The installation of solar energy panels at the Dubai Metro Depots at Jebel Ali and Al Qusais as well as the Tram Depot at Al Safouh is underway according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). According to the RTA, the project will be completed in the first quarter of 2024 and will produce a total of 9.959MW of solar power.

The move is said to align with the Dubai Government’s ‘Shams Dubai’ initiative and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy. It is also in support of the RTA’s long-term strategy aimed at reaching Net Zero emissions by 2050, focusing on three primary sectors: public transportation, buildings and related facilities, and waste management.

The solar PV power system represent a key element of sustainable renewable energy sources, which supports RTA’s efforts to improve the efficiency of the infrastructure of facilities. Moreover, solar panels save costs, conserve resources, reduce carbon emissions and enhance environmental sustainability, the firm stated.

The installation of solar panels is spread over two phases; the initial phase is the mechanical setup during which the supporting structures are erected and the PV panels are mounted. The second phase involves the electrical setup, which includes laying out the wiring and establishing connections for the solar energy system. The RTA is expected to achieve a total saving of carbon dioxide emissions amounting to 3.962t annually.

The total solar energy production amounts to 3.165MW at Jebel Ali Metro Depot, 3.804MW at Al Qusais Metro Depot, and 2.990MW at Al Safouh Tram Depot. The expected lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, and a periodic maintenance programme is being developed to follow energy production readings and monitor the operational efficiency of these facilities, the RTA noted.

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Source: ME Construction News

Jacobs has been appointed as the programme management and construction management (PMCM) partner for Thyssenkrupp Steel’s initiative to decarbonise its steel mill. The $2.5bn initiative is said to be one of the world’s largest industrial decarbonisation initiatives.

According to a statement, Thyssenkrupp Steel’s Duisburg site in Germany is Europe’s largest steel mill. The project’s scope includes the delivery of a green hydrogen-powered direct reduction plant, which aims to revolutionise the conventional iron reduction process. The operation will replace the traditional coal-powered blast furnaces with hydrogen-powered electric smelters.

As the PMCM partner, Jacobs will be responsible for the overall coordination and management of engineering services, assembly, and logistics, the firm stated.

Patrick Hill, Executive VP at Jacobs said, “This is a major project with a complex undertaking delivered through an integrated German and international team. The implementation of this emerging technology is an important step in transforming the industry and supply chain in Europe and beyond.”

The scope of work also includes construction management and supporting contract management, assembly management of the engineering procurement construction (EPC) contractor for the direct reduction plant, and interface management across the construction and assembly teams, the firm added.

Scheduled to be in operation by the end of 2026, the plant is expected to produce an annual output of 2.5m metric tons of direct reduced iron (DRI), simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by 3.5m metric tons per year.

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Source: ME Construction News

Parsons has announced its successful implementation of cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and 360-degree imagery in numerous mega- and giga-projects across the Middle East.

Collaborating with SEKTOR.build, Parsons is utilising the OpenSpace.ai platform to revolutionise construction supervision technologies, significantly enhancing efficiency across the entire project lifecycle.

This initiative marks a notable expansion in the use of AI technology within the region, with over 30 deployments, firmly establishing Parsons as a leader in this field. The integration of OpenSpace.ai with Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands out as a pioneering move, offering a value-driven approach that ensures near real-time site imagery for stakeholders. This integration not only improves project visibility but also drives commercial advancements, quality enhancements, better coordination among stakeholders, and more rapid reporting processes.

Pierre Santoni, President of Infrastructure for Europe, Middle East, and Africa at Parsons, emphasised the transformative impact of this technology: “Automation is just one factor in the transformative revolution in the engineering sector. What sets Parsons’ projects apart is our expertise in deploying the latest technologies, which has enabled a seamless integration of AI and ushered in an era of unprecedented efficiencies and capabilities.”

The introduction of these technologies by Parsons is not just a step towards advanced automation, but it also brings substantial benefits in project management. By freeing up human resources from routine tasks, these technological advancements allow for a more focused approach to critical project management activities. This shift is not only reducing project timelines but also mitigating risks. Moreover, the digital transformation championed by Parsons significantly reduces the need for physical travel, thereby lowering the carbon footprint of these projects.

