T-Mobile has been working with InDro Robotics in a bid to make the world safer through improved connectivity for industrial inspection robots, the company said. The firm said trials have been successfully completed using T-Mobile 5G to remotely connect and operate Indro Robotics’ ground-based industrial inspection robots, testing security and inspection capabilities at electrical substations.

According to a statement, InDro Robotics’ Sentinel was chosen by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to evaluate ground-roving robotics based on its ability to provide 24-hour substation asset inspection and security monitoring.

Sentinel ran constant surveillance while streaming all data back to maintenance teams in near real-time using a custom integrated 5G router connected to T-Mobile’s network. The rover was able to follow preset paths while running autonomously and was remotely controlled by operators over 5G, the statement noted.

In October 2021, the world’s first intelligent painting robot for the construction industry was showcased at Gitex Technology Week. In July 2022, Paul Wallett, Regional Director of Trimble Solutions, Middle East and India told Middle East Construction News (MECN) that AI in construction will save lives.

“Like most robotics, the Sentinel requires an ultra-reliable network with low latency, and T-Mobile 5G proves to be more than capable,” said John Saw, EVP of Advanced & Emerging Technologies at T-Mobile.

He added, “The possibilities to use 5G in ways that keep people safe, make life easier and help businesses save money are endless. And we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible.”

Due to its thermal camera, depth sensor and 30x zoom capabilities, InDro Robotics’ Sentinel rover can read and report on gauge levels while monitoring for abnormalities like fluctuating component temperatures, intruders, wildlife hazards and more. This can be recorded and sent back to maintenance teams almost instantly, meaning fewer roll outs, quicker responses and increased on-site safety.

Late in July 2022, Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder, Group-Co-CEO, CEO MENA & APAC at PlanRadar said robotics, AI, and IoT can alter the business model and make the process of project completion more efficient. In September 2022, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan launched the Dubai Robotics and Automation Program.

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Source: ME Construction News

SirajPower has announced the successful deployment of rooftop solar panels at Kings’ School Al Barsha. The firm said the project is expected to eliminate approximately 1.924 metric tons of carbon dioxide (Co2) annually or the equivalent of charging 234,066,133 smartphones.

According to a statement, the project is in line with Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy and the nation’s sustainability goals to increase Dubai’s energy mix to 75% clean and renewable by 2050. The UAE has highlighted education as one of the government’s key priorities as it strives to develop its human capital and create a diversified knowledge-based economy.

As part of SirajPower’s commitment to the nation’s initiatives, the partnership with the school aims to empower youth and raise sustainability awareness in the UAE. Kings School is a British curriculum school for both primary and secondary school students, the statement said.

In October 2020, SirajPower said it was implementing rooftop solar projects for Choithrams supermarkets.

4,921 solar panels with a capacity of 1.9MWp were installed at the school in four months, well ahead of schedule, the firm said. In addition to reducing carbon footprint, SirajPower’s fully financed solar solutions allow educational institutions, such as Kings’ School Al Barsha, to contribute to fight climate change, it added.

Laurent Longuet, CEO at SirajPower said, “Celebrating another major milestone in our goal to reduce the UAE’s carbon emissions, we are pleased to announce the completion of the installation of the rooftop solar panels at Kings’ School Al Barsha. In addition to allowing SirajPower to continue to expand its portfolio, this initiative reaffirms our commitment to empowering youth and promoting environmental awareness among the UAE’s future generation.”

He added, “In keeping with the UAE’s vision, this project has demonstrated the importance of integrating sustainable energy into education for future generations, providing students, parents, teachers, and the surrounding community with limitless opportunities to learn about sustainability. This solar rooftop project will provide a clean source of power for the school’s community. King’s School Al Barsha is one of many educational projects we manage, and we continue to see an increase in interest from UAE schools looking to transition to solar power.”

In August 2021, SirajPower and Emirates Group inked a deal to develop a 2MWp solar carport.

