of challenges and opportunities.

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Source: ME Construction News

A consortium comprising Saudi Archirodon and DEME have secured the second phase of transformation work at the Port of NEOM, the primary seaport of entry to northwest Saudi Arabia.

Based in Oxagon, the Port of NEOM is said to be strategically located along the coast of the Red Sea, and is adjacent to the nearby Suez Canal, through which 13% of global trade passes.

According to a statement, the port will be a critical enabler to the overall build, operations and economic ambitions of NEOM, and will facilitate the import of goods and materials during the development phase and as a new global port serving the region.

“We are proud to be awarded this important project which focuses on building a next generation sustainable port in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This contract underscores our technical and engineering expertise which, alongside the capabilities of our partners at Archirodon, were undoubtedly key factors in DEME securing this landmark contract,” explained Christopher Iwens, Managing Director Dredging at DEME.

DEME said that project work will kick off later this month and involves setting up the basin that will enable the world’s largest ships to call at Port of NEOM. All materials recovered as part of the channel development will be used to support the wider development of Oxagon.

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Source: ME Construction News

Cenomi Centres, an owner, operator and developer of contemporary lifestyle centres in Saudi Arabia, has said it will install solar PV panels across its sites, in a bid to drastically reduce its Scope 2 emissions.

The firm said it has executed a Portfolio Development Agreement with a consortium formed by FAS Energy and Marubeni Corporation.

The partnership was signed by Alison Rehill-Erguven, CEO of Cenomi Centres, Yoshiaki Yokota, CEO, Energy & Infrastructure Solution Group of Marubeni, and Turki Mansour Al Hokair, CEO of FAS Energy, during COP28.

The parties will initially deploy solar PV panels for a period of 20 years on the roofs and carports of 13 selected Cenomi Centres’ assets, and may extend to the installation of related EV charging infrastructure, subject to all regulatory approval and permits applicable in Saudi Arabia.

Solar panels absorbing the suns energy on hot summer day

The initial deployment is expected to accommodate a total capacity of approximately 52MWp and generate 93GWh per year. At full deployment, it is expected that 15% of Cenomi Centres’ annual electricity consumption will come from 100% renewable sources.

The installations will result in the reduction of 53,000t of CO2 emissions per year, which is equivalent to 870,000 trees grown for 10 years. This agreement with FAS Energy and Marubeni Corporation supports Cenomi Centres in delivering on its ambitions to create and maintain a sustainable business model that offers a positive, lasting impact on the communities in which it operates.

The installations will be rolled out in phases, beginning with Cenomi Centres’ sites in Riyadh in early 2024, before moving on to other shopping centres across the Kingdom. All sites are expected to be completed and in operation by 2025. The agreement is based on a design, finance, build, own and operate model – without upfront capital investments or any operational burdens to Cenomi Centres.

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Source: ME Construction News

Arcilla Property Partners has announced it has won contracts to develop and design more than 100,000sqft of luxury residential real estate in the UAE.

Founded by Alexis Stellakis and Harry Helsby, Arcilla’s portfolio of projects has risen to eight sites across the UAE, including two penthouses in the prestigious new residences at Atlantis The Royal, one three-bedroom and one five-bedroom. The company is fully redeveloping and designing the properties and their interiors, which are set to be completed, on schedule, by the end of the year.

For one of the properties, the penthouse owner who commissioned Arcilla as their developers and designers, acquired the 32nd floor of Atlantis The Royal off-plan in 2016. The design work then commenced in 2021, allowing for a full two-year process to visualise and craft every element of the interior architecture and design, including bespoke furniture and joinery designed by Arcilla and manufactured by a local fit-out partner, Bond Interiors.

The company said it is working to fulfil the UAE demand for a higher standard of quality and more understated luxury, that draws on the sophistication and style of design seen in other premier markets.

In addition to Atlantis The Royal, Arcilla is working on a growing number of ultra-luxury individual units, and larger-scale developments alongside their local partners across the UAE, including Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

Harry Helsby, Co-founder and the Creative Director said, “It has been an incredible journey so far, and we’re privileged to be working on so many iconic property and interior architectural projects within our first few years of operation in the UAE. Here at Atlantis The Royal, we have designed every single item of furniture, down to the button going onto the headboard. We have tailored the size and scale of every single piece and item of joinery going in.”

Alexis Stellakis, Co-founder and Managing Director added, “We are seeing a trend from our clients for high quality, prestigious aesthetics within their properties. So, we are supporting them in this vision, bringing our own insight and experience in this space to the UAE. We see a big appetite for it here.”

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Source: ME Construction News

The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed that the 2024 edition of its annual Big Project ME Golf Day will take place on 30 January. Now in its 14^th year, the industry event will bring together construction industry stakeholders from across the region for a day of friendly competition and networking. The venue for the event will be announced in the coming weeks, the BPME team confirmed.

