Ensuring the health and longevity of properties is crucial in today’s digital age, PlanRadar has announced. With most of the time spent indoors, building quality directly affects well-being and ‘Sick Building Syndrome’ (SBS) is a significant concern, leading to health issues from poor indoor environments, the firm stated.

Sick Building Syndrome manifests through a range of symptoms among occupants, including headaches, respiratory issues, fatigue, and emotional distress. The incidence of SBS has been reported as 57% in office buildings, 31% in university laboratories, and between 23-41% in university administrative buildings. Often unrecognised, these symptoms are linked to factors such as poor ventilation, high levels of indoor pollutants, and moisture, the firm explained.

Ibrahim Imam, CEO MENA + APAC and Co-Founder of PlanRadar commented, “The increasing awareness of Sick Building Syndrome worldwide is driving demand for healthier buildings. We are observing that this trend is increasingly influencing global real estate markets, as investors and occupants alike will prioritise buildings that offer healthier environments for occupants.”

SBS is reported to affect tenants due to off-gassing and air pollution from new materials. Indoor air pollution, caused by dust, smoke, and volatile substances, significantly impacts air quality, especially when compounded by inadequate ventilation. Inefficient HVAC systems affects tenants by allowing high pollutant levels and failing to provide adequate air exchange. Additionally, excess moisture fosters mold growth, leading to respiratory problems and allergies. Maintaining thermal comfort through proper heating and insulation is also crucial for ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures.

Imam noted, “As awareness of Sick Building Syndrome grows, there is a heightened demand for practices, training, education and certifications that prioritise indoor air quality and occupant health.”

The firm says that its digital led facilities management offering provides a simple solution for efficient property management – one that improves building maintenance, contributes to a healthy indoor environment and ultimately increases property values.

Imam added, “Digital real estate and facility management platforms are proving to be vital in identifying and mitigating the factors that contribute to Sick Building Syndrome, such as poor air quality and inadequate ventilation. The adoption of these systems allows for more precise control over building systems, continuous monitoring and adjustment capabilities, and enable prompt interventions to reduce health and safety risk.”

Even in modern, energy-efficient buildings, maintaining optimal air quality and overall building health is crucial. Properties affected by Sick Building Syndrome require targeted strategies to enhance their quality and market value. Tools such as PlanRadar provide a comprehensive solution, enabling precise planning, efficient resource utilisation, and improved communication. This ensures properties remain healthy and valuable assets.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

AD Ports Group has announced the completion of the acquisition of Tbilisi Dry Port. The group is now the majority stakeholder with a 60% stake.

Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group stated, “We are delighted with the completion of the Tbilisi Dry Port acquisition. The agreement highlights AD Ports Group’s unwavering commitment towards strengthening global supply chains, and we recognise the growing influence of the Middle Corridor on global trade.”

“We are fully focused on successfully operating this important logistics hub, which enhances connectivity between Western Asia and Eastern Europe, and positions AD Ports Group at the forefront of global trade. This is the latest in a number of strategic international investments by AD Ports Group, in line with our wise leadership’s vision to advance economic growth, job creation and mutual benefit,” AlShamsi added.

The new hub is positioned between the Caspian Sea and Black Sea, it integrates multiple facilities including a container freight station, warehouses and a car storage park. Serving as a crucial point of entry, exit, and regional transit, it accommodates manufactures, shippers and consignees moving containers, vehicles and various goods for distribution and storage.

The project will be completed in three phases. By the end of the initial phase, the handling capacity is expected to reach 96,500 TEUs, with 10,000sqm of warehouse and a car storage yard. Upon the completion of phase three, the project will have a handling capacity of 286,000 TEU, 100,000sqm of warehouse and a significantly expanded car storage yard.

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Hitches & Glitches (H&G), part of the Farnek Group, has witnessed an increase in demand for home maintenance in Dubai’s luxury residential property sector. The firm says it has been appointed to maintain numerous luxury properties in prime residential communities such as Emirates Hills, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Hills Estate.

