CASE Construction Equipment has launched the CASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader, as part of an all-new, industry-first equipment category, the manufacturer has revealed. In a special launch video, the company described the new machine as having “the heart of a dozer and the versatility of a loader”.

Weighing in at more than eight tons, the first-of-its-kind machine delivers true dozing performance with 114 horsepower and relentless hydraulics, all in a single platform that’s compatible with hundreds of attachments, CASE noted.

At the 2022 Construction Machinery Middle East Awards, CASE was awarded in two categories: Earthmoving Machinery of the Year and Excavator of the Year.

It operates as a compact dozer when equipped with the fully chassis-integrated C-frame and six-way blade but that C-frame can be dropped, allowing the machine to serve as a loader with a 1.25-cubic-yard bucket. Alternatively, it can be run with any of the hundreds of attachments equipment owners already have for their current loaders, the firm said.

“The Minotaur is truly a fleet of one, that is second to none,” says Jeff Jacobsmeyer, Product Manager, CASE. “Business owners and fleet managers looking for a compact solution that delivers countless benefits in a single footprint will immediately see the versatility this exciting new machine brings to their fleets and will quickly understand what a ‘compact dozer loader’ is capable of accomplishing.”

“It’s what the industry has asked for,” he adds. “Customer input has been a major part of the design and engineering process since the first concepts were discussed, and the result is an entirely purpose-built, intentionally designed machine proudly built here in the United States.”

Among the defining features of the new CASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader are its exclusive chassis-integrated C-frame with six-way blade and optional fully integrated rear ripper for tearing tough soils. It also has a choice of steel or rubber tracks to match jobsite profiles, the firm concluded.

In June 2022, Bobcat previewed its MT100 Mini Track Loader and other equipment at its Demo Days event, while later in the month, Mecalac introduced a new range of six compact loaders.

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Source: ME Construction News

The first advisory board meeting for the RAK Energy Summit took place virtually on July 13, 2022. It was organised by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality and attended by representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and RAK Public Services Department (PSD).

Also in attendance were subsidiaries Works Agency and Waste Management Agency, RAK Tourism Development Authority, RAK Transport Authority, RAK Economic Zone (RAKEZ), Upper Austria Energy Agency (Austria), and Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB) Dubai.

Speaking during the meeting, H.E. Munther Mohammed bin Shekar, Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality said: “The event will bring together international and local government and business leaders from both the demand and supply sides, experts and academics to discuss industry trends, initiatives and priorities for the energy transition. We look forward to hosting insightful discussions and hope that the summit will enhance cooperation between international agencies, local government bodies and the private sector on tangible goals and projects.”

On 21 June 2022, Big Project Middle East hosted the first edition of its Energy & Sustainability Summit. Watch the event highlights here.

The RAK Energy Summit will take place on 4 – 5 October 2022 at the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and is hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Municipality. Its agenda includes keynote contributions from government and industry leaders.

The Summit is being supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and more than 10 government entities in Ras Al Khaimah.

It will follow the theme of “Creating and Contributing to the Energy Efficiency Goals of the Future’. The summit is in line with the RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy 2040, and also supports UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative and the country’s preparations for the UN COP 28.

The RAK Energy Efficiency and Renewables Strategy targets 30% electricity savings, 20% water savings and 20% renewable energy in the generation mix by 2040.

In March, RAK-based Al Hamra announced a five-year roadmap to boost investment, business, residential and tourism in the emirate. In July, Siemens said that it partnered with the American University of RAK to reduce carbon emissions.

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60% to 70% of construction works have been completed on internal roads spanning 34.4km in three residential districts – namely Al Quoz 2, Nad Al Sheba 2 and Al Barsha South 3, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced.

In a statement, the RTA said that the construction of the internal roads at residential areas is a manifestation of the execution of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council, to improve the infrastructure of the residential neighbourhoods. It also explained the improvements have been prompted to cope with the needs of demographic and urban expansion and to improve the wellbeing and happiness of people in the emirate.

“About 70% of the road, streetlighting and rainwater drainage works are completed at Al Quoz 2 situated between Al Khail Road and Meydan Road,” said HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority.

