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Source: ME Construction News

Samana Developers intends to launch 12 new projects in 2023 at a total investment of US $680mn. The Dubai-based developer said the projects include six residential developments and five-star hotels.

Elaborating on its plans for the year, the developer said it has six residential design concepts phased up for the first half, and is primed to expand into the hospitality sector with a set of five-star hotels. Once complete, the projects will add a total of 2,400 new units onto the market.

The firm said it is currently picking up the most suitable locations and recruiting talent with the aim to have a team that’s four times larger in 2023.

“2022 remained bullish for us as we set a new trend in the market. I believe innovation and out-of-box approach in real estate are key factors to success in modern Dubai’s real estate market. For example, Samana was the first developer in Dubai which created and set the trend of private swimming pools in residential projects – in non-hotel projects with title deeds. We are proud of it. Today, this trend has been replicated by at least two dozen developers. We will be coming up with new design ideas in our 12 new projects in 2023,” stated CEO Imran Farooq.

In late April 2021, Prestige Constructions was appointed as the main contractor for Samana Golf Avenue and, in late September 2021, the developer launches three ESG-inspired projects worth a total of $110mn.

Despite the pandemic-related construction challenges and site workforce restrictions in early 2022, Samana was able to manage the construction flow and delivered the Samana Hills project, the firm explained.

Last year it launched Samana Waves, Samana Miami and Samana Santorini projects that were fully sold out, it added.

The developer also pointed out that it had fast-tracked construction work at its luxury lifestyle project – Samana Park Views located within Arjan community alongside its key developments – Samana Waves and Samana Golf Avenue.

Sharing an update on its 176-unit Park Views project, the developer said that work is progressing well, with four out of its eight slabs already completed. The superstructure will be ready by the end of next month. and the project will be delivered in Q2 2024, it concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Events Investment Fund (EIF) has been launched by Saudi Arabia, and it aims to develop sustainable infrastructure for the culture, tourism, entertainment and sports sectors across the Kingdom. The EIF will be capitalised with US $3.7bn to directly develop more than 35 world-class venues across the Kingdom by 2030. It also aims to create strategic partnerships to boost the local industry, increase foreign investment and contribute to Vision 2030’s aim of a vibrant society.

The fund was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of EIF.

According to a statement, the fund will focus on developing and increasing direct foreign investment opportunities for a GDP impact of $7.5bn by 2045. It will further raise capital by providing lucrative high-return opportunities to the private sector and financial institutions.

Part of the EIF’s remit will be to nurture partnerships between the private and public sectors, and securing a supportive environment for strategic partnership in the events industry and increasing the number of job opportunities for citizens, the statement noted.

In late November 2022, PIF subsidiary SEVEN said it would US $13.3bn into 21 integrated entertainment destinations in KSA.

The ultimate aim of the EIF is to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub in these various events sectors, to provide world-class sustainable infrastructure for the delivery of an ambitious national events calendar, and to create sustainable financial returns to support the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts, the Kingdom emphasised.

EIF assets will include indoor arenas, art galleries, theatres and conference centres, horse-racing tracks, auto racing tracks and other event facilities across the Kingdom, with the aim of delivering its first asset by 2023.

Aligned with the Kingdom’s sustainability agenda, the fund is committed to upholding the highest environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. EIF’s strategy is focused on three main pillars, which include enhancing its environment, invigorating societies and maintaining strong governance, the statement explained.

The statement noted that the EIF will contribute to Vision 2030 with respect to diversifying the economy and increasing its share of non-oil GDP, as well as supporting the contribution of the tourism sector to annual GDP, from its current rate of 3% to more than 10% by 2030.

In early January 2023, the US-Saudi Business Council said that $6.7bn in contracts were awarded in Saudi Arabia in Q3 2022.

Additionally, EIF will support the transformation of the Kingdom into a global tourist destination, attracting more than 100m visitors by 2030 and making it one of the world’s most visited countries, the statement elaborated.

This is aligned with the Kingdom’s quality of life programme, which aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families by developing the necessary sustainable venues.

The EIF’s vision is also said to be aligned with the National Development Fund’s strategy, and aims to make the fund a pivotal enabler for the economic and social objectives of Vision 2030; overcoming existing development challenges in line with global best practices and stimulating a threefold increase in the private sector’s impact on the Kingdom’s economy by 2030, the statement concluded.

