Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has announced the completion of 98.83% of its project to extend its water transmission network by 36 kilometres across Dubai, at a total cost of $72.4 million.

According to a WAM report, the project includes the enhancement of the water network, including the installation and commissioning of pipelines along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, pipelines from the Hassyan Pump Station to Dubai Investments Park and Dubai World Central, pipelines from Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) station in the Jebel Ali Power Station and Water Desalination Complex to Sheikh Zayed Road, all of which are 100 percent completed.

The project also includes installation and commissioning of a pipeline from Nakhali Reservoir to Alaweer roundabout alongside the Dubai-Hatta Road, which is 95% completed; pipelines in Muhaisinah area, which is 98% completed, and a pipeline from Margham wellfield to Dubai Al Ain Road, which is 100% completed; All the project’s phases are expected to be completed by July 2022.

“In line with the vision and directives of the wise leadership, we are developing a world-class infrastructure for electricity and water to keep pace with the growing demand in Dubai and ensure the provision of our services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, efficiency and quality. DEWA’s total productivity of desalinated water is 490 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD),” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA.

“We use the latest international technologies in the generation, transmission, distribution and control of electricity and water networks, and follow the best international practices in all our projects to increase production and operational efficiency. We have made significant achievements in developing the water network to enhance its efficiency and reliability as well as raise water flow and volume of water reserves.

“We aim to increase the storage capacity of Dubai to 1002 MIG compared to the current capacity of 815 MIGD to meet the requirements of the sustainable development of Dubai. DEWA’s efforts have reduced the losses in water transmission and distribution networks from 42% in 1988 to 5.3% currently. This is one of the lowest scores in the world and compares favourably to North America, where water losses are around 15%,” he added.

Abdullah Obaidullah, Executive Vice President of Water and Civil at DEWA added that the project has two sections. Section A is 12.482 kilometres in total, and Section B is 24.03 kilometres in total.

DEWA has 100% completed Section A, while the completion rate of Section B is 97.67%. The project includes the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of Glass-Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) water pipes (in different diameters), and also precast GRE chambers, he concluded.

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Wadi Hanifah is to be transformed into a nature-based escape from Riyadh’s bustling city centre according to Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA). Two square kilometres will be transformed with the addition of unique palm groves containing hundreds of thousands of trees from species native to the wadi, as well as creating new parks with walking trails, biking tracks, outdoor games areas and picnic spots where people can gather and enjoy time out, DGDA stated.

Wellness spaces, activity and eco-tourism attractions will be at the heart of the wadi’s enhancements, which aim to improve the quality of life for local residents and visitors, said a statement from DGDA.

“Wadi Hanifah is an integral part of the masterplan for Diriyah. The wadi was what drew people to the area centuries ago and from which sprung the city of Diriyah we are restoring today. The wadi’s status in history as a place of relaxation and recovery has led us to create a destination with ample wellness and recreational offerings that put people first. It will be a haven of nature for our residents and guests which will bring them closer to Diriyah’s immense historical legacy,” said Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO at DGDA.

The Wadi Hanifah masterplan will comprise four interactive zones: Heritage and Cultural Zone; Wadi Living Zone; Eco-Tourism Zone; Sports and Activity Zone.

The Heritage and Culture Zone will take shape adjacent to At-Turaif and will focus on creating a landscape that complements and adds to the visitor experience of both At-Turaif and Bujairi Terrace. The existing park will be extended and refurbished to serve the community, with a theme and character in keeping with the area’s heritage to create a stronger identity. It will also feature a Heritage Art Oasis, a 50-key boutique hotel and Sports Boulevard that will give visitors seamless connectivity to both Wadi Hanifah and Diriyah Gate, the statement explained.

The Wadi Living Zone will be located on the western edge of Diriyah Gate and will include several experiences amidst wadi surroundings with a variety of recreational spaces catering to families and visitors of all ages. These spaces will include picnic areas, an outdoor theatre, a star gazing garden, a storytelling and event space and a children’s play area.

The statement noted that the Eco-Tourism Zone will be to the south of Diriyah Gate, and will feature the Barari Diriyah Wildlife Conservation Centre and Palm Heritage Centre for Research and Development. The Sports and Activity Zone in the southwestern area will feature adventure activities and will have an urban, contemporary feel, while still embracing the wadi’s natural character. The zone can be accessed from the Western Ring Road and will include courts, a skate park and a parkour arena. The zone will also provide facilities for mountain biking, a multi-use games arena, a green caravan route and a central sports pavilion, the statement explained.

