Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences has been announced by developer Binghatti and watch and jewelry firm Jacob & Co. The project, which is billed as an ultra-luxury skyscraper, aims to be one of the world’s tallest residential structures.

Discussing the luxury tower, Binghatti referred to it as a “hypertower” that will unveil a new era in “uber-luxury living”. The skyscraper will take shape in Business Bay and is expected to be 100 stories tall and feature high-end two- and three-bedroom residences. This tower is expected to boast unique designs co-signed and co-designed in the style of watchmaking and jewelry brand Jacob & Co and Binghatti.

“Today marks the significant partnership of two like-minded brands, both on an ever-striving pursuit of absolute elegance. Both our brands are born from the sheer desire to achieve what breaks boundaries. What Binghatti has done in real estate, by creating a brand through a distinct design philosophy and architectural identity is very similar to what Jacob & Co has done in the world of jewelry and horology”, says Muhammad Binghatti, CEO & Head of Architecture of Binghatti.

In October 2022, Sobha Realty launched its first signature residential tower project in Dubai.

The tower is expected to boast multiple levels dedicated to amenities including an infinity pool overlooking the Dubai skyline, a luxury spa and a gymnasium. It will also feature a dedicated concierge team, offering à la carte services such as daycare, bodyguard, chauffeur and private chef.

“We took inspiration from the complex horological movements that beat in Jacob & Co timepieces and we integrated them into the key elements of the tower. The diamond-shaped spires sitting at the peak of the tower are reminiscent of an actual crown, an ornament of unique finesse inspired by the design of Jacob & Co’s finely cut gems. This is the apex of the luxury narrative in this evocative construction, a signature feature that add further grandeur to the city’s skyline,” explained Binghatti.

Drawing inspiration from horological and high jewelry aesthetics, Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences’ design is reminiscent of the baguette-cut gems Jacob & Co is renowned for. Entry-level residences will consist of two collections: The Sapphire Suite Collection consisting of two-bedroom residential units, and The Emerald Suite Collection comprised of three-bedroom units, the firm explained.

Also in October 2022, Majid Al Futtaim Communities launched an ultra-luxury concept within Tilal Al Ghaf.

The top of the tower is expected to harbor “five of the most luxurious and exclusive penthouses in Dubai”. Sitting on top of the world, they offer boundless views of the city’s skyline, including Down-town and the Dubai Water Canal, the company stated.

“Inspired from our high watchmaking collections, these penthouses will consist of three types, each named after our flagship Jacob & Co timepieces: Fleurs De Jardin, Astronomia and Billionaire. The interior design of the penthouse collection will be directly inspired by their unique aesthetics. As suggested by the name, the Billionaire Penthouse is the hypertower’s jewel in the crown,” explained Jacob Arabo, Chairman and Creative Director of Jacob & Co.

The tower is also expected to house an exclusive private club, which will offer amenities including a lounge, as well as a private event area reserved for Jacob & Co. Materials, details and finishings are conceptualised and designed in collaboration with Jacob & Co’s designers whose attention to detail is being applied on a new, unprecedented scale and height, the company stated.

In early November 2022, Alpago Properties announced its luxury Palm Jumeirah penthouse will cost $68.06mn.

“This collaboration is a new way for us to apply our motto: Inspired by the impossible. It’s a commitment to break boundaries and push past limits. Our driving force is ingenuity and originality, it leads us to design jewels, watches, and now a hypertower, unlike anything the world has seen before. Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences is an unheard-of achievement in the world of real estate and luxury, let alone watchmaking and jewelry,” added Arabo.

Apart from being involved in the entire design process of the tower, Jacob & Co will be offering exclusively curated timepieces and jewelry, most of which are limited edition or unique pieces, that clients can purchase along with their residence.

According to Binghatti, an event celebrating the reveal of Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences will take place on 16 November 2022, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.

Also in early November 2022, MAG of Life launched mansions at the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Dubai Creekside.

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UAE-based design firm Albal Design has launched what’s billed as the UAE’s first science-based concept, Tafaseel. It is said to transform any home or commercial space to reflect an individual’s personality, style/mood or brand identity.

The concept is said to be the result of years of research by Emirati interior designer Noura Alghandi and integrates psychology, music and art, to provide design cues to showcase a brand’s identity/individual style. Tailor-made to each client and project, it empowers creative storytelling and ability to transform it to a tangible design, the firm noted.

