Quality assurance provider Intertek has partnered with Knauf to launch a training programme for contractors, installers and professionals. The programme is said to be the first to offer the Intertek Qualified Personnel (IQP) courses for drywall installers in the GCC region, and is an extension of Intertek’s global initiative to independently qualify personnel to the highest industry standards.

The firm noted trainees can enroll to become qualified for compliant installation of Knauf’s building materials. The first group of graduates received their IQP certificates at a special ceremony.

The qualification programme is designed for technical professionals in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain and is being delivered in the new Knauf Training Centre. Hundreds of professionals from the region are expected to complete the qualification every year, where they will learn how to optimise installation efficiency, how to reduce wastage and apply best practice to all installations in line with fire safety requirements, Intertek said.

The training programme is said to be an expansion of Knauf’s own education and examination programme for the installation of its systems, certified by Intertek for compliance with international fire standards.

Cristina Perez Domper, Regional Operations Manager at Intertek Building & Construction for Middle East & Africa remarked, “Partnering with an industry leader like Knauf to set up an IQP Programme is a significant step for Intertek in the region. We’re very excited about launching the first IQP Programme of its kind in the region, and we look forward to expanding our network of certified programmes. This collaboration will elevate the standards for the industry and add an extra level of verification and qualification to the installation process, a key step which is often overlooked, in line with the increasing fire safety regulations implemented by authorities.”

Intertek’s IQP Programme aims to increases the proficiency of participating installers and inspectors in installation practices, to ensure that their work is at the highest level of quality and safety assurance. Qualified professionals will be required to undergo a refresher training session every two years to maintain their qualification. The IQP Programme gives relevant authorities independent assurance that the installations meet all industry requirements and have been carried out by qualified professionals, the firm pointed out.

“We are very pleased to offer IQP accredited courses in partnership with Intertek at the new Knauf Training Centre. The new programmes will ensure higher quality and safety standards for buildings, enable us to continue our vision for quality, sustainability, health, and safety, and train professionals with excellence through a growing range of courses. The new partnership with Intertek will improve skills and knowledge through accredited qualifications. This initiative will help to create and retain a greater talent pool for the overall industry and to set a high standard for the region when it comes to professional training,” said Amer Bin Ahmed, Managing Director at Knauf Middle East & India.

Jean-Philippe Kayl, Vice-President Global Certification at Intertek concluded, “Knauf’s commitment to excellence is truly impressive. Intertek is delighted to support Knauf in its journey to implement world-class quality and safety practices in the construction industry.”

At the start of the pandemic, Intertek began offering surface hygiene testing systems for UAE businesses, while in February 2021, Intertek began offering fire testing and certification services for the Saudi building materials sector. Intertek’s Cristina Perez Domper also discussed implementing the Saudi Building Code with MECN.

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Source: ME Construction News

Dar Al-Handasah Consultants has been awarded a contract by the Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC) for the design of the master plan for the first phase of the $20bn Jeddah Central Project (JCP). Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned JCDC said Dar Al Handasah will be responsible for the design and technical consultation, which will pave the way for the construction work to commence.

JCDC said the contract also stipulates that Dar Al Handasah will provide the designs of the masterplan including all four main architectural landmarks and the development of assets on both the horizontal and vertical levels.

The design process will be led by local and international experts from Jeddah, in line with the company’s comprehensive strategy that aims to create a global destination at the heart of Jeddah city, said a statement from JCDC. Upon completion, the Jeddah Central Project will start receiving Jeddah’s residents, together with visitors from within the Kingdom and abroad.

The first phase of the project is expected to include three main architectural landmarks; an Opera House, Stadium, and Oceanarium and Coral Farms, said Engineer Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Sulaim, the CEO of Jeddah Central Development Company, after signing the deal with Said Alhayek, Founding Partner of Dar Al Handasah.

On its collaboration with Dar Al Handasah, Al Sulaim said the Saudi group will be providing the design and technical consultation for this mega development. The project will be implemented in a 5.7mn sqm strategic area in central Jeddah and features a waterfront location with 9.5km of shoreline.