The restoration of Wadi Hanifah forms a key part of DGDA’s $50.6bn masterplan that will transform Diriyah into one of the world’s most exciting cultural tourist destinations. Hospitality, commercial, retail and nature offerings will both leverage and elevate the exceptionally distinctive character and cultural importance of the area and support DGDA’s overall mission to share, protect and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s national heritage, the statement concluded.

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Work is nearing completion on a new campus in the Non-Profit City of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in Riyadh, according to Misk Schools. The ​​210,0000sqm facility comprises nine school buildings for students aged three to 18 years and is expected to open its doors in time for the new academic year in September.

Commenting on the project, Dr Mohammad Al Hayaza, chairman of the Misk Schools Board said the new campus is the first project to be implemented in the Nonprofit City, setting a new standard for non-profit private education in the Kingdom, and reflecting the ambition of HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence to support and develop the non-profit private sector.

He explained, “Despite Prince Mohammed’s huge responsibilities, he has personally integrated himself in both the location and design process of the new campus, in order to ensure it supports a distinguished and unique education.”

He also directed the completion of the project in the shortest period of time, in order for Misk Schools to become amongst the best schools in the world, said Al Hayaza.

With a built-up area of ​​110,000sqm, the new Misk campus boasts environmentally friendly, sustainable and technologically connected designs that can accommodate over 1,000 students. Each school features academic classrooms, a library, art and design studios, science and food technology labs, Arabic culture hubs, IT suite and music room. Each also has a kitchen in support of the school’s ‘farm to table’ initiative, the statement noted.

Al Hayaza added, “Its light-filled teaching and learning spaces are flexible, supporting the school’s commitment to fit the curriculum to the child, not the child to the curriculum – a promise delivered through one-to-one mentoring and a 1:4 teacher to student ratio.”

As students mature, the specification of facilities becomes more sophisticated. In STEM, the older students have access to specialised, multidisciplinary workshops for coding and robotics, as well as mechanical, electrical, systems and control engineering (mechatronics). In culture and the arts, there are filmmaking and digital editing suites, as well as two black box theaters complete with high tech audio-visual production hubs and lighting rigs, while the culinary arts are supported by a Master Chef-style kitchen, remarked Al Hayaza.

The Misk school campus boasts key facilities including three professional-style auditoriums (the largest of which can seat up to 850) and an exhibition gallery for cultural showcases, the statement noted.

“A total of 29 Summer Olympic sports are catered for, together with e-Sports. Included are specialist academies for golf, go-karting, and equestrian. Alongside 25m and 50m Olympic swimming pools, there is a ‘learn to swim’ pool, a sports hall with 12 multi-purpose courts, gymnastics hall, two FIFA standard synthetic grass pitches and two 400m Olympic athletics tracks. In addition, there are numerous outdoor and indoor areas for low impact exercise, all set in a landscaped environment planted with over 1,000 trees,” concluded Al Hayaza.

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It was officially announced at the close of 2021 that award-winning luxury hotel group Six Senses is preparing to formally enter into the UAE market with 172 branded residences and 61-room hotel, the Six Senses The Palm, Dubai, and along a private stretch of beach on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent.

Select Group, the global property developer, and its joint venture partner Emirates Strategic Investments Company (ESIC) are on board the project to develop the ultra-luxury operator’s first branded residences and hotel in the UAE.

Located on the Palm’s West Crescent – one of the very few remaining undeveloped plots on The Palm – Six Senses The Palm, Dubai is likely to be one of the last projects of its type on the manmade peninsular when it opens to both hotel guests and residents, says Select Group’s Founder & CEO, Rahail Aslam.

All the residences will be fully branded as Six Senses Residences and be managed by Six Senses but for now, Select Group is leading the creation of a range of units that follow four unique typologies, including 134 penthouses divided into two to four-bedroom offerings, a collection of 32 three and four-bedroom sky villas, five four-bedroom royal penthouses, two four-bedroom imperial penthouses and nine signature beachfront five-bedroom villas.

“The development will offer residents and guests access to an array of premium wellness and lifestyle facilities. At the core, is Six Senses Place, a 60,000 sqft space dedicated to wellbeing and reconnecting, offering a wide selection of amenities to homeowners that is unique in the market and what truly differentiates the development,” he explains.