Also in early January 2023, PIF and Ma’aden signed a JV to establish a new entity to invest in global mining assets.

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Source: ME Construction News

The Egypt-hosted COP27 gave humanity pause for thought. The second most attended COP summit raised a range of issues – it spoke of a ‘just transition’ away from fossil fuels and established a ‘loss and damage’ fund for smaller island nations and other victims of climate change.

Such events are historically a means to highlight rather than act, but ultimately world leaders can only advise the way forward. It is the rest of us, organisations and individuals, that must act. To bring action up to meaningful levels, much of the starting initiative is on businesses. Businesses can act at scale and also serve as examples to others.

As the UAE prepares to host COP28 this year, sustainability is set to remain at the forefront of business agendas throughout 2023. But we should ensure that event fever is not the sole cause of our messaging or our actions on sustainability issues. We have reason to be proactive and we have reason to ensure that our policies endure when world leaders return home.

Sustainability is a significant portion of national economic visions across the Arab Gulf and beyond. But just as we should not act merely because the eyes of the world are fleetingly upon us, neither should we do so just because of government guidelines and regulation.

There are so many reasons for businesses to compose robust sustainability agendas and most of them have to do with business benefits. Investing in sustainability brings financial and operational rewards, such as making access to capital easier. Sustainable practices build resilience, lower operational costs, and create value through new product and solution lines.

We often side-line COP events for being all talk, but the same could be said of many businesses. Questions remain around how we actually go about becoming more sustainable. A sustainability program may appear daunting. And amid a confusing cloud of KPIs, reports, monitoring initiatives, and regulations, it is easy to lose sight of what actually matters to the business.

So, what about leveraging a sustainability strategy and roadmap? This will serve as a guide on the path to becoming an enterprise with an integrated sustainability lens. Here are three fundamental areas to think about when developing a sustainability strategy that may transform your business:

• Understand the strategy and progressive roadmap of sustainability

Sustainability strategies and their implementation come about through a progressive process. It should be obvious that sustainability is not something that can be ordered through next-day delivery. Neither does a report, or series of reports, constitute sustainability. Each organisation will start in its own way, by identifying the sustainability drivers unique to its customers, investors, industry regulators, and available technology. These pressures will dictate much. You must select the reporting frameworks and initiatives with which you will align with. The Global Reporting Initiative is a good starting point.

Next, it’s time to visualise your sustainability vision and mission and how it fits into your business strategy. How does sustainability connect with your business? What impact do your day-to-day operations have on sustainability and what effect will your sustainability campaign have on your day-to-day operations? How will your employees and your customers be affected?

Answers to these questions will set you up for a successful strategy that reflects your findings and calls for daily action. A strategy will connect your business to key sustainability pillars: the environment, to people, and to the community. The strategy will be accompanied with a roadmap that should be realistic and include medium- (two to five years) and long-term (10 to 15 years) initiatives.

• Recognise that business leaders decide direction for sustainability integration

If you tuned into COP 27’s proceedings, you would know how complex sustainability is. This complexity extends to a business because action on sustainability bridges departments and functions. While sustainability steering committees may be appropriate for many organisations, you cannot deliver on your goals through a single sustainability department. Everyone has a part to play, and everyone must be trained and incentivised to play their part consistently and effectively across your operations.

Materiality assessments, in which we quiz stakeholders on the extent to which they prioritise one issue over another, will be very important in ensuring that sustainability silos do not emerge. UN Development Goals or other frameworks are a sound starting position to develop your own tailored approach. Customers, suppliers, and partners will also be necessary sources of information and perspectives. But in the end, all employees, managers, and decision-makers should weigh in and lead. In the end, the business chooses.

Leaders must come together and determine what is indispensable and what is trivial. Choosing short-term and long-term focus areas, and starting where you can get the greatest buy-in will help you to progressively build a momentum you need.

• Remember that sustainability starts with internal business infrastructure

While sustainability may seem like it is mostly to do with the outside world – regulators, media, customers – delivering it begins at home. Organisations must focus on material sustainability – the day-to day actions that prevent waste and emissions and set up strategies across material topics. It is important to think about the enterprise’s sustainability infrastructure, which entails policies, procedures, and guidelines. Success in such areas has historically been tied to those that manage to effectively blend governance, processes and policies that integrate sustainability principles and drive execution over medium to long term.

