Etihad Rail has reached an agreement with UAE petrochemical company Borouge, to transport 1.3m tonnes of polyolefins annually from its petrochemical complex in Al Ruways Industrial City for export. With this new partnership agreement, Borouge has become one of Etihad Rail’s main customers, the UAE’s national railway developer said.

The deal also includes the development of a rail freight terminal in Al Ruways Industrial City, extending over an area of one million sqm; the terminal will handle loading and unloading, as well as storage and maintenance of shipping containers.

By using rail, the time required to transport Borouge’s products will be reduced to four hours compared to 12 hours via other modes of transport, said a statement from Etihad Rail.

In August 2022, Etihad Rail said it received its first batch of new and advanced rolling stock.

The agreement was signed by Etihad Rail CEO Engineer Shadi Malak and Borouge CEO Hazeem Sultan Al Suwaidi, in the presence of Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and CEO of Adnoc and Chairman of Borouge; and Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

Al Nahyan said, “This strategic partnership comes in line with Etihad Rail’s efforts to provide logistics solutions to some of the country’s largest companies, where they can transport goods through the rail network at reduced costs and time. In doing so, Etihad Rail also contributes to reducing carbon emissions, in line with the objectives of the UAE.”

Dr Al Jaber said this important collaboration contributes to the growth of Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector and will support Borouge’s ongoing drive to optimise its logistics platform, lowering both its operating costs and carbon emissions.

In early September 2022, the railway developer said it had completed the connection between the ICAD railway freight terminal and the UAE National Rail Network.

“The partnership reinforces Borouge’s resilience and accelerates the export of its ‘Made In UAE’ products using more sustainable modes of transport, while underlining the partners’ commitment to the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative,” he concluded.

In mid October 2022, Etihad Rail said track-laying operations in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah had been completed.

The post Etihad Rail in new partnership deal with Borouge appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Husqvarna Construction has launched its first electric drill motors with Embedded Connectivity technology, which is designed to produce rich data analytics and insights into the health of equipment.

The DM 400 and DM 430 single-phase 3.2kW drill motors both offer the new technology, which is an enhanced version of Husqvarna Fleet Services. It includes key performance alerts and allows for continuous wireless updates of the machine’s software, the company said.

The tools themselves have a durable all-aluminum casing with a solid feel and a compact design to make them usable when drilling in narrow corners. The carrying handle also works as an impact guard and is easy to remove when needed, giving extra clearance in tight spaces.

In late August 2021, the firm appointed a new General Manager for the Middle East and Africa and, in mid June 2022, it introduced a new range of demolition robots.

Commenting on the new launches, Jeff Bennett, General Manager at Husqvarna Construction said, “In this ever-changing world of technology and the Internet of Things (IoT), it has been essential for operators of equipment to be able to collect and analyse information on the usage of the product and how to enhance its outcome. The new DM 400 / DM 430 are designed for rough handling and heavy drilling jobs but they’re also very easy to handle in any drilling conditions you can think of. They can be termed as truly dependable workhorses built to make the operator proud.”

The typical Husqvarna features include the LED load indicator and the SmartStart (half speed) button, and the quick connection to the new Husqvarna DS 500 stand, which is designed to fit together with DM 400 / DM 430. In addition, the three-speed gearbox makes it easy to adjust the RPMs for core bit diameters from 55 to 350 mm for DM 400, and 100 to 450 mm for DM 430.

In mid August 2022, the firm announced that it had appointed AABTools as its UAE distributor.

The post Husqvarna launches electric drill motors equipped with Embedded Connectivity appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

A partnership deal has been signed between digital solutions and service provider, Omnix, and ESG-focused AI firm, viAct, to grow digitilisation and to boost safety in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) and oil & gas sectors in the GCC. As per the agreement, Omnix will become the master distributor of viAct’s products and services across the UAE, Saud Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain.

