Author: CBNME Writer

Bishoy Azmy, the CEO of Al Shafar General Contracting (ASGC), a vertically-integrated construction group, discusses ASGC’s 25 year old history, culture and the future ASGC has worked on numerous of projects across a range of markets throughout its 25-year history in the United Arab Emirates. Could you briefly describe ASGC’s track record in the construction industry? Since our foundation in 1989, we have provided general contracting solutions for more than 250 construction projects, primarily in the UAE. Although historically we have focused on residential and commercial construction projects, we have recently started to diversify our offerings and have secured key…

Founded in France in 1966 to commission nuclear facilities, Assystem is an international and independent engineering company, recognised worldwide as an independent engineering company in the nuclear sector. Stéphane Aubarbier, CEO of the Energy & Infrastructure division speaks with Lorraine Bangera about its growing presence in the Middle East especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UAE Tell us more about the merger between Assystem and Radicon Group. Why was it executed and how has it had a positive impact on the companies? Based on our legacy of delivering highly complex infrastructure, Assystem has been supporting and managing challenging…

Al Zorah Development Company showcases its latest development along the coastline of Ajman. With a successful sales launch, the upcoming project Al Zorah Golf Villas expects residents to move in by next year In early April this year, Al Zorah Development Company organised the launch of the sale of Al Zorah Golf Villas in Ajman. The launch included an exclusive preview for press, Emiratis and the Ruler of Ajman and UAE Supreme Council Member, H.H. Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, along with other reputed delegates from the government. The tour of the latest Al Zorah project showcased the company’s…

The new project, launched by Seven Tides, brings both British charm and cosmopolitan luxury to the UAE. Abdulla bin Sulayem, CEO of Seven Tides, believes the hotel and residence appeals to a well-travelled global audience Dubai-based luxury property developer and holding company, Seven Tides, unveiled its latest project, the Dukes Oceana hotel and residences in Palm Jumeirah. The luxury resort and residences are set to add an English flavour to the predominately arabesque island. This launch marks the first international property fir the Dukes Collection brand. Dukes London, flagship hotel of the brand, located in Mayfair district in London is…

Hyder Consulting has been commissioned by Ashghal, Qatar’s Public Works Authority, to design and supervise a major new six-lane expressway in metropolitan Doha. Construction Business News ME looks into the progress The upcoming project is part of Qatar’s extensive Expressway Programme, which will provide vital transportation links across Qatar—connecting key cities, towns, and villages with high-quality national freeways and urban arterial routes. The project management consultant delivering Doha Expressway project for Ashghal is KBR. A key challenge of the project has been to minimise additional land-taking within the project’s urban environment. As a result, this project has some of the…

Bulgari and Meraas unveils its project Bulgari Residences Dubai at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Antonio Citterio, architect on the project, talks to Construction Business News ME about his work with Bulgari Resort and Residences, and what it means to design high-end luxury products This April, the Dubai-based holding company Meraas and the international luxury brand Bulgari announced the launch of Bulgari Residences Dubai as part of the 1.7 million square feet Bulgari Resort and Residences that is taking shape on the Jumeira Bay Island. The project will be entirely designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel…

With the world’s highest GDP per capita and the largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporter with the world’s largest gas deposits and a small population, Qatar surely has everything going in its favour. For now. And the booster shots for its further growth has come in the form of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, the IAAF World Athletics Championship 2019 events and the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV). Giorgios Retsinas writes With these developments, the economy can definitely hope for big time contribution from the real estate and construction sector, and according to Jones Lang Lasalle – Middle East and…

There has to be more to smart skyscrapers than just clever gadgets if they are to be a sustainable part of any urban plan. Stuart Matthews writes Cities in the GCC have come to be recognised by their skylines. Silhouettes of tall buildings are the visual language of city guides and the symbols of financial booms, all built on the back of active and divergent economic activity. These skyscrapers, for good or for bad, have become landmarks of the success Gulf cities have enjoyed – complete with its ups and downs – and their development has brought architects, engineers and…

Market changes since the global financial crash have led to the consolidation of a number of large consultancies. How has this development affected contractors and the region’s construction industry in general? Alison Luke investigates The financial crash in late 2008 instigated many significant changes within the construction industry, with differing results. The sudden drop in available work propelled firms operating in the sector to re-evaluate in order to survive and thrive. For some large consultancy firms this meant consolidations and acquisitions, with some firms merging under a single brand, while other names have been retained as sub-brands of larger organisations.…