“It will boast a world-class marina to accommodate local and international yachts in addition to 2.1km of sandy beaches. The project will contribute to the development of quality projects in promising sectors such as tourism, sports, culture, entertainment, commercial, and residential. It is set to boost the standard of living for residents by providing global entertainment options and generating more job opportunities. Its contemporary designs draw inspiration from Jeddah’s authentic cultural identity, highlighting the city’s traditional architecture with modern urban design elements,” Al Sulaim explained.

He concluded, “JCDC’s aim is to develop high-quality projects in vital sectors, while enhancing the cultural and social identity of the city of Jeddah.”

In December 2021, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud first outlined the main features of the Jeddah Central Project. In February, JCP CEO said 85% of the company’s staff are Saudis and, in April, JCDC signed a land deal for Phase One of the project.

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Source: ME Construction News

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower)’s Business Bay district cooling capacity now stands at over 185,000 refrigeration tons (RT), following the launch of its fourth district cooling plant.

The launch of the new 50,000RT plant is said to be part of Empower’s strategy to meet the increasing demand for company’s environmentally friendly district cooling services, and reflects its keenness to provide high quality cooling services to the corporate and individual customers in the Business Bay region, which is witnessing a high growth in population density.

“The fourth district cooling plant in Business Bay represents company’s latest achievement in the development and innovation of the district cooling sector, as it follows leading standards that contribute to reducing energy consumption for cooling operations. It also adopts sustainable methodologies in the use of treated wastewater, and applies a standard distribution technology that ensure high reliable service, which together strengthen our pioneering position in keeping pace with the standards of leadership in energy and environmental design for our plants,” said Empower CEO Ahmad Bin Shafar.

He also pointed out that the number of companies that are rushing to open their headquarters in the region is increasing due its vitality and the entry of new quality projects into the market. The list includes the ‘The Residences Dorchester Collection Dubai’, the ‘Lana Hotel’ and other major projects, most notably the ‘SLS Dubai Hotel and Apartments’, the ‘Paramount Hotel Dubai’ and many others.

Bin Shafar also stated that with its new plant, Empower is leveraging advanced technologies in its operations, including Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, which contributes to reducing load on state power grid during peak hours. He noted this is the case across all of the firm’s district cooling plants.

In addition to artificial intelligence applications and weather forecast data analysis, the company also leverages Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) technology in the plant’s operations, with the aim of reducing freshwater consumption and preserving natural resources for future generations, he concluded.

In January, the firm said it is providing district cooling services to Jumeirah Masra Al Arab. In March 2022, the firm awarded a $52.54mn contract for a next generation district cooling plant in Dubai Land Residence Complex, and in April said its network grew by 33.2% between 2018 and 2021.

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Source: ME Construction News

Swaidan Trading’s Commercial Vehicles and Heavy Equipment (CVHE) division has been recognised with Ashok Leyland’s prestigious ‘Distributor of the Year’ award.

The award was revealed at a special ceremony during the Global Dealer Conference hosted by Ashok Leyland in Kochi, India.

Presented by Ashok Leyland’s chairman Dheeraj Hinduja, Swaidan Al Naboodah, managing director of Al Naboodah Group was on hand to personally accept the coveted award.

Swaidan Trading has exclusively represented the brand since 1984. Providing consistently strong sales performance and after sales support over the last three decades to countless clients in the region, it has helped cement Ashok Leyland’s dominance as the market leader of large-sized buses in the UAE, boasting a majority market share in a highly competitive and price sensitive market.

“We are honoured to receive this award and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Ashok Leyland for years to come,” said Swaidan Al Naboodah.

“The UAE transportation sector is one of the most competitive in the B2B sector and achieving a majority market share in the large bus segment bears testimony to our aggressive strategy that consistently puts quality and the customer first.

He continued: “As a purpose-driven business rooted in commercial vehicles and heavy equipment, Swaidan Trading’s CVHE division continually focuses on gains in efficiency and agility that can positively contribute to the institutions we count as our customers.”