As part of the 20-year agreement, SirajPower will manage the ongoing performance, maintenance, and cleaning of the solar energy system, allowing Kings’ School Al Barsha to benefit from green credentials, and deliver a real-life educational experience to its students. By generating its own clean and renewable energy, the school will maintain greater energy independence and combat climate change, the statement added.

“With the newly installed solar panels, the students at Kings’ School will not just be taught about solar systems in class but will also have access to a real-life demonstration and application of sustainable methods on school grounds. The on-site functional solar panel display and experience can help them further their understanding of solar energy and serves as an in-house renewable living laboratory for students,” continued Longuet.

Akshay Khanna, Director of Kings’ Corporate, added that the project is more than just a marketing gimmick. He stressed that it would encourage students to consider how they may enhance their communities.

In July 2022, the firm inked a deal to develop a solar-diesel-battery project for Cleanco Waste Treatment.

“Being green at Kings’ School Al Barsha means we make intentional and innovative efforts to reduce our environmental imprint and use resources as efficiently as possible to inspire future generations. This is why we are delighted to be collaborating with SirajPower to use solar energy to power our facilities,” Khanna pointed out.

With other projects in the pipeline to enable the UAE’s vision of becoming carbon-negative by 2050 and as part of this expansion strategy, SirajPower plans to install, commission, maintain, and operate many other Kings’ School facilities in Dubai.

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Source: ME Construction News

CPS has unveiled plans for a 28-storey residential tower in Zanzibar that will be built using hybrid timber technology. Burj Zanzibar is designed to be a 96m tall vertical green village and will stand as “an iconic landmark not only for the island but for the whole of Africa and a global environmental milestone, being the first timber structure worldwide of such proportions”.

According to the company, the design of the building is that of “a playful beehive style”. Dutch-born architect Leander Moons is responsible for the design and said, “Burj Zanzibar is not just an outstanding building but a new ecosystem for the future of living”.

The architectural style is said to be reminiscent of a beehive with honeycombs and combines modern urban trends with local culture. Moons added, “Panorama windows, closed-in green loggias and a modular layout will enhance the green nature of the tower and allow for flexible apartment floor plans, tailor-made for any cultural preferences.”

In July 2022, in an exclusive interview with Middle East Construction News (MECN), CRTKL’s Preeti Mogali said the built environment must design and implement sustainable projects to protect the planet, improve health and increase resilience.

The residential tower will feature 266 residences and will take shape in Fumba Town, East Africa’s eco-town developed by German-led engineering firm CPS. Billed as a strategic investment and fully supported by the Zanzibar government, the growing city near the capital stretches along 1.5km of seashore on the southwest coast.

“Burj Zanzibar will be the highlight and natural continuation of our efforts to provide sustainable housing in Africa, thereby empowering local employment and businesses,” stated CPS CEO Sebastian Dietzold.

According to the firm, timber is the oldest building material in the world and is currently enjoying a renaissance because of its environmental benefits and longevity. New timber products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam are considered the building material of the future. One cubic metre of wood binds half a ton of carbon dioxide, whereas conventional concrete construction is responsible for 25% of CO2 emissions, CPS pointed out.

In September 2022, Katarina Uherova Hasbani, Partner and Global Director of Strategy and Advisory at AESG told MECN that all sectors must work together to ensure a brighter, safer future.

Once complete, Burj Zanzibar will be the highest timber building in the world and Africa’s first high-rise ever to use the technology. In July, the 86.6m Ascent Tower in Milwaukee was certified as the world’s tallest timber hybrid building by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), CPS explained.

Discussing the tower in detail, CPS said Burj Zanzibar is planned as a hybrid timber tower; a steel-reinforced concrete core is designed to meet all required fire and life safety standards. It said the project is to be executed by a consortium of specialists from Switzerland, Austria, Germany, South Africa, Tanzania and the United States.

Green roof gardens and planted balconies further reduce the carbon footprint of the building, CPS remarked. “Burj Zanzibar will be a widely visible new landmark for Zanzibar and beyond, not only because of its appearance but because of its construction method,” said Moons during the launch event.

