A contract for strategic advisory and commercial management services (SACMS) has been inked between Jacobs and Metrolinx’s Capital Projects Group. Metrolinx is said to be overseeing the largest transportation investment in the history of Ontario, Canada.

Under the five-year SACMS, Jacobs will establish a framework of vendor firms that Metrolinx can call upon for current and future work for a range of services related to the delivery of its capital projects.

“As we continue our work with Metrolinx, we’ll integrate and leverage our local and international resources to meet their evolving needs. With our global program management experience including delivering UK’s Crossrail and Grand Central Madison in New York City, we’re well-positioned to support Metrolinx transformative projects as they pioneer progressive contracting and delivery models and prepare for introducing reliable new rail services,” said Jacobs Vice President and Program Director of Major Programmes, Neil Walker.

Metrolinx is working on several projects including the expansion of GO Transit, the expansion of subway systems in the Greater Toronto area, and a scheme to make fast, frequent and reliable transport more accessible.

The post Jacobs wins SACMS contract for transportation programme appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

SOHO introduces it’s very first build-to-sell project in park life. SOHO Development, a design-led residential real estate developers have announced ‘The Berkeley’. The project is Dubai Hills Estate’s first furnished, hospitality-inspired residence. Devmark has been appointed as the agent for The Berkeley residential suites.

The Berkeley represents SOHO’s evolution from beachfront to parkfront properties, offering a luxurious lifestyle of New York City residences amidst Dubai’s landscapes. Building nine luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah and ‘SOHO Palm,’ a sought-after build-to-rent residential building, the statement said.

Set against the backdrop of the expansive Dubai Hills Park, the project offers revealing views of greenery and creates an oasis within the cityscape. The residences will offer personalised living space, echoing modern aesthetics and a hotel-inspired lifestyle that are hallmarks of SOHO’s properties.

Designed and crafted by the LW Design Group and XBD Collective, every aspect is conceived with the vision of redefining contemporary living, with every detail carefully curated for a seamless living experience. The lounge serves as a retreat for relaxation, while the azure pool emerges as an escape for leisure and indulgence, according to the press release.

Sahil Khosla, CEO of SOHO Development said, ”Following our success with beachfront properties, we’ve recognised the growing demand for a lifestyle where sophistication intertwines with the allure of park life, prompting us to introduce The Berkeley. This further highlights our commitment to creating homes that embody the essence of hotel living, enriched by design and innovation”

”Our collaboration with Devmark has been vital in realising our vision, emphasising the importance of partnering with those who share SOHO’s philosophy. Together, we’re excited to introduce The Berkeley, setting new standards in residential living” he further added.

Commenting on the partnership, Sean McCauley, CEO of Devmark, expressed, “Our partnership with SOHO Development on The Berkeley residences embodies a shared commitment to crafting exceptional living experiences. With Dubai Hills emerging as one of Dubai’s top five transacted areas, we anticipate strong demand for the residences that cater to modern homeowners’ preferences.”

Set to launch in 2024, The Berkeley boasts a prime location just minutes from Downtown Dubai and Al Khail Road. These residences aim to redefine luxurious living spaces, prioritising life, relaxation, and indulgence, all inspired by the standards of hospitality, the statement concluded.

The post Hospitality-inspired residence launched by SOHO Development appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

FEDS has partnered with Flybotix marking the latter’s entry into the Middle East. Through the partnership the firms aim to revolutionise industrial inspections across Gulf countries.

Rabih Bou Rached, CEO & Founder of FEDS, said: “The driving force behind this partnership is FEDS’ commitment to a future-forward approach. Recognising the growing demand for indoor confined space inspections in the Middle East, we identified Flybotix as a perfect fit to meet market needs.”

This partnership will focus on industries within the Gulf region such as construction, oil, gas and mining, providing drone solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and data accuracy in confined space inspections. The partnership comes in tandem with the launch of the ASIO X into the Gulf, Flybotix latest generation drone, the press release explained.

The ASIO X technology and advanced post-processing analytics software have been engineered for confined space inspections. The technology provides 3D mapping of inspection areas, while the integrated post-processing AI analytics software transforms raw data into actionable insights.

