A collective fine of US $37.32mn has been imposed on 14 cement companies in the Kingdom by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Competition (GAC). The antitrust authority imposed a $2.66mn fine on each of the cement firms for manipulating cement prices for their own benefit, infringing Article 4 of the Competition Law.

The law prohibits practices, agreements, or contracts among competing firms that lead to controlling the prices of goods and services intended for sale by increasing or decreasing them to harm the market, the authority explained.

The authority said it received complaints that several companies in the cement sector had manipulated prices to benefit themselves. Following this, the GAC board approved starting an investigation into these claims and found that companies violated the Competition Law by raising cement prices.

The companies penalised include Al Safwa Cement Co, City Cement Co, Al-Jouf Cement Co, Umm Al-Qura Co, Qassim Cement Co, Najran Cement Co, Southern Province Cement Co, United Cement Industrial Co, Yamama Cement Co, Riyadh Cement Co, Arabian Cement Co, Saudi Cement Co, Hail Cement Co, and Yanbu Cement Co, the authority revealed in a statement.

In early November 2022, Partanna Bahamas and the Government of the Bahamas inked a deal to develop the “world’s first carbon-negative affordable housing development” and, in mid January 2023, the ACI established a new centre of excellence for concrete industry productivity.

The GAC added that the resolutions were published at the expense of the violators, noting that all of them were final, as the Administrative Court of Appeal in Riyadh dismissed the challenges filed by those firms.

In addition, the authority called upon all establishments to abide by the Competition Law and its regulations to encourage consumer choices and support market growth and efficiency within a framework of fairness and transparency.

Earlier, the GAC also announced penalties against two enterprises for collusion in a project at Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, also known as MODON, with a total fine of $563,000.

In late January 2023, the World Cement Association Director said that 2023 could be tough for cement producers.

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Landscaping works at Port de La Mer have been successfully concluded according to contractor Akar Technical Services.

The project is a part of the 9.5m sqft comprehensive development across Dubai’s beachfront district of Jumeirah, which aims to enhance the social and economic capabilities of Dubai as a region and set new global benchmarks for beachfront developments.

“Our efforts have been concerted to enhance the aesthetic appearance and beauty of the area through implementing best practices in a way that lives up to the status of Dubai as an international hub. Our firm uses cutting-edge technologies and innovative methods to implement its landscaping projects across the city. At the core, Akar’s landscaping projects aim to achieve the sustainability of the country, improve air quality and boost the community’s mental and overall physical well-being,” said Adnan Nalwala, executive director, Akar Technical Services.

According to the landscaping contractor, soft landscaping work included more than thousand trees (large and small) planted to form a green belt along the roadsides of the area, while more than forty thousand shrubs were planted across the four district zones. Approximately fifty thousand ground covers and nearly five thousand climbers/grasses were used to transform sparse space into a rich tapestry of textures, shapes and continual color, the firm noted.

In late March 2023, a lead contractor was appointed for J1 Beach and Meraas launched the Design Quarter residential hub in d3.

Hardscaping encompassed elements like the installation of precast concrete kerbs; porcelain paver, clay paver, clay paver banding, clay paver banding, granite banding, precast concrete pavers, precast concrete banding, granite banding, decomposed gravel, play area surface (sand), pots, shade structure and water feature. The firm said these elements create an ideal combination of dry and water hardscapes that can not only improve the liveability and beauty, but also provide a contemporary design which is incredibly durable, skid-resistant, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain.

To illuminate the area and improve the beauty, safety and security of the project, the contractor said it also installed landscape lights to the tune of approximately fifteen hundred, in addition to strips and cables. The works enable visitors and residents to enjoy their outdoor living spaces after the sun goes down, it added.

Highlighting the importance of technical aspects of the project, Raja Subedi, Director, Akar Technical Services stated, “Our emphasis on sound project management and ensuring that all technical matters are addressed in due course has enabled us to execute this project. This would have not been possible without the support of the consultants and client on site.”

In late March 2023, the First Group launched Soluna Beach Club.

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The second phase of its Smart Pedestrian Signals project is now underway according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The new phase incorporates 10 new sites and, by 2024, the organisation said the total number of locations will rise to 28.

According to a statement, the launch of the second phase follows the successful outcomes of the first phase, which involved the installation of smart pedestrian signals at various key locations throughout Dubai.

The project’s expansion is said to demonstrate the RTA’s commitment to utilising cutting-edge smart technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) to ensure seamless traffic management and enhance the safety of both pedestrians and motorists.

Mohammed Al Ali, the Director of Intelligent Traffic Management Department, Traffic and Roads Agency at the RTA said, “The system proved effective in improving pedestrian safety in cases involving those who require more time to cross, like elderly residents, people of determination, and individuals with luggage or pushchairs.”

In mid March 2023, the RTA said a US $217mn contract was awarded for the Al-Shindagha Corridor project and, in early April, the RTA said that two bridges and a tunnel at Falcon Interchange were open.

