The Big Project Magazine

ARCHITECTURE n ENGINEERING n CONSTRUCTION n PMVPUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ

MAY 2011PLUS

BEIRUT’S VERSACE TOwER RECRUITMENT TRENdS

2011 ECONOMIC PREdICTIONS

Drake anD ScULL ceOkhaLDOUn Tabari

The SafeTy CirCuSThe story behind new health and safety regulations in the UAE that aim to put an end to the onsite safety circus

www.thebigprojectme.com | 3

MAY

Contents

36

31

REGULARS

Editor’s letter 4

News bulletin 7

News analysis 13Nick Smith, partner with EC Harris

explains the 2.7% construction

inflation predicted for 2011

Event insider 16The inside story on the new ABC

Expo, a preview of this month’s

Project Qatar and interviews with

speakers from June’s Middle East

Contract Management conference

On site 26How Sobha Contracting met tight

deadlines with the help of Doka’s

revolutionary Staxo 40

Talk 33Drake and Scull CEO Khaldoun Tabari

speaks to The Big Project the day after

receiving an award for services to the

construction industry

Trends 47Three major HVAC suppliers discuss

how building design compromises

system functionality

Tenders 61

Diary 65

FEATURES

21 CommentBen Waddilove of MacDonald

and Company explains the

region’s changing recruitment

trends

31 Project updateDamac Tower: Beirut’s latest

flagship development in

association with Italian fashion

house Versace.

36 Safety circusA look at onsite safety and the new

codes set to transform the UAE

43 Market explorerAnalysis of the competition

between Dubai and Abu Dhabi

54 Supplier news

56 Supplier hotseatCCS Candy’s regional manager

Ian Hauptfleisch explains the

significance of the Middle East

59 Career ladder Following a string of

appointments at Volvo CE,

Patrick Olney talks about his

new role as CEO

66 Your shout

47

26

| www.thebigprojectme.com4

EDITO

R’S COM

MEN

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PublisherDominic De Sousa

Chief operations officerNadeem Hood

Associate publisherLiam [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9158

Director business developmentAlex [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9154GSM: +971 (0)50 458 9204

EditorMelanie [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9117 GSM: +971 (0)56 758 7834

Assistant editorChristine [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9116 GSM: +971 (0)55 105 3772

Senior sales managerScott [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9144 GSM: +971 (0)50 557 3677

Business development managerRhiannon [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9152 GSM: +971 (0)50 554 0116

Business development managerNayab [email protected]: +971 (0)4 440 9153 GSM: +971 (0)55 542 6032

Designer/PhotographerMarlou Delaben

PhotographerCris Mejorada

Digital Services ManagerTristan Troy P Maagma

Web developersJerus King BationErik BrionesJefferson de JoyaLouie Alma

Printed byPrintwell Printing Press LLC

Published by

Head OfficePO Box 13700Dubai, UAETel: +971 (0)4 440 9100Fax: +971 (0)4 447 2409Web: www.thebigprojectme.com

© Copyright 2011 CPI.All rights reserved.While the publishers have madeevery effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine,they will not be held responsiblefor any errors therein.

Poor health and safety practices don’t just injure workers, they injure the reputation of the entire

industry. Here in the UAE, a lack of unified legislation and a melting pot of companies from all over the world coming to operate in the country, has lead to a culture of apathy and in some cases negligence.

According to Taylor Wessing, one stakeholder counted 170 different pieces of legislation at a federal level; taken from laws as diverse as the UAE labour law to the powers held by civil defence authorities, designed to govern the safety of thousands of workers.

Yet accidents have continued to hap-pen, and sully the reputation of a coun-try which in all other respects strives for nothing less than world class.

The impact of poor legislation even reaches as far as the job market. In an interview in February, organisational development manager for Alec Construction, Duncan O’Brien, revealed how the reputation for lacka-daisical standards is even spreading to India and Pakistan, from where the majority of the UAE’s construction labourers are recruited.

O’Brien said some workers even refuse to attend the recruitment days of certain construction companies, because of the stories they hear from other, returning workers, who com-pleted jobs in the UAE and wider GCC.

Last year, the much anticipated Abu Dhabi health, safety and environment management system (EHSMS) came into effect. The first comprehensive and specific legislation in the country, it covers the health and safety of workers on site, the environment, and the safety of the constructed building.

While the EHSMS is not a nation-wide initiative — and most of the coun-try has already been built — it does show a commitment from the authori-ties to end a safety culture which is largely regarded as a circus.

The industry response to the EHSMS has been overwhelmingly positive and it looks set to cement the UAE as a world leader in safety standards. But like all processes it will take time, and until fully implemented the responsibil-ity continues to lie with the contractors, project managers and onsite safety managers, who are so integral to pro-tecting both their workers and the con-tinuation of investment in the region.

In terms of politics and public inter-est information, the news media is regarded as a fourth estate. Here at The Big Project, we intend to continue reporting on the progress of the EHSMS and, like the rest of the indus-try, look forward to the establishment of a nation-wide standard that, in the footsteps of the EHSMS, will protect the workers, building users and the construction industry as a whole.

Striving for better

Melanie MingasEditor

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The Courtyard features an open-air rooftop terrace for recreation.

The projects are located at the gateway of the Abdali master plan.

Damac has also stated intentions to deliver seven “major projects” over the next 12 month, with contracts worth US $1 billion awarded in the previous 12 months, in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia.

The Jordan-based UNEC, an ISO 9001: 2008 certified full service construction company has been operating for 36 years, specialising in projects including multi-storey residential buildings, mosques and shopping malls, according to the developer.

The company’s second Jordanian partners, Elm Concorde, provide engineering and con-struction services for the public and private sectors. Dar Al-Omran has been enlisted as project consultant.

Damac also commented that Jordan’s prop-erty market is recovering, with prices in Amman rising 20% in 2010. The IMF predicts economic growth of 4.5% in 2011.

“Jordan’s economy is powering along, and Damac Properties is very optimistic about the outlook for the property market, given the country’s strong financial and economic posi-tion,” McLoughlin said.

NEWS BULLETIN

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Committee appointed to restructure Al Jaber debtRothschild, ADCB, Union National Bank and PwC among members

Civil and electro-mechanical engineers the Al Jaber Group, has appointed a coordinating com-mittee (CoCom) to restructure its debts.

On April 17 it was announced the National Bank of Abu Dhabi would chair the committee, backed by Rothchild, who advised Dubai World on its debt, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, HSBC, RBS and Union National Bank.

The committee is advised by PwC and inter-national law firm, Allen and Overy.

Norton Rose and financial advisors KPMG are also said to have involvement.

“The appointment of the coordinating com-mittee and various advisers will ensure that the rescheduling is conducted in a professional and efficient manner, allowing a timely conclusion to the process,” said Al Jaber group chairman, Obaid Khalifah Al Jaber.

The group has also created an internal

‘reorganisation and steering committee’ (RSC), comprising members of the group’s senior man-agement, together with external advisers. A statement from Al Jaber says the purpose of the

RSC is to “manage the restructuring process internally and lead discussion with the coordi-nating committee”.

The company requested in December that loan terms be altered after it failed to raise finance for some of its projects, which totalled US $4.3 billion. Reports since last month’s announcement claim some assets could be sold, including a heavy lift business in Singapore and some of the group’s property.

The Al Jaber Group currently has $840 mil-lion in two syndicated facilities outstanding, as well as bilateral loans. A $440 million five-year term syndicated loan is due to mature in September 2011 and a $400 million (Islamic) Ijara facility expires in April 2013.

A source told Reuters in December that Al Jaber was looking for a 12 month delay on some of its payments.

“The Al Jaber Group continues to have a robust and strong business, and is committed to delivering major infrastructure projects in the region. Al Jaber Group is committed to continu-ing to work closely with its customers, lenders and suppliers who can be all assured of our best intentions and goodwill,” Khalifa added.

United Engineering Construction (UNEC) and El Concorde Construction have been awarded contracts by Damac Properties to complete its projects in Amman, Jordan.

Damac’s projects in the city include The Heights, Lofts at The Heights and The Courtyard 1 and 2, where construction will recommence “immediately”, according to Damac senior vice president, Naill McLoughlin.

“Main works will recommence at the site immediately, and Damac Properties’ expects construction to accelerate from this point for-ward,” McLoughlin said.

“Damac Properties is confident we now have the right mix of expertise to propel our Amman projects forward and complete them to our high standards of quality and luxury,” he added.

The Heights in Jordan is a 35 storey residen-tial tower, intended to be a “focal point” for social gatherings and community events, with The Lofts providing an “executive residence”.

Damac announce Jordanian partnersThree companies named to complete Amman projects

The Courtyard

ABOVE: Al Jaber group chairman Obaid Khalifah al Jaber.


Strategic plans have been completed to deliver 3845 affordable housing units within five years throughout Bahrain, by the country’s Manara Developments.

Referred to as a “strenuous and persistent effort” between the public and private sectors, the project will see a “wide choice” of houses and apartments in six locations across the country, in line with market demand.

“We consider ourselves partners with the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain in seeking to provide housing units which suit the average income in the Kingdom, as well as those related to the above middle income,” said Dr. Al Bastaki, managing director of Manara Developments.

“As suitable housing is one of the important determinants of developments in the Kingdom, this is part of Manara’s philosophy which takes the interests of all into consideration,” Al Bastaki added.

In addition to providing units, which meet standards in design, size, construction quality and finishes, the company will also offer “alternatives to affordable finance”.

Manara Developments is also working on two other pro-jects Al Muharraq and The Bridge, both located in the Muharraq Governorate, with The Bridge also close to the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Causeway.

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Alfanar Construction awarded Saudi power projectsExtension and substation projects worth US $0.5 billion

The Saudi Electricity Company has awarded two contracts to Alfanar Construction, with a combined value of US $0.5 billion.

The projects, the Hail 2 Power Plant extension, and construction of the high-speed Harmain Railway Substation are part of a number of power projects in the country, totalling $13 billion.

The Hail 2 reinforcement contract is part of the Extension III project, which will add 280MW to meet future load demand and support the existing genera-tion capacity of the industrial area.

The extension will also enable future conversion of the plant into a combined cycle; the first two units are expected to be online in August 2012.

Alfanar is already working on the Extension II Power Plant, due for comple-tion by Q3 2011. The company recently completed the Sharourah Power Plant in the south of the country.

The construction of the high-speed Harmain Railway Substation will include the construction of six new 380kV

substations, all due to be in service within two years. The project will power the dou-ble track railway.

“We have a track record of quality delivery and satisfied clients. Most of our projects are not always easy on terrain conditions and on the delivery time,” said Jamal Wadi, General Manager of Alfanar Construction Power and Water.

“Yet our team through its sheer hard work and experience has been able to overcome the challenges including the short completion time,” Wadi said.

Contracts were signed in Riyadh by Dr. Saleh Al Awaji, chairman of the board for The Saudi Electricity Company and Eng. Sabah Al Mutlaq, vice chairman, Alfanar.

“Due to our proven experience in com-pleting projects with a challenging time schedule, Alfanar Construction was awarded the projects,” said Wadi.

Alfanar Construction say they actively participate in constructing the infrastruc-ture of many power generation, transmis-sion and distribution projects, across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

4.5%PREDICTED ECONOmIC GROwTh IN JORDAN IN 2011, ACCORDING TO ThE ImF

ABOVE: L-R: Dr. Saleh Al Awaji, Eng Sabah Al mutlaq, Eng. Ali Saleh Al Barrak and Eng. Abdullah Al hamad.

Affordable housing project launched in Bahrainmanara Developments to deliver 3845 affordable residential units by 2015

BP_Mapefer1K_May-OL.pdf 1 4/26/11 11:51 AM


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Regd. Office & Works: Jindal Nagar, Tumkur Road, Bangalore – 560 073, India.Ph: +91 80 2371 5555 (6 lines) Fax: +91 80 2371 3333 / 34.E mail: [email protected]

JindalAluminium Limited

DSI confirms second Saudi dealDeal worth US $34 million is second in the KingdomDrake and Scull International PJSC has announced a 100% acquisition of Saudi Arabia’s International Centre for Contracting Co. (ICC).

The deal, worth US $34 million is the second acquisition in the Kingdom and comes after a string of project wins in Oman, Egypt and Saudi Arabia were announced in Q1.

“With the completion of this latest acqui-sition, DSI has reached the milestones it set to achieve since its listing in 2009,” said CEO Khaldoun Tabari.

In an interview with The Big Project, Tabari said the acquisition now means the company has the required labour force to undertake major projects in Saudi Arabia.

“With the last acquisition DSI’s current project portfolio stands at AED 8.3 billion. We are confident that the investments made over the last 24 months will yield positive results as we move forward into quarter two 2011,” Tabari added.

“The strategies conceived at the end of 2008 have been highly successful, despite the uncertainties and challenges the construc-tion industry has faced,” he added.

The announcement was made in the same week Tabari received an award for services to the construction industry.

Turn to page 31 to read the full interview with Khaldoun Tabari.

FM industry to grow 20% over the next five yearswork force needs to expand by 20% to meet growing demand

The facilities management industry in the Middle East is expected to grow to an annual rate of 20%, according to research by the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA).

The IFMA also predict the sector will generate US $4.2 billion dollars before the end of 2011 and that the total space managed by FM providers would increase 28%, a rise which would lead to 20% of providers needing to recruit more staff to meet the growing market.

The research was conducted via a world-wide survey of 476 companies, and also concluded sus-tainable FM to be a primary driver in the trend, with 51% of companies witnessing demand for energy efficient solutions from clients.

“Practitioners and FM providers in the Middle East are consistently pushing to implement inter-national best practice – but until now there has not been a platform to understand at what level such standards are set,” said FM EXPO event director David Wilson.

The FM Expo will be held in Dubai this month in conjunction with the World FM Congress, which will be attended by the IFMA. It’s the sixth time the event will be held in Dubai and the 2011 show will feature case studied to promote best practice for the UAE and wider region, which organisers refer to as “an emerging country”.

Case studies will also be presented by a repre-sentative from NASA, discussing the renovation of its Washing DC base and the technology used there. Additionall, Tim Bushell, director of

engineering at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah will demonstrate the measures implemented to reduce utility bills at the resort.

Other confirmed speakers will come from Sydney Opera House and the World Trade Centre, Amsterdam.

“Global FM is very pleased to participate at such a unique event in the Middle East,” said dep-uty chair of Global FM, Iain Murray.

“As part of our mission, Global FM is very keen on promoting the strategic value and progress of facilities management, especially in emerging countries such as the UAE. We look forward for the sessions and discussions that elevate the need for FM in Middle East,” Murray added.

David wilson

Pipeline expansions to boost GCC industry six foldOil and Gas industry to drive demand

A number of pipeline projects to facilitate the growth of the regional oil and gas industries will boost demand for steel piping by as much as six fold, over the next five years.

