Author: CBNME Writer

Multi-billion dollar construction projects lead to multi-billion dollar FM contracts. But how should the facilities management sector evolve? As the region shifts from an outdated approach of constructing and maintaining buildings to a more technologically advanced formula, the facilities management (FM) sector seems to be benefiting the most. The usually forgotten and undermined sector is now increasingly and rightly recognised as a key player in the overall lifecycle of a built asset. Earlier this year, FM trends were highlighted in the ninth annual FM Expo organised by dmg events at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event’s senior project manager…

With the recent launch of Emirates Green Building Council’s retrofit guidelines, Lorraine Bangera analyses how buildings could be made more sustainable and how companies could save on massive energy spending In June earlier this year, Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) launched its Technical Guidelines for Retrofitting Existing Buildings to serve as a guide for UAE industry professionals and building end-users. The Guidelines have been created in conformance with the UAE’s sustainability agenda, as part of its National Agenda 2021 and in line with local sustainable strategies such as the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy and Abu Dhabi Vision 2030. Saeed Al…

The GCC has become a centre for light rail development as cities look to reduce strain on both the roads and the environment. Stuart Matthews explores the recent progress of companies looking to create a new generation of rail commuters The GCC countries have witnessed some of the fastest population growth rates in the world over the last decade. Crucially more than 70% of the Gulf populations live in urban areas, with both Kuwait and Qatar experiencing nearly 100 percent urbanisation, according to UN Habitat. Between 2005 and 2010 Dubai saw annual population growth rates in excess of 4%, while…

A number of recent milestones have propelled Oman’s tourism industry – from moving the weekend to building new international airports. In turn, this is spurring unprecedented private sector opportunities in related development and infrastructure projects, with an estimated value of $56bn to 2017. Melanie Mingas reports In the GCC, the road away from hydro-carbons is well worn. From diversifying energy sources to introducing entirely new industries, all six member nations realise the finite nature of their economic authority and are working hard to spread their interests. Saudi Arabia boasts a network of manufacturing and educational cities; Qatar is preparing for…

Countries in the GCC are increasing investments in healthcare facilities, but still fall short of OECD bed capacity benchmarks. Lorraine Bangera examines the upcoming trends in the sector and the growing importance of having a healthy built environment The built environment plays a major role in determining the health of an individual. Healthcare facilities are particularly under the spotlight when it comes to providing an ideal environment for individuals. Carl McKenzie, healthcare director of AECOM, says that the built environment for a healthcare facility relates to creating an internal environment that maximises wellbeing and enhances the quality of life. He…

Engr. Khaled Awad, chairman and founder of Advanced Construction Technology Services and newly appointed vice president of the American Concrete Institute speaks with Construction Business News ME about how international standards act as a collation of industry knowledge used as a reference for the construction industry in the Middle East Could you tell us about what role the American Concrete Institute (ACI) plays in setting international standards? ACI is the world authority and global resource on concrete construction. It produces the building code for concrete construction, which is the primary reference of all construction projects in the world. ACI has…

Campbell Gray, managing director of Faithful+Gould, speaks with Lorraine Bangera about his in-house strategy to maintain a motivated staff. He also highlights the challenges in hiring professionals in the Middle East market and sticking to health and safety codes, even if they are not enforced “In the last two years Faithful+Gould has gone through an evolution,” says managing director Campbell Gray. The well-established company has turned around from what Gray calls a “bland maroon brand” to one with a fresher look and a clearer mission. The company has been focussed on shifting its overall vision to not only being an…

Construction Business News ME visits the site of Akoya by Damac and speaks with Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president of corporate communication and investor relations at Damac, about progress on Dubai’s first masterplanned development since 2008 and the first community to be built by a private company Akoya by Damac, located off Umm Suqeim Road in Dubai, is about a 30-minute drive away from Downtown Dubai. This, according to senior vice president of corporate communications and investor relations at Damac Niall McLoughlin, is one of the key reasons the company sought out the location; to build a destination within itself.…