Commenting on the AEC and oil & gas fields, Omnix noted that both are amongst the most prominent, lucrative and critical and said that safety concerns lurk through all the stages of the supply chain. The very nature of these industries makes them vulnerable to workplace fatalities. In fact, the construction industry is regarded as one of the most dangerous industries, for experiencing the highest number of workplace deaths. The oil & gas industry is no far behind, it added.

“Our strategic partnership with viAct will provide an ingenious dimension for accelerating the digital transformation journey across the fast-growing Middle East region. With our team’s diverse experience and knowledge of products, solutions, and services in the region coupled with viAct’s expertise in automated monitoring powered by video analytics, the ability to digitally derive data-driven decisions in the entire workflow will be a key driver and business enabler to transform the industrial landscape, especially the AEC and Oil & Gas industry,” said Simran Bagga, Vice President, Omnix Engineering & Foundation Technologies.

In late June 2022, Omnix and Abu Dhabi Municipality said they would collaborate to push a mandate relating to infrastructure projects.

According to a safety report released by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP), there has been a 10% hike in the overall total recordable injury rate in the industry in 2021 compared to 2020. In addition, reports claim that as many as 10,000 migrant workers from South and South-east Asia die every year in Gulf countries. The high number of workplace fatalities do not just raise questions on safety in jobsites but also hampers the productivity in the industries due to the loss of human resources, the statement from Omnix highlighted.

Since its inception, viAct has been striving to make jobsites safer, efficient and sustainable. It has engaged itself in constant and intensive R&D to develop and improve its proprietary scenario-based AI to offer smart and innovative AI solutions, which leverage the power of industrial grade video analytics to cater to various safety needs of different industries like construction and oil & gas, the statement said.

Its solutions that leverage AI video analytics for the oil & gas industry and AEC industry for locking safety and productivity in these sectors includes: work at height safety morning; danger zone intrusion detection; confined space work safety monitoring and fleet management.

In mid July 2022, Omnix Engineering’s Bhaskar Raman said that in the near future, cloud-based digital twins will serve predominantly as an asset management environment.

Apart from these features, the system’s instant alerts can help stakeholders in risk anticipation and management, while the dashboard enables digitisation of workflow. As a result, through AI monitoring of different workplace scenarios along with the system of instant alerts and integrated dashboard, viAct can foster the safety and productivity in the AEC and Oil & Gas industry that too in a simple plug & play manner, the statement pointed out.

“This partnership with Omnix aligns with our safety and sustainability aspirations and will take us a step closer to make our vision a reality. Together with Omnix, we aim at setting our foot into the Middle East market to create safer, efficient and sustainable workplaces through digitization and AI technology,” concluded Gary Ng, Founder and CEO of viAct.

In late July 2022, Omnix International announced its new VP of Engineering and Foundation Technologies.

The post Omnix and viAct ink deal to increase digitalisation and safety in AEC and O&G sectors appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed improvements of Al Manama Street, which is part of the Dubai-Al Ain Road Improvement Project that began in May 2022.

According to a WAM report, the project is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade roads and transportation infrastructure, while also supporting Dubai’s urban and sustainable development. The project entailed the construction of a new traffic corridor linking Al Meydan and Al Manama Streets and crossing over the Dubai-Al Ain Road via a flyover of four lanes in each direction. Construction included slip roads that would link with the Dubai-Al Ain Road.

The scope of the project also included increasing the capacity of the existing Al Manama Street by transforming the first three intersections with Aden Street, Sanaa Street and Nad Al Hamar Street into signalised surface junctions, the RTA stated.

In early August 2022, the RTA said that works at the Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Corridor Improvement Project were 75% complete and, later in the month, the RTA said that 55% of construction work at the Falcon Interchange improvement project had been completed.

In addition, the project increased the number of traffic lanes to four in each direction up to the intersection with Nad Al Hamar Street, besides changing several traffic lanes on Aden Street.

These improvements enhanced the road capacity to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, cut delay rates, and improved the traffic flow at intersections, the RTA explained.