The prediction was made by the organisers of TeknoTube Arabia 2011 and confirmed by a number of exhibitors at the event, held in Q1 2011.

In addition to the oil and gas sectors, demand is also being driven by pet-rochemicals, water and electricity supply, drainage and construction.

The show’s organisers advised those in the industry to “enhance logistic operations, human resources development and boost the competitive abili-ties of their products in the international markets”, as regional OCTG pipe consumption for 2011 is projected to reach 1.2 million tons.

Among the key suppliers already established to meet the demand, is the Saudi Arabia-based JESCO, which plans to product 200,000 tons of seamless piping in 2011, with a total rolling and finishing capacity of 400,000 tons.

Oman’s Al Jazeera Steel Products recently increased production capacity to 300,000 tons per year and Zamil Industries and Al Mansoori, also from Saudi Arabia, have 170,000 tons of finishing capacity. However, imports from China, India and Europe will still account for more than 30 per cent of tube and pipe consumption in the GCC region in 2011.

The show’s visitor numbers also confirmed the trend withTekno-Tube Arabia 2011, alongside Arabplast, attracting 8,680 people.

US $35mVALUE OF ThE DEAL BETwEEN DRAKE AND SCULL PJSC AND SAUDI ARABIA’S INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR CONTRACTING CO

“As suitable housing is one of the important determinants of developments in the Kingdom, this is part of Manara’s philosophy which takes the interests of all into consideration”

Regd. Office & Works: Jindal Nagar, Tumkur Road, Bangalore – 560 073, India.Ph: +91 80 2371 5555 (6 lines) Fax: +91 80 2371 3333 / 34.E mail: [email protected]

JindalAluminium Limited


Analysts EC Harris predict inflation in the construction industry will increase 2.7% in 2011 Managing partner Nick Smith explains the opportunities and threats on the horizon

The balancing act

ABOVE: Managing partner, EC Harris, Nick Smith.

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PrEdIcTIoNS In 2011 competitive conditions will continue to suppress the affect of material price rises.

Tender prices will rise by approximately 4.2% in 2012 and continue to grow around 5% in 2013 and 2014.

Historically, upturns are when you see the most companies going out of business - when the market picks

up they are left with difficult contracts, which are probably under-valued, and it’s obviously a concern.”

For 15 years Nick Smith has analysed mar-kets in Poland, Russia, Malta and Istanbul, among others. Now a managing partner in the

UAE office, Smith says the primary threat fac-ing companies that survived the downturn, is to be left with “a half-built project and a con-tractor facing liquidation”.

“The first challenge is that best price isn’t always best value - it’s a cliché but it’s true. Businesses need to ask themselves if a tender is economically viable.

“We all understand the expectations on price, and it can be appropriate,e but that’s not always the case and I think there are projects that have been bought now that won’t be com-pleted,” he predicts.

“To reiterate the point, in a recovering mar-ket, the start of the upturn is the time to watch out for business failures.”

The UAE Tender Price Index 2011 compiles data on labour, material prices, overheads and tendering levels, while also monitoring perspec-tives from a number of contractors, interviewed by the company on a quarterly basis.

The 2011 index produced four key findings: construction inflation in the UAE is expected to increase around 2.7% in 2011; commodity prices are “considerably higher” than a year ago; competitive conditions will continue to suppress material prices and tender prices will rise by approximately 4.2% in 2012, then rising by a “steady” 5% in 2013 and 2014.

“What we have seen since 2008 is a circa 25% reduction in tender prices, something quite flat

in the market and a lot of pressure on commod-ity prices,” Smith observes, adding: “The cost of stuff is going up; it’s as simple as that.”

Specifically, prices of rubber, tin and nickel have increased by 61%, 48% and 31% respec-tively. Rebar prices are also up by 28% and cop-per prices are currently 24% higher than they were in January 2010; having risen 10% in the last three months alone.

EC Harris say the rise will have “a substantial impact” on the installed cost of mechanical and electrical engineering installations, and will thus result in higher sub-contractor prices for MEP installations.

On the other hand, the price of zinc has dropped 6% and cement 17%.

The base weighted index is formulated on the EC Harris cost model, representing a regional, generic building type. The study samples new building schemes in the UAE, subdividing con-struction costs by labour and materials.


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MuzAMMIL ShAIkhANI, MANAgINg dIrEcTor, rubbEr WorLd INduSTrIES, TALkS AbouT ThE IMPAcT of rISINg PrIcES The continuous increase in raw material prices has definitely left an impact on our operations. However, keeping in mind our vast experience and with highly skilled and dedicated research and design team, we are now trying to delay passing off this rise for as long as we can.

Our R&D teams work long hours to balance the formulations of our product so that we can continue to maintain the same better quality of products, while minimising the operating expenses. We are also trying to find the best ways to maximise production and simultaneously, we are aiming to devise methods on how to minimise wastage. Last but not the least, we purchase our materials from some of the best and established companies, where we have a long-term commitment of supplies from them.

We have also used the increases as an opportunity to find innovative ways to minimise the same and make ourselves leaner and better to avoid passing on the increase to our customers.

Moreover, our market share is quite substantial and our name is well known so it does not cost us much to promote our products.

We will increase our sale prices only if the raw material prices continue to increase dramatically.

“This year for sure will be a challenging year and clients will have to be prepared and organised to get the best value from their assets”

than legislation, which does not always get the right end result.

In fact, Smith says the legislation most likely to affect procurement is environmental rating systems such as Estidama, which could see declines in the use of both traditional materials and traditionally manufactured materials.

In the absence of trade legislation, Smith predicts increased public spending will sustain suppliers in the requried “balanced fashion”, thus optimising market conditions.

Conditions for successIn order to prevent artificial prices in future, Smith says balance is the key.

“I think we all hold a responsibility. There is a drive for clients to get costs down, for example contractors are keen for turnover as they have financial responsibilities so they may work on a reduced margin to retain the company size and turnover. Even from an urban planning point of view you want to balance projects so the market can sustain them, so to that effect the whole industry has a part to play.”

The index states 2011 will be a year when “positive action will create conditions for suc-cess”, but this won’t happen without caution.

“This year for sure will be a challenging year and clients will have to be prepared and organ-ised to get the best value from their assets. They need a clear business plan around what they are trying to get from a development, a clear ROI structure and market research on that invest-ment. Additionally early advice, structured in the right way, is critical.”

The figures for individual schemes were aver-aged to produce an “indicative percentage breakdown” for the cost model, with these fig-ures then applied to current rates, using the base date of January 2006.

“At the moment contractors are forcing prices down. They are suppressing the increase in material costs, but ultimately there will be a redress of balance to what the project should cost. Currently we are seeing a lot of projects being bought below cost-price and that could manifest problems later.”

Creating stabilityCommenting on the action which could be taken to control adverse effects, Smith advises balancing the project portfolio undertaken to minimise exposure to market risks.

“It’s about that balanced portfolio of projects, the timing of projects and the ability to control prices by taking a strong position in supply markets,” he says.

Explaining that the pace of the local market accelerated both the factors leading to and the actual crash itself, Smith continues: “What is better is a range of projects and contracts so we get balanced and realistic prices, which repre-sent the cost of the asset.

He adds: “It hasn’t historically been the mar-ket behaviour but you can only hope lessons are learnt from that.”

In terms of facilitating steady and strong growth, Smith says properly planned infra-structure projects have the capacity to re-bal-ance both the market and industry, even more

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ورجال يتفاعل الوطنالمقدمة األعمالفي

مارس لقرارات١٨ واسعة مارسأصداء لقرارات١٨ واسعة أصداء

ورجال يتفاعل الوطنالمقدمة األعمالفي


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As two of the region’s most famous exhibitions join forces, managing director of Cityscape, Rohan Marwaha, explains why collaboration is what the industry needs

ABC Expo

“Until this point the market has been split to some degree, but now we want to develop a platform that will allow companies to tap the potential in the region”

ABovE: Chris Hudson; Humaid Al Dhaheri; Rohan Marwaha at ADNEC.

W ithin days of the doors closing on the second Citybuild exhibition in Abu Dhabi, Informa Exhibitions and

Clarion Events Middle East released a joint statement announcing Citybuild and Arabian Construction Week are to merge.

From April 2012, ABC Expo will provide a combined platform for the targeted audiences of both events and networking and collabora-tion platforms the organisers say will “rival any other event in the sector”.

Despite both events addressing different top-ics — with ACW delivering the BuildSmart conference and Citybuild focussing on con-struction — Cityscape managing director Rohan Marwaha says that combining these two models is what the market is demanding.

Calling it an event that will “truly reflect the market”, Marwaha comments: “Until this point the market has been split to some degree, but now we want to develop a platform that will allow companies to tap the region’s potential.”

In addition, ABC Expo will also feature a “very strong sustainability component”, in response to changing demands within the industry for sustainable solutions, and the evolving expectations of industry managers.

“ABC Expo will differentiate itself from the other shows in the region by developing free content for the delegates and a platform that will allow companies to discuss their innova-tions and initiatives,” Marwaha says, adding that conference programmes will be developed over the coming year, and based on market research to be conducted over the same period.

“We have some unique plans to position the event through content delivery, sharing best practice and providing a learning experience, as well as showcasing the most innovative build-ing material and construction companies in the exhibition,” he adds.

Joined up thinkingMaintaining that growth has been “encourag-ing” since the shows began, Marwaha says he has witnessed similar collaborations between other show organisers prove successful.

“Sometimes when developing something specific to industry it is best achieved through awards functions or high-level networking, but this model is for conferences which provide a platform for both speakers and delegates to come and discuss their operations,” Marwaha explains, adding: “The model with which we see the greatest success, involves holding

conferences on the show floor, so people can talk about initiatives they have under taken.”

The new format will further be strengthened by Abu Dhabi’s reputation, which according to Marwaha even rivals that of Saudi Arabia. Citing government support and the volume of projects in the emirate, he credits Abu Dhabi’s prestige in the region as a key component of the current shows’ success to date.

In their joint statement, Informa Exhibitions, ADNEC and Clarion Events also say the merged show will “enhance the business propo-sition” for stakeholders.

“This new joint venture between two of the world’s leading exhibition and conference organisers aims to provide the region with a new construction industry sourcing and knowl-edge platform for the billions of dollars com-mitted to major construction projects within Abu Dhabi and the surrounding region,” says Christopher Hudson, managing director of Clarion Events Middle East.

“We are delighted to be working with our partners at ADNEC, key stakeholders from across the region, and our colleagues and part-ners at Informa,” he adds.

ClaRIoN EVENTS MIDDlE EaSTClarion Events Middle East has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and in 2009, over 800,000 people visited their 200 exhibi-tions, conferences and seated events across Britain, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Middle East and Asia. The business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows serve 15 market sec-tors including; Defence, Energy, Construction, Retail, Leisure, Entertainment, Finance and Life Sciences. INfoRMa EXhIbITIoNSOperating around 100 trade and con-sumer events in over 35 cities worldwide, Informa Exhibitions bring together approximately one million professionals at networking and business events in healthcare, real estate, energy, fashion, construction, finance and other sectors. Primary offices are located in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Singapore and Beijing.

Clarion Events Middle East has offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and in 2009, over 800,000 people visited their 200 exhibitions, conferences and seated events across Britain, Europe, North and South America, Africa, Middle East and Asia.

The business-to-business and business-to-consumer shows serve 15 market sec-tors including; Defence, Energy, Construction, Retail, Leisure, Entertainment, Finance and Life Sciences.


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Project Qatar 2011 will provide a platform to tap the most lucrative opportunities, including mega-projects totalling more than US $100 billion

Project Qatar

ABovE: Michele Gebreal.

A lmost six months since FIFA awarded the first World Cup to a country in the Middle East, interest in the State of

Qatar, is already nearing fever pitch. This month, the first major exhibition since

the announcement will take place, with approximately 1700 exhibitors from 36 coun-tries in a 50,000 m² venue.

Officially launched at a press conference in Doha on April 25, 2011 marks the eighth edi-tion of the show, and organisers IFP Group say it will be the biggest event to date, with a target audience comprising architects, engineers, inte-rior designers, project owners, contractors, manufacturers, planners and distributors.

“The Qatari economy was not only able to show resilience to the global economic down-turn, it continued to provide enormous oppor-tunities as the government went ahead with its infrastructure investment plans in line with its National Vision 2030,” says IFP Group project manager Michele Gebreal.

Running alongside the exhibition will be Heavy Max 2011, the international trade exhi-bition for heavy machinery; an exclusive dedi-cated ‘green pavilion’ offering eco-solutions and the Qatar Sustainability Conference 2011.

ties, and act as a launching venue for new prod-ucts and services,” he says.

“We look forward to seeing increased partici-pation in this year’s edition and we believe that the event will help drive key investment oppor-tunities for the country’s growing construction segment,” Gebreal adds.

“Getting the rights to host the 2022 World Cup has further expanded the scope and quan-tum of investments. It is an apt time to tap into these opportunities and Project Qatar 2011 is an ideal platform to those who want to be a part of this growth story,” he concludes.

Visit The Big Project at Project Qatar, May 2 - 5 in Hall 2, stand S209, Doha Exhibition Centre.

QaTaR, ThE pRojECTS

US $13 bIllIoN new international

airport by 2013,

US $20 bIllIoN in road and high-

way projects

US $40 bIllIoN estimated invest-

ment in the Doha Metro

US $4 bIllIoN to construct nine

stadia and renovate three existing stadia

The world’s longest bridge over the sea,

linking Qatar and Bahrain

“It is an apt time to tap into these opportunities and project Qatar 2011 is an ideal platform to those who want to be a part of this growth story”

A public and private partnershipCommenting that the aim is to become a “stra-tegic platform” for both the public and private sector to network, Gebreal, says the event is not only a chance to boost business contacts, but also launch new products and services.

“Project Qatar continues to play a big part in advancing the role of key products and services in the region’s construction industry. Our aim is to become a strategic venue and platform for companies, government agencies and individu-als to talk about the latest issues in the industry; facilitate the formation and consolidation of partnerships that can lead to the creation of important business and investment opportuni-

pRojECT QaTaR, ThE NUMbERSDIRECT EXhIbIToRS: 900

REpRESENTED CoMpaNIES: 1,700

paRTICIpaTINg CoUNTRIES: 47

MaIN hallS: 2

opEN EXhIbITIoN aREaS: 2

opEN EXhIbITIoN aREaS: 10,000m²

CoVERED EXhIbITIoN aREa: 40,000 m²


ContraCt ManageMent

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Speakers from the forthcoming Middle East Contract Management conference, to be held June 20-21 in Qatar, share their knowledge on contract and risk management

“the key to managing most of the issues facing construction projects is to pre-empt risks before they become problems”

Damian wilkinson, director for Hill international

selection of project partners and development of more realistic forecasts and plans based on the project objectives and the risks facing those objectives.