Dheeraj Hinduja praised the long-standing partnership, adding: “It is our pleasure to partner with a legacy institution that understands the local market and has the scalability and resources to offer Ashok Leyland customers the highest standards of service and after sales support that they have come to associate with the brand.”

Known globally as a hub for construction projects and boasting some of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure, the commercial vehicle market is the driving force responsible for the region’s landscape and continues to make an important contribution to the market.

Demand patterns for commercial vehicles remains high as government initiatives continue to trigger growth in demand for heavy equipment with sales projected to growth year-on-year, well into the next decade.

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Source: ME Construction News

Pavilion at The Beach has opened its doors in Dubai according to Brewer Smith Brewer Group (BSBG). The project, which is billed as a day-night, all-year round dining concept, is being developed by Merex Investment Group, a JV between Dubai Holding and Brookfield Asset Management.

Designed by BSBG+Studio with the aim of reimagining the way in which people experience the venue, the 60,000sqft space is said to provide an idyllic setting for casual dining.

“We saw an opportunity to create a high energy, branded F&B experience to add a new dimension to The Beach,” said Michael Lewis, Group Design Director at BSBG.

A key feature of the project is said to be the use of an EFTE roofing system, selected for its low weight in comparison to glass, exceptional light transmission, long service life and sustainability qualities, he stated.

Lewis also noted, “It looks fantastic, and is a great example of how I think we’ve showcased our ability to revisit existing buildings or masterplans and find innovative ways to enhance or add new dimensions,” remarked Lewis. This is particularly exciting as we foresee a requirement for many projects of a similar nature in the near future throughout Dubai.”

Merex Investment Group CEO Shahram Shamsaee added, “Pavilion at The Beach aligns with our vision to reimagine the way visitors enjoy spaces and the latest addition to The Beach’s tenant mix will amplify Dubai’s position as a global hospitality hub and sought-after location. The venue will set the benchmark for Dubai’s thriving coastline and will be a fantastic addition to the Emirate’s tourism hotspot at The Beach. The 365 day a year, all day-night concept is a unique offering to Dubai’s thriving F&B sector and will support our growth to take destinations to and beyond their business potential by capitalising on prime locations.”

On its relationship with Merex, BSBG Managing Partner Alistair McMillan remarked, “Great credit goes to the group for having the foresight to understand the significance of this intervention as a means of maintaining the relevance and widespread appeal of The Beach moving forward. We’re delighted with the outcome, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside Merex Investment Group on some exciting future projects in Dubai.”

BSBG is currently also working on The Residences, Dorchester Collection with developer Omniyat.

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Source: ME Construction News

Construction safety requires a multi-faceted approach from the manufacturers of heavy machinery all the way down to those using and operating the equipment on-site. Construction Machinery Middle East speaks to Johnson Arabia’s Joy Abuda – a key member of the AWP operations and sales team and their only female IPAF trained member of staff – about her part and that of the rental company in creating a safer environment for the end user.

Joy, can you explain the technical and operational assistance you provide when you hand out an AWP to be used on-site?

Depending on the needs and knowledge of the customer or operator we can either provide a familiarisation upon delivery, or full training at site or at one of our facilities. We are a fully IPAF certified training centre meaning we are approved to conduct operator training which meets ISO 18878 standards and is recognised globally for the operation of AWP. We also ensure our employees are full licensed, and therefore have the knowledge and expertise to familiarise our customers and ensure they are comfortable with the equipment they have chosen.

What safety measures and procedures is it necessary for you, as a rental company, to have in place?

As a leading supplier for working at height equipment, we have a range of procedures and practices in place to ensure our machinery meets the strictest standards of quality and operation. It all starts with our 5S methodology in our premises which optimises efficiency and safety in our operations and continues through the various before and after-hire inspections, as well as our preventative maintenance program and third-party inspections which ensures all our machinery is in the best condition.

What kind of advice does Johnson Arabia give customers when it comes to choosing the correct AWP they should use? Is there anything else that you tend to make them aware of?