The project works also entailed upgrading the roundabout at the intersection of Al-Manama Street with Nad Al-Hamar Street to a signalised junction, designating a minimum of two lanes for left turns in all directions, and a free lane for right turns along with a minimum of three lanes to ensure a smooth traffic flow.

In early October 2022, the RTA awarded contracts for the construction of internal roads across four communities.

 

The post RTA announces completion of improvements on Al Manama Street appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

A little over a week ahead of the eight edition of the annual Middle East Consultant Awards (MEC Awards), the magazine’s editorial team has unveiled the companies, individuals and projects that have made this year’s shortlist.

According to the editorial team, the 2022 MEC Awards received a total of 209 submissions when nominations closed on 18 November. Several categories drew over a dozen nominations from companies within the UAE and across the broader GCC region, the editorial team noted.

Commenting on the nominations and the final shortlist, Paul Godfrey, Head of Content at Middle East Consultant stated, “The shortlists reflects a commitment not only to real-world expertise and prowess, but the ability to give relevant and highly-tailored answers to the key questions around each award category. This year, in particular, we found immense competition, and with each award there were a batch of close-run entries that made it extremely challenging for the judges to separate in terms of finding an outright winner.”

Winners will be unveiled at a gala event that will take place at the Ritz Carlton JBR in Dubai on 7 December. The event will be held outdoors on the hotel’s recently refurbished lawn, with doors opening at 7pm sharp.

To attend the gala event, please email andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com to discuss costs.

The Shortlist for the 2022 MEC Awards is as follows:

Architectural Company of the Year

• Altorath International
• B8 Architecture
• Dewan Architects + Engineers
• DLR Group

Company of the Year

• Bainona Engineering Consultancy
• DLR Group
• HKA
• Omnium International
• Orange Design Group

Cost Consulting Company of the Year     

• Compass Project Consulting
• JLL
• Omnium International
• Rider Levett Bucknall
• Turner & Townsend

Dispute Resolution Champion of the Year

• CCI
• Inshield
• Northcroft
• Omnium Resolve

Enterprise Business of the Year

• Climatize
• North 51 Consulting
• Tangram Meta

Executive of the Year

• AECOM – Hamed Zaghw
• AESG – Scott Coombes
• Compass Project Consulting – Luke Somerville
• Dewan Architects + Engineers – Ammar Al Assam
• Turner & Townsend – Alan Talabani
• U+A Architects – Mohamad Habsah

Lighting Design Consultancy of the Year

• Glare
• Nulty
• Studio Lumen

MEP Engineering Company of the Year

• Bainona Engineering Consultancy
• Black & White Engineering
• Freeline Engineering Consultants
• Mott MacDonald

Multi-Discipline Consulting Company of the Year

• AECOM
• Bainona Engineering Consultancy
• Cundall
• Egis
• KEO International Consultants
• LC & Partners Project Management and Engineering

Gender & Ethical Champion of the Year

• AESG
• HKA
• JLL
• Silcock Leedham

Health & Safety and Wellness Champion of the Year

• Altorath International Engineering Consultancy
• Climatize
• Omnium International

Interior Design Company of the Year

• B8 Architecture
• Bainona Engineering Company
• DLR Group Middle East
• MEMAR Architecture

Project Management Company of the Year

• Bainona Engineering Consultancy
• Freeline Engineering Consultants
• JLL
• Land Sterling

Project of the Year – Government & Infrastructure

• AECOM – Qatar Ministry of Transport, Bus Infrastructure Project
• Godwin Austen Johnson – Citizens School
• Pace Middle East – Palace of Justice, Kuwait
• TRUST ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY – Moza bint Mohamed Qur’an and Daawa Center

Specialist Consulting Company of the Year

• AESG
• Endpoint Middle East
• KTech Consulting
• Turner & Townsend

Structural Engineering Company of the Year

• Bainona Engineering Consultancy
• DeSimone Consulting Engineers
• Dewan Architects + Engineers
• Freeline Engineering Consultants