“We spend so much time indoors – so, your home, office or even a retail outlet should be able to reflect your personality, company culture/identity or be able to connect with a customer. Psychology and design go hand in hand – and this collaborative process just helps articulate a customer’s story to bring a fresh perspective, and a fantastic and unique design,” said Albal Design Founder Noura Alghandi.

In May 2022, Azizi Developments signed an agreement with Nerkal Interior for luxury interiors at its Riviera megaproject and, in August 2022, Sherif Nagy, General Manager of THE FITOUT said that fit-out firms that design and build their own products are in vogue.

Elaborating on the concept, the firm said that clients are given the freedom to express themselves by scribbling on a piece of paper over any music and blindfolded. Applying cognitive psychology to indicate a connection between shapes and feelings/memory, Albal’s team analyses the scribbles to extract details such as shapes, texture, colours and patterns, it explained.

This process helps stir memories/emotions that they are most comfortable with, which is then translated to create unique designs that can be applied to interiors, branding, furniture and even couture. This design process can be incorporated into any space, leading to better productivity/sales in commercial projects, staff well-being, or a sanctuary for homeowners, the firm added.

Albal Design is said to have design concepts across various sectors spread across the Middle East including commercial and residential properties (villas, penthouses, apartments), hospitality, F&B, retail, and others.

In October 2022, Dar Al Arkan showcased the world’s first Pagani apartments.

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Masdar, Infinity Power and Hassan Allam Utilities have signed an agreement to develop a 10GW onshore wind project in Egypt. Once complete, the project will be one of the largest wind farms in the world.

In a statement, Masdar, Infinity Power – the joint venture between Masdar and Infinity (Egypt’s main renewable energy developer) – and Hassan Allam Utilities, said that the project will be part of Egypt’s Green Corridor initiative. This is a grid dedicated to renewable energy projects, which will contribute to the North African country’s goal of ensuring renewable energy makes up 42% of its energy mix by 2035.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, UAE Special Envoy for Climate, and Chairman of Masdar, and Dr Mohamed Shaker El-Markabi, Egypt’s Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, on the side-lines of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

In August 2022, South Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power won a $2.2bn contract from Russia’s Rosatom to build a nuclear plant in Egypt.

The UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and President Abdel Fattah El Sisi of Egypt witnessed the signing of the agreement, along with HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court, along with a number of senior officials were also present during the signing.

Dr Al Jaber said, “The scale of this mega 10GW onshore wind project – one of the largest winds farms in the world – is a testament to the renewable energy ambitions of the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Egypt and demonstrates Masdar’s status as a global leader in clean energy. Under the guidance of our leadership, the UAE has been at the forefront of positive climate action in the region – and globally, as reflected in the recent US-UAE Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE). The UAE and Masdar will continue to support Egypt’s net-zero goals, and we will endeavour to take forward the gains made here at COP27, as the UAE prepares to host COP28 next year.”

When complete, the 10GW wind farm will produce 47,790GWh of clean energy annually and offset 23.8m tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions – equivalent to around 9% of Egypt’s current CO2 emissions.

In early November 2022, JLL published a whitepaper that outlined ways to decarbonise Egypt’s built environment.

The wind farm will also save Egypt an estimated US $5bn in annual natural gas costs and help create as many as 100,000 jobs. Direct employment in the construction phase is estimated at around 30,000, with as many as 70,000 people being employed indirectly. After construction, around 3,200 jobs will be added for operation and maintenance.

Mohamed Ismail Mansour, Chairman – Infinity Power, added: “We are proud to be working on this project in association with our partners, enabling the Egyptian government to build upon their efforts to deploy effective solutions that confront the global issue of climate change. The project will enable the country to save vast amounts of natural gas; thereby attaining economic growth, reduce carbon emissions and provide greater access to sustainable energy sources, enabling Egypt to move forward in its journey towards becoming a green economy.”

Nayer Fouad, CEO, Infinity Power, stated that the project will greatly benefit the country and enable Egypt to take significant steps towards becoming a more sustainable and green nation.

Also in November 2022, Red Sea Wind Energy broke ground on a new 500MW wind farm in Egypt.

“We look forward to expanding our portfolio of sustainable energy solutions that benefit not only Egypt, but provide the entire continent with a clean, green future,” he added.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar commented, “With this agreement to develop our largest ever project, Masdar is proud to bolster our contribution to Egypt’s renewable energy goals, while strengthening our partnerships with Infinity Power and Hassan Allam Utilities, and building on our relationship with the Egyptian Government. We are confident this project will help provide clean and sustainable energy to Egypt’s people while ensuring the country meets its decarbonisation commitments.”