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Source: ME Construction News

Penthouse.ae, powered by Metropolitan, a Dubai-based full-service real estate agency specializing in serving the needs of Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs), has announced the launch of The Luxury Collection, a portfolio of 60 ultra-luxury properties worth over AED 30B.

This collection comprises off-plan and secondary units strategically located in some of Dubai’s most sought-after locations, including Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Bay Island, Jumeirah Islands, Downtown Dubai and more. The Collection, a mix of lavish villas and penthouses, includes standalone units from premium developers and branded residences such as Fairmont, Armani, Pagani, Baccarat, Six Senses, SLS and more. Prices for properties in The Luxury Collection range from AED 10M to AED 1B, with sizes ranging from 3,000 sq. ft. to 30,000 sq. ft.

The Collection offers investors a portfolio of ultra-luxury properties that offer high return on investment and which tend to appreciate over the long term. Properties within the collection are designed with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, featuring unique architectural elements, premium finishes and the latest technology, allowing for customisations and personalisation to suit specific needs and preferences. The properties also offer beautiful views and amenities such as pools, spas, gyms, home theatres, expansive outdoor space for entertaining and advanced security features.

“The Luxury Collection represents the epitome of luxury living and the creme de la crème in Dubai’s luxury real estate market,” said Petri Mannila, Head of Luxury at Penthouse.ae. “These properties offer our clients a unique opportunity to invest in some of the most exclusive properties in the most coveted locations in Dubai. We are confident that these units will appeal to discerning buyers from all over the world as Dubai remains a popular destination for ultra-high net worth individuals.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Abu Dhabi-based National Marine Dredging Company has announced that its key unit, National Petroleum Construction Company (NPCC), has secured a $1.3bn contract from Saudi Arabian oil giant Aramco. The contract relates to two key projects that are core to the Arab Medium (AM) facilities upgrade scheme.

In its filing to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the National Marine Dredging Company explained that the project scope includes two key elements: firstly, the fabrication and installation of 11 slipover production decks modules and nine structural jackets; then, the installation of eight subsea pipelines with an approximate length of 23 km.

The order also includes 22 units of 15 kV subsea cables with a total length of 115 km.

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Source: ME Construction News

During a bilateral meeting, the rulers of Bahrain and Qatar reviewed developments on the Bahrain-Qatar Causeway Project and directed authorities to complete the necessary plans to initiate the project’s immediate implementation.

The review took place during a meeting between His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Manama.

The two leaders also reviewed the Bahrain-Qatar partnership and ways to further bolster cooperation.

The causeway will link the northern region of Qatar to the eastern coast of Bahrain. Once completed, the 40 km Qatar-Bahrain Causeway will reduce travel times between Bahrain and Qatar from five hours to 30 minutes.

The causeway will have a dual two-lane highway, accompanied by a rail platform, featuring a total of four lanes.

The bridge project was originally planned to be built 10 years ago, but was stalled following the regional crisis involving Qatar and its trading partners.

Under a MoU signed in 2005 to launch the project, a joint institution was formed and it was entrusted with managing, maintaining and operating the causeway and investing in its facilities.

The project holds a significantly positive impact in promoting the strong and historical ties between the citizens of the two countries, and is now set to achieve both nations’ aspirations.

About half of the causeway will consist of bridges and the rest of the highway will be built on reclaimed land. Flyovers will be as high as 40m above sea level in order to allow uninterrupted ship crossings. The project is expected to take four years to build.

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Source: ME Construction News

Johnson Arabia used a special open day in Dubai last week to demonstrate the Vita Load Navigator (VLN) technology, a remote-controlled propulsion-driven device which connects below the hook of the crane and is remotely controlled. Measuring over 1,000 data points per second, the system detects load movement in real-time and adjusts the load with high-powered fans to eliminate spinning, rotations, and other problems that cause site damage or injuries.

The system’s arrival in the UAE is part of a partnership between the Colorado-based manufacturer Vita Industrial and Johnson Arabia’s crane supplier WOLFFKRAN.