Clean and bright

Sustainability strategies are not abstract; they are not badges of honour; they are not cosmetic displays, and they are not trends of the moment or opportunities for fame. They are vital organs of enterprises and communities.

Stick to the three-pronged approach above and you will have the basis for delivering a program that has staying power and that adds real value to the business and the world around it. The new year is here and with it a new opportunity.

Read more:

• “COP28 has the potential to have a significant impact on the built environment in the region”
• Is Partanna’s cement alternative the key to carbon negative projects?
• JLL’s Louise Collins’ COP27 takeaways and thoughts

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Source: ME Construction News

Boutique developer Ellington Properties and Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) have announced a partnership to develop Upper House, a new residential development located in the mixed-use community of Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT).

The US $326.6mn development is Ellington Properties’ first development in JLT and is due for completion by the beginning of 2026, the developer said. Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG) has designed the project with Ellington Properties’ signature, high-quality amenities. It embodies a holistic design philosophy, the statement noted.

The development will feature 754 units comprising of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom, offering residents expansive views of Jumeirah Islands and the Dubai Marina skyline. Residents will be able to avail of a wealth of facilities including a 37m horizon pool, an interactive fitness studio, a health club with a climbing wall, a yoga studio, a sky spa, and padel and basketball courts.

In early November 2022, the developer began handovers of its Harrington House residential project.

The residences will also feature a movie theatre, a residential clubhouse, a record lounge, a podcast room, a skate park, a pet play area, a kids’ splash pad, a kids’ play area, an outdoor barbeque area, and more.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC said, “By serving its residents, supporting businesses, and creating unique experiences for visitors, JLT has become one of the most iconic mixed-use developments in the UAE. As we look to build upon this status in the years to come, it is crucial that we bring new and exciting projects to the district – this partnership with Ellington Properties delivers exactly that. Ellington Properties’ commitment to crafting high-quality properties and communities aligns with JLT’s unique identity as a neighbourhood full of soul.”

JLT has grown organically to become one of Dubai’s leading mixed-use communities. Central to JLT’s appeal is its diverse offering of leisure, hospitality, dining, and recreation facilities. From F&B pop-ups to five-star dining, and community markets to high-end retail, JLT offers something for everyone, he added.

In mid November 2022, the developer said it would build a 88-unit project on the Palm Jumeirah.

Joseph Thomas, Co-Founder of Ellington Properties concluded, “We are excited to partner with DMCC to bring our signature high-quality residences to JLT. The vibrant neighbourhood will help to enhance the lifestyles of our Upper House residents, adding to our resort-like amenities and design-led homes. Through this project, we will support the ambitions of DMCC to bolster JLT’s position as a destination for positive change.”

In late November 2022, the developer awarded a $30.5mn contract for the development of Ellington House.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dubai-based real estate developer, Select Group, has awarded construction contracts worth more than US $816.7mn for its projects on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah and in Business Bay. The developer said the construction contracts cover more than 10m sqft of development.

In a statement, the firm noted that the contracts have been awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East, Engineering Contracting Company (ECC), iBuild Construction, and Al Basti & Muktha.

Rahail Aslam, CEO and founder of Select Group, said that the awards come off the back of a record year in development launches and sales. He explained that the construction contracts are for each of its recently launched projects, and that their awarding was a sign of the developer’s commitment to delivering them in a timely manner, while still surpassing expectations.

Aslam said that iBuild Construction has been awarded the contract for delivering one of Select Group’s most prestigious developments, Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai, which is being built on one of the last available plots on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah.

In mid July 2022, Select Group acquired The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in the UK.

“Ultra-luxurious projects such as Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai bring great minds together. Having sourced the best-in-class partners, such as architects and interior designers, to bring this project to fruition, we’re thrilled to be working with iBUILD Construction LLC and look forward to surpassing buyers’ and investors’ expectations,” he said.

Spread over 1.2m sqft, the Six Senses Residences development comprises of penthouses, duplex Sky Villas, nine Signature Beachfront Villas, a Six Senses Hotel, and Six Senses Place, which is a 60,000sqft premium wellness and leisure facility.

Construction work is well underway, with excavation works completed and shoring in progress, the developer said. The project is on track for its scheduled completion in 2024, it added.

