During the United Nations Environment Program’s Second Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC-2) in Paris, BEEAH Group, the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), and the management consultancy Roland Berger signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a ground-breaking global standard for waste recycling that has been endorsed by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCaE).

Developed using blockchain technology, the platform aims to facilitate collaboration between jurisdictions and enable transparency across the waste management value chain.

The platform will create a global market-based incentive scheme and standard measure for recycling recognition and rewards, which will bridge the gap between the global sustainability agenda and the private sector and push the transition towards a global circular economy, said the parties in a statement.

The dedicated marketplace, to be revealed during the upcoming 28^th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), will connect waste producers and waste management providers to create a virtuous loop.

The partnership is currently developing the standard’s framework and technology. The platform will be revealed at COP28 in Dubai between November 30 and December 12, 2023.

Organisations which recycle waste with verified sustainable waste management providers receive Voluntary Recycling Credits (VRC). The use of the platform enables them to track the recycling activities in a transparent and standardized process and helps to realise their sustainability targets.

The MoU was signed by Firas Wahbeh, chief marketing officer, BEEAH Group, Carlos RV Silva, president, ISWA, and Hani Tohme, managing partner at Roland Berger Dubai.

The signing took place in the presence of His Excellency Essa Abdulrahman Al Hashmi, Assistant Undersecretary, Sustainable Communities Sector, UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, and Rahma Alshamsi, Lead – Hard-to-Abate, Energy Transition Team, COP28 Committee, UAE Climate Envoy.

“BEEAH Group has been working relentlessly towards a zero-waste to landfill future, which we see as closely linked to fulfilling the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and broader sustainability agenda,” said Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO of BEEAH Group.

“We are proud to work with MoCCaE, ISWA and Roland Berger to develop the VRC platform, which will enable us to create new, sustainable efficiencies across businesses and industries when it comes to waste management. This new recycling standard will make positive impact for sustainability targets within the UAE and globally. While incentivising recycling and making large scale impact on creating a circular economy, we are also innovating to add new value to organisations that are managing their waste sustainably, enabling them to offset emissions and track their contributions to the national sustainability agenda.”

Known for its zero-waste strategies and sustainability-driven technologies, BEEAH Group’s integrated waste-management and clean energy strategies have set records for waste collection and landfill waste diversion in the Middle East.

Recently, BEEAH Group increased landfill waste diversion rate in the emirate of Sharjah from 76% – through sustainable waste management and material recovery – to over 90% through the Sharjah waste-to-energy plant, a project of its joint venture with Masdar.

During COP26 in Glasgow, the UAE became the first nation in the Middle East to announce its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative. The following year, during COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, the UAE also unveiled its pathway to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The VRC standard is being developed ahead of COP28 in Dubai to help drive the UAE’s climate ambitions and serve as a new global model to accelerate towards net-zero targets while creating a circular economy.

In March 2023, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted that contributions from the waste management sector could result in the mitigation of 1.8 Gt (gigatonnes) of CO₂ emissions every year. This is possible through innovations across the waste management value chain and limiting the usage of resources to manufacture virgin materials such as plastic.

“There is a need to integrate action and to provide consistent solutions. Today, I am very happy to announce the launch of a new global initiative, promoted by the UAE and our partners, BEEAH and Roland Berger, linking the topics that are currently being discussed at INC-2 in Paris on plastics pollution with the climate change negotiations that will happen during COP28 in Dubai”, said Carlos RV Silva, President, ISWA.

Driven by MoCCaE’s strategies and vision for the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the standard will bring together BEEAH Group’s expertise in waste management, sustainability and digitalisation, ISWA’s competencies and large-scale impact on the circular economy globally and Roland Berger’s leadership in developing circular economy solutions to mitigate climate change, enabling innovative technology and coalition.

“For the first time in history, the waste management sector is offering a scalable solution to reduce carbon emissions, track material flows, and create a self-sustaining financing system to upgrade recycling infrastructure globally,” said Hani Tohme, Managing Partner at Roland Berger Dubai.

“This ambition is being promoted by an innovative coalition formed under the leadership of the UAE, bringing together all the necessary expertise to make a massive contribution to the Paris agreement. We look forward to putting waste management on the radar this year at COP28 and demonstrating the sector’s untapped potential to reduce emissions.”

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Source: ME Construction News

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Hefei-based Gotion High-Tech and Moroccan officials has been inked. The MoU opens the door for the Chinese electromotive group to invest US $6.4bn into the development of a battery manufacturing complex in the country.

According to a report, Gotion High-Tech specialises in energy storage products and has operations in China, Singapore, Germany, and California. It last year achieved 122% revenue growth to reach $3.2bn and said it intends to enter Africa with a gigafactory in Rabat, with an annual production capacity of 100GWh, creating around 25,000 jobs.