How much protection does the law provide?The relationship between the parties to con-struction contracts is governed by the condi-tions of contract and whilst the conditions of contract will operate within a legal framework that may afford some protection in given cir-cumstances the key will be to ensure that the necessary provisions and protection is included in your chosen contract, either by the selection of appropriate standard conditions of contract, or by incorporation of amendment to those standard conditions or the development of bespoke conditions of contract. Reliance on national laws may be an option if risks materi-alize into problems, whereas the effective man-agement of risk can prevent risks becoming problems and therefore reduce the need for reliance on national laws.

Why should people attend this conference? Funders, clients, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and all those involved in construction projects that want to increase the chances of successfully delivering their projects.

What specific topics will your presentation on risk management in construction contracts cover? The presentation will set out how effective risk management can inform contract management in order to aid the successful delivery of pro-jects.The presentation will specifically explore: the understanding of risk; the sources of risk; the negative impact that unmanaged risk can

have on construction projects; the importance of effective risk management and the key prin-ciples of effective risk management.

What are the main issues regarding construction contracts and how do these issues differ between Qatar and other GCC countries? Construction projects are, generally, medium and long term ventures that involve many dif-ferent organisations and individuals, some-times with opposing objectives, working together in what can be difficult economic and schedule conditions.

Construction projects, wherever they are located, are invariably unique and it is difficult to model to a high degree of accuracy. Therefore it can be difficult to predict the final outturn cost and completion date.

Different regions, present different problems, the unrest in parts of the Middle East creates high levels of risk and uncertainty that can result in projects being suspended, terminated and cancelled. Similarly the economic situation in the UAE led to a general lack of confidence, increased levels of insolvency, termination and cancelation of projects.

All economies go through cycles of change, which are influenced by different factors, civil, social, economic and others. Reduced demand will lead to deflationary pressures and increased demand to inflationary pressures. The reduction in construction activity in UAE had the effect of driving down construction costs, when regions experience high levels of demand and construction activity, as is planned in Qatar, one of the challenges will be control of the inflationary pressures and managing con-struction costs.

One of the advantages that Qatar has is its strong economic base which is driving much of the construction activity and this should lead to stability and a more sustainable and managea-ble growth pattern.

What needs to be done to address the situation? The key to managing most of the issues facing construction projects is to pre-empt risks before they become problems. Understanding the nature of risk and the type of risks that chal-lenge the successful completion of the project objectives will lead to informed and improved decision making. This should lead to the selec-tion of appropriate conditions of contract and the necessary amendment of contracts, the

KeY topiCS• Uncertainty in the Middle East and

North Africa: contract management

• issues that need to be considered

• Execution of contracts: getting it right

• Developing a sound contracting strategy to ensure successful negotiation of contracts

• Effective and efficient dispute resolution: avoiding, managing and resolving disputes to successfully manage relationships

• Communicating contracts: reaching predictable results and preventing surprises

• Optimal contractual bidding and evaluation of proposals to achieve the best results for your business

Damian Wilkinson, director for Hill International

in Qatar will speak about

minimising risk, fault, loss

and damages in construction

contracts at 11am on Monday

June 20


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“identification of risks is the starting point. this is the rols of experts and a major base on which to stand”

Nabil Abbas, Abbas Architects and Construction Consultants

What topics will your presentation on Risk Management cover?My presentation will cover the risk exposure of both the employer and the contractor under the contract. Risk types will be discussed as well as how to deal with risks from the start, by identi-fying those risks and dealing with them by either accepting, sharing or transferring them, to other or third parties.

What are the main issues when managing risk and how do these issues differ between Qatar and other GCC countries?Identification of risks is the starting point. This is the role of experts and a major base on which to stand. Then come some strategic decisions on how to deal with such risks: either to accept them because this is either essential or more appropriately, to transfer them to a third party - as when buying an insurance policy - or to share them with the other party of the contract.

These issues could differ between Qatar and the rest of the GCC countries depending on the laws governing the insurance industry and the law of contracts.

What needs to be done to address the situation?I think unifying the laws in all six GCC coun-tries will help contractors deal more confidently in the pan Gulf area.

How much protection does the law currently provide?Things are different in various Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia for example, follows Sharia law while other Gulf states follow other Latin or Anglo Saxon codes. This makes it difficult to deal in these different jurisdictions.

SpeaKerS at MeCM Will inClUDe:

DaMian WilKinSon: director, Hill international, Qatar: “Contract risk Management: Minimising risk, Fault, Loss And Damages in Construction Contracts”

Saleh a. haSSoUbah: contracts, purchasing and warehouse manager, Saudi Aramco Mobil refinery Co. Ltd., KSA: “Optimal Contractual Bidding And Evaluation Of proposals To Achieve The Best results For Your Business”

Dr. lee CelanD: legal director, Omniyat investments & Management, UAE: “Execution Of Contracts: Getting it right”

Dr. ahMeD Fathi WalY: assistant professor, Helwan University, and contract administration consultant, wALY – Arbitration & Contract Administration Firm, Egypt: “Managing Change: Ensuring That Change is Managed Effectively To Successfully implement A Contract”

FaroUq a. al heFnaWi: group director – Legal, iTS, Kuwait: Breakout session “iT, Oil And Gas, Construction”

FranK leeCh: project director, Taisei Corporation, UAE: Moderator of breakout session “iT, Oil And Gas, Construction”

alaa SaMMan: director general of business development and property management, General Authority of Civil Aviation: “Medinah Airport ppp project”

helena haapio: contract coach, Lexpert Ltd., Finland: “Communicating Contracts: reaching predictable results And preventing Surprises”

SatenDer SharMa: director, commercial petrofac international Limited, UAE: “Developing A Sound Contracting Strategy To Ensure Successful Negotiation Of Contracts”

nabil abbaS: general manager Abbas Architects and Construction Consultants, KSA: panel discussion “public-private partnerships in The Middle East: Examining An important infrastructure investment Tool”

DaviD MCelveneY: partner, Middle East projects and Construction Group, Clyde & Co LLp, UAE: “Uncertainty in The Middle East And North Africa: Contract Management issues That Need To Be Considered”

What topics will your workshop cover and why should people attend?My workshop will provide a general overview of construction contracts; explore the rights, roles and obligations of the parties; and assess risk allocation and management and dispute resolu-tion, including amicable settlement.

People would like to attend to get a deeper knowledge of construction contracts as well as the issue of claims management which is a hot topic nowadays in the GCC area. They will be encouraged to discuss their own current prob-lems and share their ideas on the different top-ics addressed during the course.

nabil abbasgeneral manager for

Abbas Architects

and Construction

Consultants, Saudi Arabia,

delivers his presentation on

effective and efficient dispute

resolution at 1.30pm on

Tuesday June 21

BuildSmart is NOT a rejigged commercial accounting package — its SOLE PURPOSE is construction enterprise accounting.

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immediately.• have FULL INTEGRATION of Costing, Procurement, Payroll, Project

Management, Project Accounting and Enterprise Accounting.

You’re smartYou’re in the highly competitive construction industry. You are ten-dering while still overseeing existing construction projects, not getting information from all your sites on time. Accounts are battling to give you up to date reports. It’s seat of the pants stuff, and all the time... you are signing cheques.

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VALUATIONS: Job Modelling, Sub-contract control and payment, Monthly valuations, Analytical variations pricing, Allowable vs Cost reconciliation, Engineering information, Cost to complete by cost rate resources and cost worksheets, External Cost import for cost vs allowable reconciliation and cost at completion

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As we move into the beginning of Q2 there seems to no real clear resolution to the unrest that has been taking place in

the wider Middle East region since January. It is proving difficult to assess the likely over-

all outcome of these events as we make our projections for the next financial year, but the focus of economic activity is likely to be on a much smaller geographical region at least in the short term.

The prospect of widespread sectarian clashes appears remote at this stage. It has been amaz-ing to witness the unprecedented and rapid

Director of recruitment consultancy MacDonald and Company, Ben Waddilove, explains the impact of political unrest on the regional job market

ABOVE: Ben Waddilove MacDonald and Company.

The Arab Spring – current effects on the real estate and construction employment market

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“To a certain degree there is more high quality talent now available and this is resulting in stiffer candidate competition for roles”

spread of demonstrations since the first reports emerged from Tunisia in January, aided by the advent of ‘social media’ and the ease of mass communication for the younger generation.

MacDonald and Company has been estab-lished here in our Dubai office since January 2006 and we have witnessed the extraordinary ‘real estate story’ first hand through the placing of many real estate professionals - and their families - from the US, UK, Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and within the MENA region. We have developed some very strong client relationships which have ensured a continuing flow of business for us.

From 2005 to 2008 the flow of human capital was mainly from established property markets in the West and Australasia to the UAE. Since the end of 2008 we have been much more active in the wider region, recruiting for clients in Libya, the Yemen, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, and of course Abu


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Dhabi. I have been fortunate enough to travel to visit clients in most of these places. We saw a direct movement from Dubai to all of these other locations.

Now, we are witnessing a complete change from this scenario and actually noticing a number of candidates being repatriated to Dubai. We are receiving increasing numbers of contacts from senior executives in North Africa and a growing number of development and project directors have repatriated to the UK and Europe from Libya.

To a certain degree there is more high qual-ity talent now available and this is resulting in stiffer candidate competition for roles.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi normally benefit from any regional troubles and we are hearing that demand for short term letting of residen-tial property and commercial space is increas-ing in the UAE, as Dubai in particular is perceived as the safe haven in the region with an excellent lifestyle quality. There has also been anecdotal evidence of repatriation of funds to the UAE for this same reason.

We recently conducted an international Salary Survey Comparison and collated data from all of our regional Salary Surveys in the UK, Europe, Asia, South Africa and MENA. Interestingly the Average Salary is still signifi-cantly higher in the Middle East region and

this still carries significant weight in individu-al’s decisions on preferred employment loca-tions. We are still receiving considerable numbers of contacts from individuals wishing to enter or re-enter the employment market here. Job satisfaction levels remain fairly con-sistent throughout the various regions.

The longer term economic outlook must surely be positive for the Arab world in gen-eral as the transition process continues. This will inevitably take time and we expect a steady period in recruitment over the next few months.

The oil producing nations are still benefit-ing from the high oil price, it is vital that out-put and production keeps this from escalating much further otherwise this will have a dampening effect on world economic growth and cause inevitable inflationary pressures.

The geographical focus for Macdonald and Company will be much more specific in the short term working with clients that are con-sulting on and delivering projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and particularly Qatar, due to the ‘World Cup effect’.

We are still generally optimistic about the real estate sector and view the current situa-tion as a transitional period during the gen-eral recovery in business activity from the low point of 2009.

"The focus of economic activity is likely to be on a much smaller geographical region at least in the short term"

MACdONALd & COMpANyMacDonald and Company is the leading professional recruitment consultancy to the property industry and built environment.

The company provides recruitment consultancy services in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia and has a sole focus on the property and construction industries.

The firm has helped many employees to develop rewarding careers and has assisted many employers in sourcing and retaining high-calibre talent through a team of experts that share a large international database.

MacDonald and Company has successfully expanded with offices in London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Johannesburg. Clients include leading property developers, consultancies, governmental, banks and financial institutions.

Founded in 1994 in the UK, MacDonald & Company is the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Preferred Recruitment Partner.

US $ 131,547THE AVERAgE SALARY PAID TO MIDDLE EAST CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS IN 2010

Average salary by region (US $)


Challenged with building the first phase of Manipal University’s new campus in ten months, contractors Sobha targeted their formwork requirements to meet a tight deadline

AgAinst time And on form

When Manipal University embarked on a plan to build a new campus in Dubai, time was of the essence. The

plan was to construct a two-block science and technology department with a project value of US $27 million, located in Dubai Academic City, and to be completed in ten months.

The first of three phases in a 69,700 square meter development, blocks A and B – due for completion in mid 2011 - will soon be sup-ported by a 3,000 square meter capacity accom-modation block, two further teaching blocks and parking facilities.

“We are due to complete Block A and Block B in June 2011, in order to begin using them in August. So it meant we had only ten months to complete the project,” says Sobha Contracting’s vice president of projects, B. Vidya Sagar.

With a challenging design incorporating cantilever slabs and three-storey corridors and a terrace floor, Sobha analysed the most efficient way to execute the plans and targeted the pro-ject’s formwork requirements in order to meet the imposed deadlines.

“We needed to achieve a 15 day cycle per floor of 2,300m2. The material component is huge so the labour and time elements became critical,” Sagar explains.

“We specified Doka’s Staxo 40 load-bearing system because we needed something which could be erected and dismantled quickly,” he adds, further saying that the lightweight shor-ing system was “technically more suitable”.

According to Doka’s technical manager, Alexander Macho, among the primary elements posing a challenge to construction — besides the geometrically challenging design, area size and time to construct — were the forming of the cantilever slab, and the double height requirements at the entrance.

Doka engineering provided a working plat-form designed to transfer the loads safely from the cantilever slabs to the lower floor. Due to design changes, by deploying the use of down-stand beams, it was possible to reduce the slab thickness from 300mm to 125 mm.

Doka provided further solutions to work around additional requirements mid-project.

“Phase two is on the drawing board right now, phase three will replicate the two blocks currently under construction and there is already talk of

constructing additional parking areas”

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Finding a solutionAccording to Sobha, the specification of Doka formwork in the project was based on three vital elements; safety, speed and efficiency.

Staxo 40 was developed to offer additional strength, providing clients with an efficient shoring system to meet project needs. The sys-tems was launched by Doka worldwide at the end of 2010 and first used in the UAE during the construction of a school in Abu Dhabi, where around 2,300 square metres of formwork was constructed and delivered to the site, as required, in two weeks.

Designed by Doka’s Austria-based research and development department, engineers used the “finite element method”, popular in aero-space design, to pioneer the use of ultra light-weight materials.

By using this method in the constructional design process, Doka’s engineers were able to reduce the weight of the Staxo 40 frame while improving its strength. As a result a standar version Staxo 40 frame weighs between 15 and 24 kg and has provided time savings of up to 80% on projects in the UAE, compared to tradi-tional scaffolding systems.

“The market here requires fast, efficient and safe work,” says Michael Arnold, Doka’s Dubai sales and branch manager.

“More and more, Dubai is becoming focused on safety issues and this site is accident free. Staxo 40 features, such as the tested anchorage points for personal fall arrest systems, inte-grated safety catches for fixing the diagonal

“The cantilever slab was in the upper floor so to support it all the way down would have required a lot of materials and it would also have taken time to erect the supporting struc-ture. Therefore a customized cantilever plat-form using standard Doka systems and components was very helpful solution for Sobha” Macho adds.

stAtsLocAtion: Plot G04 ,Dubai

International Academic City, Dubai

BuiLding HeigHt: 20.00 Meter

storeys: G+3 Floors

construction Period: 12 Months

current construction PHAse: 1

Budget: US $102 Million

Project PArtner : Manipal ETA FZ LLC

crosses, gapless assembly decks in and between the towers, and a sturdy built-in ladder system, all ensure a safe working environment at any height, Arnold continues.

