Developer Lamda Developments has named the main contractor for its 200m tall Riviera Tower, which is billed as Greece’s first skyscraper. A joint venture (JV) between Bouygues Batiment International and Greek contractor Intrakat has been given the nod for the project.

According to a report, the JV has already provided consulting services for the project through early contractor involvement ECI and a two-stage tender process. The tower has been designed by Norman Foster and will form the centrepiece of Lamda’s proposed Elinikon development, which is taking shape near the former Hellenikon Airport near Athens.

“We are particularly pleased to sign today’s agreement with Bouygues Batiment International and Intrakat consortium, which is undertaking a particularly challenging project; the construction of the first, highest building in Greece, the Riviera Tower,” said Lamda Developments’ Chief Executive Odysseas Athanasiou.

Athanasiou also said that he hoped that the project would become “a new landmark for our country”.

Bouygues Chairman and CEO Eric Saint-André said that the Riviera Tower will be his company’s second project with Foster & Partners following the Kai Tak cruise terminal in Hong Kong 10 years ago.

“The Riviera Tower is a great opportunity for us to express our historical expertise in the construction of complex high-rise buildings, with ambitious low-carbon requirements,” explained Saint-André.

Intrakat, Chairman and CEO Alexandros Exarchou remarked, “By participating in this flagship project, we are taking part in an important initiative, focused on sustainable development, which will boost the country’s economy, create new job positions, boost tourism and attract capital and investment worth billions.”

He concluded, “The implementation of the Riviera Tower will serve as a symbol of the Greek construction sector’s ability to undertake and successfully complete complex, large-scale projects.”

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Luxhabitat Sotheby’s International Realty has announced a record-breaking apartment sale on Palm Jumeirah, with a mega penthouse selling for $60m.

The transaction was for a shell-and-core penthouse at AVA at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection.

Spanning a 33,406 sq. ft., the penthouse is on the topmost floor of AVA at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, and the shell-and-core structure – which allows the buyer to design the home completely according to individual tastes – occupies four floors.

The property also features a 360-degree infinity lap pool offers views of Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Ain Dubai. There is a four-floor 200m indoor garden and a roof terrace with 360-degree views, making the penthouse ideal for entertaining and relaxing.

Situated on the Palm Jumeirah next to Omniyat’s other flagship property, One at Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection, the AVA at Palm Jumeirah, Dorchester Collection, features only 17 residences and is set to be one of the most exclusive residential addresses in the city.

Amenities include a gym, a dedicated in-house spa, boardroom, state-of-the-art cinema room, a library lounge, boardroom & business centre, and yoga studio.

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Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has announced that work is progressing at full speed on its Maryam Island site – a mixed use development featuring 18 residential buildings comprising over 3,500 homes, as well as other key amenities – with all work due for completion in 2026.

Spread over a massive 3.3 million sq. ft. area, the waterfront destination will offer unrivalled vistas of Al Mamzar Beach and Al Khan Lagoon.

The project has been created to offer an upscale lifestyle experience within a full-service community. It features a wide variety of activities and facilities, including a nature-inspired waterfront promenade, fitness centres and various swimming pools, safe and fully equipped children’s play areas, indoor gardens, as well as leisure facilities within each residential building.

According to Shurooq, Phase 3 of the project – Rimal Residences – featuring 203 units, will be handed over in Q3 of 2024, while the Phase 4 – Jawaher Residences 1 & 2 – featuring 198 units, is set for completion in Q4 of 2025. This will be simultaneous with the hand-over of Phase 5 of the development – Crystal Residences (a two-building structure boasting 234 units).

Shurooq’s Chairperson Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi said: “Our vision for real estate is transforming industry’s approach, from creating singular high-end homes to designing holistic and inclusive spaces where community life is given every opportunity to flourish and thrive. We seek to meet the wellness aspirations of every individual who chooses Maryam Island as a place to live, work, play or invest in, through a contemporary, safe and full-service community that will bring a lot more to the table than just modern residences.”

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announcement its ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy, including the decarbonisation of transport by 2050 has been described as a bold move and an opportunity for the private sector to play a key role by Serco Middle East’s operations director for Transport Samantha Rowles.

Commenting on a move which makes it the first Middle Eastern agency to develop a long-term strategy for migrating towards Net-Zero Emission Public Transport by 2050, Rowles tells MECN’s sister site T&FME.com: “This news is a major step forward for sustainability in the UAE. Dubai’s RTA has taken a bold and ambitious step to mitigate climate change and minimise its carbon footprint across public transportation, buildings and related facilities and waste management. As the first Middle Eastern agency to highlight its long-term strategy, this will provide a catalyst for others to follow suit, and its efforts to operate with a purpose-led vision should be applauded.”