In October 2022, Global Mission launches $17bn fund to achieve UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

The project will promote locally available wood as a building material, and CPS said that Tanzania and its vast land resources for agroforestry would also benefit from the ambitious green mega tower. “An enlarged forest industry could create hundreds of thousands of jobs in the East African country,” commented CPS Director Dietzold.

The structure will offer studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and deluxe penthouses, and is to stand on a terraced podium with shared and private gardens, shops and a common pool.

“As a global architectural highlight, the Burj Zanzibar will be setting a new benchmark of building in the 21st century,” Dietzold concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News

The construction of the One Park Avenue residential tower has been completed two months ahead of schedule according to developer Sobha Realty. The achievement is said to reflect the company’s project delivery efficiency.

The tower is situated within Sobha Hartland and was inspected by His Excellency Eng. Marwan Bin Ghalita, CEO of the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) at Dubai Land Department (DLD).

“We are continuously delighted by Dubai developers, who deliver real estate products to meet the aspirations of residents. The project is a distinctive addition to owners and investors, and I am impressed with the exceptional implementation, quality of finishes, and distinctive facilities. I wish owners a happy stay and a sustainable ROI for investors,” said HE Eng Marwan Bin Ghalita.

In April 2022, the developer said work on Sobha Hartland was 60% complete.

The 24 floor tower features 403-units of one-to-four bedrooms and was designed to offer a perfect balance of elegance, scenic views, and distinct living spaces, where smart features harmonise with nature for a sustainable living, the developer said.

In an effort to achieve the right blend of luxury and sustainability, the tower’s hallways and common areas are equipped with motion-sensor lighting to conserve electricity. It also has dedicated electric-vehicle parking stations provided for those who prefer a greener lifestyle, it added.

Sobha Realty said it is also driving sustainability by creating lush green landscapes and incorporating the philosophy ‘More green than a grey’ into its spaces through motion sensors and sustainable water faucets, conserving over 60% of water.

In May 2022, the developer said that it expects a ‘considerable increase’ in residents at Sobha Hartland in 2022.

Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty added, “We are pleased to hand over our prestigious One Park Avenue units, offering the highest standard of living to our customers. This marks a special moment for us as we are privileged to have the support of Dubai Land Department and HE Eng Marwan Bin Ghalita in our efforts to raise the bar for luxury living in Dubai through our state-of-the-art real estate offerings. The recently launched One Park Avenue project echoes our commitment and mission of creating beautiful experiences for our customers through contemporary real estate properties of superior quality.”

The completion of One Park Avenue tower is said to strengthen the company’s position to complete the development of its prestigious Sobha Hartland project by 2025. It also reveals the growing demand for luxury homes in Dubai and how the group is equipped to meet these growing customer needs and requirements, the developer concluded.

Late in May 2022, PNC Menon, Chairman of Sobha Realty spoke to Big Project Middle East about why the firm was increasing its sales targets for the year, and why that is a good sign for the sector.

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Abu Dhabi developer Bloom Holding is expanding its education portfolio internationally through a joint venture (JV) with New Era Education (an expert in educational services and school management) and New Giza Real Estate Development (an integrated development company). The JV will see the launch of an international school in Egypt.

The partnership is expected to bring global educational experiences into the Egyptian market towards the academic year 2024, with more than US $76.9mn in investment. The developer has a strong background in the education sector in the UAE through its subsidiary Bloom Education, which has more 10 years of experience in operating schools and nurseries in the UAE, as well as high-quality charter schools on behalf of the government, a statement from the developer said.

Bloom Education currently provides American, English and International Baccalaureate curriculum to more than 16,000 students and aims to continue expanding its portfolio of schools and nurseries across the UAE and MENA region.

In August 2022, CRTKL said it was working with Cairo Children’s Cancer Hospital Egypt to expand capacities and facilities.