“For the cantilever working platform, even for the non-standardised areas, Doka advised and designed with ultimate safety precautions,” Arnold adds.

Staxo 40 is constructed with a small number of separate parts and is colour coded to enhance speed and ease of usage, which Macho calls “a logical assembly grid”, likening the ease of assembly to building with Lego.

Staxo 40 provides faster erection and

15-24 kgTYPICAL FRAME wEIGhT

78%FEwER CoMPoNENTS To ASSEMbLE


a move from Knowledge Village in 2003. “This large-scale project is divided into mul-

tiple phases. Phase two is on the drawing board right now, phase three will replicate the two blocks currently under construction and there is already talk of constructing additional park-ing areas,” Sagar adds.

Upon completion of the project, the new facilities will also allow the institution to deliver more courses, specifically in engineering and technology. Sagar concludes: “The schemes and the vision are there.”

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“the cantilever slab was in the upper floor so to support it all the way down would have required a lot of materials and it would also have taken time to erect the supporting structure”

Building blocksFormerly operating as Indeset, Sobha Contracting has been executing projects in Dubai since 1992. After acquiring Al Belad Contracting Company LLC in 2003, The com-pany began trading as Sobha in 2005.

Major projects include the Yacht Club at Dubai Marina; IT Plaza, Silicon Oasis and a number of industrial and residential projects. The company also has on-going projects at Dubai’s Business Bay, Jumeirah Village, Sports City and Ghantoot, among others.

With campuses already in India, Nepal, Antigua and Malaysia, Sagar says Manipal University has “big plans” for Dubai, strength-ening an existing campus located in Dubai Academic City, which opened in 2006 following

Activites undertAken By soBHA contrActing:Real EstateCivil ContractingMEP ContractingMetal WorkingFacade Engineering Interiors

dismantling times and can be set up faster than single-leg shoring towers, which often weight up to 32% more, comprising up to 78% more separate parts.

The H-shaped frame makes it possible to have gapless, full-area assembly decks both inside and between towers. Under the tower-frame structure is 1.70m headroom and addi-tionally work-deck levels can be extended beyond the scaffold itself, to extend below can-tilevering structures. When it comes to reposi-tioning, erected Staxo 40 towers can be travelled on shifting-wheels, or crane lifted in their entirety, without dismantling.

“Usually, in conventional systems you have many single elements which are connected together, but here you have a minimal amount of elements constructing the tower. It basically consists of the H shape frame which allows

gapless, full-area assembly decks not only inside the towers, but also — for the first time ever — between them as well., diagonal crosses of different lengths and foot and head units. This allows for a planned assembly procedure,” Arnold explains.

Sagar adds:“Before with the other systems, we had too many small parts and the chances of losing them or not assembling them properly was higher. But here it has all been made with a minimum number of components so safety wise it’s much more reliable and it is much more economical,”

Once used, the rented equipment is returned to Doka for reconditioning at a newly opened, 50,000 square metre facility in JAFZA. Sagar says the reconditioning process at Doka’s Yard further reduces costs as the client’s materials are returned to usable state.

32%LIGhTER oN AVERAGE ThAN ALTERNATIVE FRAMES

AboVE: A view of the Manipal University site when the Staxo 40 system was in use.FAR LEFT: Macho, Sobha project manager V.K. Prasad, Sagar and Arnold outside the site.


construction, the tower is already an award winner, after being named the ‘best high rise architecture’ at the Bloomberg International Property Awards.

The 28-storey residential and retail devel-opment comprises basement, retail and podium levels, a dedicated storey for ameni-ties and recreation and 26 residential storeys. All residential areas, the concierge reception, lobby and health and fitness suite will feature Versace Home products, with the brand also responsible for all interior design.

Calling the property a “masterpiece”, McLoughlin describes it is as one of the most

Following a trend for designer branded residences in the region, Damac Tower, currently under construction in the

marina district of Solidere, Beirut, combines award winning architecture with boutique interiors from Versace Home.

“Damac Tower will be the epitome of style and luxury in the region,” says Damac’s sen-ior vice president Niall McLoughlin.

“From concept to completion, every atten-tion to detail will contribute to distinguish-ing Damac Tower as one of the world’s truly inspirational residential addresses.”

The project was launched in June 2010, and marks the third Versace-branded hotel; after the Palazzo Versace on Australia’s Gold Coast and a second Palazzo Versace, cur-rently under construction in Dubai.

Enabling works and shoring piles at Damac Tower are complete with excavation and anchoring works currently in progress.

Although still in the first phase of

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Construction begins on Beirut’s first designer-branded residence, in collaboration with Versace

Construction chic

“The tower strikes a balance between technology and luxury without compromising on style and aesthetic appeal”

highly regarded residential developments in the world, saying: “The tower is a stunning blend of exquisite Versace interiors and unique architectural design, in an enviable location on the shores of the Mediterranean.

“The tower strikes a balance between tech-nology and luxury without compromising on style and aesthetic appeal. This innovative collaboration with Versace Home will deliver to residents the luxurious Italian lifestyle concept,” he adds.

Building with styleDesigned by Valode and Pistre Architects, the concept incorporates the surrounding water, while creating a contrast with existing build-ings in the vicinity. Described as having a “speculator and distinctive silhouette” with superimposed “undulating volumes” which echo that of the sea.

A building of contrasts, the structure will incorporate glass and stone, representing the

Interiors will be designed by Versace Home.


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“From an aesthetic level, the contrast between the solid and void, the reflective and the non-reflective creates an intricate canvas of blended compositions”

DAmAC TOwER AnD lOCATiOn: SOliDERE, BEiRUT, lEBAnOnSTOREyS: 28

HEigHT: 97m above ground floor, elevating the roof by a total of 119m above sea-level

BUilDing mATERiAlS: semi-reflective glass, metal panels, powder coated metal profile, textured plaster, limestone cladding.

CURREnT PHASE OF COnSTRUCTiOn: one

PROJECT PARTnERS: International Architect: Valode and Pistre Architects;

lOCAl COnSUlTAnT: Erga Group

TECHniCAl COnTROl: Bureau Veritas Group;

FACADE EnginEERing SPECiAliST: Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG.

“old and new” elements of Beirut, according to the developer. Emmer Pfenninger Partner AG is the appointed engineering specialist.

“The building’s kinetic shape strikes a harmonic balance between glass and natural stone and has been able to combine both technology and luxury without compromis-ing on style and aesthetic appeal,” McLoughlin explains.

“From an aesthetic level, the contrast between the solid and void, the reflective and the non-reflective creates an intricate canvas of blended compositions, to be viewed and interpreted in so many ways at different times of the day,” he continues.

The land on which the tower is being built is raised 16 metres above sea level, to enhance views for residents on all storeys.

While the slope initially presented a chal-lenge to the design of the tower, it is now incorporated to zone the residential and commercial elements that will exist.

Also meeting a demand for sustainable design and maintenance, the completed tower will feature a roof garden, motion detectors and electric ballasts to save energy on lighting and low flow faucets. Additionally the facade glass will be insu-lated to reduce light transmission and there-fore HVAC energy consumption.

“The shared vision of Damac and Versace has been combined to deliver the most pres-tigious and sought-after property in Beirut,” McLoughlin adds.

A project rendering of the completed Damac Tower.


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LK | KHALDOUN TABARI

“You are always humbled by something like this, it takes the best out of you.

“But if I want to say something, it’s that you get the life achievement award when you’re done. Because what’s after life? Death. It’s like we’ve had enough of you, make room for some-body else. I don’t feel old, but as you get older I think the next stage is not to receive awards, but to mentor somebody.”

As the CEO who led Drake and Scull PJSC through a worldwide financial crisis to a period of stability and further growth, Tabari’s indus-try experience is vast.

Drake and Scull Engineering was formed in the UK in 1964, with Drake and Scull International opening in Abu Dhabi in 1966.

Since then, the company has diversified to incorporate three main business streams; civil

contracting, water and power and MEP con-tracting, which Tabari describes as operating “in harmony”.

In 2007 DSI acquired Gulf Technical Construction Company and in 2009 acquired Drake and Scull Kuwait and Passavant Roediger. In the same year DSI was listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and opened offices in Jordan, Libya and Thailand.

Last year saw the formation of Drake and Scull Water and Power and Drake and Scull Construction. DSI also acquired MEP compa-nies in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and launched new MEP companies in Oman and Egypt.

Yet despite the rapid growth, Tabari says “there is always room to do more”.

“Drake and Scull has had its fair share of work in the UAE. We are a home-based firm

A new chApTerThe day after receiving an award for services to the construction industry, Drake and Scull CEO Khaldoun Tabari tells The Big Project why his work is far from done

ABOVE: Khaldoun Tabari, CEO Drake and Scull

“eventually you get the hang of it like

other countries but it’s not a case of

just walking in and hearing about these

budgets and just starting up. It doesn’t

work like that”

ABOVE: Drake and Scull’s projects have included Dubai Chamber of Commerce.


TALK | KHALDOUN TABARI

— from the Gulf and working in the Gulf — and we should do more. Honestly, I don’t think we have done enough.”

Now striving for the lucrative contracts on offer in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Tabari says such expansions suit the DSI profile and dem-onstrate a commitment to new markets, allow-ing the opportunity to win projects “that we can be proud of in the future”.

Future focussedWhen last speaking to The Big Project Tabari outlined the company’s ambitions for Libya; a plan promised to stakeholders in 2009 to give DSI a regional focus. Despite establishing an office and bidding on projects, the current political situation has forced the company to suspend its current operations, with DSI’s locally based representative evacuated, although Tabari maintains Africa is a “major destination”, for future work.

Commenting the strongest markets are “anywhere that needs things to be built”, Tabari says the strongest markets are in countries with strong leadership.

Referring to Qatar, he says: “They have to have growth and money and that desire from government to spend. It’s that policy to say ‘we want to do something’. They have the budgets to spend and, it’s driven by companies like us

”right now, with work decreasing in this part of the world we will see a lot of people with good experience go to waste if it’s not utilised in other markets”

exists, it is stronger for local contractors and developers.

“The Qatari contractor has the main advan-tage, the second is companies in the Gulf, the third will be the Middle East, the fourth will be the continent and the fifth will be the rest of the world; because if you are in the market you have the knowledge and information to be able to act.

Good adviceWhen the UAE market began to overheat, DSI added more streams to its operations in order to deliver competitive tenders. When projects in the UAE struggled, DSI broadened its vision and is currently bidding on projects through-out Africa and India.

“We would like to be an international regional player and we want to consolidate that position. There aren’t many Arab, Middle Eastern contracting companies.”

Adding that it’s not just the value of work, but the expertise gained which creates worth in the industry, Tabari says it’s time for regional firms to take the expertise into new markets.

“This whole region has been built in 20 years but all the experience gained - all these engi-neers and technicians and people who have put a lot of work - that experience has not yet been utilised in the market it and it’s the potential strength we have.

“We have the British, French and Americans, they came over here 10 years ago and they did build a lot, but now we have our own people who have also done a lot of work and yet they have not gone out to do other work.

“Right now, with work decreasing in this part of the world we will see a lot of people with good experience go to waste if it’s not utilised in other markets.”

around the world saying we want to be part of that effort.”

As a result, DSI is now focussed on winning projects in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, particularly infrastructure projects. Last month, it was announced DSI had had acquired a 100% stake of the International Centre for Contracting Co. (ICC), a Grade 1 classified Riyadh-based con-tractor. It is one of a number of strategic moves which has allowed the company to position itself at the forefront of projects.

“On one hand this ensures our commitment to the Saudi market and on the other hand it gives us the labour force we need to operate there,” Tabari comments adding that securing a labour force is a “major barrier” to breaking into the Saudi market.

“The acquisition gives us a very good entry point and now we are integrating the services we can provide through ICC, which provides a delivery system that will take us into the second phase of our operation, where we can consoli-date our position and do more.“

“Eventually you get the hang of it like other countries but it’s not a case of just walking in and hearing about these budgets and just start-ing up. It doesn’t work like that.”

Already present in Qatar DSI will continue to seek new opportunities in the country, but Tabari maintains that although opportunity ABOVE: Dubai’s Jumeirah Hotel.

| www.thebigprojectme.com36 | www.thebigprojectme.com36

Safety CirCuS


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Onsite safety has a poor reputation in the region, with accidents unreported and a wide-spread belief that regulation is non-existent. Yet a number of initiatives coming into effect aim to change the perception of the outside world and restore the reputation of one of the most significant construction markets

To the rest of the world, the UAE is renowned for having the best of every-thing; from seven-star hotels to record

breaking towers and man-made islands; what-ever the country can’t achieve first it emulates with world-class style, as demonstrated by the construction of Abu Dhabi’s very own Louvre, the ‘leaning’ Capital Gate tower and Guggenheim Museum.

But in the eyes of the world, such develop-ments raise concerns as well as eyebrows.

Every now and then, the press carries a leaked report about an injury or fatality onsite, caused by faulty scaffolds or falling materials.

No public call has been made for the release of official data since the end of 2008, when then Build Safe UAE chairman Grahame McCaig, called on Dubai Municipality to release statis-tics on serious injuries and fatalities onsite.

The most significant development since has been the launch of Abu Dhabi’s environment, health and safety management system (EHSMS) which began to gain pace last year. Aimed at transforming both working condi-tions and the country’s reputation for delivering


nothing other than “world-class”, the regula-tions were developed to unify the standards implemented by the companies who come to operate in the UAE from around the world.

In February 2010, The Big Project reported the implementation of the regulations, devel-oped in conjunction with design and engineer-ing company Atkins. First approved by the executive council of Abu Dhabi in 2006, the legislation is enshrined in ‘decree 42’, a 2009 directive from the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the executive council, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Over the last year, the authority has devel-oped regulatory framework and training course materials, and appointed an inspectorate and other EHS department staff (see box).

Atkins is responsible for the recruitment and training of inspectors and their support staff, the establishment of the IT systems which will register entities and produce reports, and the development of the enforcement strategy under the supervision of the municipality.

“The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has taken the bold step of leading the way, not just in the UAE

but the whole region, in order to assist contrac-tors and others to develop construction site EHS management systems that will safeguard people and the environment,” Atkins’ project director Dr Abdullatif Merii says.

Ongoing issuesAlthough the EHSMS is a positive step on the municipality’s part, it will not immediately tackle the underlying issues which currently contribute to poor safety standards.

“Legislation in the UAE has progressed leaps and bounds and it is right up there with the rest of the world. I think the local legislation is suffi-cient; it is the compliance thereof by companies that is still a problem, especially the smaller construction companies,” says Stephen Van Wyngaard, group HSA manager for Al Shafar General Contracting (ASGC).