Sustainable Consultancy of the Year

• Climatize
• Cundall
• Freeline Engineering Consultants
• Sustain Leadership

Sustainable Project of the Year – Hospitality & Tourism

• AECOM – Habitas Resort
• Climatize – Amaala Yacht Club
• Cundall – The Storm Coaster
• JT & Partners – Syed Al Shuhada
• Taka Solutions – Fairmont the Palm

Sustainable Project of the Year – Residential & Commercial

• Climatize – Damac Lagoons
• Compass Project Consulting – Bustanica
• JT + Partners – The W Residences
• Taka Solutions – Swiss Tower
• U+A Architects – Villa Amalfi

Sustainable Project of the Year – Retail & Public Facilities

• Altorath – Al Ain Autism Center
• Climatize – Damac Lagoons
• TRUST ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY – The Cube
• U+A Architects – Wasl Experience Center

Under 30 Champion of the Year

• AECOM – Katy Adubi
• Buro Happold – Bestan Star
• JLL – Samit Sheth
• Ramboll Middle East – Ghina Yamak
• Serco – Rena Baba

Women in Construction Professional of the Year

• AECOM – Jennifer Stables
• AESG – Nivine Issa
• JLL – Louise Collins
• Kingspan Insulation – Salma Khedar
• Tangram MENA – Sandra Woodall

The 2022 Middle East Consultant Awards is being supported by the following companies:

Social Media Sponsor: WSP

Gold Sponsor: KEO

Silver Sponsor: AECOM, CCI, Compass, Kingspan Insulation, K Tech Consulting, RSP, Step Engineering, TBH

Category Sponsor: Insinkerator

Network Sponsor: Polypipe Middle East

Supporting Partner: NEB

Read about the 2021 Middle East Consultant Award winners here. To learn more about the 2022 Middle East Consultant Awards, click here.

The post Revealed: 2022 Middle East Consultant Awards shortlist appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Kuwait-based Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC) has said that steady progress is being made on its prime tourism and entertainment projects; the organisation said the projects are on track for completion by mid-2023 as per schedule.

According to a statement, the Ras Al Ard club is one of the projects – spread over an area of 35,000sqm, the club will feature a variety of recreational and sports activities for different age groups such as multi-use sports courts, food and beverage outlets, as well as paved walkways and a boardwalk, in addition to indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

“Work is at an advanced stage on our major developments such as Ras Al Ard Club and the New Messilah Beach that will be completed by mid-2023,” said TEC Chairman Engineer Muhammad Ahmad Al Saqqaf, after an inspection tour of its various project sites.

In early May 2022, a Kuwait ministry said it would appoint a consultant for a sewage plant feasibility study.

Al Saqqaf was accompanied by his team of company executives who also toured the Al-Khiran Park project site. The delegation was briefed on the ongoing work at the project and also the range of recreational activities that will be part of the park.

Sadeem Al Kuwait General Trading and Contracting is handling the Ras Al Ardh Club project work.

On the New Messilah Beach project, Al Saqqaf remarked, “TEC is developing the beach into an integrated and contemporary facility spanning over 70,000sqm area with a wide range of leisure and lifestyle activities.”

In early November 2022, authorities said that construction work on Kuwait International Airport had made significant headway.

The contract for the project had been awarded last year to Ahmadiah Contracting Company, he added.

“A star attraction for families, the beach project will have all kinds of water sports and for all ages, in addition to marine games. Also, it will boast key amenities including open air theatre, restaurants, cafes and shops,” he concluded.

In early November 2022, Gavin Davids reported on the design and construction of the Grand Hyatt Kuwait.

The post Kuwait’s TEC says tourism and entertainment projects to be completed by mid-2023 appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Developer Eagle Hills has announced a $2.5bn development in Albania. Billed as the largest super yacht marina in the world, the Durrës Yachts & Marina will take shape in the ancient city of Durrës, 34km from Albania’s capital of Tirana.