Sameh Fam, Managing Director of iBUILD Construction (Innovo Group) remarked, “We are excited to work on such an iconic project with a key developer like Select Group. We are proud to be the main contractor for the Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai project and are committed to delivering operational excellence, playing the role in creating a more sustainable community that will have a myriad of positive impacts. It is a privilege to add this landmark development to our portfolio of hospitality projects and we are looking forward to strengthening our cooperation with Select Group.”

In early August 2022, Select Group and Jumeirah Group partnered to launch a new development in Business Bay.

Aslam added that the developer’s Peninsula master development in Business Bay, was another significant milestone for Select Group in 2022. Four out of six towers were completely sold out during the launch stage, he stated.

Contracts for the individual towers of the waterfront community have been awarded, he continued, and pointed out that works are well underway, with completion of the master community scheduled for 2026.

Al Basti & Muktha LLC (ABM) will be at the forefront of delivering Peninsula Five, The Signature Collection, and the flagship of the development, Jumeirah Living Business Bay, a branded residence design by Killa Design, the mastermind designer behind Museum of the Future.

In addition, China State Construction Engineering Corporation was awarded the Peninsula One and Peninsula Two developments, while most recently, ECC Group was successful in their bid to lead the development of Peninsula Three.

In mid October 2022, Select Group launched the final development at its Peninsula waterfront master community.

“After a successful year of sales for the Peninsula project, our key focus pivots to ensuring that we deliver on our promise both from a product perspective and timeline while adhering to our premium standards and applicable policies.”

Aslam concluded, “Based on their track record and the shared commitment to delivering excellence, we are thrilled to partner with Al Basti & Muktha LLC (ABM), ECC Group and China State Construction Engineering Corporation, as well as sub-consultants and sub-contractors, to bring this landmark development to life.”

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Source: ME Construction News

Sustainability has been and continues to be a hot topic within the built environment across the globe, given the sector’s significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). The World Green Building Council (World GBC) states that buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global energy related carbon emissions: 28% from operational emissions, from energy needed to heat, cool and power buildings, and the remaining 11% from materials and construction. As a result, the sector has been under mounting pressure to reduce its impact on the environment.

“In the last 12 months, I have observed a greater emphasis on sustainable development and practices in construction projects. Many governments internationally have implemented regulations that require projects to use renewable materials and adhere to green building standards. Additionally, I have seen a growing trend towards making construction projects more energy efficient, which includes the use of solar panels, efficient lighting, and other technologies,” Stephan Degenhart, Associate Partner of Drees & Sommer, Managing Director of Middle East & Asia Pacific tells Middle East Construction News (MECN).

He adds, “Projects are increasingly taking into account the impact of their construction on the environment and local communities, with an emphasis on reducing pollution and preserving natural resources.”

Unfortunately, Degenhart reckons the built environment still has a way to go before sustainable practices become standard practice. He observes, “Overall, I believe sustainable development practices are very much more front of mind than in previous years, however, we have some way to go before these practices become the norm rather than exceptions.”

In late October 2022, the UNEP cautioned that the lack of progress leaves the world hurtling towards a temperature rise far above the Paris Agreement goal of well below 2C, and preferably 1.5C.

Within the Middle East and, more specifically the GCC, sustainability has been embedded into a number of governments’ long-term plans, as they move forward with their respective vision agendas to diversify their economies away from oil and gas. In October 2021, the UAE announced its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative while, in the same month, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince announced that the country aims to reach Net Zero by 2060.

In late November 2022, following the conclusion of COP27 which was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that the UAE would host COP28 at EXPO City Dubai. He also stated that the event would be the most important event hosted by the nation in 2023.

Asked about the potential impact COP28 could have on the built environment in the UAE and the broader GCC region, Degenhart responds, “COP28 has the potential to have a significant impact on the built environment in the region, as it brings together world leaders to discuss and develop global policies on climate change. It is likely that there will be an increased focus on sustainable and resilient construction and infrastructure in the region, as well as greater awareness of the need to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.”

Discussing his firm’s own sustainability goals and plans for the year, Degenhart is quick to point out that his firm has set ambitious sustainability goals for 2023 and beyond.

In early November 2022, Abu Dhabi environment and energy agencies unveiled a 60% clean electricity plan for the emirate by 2035 and, in early December 2022, JLL’s Louise Collins’ shared her COP27 takeaways and thoughts exclusively with MECN.