The private sector has a key role to play here in supporting government agencies to take steps to reduce carbon emissions, she adds.

“We are already an impact partner to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in our work with Red Sea Global’s Mobility team to ensure a world-class, net-zero mobility experience for guests at The Red Sea. With the resort relying on multiple modes of green transport across land, marine, and air – from seaplanes and boats to buggies – ensuring guests have a seamless luxury experience from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave is paramount.”

Rowles draws comparison with the Saudi initiatives with the RTA’s own primary objectives including the decarbonisation of all taxis, limousines, and public buses,  as well as designing buildings with near-zero energy consumption, sourcing energy from renewable sources, and eliminating municipal waste by sending zero waste to landfills.

“Similarly, the same approach applies with the RTA’s announcement. The steps to net-zero public transport is a welcome move, and with that in mind, it will be important to ensure that the customer experience remains world-class. Dubai has a real opportunity to set the agenda for environmentally friendly modes of transport, and in the lead up to COP28, with all eyes of the world on the region, it will be vital to ensure that the customer experience operates to the highest level.”

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out its ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’ strategy, which makes it the first Middle Eastern agency to develop a long-term strategy for migrating towards Net-Zero Emission Public Transport by 2050. With this strategy, RTA aims to contribute to mitigating climate change and minimise its carbon footprint across three areas: public transportation, buildings and related facilities, and waste management.

The new strategy is aligned with UAE’s preparations for COP28 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, and is a part of RTA’s ongoing efforts to advance sustainability maturity levels in roads and transportation and achieve global leadership in sustainable mobility. It seeks to bolster the flexibility of public transport infrastructure and its impact on climate change in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, transitioning from pledges to tangible achievements.

Consistent with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate the emirate’s status as one of the world’s top urban economies, RTA’s new strategy aims to achieve multiple objectives over the coming years. The primary objectives include the decarbonisation of all taxis, limousines, and public buses, designing buildings with near-zero energy consumption, sourcing energy from renewable sources, and eliminating municipal waste by sending zero waste to landfills.

The strategy will result in reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 10 million tonnes and realising financial savings worth AED3.3 billion in comparison to current operations.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, RTA, said, “The new strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to sustainability within RTA. Its primary objective is to enhance sustainability and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. At the same time, it contributes to realising RTA’s mission of achieving global leadership in smooth and sustainable mobility through innovative roads and transport services that elevate the customer experience to world-class standards.

“The new strategy encompasses ten initiatives, covering various RTA sectors and agencies, in addition to partnerships with the private sector that contribute to implementing the strategy over five years. The strategy will review, adjust and align future goals with changing circumstances.

“Under the theme ‘Zero-Emissions Public Transportation in Dubai 2050’, the strategy is aligned with the UAE’s commitments to environmental and sustainability goals at global, national and local levels such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It is also consistent with national strategies such as the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative, The UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030, National Climate Change Plan of the UAE 2050 and the UAE Energy Strategy 2050.

“The strategy is also linked to local initiatives, such as Dubai Carbon Abatement Strategy 2030, the Clean Energy Strategy 2050, Dubai Demand Side Management Strategy 2030, the waste management plan in Dubai, Dubai Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, and other relevant strategies, agreements and initiatives,” Al Tayer added.

RTA’s Board of Executive Directors reflected on various aspects, opportunities, and challenges associated with the new strategy and its implementation. These include the costs of novel green technologies, the distribution of targets and their review over time, the importance of the availability of energy technology providers, particularly for electric buses and hydrogen fuel production stations, and other factors that contribute to the execution of the new strategy.

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California-based start-up SpaceCrete has said that it has developed an admixture and inline-delivery system that allows 3D printing (or rapid slip forming) with standard pumpable concrete. The company is the brainchild of civil engineer and serial inventor Michael Butler.

According to a report, the system is not yet commercially available, however it is covered by US patents with EU patents pending.

“We work at the interface between machine control and finished concrete structure. We developed the admixture and delivery system that allows vertically-shaping fluid concrete, rather than traditional forming. The vertical shape can be defined by simple or sophisticated construction hardware or new technology – such as 3D printing – but using essentially normal concrete,” explained Butler.

The SpaceCrete system is said to use inline mixing to modify the pumped concrete with a special admixture called 3D-Admix. According to Butler only 0.25% of 3D-Admix is required to transform normal concrete into SpaceCrete.

He stated, “A five-inch [127mm] slump becomes zero slump inline – but with extreme shear thinning – so you can still pump it and work it as needed.” He added that extreme shear thinning means that vibrating SpaceCrete consolidates it thoroughly, locking it into place and enabling it to build up vertically.

As SpaceCrete allows pumped concrete to be ‘stacked’ vertically without forming, it opens up many new ways to build with the material.