Moroccan Investment Minister Mohcine Jazouli said the agreement was a “necessary first step before signing the investment agreement, which will allow the launch of the gigafactory to strengthen the country’s position in the automotive industry”. He also noted that Morocco was aiming to collaborate with companies in the renewable energies and electric transport sector, citing Volkswagen Group as an example.

The MoU was signed by Gotion High-Tech’s President, Li Zhen. He said his group was looking forward to contributing to the global development of green mobility and praised Morocco’s “enchanting landscapes and inclusive culture”.

The Moroccan automotive sector is said to be one of the strongest in Africa. In 2018, it passed South Africa as the continent’s biggest exporter of passenger cars and last year experienced a 10% growth in production. The government has put in place many measures to attract foreign investors, such as high-quality infrastructure, engineering training, and tax benefits, the report noted.

Morocco has several pertinent raw materials including cobalt and phosphates, and free trade agreements with the EU and the US. In the past year alone, Morocco exported 480,000 vehicles worth $11.1bn to 75 countries, a 33% increase on the previous year, the report concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

A 50:50 joint venture (JV) between Balfour Beatty and Gammon Construction has been appointed to build a 10-storey building at Hong Kong’s Cyberport business park. The contract is said to be worth US $473mn.

According to a report, the structure will contain office space, a data services platform, multi-functional hall, ancillary facilities and waterfront enhancements.

Main construction works are scheduled to begin on the project in 2025. At the height of building work, over 1,000 staff will be employed at the development.

“The contract follows on from our design and construction of the foundation and excavation works, and this latest award will see us deliver a complete end-to-end construction partnership. We look forward to participating in this important initiative that seeks to attract more quality innovation and technology companies and start-ups to establish their businesses at Cyberport,” said Kevin O’Brien, Gammon’s Chief Executive.

Gammon said that it would use its ‘G-Twin technology’ to monitor progress, streamline workflows and analyse data to allow faster decision making.

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Source: ME Construction News

Big Project Middle East speaks to Mohamed Karam, Senior Business Development Manager – MEA at Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions about his firm’s business over the last 12 months and their plans for the future.

• Talk to us about your business in 2022, how did your company fare and what do you anticipate in terms of business in 2023?

We had a good year in 2022 despite the challenges of inflation and supply chain – we managed to grow by single digits in this tough environment. We had a strong takeoff in Q1 in 2023, especially within the Gulf area. We saw some softening of demand in Q2 due to economic instability in some markets in the region, but we are confident about the second half the year, in terms of the demand going back on the right track.

• What are some of the trends driving the growth of your business in 2023? Which verticals will be the most important to your business in 2023?

Home improvement which was raised during the outbreak of the pandemic is still leading the trend, as well as recent projects that were launched in the Gulf region, specifically in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Plus, there is a growing environmental trend where several commercial and residential buildings are keen to have the right solutions and technology to reduce their carbon footprint and to be environmentally responsible.

• Outside of the UAE, which other GCC markets are of interest to Insinkerator and what is your strategy to expand into those markets?

Saudi Arabia is one of the oldest and most promising market in the GCC. In the past years, they have announced several megaprojects like NEOM, the Red Sea, and the Line. The country is being driven by Saudi Vision 2030 under the guidance of His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, and this gives a lot of priority for new technology and Greentech solutions.

Mohamed Karam, Senior Business Development Manager – MEA at Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions

• InSinkErator has a raft of different products – which is the most successful in the UAE, and what differentiates your product compared to competitors in the market?

We invented food waste disposers in 1927 and since then we have continued to design, develop and produce all of our disposers. Today, we are the biggest producer of cutting edge products in this specific product category.

• The hospitality market is booming in several GCC countries including the UAE. What are some of the key client requirements Insinkerator hears from its clients in the hospitality space for new builds and/or refurbishments?

The foodservice and hospitality sectors are two of the fast-growing sectors in the region. Waste management and cost reduction are one of their main challenges in both sectors, especially with new laws and standards which been applied recently to maintain healthy and clean operations, in addition to efficiency with regards to the use of resources and utilities. These are some of the key requirements which we are hearing about and Insinkerator’s various product are the right solutions to address these issues.

• Many countries are trying to divert waste away from landfills and processing plants; what impact can deploying state of the art garbage disposal systems within hotels make in terms of enabling countries to achieve their goals?

They can have a great impact actually. First, garbage disposal systems treat waste in the same place it is being created, so there’s no need to transport or store it, which immediately reduces the cost and carbon footprint of the hospitality institutions. Second, these solution can help to reuse or recycle organic waste to biogas or even bio fertiliser, which helps to achieve environmental goals and carbon neutrality agendas for the institution in question and the whole country.

• Apart from garbage disposals, what innovations/products does Insinkerator offer that can positively impact a client’s sustainable goals?