“Our plans include developing energy-efficient and green building solutions, promoting resource efficiency and circular economy principles, and contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, we are committed to reducing our own carbon emissions and reducing our environmental footprint through green practices.”

He concludes, “We also aim to increase our involvement in the digital transformation of the built environment, such as the development of smart cities and the use of digital technologies to reduce energy consumption.”

In mid January 2023, the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s (C3S) 2022 Global Climate Highlights report warned that several high temperature records were broken in Europe and across the world, while extreme events such as drought and flooding affected large regions of the world in 2022.

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Source: ME Construction News

A distribution agreement for the promotion and distribution of LG heating, ventilation and air condition products has been signed by Khansaheb Industries with LG Electronics Global. The deal is expected to bring greater product diversity to UAE businesses and consumers, Khansaheb Industries stated.

The partnership agreement was signed at Khansaheb’s head office in Dubai in the presence of Khansaheb Industries’ Managing Director, Abdulrahman A.  Khansaheb and LG Gulf Electronics Chief Executive Officer, Michael Park.

According to Khansaheb Industries, the agreement will see the firm sell LG’s wide diversity of HVAC products. Those include units with variable refringent flow, direct expansion, air handling units, and chillers.

“This distribution agreement is a clear demonstration of the offering that Khansaheb has in the regional market. We deliver the latest technology in the HVAC space to businesses and consumers, ensuring that the units they have not only fulfil their cooling requirements, but further deliver highly efficient solutions that are sustainable over the long-term,” said Abdulrahman A. Khansaheb, Khansaheb Industries’ Director.

In early July 2022, Varun Malhotra, Senior Consultant at Cundall shared his thoughts on sustainable trends in the HVAC industry.

In its statement, Khansaheb pointed out that it offers a wide diversity of progressive HVAC solutions including Spiralite, which is said to be the world’s first, patented, circular and flat oval insulated AC air duct that is energy efficient and lightweight, while also being robust, with optimal airflow and thermal performance.

Khansaheb added, “Khansaheb continues to operate at the cutting edge of the HVAC industry with our product, Spiralite. Uniquely circular, Spiralite offers key advantages over traditional metal ducts: it is lighter, offers better thermal performance, reduces areas for bacteria growth, and delivers sustainability benefits. LG’s suite of advanced products will sit well alongside Khansaheb’s own Spiralite offering.”

The partnership between Khansaheb Industries and LG will deliver highly efficient and sustainable cooling solutions that provide customers with the highest indoor air quality and optimal AC performance at the lowest operating cost. Khansaheb Industries and LG Electronics also both focus on ensuring reliable on-time delivery and continuous optimization of their products and services, the firm clarified.

Michael Park, LG CEO, B2B – MEA Region remarked, “We are proud to announce LG’s partnership with Khansaheb, who will work closely with us as a distribution partner to provide our customers with the market-leading HVAC solutions. We are confident that our collaboration will lead to many fruitful projects that will deliver the best value to our clients in the UAE.”

In mid August 2022, a Taqeef survey revealed that 47% of UAE residents said they aimed to make their homes as sustainable as possible.

The agreement is said to be part of Khansaheb Industries’ business objective of strengthening its HVAC portfolio of solutions, while also offering complete air conditioning solutions and expanding its presence across the Middle East.

Khansaheb Industries will service a wide customer base of MEP contractors, owners, developers, and operators as well as consultants undertaking refurbishment and retrofitting works, it pointed out.

The HVAC solutions have a wide range of applications in the residential and commercial segment including residential and commercial buildings on mainland or offshore, as well as schools, universities, commercial and retail, hospitality, and healthcare segments, as well as large infrastructure facilities such as industrial plants, airports, and hydro farms, the firm concluded.

In early December 2022, Voltas said it would provide HVAC services for the Jubail 3B IWP in Saudi Arabia.

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Source: ME Construction News

The American Concrete Institute (ACI) has announced PRO, which is billed as a ACI Centre of Excellence for advancing the concrete industry’s productivity.

Commenting on the facility, the firm said that PRO will collaborate with designers, materials suppliers, and contractors to identify and resolve issues that negatively impact productivity in concrete construction, and will act as a catalyst for solving the barriers of constructability to advance concrete construction productivity.