“Results showed that no pedestrian accidents occurred since the introduction of smart pedestrian signals, which confirms the effectiveness of the project in raising traffic safety at intersections. It also improved the vehicle flow by eliminating the pedestrian mode in case no pedestrians detected thus offering more time to motorists,” he added.

The smart signal technology is operated by a system reliant on sensors connected to a ground optical system synchronised with the signal’s light operation. It perceives pedestrian movement on the pavement (before crossing the street) and on the pedestrian crossing (while crossing). This significantly enhances pedestrian safety, while also boosting the efficiency of traffic light operations and ensures better management of signal timing, the RTA explained.

This RTA initiative will contribute to bolstering Dubai’s ambitious vision of becoming a leading smart city and a global trailblazer in intelligent traffic systems, remarked Al Ali.

The selection of sites for installing smart pedestrian signals is guided by criteria set in coordination with strategic partners, highlighted by the proximity of pedestrian crossings to each other, the rate of pedestrian incidents at the signal, the street classification (speed limit, number of lanes in each direction), locations & distance to footbridges, and the road design, he concluded.

Later in April 2023, Saudi’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics launched a trial of its first self-driving vehicle.

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Dubai’s Endowments and Minors’ Trust Foundation (Dubai Endowment) has launched a ‘Well of Water’ endowment project, which aims to contribute to Dubai’s global water aid efforts.

The project includes four residential villas on a 19,880sqft plot in the Al Rashidiya area. Valued at US $2.45mn, the four G+1 buildings cover a total area of 14,595sqft.

Dubai Endowment explained that expected annual returns account for about 10% of the project value. It noted that the annual proceeds from the endowment will be dedicated to implementing sustainable projects to provide water to many communities that lack potable water sources in developing countries suffering from natural disasters.

The initiative is part of the independent ‘Well of Water’ endowment projects series, commenced by Dubai Endowment in 2019.

In early February 2023, SEWA said it had made major progress on key Khorfakkan infrastructure projects and, in early April 2023, the Big Project Middle East editorial team said its 2023 Future of Water Summit would focus on water security in the Middle East.

This is the foundation’s second endowment project dedicated to supporting the ‘Well of Hope’ campaign, as launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to provide clean water to disadvantaged communities across the world.

The inauguration ceremony for the new endowment was attended by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Foundation (Suqia UAE); Essa Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Dubai Endowment Foundation; Ali Al Mutawa, Secretary-General of the Foundation; and other senior officials.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the UAE Water Foundation (Suqia UAE), commended the efforts of the Endowment and Minors’ Trust Foundation in Dubai, and its endeavour to generate sustainable revenues that contribute to providing clean water to communities suffering from water shortage and pollution around the world.

He explained how, established in March 2015, the initiative has positively impacted the lives of more than 13.6m people in 37 countries worldwide, through more than 1,000 sustainable water projects.

In early April 2023, SEWA said it had issued a RFP for the Hamriyah IWP.

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Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA) has announced that the request for proposal (RFP) for the 90 MIGD Hamriyah IWP project has been issued to eight pre-qualified bidders.

The project is said to be in line with SEWA’s principle objectives to augment its water production capacity to meet the present and future water requirements in the northern emirate.

According to SEWA, the project is expected to be commissioned by Q3 2026. It will also be the largest additional project so far commissioned by SEWA to enhance the existing infrastructure for water provision in key areas of the emirate.

In mid January 2023, Diyar Al Muharraq said that secondary infrastructure works had begun at key plots in its project and, in early February 2023, ACCIONA said the Al Khobar 2 desalination plant ramped to full production.

The Sharjah utility provider said that it will select the preferred bidder for the project post via the detailed evaluation of the proposals received. The deadline for submitting the bids has been set for August of this year.

A move towards inviting tenders from pre-qualified bidders is designed to avoid the complications sometimes resulting from an ‘open vendor’ system, which albeit a traditional approach across many large-scale GCC projects, has received a good deal of adverse comment from international consultants and contractors, the statement concluded.

In early February 2023, SEWA said it had made major progress on its Khorfakkan infrastructure projects.

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The financial close on three solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in Uzbekistan has been announced by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar). The firm said the combined 900MW project is the largest solar development programme in the region, and noted that work at Sherabad, Samarkand and Jizzakh will begin imminently.

Funding for the projects is being provided by Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). The Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, FMO, and ILX are acting as B loan participants, a statement form Masdar clarified.

“Reaching this milestone for all three projects is a proud moment for Masdar and a key stage for Uzbekistan’s clean energy journey. We are already playing a significant role in supporting the Uzbek government’s ambitious renewable energy objectives, and we look forward to continuing to grow our portfolio of projects in this key strategic market,” said Niall Hannigan, Chief Financial Officer at Masdar.

Masdar said it had signed an agreement during COP27 to join IRENEA’s Energy Transition Accelerator Financing (ETAF) platform, with the intention of potentially deploying up to US $200mn equity investment on renewable energy projects.

In early February 2023, Masdar opened an office in Baku in support of Azerbaijan’s renewable energy sector and, later in the month, Baynouna Solar Energy Company said it had opened Jordan’s largest clean energy project.