Carlos Wakim, CEO of Bloom Holding said, “The launch of this international school in Egypt reflects our ambitious strategy for growth. We are committed to working with best-in-class partners to offer world-class educational services that support our vision to provide opportunity-rich environments that nurture pupils around the world so they can reach their highest potential.”

“The decision to expand our educational portfolio to Egypt is underpinned by the outstanding academic success of the schools we operate in the UAE, and we look forward to continuing to build upon our successes so far, and further strengthening our position as one of the region’s leading education providers, through maintaining our commitment to excellence and supporting the development of future generations.”

As part of the JV agreement, the subsidiary will ensure the new school’s educational framework, structure and delivery will be aligned with the highest international education standards, while also meeting national requirements and offering a wide selection of co-curricular activities.

In early September 2022, Egis and GV Developments said they would develop Tarboul Industrial City in Egypt.

Chairman and Founder of New Era Education, Tamer Tamam added, “At New Era Education, we are excited to partner with Bloom Holding and bring global experience and the highest education standards to Egypt, which will help us achieve our mission of changing the face of education and inspire the new generations to embrace latest educational trends and challenges. Together with Bloom and New Giza Development, we will make a huge difference in the education scene in Egypt.”

The school is planned to open in August 2024. It is a 40,000sqm campus that will cater to pupils from the age of three to 18 years old. It will build on the teaching and leadership style of Bloom Education’s schools in the UAE, which are consistently rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK).

The school will be located in the integrated residential and commercial community of New Giza in West Cairo, which has been envisioned as a lifestyle destination that will feature educational, sporting, medical, business, and entertainment facilities.

In mid September 2022, Egypt’s Archplan Developments said the region’s first urban forest project was 60% complete.

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The RAK Energy Summit has concluded after two days of dialogue and discussion that brought together high-profile decision makers, speakers, and experts in the fields of energy sustainability and climate change from the UAE, the region and around the world.

Held at the Al Hamra International Exhibition and Conference Centre, the RAK Energy Summit was held under the patronage of of HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and ran from 4-5 October 2022.

The summit featured panel discussions and debates about the future of energy sustainability and renewable energy, shedding light on local and international efforts to curb climate change and shape a better future. The session featured high-level speakers such as HE Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and HE Munther Mohammed bin Shekar Al Zaabi, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality.

In July 2022, Siemens partnered with the American University of RAK to reduce carbon emissions.

“The UAE is one of the leading countries in developing the clean energy sector, and a pioneer of modern methods to enhance the efficiency of the energy sector. Climate action in the UAE is based on three main axes: finance, technology and the environment. Hosting COP 28 represents an important and defining moment in the UAE’s climate diplomacy, by organising a comprehensive and exceptional conference that can fully mobilise for international climate action,” said the Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs.

A highlight of the first day was the presentation of the UAE Energy Management Leadership Awards for 2022 by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Ras Al Khaimah Municipality was awarded first place, while ADNOC Onshore and ADNOC Offshore were awarded second and third places respectively. The award is based on an assessment conducted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and recognises implementation of best practices in energy management.

The second day was held in the presence  of Sheikha Amneh bint Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Investment and Development Office, and included a speech by H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, where she said: “The focus of the RAK Energy Summit on energy efficiency and renewable energy as main topics of discussion is an important step towards enabling us to tackle the global climate change challenge – the greatest threat to humankind.

In August 2022, the first advisory board meeting for the RAK Energy Summit was held.

“The summit underlines the necessity and urgency to reduce the carbon footprint of the energy sector – one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the country. It is a platform for us to exchange expertise in advancing the clean energy transition in the UAE, and to make progress towards our national goals, embodied in the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Through the initiative, we aim to engage all sectors and segments of the community in the effort to reduce and even eliminate carbon and ensure sustainable economic development.”

Held under the theme of “Creating and contributing to the energy efficiency and renewable energy goals of the future”, the summit supports the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and the country’s preparations for both the UN COP 27, taking place in Egypt next month, and the UN COP 28, which will take place in the UAE next year. RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy targets 30% electricity savings, 20% water savings and 20% renewable energy in the generation mix by 2040.

Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, the host of the Summit, added: “We envision a Ras Al Khaimah where suppliers of efficient products and services find consumers looking to benefit from energy efficiency, where our youth develops and executes innovative solutions and where society is aware of its sustainability responsibilities. We have taken some important steps towards this in the summit, including the launch of our home energy services, the launch of an industrial energy audit initiative, and the launch of the SME edition of RAK Energy Innovation Competition, along with several other program announcements.”

In September 2022, ENEC announced that Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Plant had been successfully started.

Also, on Day 2 of the summit, Ras Al Khaimah Municipality launched a new industrial energy audit initiative to help local industries identify opportunities for energy efficiency and competitiveness. Future Architectural Glass, Eternity Technologies and Falcon Technologies, RAK Ceramics, RAK Rock/Stevin Rock, RAK Ports and Union Cement were the first companies to participate in the initiative by signing agreements with the Municipality at the Summit itself.

The summit was supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), Masdar, and more than 10 government entities in Ras Al Khaimah.

The second day of the Summit also saw RAK Courts, RAK Public Prosecution, RAK Civil Aviation, RAK Chamber of Commerce and the Ruler’s Court of Ras Al Khaimah awarded certificates of compliance with ISO 50001:2018, for their efforts in implementing energy management systems.

Later in September 2022, QatarEnergy and GE inked a deal to step up carbon capture in the energy sector.

The agenda included other keynote contributions from government and industry leaders, and was sponsored by Siemens, Enova, EESL, EDF, Luceco, Sun Money, CleanMax, Pactive Solutions, Ledvance, Terraco, Netix and Teknoware.

The summit was closed with a networking reception held by multiple Director Generals of Ras Al Khaimah Government entities and CEOs of state-owned enterprises in the Emirate, who met a number of representatives of the private sector attending the event.

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Source: ME Construction News

Metropolitan Group has been recognised as the best place to work for women in the GCC, according to the Best Workplaces for Women 2022 rankings.

Mike Fleet, Metropolitan’s Performance & Development Director said: “We are delighted with this achievement as it’s not only great recognition for our overall culture, but it is a fantastic endorsement for the work we have done to ensure that our female employees, who represent 60% of the Metropolitan family, can thrive in a positive and rewarding place to work.

Great Place to Work Middle East surveyed thousands of female employees from across the region to determine the 2022 Best Workplaces for Women.  Metropolitan’s recognition is based on the Great Place to Work audit and confidential survey data assessing female employee experiences of trust, innovation, company values and leadership, the statement said.

Middle East Consultant’s 2022 Women in Construction Summit will take place on 25 October. Registration is complementary but mandatory for construction professionals.

“Right from the beginning, the company’s leadership has focused on creating a high-performance culture and inclusive environment; and today with 40% of our directors and 80% of our middle management being female, we are delighted to see that many of the initiatives we rolled out have had a significant positive impact on women in the workplace,” he added.

The top 30 Best Workplaces for Women in GCC recognises organisations across the region that are working hard to close the gender gap while sustaining high-performing cultures for their employees.

Ibrahim Mougharbel, Managing Director for the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman, Great Place to Work Middle East commented: “We’re very excited that Metropolitan Group ranked first in our Great Place to Work Best Workplaces for Women list. Female employees have shared that they are treated fairly regardless of their position.

In January 2022, Amana Group said that digitalisation, diversity and modularisation are among the top five trends shaping construction in 2022.

“This fair treatment indicates that Metropolitan Group exerts outstanding efforts in creating a work environment that empowers women. It is remarkable to see companies recognising the value women add to any workplace. Providing purposeful work is essential, which resulted in female employees stating that they are proud to be working at Metropolitan Group.”

In March this year, Metropolitan became the first-ever real estate brokerage to make the Top 50 Best Workplaces in the UAE List and later in August, the company made it into the top 5 (medium category) of the Best Workplaces in the GCC.