The portfolio of Select Group has blossomed over the past few years. In 2020, it delivered the luxurious and award-winning Jumeriah Living Marina Gate (JLMG) in 2020, and introduced The Signature Collection of elevated and luxurious residences in Peninsula Five earlier in January. According to Aslam, the development marks a departure for the firm in the rarefied end of the market in which it operates.

“This will be an ultra-luxurious proposition, offering exclusive and unique living experiences in one of the most iconic locations in the city,” he says, noting that like all of Select Group’s developments, it’s once again delivering a project situated in a stunning waterside location.

“Given the location and the branded partner we are operating with, this will naturally become the most elevated and sort-after development we have brought to the market to date,” he adds.

The rapid progress to date has been helped by close working relationships with Nakheel and Trakhees who have provided much-needed support for the complex and high-end project, says Aslam.

“That has allowed us to drive the process forward and deliver and hit our relevant design and KPI commitment. We have also picked best-in-class consultants and operators to work with, to ensure the final product meets the highest of standards that you would expect.”

Having analysed the existing developments on the Palm, Select Group identified a gap in the market and saw an opportunity where it could bring a completely new proposition to Dubai’s iconic Palm, says Rahail Aslam.

At the heart of this development is an even more important partnership with Six Senses, the hotel group’s owner IHG and long-time local cohort ESIC.

“We have a long-standing and successful relationship with all our ongoing partners across the board, including ESIC whom we have collaborated with on previous developments. We also have a fruitful ongoing relationship with IHG when it comes to them operating different hotels within our portfolio, which made the selection process very straightforward.

Six Senses has a wide range of core beliefs focused on sustainability, environmental awareness, and that aligns with our own values. So, we felt this was a perfect synergy, and a partnership we are very interested in nurturing.”

He continues: “Select Group has always had a strong hospitality sector; we have existing relationships with Jumeriah and Intercontinental in Dubai, as well as with the likes of Radisson, Nui Air, Ibis and Melia in Europe.”

The Palm itself remains an iconic location, and, as Aslam points out, is one of the first landmarks that comes to mind when people think of Dubai and the UAE. As such, Select Group was confident that sales would be brisk when they launched on 21 January 2022.

“It signifies Dubai’s commitment to innovation, and its thirst to be bigger and bolder,” he remarks. “Having analysed the existing developments on the Palm, we identified a gap in the market and saw an opportunity where we could bring a completely new proposition to the market.

“Dubai continues to be an optimal location for investors and homeowners because of the lifestyle it offers, the weather, the safety and security, and the great leadership. It’s a thriving cosmopolitan city that attracts people from all over the world. It remains a highly popular and a fantastic destination from a work and tourism point of view. The Palm, in particular, is a stunning location, the complete water frontage. It offers incredible value compared to similarly located developments in other major cities around the world.”

When completed, The Six Senses The Palm, Dubai will combine the feel of a beachfront destination and a luscious and tranquil secluded resort – all on the doorstep of one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Aslam says this will help the unique development appeal to many buyers in the ultra-luxury, super high-end market looking for a second or even third home.

“These are homes for buyers who are looking to really enjoy a specific type of work/life balance and are also the kind of people that focus on the elevated things in life.  That’s what The Six Senses Residences The Palm, Dubai will deliver.”

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Al Qana, a leading waterfront, dining and entertainment destination in Abu Dhabi, has announced that work is in full swing on its additional recreation spaces and cinema, which is scheduled to open soon.

Al Barakah International Investment is the company behind the development of the key retail and leisure destination, which is also home to the region’s largest aquarium, as well as indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, retail and dining outlets, and a marina.

“Al Qana is a mega-infrastructure project designed to support Abu Dhabi’s vision to cement itself as one of the most livable cities in the world. We aim to further enhance quality of life in the emirate by providing even more recreational, cultural, sporting, and active initiatives,” remarked Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of the Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office, after touring the site of the new Al Qana waterside project.

During the visit, His Highness toured the attractions and praised their contribution to strengthening the emirate’s tourism offering and enhancing the community’s health and wellbeing.

He was accompanied by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), and Saeed bin Omeir bin Yousef, Chairman of Al Barakah International Investment, the developer of the Al Qana project, and Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al Barakah International Investment.