A lot of our regular customers are already well aware of the products we run and the solutions they require, but often we will get either a new customer, or a more complicated job requirement where we are asked to advise our customer on what they want. In these instances, we can provide a free on-site survey to establish exactly what machine is best suited, or we can educate the customer in how to specify a machine themselves. Depending on the site and application, there are a whole range of things a customer might want to consider, from the power type, additional safety features, or even how the machine is going to be delivered.

Can you explain the breakdown of responsibility for AWP safety between the manufacturer, rental company and customer?

Responsibility for safety is very multi-faceted. It starts with manufacturers producing a piece of equipment which is inherently safe and well designed, with appropriate technical guidance to ensure that the products can be kept in a good and safe condition for its entire life cycle. It is then down to us as a rental provider to ensure we meet or exceed the manufacturer guidance on maintenance, as well as observing best practice as mandated by the government and other global organisations.

On a day-to-day basis the customer also has their own responsibilities. With our advice they need to select a machine appropriate for the job, ensure the use of the machine has been risk assessed and that other external factors are considered, and ensure that if they are providing their own operator, that there is appropriate training and familiarisation is arranged. After everything has been done to arrange a successful machine deployment, it is finally down to the individual operator in charge of the machine to ensure they are carrying out regular pre-use checks, following all safe systems of work and risk assessments, and ultimately operating the machinery in a safe and controlled manner.

How does the type of AWP impact safety procedure or approach?

The type of AWP plays a significant role in the safety procedure and approach. As does the site condition and location. Working at height is inherently dangerous, and AWPs help to significantly reduce risk of injury or death, however there are still a lot of things to consider when working on an active site. Selecting the right machine for the job is important so that no new risks are added. The type of machine used can impact a range of things; for example diesel machines should not be used in enclosed spaces. Or that machine point-loadings should be understood to determine what ground a machine can work on. Or even whether the machine is designed to work outside and what wind-loading the machine can take. There are dozens of factors which need to be considered, and either a well-trained person, or a site survey from Johnson Arabia, can help to solve most of these considerations.

Early in March 2022, the firm announced it took delivery of 10 JLG Electric Scissor Lifts.

The article originally appeared in the May 2022 issue of Construction Machinery Middle East.

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Source: ME Construction News

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Source: ME Construction News

Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA FZE (DCV MENA) has launched its new range of Mercedes-Benz’ Econic trucks into the Midlde East and North Africa region.

First introduced in 1998, the Econic has enjoyed significant success in multiple European markets for over two decades due to its safety, efficiency, ergonomics and reduced impact on the environment – and the latest Econic will set new benchmarks in the market, claims the German giant.

“The Econic is the proven choice for airport ground services, municipality and waste management applications,” it added in a statement.

The Econic is designed as a versatile low-entry truck making it suitable for the need for cleaner urban transport in an era where mobility, logistics, the environment and quality of life are all important priorities for fleets.

According to DCV MENA, “the trucks are efficient, powerful and reliable, and offer maximum safety for those in the surrounding environment, as well as optimum working conditions for the driver and/or crew. With a choice of engine outputs and transmissions to suit a variety of applications, Econic is an efficient and responsible response to the challenge of increasing global emissions levels.”

“After the success of the Mercedes-Benz Econic worldwide, we are excited to bring it to the region. Since its launch in 1989, it has proven itself as a reliable truck across numerous industries and markets due to its versatility, safety and efficiency,” explained Olaf Petersen, general manager, Daimler Commercial Vehicles MENA.

The Econic was on display at this week’s Truck and Fleet Conference in Dubai. During the event, experts and delegates expressed concern over the extended delivery times of trucks due to disruption in the global supply chain. Petersen, however, explained that the firm has secured production slots for customers in the region.

“With the MENA launch of the proven Econic, DCV MENA is inviting interested parties to reach out for a demonstration of the vehicle and is pleased to note that production slots are immediately available, thus allowing for short delivery timelines of only a few months.”

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Source: ME Construction News

The development of a new 5,000 tonne per day cement plant in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia is underway according to the Southern Province Cement Company (SPCC). The move is part of its strategy to boost its total capacity to 10,000 tonnes per day and gradually replace the current production lines.