According to the developer, the project is poised to redefine luxury lifestyle living. In addition to 12,000 luxury marina homes, the project will comprise a state-of-the-art marina accommodating the largest super yachts in the world; a terminal for international cruise liners, which is said to be the first of its kind on the Albanian coast; premium open-air retail experiences with unique shopping and dining concepts; parks and open spaces; opulent luxury hotels and branded hotel residences; world-class wellness clubs and spas, and exclusive beach and marina clubs.

“This development is the pinnacle of luxury living, whilst at the same time bringing immense new investment, infrastructure and long-term growth opportunities to Albania. We are proud of our partnership with the extraordinary citizens and government officials of this remarkable nation on a groundbreaking transformational project that took two years of planning and design by internationally acclaimed architects, engineers, public realm consultants and artists,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Eagle Hills.

In October 2021, Eagle Hills Diyar inked a retail deal with the Trafalgar Luxury Group.

Through careful urban planning and management, Durrës Yachts & Marina will be designed as one of the most sustainable new cities in the world, incorporating eco-friendly practices, green spaces and smart technology to reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions, enhance air quality, and protect natural resources, the developer noted.

It added that the project’s sustainability goals will be achieved with infrastructure that includes energy, water and traffic management, as well as the latest means of urban mobility. Using the most cutting-edge technology available today, this project will also be one of the world’s smartest and most innovative projects.

Alabbar concluded, “We are not just opening up the destination for high-end visitors, but we are also creating the Monaco of the Adriatic. You have this incredible history in the background, alongside what will be a whole new luxury destination. We’ve done a lot of special projects over the years across the world, but I have no doubt this is right up there with the very best of them.”

In late May 2022, Eagle Hills launched a premium lifestyle development in Sharjah and, in early September 2022, the developer said that construction works had been completed on Sharjah’s Kalba Waterfront project.

The post Eagle Hills unveils $2.5bn super yacht project in Albania appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Caterpillar has successfully completed a demonstration of its first battery electric 793 large mining truck, the company has announced.

The firm said it has completed development of the 793 prototype, with support from key mining customers participating in Caterpillar’s Early Learner program. Participants of the program with definitive electrification agreements include BHP, Freeport-McMoRan, Newmont Corporation, Rio Tinto and Teck Resources Limited.

The manufacturer said it would also be investing significantly in transforming its Arizona-based proving ground into a sustainable testing and validation hub of the future.

In September 2022, Caterpillar inked a deal to replace the haul truck fleet at a Chilean mine.

“Our global team came together to develop this battery truck at an accelerated pace to help our customers meet their sustainability commitments,” said Resource Industries Group President Denise Johnson. “This demonstration is a significant milestone, and we are excited for these trucks to get to work at customers’ sites around the world in the near future.”

The Early Learner program launched in 2021 and focuses on accelerating the development and validation of Caterpillar’s battery electric trucks at participating customers’ sites. A primary objective of the program is for Caterpillar to collaborate more closely with its customers as the industry undergoes transformational change through the energy transition, the firm said.

During the demonstration, Early Learner customers observed the prototype battery truck operate on a seven-kilometre course. According to Caterpillar, it monitored over 1,100 data channels, gathering 110,000 data points per second, to validate simulation and engineering modeling capabilities.

In late September 2022, the company said it had surpassed five billion tonnes of material hauled autonomously.

Fully loaded to its rated capacity, the truck achieved a top speed of 60km/h. The loaded truck traveled one kilometre up a 10% grade at 12km/h. The truck also performed a one kilometre run on a 10% downhill grade, capturing the energy that would normally be lost to heat and regenerating that energy to the battery. Upon completing the entire run, the truck maintained enough battery energy to perform additional complete cycles.

In early November 2022, Caterpillar launched new landscape attachments for earth-moving equipment.