“When you drive through the UAE and look at construction sites you can clearly see which companies are serious about health and safety and those are not, just by looking at the existing conditions,” Van Wyngaard adds.

This disjointed approach, not only between

different construction companies, but also between authorities, continues to threaten the success of legislation.

“The biggest problem in the region is that it’s populated by companies from all over the world, each bringing different standards from their own countries,” observes chartered health and safety practitioner, Wasyl Terych, who cur-rently holds the post of assistant general man-ager with consultancy ETA ASCON.

“Consequently if these countries are a little backward in their approach to occupational health and safety, those standards are then transferred here. As an extremely crude exam-ple, Chinese standards vary a lot from those in Europe and America,” Terych adds.

Donald Turley, head of construction at inter-national law firm Taylor Wessing, says one stakeholder counted 170 different pieces of leg-islation, regulations, orders and guidelines, cov-ering health and safety in the UAE, commenting that there are “differences in appli-cable legislation in each emirate”.

“There is no one piece of legislation, either at a federal or local level that deals specifically

ABOVE: Wasyl Terych from ETA ASCON.

"Nobody cared about the health of workers about the environment or whether for example a building will affect the environment or not"

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with health and safety. Instead, there are numerous laws that touch upon health and safety in one way or another, although often in very general terms and without specifying any technical requirements or standards of compli-ance,” Turley explains.

Until the introduction of the EHSMS, the most well known of these was the UAE labour law, supplemented by a Ministerial Decision in 1982, which specifically concentrated on the construction industry.

“The general nature of these provisions limits its practical use in setting and enforcing stand-ards on construction sites in the country,” Turley adds.

Moving forwardThe aim for 2011 is that the framework “will be implemented and compliance monitored, with an integrated approach to encompass all ele-ments that will contribute to the minimisation of hazards and risk to the environment and the health and safety of both workers and the community.”

Yet, according to official literature from the municipality, entities — contractors, engineers, developers and managers — will be nominated to enforce a compliant EHSMS, even though the enforcement procedure is yet to be finalised.

Commenting on the system Noura Saeed al Nuiami, project manager of the Al Ain Municipality, said: “There are accidents but there were no reports kept on accidents so nobody knew about them; major or minor.

“Nobody cared about the health of workers, about the environment; whether for example a building will affect the environment or not, nobody was concerned about these issues and before there were no systems to regulate the safety [of buildings or workers].”

Commenting on the response from the industry to date, Nuiami adds feedback has been positive.

“They are so happy. This is a developing country and as part of Vision 2030 we are plan-ning to be one of the top five governments in the

world, so this will help us to reach that point. "The system is about the work place, workers

and the impact on the environment either adverse or negative. It’s also about the health of workers within the construction sites,” she adds.

Orders from the topLast month, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi called on construction, contracting and consul-tancy firms to fully comply with the applicable HSE standards in the emirate, “in keeping with the best global practices”.

Almost 500 delegates at an HSE applications workshop, held by Abu Dhabi Municipality last month, heard Engineer Abdul Aziz Zurub, director of heath, safety and environment, threaten the industry with “warnings, suspen-sions and fines”, for non-compliance.

“The municipality has put in place an inspec-tion mechanism applicable at building and con-struction sites with a view to developing a sequenced approach for inspection processes, right from the beginning of inspection through to the enforceable actions,” Zurub stated.

“Inspection campaigns and regular visits will

continue for all building and construction sites using mobile inspection teams,” he added.

Terych confirms that improvements are being made, particularly in relation to the availability of information and guidance, the cooperation of enforcing authorities and initiatives surround-ing summer working and accommodation standards.

Having spent his career specialising in health and safety standards for companies as diverse as the Royal Bank of Scotland and Al Ghurair Foods, Terych now inspects client premises, reporting on the proper and improper use of scaffolding, in addition to training.

In gaining this experience, he has come to see a common pattern in the transfer of health and safety awareness.

Having surveyed more than 300 universities for a project in a previous role, Terych says he found no health and safety modules in any MBA curriculum, confirming a widespread lack of education — not among the workforce, but at a senior management level.

“What is this? The people with these MBA qualifications are the best in their field. They

"Lack of education is a contributing factor but accidents are simply a

management failure"


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learn about HR, economics, media relations, IT and financial management, but their most valu-able asset — their workers and importantly their health and safety — is not on the radar.”

Van Wyngaard says the process is one which is ongoing, in order to ensure workers under-stand not only the legislation or site rules, but why they have to adopt safer practices.

“The reason for enforcing safety rules is to protect people from harm and no other reason. We have to change attitudes and behaviour towards health and safety and this has to come with the support of top management or it will never be successful,” he asserts.

“Top and middle management have to lead by example and the labour force will follow suit. If a worker understands the reason for wearing safety shoes for example, he is more likely to comply than forcing him to wear them. The safety department’s leading role in my opinion, is on the job training on a daily basis,” Van Wyngaard adds.

Terych says his field experience confirms the responsibilities of management.

“Lack of education is a contributing factor but accidents are simply a management failure. I am not saying the manager is wrong, how can he be if he has never been taught certain topics, but it is still a management failure.”

His observations are echoed by Aldar’s Andrew Broderick, director of EHSS, sustaina-bility and CSR.

“The same as anywhere else in the world, the primary issue is leadership,” he comments.

“The single most influential person on a con-struction site for effective health and safety management is the project manager. They have the resources to manage and implement health and safety on site and the safety officer can pro-vide guidance on how this is to be done.

“Many talk about unskilled staff here in the UAE, if this is the case then the project manager must ensure his staff are trained, knowledgeable and understand the hazards associated with the task at hand,” he adds.

Occupational approachWhile the provision of health and safety initia-tives and their implementation requires a top down approach, it also requires a more holistic approach towards occupational health; moni-toring welfare beyond physical injury.

The EHSMS directives account for environ-mental wellbeing and the safety of finished buildings in addition to on-site safety, yet Terych says the mental wellbeing of the work-force is an equally important element which is too often ignored.

“We have to take a step back and talk about people, human nature and attitude. Why do they do what they do? In occupational health and safety, one has to understand why people behave in an unsafe way if the awareness of occupational health issues is not there,” he says.

Referring to fatality investigations he con-ducted in Sri Lanka and other countries, Terych says he has observed a lack of managerial-level skills and confidence in approaching workers who show symptoms of stress.

"We have to take a step back and talk about people, human nature and attitude. Why do they do what they do?"


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“We all feel sorry for the people whose inju-ries we can see but what about the people with bad lungs, defective hearing or mental illnesses caused by the work that they do?

"Such factors are fundamental to under-standing health and safety in the work place and these are the management skills needed to be able to recognise problems before they arise, or to better identify them when they are present before they become a more serious problem.”

Catching up The UAE has experienced a rapid rate of growth over the last two decades, and cynics could say the implementation of enforced regulations at

this stage is too little too late. While it isn’t the only legislation in place, the promotion of such a wide reaching programme could also re-attract investment to the country.

“Programmes such as the Abu Dhabi EHSMS are coming to the fore now and there are many good initiatives also coming through in Dubai and these have to be commended. I have been in the UAE for seven years have seen many great initiatives come into effect,” Terych recalls.

The UAE is in a unique position; as a rela-tively new country, at least in the physical sense it is able to learn from the best practice stand-ards of other countries and use these to formu-late a working standard, with penalties for non-compliance.

“There is not one country standing alone as the leader in health and safety legislation,” says Van Wyngaard.

“Every area like Europe, American, South Africa and so on, has its own legislation, which is based on international standards. They are more or less the same and if you follow the international standards you are definitely rub-bing shoulders with the best of them.

"The construction industry in the UAE is right on par with the rest regarding legislation for health and safety,” Van Wyngaard adds.

"A very positive change is taking place in Abu Dhabi,” says Broderick.

“The EHSMS, from what I have seen so far, is very well organised and very well managed. For the development of the industry, all companies working on our behalf must have in place an Abu Dhabi Municipality approved EHSMS and a construction permit will only be released when this takes place,” he adds

“The Abu Dhabi Municipality will then visit Aldar sites to ensure the EHSMS is being imple-mented and the department will take action against those not conforming.

"This is very much welcomed by Aldar and is another line of monitoring and enforcing con-tractors to provide a safe place of work.”

Commenting that there are different time scales emerging for a full roll-out of wide-reach-ing standards, Terych says it could be a further

ONe year ON: the abu Dhabi ehSMSSignificant developments over the last 12 months

Development of the building and construction sector EHSMS regulatory framework

Successful launch seminar and workshops

Development and launch of the EHSMS website and regulatory authority reporting system portal

Recruitment of EHS department staff

Development of training course materials

Site inspections are conducted throughout Al Ain City region

Development of the building and construction sector EHSMS department core processes

Development of the EHSMS marketing plan

Successful EHSMS workshops carried out in all departments of the Al Ain Municipality

Scholarship program finalised and launched

Rewards programme for employees developed

Ita aut volupti simaio. Lupturemut ut audaeri atibusdam

"top and middle management have to lead by example and the

labour force will follow suit"

three years before a comprehensive system is in place in Dubai, but he also comments that such pace is still “definite progress”.

“With the two very forward thinking emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi vying with each other to excel in the health and safety standards, other emirates in the UAE are poised to emulate the experience.

“Things are moving ahead with pace and structure and I think we are probably three to four years away from something really superb, something towards even what those countries who feel that they are developed could look towards as providing leading examples,” Terych adds.

“There is a mind set in the UAE whereby if something is needed, the governments make it happen. That has to be really appreciated and respected.”

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As Abu Dhabi begins its development and Dubai focuses on project completions industry professionals comment on what the overall outcome for both cities could be

Emirate envyThe comparison between Abu Dhabi and

Dubai has been a consistent source of debate over the years. With Dubai’s recent

financial crisis calling for the support of its eco-nomically thriving counter-part it could easily be assumed that the competition between the two emirates was over.

However with 43% of Dubai’s 2011 budget earmarked for infrastructure, aviation and tourism developments, the city’s economy could be set for a boost of diversified industries.

Promising developments include The Lagoons; seven landscaped islands, with resi-dential units and a retail complex to be com-pleted in 2013; Business Bay, a new business capital with a 2016 completion date; and Al Maktoum International Airport, to be devel-oped into the world’s largest passenger and cargo hub, by 2013.

Comparing the two market’s Wolfgang Douglas, CEO of materials supplier Timberwolf, says: “I think a lot of people talk about Dubai’s residential property market woes, but as a business we have found the last four to

six months have been absolutely fantastic in Dubai.”

“All those projects have got to be completed and anyone in finishing has still got to finish it. Most of the buildings are three quarters fin-ished, so anyone completing the projects needs to remain in Dubai,” he adds.

Project setbacksThe further development of Dubai’s state-of-the-art infrastructure to support the city as a successful regional business hub and popular tourist destination has seen some severe set-backs recently. As laid out in Dubai’s Strategic Plan 2015, published in 2008, the advancement of infrastructure aims to optimise the use of land through integrated urban planning and the provision of community facilities.

Last month Marwan Ahmad Bin Galita, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) and director of customer relations at the Dubai Land Department revealed 90,000 units of construction projects were in limbo and the subject of RERA scrutiny in an effort

“Property owners and companies have already started coming to us for

advice on how to approach the new system and we have been able to show

them the benefits and advantages it brings”

ABOvE: Dubai’s skyline has changed rapidly over the last decade.


“I think the biggest issues in the Middle East are political because when there is a good government and a safe area to invest then you will see that all the investors around the world will come to this country”

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increase investor confidence and prevent prop-erty prices from plummeting any further.

The review is also an effort to move the pro-jects forward in a more sustainable way by assessing the contractors’ and developers’ abil-ity to deliver work. The assessment also takes into account developers’ reputation and experi-ence of dealing with fraudulent partners, a fac-tor that will reassure prospective investors.

Commenting on the attraction of more investors to the UAE Imad ElAsaad project manager at Chemipaint Universal Paint and Chemical Industries, says: “I think the biggest issues in the Middle East are political. When you have a good government and a safe area to invest, then you will see that all the investors around the world will come to this country.”

New tenancy regulations A new procedure called the online Tawtheeq system specifies that all tenancy contracts to be registered has recently been introduced to Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector.

Regulations require all property owners and appointed property management companies dealing with lettings to comply by September 1 2011. The legislation aims to provide the clarity, transparency and stability to reassure and attract investors back to Abu Dhabi.

“Property owners and companies have already started coming to us for advice on how

to approach the new system and we have been able to show them the benefits and advantages it brings,” says Duncan Pickering, partner of DLA Piper Middle East’s real estate team.

While property law enforcement is a crucial strength for Abu Dhabi’s complex clearance procedures from government departments, the Civil Defence and Abu Dhabi Municipalities can delay projects. Although handover of Marina Square, a community lifestyle on Reem Island was due to take place early last year Tamouh, the primary developer of the project only received completion certificates for four of the 13 expected residential towers, this year.

Procedures will be detailed, with owners and appointed property management companies being required to open accounts and register the specifics of all leasable buildings and indi-vidual tenancy contracts. Parties will however still be free to negotiate the terms of the agree-ments according to the Tawtheeq’s standard, under special conditions requiring prior approval which can take up to five days.

“We have also pointed out that if owners or appointed property management companies do not comply, the potential disruption it could bring to their tenants is severe,” Pickering adds.

Even within the perimeters of property law Abu Dhabi’s security is still considered strong.

“Most of the investors around the world are coming to Abu Dhabi because they feel safer.

Not only in Abu Dhabi, but in the whole UAE. This is a huge issue in the east; politics aside Abu Dhabi is a safe place to invest and when there is security, there is money.” ElAsaad says.

Abu DhabiIn terms of development Abu Dhabi is still at an early development stage meaning it is in the same position Dubai was in six years ago. With major propositions laid out and published in the Urban Structure Framework Plan in 2008.

The strategy set out to deal with urban struc-ture, environmental framework, land use framework, transportation framework, public open space framework and the capital city framework with the focal areas of the new Central Business District (CBD) and surround-ing islands, the Capital District at a key cross-road on the mainland, and the Grand Mosque.

One major development incorporated in the document is Reem Island, a combination of an

90,000UniTs Of prOjEcTs in DUBAi fAcE pOssiBlE cAncEllATiOn in OrDEr TO prEvEnT prOpErTy vAlUEs DEcrEAsing fUrTHEr

200,000prOjEcTED OccUpAncy fOr ABU DHABi’s rEEm islAnD rEsOrT

frOm fAr Abu Dhab’s sky line as it is today, the Down Town Dubai district and Burj Khalifa, Abu Dhabi’s sheikh Zayed grand mosque, one of the largest in the world; and the Dubai metro, part of which are still under development.


“I think a lot of people talk about Dubai’s residential property but as a business the last four to six months

have been absolutely fantastic in Dubai”

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urban metropolis and holiday resort to include purpose-built spaces for business, commercial and residential areas close to the capital’s down-town area. According to the scheme, the build-ing will be fully completed in 2023 when the land is expected to house 200,000 residents.