Following the completion of technical studies in co-ordination with it consulting firm, the company’s board of directors have given the go-ahead to build the infrastructure for another 5000-tonne-per-day line within the same site, said SPCC.

Southern Province Cement had recently released its figures for the three-month period ended March 31, 2022, which showed that the company’s performance remained under pressure.

The Saudi group had posted a net profit after Zakat and tax of $23.1mn for Q1, down 49% from $45mn a year before. This was mainly due to a sharp decrease in sales revenue along with an increase in general and administration expenses, the firm explained.

In Q2, 2021, the company reported a 15% fall in revenue citing a 10.9% y-o-y fall in cement volume.

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Source: ME Construction News

Tenable Fire Engineering Consultancy (FEC) has secured over $1.73mn in projects in the first quarter of 2022. The fire and life safety consultancy says this performance represents a 120% increase in the number of contracts won in Saudi Arabia compared to the same period in 2021.

The firm said the increase in KSA projects has driven forward plans for it to open its first office in the Kingdom this summer. Its contracts have come from a range of sectors including commercial, cultural and heritage, hospitality and retail. The company believes the addition of a Saudi-based team will see continued growth in projects won and will aid the Kingdom in its construction developments.

Year-on-year growth has not been limited to Saudi Arabia; 2022 has seen Tenable FEC increase GCC-wide revenues by 15% compared to the same period in 2021, the firm said.

Headquartered in Muscat, Oman remains Tenable FEC’s largest market in terms of revenue, generating close to $1mn in the first four months of 2022. The organisation also recorded significant growth of 46% in the UAE, as well as winning more contracts for international projects, including several across Africa, the statement explained.

“We are thrilled at the company’s growth so far this year, not just overall but across the majority of our serviced sectors. Our leading and accredited engineers ensure we are the region’s largest single-discipline fire and life safety services consultancy. By providing expert code consulting, fire system design, site inspections, and third-party verification, we’re able to excel in projects across the region and worldwide due to our flexible approach to architectural design aspirations in the initial planning stages. By the end of 2022, we aim to increase the number of projects in key sectors and continue our growth and positioning as an industry-leading specialist,” said Sultan Al Maskri, Tenable FEC’s founder and CEO.

Mazin Al Yaarubi, Tenable FEC’s Director – HQ, believes a major contributing factor to the organisation’s performance in the first four months of the year is an increasingly active construction market.

Al Yaarubi explains, “It’s promising that despite the difficulties faced globally due to the pandemic, we’re experiencing more business opportunities and projects across the region come to fruition. Now the world is returning to a steady-state of business and growth, our priority is to ensure the fire and life safety of these new developments and projects are in line with the numerous codes and requirements — something we pride ourselves on being industry experts in.”

According to Sam Alcock, Tenable FEC’s Dubai director, hospitality currently commands the highest revenue within Tenable FEC’s existing portfolio, as the number of new hotel openings increases and the need to service existing locations for their ongoing fire and life safety requirements continues. The energy sector, including oil and gas, LPG, power and petroleum, and the industrial sector in general remain key sectors for the organisation as its portfolio of clients grows. Retail has been identified as a target growth area for Tenable FEC as new malls across the region open, including the Mall of Oman, which has been a milestone project for the fire and life safety consultancy, he remarked.

Alcock concluded, “2022 has the makings of being a record year for Tenable FEC, and we are committed to continuing along this growth trajectory. We offer a comprehensive range of fire and life safety consultancy services and shall be focusing on delivering our existing expertise into new sectors, further establishing ourselves as the consultancy partner of choice in existing sectors and achieving our ambitious international growth plans, with a key focus on KSA in-line with Saudi Vision 2030. Already in 2022, we have successfully accredited three of our engineers with Saudi Council of Engineers, further cementing our commitment to providing world-class fire and life safety engineering consultancy services adhering to the local regulations in the markets within which we operate. We are looking forward to continuing to ensure some of the region’s, and the world’s, most prestigious and groundbreaking projects are delivered with robust fire and life safety as a priority.”

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Source: ME Construction News