The Metropolitan Group in the UAE includes two full-service real estate agencies: Metropolitan Premium Properties (Dubai) and Metropolitan Capital Real Estate LLC (Abu Dhabi). The group also has Metropolitan Consulting FZE, a supporting company that provides personal and business legal services in the UAE.

In July 2022, Khidmah was ranked in the top 50 best workplaces in the country for 2022.

Angelica Noceja, Metropolitan’s HR Manager concluded, “We have been aggressively recruiting since the beginning of the year and actively look for female talent as diversity is of the utmost importance to our group.

She concluded, “We have female influence on our board and across many senior-level positions with 35 nationalities represented across the company. We work hard to recognise talent and performance in the company; in fact, this year from external hiring to internal promotions we have eight women at Director or Head of Department level”.

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Source: ME Construction News

M Glory Holding Group and Dubai Industrial City have announced the opening of the 45,000sqft Al Damani Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Factory. The new plant houses the temporary assembly line, which has a maximum production capacity of 10,000 cars per year.

In its official statement, M Glory explained that the move represents a major milestone in the manufacturing of electric cars to meet rising demand for green mobility and the reduction of global carbon emissions.

The factory’s groundbreaking ceremony was presided over by Majida Al-Azazi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of M Glory Holding Group, and Saud Abu Al-Shawareb, Executive Vice President – Industrial Leasing at Tecom Group, along with other business leaders and media representatives.

In March 2022, the company laid the foundation stone for the facility.

Al-Shawareb said: “We are delighted to announce the inauguration of Al Damani Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Factory in Dubai Industrial City. This historic milestone will provide another low-emission energy source and contribute to creating a more sustainable future for the UAE and the region. By delivering cutting-edge, technologically supported solutions in line with Operation 300bn and driven by our partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the manufacturing sector can play a crucial role in supporting the national Net Zero strategy.

“The opening of M Glory in our community illustrates our dedication to boosting the manufacturing sector and our belief in providing a comprehensive ecosystem that enables regional manufacturers like M Glory to establish businesses and further the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative,” he added.

In July 2022, Abu Dhabi launched a $2.72bn drive to expand the manufacturing sector to over $46bn while, in September 2022, KIZAD inked a deal to establish Abu Dhabi’s first EV assembly facility.

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Source: ME Construction News

Luxury sanitaryware and tiles retailer Casa Milano has opened its second showroom in Abu Dhabi’s Musaffa area. The firm said the modern showroom will replicate the same concept of catering to 360-degree luxury home requirements ranging from sanitaryware, tiles, parquet, landscaping & pools, kitchens and solid surfaces as it is in Dubai, but in a bigger space.

In its statement, the firm said it has also partnered with premium German sanitaryware group Hansgrohe. It noted that the German brand is one of the top players in the space, and is also one of the oldest sanitaryware manufacturers in the world.

In March 2022, Danube launched a 1,000 unit affordable housing project in Dubai while, in August 2022, Danube Home inks deal to enter the Mauritius market.

“We are delighted to launch our second showroom in the capital and even more elated to partner with one of the best names in the sanitaryware industry, Hansgrohe. People are now looking to add an aesthetic luxurious touch to not only their house, but also to the bathrooms which is the new ‘me’ space. We intend to showcase all our products including Hansgrohe in a way that the customer can visualise having it in their homes,” said Azhar Sajan, Director at Casa Milano.

The store is said to feature a 206sqm area dedicated to Hansgrohe products, which is billed as the largest display for the brand in the UAE.

In September 2022, Danube appointed Naresco Contracting as the main contractor for Skyz Tower.

Andreas Wolf, Managing Director Hansgrohe SE Middle East Hansgrohe concluded, “We are very pleased to have partnered with Casa Milano and are looking for great development. We’re sure of having a long standing relationship, since the core values of both the companies are in sync.”

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Savills has said that increased emphasis on lifestyle has led property buyers to ask for greater indoor and outdoor space, and focus on wellness credentials and connectivity to their homes. The findings were part of its Global Destinations for Second Homes report on top second home locations in the world.

