Dar Al Handasah has been awarded a landmark contract by Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA) to provide design and construction supervision services at Kuwait International Airport (KIA).

Spanning a period of five years, the assignment is divided into a 1.5-year design phase followed by a further 3.5 years dedicated to construction supervision.

The scope of work includes construction of a 1.5sqkm cargo platform designed to accommodate 77 aircraft stands, as well as upgrades to the central runway and its associated taxiways.

The project also involves upgrading the central runway and associated taxiways to a length of 4,300m, conforming to ICAO code 4F standards with a ‘precision approach’ CAT III B.

The project encompasses four components, each playing a crucial role in the transformation of Kuwait’s principal aviation gateway. These are: developing the main corridor and its accompanying corridors; establishing a new charging station; constructing a platform dedicated to high-level (princely) figures, and developing the infrastructure supporting the airport.

The contract was signed by Dar Al Handasah executives and Kuwait civil aviation authorities in the presence of DGCA President Sheikh Humoud Mubarak Al Sabah.

This comes as part of DGCA strategy to develop airport support infrastructure aimed at augmenting the capacity of existing facilities and meeting anticipated future needs, encompassing transportation and utility services.

Further plans are also afoot to establish a new VVIP (AMIRI) Apron, including dedicated aircraft stands and a run-up area to cater for VIP traffic and distinguished guests.

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The Meise Botanic Garden in Belgium, conservatory of endangered plant species, celebrated the completion of the Green Ark project, the renovation of a 7,600m of greenhouse complex and the installation of a hyperboloid pavilion made with sustainable Kebony Clear wood.

The Green Ark project lies at the 92Ha Meise Botanic Garden and houses more than 10,000 species of endangered plants across 22 different greenhouses, each regulated to ensure optimal temperature and climate conditions for the diverse collection of flora. Other technologies installed at the Green Ark include an irrigation system that recycles rainwater, while energy consumption has been halved in comparison to the old greenhouse facilities.

Creating a place to conserve and research vulnerable species, the Green Ark will also act as learning hub, educating the Meise Botanic Garden’s 240,000 annual visitors of the ever-increasing threat that climate change poses to the planet’s biodiversity and the innovations in place to protect the environment for future generations says a statement from Kebony.

Gert Van Beeck, Sales Manager at Kebony, comments: ‘’The Green Ark embodies an innovation in the world of construction, creating a place where sustainability and aesthetics intertwine harmoniously. With a focus on Kebony wood, a viable ecological alternative to tropical hardwoods, this project demonstrates the successful symbiosis between modern architecture and ecological commitment, setting a model for more inspiring sustainable projects in Belgium and beyond’’.  

While hardwoods can take 80-200 years to grow, the fast-growing FSC certified softwoods used by Kebony are specifically planted for this purpose and grow to the desired sizes in 25-30 years. During the growth of these trees, carbon is captured from the atmosphere, contributing to CO2 sequestration. The dual modification process permanently transforms the wood cell walls by forming locked-in furan polymers; the dimensional stability, durability, and hardness of the wood are all increased, guaranteeing both a long life and a high level of safety.

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Aqua Properties has announced a significant milestone with the sale of over 900 units in its latest project, The Central Downtown, within just 100 days of launch.

Centrally located in Arjan, the project spreads over a seven-acre hub, slated as the largest development in the community. The Central Downtown comprises four towers offering modern studios, and one-to-three-bedroom apartments, featuring a 200,000sqft podium level with over 25 amenities. Residents will enjoy a golf simulator, wave pool, basketball court, outdoor cinema, padel tennis, and an organic farm, the developer noted.

Additionally, a 150,000sqft shopping mall beneath the interconnected towers provides retail convenience and access to a host of household-name brands, it added.

Demonstrating the robust demand for premium real estate in Dubai, The Central Downtown topped the charts in May, capturing an impressive 40.5% of all transactions in Arjan, according to Property Monitor.

Ali Tumbi, the founder of Aqua Properties, explained: “This rapid sales success underscores Aqua Properties’ formidable presence in Dubai’s real estate market and highlights the high level of investor confidence in our projects,”

To celebrate the success of The Central Downtown, Aqua Properties hosted an exclusive three-day luxury cruise on the Arabian Gulf in February, bringing together over 300 key investors, brokerage partners, and valued community members.

Building on the momentum of The Central Downtown, Aqua Properties is set to make further high-profile contributions to Dubai’s real estate market, with multiple upcoming developments this year, with projects in Dubai Sports City, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Arjan, the developer added.