Our Instant Hot Water Dispensers & Hot Water Heaters which add convenience to your kitchen and instantly upgrades your ability to get things done. Whether cooking, cleaning without harsh chemicals, entertaining, or simply relaxing with a hot beverage, InSinkErator instant hot water helps you save time, reduce the wastage during heating water, and improves overall efficiency.

WasteXpress efficiently processes food waste without the need to use cardboard. Our systems can process up to 320kg per hour and can be installed under any standard dish table. All liquid and solid waste in the food waste disposer is first ground and then reduced by up to 85% of its original volume in the dewatering section. With this solution, ten bags of waste can actually be turned into less than two! WasteXpress can handle virtually all kitchen waste, including food scraps, placemats, napkins, jelly packets and straws.

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Source: ME Construction News

SSH will collaborate with Ahmadiah Contracting and Trading to deliver  a new waterfront development in Kuwait.

Spanning 9.7 kilometres from the Yacht Club to Diyafa Village near Kuwait Towers, the Waterfront Development aims to captivate locals and visitors alike with year-round leisure activities and events.

The project will offer essential amenities for visitors, including sports activities, swimming areas, a bicycle path, a jogging path, and a recreational area for children. It will also bring more than 60 commercial and investment opportunities for Kuwaiti companies.

“We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking project that merges leisure, culture, and sustainability,” said Omran Hayat, SSH Chairman.

“Our collaboration with Ahmadiah Contracting and Trading brings together expertise and innovation, enabling us to deliver distinct active spaces that truly showcase the essence of Kuwait.”

Over the course of one year, the project will unfold in phases, offering visitors an immersive experience that beautifully represents the cultural and heritage essence of the State of Kuwait, said SSH.

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Source: ME Construction News

Jotun Paints UAE has introduced two innovations to its ‘Jotashield’ range of premium, high-quality exterior paints –  Eterna and Kanva – which offer long-lasting protection and advanced colour performance properties.

Developed regionally by the brand’s Research & Development (R&D) team, the paints have been formulated for durability and dust resistance to protect homes and buildings from damage caused by the region’s harsh climate.

Based on the latest market needs and trends, Jotun said these paints are available as smooth and textured finishes to reflect customers’ aesthetic styles and preferences.

Each finish blocks dust particles from penetrating the paint surface, better protecting exterior walls against weathering and fading and reducing the need for regular maintenance.

Jotashield Decor Traditional Tex range. (For illustration purposes only)

The smooth finish, Jotashield Eterna, has been tested with superior binder technology and weather-stable pigments that create long-lasting exterior wall finshing. Designed to stay cleaner for longer with highly-resistant, washable properties, and pioneering anti-dust technology, Eterna is available in over 500 colours.

The paint’s ageing is reduced by fighting the free radicals generated by the extreme effects of UV exposure. Eterna has received 15 quality assurance certifications from global third-party labs, including C02 diffusion, QUV accelerated weathering, water permeability, and salt spray testing.

Jotashield Kanva is the paint manufacturer’s first heavy textured premium exterior finish which offers a range of prominent surface design capabilities, in addition to instant colour-tinting options in over 100 colours across Jotun stores.

Developed with a one-coat application, reducing on-site costs, the paint’s washability also ensures that dust build-up is cleaned off the surface effectively, resulting in textures that stand out, stay vibrant and allow far longer durability.

On the launch, Christian Omvik, Regional Category Manager, Jotun MEIA, said: “When a specific challenge arises in our market, we set out to find a solution. Through our regional headquarters in the UAE, we can stay connected to our region’s markets and quickly respond to evolving local market trends with pioneering products – Jotashield Eterna and Kanva are examples of just that. As an industry pioneer, Jotun constantly works to strengthen its entire product portfolio by combining the best quality with constant innovation and creativity.”

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Source: ME Construction News

UAE-based Q Holding has awarded the design and build contracts for two major residential developments in Abu Dhabi to Trojan General Contracting.

The project scope involves development of 1,742 villas in Al Samha and West Baniyas regions of the emirate.

The agreements come following the recent partnership deal between Q Holding and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority for development of the two regions in line with Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030.

As per the deal, the duo will build sustainable cities and provide an advanced housing environment for Emirati citizens.

The strategic West Baniyas project, featuring 1,500 villas, is scheduled to be implemented over the next four years.

Spread over a 6 million sq. m. area, the community development will feature comprehensive infrastructure, including roads, social, educational and service facilities, parks and green spaces.

The second project, Al Samha, which is spread over more than a half-million sq. m. area, will see the construction of 242 villas, as well as other key lifestyle amenities. This project will be implemented over a 38-month period.

Announcing the developments, Group CEO Majed Odeh said: “Our agreement with Trojan to develop these two new projects came after a thorough study of the company’s track record in building to the highest standards. Both agreements have reaffirmed our commitment to provide added value to Abu Dhabi’s economy and to our society at large. We are confident that the accumulated experience of our partners will ensure that the projects are completed in accordance with the highest agreed standards, within the set time and budget.”