The post Caterpillar demonstrates first battery electric large mining truck appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Developer Omniyat has inaugurated the ORLA, Dorchester Collection in Dubai, which is situated on a beachfront plot at the apex of Palm Jumeirah’s crescent, it has announced.

Designed by Foster + Partners and managed by the Dorchester Collection hospitality brand, the luxury property is situated on a 29,000sqm plot and offers 270-degree views of Dubai’s skyline and the Arabian Gulf. It features 86 two- and four-bedroom residences, three sky palaces, and one of the largest mansions on Palm Jumeirah, a statement said.

Each residence will feature oversized terraces and double-height ceilings of up to six metres and will be fitted out with European appliances.

In March 2022, Omniyat launched its AVA Palm Jumeirah luxury residential project.

“Our development philosophy is to create iconic, best-in-class projects through collaborations with industry luminaries. ORLA, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, is a signature property like no other that represents the epitome of style and will set the new standards for uber-luxury real estate,” said Mahdi Amjad, Founder, and Executive Chairman of OMNIYAT.

ORLA is the fourth Omniyat development in Dubai to be managed by Dorchester Collection and was conceived and designed to attract clientele with a discerning taste, accepting nothing short of the world’s finest luxuries, he added.

The development is expected to feature world-class amenities such as a private, resident-only 300sqm beach club; a large infinity, temperature-controlled outdoor pool, a private cinema, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a business centre with two meeting rooms, a boardroom, and a multi-functional event space. Alongside these will be a library and cigar lounge, amongst other amenities, the statement said.

In early November 2022, Binghatti and Jacob & Co announced an ultra-luxury focused residential tower in Dubai.

Christopher Cowdray, CEO of Dorchester Collection added, “We are delighted to be deepening our partnership with OMNIYAT through more residential projects. ORLA, our fourth project with OMNIYAT, will re-imagine the property sector both in the Middle East and globally. It will be an iconic landmark with Dorchester Collection’s renowned hospitality offering.”

Mahdi Amjad concluded: “When it comes to introducing high-end luxury properties that surpass all global standards, Omniyat has built an enviable portfolio of uber-luxury properties designed to cater to the refined needs of affluent investors. Dubai’s leading global position on the real estate map makes it the de facto destination for the ultra-high-net-worth community seeking unique projects that would further elevate their lives.”

Late in November 2022, Ellington Properties said it would build an 88-unit project on the Palm Jumeirah.

The post Omniyat inaugurates ORLA on Palm Jumeirah appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News

Dubai-based Alonsa Electric Group has announced the launch of a comprehensive line of Goodyear engine oils throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Featuring 72 kinds of lubricants including over 300SKUs, the products were unveiled during the Automechanika 2022 Convention at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Speaking about the new products, Sunil Khanchandani, Managing Director of Alonsa Electric Gulf said, “We are excited to bring our advanced lubricant solutions to Automechanika 2022. The MENA region has always had a strong automotive enthusiast culture, and we look forward to sharing the latest oil and lubrication technology with vendors and consumers.”

In July 2020, ADNOC Distribution launched the first API-certified lubricant for hybrid engines in the UAE.

Keeping up with the latest technological advances, Goodyear is said to have developed a proprietary formulation using “100% virgin synthetic-based oil technology combined with innovative additive packages and state-of-the-art blending practices.”

The company says its latest products are exclusively tested in ISO 17025 laboratories, while its lubricants are created in subcontracted blending factories in the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and Malaysia.

The latest additions are available through its partner Alonsa which has been a member of the Al Tara Group since 1978 and distributes automotive engine oils and greases as one of its business verticals. Goodyear-branded engine oils cater to the automotive, motorcycle, industrial and construction, power generation and marine industries, the company concluded.

In March 2022, Shell said that it secured an Abu Dhabi distribution deal and, in August 2022, Valvoline said it sold its core business to Saudi Aramco.

The post Goodyear launches new line of engine oils and lubricants for the Middle East appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: ME Construction News