With nearly two decades of industry experience, Aqua Properties consistently delivers exceptional services, ensuring customer satisfaction through competitive pricing strategies, flexible payment plans, and luxurious amenities. The company’s portfolio includes projects in Dubai’s prime locations such as the Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Triangle and Motor City, it concluded.

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In a bid to boost awareness about e-mobility, Austria-based Strabag has said it has installed in-road inductive charging technology in Bad Hersefled, Germany. The firm said it worked with wireless charging company Electreon to deliver the project.

As part of the testing, the team installed 23 copper coils into the road, which were wired together and connected to a power source adjacent the roadway. When vehicles equipped with remote charging receivers drove over the test site, Strabag said a wireless electric connection was received. The coils also supply charges to equipped vehicles that are not moving, meaning the application could be used for motorways or parking depots.

According to a report, the project was funded by the German state of Hesse, with Strabag noting that the partnership “realised a first roadway with a technology that charges electric vehicles contactlessly”.

“The innovative process offers opportunities, above all, for closed cycles, such as bus or taxi lanes in public transport. Charging can be done either dynamically while driving or statically, for example when parking, The coils could also be used on the motorway and support e-trucks, for example, on steep inclines,” said a Strabag representative.

To install, the test track was milled and then set with the copper coils, which are equipped with electric transmitters. Once the coils were wired together and sourced to power, they were then covered with asphalt. Further testing and fine-tuning of the technology will be required, said Strabag, including upgrades to the coil system.

Electreon also stated that it was developing coils with a higher charging capability.

Dr Andreas Wendt, Managing Director of Electreon Germany remarked, “We will push ahead with further projects that show how powerful this technology is. With their help, we can reduce the size and weight of the batteries – for more sustainable mobility.”

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The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has revealed the shortlist of companies, individuals and projects for the second edition of its ME Digital Construction Awards. Over 80 submissions were received when nominations closed in early May, the BPME editorial team revealed.

The gala dinner is scheduled to take place on 26 June at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, Dubai, and will celebrate individuals, companies and projects that have been shortlisted, as well as reveal the winners in each category.

Compared to the inaugural event which featured 12 categories, the second edition boasts 15 distinct categories, and will recognise excellence across the construction supply chain.

“The inaugural ME Digital Construction Awards was very well received, and based on that positive outcome, I decided to grow the event in terms of the number of categories to better cover the digital construction segment. It was great to see the positive response to this move, with the number of nominations growing over last year in each category. This meant that the two rounds of eliminations were challenging for the editorial team and our panel of judges,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

“Given the enthusiastic response to each of the categories, and the editorial team’s desire to recognise excellence across the construction supply chain, we will be recognising excellence across the construction supply chain. Congratulations to the individuals and companies who’ve made the shortlist, I look forward to revealing the full shortlist and winners on 26 June,” added Saundalkar.

The shortlist for the ME Digital Construction Awards is as follows (the full shortlist and winners will only be revealed on 26 June):

Young Technology Champion of the Year

• Iklim Okyar – AECOM
• Mohammed Irfan Baig Mirza – ALEC Engineering & Contracting
• Samer Saoud – Robert Bird Group

Digital Visionary of the Year

• Carolina Fong Guzzy – Accienta
• Marwan AbuEbeid – Turner Construction International
• Syed Saud – Red Sea Global

Digital Team of the Year

• Al Khoory Solutions
• AtkinsRéalis
• KEO International Consultants

Construction Software Provider of the Year

• BuilderComs
• Colliers International (India) Property Services
• IR Design

Technology SME of the Year

• Accienta
• Al Khoory Solutions

Data Champion of the Year

• DuPod
• KEO International Consultants

Excellence in Collaboration & Productivity of the Year

• Engineering Contracting Company
• KEO International Consultants
• Mott MacDonald

Net Zero Technology Champion of the Year

• AtkinsRéalis
• Innovo

Digital Construction Innovator of the Year

• Colliers International (India) Property Services
• KEO International Consultants
• Khansaheb Civil Engineering

Digital Consultant of the Year

• AECOM
• AtkinsRéalis
• Dewan Architects + Engineers
• Mott MacDonald

Digital Contractor of the Year

• ALEC Engineering & Contracting
• Engineering Contracting Company
• Innovo
• Khansaheb Civil Engineering

The ME Digital Construction Awards is sponsored by:

Silver Sponsor: Engineering Contracting Company
Bronze Sponsor: Thinkproject
Quality Sponsor: RIB | BuildSmart; RIB | Candy; RIB | CostX

Read more about the ME Digital Construction Awards by clicking here.

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Qatar’s biggest waterpark, Meryal, has announced the launch of its new adventure ride: the Alghazal Roller Coaster, blending modern entertainment and traditional themes in one of the region’s fastest rides. Although part of the waterpark, Alghazal is a ‘dry ride’ and will be perfect for guests who prefer to stay in regular attire, said the waterpark.