Hannigan remarked that Masdar and AIIB have jointly committed capital to the Uzbekistan projects under the ETAF initiative. ETAF is described as a multi-stakeholder climate finance platform, targeting the deployment of 5GW of new renewable power in developing countries by 2030.

He also stated that Masdar last year announced a new shareholding structure and additional focus on green hydrogen, making it one of the largest clean energy companies of its kind.

With a goal of achieving 100GW renewable energy capacity and green hydrogen production of one million tonnes per annum annually by 2030, the new Masdar is a clean energy powerhouse that will spearhead the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and drive the global energy transition, he concluded.

In early March 2023, an Acwa Power led JV closed financing on a $8.5bn green hydrogen project in Neom.

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200 development projects across 17 major sectors have been approved by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Privatisation (NCP). The sectors covered include transport and logistics, housing, tourism, industry, health and education.

Of these Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) projects, details of about 140 projects have been made available to local and international investors. With this approval, the Saudi government aims to provide an opportunity for local and international investors to join these PPP projects and help develop infrastructure in the Kingdom, the statement explained.

Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NCP Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Jadaan said the projects promise vast opportunities for local and international investors in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is concerned with enhancing investment in the national economy and providing attractive investment opportunities for the private sector and increasing its contribution to the GDP.

CEO Muhannad bin Ahmed Basudan said the Ministry of Investment plays a vital role as partner and enabler in the process of marketing and attracting investors.

In early February 2023, Drees & Sommer’s Stephan Degenhart said that infrastructure, healthcare and hospitality would drive GCC construction in 2023.

He remarked, “The Kingdom has the largest series of privatisation projects in the region, which include various qualitative investments, and these are made available in advance to give investors the opportunity to prepare well in advance before their offering.”

As part of the raft of projects, around 4,500km of modern roads will be built across the country, as well as parking lots in Al Olaya. Plots of land owned by municipalities in Al Khobar, Makkah, Madinah will be developed for entertainment, retails space tourism and other activities, the statement added.

Under the Ministry of Logistics and Transport, the projects that have been given the go-ahead are the development of major highways linking Jazan to Azir and another to Jeddah as well as one from Yanbu to Jubail and another from Makkah to Jeddah. Among the largest of these are the 570km Jeddah to Jazan Highway and the 447km Yanbu to Jubail Highway.

It will also see the privatisation and expansion of some of the major airports in the Kingdom including Abha; Hail; Taif; and Prince Naif Airport in Al Qassim.

In late March 2023, Roshn inked $2.1bn in agreements with construction firms for the development of infrastructure and facilities.

He concluded, “The first quarter of 2023 witnessed the signing of contracts for projects in the transport sector, including Spanish-Saudi, and Chinese-Saudi alliances. There is a diversity of operations to attract foreign investors and available projects.”

In early April 2023, Saudi’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics launched a trial of the Kingdom’s first self-driving vehicle.

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The second edition of the Fleet and Mobility Summit will take place at the Habtoor Polo Resort in Dubai on 8 June 2023, the Truck & Fleet Middle East editorial team has confirmed.

Returning for the second year, the Fleet & Mobility Summit will once again bring together professional fleets to discuss how their businesses can take advantage of the wave of mobility technology hitting the market.

A unique mixture of test drives, tech demonstrations and expert insight, the second Fleet and Mobility Summit will ensures key stakeholders get together to extend their knowledge base and see the technology and practices that will shape their businesses for years to come. Registration for the event is complementary but mandatory for industry professionals.

“The first Fleet and Mobility Summit was one of the most exciting events I’ve personally been involved in, so I can’t wait to get the B2B and B2C fleet community back in the room together,” said Truck & Fleet Middle East Head of Content Stephen White.

A draft agenda for the event is now online, and the fleet community is now invited to fix the date in the diary and take part.

“If you are fleet business owner, providing car rental or mobility services, then we have an event that will set you up for all the challenges ahead,” added White.

From on-demand services to last mile deliveries, the regional market has seen some remarkable changes to the fleet and mobility sectors in the past half-decade. The rise of e-commerce and digitalisation means these sectors have emerged from the disruption of recent years with both private and end-user clients accessing services in a way they have never done so before. Likewise, technology is powering a revolution in how sectors such as hospitality, tourism, F&B and retail can offer unprecedented services directly into homes and offices via their own fleet or third-party service providers.

Mobility is also opening up possibilities in adopting on-demand, leasing and rental services to keep costs down and protect your operation’s flexibility. This is an event that will help companies managing their own fleet or relying on fleet services to understand how the market can leverage technology and expertise to evolve and discover the choices they should make to be competitive.

During the day, delegates will hear from industry veterans and disrupters alike about their digital transformation and new service roll-out experiences; learn about new practices; and find ways to finance their fleet while remaining competitive in a rapidly advancing market.

To learn more about how new mobility technology, services and vehicles can upgrade and grow your business, while maintaining high levels of customer retention and satisfaction, click here.

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