In April 2022, the RTA unveiled a five-year sustainability plan that aligned with several UAE strategies such as the UAE Green Development Strategy 2030, and the UAE Centennial 2071.

He added, “The project includes the construction of a network of main roads extending 16km, pavements, rainwater drainage network and street-lighting. It will improve the accessibility to various locations within Al Quoz 2 area, such as the market complex and Al Quoz Lake Park, and serves about 3,000 residents. It will also improve the entry of the area and step up the capacity to 1,250 vehicles per hour at the entry/exit point from Al Meydan Road. It will enhance the connectivity with the residential area under development along with surrounding roads such as Al Khail Road.”

He added the completion rate of internal roads at Al Barsha South 3, extending about 6.4km has reached 65%. The project is situated at the Mohammed bin Rashid Gardens and is surrounded by Al Barsha South 2 to the North, Al Hebiah 1 and 4 to the South (Motor City and Sports City), Arjan to the East, and Al Barsha South 4 to the West. Other elements include streetlights, car parks and bus stops.

The project will facilitate accessibility to the recently developed areas of Al Barsha South 3 to serve about 4,500 inhabitants. It will improve the connectivity of the area by raising the capacity of entry/exit points of Hessa Street by 1,500 vehicles per hour. It will also enhance connectivity with residential districts under construction, such as the existing road network of Arjan, which will ease the movement to and from Umm Suqeim St as well as the roads network of Al Barsha South 2.

In May, the RTA said it planned to extend dedicated bus and taxi lanes in Dubai over a five-year period.

“The completion of internal roads at Nad Al Sheba 2 has touched 60%. The project works include internal roads extending 12km, parallel parking, streetlights, rainwater drainage system and sewage network. Works also include assessing the condition of internal roads stretching 27km from engineering, traffic safety and drainage of rainwater perspectives,” Al Tayer commented.

He concluded, “This residential community is bordered by three main roads: Dubai–Al Ain Road to the West, Nad Al Hamar Street to the East and South, and Al Manama Street to the North. The road enhancements aim to improve the traffic flow and public safety and ease the entry/exit points of the area. Connecting roads will be paved to serve all land plots in the area, and two new entry/exit points for Al Manama and Nad Al Hamar Streets will be constructed to enhance the link with the neighbourhood.”

In January, the RTA opened Dubai’s $1.4bn Infinity Bridge, the six-lane bridge is a key component of the Al Shindagha Corridor Project.

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Source: ME Construction News

Etihad Rail has said it has achieved a major construction milestone in the development of the country’s $13.6bn railways programme – the successful connection of Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port to the mainland, thanks to the construction of the emirate’s first rail marine bridge.

In a statement, Etihad Rail said the bridge is the first of its kind in the network, and is being constructed by 320 workers, with more than one million manhours of work clocked in so far. It added all the work is being carried out in compliance with the top environmental and global standards.

“The one-kilometre bridge, which runs parallel to the road link, will help improve the flow of goods to the region, and reduce shipping and trade costs,” said Khuloud Al Mazrouei, the Deputy Project Manager for Etihad Rail, while outlining the details of the latest project update in a video shared on social media.

In June 2022, Etihad Rail signed a $326.7mn deal for the supply and maintenance of passenger trains with CAF.

Al Mazrouei said the connection was completed with the installation of the last of the 100 T-beams. She added the team faced several challenges while building the bridge in a marine environment and managed to tackle them successfully.

She explained, “We have installed all the T-beams in the marine bridge, which will connect Khalifa Port with the network. This achievement was completed after installing the last T-beam for the bridge, which extends over one-kilometre, bringing the total number of T-beams to 100. The most important feature of this bridge is that it runs parallel to a road bridge of the same length, which connects the mainland of the emirate of Abu Dhabi with the sea container terminal. This ensures a smooth flow of tidal currents along the sides of the port and preserves the coral reefs.”

In May, Etihad Rail had announced that 75% of the work on the network had been completed. Construction of the project had been divided into two stages, the second of which includes four packages. The bridge is being built as part of the Package B of the second stage. Etihad Rail’s network will run for 1,200 km across the UAE, from the border of Saudi Arabia to Fujairah.

In April, Etihad Rail unveiled a new freight terminal that will take shape at Dubai Industrial City.