With a passenger height requirement of 110cm, the Alghazal roller coaster is designed to ensure that most kids, along with the whole family, can enjoy the excitement.

Meryal offers a total of 69 rides, slides, and attractions, with something for every thrill-seeker. The park’s theme celebrates Qatar’s rich history of oil and gas discovery, with motifs and branding seamlessly woven into every aspect of its design, said a statement.

Among its standout features is The Rig 1938, home to two Guinness World Record attempts, including the tallest tower in the world. Visitors can also enjoy the Rapid Refinery, where slides rotate to add an extra dimension of fun, and the Leap of Fate, known for its high-adrenaline rush.

The tube slide complex offers customisable music and lighting effects, while the Distillers Mat Racer Slide provides competitive, timed races. Other attractions, like the Oil Silk Lagoon and Turbulent Tunnel Wave River, are based around immersive aquatic adventures.

Meryal also features four pools and beaches, where guests can soak up the sun and enjoy serene surroundings. The water park aims to provide a complete vacation experience, as well as its fast-paced, highly individual fun rides and themed attractions, the statement concluded.

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Red Sea Global (RSG) is set to welcome 300,000 guests annually once the first phase of resorts is complete next year. Turtle Bay will be home to some 14,000 employees and their families, all of whom will benefit from easy access to quality healthcare and medical services, said a press release from the Saudi developer.

RSG is said to have made substantial progress on its Turtle Bay Hospital. The hospital located in The Red Sea’s Turtle Bay area will provide healthcare to the community of people living in, working at, and visiting waterfront.

The developer announced it received approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH) on the designs for the Turtle Bay Hospital, an achievement in allowing commence operations. It is the first project funded by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) to receive the MOH architectural approval and marks a milestone for the project, the statement noted.

“Securing this approval is a momentous occasion for our team who are working tirelessly to ensure that first-class healthcare is available at The Red Sea. Our vision for Turtle Bay Hospital to be a state-of-the-art facility is part of our broader ambitions to deliver a robust healthcare ecosystem for our growing project portfolio,” said Nicholas King, Group Chief Development Officer at Red Sea Global.

“The health and wellbeing of our guests and employees are our priority, and as we continue to champion Saudi capability, we are pleased to be working with several Saudi partners for the build, operations and supply of medical equipment. We eagerly anticipate the completion of Turtle Bay Hospital, which is set to open at the end of next year,” he added.

Abdullah Saeed Alsayed & Partners Contracting Company was awarded the construction contract for the new hospital and is set to mobilise onsite. The operator contract was awarded in early 2022 to Steward Alf Global Healthcare Company, a joint venture between Alf Healthcare, the health care arm of Saudi-based Alfanar, a developer and operator of large-scale PPP projects, and leading international healthcare provider Steward Health Care International.

The medical equipment contract for the hospital was also awarded earlier this year to Alf Healthcare. Once operational, the hospital will offer primary and secondary care including Diagnostics, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Urology, Orthopaedic, Women’s Health, Emergency Care, amongst other services.

The Red Sea will be a dive destination and a hyperbaric chamber will also be operated as an integrated part of the facility’s Emergency Department, enabling primary treatment for diving incidents and barotrauma related injuries.

Upon full completion in 2030, The Red Sea will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites. The destination will also include luxury marinas, golf courses, entertainment, F&B, and leisure facilities.

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Expansion works at Sharjah Airport’s passenger terminal and central facilities station are progressing on schedule, and are due to be completed by mid-2027, according to the Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA).

Following the completion of expansion works, SAA said that it will be able to enhance passenger services at the airport, and provide travellers with a more positive experience.

The project covers 18 packages of various expansion initiatives, and is said to be part of a broader expansion plan valued at US $653mn.

Confirming the progress on the project, SAA Chairman Ali Salim Al Midfa said the project will significantly increase the airport’s capacity, enabling it to handle up to 25m passengers per annum by mid-2027.

“Furthermore, the expansion prioritises sustainability by incorporating environmentally friendly materials and adhering to strict environmental standards. This aligns with the UAE’s initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050,” he commented.

To monitor the project’s progress, an engineering team led by Al Midfa visited Italy to meet with the overseeing company. During this visit, they reviewed the project’s progress, discussed designs, and explored implementation details, said the statement from SAA.

The collaboration aims to achieve excellence in this strategic development, solidifying Sharjah Airport’s regional and global standing. The team also participated in an interactive brainstorming session, fostering an exchange of ideas to ensure the project achieves its full potential, the statement concluded.

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