Both Vita Industrial and WOLFFKRAN believe the VLN enables projects to achieve faster lifting operations, enhance efficiency through precise load placement, and minimise downtime attributed to adverse weather and environmental conditions.

WOLFFKRAN, renowned for its crane sales, crane rentals, and operation services, has been at the forefront of showcasing the capabilities of the VLN technology. Beginning with the United Kingdom and expanding to other countries, the response from industry professionals and project sites has been resoundingly positive. As a result, WOLFFKRAN has confirmed the purchase of 10 units of the Vita Load Navigator (VLN) technology for immediate delivery. Such order underlines the commitment of both WOLFFKRAN and Vita Industrial to delivering state-of-the-art solutions to their crane clientele, say both parties.

The initial 10 units will be integrated into WOLFFKRAN’s extensive rental and sales portfolio, providing construction customers with access to the latest advancements in crane technology. Vita Industrial anticipates a surge in demand and additional orders as WOLFFKRAN continues to demonstrate the innovative capabilities of this technology in real-world applications.

Describing the VLN as a ‘gamechanger’ ahead of the Johnson Arabia open day, WOLFFKRAN said the event was an unparalleled opportunity to witness first-hand the cutting-edge advancements in the lifting industry.

Caleb Carr, the CEO of Vita Inclinata Technologies, commented on the partnership, saying, “Our collaboration with WOLFFKRAN has exceeded our expectations, and we are excited to witness the rapid adoption of Vita Load Navigator technology. Together, we are empowering construction professionals with innovative solutions that will drive industry advancements for years to come.”

Duncan Salt, CEO of WOLFFKRAN, said: “The overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received underscores the transformative potential of our collaboration with Vita Industrial. We are proud to bring the Vita Load Navigator technology to our partners worldwide, enhancing their lifting operations and setting new standards for efficiency and safety.”

 

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The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are doing the most in the GCC to fight climate change in several key areas despite their fossil fuel dependency, according to a new report that compares government and business sustainability policies, investment and actions across the Middle East and Africa.

South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia rank at the top of the 17-country Middle East and Africa Evironmental Sustainability Scorecard, released Thursday. The scorecard is the most detailed examination to date of country performance in environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies, and corporate practices in the two regions.

The report concludes that the 17 countries covered “are relative ‘late comers’ to global sustainable development but at the same time represent regions that are rapidly stepping-up their sustainability strategies, programs and investments.”

The report was commissioned by Agility, a global supply chain services company based in Kuwait. It was compiled by Horizon Group, a Geneva-based firm that specializes in research and analysis for governments, international organizations, and leading businesses worldwide.

Horizon scored countries in six key “pillar” areas. The UAE ranks 1st in Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport; Energy Transition; and Environmental Ecosystem. Qatar is 1^st in Green Investment, Innovation & Tech; and Governance & Reporting. Saudi Arabia ranks in the top five in five out of six key pillar areas.

Bahrain performs well (3^rd) in Circularity, a measure of resource-use efficiency and waste management; Oman’s highest ranking (6^th) is also in Circularity. Kuwait did best (5^th) in Environmental Ecosystems, which examines air, soil and water pollution, along with conservation and biodiversity.

All six hydrocarbon-intensive GCC countries are at the bottom of the 17-nation ranking in Energy Transition, which looks at energy supply, and renewable energy use, subsidies and taxes, along with energy-transition agendas at national and corporate levels. Leaders in Energy Transition are: Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa.

GCC countries are investing heavily in sustainable development, which will spur their economic growth. Current World Bank projections forecast combined GCC economic output to be $6 trillion by 2050. But “embracing a strategic green growth approach to economic diversification could potentially elevate this figure to over $13 trillion,” the report says, citing World Bank estimates.