“Normal delivered concrete can become 3D print material with a very low dose of 3D-Admix injected into the pump line. Or you can slip-form vertically very rapidly with pumpable concrete. The form pressure is gone the moment you stop vibrating it,” remarked Butler.

Using a vertical screed rail, you can define a finished vertical plane of concrete as fast as you can pump it, Butler notes.

“This allows you to place solid concrete walls over rough excavations, insulating foam panels, or any vertical surface. SpaceCrete really is a new concept, and sceptical contractors are very impressed. It is way greener and cheaper than 3D-print mortars; but our method development is rapid-light slip forming, not 3D-printing,” he continued.

SpaceCrete meets all existing US codes and is “a healthy replacement for noxious shotcrete”, according to Butler.

The report noted that Butler is now looking for commercial partners to help perfect SpaceCrete and make it commercially available. “We are solely a method and material R&D developer on a very low budget. We would like to share our knowhow, trade secrets and IP [intellectual property] with an established construction-related business, preferably one having significant manufacturing and/or marketing infrastructure in place,” he explained.

SpaceCrete is currently making samples of 3D-Admix available in small quantities, the report concluded.

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South Korean group Kowepo (Korea Western Power) said it has officially signed the contract with Oman Power and Water Procurement Company (OPWP) for the development of a 500MW solar plant in the Manah region of the sultanate.

The project was awarded by OPWP in two separate orders – Manah 1 (500MW) and Manah 2 (500MW), and once completed, it will be the largest solar power plant in Oman.

The Manah 1 solar power project will be developed by Kowepo and its French partner EDF-R at an investment of US $452mn, while Manah 2 will be taken care of by a consortium of Jinko Power from China and Sembcorp from Singapore.

Work on the project will begin in November and is due for completion in March 2025.

As per the deal, Western Power will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the solar power plant.

The electricity set to be produced over the next 20 years is guaranteed to be purchased by OPWP.

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Real estate and retail developer Alef Group has announced the launch of a new residential tower, Darb 4, within Zone 3 at its pedestrian-friendly project, Al Mamsha Raseel.

The project, which is the fourth residential building within the Darb cluster, will feature 206 apartments with a mix of one- to three-bedroom units.

Landscaped with wide, extensive walkways and views across water features, Al Mamsha Raseel (Zone 3) appeals to investors looking to invest in a premier lifestyle development.

Unveiling the project at the ongoing Sharjah Real Estate Exhibition (Acres 2023), Alef Group said the new development seeks to provide residents with a thoughtfully designed ‘aquatic’ living experience and a serene lifestyle.

A company spokesperson explained: “Each of the units feature elegantly designed spaces with high ceilings and large windows to allow in natural lighting and offer stunning views, along with personal balconies. The Darb 4 building features the best in construction materials and high-tech, smart systems for residents to live efficiently. Home automation control panels are conveniently accessible through mobile apps. The building is also highly secure – advanced CCTV cameras ensure resident safety around the clock. Moreover, Darb 4 overlooks stunning water features, swimming pools and a water park, for family fun.”

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SEA – a consortium of French engineering companies Setec, Egis and Assystem – has announced that it has opened a new office in Saudi Arabia.

Its current responsibilities cover the entire infrastructure development cycle of AlUla, including high-quality operation and maintenance activities, professional capabilities development, localisation and community development, as well as adoption of innovative digital practices.

Meanwhile, the joint venture for technical and programme management is led by Egis, and comprises Setec and Assystem as its partners.

The company will contribute to a sustainable, innovative, and inclusive development model, designed to benefit the local population and visitors from around the world, said a statement from Egis.

The establishment of the new office will cultivate SEA’s capabilities and support its ongoing and anticipated infrastructure development projects of AlUla, supporting on-time delivery of its most urgent projects and long-term development.

With its broad engineering expertise, Egis has hitherto contributed to significant projects across Saudi Arabia, aligned with Vision 2030 – including Riyadh Metro, Green Riyadh, NEOM, DGDA, and Riyadh Airport.

The new office was inaugurated in the presence of Egis’ Saudi Arabia Managing Director Robert Hope, as well as senior representatives from RCU and the consortium partners. The establishment of SEA’s new office underscores the company’s dedication to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global hub for business and tourism.

Robert Hope explained, “Over the years, SEA has played a pivotal role in facilitating the development of AlUla’s infrastructure. With the opening of the new office in AlUla, SEA is dedicated to harnessing innovative, digital and world-class practices, tools, and methodologies to deliver infrastructure projects efficiently and promptly. We are also committed to empowering the talented local individuals in AlUla, leveraging their skills and knowledge to further enhance our capabilities. This expansion follows the partnership between RCU and SEA, which was reinforced last October through a ten-year alliance and a significant increase in SEA’s workforce presence from 40 to 200.”

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