“At Al Qana, more than 365,000 square feet are dedicated to entertainment. We are developing an iconic destination that will not only boost tourism, but also be a leisure and dining hub for families and friends,” added Sheikh Khaled.

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A consultancy will be appointed to conduct integrated feasibility studies for the North Kabd sewage treatment plant project and related works by Kuwait’s Ministry of Public Works.

According to a report by Arab Times, the North Kabd plant will be implemented as a public-private partnership project with the aim of raising the level of infrastructure services, meeting the state’s needs, keeping pace with urban development, treating sewage, and benefiting from treated water for agricultural and irrigation purposes.

On completion, the plant will have an estimated capacity of one million cu/m water per day to serve the residential areas and cities located south of the Sixth Ring Road – Southern Khaitan, Abdullah Al Mubarak and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh – in addition to the new areas of west of Abdullah Al Mubarak and south of the Saad Al Abdullah city.

The winning bidder will also assess the project from the environment, technical and financial point of view and prepare the tender documents and obtain the necessary approvals in cooperation with the PPP Projects Authority, the report concluded.

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A plan to construct dedicated bus and taxi lanes extending 37km during the period 2023-2027 has been endorsed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

According to a statement, the lanes cover eight main streets mainly Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Street, 2nd December Street, Amman Street, Al Satwa Road, Al Nahda Street, Omar bin Al-Khattab Street and Naif Street bringing the total length of dedicated bus and taxi lanes to 48.6km.

“The dedicated bus and taxi lanes is a successful global practice that encourages people to ride public transport rather than private vehicles. As seen in several metropolitan cities in America and Europe dedicated bus and taxi lanes reduce journey time, increase the compliance with the on-time bus departures, encourage public to use mass transport means, improve the taxi arrival time, and reduce the direct and indirect operational costs as well as pollutions,” said Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

He noted that the project contributes to realising the RTA’s strategic goal (Integrated Dubai), improving the living standards in the city, and enhancing the happiness of public transport riders.

Earlier, the RTA completed the construction of dedicated bus lanes stretching 11.6km, which included a separate lane for buses and taxis on Khalid Bin Al Waleed Street extending 4.3km from the intersection with Al Mina Street to a point just before the intersection with Zabeel Street, in both directions, the statement explained.

Al Tayer continued, “Widening the scope of dedicated bus lanes increases the average bus speed and reduces the travel time during peak hours by more than 40%. The introduction of this project is expected to reduce bus journey time by 44% on the 2nd December Street, 39% on the Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Street and Amman Street, 28% on the Omar bin Al-Khattab Street, 27% on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, 25% on Al-Nahda Street, and 18% on Al Satwa Road. The project is expected to contribute to a 30% increase in public transport riders by 2030 on some streets and reduce the requirements of additional buses due to the journey time saved.”

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KEO International Consultants, the construction services firm, has announced the appointment of Dani Ghandour as general manager of its expanding operations in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, KEO said that Ghandour will bring decades of leadership experience in delivery and implementation of megaprojects for key public and private entities in the region and in Saudi Arabia. It added that he has more than 20 years of industry experience as an accomplished strategic management and business development executive.

Commenting on the announcement, President and CEO of KEO Donna Sultan said: “Dani’s appointment comes at a time of significant growth and expansion into Saudi Arabia for KEO and its Allied Practices, InSite and C-Quest. And is a clear signal of KEO’s commitment to the Saudi market and their Vision 2030 goals.

“As KEO’s GM for Saudi, I have no doubt that Dani will contribute enormously to drive continued growth and realizing KEO’s Saudi business strategies and that of its Allied Practices.”

Ghandour’s specialised area of expertise has been in the delivery of strategic Project Management Consultancy (PMC) services and establishing and running highly complex and successful Project Management Offices (PMO) in various governmental institutions. Prior to joining KEO, he held a senior management executive position with a major international multi-disciplinary consulting firm.

When asked about joining KEO, Ghandour stated: “KEO is one of leading consultancies with exceptionally strong credentials fully committed to delivering consistent value to its clients and to communities in the region. I am excited and privileged to be part of the KEO team and looking forward to the next phase of KEO’s expansion and growth in Saudi and serving clients there.”

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Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the leading luxury hospitality company, has said that it has reached an agreement with Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN), the executive arm of the Sultanate for tourism development, for the establishment of a luxury seaside resort and private residences in the capital Muscat.