In April, Masdar and Hassan Allam Utilities signed two memoranda of understanding with Egyptian state-backed organisations to cooperate on the development of 4GW green hydrogen production plants in the Suez Canal Economic Zone and on the Mediterranean coast.

Later in November 2022, Infinity Power Holding announced that its Sharm El Sheikh solar plant was fully operational.

In the first phase of the project, a green hydrogen manufacturing facility will be developed and operational by 2026, able to produce 100,000t of e-methanol annually for bunkering in the Suez Canal. The electrolyser facilities could be extended to up to 4GW by 2030 to produce 2.3m tonnes of green ammonia for export as well as supply green hydrogen for local industries.

Egypt enjoys abundant solar and wind resources that allow for renewable-power generation at a highly competitive cost – a key enabler for green hydrogen production. It is also located near markets where the demand for green hydrogen is expected to grow the most, providing robust opportunities for export.

Active in more than 40 countries across the world, Masdar is invested in a portfolio of renewable energy assets with a combined value of more than $20bn and a total capacity of more than 15GW.

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MB Crusher has introduced its new MB-HDS220 padding bucket with one-tonne weight, suitable for loaders and skid steer loaders from 4.5t to 11t.

The rotor sifter bucket, which has a load capacity of 0.6m3 is designed to make work easier, reduce processing time and save on operating costs, the company said.

Its coupling system allows for ‘maximum freedom of movement of the carrier machine’, while the size of its inlet mouth (2.2m wide) facilitates loading by ensuring that the tracks or wheels of the carrier machine remain clean.

In June 2022, Mecalac introduced its new range of six compact loaders and, in July 2022, Sandvik said it had completed testing of Cat HVO capable engines on mining and construction equipment.

As with the other HDS models, the MB-HDS-220 allows the rotors to be changed easily and directly on-site by the operator. This makes it a versatile machine, with which different types of material can be processed easily and quickly, the company commented.

Designed for urban construction sites, gardening and landscaping, the MB-HDS220 padding bucket can be used for the clearance and clean-up of land from various demolition debris, stones or roots, while it can also air packed ground and topsoil. In addition, it is applicable for the selection of material for covering pipes or trenches and making the bedding, the statement concluded.

In September 2022, Continental launched its LD-Master L5 Traction construction tyre.

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The UAE has been ranked among the top 20 best-performing tourist destinations this year according to data from flight and travel intelligence firm ForwardKeys.

The nation landed the 11th position in the latest ranking released by the company, which looked at international tourist arrivals in various markets around the world. The number of tourist arrivals into the country, however, is still 17% behind 2019 levels.

In its ‘Most Visited Destinations’ report for 2022, ForwardKeys said the Middle East has stood out for helping accelerate recovery through hosting major global events, such as Dubai’s EXPO 2020, the FIFA World Cup in Doha, Qatar, as well as the Formula One Grand Prix.

In September 2022, Knight Frank said the UAE’s hotel development pipeline would grow to 48,000 keys by 2030 and, in October 2022, Knight Frank predicted Qatar’s hospitality sector would grow by 89% by 2025.

The report, which is based on arrivals so far in for the year, as well as bookings for the remainder of 2022, showed the countries coming closest to matching pre-pandemic levels.

The top spot was taken by the Dominican Republic, which is the only country in the global top 20 to exceed pre-COVID-19 levels, with arrivals 5% above 2019.

Turkey’s arrivals in 2022 will equal 2019, the firm said, as will Costa Rica and Mexico, while Jamaica and Pakistan will both see arrivals 5% below pre-pandemic levels, according to the data, which was published in partnership with the World Travel Market (WTM).

In late October 2022, Qatar Tourism announced over two dozen new tourist facilities ahead of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

The UAE and Qatar are the only Middle Eastern countries to make it into the top 20, with the UAE 17% behind 2019 levels and Qatar 25% behind.

ForwardKeys also found that, taken as a separate entity, Dubai was one of three Middle Eastern cities to make it into the top 25, with arrivals 15% behind pre-pandemic levels, and Cairo and Riyadh, which were both 18% behind.

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UAE-based developer Nakheel has secured US $4.6bn in strategic financing – refinancing an initial $3bn and agreeing additional funds of $1.63bn – as it looks to drive its new phase of growth.

According to a Nakheel spokesperson, the finance will be used to accelerate the development of new projects such as Dubai Islands and other large waterfront projects. The refinancing of $4.6bn has been secured through a syndicate of three banks: Mashreq Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and Emirates NBD.

