One of the key features of this year’s The Big 5 Saudi will include a collection of free certified educational workshops available for visitors to attend. The introduction of Saudi FIDIC is among the many hot topics on the educational agenda as the regulatory environment in Saudi Arabia evolves to include the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) system. “Saudi FIDIC will be well received by international players in the market or seeking to enter the market,” said Andrew Jones, partner and head of construction – Middle East at law firm Dentons and speaker at next week’s The Big 5…
Author: Paromita Dey
Abu Dhabi-based Aldar Properties awarded an AED318m contract for Al Jimi Mall’s refurbishment and expansion works to Pivot Construction Company. Al Jimi Mall, located in Al Ain, is currently fully occupied with footfall of eight million visitors a year. This Aldar investment will add an additional leased space of 33,000 square metres GLA bringing the total leased area to 76,000 square metres of retail space. The project will include an expansion to the west side of the Mall; the ‘West Wing’ adding 51 new units over three levels. The expansion work will be completed by end of the first quarter…
A South Korean consortium led by Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. was awarded a $2.93bn construction deal from Kuwait National Petroleum Co. to build liquefied natural gas (LNG)-related facilities, Qatar News Agency reported The consortium, which includes Hyundai Engineering Co. and state-run Korea Gas Corp., plans to construct re-gasification facilities and LNG tanks in Al-Zour, Kuwait. Hyundai Engineering will be in charge of the re-gasification plants, while the construction firm will build the LNG tanks and coastal facilities. The consortium announced the project will be finished in 2020.
Experts identified green building credentials in demand at a forum organised by Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC). The credentials included: LEED Green Associate and Accredited Professionals and Energy Management credentials from the Association of Energy Engineers (CEM, CEA and CMVP). EmiratesGBC and Heriot-Watt University hosted a forum for students to highlight the importance of the green building industry to future prospective members. Graduate and undergraduate students from Heriot-Watt University, American University of Sharjah, the British University in Dubai and Dubai Men’s College had the opportunity to hear first-hand from experts about the trends expected in the green building sector as…
Despite low oil prices, industry leaders forecast that the Saudi construction market looks positive in 2016 with sustained strong growth expected for the infrastructure sector. The sector maintains its position as the Middle East’s largest construction market, and is set to grow 7.8% by 2019. Massive transportation projects, with an investment exceeding $29.8bn billion in airport infrastructure by 2020, and the construction of six smart cities by 2025 at a cost of $109bn are said to be sufficient enough to ensure the continuous growth of the Saudi construction industry. Riyadh Exhibitions will be organising Saudi Build later this year to…
Integrated railway system provide, Alstom, showcased its complete rail transport solutions from urban to high speed trains, and signalling to services, at Eurasia Rail held from 3 to 5 March 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey. Arban Citak, managing director of Alstom Turkey, said: “Alstom has been a reliable partner for the Turkish railway sector for more than 60 years. With government intending to invest over $44bn in rail transport, we are looking forward to pursue our collaboration and contribute to the development of its transport network which include high speed and regional trains, metro, and signalling.” Among the solutions, Alstom showcased;…
Spain-based Meliá Hotels International announced it will build its first five-star branded hotel in Salman Shahr, Iran, on 3 March 2016. Iran expects to witness a significant increase in tourism development after the lifting of sanctions that have restricted foreign investment since 2006. The hotel is part of the Ghoo, Middle East Diamond which is a business and holiday development being built by the Iranian investor and CEO of Azimzadeh Carpet Ahad Azimzadeh. Gabriel Escarrer, vice chairperson and CEO of Meliá Hotels International, said: “We have always been pioneers in the development of new markets in the travel and tourism…
Construction Business News ME speaks with the developers behind the world’s largest naphtha cracker plant, Tahrir Petrochemical project, being built in Egypt Developer Carbon Holdings, a privately owned Egyptian petrochemical firm, revealed that construction and operation of the Tahrir Petrochemical project is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect permanent and construction jobs in Egypt. Ahmed El-Kharashy, managing director of business development at Carbon Holding, says that after completing the project and starting production Tahrir will increase Egyptian exports by 25-30%, a “positive contribution to Egypt’s economy”. Once completed the $6.9bn Tahrir Petrochemicals project will be the largest petrochemical…
The absence of women professionals within the renewable energy sector could threaten the shift to clean energy, senior representatives revealed at the Women in Clean Energy (WICE) leadership meeting during Solar Middle East on 3 March 2016. Mhairi Main Garcia, counsel at Ashurst and director at WICE said the success of future energy may rest on the industry’s ability to attract and retain top talent – with women being a critical component of that talent mix. “Future energy requires a broad talent pool – a diverse base – to help accelerate its development and ensure it remains a resilient and…
Falling oil prices and will have a “positive impact” on sustainability technology, according to Tatsuya Kumazawa, director and divisional head of the Eco Solutions division at Panasonic Marketing MEA (PMMAF). Speaking at Middle East Electricity, he said: “When crude oil prices began going down people were not paying attention. But now as it is more prevalent, they have started looking at renewable energy alternatives and smart energies. “Energy and power is undergoing an unprecedented growth with huge investments being pumped into the sector over the coming years thereby offering the industry players a challenging yet competitive business environment.” PMMAF showcased…