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Source: ME Construction News

Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the start of 2022 which outlined an electricity interconnection between Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the two countries have now signed an executive report that outlines the project’s principles.

The 435km electrical interconnection will link Arar in northern Saudi Arabia to Yusufiya near Baghdad with a total capacity of 1,000MW and a voltage of 400kV. The project is expected to contribute to the reliability of the electrical networks in the two countries, achieving economic savings, supporting the integration of the networks into renewable energy, and achieving optimal investments in electricity generation projects.

In October 2021, Masdar inked a strategic agreement to develop five solar PV projects in Iraq.

The event was attended by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman who praised the role of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in accelerating the electricity connection with Iraq, which comes as confirmation of the continuous cooperation in all fields according to the Saudi Gazette.

The completion of this project is said to fall within the framework of Vision 2030 and its executive programs, which focuses on investing in the Kingdom’s strategic location. The project also constitutes a step to establish a regional market for electricity trade and support the two countries’ participation.

In October 2021, the Kingdom and Egypt signed off $1.8bn worth of contracts with consortiums to connect the nations’ power grids. In May 2022, SNC-Lavalin won a four-year contract for the Saudi-Egypt power project which will allow the two countries to exchange up to 3GW of electricity at peak times.

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Source: ME Construction News

Jennifer Rumsey, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cummins Inc will take up the role of President and CEO, starting on 1 August, 2022, the company has announced. Rumsey will be the seventh CEO and first woman to lead the company since it was founded in 1919.

She will take over from Tom Linebarger who will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors and in an Executive Chairman role, working directly with Rumsey on specific initiatives such as completing the pending acquisition of Meritor.

“Jen is a once in a generation talent and the right leader for Cummins at this important time in our history. She has been my partner in developing the Destination Zero strategy, which sets forth how the decarbonisation of our industry will be a significant growth opportunity for Cummins. Her background as an engineer and technology expertise provides her a deep understanding of the major technical changes taking place and how to capitalise on them,” said Linebarger.

In October 2021, Cummins Arabia and SWCC inked a deal to develop a hydrogen plant in Saudi Arabia.

Since taking on the role of COO in March 2021, Rumsey has overseen Cummins’ global operations. In February 2022, she was elected to the Cummins Board of Directors, and will maintain her seat on the board.

Rumsey stated, “I am honored and proud to be appointed the next CEO of Cummins and excited about what the future holds for the company. At a time when technology is evolving more rapidly than at any point in our history, we must emphasise the critical role people play in our collective success. By putting people at the center of everything we do, we will power the path to decarbonisation and advance our mission of powering a more prosperous world.”

In June 2022, Cummins showcased a 15-litre hydrogen engine at ACT Expo and, in July, the firm signed a deal with Komatsu to collaborate on zero-emissions mining haul trucks.

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Source: ME Construction News

Read more:

• “We have 93% certainty within the next five years of hitting new temperature highs,” says WSP’s Sophia Kee
• Site Visit: What’s cooking in Sharjah Sustainable City?
• 32 Dubai projects awarded green building certificates by Trakhees

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Source: ME Construction News

Bahrain’s Transport and Telecommunications Minister, Mohammed Al Kaabi, has said that evaluation of the prequalification bids submitted by top infrastructure majors for Bahrain Metro Phase One project will conclude by the end of July.

According to a report by Akhbar Al Khaleej, Al Kaabi said that the Bahrain Metro is being implemented in four phases with the first comprising two lines running 29km-long, covering 20 stations. He added that a technical team is currently studying bids for Phase One, which is set to conclude by the month end.

The project represents the first phase of the Bahrain government’s plan to develop a 109km rail based urban transit network, which will consist of an elevated corridor with two lines having an estimated length of 28.6km, 20 stations and two interchanges.

The report added that a total of 11 leading global infrastructure majors – including French mobility giant Alstom, Korea’s Hyundai Engineering and Indian construction conglomerate Larsen and Toubro (L&T) are in the race for Phase One of the Bahrain Metro System.

In March, authorities said that significant progress had been made on a $107mn key highway expansion project.