The spokesperson added that the transactions will further strengthen Nakheel’s financial position and reflect the confidence of banking institutions in the new strategic focus of the company.

In August 2022, Nakheel said that Dubai Islands was to offer world-class connectivity.

“Dubai’s real estate sector is recording robust growth, driven by regulatory reforms, such as the issuance of long-term visas, and a buoyant economy supported by the robust growth of retail, leisure and hospitality,” he stated.

“As Dubai’s pioneering master-developer with high-performing assets in these core economic sectors, we are entering a new phase of growth placing our customers at the heart of everything we do. This new era of Nakheel will be defined by our commitment to developing exceptional communities, enhancing customer-oriented services, and delivering value across all touch points.”

The developer pointed out that its residential, retail and hospitality assets have recorded excellent growth despite the challenges of the pandemic. It added that its fiscal focus, highlighted by efficient management of resources and a stable retail and hospitality portfolio, has gained the trust of its customers and financial institutions.

In September 2022, the developer unveiled its new brand focus in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Over the past two years, the master developer had also invested in building a strong assets portfolio and pipeline of new developments which will deliver consistent revenue growth in future years, the spokesperson said. These will support the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and ensure the health, wellbeing and happiness of citizens, residents, and visitors, he concluded.

In early October 2022, Knight Frank said prime residential values in Dubai were up by 88.8%.

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Water and alternative energy management specialist Metito has been appointed by Fujairah Fresh Water Production Co to build the second phase of the Fujairah Port desalination plant.

According to Metito, the project is “significant” for Fujairah due to the port’s strategic location and sophisticated infrastructure, which enables businesses across the region to expand their commercial footprints, both locally and internationally.

The project award was announced following a competitive bid, and the project is set to be completed in less than a year, the firm noted.

In March 2022, Metito said it secured a $120mn sustainability-linked loan to support its sustainable ambitions.

“Fujairah port has developed significantly to become a strategic location with world-class facilities, and it continues to improve and grow to meet the exciting and diverse demands of the future. We are pleased to collaborate with Metito again for the second phase of our project and trust their strong expertise in incorporating sustainability with innovation in the solution they have proposed for this project,” said Fujairah Fresh Water Productions Co Chairman Eng. Khamis Alnoon.

As per the terms of the contract, Metito will be responsible for the engineering, procurement, and construction of the 3,500m3/day plant, interconnecting it seamlessly with the existing facilities to meet the growing demand for potable water.

Fady Juez, Managing Director of Metito added, “Fujairah port is one of the Middle East’s most important ports, and we are honored to play an instrumental role in supporting its vision to become a world-class multipurpose hub. For this second phase of the plant, we are utilising state-of-the-art, advanced technologies and with our high-value engineering we have devised a solution that achieves power optimisation, less operational cost and a greener overall project with less emissions.”

Later in March 2022, Metito was awarded a contract for the restoration of the 20 MIGD Hamriyah SWRO plant in Sharjah.

Metito developed Phase 1 of the Fujairah Port seawater desalination plant over twenty years ago, the capacity of 3000m3/d, via 2x1500m3/d streams.

Commenting on the project win, Ahmed Hayajnah Metito General Manager of Dubai, Northern Emirates, and Oman concluded, “The original project was in line with the stringent requirements of Fujairah Fresh Water Production Co, and its long-standing efficient operations is another testament to the sustainable nature of the solutions Metito has been providing for more than 65 years of successful operations across more than 53 countries in different geographies. We are honored to be part of this new project and look forward to its successful completion.”

In July 2022, Metito bagged the contract for Serbia’s first PPP water treatment project.

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Metso Outotec has announced it is expanding its cloud-based Metrics system to cover tools, sensors and dashboard access for monitoring customers’ stationary screening equipment.

With its 24/7 online monitoring capabilities, Metrics offers improved safety, increased uptime and throughput, and reduced unplanned maintenance. It enables operators, controllers and service professionals to see real-time analysis of vibrating screen performance and bearing condition. Metrics is designed for intuitive operation with an easy-to-read screen dashboard with OEM insights to help operators quickly detect potential issues and take corrective action in time, the company said.

In June this year, Metso Outotec announced a global cooperation agreement with Dynamox, which offers a condition monitoring platform. Metrics for screens is the first solution utilising Dynamox’s easy-to-install instrumentation that can be complemented with services and remote monitoring capabilities.

In February 2021, the firm launched a global training certification programme for services professionals and, in February 2022, it signed a $26mn agreement for a siderite calcination plant in Turkey.