In a statement announcing the project, Four Seasons said the development will be created through the revamping of a former yacht club and marina into 200 rooms and suites, and 100 private residences. Once completed, the project will give residents and guests access to a private beach, five dining outlets, and both indoor and outdoor pools with cabanas.

In addition to water sports offered at the onsite beach, the resort will provide many additional activities for travellers of all kinds to experience through its tennis centre, spa and fitness facilities, and for younger guests, through a dedicated Kids For All Seasons and young adults centre, it added.

Bart Carnahan, President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said: “The Middle East continues to be an integral part of Four Seasons growth strategy, as we look for opportunities to offer unmatched Four Seasons experiences in exciting and dynamic destinations such as Muscat.”

“We are excited to be a part of OMRAN Group’s long-term vision for the future development of Oman’s tourism landscape, further accelerating the strategic growth of its capital city and continuing to attract luxury guests and residents from around the world with a brand new Four Seasons offering,” he stated.

OMRAN Group CEO Dr Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi said: “Muscat is a destination filled with history, natural beauty, business, tourism, and so much more, and we look forward to showcasing all it has to offer through this exceptional new project with Four Seasons.”

“By bringing this iconic brand to Muscat, we continue to drive forward the Oman Vision 2040 and our National Tourism Strategy, solidifying this wonderful country as a preeminent luxury destination for locals and global travellers alike,” noted Al Mahrouqi.

The property will also feature extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces, as well as a bride’s room, business centre, business departure lounge, and prayer rooms.

Residents will also have access to the services and amenities of the neighbouring resort.

Four Seasons Resort and Private Residences Muscat, Oman joins Four Seasons growing collection of properties in the Middle East, including the upcoming Four Seasons Private Residences Dubai at Jumeirah and Four Seasons Hotel Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, he concluded.

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Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group and the Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA) have signed a Term Sheet and a Head of Terms agreement for major port projects along Egypt’s coastline, it has announced.

The first agreement will see AD Ports Group develop, operate and manage a multipurpose terminal in Safaga Port in a consortium with the Red Sea Ports Authority and the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals Company, the commercial arm of the Egyptian Ministry of Transportation.

The multi-purpose terminal project in Safaga Port is an important national project due to its strategic location on the Red Sea. Upon completion in 2024, the terminal will offer berths of up to 1,000 meters capable of handling all types of general, dry and liquid bulk cargo.

As part of the agreement, the new joint venture will provide port users with a wide range of marine services. These include services related to vessel traffic management, dangerous goods control, provision of navigation aids, fire prevention and firefighting, anchorage, dredging, as well as pilotage, towage, and mooring and unmooring solutions.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by Lieutenant-General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Minister of Transport of Egypt, and signed by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, Chairman the Red Sea Ports Authority; Rear Admiral Abdel Qader Darwish, Chairman the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals, and Saif Al Mazrouei, CEO of the Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group.

Kamel El-Wazir said: “These agreements are in line with the directions of His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, aiming to make Egypt a global trade and logistics hub through the development of Egyptian ports at the Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea coasts, and the constructive cooperation between Egyptian and UAE ports.”

Capt. Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “In line with our leadership’s vision to promote cooperation with fraternal Arab neighbours , we are pleased to extend our strategic relationship with the Egyptian authorities through these agreements, which cover a full range of services across multiple ports along the Red Sea coast. The Ministry of Transport has ambitious plans to boost maritime trade and transportation, and AD Ports Group stands ready to leverage its expertise and experience to support these vital development projects.”

The second agreement covers the development, operation, and management of cruise ship berths and terminals at Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga ports, and to provide support services to help extend cruise tourism in Egypt. In addition, AD Ports Group will develop plans for cruise ships lines linking Abu Dhabi, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba.

Under the terms of the agreement, AD Ports Group can carry out development work to enhance the experience of visiting tourists.

The memorandum was signed by Major General Mohamed Abdel Rahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Red Sea Ports Authority and Saif Al Mazrouei – CEO of the Ports Cluster, AD Ports Group.

The agreements are the latest in a series between AD Ports Group and maritime organisations in Egypt, including an agreement with the Egyptian Group for Multipurpose Terminals for the joint development and operation of Egypt’s Ain Sokhna Port.

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Source: ME Construction News