One notable contract H&G has acquired is for a luxury villa in Jumeirah Bay Island, often referred to as ‘Billionaires Row’, which has a built-up area (BUA) of over 7,200sqm, equivalent to the size of Manchester City’s football pitch. H&G provides a full-time housekeeper, maid, chef, driver, service butler, a technician and a watchman. The firm maintains gym equipment, a jacuzzi, home automation, laundry and kitchen appliances, a swimming pool and water features, extensive landscaping and manages pest control and 24-hour security.

“According to property finder, a 2,237sqm plot of land in Jumeirah Bay Island is currently valued at $42,234,552mn. That obviously doesn’t even include the cost of building a villa! So, having made that level of investment, these discerning owners recognise that they require regular high-quality management and planned preventative maintenance, particularly if they are away from their home for any extended period,” commented Zohaib Azhar, Director of Operations at Hitches & Glitches.

In addition, H&G was recently appointed to manage 900 premium branded apartments and five-star hotel residences in Dubai Downtown, Dubai Creek Harbor and Dubai Marina neighborhood. Presently H&G’s home maintenance division has more than 1,500 active Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC), serviced by 210 qualified technicians.

“We initially recognised this trend over two years ago when it became apparent that increasing numbers of wealthy overseas investors were buying luxury properties in Dubai. So, we formed a specialist unit of highly trained technicians to compete in this niche market with a tailored offering, providing a convenient one-stop shop for MEP, civil, carpentry, smart home automation, white goods, special renovation projects and fit out works,” added Azhar.

H&G’s smart technology platform, which was developed in-house by Farnek’s smart FM solutions company HITEK, is also enhancing the company’s competitive advantage, especially for luxury property owners based overseas. It’s home maintenance app enables owners and property managers to follow the progress of their planned maintenance and other service requests from initial reporting to completion and allows customers to approve and pay for any materials that maybe required to complete the job, said the statement.

“Demand is also soaring for smart home gadgets, as improved technology has made devices easier to use and more effective, particularly those with remote options for international investors. Customers can buy smart product bundles direct from the H&G online store with the added convenience of installation, ongoing maintenance, relocation and add-ons, providing a seamless experience,” added Azhar.

To consolidate its security offering, H&G teamed up with smart home security company Ring, which has products, including motion-activated security cameras with two-way talk, built in floodlights with alarms, as well as their renowned Video Doorbell. This allows owners or managers to answer the door from anywhere in the world, via a two-way voice call and one-way live streaming of any visitor, through their smartphone app or laptop, the statement concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Roshn has launched the sale of 1,251 new homes for the fourth phase of its flagship Sedra community, in Riyadh.

Sedra’s residences offer a range of 10 floor plans and two facades, with three colour variations for buyers to select. A key theme throughout he development is an emphasis on creating an eco-friendly environment, and approximately 30% of the area is dedicated to green public spaces, exercise facilities and pedestrian walkways.

Phase 4 of the project also includes the Saudi ‘Sports for All’ Federation Dome, as part of its broader partnership with the Saudi Sports for All Federation, aimed at providing year-round, all-weather access to sports facilities catering for all skill levels.

Sedra is also easily reachable via the Airport Road and is in walking distance from two metro stations. Nearby landmarks include Princess Nourah University, Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, and the SAR train station.

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Arada has announced its first expansion outside the UAE market with the launch of operations in Australia. The Dubai-based developer has set up a new office in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont and is planning multiple projects in Australia. Arada’s extended pipeline of projects will contribute towards urban renewal required to address the current housing shortage in Sydney.

Adding over 2,500 homes to the Sydney housing market, sales and construction for Arada’s initial projects will begin in 2025. With significant land holdings, the sites will deliver commercial and retail components. Arada has partnered with architecture firm Woods Bagot to design and deliver its vision to the Australian market, the firm noted in a statement.