“The customer feedback received has helped us to offer a solution focused on customer centricity and sustainability. Metrics for screens helps customers to optimise their process, as they can easily see how the changes implemented have impacted their screening operations. In addition, continuous monitoring helps in the avoidance of several potential breakdowns,” said Jan Wirth, Technology Director, Metso Outotec Screening Solutions.

He added, “It also has a positive impact on sustainability, as running the screen in an optimal way enables increased uptime and less consumption of media, spare parts, oil and energy. Our strong development roadmap will enable us to release more data-driven and value-added services soon.”

In July 2022, Metso Outotec said it would deliver the world’s largest Premier grinding mills to a Zambian copper mine.

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A partnership between material specialist Partanna Bahamas and the Government of the Bahamas will see the development of what’s billed as the world’s first carbon-negative housing development. The partnership was announced by the Honourable Philip Davis, KC, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, at COP27.

According to a statement, the development of 1,000 affordable, sustainable dwellings is comprised of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and multi-family homes constructed from a building material called ‘Partanna’. The material is said to be made of carbon-absorbing brine technology. Partanna is said to be the world’s first building material that avoids carbon emissions, absorbs carbon from the atmosphere and generates tradable carbon credits.

The new venture will help to ease the housing shortages that the Bahamas is currently facing, as the country continues to rebuild after the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian, in 2019. Partanna Bahamas is on track to deliver the first 30 units in 2023, the statement explained.

In October 2022, the DMCC launched sustainability projects to decarbonise the JLT District in Dubai.

Honourable Philip Davis, KC, Prime Minister of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas

“Innovation and new technology will play a crucial role in avoiding the worst climate scenarios. I am pleased that Partanna, a Bahamian-led company, is poised to make an important contribution,” stated Davis.

Rick Fox, Founder of Partanna Bahamas added, “Extreme weather events in our region are only getting worse, leaving a trail of destruction behind them. This year, Hurricane Ian took too many homes and lives. What will 2023 and 2024 bring, if we don’t start to address the climate crisis in earnest? Technology can turn the tide, and at Partanna we have developed a solution that can change how the world builds.”

According to the statement, Partanna’s carbon-absorbing brine technology was co-developed in the US by entrepreneur and three-time NBA champion Rick Fox, and his business partner, architect Sam Marshall. As a Bahamian citizen, Fox is said to have realised the potential impact it could deliver for countries on the frontline of climate change, and founded Partanna Bahamas with the intention of building affordable, hurricane-resilient homes throughout the region.

In 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.

Rick Fox, Founder of Partanna Bahamas

Cement production accounts for 9% of all global carbon emissions. Partanna is an alternative building material that not only avoids significant carbon emissions in the manufacturing process, but also sucks CO2 from the atmosphere – in much the same way that a tree does. This makes Partanna materials carbon-negative over their lifecycle, the statement explained.

Partanna Bahamas noted that each 1,250sqft Partanna home will contribute a negligible amount of CO2 during its manufacturing process – compared to a standard cement home of the same size, which typically emits 70.2t. Every 1,250sqft Partanna home will remove 22.5t of CO2 after production, making it fully carbon negative within the product’s lifecycle, the firm said.

The material is said to be made from natural and recycled ingredients including steel slag and waste brine from the desalination industry, enabling desalination plants to harvest more fresh water per liter processed without discarding brine back into the ocean. It requires no resins or plastics in its manufacturing and contains no Portland cement. The firm said that Partanna cures quicker and is stronger in the face of the elements.

In November 2022, JLL issued a whitepaper outlining ways to decarbonise Egypt’s built environment.

Homes made with Partanna are hurricane- and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for residents of climate-vulnerable areas like the Bahamas and other small island developing states (SIDS). This attribute means homes built of Partanna in the Bahamas can be insured, providing even further potential to reshape the Bahamian economy, the statement outlined.

Partanna’s building material has now been listed by non-profit Verra, the world’s largest carbon credits certifier, for its verified ability to remove carbon from the atmosphere and generate tradable carbon credits. The revenues generated from the credits will fund various social impact initiatives – including down payment contributions for low-income families, making home ownership more accessible, the firm explained.

Fox added, “Partanna is extremely excited to partner with the Government of the Bahamas to provide safe, affordable housing to thousands of Bahamians.”

The parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October, and manufacturing efforts are already underway. The development project will provide at least 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for Bahamians over its duration. Partanna will also provide training in the new skillsets required to establish the Bahamas as the global center of a new sustainable building materials industry, the statement concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News