Registration is complementary but mandatory for regional developers, consultants, contractors and construction specialists. The event will kick off on the day at 11am with registration and practice, and is scheduled to conclude by 6pm with the announcement of winners, followed by a buffet dinner and beverages.

Individuals interested in participating in the event can register here – registrations are expected to close one week prior to the event.

“We’ll be kicking off our roster of events in 2024 with our annual golf day event, which has become something of an industry staple. The BPME editorial team looks forward to bringing together stakeholders from across the industry for a bit of friendly competition and networking, which we hope will lead to closer collaboration on projects in the region,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

Previous editions of the industry event took place at several prestigious venues in Dubai, including the Trump International Golf Club, Montgomerie Golf Club, and Emirates Golf Club.

The 2024 edition of the BPME Golf Day is sponsored by: AtkinsRéalis; Kingspan Insulation and Meesons. Commercial inquiries can be addressed to Raz Islam at raz.islam@cpitrademedia.com.

To learn more about the Big Project ME Golf Day, click here.

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Source: ME Construction News

US-based LanzaTech Global has partnered with Abu Dhabi Waste Management Company (Tadweer) to initiate an integrated waste-to-sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feasibility study. This will assess SAF production from municipal and commercial solid waste.

Headquartered in Illinois, LanzaTech is a carbon recycling company that can transform waste carbon into sustainable raw materials for everyday products.

Using its biorecycling technology, LanzaTech captures carbon generated by energy-intensive industries at the source, preventing it from being emitted into the air. It then gives that captured carbon a new life as a clean replacement for virgin fossil carbon, in everything from household cleaners and clothing fibres to packaging and fuels.

According to experts, the proposed facility is likely to see up to 350,000t of hard-to-recycle municipal and commercial solid waste getting transformed into 200,000t of ethanol per year, ultimately producing 120,000t of SAF annually.

Tadweer Managing Director and CEO Ali Al Dhaheri said, “The waste management industry has the potential to reduce almost 1.8 gigatonnes of emitted CO2 per year, an indicator of its critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We look forward to working closely with LanzaTech on developing a waste-to-SAF solution, which strengthens our efforts to implement a sustainable waste management system in the emirate. This builds on our vision of becoming an international model for a circular economy.”

LanzaTech CEO, Jennifer Holmgren added, “Recycling municipal solid waste, rather than letting it pile up in landfills, offers incredible potential to produce sustainable aviation fuel at scale and reduce air travel’s carbon footprint. This solution creates an alternative, lower carbon supply chain. With LanzaTech’s technology in Tadweer’s facilities, this project is an opportunity to address the climate crisis on two fronts simultaneously and keep virgin fossil fuels in the ground.”

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Source: ME Construction News

GFH Group has unveiled the masterplan for its high-end destination Areen, in Bahrain, that will boast a new township featuring residential, hospitality and retail elements on a two million sqm area. Comprising 16 major clusters, it will be home to 25,000 residents.

The Areen project is located near Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in the southern region of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and is in close proximity to Bahrain International Circuit and Al Dana Amphitheatre.

With a built-up area of 1.5m sqm, the project features 16 major clusters, including commercial offices, retail units, restaurants and hotels, health and education facilities, and a range of residential communities. The masterplan is said to have been updated and enhanced to accommodate new health and wellness trends in addition to walkable shopping streets.

A key highlight of Areen’s masterplan is the Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, the newest five-star hotel in the Kingdom, which opened it doors on 11 December.

Set over a 131,213sqm area, the signature hotel features 78 villas and 120 rooms, which include 1/2/3 bedrooms, each with private pools and gardens. The hotel also boasts five F&B outlets, a rooftop restaurant and an award-winning spa brand.

The groundbreaking of the new masterplan and the launch of Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain, was held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Personal Representative of His Majesty King of Bahrain and the President of the Supreme Council for Environment.

Speaking on the occasion, GFH CEO and Chairman of Al Areen, Hisham Alrayes said, “We are delighted to unveil plans for Areen – our unique, high-end, mixed-use development that embodies the finest of Bahraini ingenuity, natural beauty and drive – and that too in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah, whose leadership and commitment to the kingdom’s sustainable growth and development serve to inspire the establishment of new landmark projects such as ours.”

He concluded, “We are also proud to announce the establishment of Bahrain’s newest five-star hotel, which is being operated by the world-renowned Raffles, who are set to offer visitors from the region and around the world a new standard of excellence and luxury at Areen.”

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Source: ME Construction News

The Gardens 2 mixed-use development has been launched by UAE-based Iman Developers. The project features 223 residential units and is located in the Arjan community in Dubai, and is said to be a significant addition to the developer’s portfolio.