On the contract win, Trojan CEO Engineer Mohammed Mahmoud said: “Being chosen by Q Holding to implement these two giant projects places a great responsibility on us to meet the high standards that Q adopts and emphasises. We will certainly use our full accumulated expertise to provide a sustainable housing environment and services that meet those standards, in line with our wise leadership’s vision for Abu Dhabi’s future.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Developer Nine Yards Real Estate Development has broken ground on its $544mn project at Yas Bay on Yas Island, in Abu Dhabi. Sea La Vie spans over 30,000sqm, will feature 668 luxury home options, including one- to four-bedroom apartments, lofts, townhouses, duplexes and penthouses, all built around a unique infinity lagoon.

A joint venture (JV) between Ethmar International and Al Nahda International Holding, Nine Yards said the project reflects sustainability practices in its entire life-cycle – from planning to development and construction.

“We are delighted to officially begin the works on developing the luxurious residential waterfront project, Sea La Vie. We will be working closely together with contractors and suppliers to ensure that the sustainable characteristics of this project meet the country’s long-term vision. Sea La Vie is strategically placed at the iconic Yas Bay on Yas Island, which will help us deliver our vision to develop healthy, happy and vibrant communities,” explained CEO Ahmed Selet.

Engineer Hassan Shimy, the Head of Development and Projects added, “With the support and collaboration of our partners, we are determined to provide perfect residences in this highly sought-after location that suits every lifestyle from the aspirational to the adventurous. The Sea La Vie will combine high-tech design with contemporary architecture, superior quality of build and the use of sustainable materials in support of environmental sustainability, thus contributing to the UAE’s long-term development as a sustainable, diversified, globally integrated economy.”

The ground-breaking ceremony was held in the presence of senior officials from Ethmar International Holding and Al Nahda International Holding, in addition to the executive management of Nine Yards Real Estate Development, a statement from the developer noted.

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Source: ME Construction News

The new masterplan for the Palm Jebel Ali has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. As part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Palm Jebel Ali is said to be one of a series of visionary projects being undertaken by master developer Nakheel.

The Palm Jebel Ali will raise the global benchmark in waterfront living and offer an exceptional breadth of luxury lifestyle amenities for residents, families and visitors, supporting the objective of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top cities for business and tourism. The project also marks the beginning of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate, a report from WAM noted.

“We have vast ambitions for the future and are confident that we can transform our grand vision for development into reality. Palm Jebel Ali will further strengthen our urban infrastructure and consolidate the city’s emergence as one of the world’s leading metropolises. This new groundbreaking project reflects our strategic development plan centred on raising the quality of life and happiness of residents,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

According to His Highness, Dubai has now entered a new phase of development driven by innovation and creativity. He continued, “By taking advantage of the opportunities arising from the evolving global environment, Dubai’s competitiveness and reputation as a thriving global business and tourism hub continue are set to grow further. We remain committed to shaping a brighter future both for our people and the world.”

Spanning an area of 13.4sqkm and occupying an area twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali will feature extensive green spaces and unique waterfront experiences. The project will add approximately 110 km of coastline to Dubai that will provide approximately 35,000 families with unrivalled luxury beachside living, the report noted.

The project will also feature more than 80 hotels and resorts, and a wide choice of entertainment and leisure facilities that will contribute to Dubai’s tourism sector, while distinguishing the archipelago as an aspirational residential destination in the city, the report stated.

Sheikh Mohammed remarked, “The urban expansion that Palm Jebel Ali represents is a testament to Dubai’s economic dynamism. It also signifies Dubai’s exceptional outlook as a hub for talent and investment. The project will contribute to Dubai’s sustainable development by opening new avenues for growth in several sectors.”

The unveiling ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, the report concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

Sweco has been appointed to carry out a feasibility study and preliminary research into a proposed network of hydrogen and CO2 pipelines in Ghent and Antwerp by energy infrastructure firm Fluxys Belgium.

The feasibility study assignment covers about 70km of pipeline. Sweco’s contract is also said to includes design, environment impact assessment and safety coordination.

According to a report, as the demand for hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel increases, the ports of Ghent and Antwerp have been earmarked as important hubs for hydrogen distribution across Europe.

“Transporting hydrogen and green molecules is essential in redesigning Europe’s energy system. As an engineering partner, we are happy to contribute to a sustainable and climate positive society,” said Erwin Malcorps, Business Area President for Sweco Belgium.

The Belgian government said that it has committed to support the development of at least 150km of hydrogen and CO2 pipelines across the country, and is providing financial support through various funds including the Energy Transition Fund, to the project.

Sweco’s contract runs until January 2024. The first hydrogen and CO2 grid connections are planned to be commissioned in 2026, the report concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News