The scorecard uses 48 performance and progress indicators to compare countries. The indicators include data, regulatory frameworks, policy assessments, incentives and corporate practices across six pillar areas: green investment and technology; sustainable infrastructure and transport; governance and reporting; energy transition; environmental ecosystems; and circularity. To capture corporate practices and progress, Horizon surveyed 647 business executives in the 17 countries.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Shortlist for the 2023 Middle East Consultant Awards is as follows:

AI-Led Design Champion of the Year

• Jacobs
• OBMI
• Tangram Meta

Metaverse Architect of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Dewan Architects & Engineers
• OBMI
• Tangram Meta

Architectural Company of the Year

• Aedas Dubai
• B8 Architecture
• Jacobs
• RSP
• U+A

Company of the Year

• AESG
• AtkinsRealis
• B8 Architecture
• Dewan Architects & Engineers
• Jacobs
• Kingspan Insulation
• Meinhardt
• Omnium International

Cost Consulting Company of the Year

• C-Quest
• Compass Project Consulting
• Currie & Brown
• JLL
• Omnium International

Dispute Resolution Champion of the Year

• HKA
• North 51 Consulting
• Omnium Resolve
• TBH
• Turner & Townsend

Gender & Ethical Employment Champion of the Year

• AESG
• AtkinsRealis
• B8 Architecture
• Currie & Brown
• Dewan Architects & Engineers
• JLL

HR & Wellness Champion of the Year

• AtkinsRealis
• B8 Architecture
• Currie & Brown
• Jacobs
• Omnium International

Interior Design Company of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Key Concept Interiors
• U+A

MEP Engineering Company of the Year

• AESG
• Al Suweidi Engineering Consultants
• Jacobs
• Lasco

On-Site Health & Safety Champion of the Year

• AtkinsRealis
• Jacobs

Project Management Company of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Compass Project Consulting
• JLL
• Land Sterling
• North 51 Consulting
• Turner & Townsend

Specialist Consulting Company of the Year

• AESG
• K Tech Consulting
• Lasco
• TBH
• Turner & Townsend

Structural Engineering Company of the Year

• ASG
• B8 Architecture
• IHC
• KPM Engineering

Sustainable Consultancy of the Year

• AESG
• B8 Architecture
• Climatize Engineering Consultants
• JLL
• Parsons

Project of the Year – Government & Infrastructure

• AECOM – Abu Samra Land Border Crossing
• Godwin Austen Johnson – Jafar Centre, Dubai College
• JLL – The Egypt Services Centre, Aswan
• Kalbod Design Studio – Sandstorm Absorbent Skyscraper
• Parsons – Zayed Road Network, Mina Zayed

Project of the Year – Hospitality & Tourism

• AECOM – SeaWorld Abu Dhabi
• JT & Partners – Tawila Island
• JT & Partners – Mango House
• MZ Architects – Centre of Curiosity
• U+A – Amaala – Six Senses

Project of the Year – Residential & Commercial

• Aedas Dubai – Solar House
• B8 Architecture – Hills View 64
• Climatize Engineering Consultants – The Link at Masdar City
• Kalbod Design Studio – Dubai Art Museum
• LWK & Partners – DIFC Living
• MZ Architects – Sea La Vie
• MZ Architects – The Grove, Louvre Residence
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – The Cube, Lusail

Project of the Year – Retail & Public Facilities

• Climatize Engineering Consultants – DAMAC Lagoons
• JT & Partners – Canal Walk
• JT & Partners – Shakhbat City Community Market
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – The Cube, Lusail

Under-30 Champion of the Year

• Aedas Dubai – Andre Valdez
• Egis – Aishwarya Chengappa
• Omnium International – Roxy Reynolds
• RSP – Saagarika Dias
• TBH – Kathren Salah

C-Suite Executive of the Year

• AESG – Katarina Uherova Hasbani
• B8 Architecture – Kristina Brateng
• Climatize Engineering Consultants – Engi Jaber
• Dewan Architects & Engineers – Ammar Al Assam
• Egis – Alaa Abu Siam
• North 51 Consulting – Natasha Abbas

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Dewan Architects & Engineers – Mohammed Al Assam
• Jacobs – Michalis Paschalis
• Tangram Meta – Sandra Woodall
• U+A – Pierre Martin Dufresne

Multi-Discipline Consulting Company of the Year

• AECOM
• AtkinsRealis
• Egis
• KEO International Consultants
• Meinhardt
• TGP International

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Source: ME Construction News