The project was developed at a cost of US $54.5mn and is designed to seamlessly combine residential units and retail outlets. The developer says that it aims to redefine the concept of upscale living by harmoniously blending elements of nature and modernity.

The mixed-use development features a basement + ground + roof + five floor layout and offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. It also features 15 retail outlets on the ground floor, the developer noted.

“Gardens 2 represents our vision to create living spaces that are not just homes but sanctuaries. We are particularly proud of our innovative approach to sustainability and smart living, ensuring that Gardens 2 sets new benchmarks in eco-friendly and technologically advanced homes. Our residents will not just inhabit a space; they will be part of a community that values quality, luxury, and a sustainable future,” said Ismail Marfani, Managing Director of Iman Developers.

Located in Arjan, the development is said to offer residents a seamless connection to Dubai’s major landmarks, and is said to feature top-notch facilities, including a working zone, lobby lounge, lift lobby, bicycle parking with a wash area, drop-off area, EV charging station, and designated parking for people of determination.

“At Iman Developers, our focus extends beyond mere construction; we endeavour to shape environments that seamlessly blend luxury with nature, technology with sustainability, and modern living with wellness. The first floor hosts a luxurious oasis with an array of amenities, including an infinity pool, Baja shelf, sunken seating area, pool sun lounger area, kids pool, outdoor seating area, leisure deck, meditation area, splash pad, and dedicated changing rooms for both males and females,” explained Marfani.

He added that the rooftop can transform into a wellness & fitness zone, encompassing a rooftop infinity pool, outdoor kids play area, indoor cardio zone, sauna and steam room, BBQ and seating area, swimming pool bar, rooftop seating, clubhouse, foosball table and kitchenette, communal working zone, and dedicated changing rooms.

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Source: ME Construction News

As part of its continued development in Saudi Arabia, real estate advisor CBRE has announced that it has opened a new office in Riyadh. The offer is in the Al Faisaliah Tower and is said to follow a year of continued growth in the Kingdom.

Earlier in the year, the firm also made a number of senior appointments, including Elias Bou Habib as Head of Consulting – Saudi Arabia, Jena Ladhani as Country Managing Director – Saudi Arabia for CBRE Global Workplace Solutions and Pedro Ribeiro as General Manager – Saudi Arabia for CBRE Advisory.

The firm is said to have been serving clients in Saudi Arabia for over 15 years, and now has over 300 real estate experts based on the ground across all its group divisions. The firm said it had recently advised on some of the biggest real estate projects across the Kingdom, including Saudi Arabia’s largest standalone hotel transaction in Jeddah, and over 30 mega and giga projects as part of Vision 2030. It also worked on its largest ever valuation project, valuing over 700,000 real estate assets in Saudi Arabia since 2021, as part of the Kingdom’s transformational change initiatives.

“I am proud to open our new Riyadh office today, at a time of unprecedented development in Saudi Arabia. This strategic milestone is a testament of our ongoing growth in the Kingdom and underscores our commitment to foster local partnerships, drive innovation and help our clients realize their potential in Saudi Arabia’s dynamic business landscape,” said Nicholas Maclean, Managing Director of CBRE Middle East.

The opening ceremony for the new office was attended by Prince Mohammed bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud, CBRE Saudi Arabia & Dar Al Riyadh Board Member, Prince Naif bin Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud, CBRE Saudi Arabia & Dar Al Riyadh Board Member, and Anshuman Magazine, Chairman and CEO of CBRE in India, Southeast Asia, Middle East & Africa among other senior guests.

Pedro Ribeiro, General Manager – Advisory of CBRE Saudi Arabia added, “I am delighted to welcome our Saudi Arabia team into our new office, designed to encourage collaboration and flexibility. It is a great example of the modern work environment that supports how people work today. This not only represents a significant business milestone but also our dedication to contributing to the development of the Kingdom and its Vision 2030.”

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Source: ME Construction News

The Saudi Architecture and Design Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) as part of its endeavour to enhance its raft of global strategic partnerships.

Part of the organisation’s remit is to help attract the best international practices and experiences into the kingdom – and RIBA has a 150-year history of supporting and benchmarking many of the world’s finest architectural developments and portfolios.

The signing ceremony was held at the institute’s headquarters in London, where the commission was represented by its CEO, Dr. Sumayah Al Solaiman, and the institute by CEO, Dr. Valerie Vaughan-Dick.

Dr. Sumayah explained the importance of this new partnership in contributing to the commission’s strategic plans: “It will”, she said, “contribute to the transfer of the best practices in the architecture and design industries as we work as strategic partners in the sector, to achieve the aspirations of the architecture and design community in the Kingdom.”

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Source: ME Construction News