“Abu Dhabi is an area that is being signifi-cantly invested in and a lot of it is government driven. The thing with Abu Dhabi is if you look back traditionally it was a market that existed as the capital of the federation of the UAE so it’s got all the government departments here and

it’s also the centre for the oil and gas industry and that was its main function,” says CBRE’s Mark Morris Jones, MRICS director in the agency division.

“They are now expanding and trying to diversify. They want to bring in the banking and financial services and commodities and brokerage. It’s going to be the centre of the stock market.

“Abu Dhabi’s basic industries are also being invested in, including Abu Dhabi basic indus-tries, ICAD the industrial city of Abu Dhabi

and the big one is KIZAD, the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi, up towards the Dubai Border,” he adds.

The decision of government officials to focus investments on infrastructure may have placed Abu Dhabi in a position to draw touristic atten-tion away from future World Cup host, Qatar. The country recently announced the allocation of US $125 billion to be spent on development projects over the next five years, including a $27 billion investment in residential and commer-cial construction projects.

“I think Abu Dhabi is the key area for invest-ment, more so than Qatar. I know people are raving about Doha but Doha is still a decade away. The city’s government officials have got a lot of optimism about what they want to do but they are not actually yet deciding to do much,” Douglas concludes.

PROjEcT DubAI The lagoons: completion 2013 Business Bay: completion 2016 Al maktoum international Airport: completion 2013

Abu DhAbI

reem island: completion 2023Khalifa city: completion 2030yas island: completion 2014saadiyat island: completion 2018

$125billionTO BE spEnT On DEvElOpmEnT prOjEcTs OvEr THE nExT fivE yEArs


How have recently introduced green building regulations affected your operations? Dharmesh Sawant: Before the introduction of the JAFZA EHS regulations, it was diffi-cult to promote a high COP machine. Contractors are always looking to reduce capital costs, rather than operating costs and for that reason, tenants today suffer.

LEED certifications were implemented to meet EHS requirements and this helped us promote green solutions; that was when operating costs and energy modelling began.

Today, Abu Dhabi’s Estidama system is taking much bigger steps and is much faster than EHS, and we have seen an increase in enquiries and actual sales for products which help achieve the Pearl Ratings. The paradigm change has happened and this year sales have increased 150-200%. We have seen even the consultants taking keen interest it her regulations right from the beginnings of the design chain.

Rob Gainley: We have seen exactly the same; 100% growth for the last five years, driven purely by regulations.

Alexandre Benoit: Some international con-sultants already know the regulations from Europe and they are very keen to go with new solutions, but some consultants are still trying to go with what was done before.

RG: I’m starting to see that particular group disappear; I’ve been here 20 years and I’m starting to see the people who look for prof-itability over sustainability being replaced at a phenomenal rate.

DS: Even if local consultants want to go back to the old system, the regulations will stop them; the paradigm shift has happened.

AB: It’s still not really starting, because Estidama is for new buildings and in Abu Dhabi there are not so many new buildings this year. It is existing buildings which require attention. Estidama will move fast, especially now consultants cannot get approval without meeting criteria but during the coming few years people will attempt to pass a one pearl rating just by using a single green solution.

Air of changeThree experts from different strands of the HVAC industry discuss how poor design and education are preventing end users from maximising their systems

The panelDharmesh Sawant Senior manager for commercial air conditioning units, LG Electronics

Alexandre Benoit Marketing manager, Aldes

Rob Gainley General manager, Evapcool

The panel included representatives from Aled, Evapcool and LG Electronics.

“The paradigm change has happened and this year our sales increased 150-200%”


but the consultant is only aware of one or two solutions they used in the past and so only these two solutions are ever utilised.

But we may have other solutions that are more cost effective and greener. Currently they involve us because regulations are such they have to, as they are pushed to get a better and better machine. There are consultants who think they know all the solutions in the market but the industry is changing so rapidly. There is constant improvement and evolution in the AC systems, which they may not be aware of. There has to be more communication.

Our VRF floor cooling system has a higher initial cost but looking at the total lifecycle cost it is more economical compared to traditional solutions and it is the greenest solution availa-ble on the market currently.

RG: You’re right and a couple of years down the line, it is us who end up having to revisit the

more of a complementary system, with air for the living space and dedicated extraction and insulation for bathrooms and kitchens.

DS: I really would like to urge all consultants to involve supplier and manufacturers who come at the end of the chain, at a design stage.

Manufacturers have many solutions; for example I may have 10 solutions for a problem,

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How can building design compromise or enhance systems and how does this affect your product development?AB: Regulations have promoted our considera-tions about the orientation of buildings, shade, outdoor thermal comfort and so on, which all reduce the cooling load on a building. In addi-tion, the glazing and number of windows is regulated, so it’s a maximum of 30% glazing, and there is more care for the air-tightness of the building and insulation, with a maximum of 7.2 cubic metres in IECC.

When a building is properly insulated with no leakage we can work properly in collabora-tion with the AC manufacturers. This helps reduce the cooling load, meaning reducing energy consumption and noise levels, which provides better comfort for tenants.

Appliances don’t need to be used all the time and there are many devices such as motion and CO2 sensors which control the fans. These can switch systems on and off or increase fresh air when a room is in use.

But we face issues with consultants who aim for energy efficiency but do not consider indoor air quality (IAQ). They specify systems which recycle even polluted air when it should be

“I’m starting to see the people who look for profitability over sustainability being replaced at a phenomenal rate”


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project and fix the problem we advised would happen in the first place.

Literally we end up taking the flames, when if they had brought us in initially and done what we advised , it may have only cost only a couple of extra bucks to get the equipment or correct ventilation system. Because of design it is common to automatically narrow down the market options and not consider the full range of products on offer.

For example, you don’t need insulation with evaporative cooling, it’s wasted money so take that cash and buy a Lexus. The people who fol-low my advice are happy and I don’t hear from them until years later when they invite me to a BBQ, rather than calling up to say ‘this has gone wrong’.

What are the most common mistakes you see in the provision of systems in the region?AB: the buildings and airflows are usually over-sized, even for extraction and supplies we have sometimes 150 cubic metres in the bathrooms, when in France the regulation is much lower.

RG: They go with the larger air flows here because of the dust factor and contaminants in the air. The systems get clogged and they do not have the correct maintenance here to keep the systems clean. In the US and Europe right away somebody has already been programmed to service the equipment but they don’t factor in that cost in this region.

AB: That is why I’m not thinking of having the exact same airflow as in Europe, but at least to do this would be sufficient rather than making it 10 times bigger. If you are just thinking about extraction you are not thinking about filtration.

DS: Normally we see there are certain things which need to be done just to save costs. For example for schools a fresh air system is required but some schools have only decorative splits so there is no fresh air. In many cases people pick up infection because the old air is being circulated over and over again. Ventilation is very important.

Secondly, especially for high-density public places such as mosques and schools there has to be a CO2 sensor because whenever the CO2 level goes up the fresh air should increase. The sen-sors don’t cost much but for the sake of a few extra Dirhams an important point is elimi-nated. Estidama focuses on IAQ but why should we need regulation to do basic things?

AB: Sometimes in this market we see systems installed in front of the exhaust so that means you have a bypass directly from the air and tenants are not getting the correct air flow. People are considering design but they could avoid lots of energy use for nothing. In a small room you cannot avoid the bypass factor and Aldes has a specific product which can return and supply air, combined in the one diffuser.

It is like a cassette unit so it is supplying from the periphery and exiting from the middle. It can save 30% in energy.

DS: Here the mind set is that they don’t want to see the unit, only the grill. This has to change and also ducts need to be cleaned more often.

Rob Gainley, general manager, Evapcool.

Alexandre Benoit, marketing manager, Aldes.

Dharmesh Sawant, senior manager, LH Electronics.

“Buildings and airflows here are usually over-sized, even for extraction and suppliers, when in France the regulation is much lower”

Discussion explored how building design can compromise the functionality and systems.


fans called Microwatt. The electronics drive the motor speed through frequency variations, and this controls a constant pressure on the fan’s airflow range.

This range meets the three key pillars for a building: quality, safety and sustainability, con-sidering IAQ and an energy reduction of 60-75%. During product development we are trying to think of these three key criteria, so we have the range that will help indoor air quality because it is insulation. This product can be quite good for villas as well, where you can exit your villa faster.

We are partnering with MEP consultants and we will promote the products maybe with a technical seminar later in the year.

In France 70% of fans sold are Microwatt now before it was the normal type of fans.

DS: Our Multi V is a very high flow AC system. Before the fresh air handling unit used to be

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How do your systems enhance IAQ?AB: We have different products which are interesting for this market. One market focus for Aldes is fire protection and last year we launched the ISONE fire damper, a European motorised smoke, fire and heat damper. It allows compartmentation for two hours with no smoke leakage thanks to an efficient intumes-cent sealing system. There is no heat transfer due to a refractory blade in calcium silicate, ensuring there is no conduction, con-vection, or radiation, which could lead together to the pyrolysis of any material present in the ductwork and result in the pyroly-sis of gases leading to flames and finally the spread of the fire. This fire damper is motorised ensuring an instantaneous opera-tion via a fire alarm control panel connected to smoke detectors.

Smoke kills people and we are promoting this with the authorities and consultants here. It’s a good product to increase the safety of places like hospitals, substations and hotels.

This year we launched a low energy consumption range of


“I really would like to urge all consultants to involve suppliers and manufacturers, who come at the end of the chain, at a design stage”

increasing demand for these systems. We’re currently in the development of a pas-

sive dehumidifier to fit on the back of our units. This will give AC type temperatures even on the coast. It has been in development for a couple of years and Exapcool will be bringing this to the market this coming year.

It’s nothing more than a salt filled filter that fits across the back of the machiens and pulls out that humidity. By doing that there is plenty of heat to make the machines work.

We should be able to start marketing machines that achieve that 21̊ AC type cooling at costs in the range of 10% of traditional oper-ating costs. We’re also looking at about 30% of traditional AC installation costs.

In no way will this replace traditional air conditioning but it will enhance it, and we will be able to execute projects we couldn’t before.

Traditional cooling methods, for the foresee-able future at least, are still going to involve the compressed gas with excellent ventilation, and if buildings are designed properly the only thing occupants will have to worry about is somebody coming and cleaning the filters.

DS: Now even our MultiV has plasma air filters with five levels of filtration.

It costs only a few Dirhams but sometimes stakeholders don’t know this solution exists, so they don’t specify it and the client is deprived of such filters. Also in the MultiV we have a small air handling unit, ceiling suspended and suita-ble for villas, which can be connected to the same condensing unit.

connected with only the condensing unit, with a constant speed compressor. But now we can connect this air handling unit with VRF and AC, with an inverted compressor. The advan-tage of this is in the morning it might be 35 and in the afternoon it goes as high as 50 so the daily range is very high in the Middle East and most of the energy consumed is because of the fresh air. The VRF reduces energy by almost 40% com-pared to a constant speed compressor.

We have this system and the capabil-ity of connecting the CO2 sensors to the air handling unit. These controls are all built in so you just have to con-nect to the sensor and control kit.

Cost is a concern so we want to tell consultants there is a constant improvement happening; the only additional cost if the CO2 sensor so it’s more affordable.

IAQ is about maintaining air quality some-times when the tenant is not in the room but still wants to run the AC. So automatically with MultiV the temperature is adjusted by the sen-sor to a higher level, from 20˚ when the room is occupied to 30˚ when empty.

These are innovations stakeholders, consult-ants and clients should be aware of so they can utilise it and reduce operating costs in future.

RG: By the very nature of our units we wash everything down to five microns - nothing big-ger than that gets through my machines because we’re a single pass system.

We’re running a two prong strategy for the future and one that excited me the most is mov-ing into third world markets, where there is

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aBOUT The COMpanIeSlG eleCTROnICS DhaRMeSh SawanT

Air conditioning is one of five divisions covered by LG Electronics in the Gulf. Dharmesh Sawant is responsible for the specification of systems in the design and concept stage, with separate teams dealing with contractors and the pre-tender projects. Sawant reports a strong change in attitudes following the introduction of regional green building codes and an increasing number of contractors seeking energy efficient solutions. LG provides a range of commercial and residential coolers and hold the record for the “greatest sales in appliances” in the world since 2000.

alDeS aleXanDRe BenOIT

Trading as Euro Register until 2000, Aldes has been present in the Middle East for 20 years. For the last three years the company’s head quarters in France has been working on new solutions for the Middle East market. Main business activities in the region cover fire protection, smoke extraction, ventilation and air distribution, with European operations focussing on insulation. Additionally in Europe, Aldes reports a growing trend for heating, cooling and insulation powered by a “maturing” green building market.

evapCOOl ROB GaInley

Providing solutions for environments that cannot utilise AC systems or electrical loads are demanding, Evapcool’s systems draw 16 amps of power and run on water, to eliminate the need for compressed gas, achieving temperatures of 26 inland. Primary applications for the systems include factories, workshops, warehouses, aircraft hangars, offshore oil platforms, outdoor restaurants and animal enclosures. The Dubai-based factory was established in 1995 and in addition to providing stand alone coolers, solutions are also available for pre-cooling conventional systems and power generation plants.

“These are innovations stakeholders, consultants and clients should be aware of”

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Suppliers in the spotlight

Saint Gobain GyprocAbu Dhabi plant celebrates one year anniversary

Gypsum-based lightweight materials supplier St Gobain Gyproc has marked 12 months of manufacturing at its US $60 million-plus plas-terboard manufacturing plant in Abu Dhabi.

The facility is the first of its kind in the region for Gyproc, and was opened to strengthen the supply to local projects.

St Gobain has supplied more than 20 pro-jects in the UAE alone, including Dubai’s Atlantis Hotel on the Palm Jumeirah, the 90 storey tower at 23 Marina, the Bab Al Shams Resort and projects at The Ferrari Experience and Capital Gate Tower, Abu Dhabi.

“While we have been active in the Middle East since 2004, the rapid growth in demand for lightweight building solutions meant we needed a base from which to work, alongside local customers, to develop products and sys-tems specific to their local needs,” said manag-ing director, Craig Chambers.

His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed Bin Sultan Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and company president Claude Imauven attended the open-ing ceremony in April 2010, with more than 100 architects consultants and contractors.

The company says new products are now being introduced “on an almost monthly basis”, including the ShaftWall shaft and duct encase-ment system, an expended range of plaster-boards and accessories and a new range in acoustic ceilings. Further products are sched-uled to be launched this year.

St Gobain now has manufacturing plants in 64 countries worldwide.

RAK CeramicsManufacturer receives double honour at ceremony

RAK Ceramics has been named CSR company of the year at the Middle East Business Leaders Summit and Awards (MEBLSA), with CEO Dr. Khater Massaad, presented with a second award in the ‘masterclass global CEO’ category.