Other companies competing for the contract include China’s Harbour Engineering and China Railway Group, Plenary Asia (Singapore); Virtue Global Holding (UK) and CRRC (Hong Kong) Company. Egypt’s Orascom Construction has also been credited with an interest. Bahrain’s utility majors – Aradous Energy Generation Company and Taqi Mohammed Albaharana Trading Establishment – are also interested in the project, it added.

Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunication will look to procure the project as an integrated public private partnership (PPP) through a two-stage process comprising a prequalification followed by the main tender process.

The selected private partner will implement the project on a DBFOMT (design, build, finance, operate, maintain, transfer) basis with a contract period of 35 years, the report said.

It is estimated that the total cost of the Metro Project will be around $2bn. It aims to provide a fast, comfortable, reliable, sustainable and modern transportation system in the kingdom, thus improving the standards of living, the ministry has stated.

In April, Diyar Al Muharraq announced the completion of infrastructure works on the Southern Island within its integrated residential city, while in July, EDAMAH invited bids for a 20,717sqm mixed-use investment project in the Kingdom.

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Source: ME Construction News

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has revealed details of its upcoming adventure project in the Eastern area of Khorfakkan, overlooking Luluyah Beach.

In a statement, Shurooq said that the adventure project is being developed adjacent to Soueifa Mountain and will feature a host of adventure activities and sports, including a zipline, giant swing, dry-slide track and hiking and mountain bike tracks. There will also be varied amenities for visitors and tourists from the Eastern Region and across the UAE.

The project will also include an observation deck and restaurant on the mountain top, which will offer visitors views of the surrounding landscape and adventure track routes. In December 2021, Shurooq also launched the Khorfakkan Beach expansion project.

Shurooq’s acting CEO, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer said the project will be completed by Q4, 2023, adding that it aligns with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to redefine the leisure and travel landscape of Khorfakkan and to bolster Sharjah’s position as an appealing tourist destination in the region.

Al Qaseer also highlighted that the project will enrich Shurooq’s portfolio of integrated projects and will offer a comprehensive solution to the ever-growing demand for tourism and leisure experiences in the East Coast.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the project’s location, overlooking Luluyah Beach, will bring together the entertainment, sports, leisure, and adventure sectors at one destination.

In January 2022, Shurooq announced a deal with Marriott International for new hospitality projects on the east coast. The firm then noted that work on the $544mn Sharjah Sustainable City and $23mn Al Hira Beach Project are on track.

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Source: ME Construction News

Alberto Cavaggioni has been appointed as the new CEO of Italy headquartered engineering consultancy RINA Consulting. He takes over from Roberto Carpaneto who led the consultancy since 2007 and will now serve as President. One of his key responsibilities will be to grow the company’s business in foreign markets.

Cavaggioni has 20 years of experience and graduated in Business & Administration from the Luigi Bocconi University of Milan, where he earned an Executive Master in Marketing & Sales.

Following roles of increasing responsibility in the industrial (Saint Gobain and Hilti) and automotive sectors (he was EMEA Manager of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands for Europe and China), he was Vice President Sales & Service for North America at the Palfinger Group, a multinational active in industrial lifting systems.

Commenting on his appointment, Cavaggioni said, “It’s really exciting for me to move from the world of industry to that of services, especially to enter a company like RINA Consulting which is very active on issues of social interest such as energy, industry, mobility and infrastructure. I thank Ugo Salerno and Roberto Carpaneto for their trust and the 3,000 people – whose great skills and passion I have already appreciated – and with whom I will work side by side to further grow the company, especially in foreign markets.”

RINA provides a wide range of services across the energy and mobility, marine, certification, infrastructure and real estate and industry sectors. It has a global presence with over 4,400 employees and 200 offices in 70 countries worldwide.

Carpaneto concluded, “His experience and knowledge will allow us to continue down the path that led RINA Consulting to be recognised as Italy’s top engineering consultancy in 2021, and one of the most important in the international market. We want to continue to provide our expertise to public and private stakeholders to help realise the most important projects both in Italy and globally.”

In June 2022, Cundall named Carole O’Neil as its Global Managing Partner and later in the month, WSP Middle East announced two senior appointments to its Property & Buildings business. In July, Witteveen+Bos EMEA DMCC names Rob van den Boomen as its new Managing Director.

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Source: ME Construction News