“The concrete contractor’s input on design details, specifications, and material criteria that embraces the construction process is long overdue. Improving construction productivity through concrete design is the key to unlocking project value. I’m very excited to participate as the industry collaborates with a single focus to improve concrete construction productivity,” said Phil Diekemper, Executive Director at PRO.

Located at the ACI Headquarters in Farmington Hills, MI, in the United States, the centre aims to optimise labor and time against materials by improving structural design and construction processes through a collaborative approach with designers, material suppliers, builders, and industry stakeholders, the ACI remarked.

In mid July 2022, NEx and ExxonMobil to advance the development of nonmetallic building materials and, in early December 2022, VTT said its electric kiln advanced environmentally friendly cement and paper production.

It added that initial areas of focus for PRO include industry collaboration efforts, identification of productivity obstacles and solutions, constructable design resources, automation, technology validation, interaction with ACI committees, and more. Managed by ACI, the centre will draw from the institute’s technical and administrative support services, with funding provided by sponsors.

Initial staffing for the centre comprises an Executive Director supported by ACI technical experts, the firm clarified.

PRO and its future sponsors aim to advance new technologies and processes that improve productivity beyond historic levels, the firm concluded.

To learn more about PRO and to get involved, visit concreteproductivity.org.

In early January 2023, Middle East Construction News spoke to Partanna Founder Rick Fox about his firm’s new cement alternative, which is said to minimise carbon emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere.

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Source: ME Construction News

A two-city summit (Dubai and Riyadh) focusing on the enhancement of the Digital Maturity Index (DMI) in regional AEC firms has been announced by digital solutions and services firm Omnix. The firm says its Omnix Digital Summit 2023 will present the latest research, trends and best practices relating to the AEC industry’s DMI, and will generate though-provoking conversations and fresh approaches to tackle challenging issues.

Industry 4.0 digital transformation is beginning to pervade the built environment in the region, and can offer significant benefits when implemented and used correctly, the firm explained. Integrating new technologies and processes is a big step for most companies, which is why some organisations are more open and prepared for the transformation than others.

This is why Digital Maturity Index (DMI) is crucial – it is a standardised method of measuring a company’s readiness to take on digital transformation, the company added.

“Many AEC companies within the region have embraced digital transformation in recent years, driven by the need to deliver complex projects on time and budget, while complying with ever stricter government regulations and maintaining margins despite challenging market dynamics. However, there are many firms that have yet to kick off their digital transformation journeys or are at a nascent stage and may even be facing significant challenges,” stated Simran Bagga, Vice President of Omnix Engineering and Foundation Technologies.

Big Project Middle East is hosting its inaugural ME Digital Construction Awards on 15 March 2023; regional consultants and contractors can now submit nominations across a wide range of categories here.

She continued, “This is where DMI can make a difference as a company’s digital maturity score can highlight existing strengths they can leverage and which weaknesses they must overcome in order to take full advantage of Industry 4.0 digital transformation.”

The first leg of the Omnix Digital Summit is scheduled to take place in the UAE on 18 January 2023 at The H Hotel Dubai, while the Saudi Arabia event will take place on 6 February 2023 at the Hilton Garden Inn & Double Tree By Hilton Financial District in Riyadh, Omnix said.

It added that the event is open to industry professionals and will bring together a number of regional veterans to participate in insightful panel discussions including Mahmoud Adly, BIM Administrator at Abu Dhabi City Municipality; Prakash Senghani, CEO and Co-Founder of Navatech Group as event chair; Evgenia Maksimova Manager, Cloud Sales at EMEA Emerging and Sorin Bularca- Technical Sales Specialist AEC at Autodesk; Muhammad El Kaloush, Senior Channel Manager UKI for the Middle East and Africa at Bluebeam, Ahmed Khalil, Regional Director EMEA from SAEFUEM  and others.

“A full understanding of the digital maturity framework can help AEC companies plan their digital transformation journeys in a more organised and efficient way. Through the Omnix Digital Summit 2023 in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Omnix Engineering will raise awareness about enhancing the DMI in the AEC industry,” concluded Bagga.

In late November 2022, Omnix and viAct inked a deal to increase digitalisation and safety in the AEC and O&G sectors and, in late December 2022, Omnix and IMSCAD signed a deal to bring VDI environments to AEC firms.

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Source: ME Construction News