The CSR award was given in recognition of the manufacturer’s employee welfare scheme, use of energy efficient technology and recycling, and waste management systems.

It is the third such award presented to RAK Ceramics, following the recent environmental performance certificate from the UAE Ministry of Environment and Water, and the National Association of Testing Authority’s accreditation from Australia; both awarded for environmen-tal conservation.

Environmental activities undertaken by the company include an initiative to plant 5000 trees around its factory grounds in 2010 and participation in the UAE Clean-up Campaign.

RAK Ceramics also provides financial assis-tance to NGOs, donates to the Dubai Autism Centre and Dubai Rehabilitation Centre, and sponsors educational institutions.

“Winning the CSR company of the year underlines our strong commitment to enhance the quality of life and be of service to various causes and social groups in Ras Al Khaimah and the rest of the UAE,” said Masaad.

The employee welfare provisions recognised included a education programmes and promo-tion of health and safety in the work place.

The aswards, endorsed by Dubai Chamber of Commerce were held at Dubai’s Armani Hotel.

A round-up of the latest news and announcements from industry suppliers in the Middle East

MapeiArtificial stone testing machine introduced

Adhesive and sealants manufacturer Mapei has introduced an appliance designed to aid specifi-cation of the most appropriate adhesives for stone installations.

The stone testing machine, launched at CityBuild 2011 last month, classifies stone materials according to their sensitivity to water and humidity, making it possible to determine the correct type of adhesive required during installation. The company says it is the first such machine to be introduced in the UAE.

“MAPEI has studied, developed and per-fected the groundbreaking stone testing system, which we believe is certainly unique to the UAE and definitely in the Middle East region, in line with the company’s commitment to introduce state-of-the-art building solutions that ulti-mately enhance the quality of our product offerings and deliver cost-saving benefits to customers,” said Arch Tarana E Daroogar, Technical Service Manager for Mapei UAE.

The new machine works by classifying stone materials into three types: Class A considering the size of the slab, type of substrate and service conditions of the material; or Class B and Class C for stone requiring further tests to determine the need for a fast-setting or water-free adhe-sive or a water-free adhesive application.

“Our game-changing technology makes it possible to consider a range of solutions, often resulting in a cost saving, without compromis-ing quality or durability,” Daroogar added.

The Italian manufacturer has been present in the Middle East since the 1960s.


SUPPLIER

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Pittsburgh CorningFoamglas named product of the month by Masdar

An inorganic insulation material by Pittsburgh Corning has been named ‘product of the month’ in Masdar’s Future Build initiative.

The thermal insulation material, manufac-tured from more than 50% recycled glass, is a high-compressive-strength insulation, which does not require additional flame retardants and has a 50 year minimum durability period.

Future Build also awarded Foamglas an ‘A1’ rating for sustainability, according to the EN13501-1:2007 and DIN 4102 part one certifi-cations. The product also meets seven Estidama Pearl Rating specifications for non-pollution, energy performance and recycled content.

“To achieve this rating is very difficult and this is the only thermal insulation material to do so,” said Middle East director of sales, Marco Thomas Vincenz.

The material is manufactured without the use of blowing agents or fireproofing chemicals. The insulating bubbles are formed when vis-cous glass reacts with CO2 to create a foam.

Foamglas has a high enough compressive strength to be used under concrete slabs and is impervious to moisture.

“In the Middle East, vapour pressure comes from the outside, which means insulation can get wet and therefore needs protection. With this product you do not require additional pro-tection for the insulation because of a ‘wave of tightness’ which makes the material quite unique,” Vincenz explained.

The manufacturing process does not require water and uses only renewable energy.

Schneider ElectricNew automation systems showcased at exhibition

Fixed on helping consumers make the most of their energy, Schneider Electric recently hosted LifeSpace Expo 2011, featuring demonstrations and discussions on its latest products including wiring devices, cable management systems, and network connectivity.

Schneider Electric specialises in energy man-agement, electrical distribution, industrial auto-mation, critical power and cooling, building management and security for data centres, buildings and residential properties.

Many of the products, though not specifi-cally designed to be, are energy efficient, help-ing to reduce costs and conserve energy.

Vice president of Schneider Electric’s Installation Systems and Control unit, Pascal Reigner, claims that one recently launched development, Sympholux Lighting, a system that allows consumers to dim and switch off room lights individually, can potentially reduce energy consumption by 30%.

“At Schneider Electric our home automation solutions offer a much better living and at the same time remain eco friendly. The Sympholux Lighting System is a solution that offers para-mount comfort for users while saving energy and reducing costs,” Reigner added.

Speaking of the standard of Schneider’s goods in relation to the UAE, Reigner said: “All our products are proofed for high temperature.

Reigner also confirmed the company is in talks with with major electricity suppliers in the UAE with a view to sharing consumption data with customers to reduce their usage.

Unibeton Ready MixProduct could reduce CO2 emissions by 93%

Unibeton Ready mix has received an innova-tion award for its green and sustainable con-crete solutions, at the CityBuild awards, held in Abu Dhabi last month.

Speaking at the awards, Dr. Huiqing He, assistant operations director, shared the compa-ny’s energy saving plans.

“Unibeton’s vision is to be the first choice for sustainable concrete solutions, and we are excited to have been recognised by industry peers at the CityBuild Abu Dhabi Construction Awards.” She said.

Recognising the cement manufacturing pro-cess is a major contributor of harmful emis-sions in concrete production, Unibeton use cement substitutes such as pulverised fuel ash (PFA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) to minimise carbon dioxide emissions.

‘Green concrete’ which currently reduces CO2 emissions by 75 per cent has been used on major developments throughout the UAE, including Abu Dhabi’s tallest tower, the Landmark Tower, where the largest single pour of 16,000 cubic metres of self-compacting con-crete was performed in the GCC.

During the construction of Sheikh Zayed Bridge last year, the green concrete was used to prevent 80,000 tons of carbon emissions, the equivalent to the carbon offset of 400,000 trees.

Unibeton began with a single batching plant in Suleimat, Al Ain, in the UAE. Today it has a network of 22 batching plants across the coun-try with a fleet of transit mixers, concrete pumps, trailers and cement bulkers.

93%POtENtiAl rEDuCtiON iN CO2 EMiSSiONS thrOugh thE uSE OF uNibEtON’S ‘grEEN’ CONCrEtE

“Our game-changing technology makes it possible to consider a range of solutions, often resulting in a cost saving”


SUPPLIER H

OTSEAT | CCS CAN

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Despite opening offices worldwide, construction software supplier CCS Candy’s general manager, Ian Hauptfleisch, explains why the Middle East is still significant

highly-scalable modules for estimating, plan-ning, forecasting, cash flow, on-site valuations and earned value management.

With the construction industry’s project based activity tracking and cost information demands in mind, CCS customised and designed BuildSmart — a web-based ERP, con-struction-orientated accounting and costing business solution.

By the mid 1990s, British and South African construction companies were using Candy Estimation in the Middle East for the first time.

“In terms of individual client use both Candy and BuildSmart are extremely versatile and powerful systems and we often find that organi-sations under utilise the software.”

CCS software was used during the growth spurt in the Middle East from the mid to late nineties when early projects such as the Burj Al Arab and Dubai International Airport impacted the construction industry and first put the UAE on the map.

“Over the years, the Middle East construc-tion industry has become more and more com-petitive - with more and more construction opportunities, more and more contractors have descended on the region,” Hauptfleisch recalls.

As economically uncertain as the current time is CCS has stepped in with what they con-sider to be a solution.

“CCS comes into its own in this competitive environment, providing the contractor with a facility to implement, record, manage and gain competitive advantage, while maintaining sound construction and business practices.”

SwEET SUccESSBoasting 10 offices and distribution net-

works in the UK, South Africa, Portugal, India, Australia and New Zealand,

Construction Computer Software provider, CCS Candy is well represented across the globe; providing project control solutions at a time of economic uncertainty.

“The recent global economic crisis high-lighted the consequences of laxity of control systems in boom times,” says Ian Hauptfleisch, Gulf general manager.

“It is precisely at these financially uncertain times that CCS can aid a company’s decision making processes, keeping tendering, procure-ment and numerous construction project varia-bles under tight control and enabling better decisions, with better information, produced at the right time,” he adds.

Hauptfleisch confirms that as technology trends progress they could encompass the likes of BIM, 4D, 5D and even “6D”; which could add significant value to accurate and streamlined costs and the execution of projects.

“It’s plain to us, and the industry, that full use of these control systems brings massive improvements in productivity and profitability, so part of our forward customer interaction is to assist our clients in the region to realise the full benefits to their company through the proper use of our products, without buying add-on products,” Hauptfleisch explains.

However, he stresses the success of techno-logical advances is still hinged on the funda-mentals of proper resource based and analytical estimates and a critical path precedence network.

Regional reachWith more than 10,000 users, CCS software is considered a construction industry standard and the company recently set up its first office in India, securing prominent clients including Larson and Toubro, one of the largest construc-tion company in India.

However, it is the desert cities that the con-struction technology suppliers’ management team now have their eye on. The long term plan is to make a mark on the larger developing markets such as the Middle East’s Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Jordan, as well as North Africa, where construction activity is rife and where

CCS staff believes immense potential lies. CCS’s faith in the Middle Eastern region has

even prompted their establishment of a distri-bution office in Bahrain to assist the existing Dubai office with installations outside the UAE.

Looking backIn 1978, the company birthed Candy Estimation and project control; integrated and

cOmbInEd, ccS cAndy And bUILdSmART IncLUdE mOdULES RELATIng TO: EstimatingPlanningValuationsForecastingCash flowProcurementAccountingWagesPlant, yard and stock managementDocument control

ABOVE: Ian Hauptfleisch

“It is precisely at these financially uncertain times that ccS can aid a company’s decision making processes”


cAREER LA

dd

ER | PATRICK O

LNEY

Patrick Olney.

”whilst it is a time of change in the industry Volvo cE has a clear strategy for delivering value to customers and this will be continued”

Part of a number of changes to be announced at Volvo this month, Patrick Olney has been appointed CEO for Volvo Construction Equipment

w ith a career spanning nearly two dec-ades, Patrick Olney has steered Volvo’s global operations through

challenging times and ambitious expansions. From this month, Olney will run Volvo’s global operations from the company’s Belgian head quarters, with responsibility for growth across all geographical markets.

Educated at the Ivey School of Business at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, Olney graduated with a degree in business adminis-tration and in 1994, and received the chartered accountant designation from the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants.

During his 17 year career in the construction equipment industry, Olney has spent 10 years in senior management roles within Volvo CE. These roles have included his appointment as president of Volvo Motor Graders from 2001 to 2004 and president of Volvo Road Machinery, a position he took in 2007.

In 2009 he was named executive vice presi-dent and head of operations at Volvo CE, tasked with spearheading Volvo’s global manufactur-ing and purchasing operations.

Volvo also announced this month that Volvo Rents will no longer be part of Volvo CE but will become a subsidiary of AB Volvo. Scott Hall, former executive vice president and head of global sales and marketing, will become the new executive vice president and CEO of Volvo Rents, based in Pennsylvania.

Reporting to Hall, will be Barry Natwick newly appointed chief operating officer of Volvo Rents. Eberhard Wedekind will replace Hall in the Belgian office as executive vice president of sales and marketing for Volvo CE.

Local operation, global recognitionWhile Volvo does not have a manufacturing base in the Middle East dealerships have been established throughout the region, with opera-tions spanning Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi

Arabia and the UAE, all overseen by the regional office based in Dubai.

More than 150 different models of excava-tors, wheel loaders, motor graders and articu-lated haulers are produced in total in plants located in Sweden, Germany, France, the US, Canada, Brazil and Korea.

This year, among other innovations announced by the company, a new range of pipe layers will be introduced in the region. Designed around a 360˚ swing excavator con-cept. Both models of the machines (PL4608 and PL4611) offer enhanced safety features and production capabilities, say the company. The pipe layers were used in the recent construction of the US $81 million, 60km Bunde-Etzel pipe-line in Germany.

Earlier this year, the L220G wheel loader, from the G-series range, won the Red Dot Design Award at a ceremony in Germany, rec-ognising the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, 20% increased lifting force, 10% improved breakout force and stronger hydraulics — 4433 other products were entered in the awards.

Fit for the future“Pat Olney has a long and extensive experience in the construction Equipment industry and

has been instrumental in putting Volvo CE’s new Fit for the Future strategy in place,” Olney’s predecessor, Olof Perrson comments. He will take up a new position as deputy CEO of AB Volvo from this month and from September 1, will become president and CEO of AB Volvo.

Launched in 2008, Fit for the Future reduced the overlaps within Volvo to “promote effi-ciency and focus on key customer segments”. Volvo reports strong growth and increased profitability across all global markets as a result, particularly in the Middle East. Dubai.

“Traditional markets of Europe and North America remain very important to the busi-ness,” comments Olney.

“However, growing markets in Asia and the BRIC countries are an important focus area for the company going forward. Volvo CE has made several key investments in recent years in these markets and is well placed to capitalise on the growth we see there. In particular we have seen strong growth in China driven by the company’s local Chinese partner,” he adds.

“Whilst it is a time of change in the industry with a recovery underway from the financial crisis in 2008 and growing markets in the BRIC countries and elsewhere, Volvo CE has a clear strategy for delivering value to customers and this will be continued,” he concludes.

Taking the wheel

ALL cHAngEPatrick Olney:

CEO, Volvo Construction Equipment

Scott Hall:

Executive vice president and CEO, Volvo Rents

Barry Natwick:

Chief operating officer, Volvo Rents

Eberhard Wedekind: Executive vice president

of sales and marketing, Volvo CE.

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ews

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TENDERS The latest tenders and project updates for developments in MENA region

MEN

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JECTS | TENDERS

of (13) distinctive restaurants, bars and lounges; a luxurious Saray Spa; 4,105 square metres of conference and event space, including two ballrooms and (22) breakout rooms; exclusive executive floors and six presidential suites.

Budget $ 545000000

Period 2012 Status New Tender Remarks This hotel will be located on Shaikh Zayed Road in Dubai and will be the world's tallest and one of the largest in UAE. The project is planned for implementation in two phases. The first phase will comprise (800) rooms, while the second phase will bring the total number of rooms to (1,614). Tender Categories Prestige Buildings

Saudi araBia

� Project Nameacrylic acid comPlex ProjectProject Number MPP2392-SA Territory Saudi ArabiaClient Name: National Industrialisation Company (Tasnee) - Saudi ArabiaAddress : 7th Floor, Tower 2, New Akaria Bldg., Sitteen StreetCity : Riyadh 11496 Postal/Zip Code : 26707Country : Saudi ArabiaPhone : (+966-1) 476 7166Fax : (+966-1) 477 0898Email: [email protected]: http://www.tasnee.com

Description Engineering, procurement and construction contract to build acrylic acid complex with capacity to produce 160,000 tonnes a year (t/y) of acrylic acid and 160,000 t/y of butyl acrylate.