Arada has been led by its Australian-born Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, who is also spearheading the Australian operations and business growth.

Alkhoshaibi remarked, “Launching in Australia marks a pivotal moment for Arada as we continue to realise our vision of integrated residential communities that help people lead happier, healthier and more meaningful lives. Arada is passionate about delivering activated precincts that deliver a community-based approach to housing supply.”

“Our initial projects in Sydney are strategically located within growth corridors, aligning with local government initiatives to expand housing near transport hubs and minimizing strain on existing infrastructure. With a strong financial position, an impressive track record and a dedicated local team, we are poised to make a positive impact on our future residents and the communities we serve,” Alkhoshaibi added.

In Australia, Arada will continue to deliver diverse housing options with facilities and amenities, alongside events and activations for residents and their friends to enjoy in the surrounding area. Its developments will feature green spaces, retail outlets and Arada’s own fitness and wellbeing offering, Wellfit, which focuses on providing active, healthy living for the whole family via state-of-the-art facilities, the statement concluded.

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ENBD REIT has announced the successful sale of the Remraam residential assets at a slight premium to market value. The decision to divest this asset with ENBD REIT’s turnaround strategy was to optimise its portfolio with a focus on dividend growth via proactive asset management. The proceeds from this sale will be utilised to reduce debt.

“Following a comprehensive review of the portfolio, we have identified a clear turnaround strategy to unlock value for our shareholders and maintain our position as a reliable dividend payer. This divestment marks a significant first step to streamline our future-facing portfolio by improving the overall mix of the portfolio and strengthen our financial foundations by reducing our debt,” said Samir Kazi, Head of Real Estate at Emirates NBD Asset Management and CEO of ENBD REIT.

The two Remraam residential towers, Al Ramth 57 and 59, are in Dubailand and offer 105 units with a net leasable area of 112,154sqft. Acquired in September 2015, Remraam represents 4% of the REIT’s portfolio value.

As part of the sustainable turnaround journey, ENBD REIT continues to explore opportunities for investments and portfolio re-balancing. Despite challenges posed by a high-interest rate environment and pricing expectations, ENBD REIT.

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Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plans to build Africa’s largest airport in Abusera a critical element of the airline’s 15-year plan to become one of the most competitive aviation groups in the world. Building on a 78-year track record, Ethiopian operates Africa’s most modern fleet to more than 150 destinations across five continents, said a statement.

The airport’s location allows the airline to meet the International Air Transport Association’s forecasts of more growth over the next decade. Growing beyond Bole International Airport, Abusera’s lower altitude will elevate aircraft take-off performance, while an express rail link to Addis Ababa facilitates connectivity.

In its first phase scheduled for 2029, the airport will have capacity for 60m passengers annually almost three times Africa’s current busiest airport creating thousands of jobs to serve Ethiopian’s expanding customer base and fleet. Ultimately, the airport will serve 110m passengers annually four times the capacity of Bole International Airport.

Ethiopian’s CEO Mesfin Tasew stated, “With its exceptional capacity and world-class facilities, this new airport promises to elevate African aviation.”

To deliver this transformational new project, Ethiopian Airlines awarded a consultancy contract to a consortium led by Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners), with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Pascall+Watson Architects, Landrum&Brown, and TY Lin.

Dar, TY Lin, and Landrum&Brown belong to Sidara, a global collaborative that ranks first in aviation (Engineering News Record 2023). ZHA brings design expertise and a record of acclaimed airport projects, while Pascall+Watson Architects has completed over 2,000 aviation projects across 70 airports, the statement noted.

These companies will cover technical advisory, engineering, project management, and construction supervision services for passenger facilities, airline support facilities, two Code 4E parallel runways along with associated airfield infrastructure, and other major airport facilities and infrastructure.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

EDL Anlagenbau Gesellschaft mbH (EDL) has been commissioned by Puraglobe Holding GmbH (Puraglobe) to engineer another HyLube plant. The client will build the fourth used oil re-refining plant, this time outside Europe. In this new project EDL will be responsible for basic and detail engineering with the necessary adjustments to the non-European location. The official signing of the contract was celebrated in May.

