Until recently, the $140 billion Gulf Railway project has only been a historic vision in-the-making, stirring much excitement for its potential to revolutionise trade and communications within the seven-state customs union. But as the wait for a concrete blueprint outlining its execution continues, it is the next few years that will ultimately decide how close this vision is to truly becoming reality. While the GCC may be a century or two late in hopping onto the bandwagon, it isn’t entirely foreign to the notion of rail transport. In fact, the presence of locomotives in the Gulf, though having eluded the…
Author: Paromita Dey
The growing importance of the facilities management sector could affect the construction and real estate industry as a whole. Experts say that the neglected sector now has a chance to be an industry leader if it makes the right decisions about technological advancement and innovation. Lorraine Bangera writes The FM Expo 2015 took place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 18 to 21 and brought together industry professionals from the facilities management (FM) sector under one roof. During the four-day event, research papers and the FM Congress highlighted some of the major developments in the sector and key…
From building boats in the late eighteenth century to being home to one of the fastest growing construction industry today, Kuwait’s past turbulences seem too far away. It has parlayed its natural rich resources, hearing the soft voice of intellect, which has indeed led to an optimistic future for Kuwaitis as well as the globe, with whom the country has been collaborating effectively. It is not just the abundance of affluence that makes Kuwait a desirable destination, its resources support its prosperity and its strategic location is just apt to greet the world. According to MEED’s project database MEED Projects,…
Cummins Power Generation’s latest power generator creates a buzz in the Middle East. Reliable in harshest climates, the generator is sets new standards in the industry Showcased at Middle East Electricity this year, QSK95 Series high-horsepower generator set is rated at up to 3.5 MW. The generator is Cummins’ most powerful diesel generator set to date. In Western Australia, a QSK95 generator set supports production at Cloudbreak mine, one of the largest iron ore mines in the world. Cloudbreak Mine is located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. About 150 kilometres from the nearest power grid, the site is…
Reliable, efficient and cost-effective, potential buyers witness live demonstrations of the new range of Hyster and Utilev forklift trucks at the Materials Handling Event Kanoo Machinery, a member of The Kanoo Group hosted a premier Materials Handling Event in its Abu Dhabi and Dubai premises this April to demonstrate a new range of Hyster and Utilev forklift trucks equipped with the latest innovations and accessories, into the UAE and GCC market. Deon Klerck, Divisional Manager of Kanoo Machinery, says: “Modern-day forklifts provide one of the most critical components in today’s fast growing logistics industry that depends on material handling equipment…
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…