The firm stated that while hybrid working has been widely discussed, the trend of ‘hybrid living’ – splitting time between a city-base and a second home – is beginning to take off. Flexible work arrangements now allow users to use second homes more throughout the year, rather than just a few weeks during peak holiday seasons, creating more than just a holiday home, the firm pointed out.

“With the increased focus on personal health and wellness, second home locations have to pull double-duty by providing both the traditional sun, sea and countryside, as well as the key amenities to promote personal wellness. Looking ahead, we expect some second home markets to become even more domestic and regional, as buyers continue to value close proximity to their city base for easy commuting by train or by car,” says Kelcie Sellers, Associate, Savills World Research.

In September 2022, in an exclusive interview with Middle East Construction News, Jennie Stallings, Partner and Commercial Manager at ChelseaGREEN said, “Wellness initiatives deliver commercial benefits and there are studies to demonstrate ROI for the business”. Stallings made the comments ahead of her presentation at Middle East Consultant’s 2022 Wellness in Construction Summit, which took place on 5 September.

The company’s research arm, Savills Research, said it examined three second home locations within easy access to a major world city and ranked them based on the residential offering, wellness amenities, and connectivity:

The firm said that the locations that excel are those offering ample gyms, high numbers of golf and tennis courts and access to spas. Air quality is also a key element in the wellness score as well as internet connectivity and the need to be close to a major world city, it stated. In early September 2022, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment introduced its National Air Quality Agenda 2031.

Savills revealed that the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) is the top destination for three world cities. The depth of the property market, abundance of wellness activities, and strong connectivity has kept the international destination on buyers’ wish lists for over a century, it explained.

In late September 2022, Nakheel unveiled its new brand focus in line with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and said that it will focus further on developing inclusive communities and ensuring the wellbeing and quality of life of citizens, residents and visitors.

It added that Spain was also a key market for second homes for buyers from across Europe. Sotogrande, the wider Costa del Sol, and the Balearics were revealed as key destinations for buyers from Germany, other northern European nations, and even Dubai. Over the past 12 months, prices in the Costa del Sol and the Balearic Islands have increased more than 10%, as buyers bid up prices for the limited supply of residential property, it remarked.

For Dubai, which is one of the top performers in the Savills World Cities Prime Residential Index, its strategic location gives it access to second home markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The top three second home locations listed for Dubai were Maldives, Seychelles, and Costa del Sol in Spain, Savills highlighted.

Swapnil Pillai, Associate Director – Middle East Research commented, “With its unique and strategic geographical location, Dubai is easily accessible to the east and the west, allowing its primarily expat residents a range of options to choose from for their second homes. Further, Dubai International Airport is one of the most connected airports internationally, which ensures that people can seamlessly move between their residences located in multiple locations.”

Zāzen Properties also announced its new sustainability and wellness project in Dubai later in September 2022.

In its analysis of second home locations with wellness credentials, Savills said it also created its inaugural ‘Yoga Index’ for those looking for the ultimate retreat.

By measuring the number of yoga studios and classes, quality of life, air quality and access to necessities such as high-quality leggings and low-cost smoothies, the index can be used to identify locations, which might be most desirable for buyers looking to prioritise wellness or for those considering a new business venture, Savills explained.

The firm said that yoga has long been associated with wellness and revealed that the industry is worth approximately $80bn and has an estimated 300m people (and counting) practicing.

In June 2022, real estate brokerage Union Square House (USH) stated that a quarter of homebuyers in Dubai are on the hunt for living spaces that provide mental health benefits.

The firm’s Yoga Index ranked Bali and Phuket as the top locations. Savills said that both are well-known destinations and have built their brands on yoga retreats and getting back to nature. Each location has a high number of yoga studios where classes can be taken for relatively low costs.

They also have low-cost yoga essentials and high quality of life scores. Three European locations round out the top five – Liguria, Galicia and Costa Del Sol, the last of which is listed as a second home destination for Dubai, it concluded.

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Source: ME Construction News