Budget $ 2000000000

Period 2013 Status Current Project Remarks . Scope of work involves construction of: An acrylic acid unit, Esterification unit, Polymerisation unit ,and purification units, Associated facilities and utilities. The acrylic plant will be fed by 110,000 tonnes a year of propylene from the client's existing cracker in Jubail. The acrylic acid unit is scheduled for completion by second half of 2012, while the butyl acetate plant is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of the same year. A consortium of South Korea's Samsung Engineering Company and Germany's Linde has been appointed as the EPC contractor. Value of the contract has not been disclosed. Financial Consultant HSBC Ltd. (Saudi Arabia)Main Contractor Samsung Saudi Arabia Company Ltd.Main Contractor(1) Linde Arabian Contractors Ltd. - LINARCO (Saudi Arabia)Tender Categories Industrial & Special Projects

� Project NameBurj rafal mixed-uSe ProjectProject Number MPP2361-SATerritory Saudi ArabiaClient Name: Rafal Real Estate Development Company Ltd. (Saudi Arabia)Address : 9th Floor, Tatweer Tower, King Fahd Highway (Southbound), Almohammadeyyah District City : Riyadh 11547 Postal/Zip Code : 69290Country : Saudi ArabiaPhone : (+966-1) 200 8333Fax : (+966-1) 200 9393Email: [email protected]: http://www.rafal.com.sa

Description Development of Burj Rafal mixed-use scheme comprising a 62-storey tower consisting of 260 luxury apartments on 23 floors; a 2,000-person-

uae

� Project Nameuae federal NatioNal couNcil comPlex ProjectProject Number OPR463-U Territory Abu DhabiClient Name Federal National Council - Address : Al Khubairah Street, Near ADNOCCity : Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code : 836Country : United Arab EmiratesPhone : (+971-2) 681 2000Fax : (+971-2) 681 2846Email: [email protected]: http://www.almajles.gov.ae

Description Construction of a new complex for UAE Federal National Council comprising parliamentary buildings housing offices, meeting halls and visitors' programme.Status New Tender Remarks This project will be located on Abu Dhabi Corniche. Design of the complex is anchored by a striking 100-metre-diameter dome structure, a soaring flower-of-the-desert. Structural Consultant Gifford Structural Engineers (Abu Dhabi)Main Architect-1 Godwin, Austen & Johnson Architects (Dubai)Quantity Surveyor Baker Wilkins & Smith (Abu Dhabi)Landscaping Consultant ValleyCrest Middle East (Abu Dhabi)Tender Categories Housing Projects

� Project NameBawaBat al Sharq develoPmeNt Project - BaNiyaS city (PhaSe 3)

Project Number MPP2457-U Territory Abu DhabiClient Name : Baniyas Investment & Development Company L.L.C (Abu Dhabi)City : Abu Dhabi Postal/Zip Code : 54154

Country : United Arab EmiratesPhone : (+971-2) 645 7733Fax : (+971-2) 645 7737Website: http://www.bawabatalsharq.com

Description Development of Bawabat Al Sharq mixed-use scheme comprising (153) villas, apartment buildings, a school and a hospital – Phase 3.

Budget $ 250000000

Status New Tender Remarks This project will be developed within Baniyas City in Abu Dhabi. The first contract to be tendered will be for construction of (153) villas. It is expected to cost about $68 million. A second contract worth about $122 million will cover apartment buildings. Other contracts that will be tendered on the development include a $41 million package to build a school and a $22 million contract for the second phase of the hospital at the development. Client is preparing to issue tender documents for the construction contracts. Tender Categories Housing Projects; Medical

� Project Namemarriott marquiS hotel ProjectProject Number ZPR183-UTerritory DubaiClient Name : Emirates Group (Dubai)Address : Airport RoadCity : Dubai Postal/Zip Code : 686Country : United Arab EmiratesPhone : (+971-4) 203 2165 / 208 5553Fax : (+971-4) 295 0758 / 208 5572Email: [email protected]: http://www.emirates.com

Description Construction of 365-metre-high, five-star Marriott Marquis Hotel comprising two iconic towers featuring a total of (1,614) rooms and an array

ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL


MEN

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JECTS | TENDERS

capacity ballroom and 24 meeting rooms on one floors; a 297-room Kempinski Hotel and 54 serviced apartments over 17 floors; office space, which will occupy 13 floors; two wellness spas on one floor; and 6,000 square metres of retail space on the building's podium.

Budget $ 800000000

Period 2013 Status Current Project Remarks This project will be developed on a site of 22,000 square metres in the northern Assahafa district of Riyadh. UAE-based Dubai Contracting Company (DCC) has been appointed as the main contractor on this scheme. Construction work is ongoing. The project is expected to be completed in second quarter of 2013. Hong Kong's P&T Architects & Engineers designed the project and is serving as its mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) consultant and structural engineerMain Consultant Rider Levett Bucknall Consultants (Saudi Arabia)Design Consultant Palmer & Turner Architects & Engineers Limited (Dubai)Project Manager International Projects Management (Dubai)Wind Surveyor Windtech (Dubai)Main Contractor Dubai Contracting Company L.L.C. (Dubai)Tender Categories; Hotels; Leisure; Prestige Buildings

� Project NamerayhaaN hotel ProjectProject Number ZPR271-SA Territory Saudi ArabiaClient Name: Abdulla Fouad Holding Company (Saudi Arabia)Address : Abdulla Fouad Holding Company Bldg., Prince Mohammed Street, Hay Al SouqCity : Dammam 31411 Postal/Zip Code : 257Country : Saudi ArabiaPhone : (+966-9) 2001 2100Fax : (+966-3) 810 2100Email: [email protected]: http://www.abdulla-fouad.com

Description Construction of five-star Rayhaan Hotel comprising (240) rooms.

Budget $ 70000000

Period 2014 Status New Tender Remarks This project will be located in Dammam. The hotel will be managed by UAE-based Rotana Group. Local Shuaa Capital Hospitality Fund will finance the scheme. The design consultancy contract has been awarded. However, the client has not disclosed the name of the consultant. The excavation works contract is expected to be awarded in September 2011. Excavation works and design are expected to be completed in March 2012. Invitation to bid (ITB) for the main construction contract is expected to be issued in March/April 2012. Tender Categories Hotels; Prestige Buildings

� Project NamejeNaN city mixed-uSe develoPmeNt ProjectProject Number OPR458-SA Territory Saudi ArabiaClient Name: Jenan Properties (Saudi Arabia)Address : Office 604 & 605, Al Saeed Tower, Dammam - Khobar HighwayCity : Al Khobar 31952 Postal/Zip Code : 3884Country : Saudi ArabiaPhone : (+966-3) 814 7000Fax : (+966-3) 814 6990Email: [email protected]: http://www.jenan.com.sa

Description Development of Jenan City comprising residential, commercial, hospitality and retail, covering an area of 288,000 square metres.Period 2013 Status New Tender Remarks This project will be located in the heart of the east coast business hub of Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. The site is situated next to the main thoroughfare into Al Khobar and a short distance from the city center. It is divided between commercial, adjacent to the highway, and residential, at the opposite end of the site. It will include the following:- A 200-room Hilton Hotel with 98 service

apartments

- A residential tower with 60 apartments

- A 40-storey waterfront office tower

- 22,000 square metres of retail area

- 385 residential units

- Car parking space for 2,000 vehicles.

First designed by Canada's Norr Consultants

one year ago, this new concept has reduced the

height of the largest buildings from 200 metres

to 88 metres and reduced the overall floor plate

from 330,000 square metres to 290,000 square

metres, or around 15% of the original size. The

scheme is currently awaiting approval from Al

Khobar Municipality to proceed with tendering

of the main construction contract. It is expected

that the project will be approved in the second

quarter of 2011 and an invitation to bid (ITB)

will be issued. Construction is expected to

commence in the third quarter of 2011.

Main Architect NORR Group Consultants International Ltd. (Dubai)Engineering Consultant NORR Group Consultants International Ltd. (Dubai)Tender CategoriesHotels; Leisure; Prestige Buildings; Housing Projects

qatar

� Project Namedoha feStival city develoPmeNt ProjectProject Number MPP2455-Q Territory QatarClient Name: Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate (Dubai)Address : Dubai Festival City, Al Rashidiya AreaCity : Dubai Postal/Zip Code : 159Country : United Arab EmiratesPhone : (+971-4) 213 6213Fax : (+971-4) 232 5550Email: [email protected]: http://www.afrealestate.comDescription Development of Doha Festival City comprising a retail centre, an entertainment park, two hotels and an auto park made up of car showrooms.

Budget $ 1600000000

Period 2015 Status New Tender Main Architect Arab Engineering Bureau (Qatar)Design Consultant DP Architects Pte.

Ltd. (Singapore)Project Manager Mace Limited (UK)Project Manager-1 EC Harris (UK)Main Architect-1 Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf (Dubai)Research & Marketing Consultant Portland Design Associates (UK)Engineering Consultant WSP (UK)Research & Marketing Consultant-1 Coverpoint Catering Consultancy (UK)Tender Categories; Hotels; Housing Projects; Leisure

� Project NameheadquarterS BuildiNg Project-17Project Number MPP2427-Q Territory QatarClient Name: International Bank of Qatar (IBQ)City : Doha Postal/Zip Code : 2001Country : QatarPhone : (+974) 4447 8000Fax : (+974) 4447 3745Email: [email protected]: http://www.ibq.com.qa

Description Construction of 32-storey, 225-metre-high headquarters building, including five basement levels for a bank.

Budget $ 137000000

Status Current Project Remarks This project is in Doha. The tower will be built on Al-Taawon Street, near the Qatar Olympics building and cover a total built-up area of 35,000 square metres. A joint venture of Greece's Aktor and local Redco International has been awarded the main construction contract on this scheme. Main Consultant KEO International Consultants (Qatar)Design Consultant Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (USA)Main Contractor AKTOR (Qatar)Main Contractor(1) Redco Construction (Qatar)Tender Categories Prestige Buildings

ESTIMATING AND PROJECT CONTROL

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Project QatarDoha: May 2 – 5

The 8th International Trade Exhibition For Construction Technology,

Building Materials, Equipment and Environmental Technology in Qatar.

Qatar International Exhibition Centre, Doha, Ad Dawhah, Qatar

Gulf Construction Interiors and Furniture

ExhibitionManama: May 3 – 5

Gulf construction, interiors and furniture exhibition, strategically

located in Bahrain for access to rapidly growing sectors within Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

Project JordanAmman: May 9 – 12 Gathering for building sector

professionals and suppliers anywhere in the Middle East.

Buildex SyriaDamascus: May 12 – 16

One of the oldest exhibitions in the region specialising in building and construction, providing a gateway

for international companies targeting Syrian and neighbouring markets. Opportunities for interaction with suppliers, manufacturers, buyers,

importers, engineers, consultants, and decision makers.

Project LebanonBeirut: May 31 - June 3

Targeting building sector professionals anywhere in the Middle East, the show

offers suppliers opportunity in one of the world’s largest rebuilding projects.

DIARYMAY

GLOBAL TRENDS

5280 ft The height of the Kingdom Tower, Jeddah’s bid to build the tallest building in the world, at one mile high. The current record holder, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa stands at 2716.5 feet. The tower will cost around US $20 billion.

$4.2 billion The amount the International Facilities Management Association predicts will be generated by the sector this year.

$124 The price per barrel of oil at the time of going to press. The escalation in prices is said to be spurred by continuing unrest in the Middle East and Nigeria.

-45% Developer Emaar’s profits have fallen 45% due to Dubai’s real estate slump.

$27.9 billion Reported revenue for Bechtel Corp in 2010. The San Francisco-based engineers recently completed a number of projects in the Middle East.

DIA

RY | IN

DUSTRY EVENTS

InternatIonalMena

International West African Building and ConstructionAccra: May 4 – 6 Visitors are expected to include purchasers from central and local government, industry, agriculture, NGOs and other key players from the entire East Africa region.

GREENBUILDINGVerona: May 4 – 6 International exhibition of energy efficiency and sustainable architecture. A conference on energy efficiency and sustainable architecture will also be held during the event.

Construction Corrosion and Infrastructure ConferenceLas Vegas: May 9 – 11 Participants will learn about incorporating composite materials into product designs related to construction, infrastructure and corrosion. This show presents different types of educational sessions, presentation from experts and seminars.

Building Architectural Construction and Engineering Industry Symposium and Trade ShowAssam: May 20 – 22 An annual show with opportunity to view latest new techniques and comparing items related to the sector

International Building and Construction Trade FairShangha: May 25 – 28 Expecting more than 100,000 visitors from China, and across Asia, the show targets end-users, decision-makers, importing and exporting companies, designers, engineers and technicians.


TEA BREA

K |IM

PROVING

SAFETY

Nico VaN NiekerkTraining manager- productional Jaber Group LLc, Each emirate has its own code of practise; I would suggest combin-ing these and having one code of practise for all of them. I think it would make things easier.

Also I think things should be controlled by the authorities. I think they should visit the sites when things are going well and not just when there is a problem.

There should also be a rating system in place for all the con-struction companies displayed on a board outside the site so when people go past they know the company’s rating. We have the system in South Africa, where all the companies are rated.

caroL PriNce Marketing DirectorrWN Trading LLc A very basic point is to ensure that all staff are fully trained on health and safety in their native language, so there is no misun-derstanding on the subject.

Proof is in the training and the follow up enforcement of all health and safety practices.

BiPiN BahriProject ManagerMace I think the main points are stonger legislation, CDM regula-tions similar to the UK, awards for companies conforming to requirements, blacklisting com-panies not complying and edu-cating all stakeholders.

ShaLa k. YaTiMProject directorcommodore contracting co. (Dubai), Whichever safety measures were taken in the last two to three years are good in my opinion and safety regulations have improved.

It mainly comes down to the contractor’s responsibility. We can make so many laws but if you don’t have your own safety proce-dures they won’t work.

The company and the labourers must be aware of safety and this is a major problem right now.

Our company conducts safety awareness from time to time with the labourers on the sites. But overall this is still the contractor’s responsibility to carry out and continue to implement.

NahLa eL eBiarYVice President for development and controlPalm hills Development, Maybe health and safety could be added as an item or a prerequisite in issuing the building permit. for example having health and safety inspectors come and check if the health and safety regula-tions are implemented, and if they are not this should delay the issuing of the building permit.

Your Shout This month, The Big Project asked construction professionals: What can authorities in the region do to improve onsite health and safety?

Get involved: Visit: www.thebigprojectme.com Follow us on Twitter: METheBigProjectBecome a group member on LinkedIn Or become a fan on Facebook: Thebigproject

“We can make so many laws but if you don’t have your own safety procedures they won’t work”

The Big Project Magazine

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