Puraglobe is the only manufacturer of API Group III/III+ base oils based on waste oil worldwide. The company invested an undisclosed sum into the construction of the HyLube3 plant, which was successfully commissioned in spring 2024.

In the EPCm project, 430t of piping and pipe support material, around 50km of cable, around 1,200 instruments, 10,000t of concrete and 1,000t of steel work were installed. Particularly challenging was the very limited space available for installation. Therefore, detailed planning and assembly sequence scheduling had to consider the limited pre-assembly options and the delivery of equipment by the required deadlines.

“We are delighted to be working with Puraglobe again. As the previous plants, HyLube 4 will also produce sought-after base oils, which are urgently needed due to their high quality and lower CO2 emissions. For these reasons, there is a high demand on them on the market,” says Luis Villalobos, Director Project Execution at EDL.

The 47m fractionating column, which was completed horizontally and then lifted into place in the previous project, the HyLube2 plant, was lifted into place, scaffolded and completed step by step with steel platforms, pipelines and other components in the HyLube3 project. There were also changes to the political situation in February 2022, which had a particular impact on the procurement of materials at equipment manufacturers. Irrespective of all these challenges, the plant was mechanically completed on schedule. It was handed over to Puraglobe in spring 2024 and went into proper operation, said the statement.

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Australia’s federal and state governments have appointed CPB Contractors, a subsidiary of Australia-based Cimic Group, to develop the Tram Grade Separation Projects in Adelaide. The Cimic Group said the scope of work for the projects includes works at three locations along the Glenelg Tram Line in Adelaide.

The project will be delivered in-conjunction with several other firms including: Arup, Aurecon, McConnell Dowell and Mott MacDonald.

“Works along the tram corridor, modifications of the existing tram overpass at South Road, replacement of the level crossings at Marion Road, Cross Road and Morphett Road with tram overpasses, intersection upgrades, tram depot upgrades at Glengowrie, and a temporary tram maintenance depot on Peacock Road on the edge of the CBD,” stated Cimic Group.

The plan also calls for signal upgrades along the tram corridor and the creation of new public spaces, said Cimic Group.

“These upgrades will be critical to supporting economic growth in South Australia and reducing travel times for motorists, buses, freight and airport traffic, while promoting sustainable urban growth and low emission, healthy transport choices for commuters,” noted Cimic Group Executive Chairman Juan Santamaria.

Major construction is expected to begin later in 2024, while level crossings will be removed by the end of 2025. Site investigations for planning are said to already be underway.

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Etihad Rail has launched its Sustainable Finance Framework, a guided design to link the company’s future financing to its ESG Strategy in relation to clean transportation, green buildings and pollution prevention and control.

Commenting on the launch, Ali Tabbal, Chief Financial Officer at Etihad Rail said: “The introduction of our Sustainable Finance Framework is a testament to Etihad Rail’s commitment to integrate and uphold sustainable practices in all our operations. Through responsible financial practices, we are further underscoring this dedication by driving positive environmental and social impact in the region across the transportation, logistics, and infrastructure sectors.”

“This framework is a pivotal element of our broader ESG strategy, directly aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. It provides a clear roadmap for integrating ESG considerations into investment decisions, empowering companies to generate long-term sustainable value. By doing so, we are not only fostering a transition to a low-carbon, resilient economy but also supporting the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and contributing to the nation’s vision for a sustainable future,” he concluded.

It was developed in collaboration with various industry members along with First Abu Dhabi Bank and Standard Chartered Bank, who served as co-ESG advisors, providing expertise and insights to ensure it aligns to the Green Loan and Bond Principles.

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Source: MEConstructionNews