Samir Bouabdallah, CEO of Flybotix said, “I am thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with FEDS, bringing ASIO X to the Middle East for the first time.”

According to a report by Markets and Markets, the global market for inspection drones is expected to reach US $2.8bn by 2025, with the Middle East being one of the fastest-growing regions. The demand for confined space inspections, particularly in oil and gas, construction, and infrastructure sectors, is driven by the need for enhanced safety and efficiency. In the UAE alone, the use of drone technology in industrial inspections has increased by 35% over the past two years.

The post FEDS and Flybotix partnership brings new drone technology to the Gulf appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

‘The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin’ unveiled, a new beachfront development on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah Aston Martin to design ultra-luxury interiors for the property, marking its first real estate collaboration in the Middle East

With a total gross development value of US $61,245mn the project marks the first time Aston Martin’s design team has applied its skills to a real estate development in the Middle East region, with the new luxury lifestyle destination building.

Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, said: “The launch of this much-awaited residential property, The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin, on Al Marjan Island, furthers our brand vision to curate breathtaking living experiences for our exclusive clientele.’’

“Combining this iconic British marque’s heritage, innovation and design mastery with Dar Global expertise in providing exceptional investment opportunities through luxury homes for global citizens demonstrates yet another illustrious chapter in our trajectory to success.”

Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification at Aston Martin, commented: “The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin celebrates our partnership with Dar Global, bringing together two ultra-luxury lifestyle organisations with a shared passion for combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation and cutting-edge design.”

“Marking Aston Martin’s very first real estate collaboration in the Middle East, we are incredibly excited by the emerging luxury destination of Al Marjan Island. The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin provides an opportunity for our talented designers to help shape the interiors of an unparalleled development in the region, further elevating Aston Martin’s brand and applying it to a beachfront lifestyle environment.”

The Astera, Interiors by Aston Martin offers residents an independent positioning and ultimate tranquillity on the majestic Al Marjan island, a refuge by azure waters and serene landscapes, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island offers a unique setting seamlessly blending seclusion with convenience, with Dubai located just an hour’s drive away, the press release said.

Masterfully designed to harmonise with its surroundings, the new address offers residents a range of world-class amenities including access to a private beach, an infinity pool with magnificent ocean views, a scenic walk tracks and lush, green communal spaces. An indoor cinema, fitness centre, children’s play area, spa, yoga lawn and multipurpose hall provide additional comforts, the statement concluded.

The post Dar Global in collaboration with Aston Martin for The Astera appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Bayanat signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IMKAN Properties for the development of mobility infrastructure project. It will feature an integrated and AI-enabled transportation ecosystem that allows for fully autonomous driving on the world’s first healthy living island.

Located in AlJurf, the health- and wellness focused island, which will also be home to the SHA Wellness Clinic, aims to be highly autonomous with minimal reliance on manned vehicles. While IMKAN Properties will be developing the project’s physical infrastructure, Bayanat will provide the critical digital infrastructure for the operation of autonomous vehicles and unmanned systems, such as HD maps and HD positioning. In addition to deploying its Smart Mobility Solutions (SMOS) in the form of its digital twin solutions, which makes vehicle autonomy on the island possible.

Bayanat’s technology will play a pivotal role in supporting IMKAN Properties’ vision for SHA Island by providing an advanced virtual replica of the island’s entire infrastructure. Bayanat’s digital twin will facilitate predictive maintenance, optimise traffic flow, and enhance the safety and reliability of autonomous vehicles. This integration will not only support the creation of a sustainable and autonomous transport network but also aligns with the island’s commitment to health and wellness by promoting an autonomous vehicle environment.

The MOU agreement was signed by Abdulla Al Shamsi, Chief Operating Officer of Bayanat and Suwadain AlDhaheri, CEO at IMKAN Properties at the Bayanat offices in the presence of IMKAN’s Executive Management Team.

Abdulla Al Shamsi, COO Bayanat, commented: “Bayanat has long been a pioneer of autonomous driving and unmanned systems in the Middle East, with a proven track record of technological capability and know-how including Autonomous Solutions, Cloud Infrastructure, Digital Twins, Charging Infrastructure, Transportation Super Apps, and Testing and Simulation. We are excited about this joint project with IMKAN Properties, which will combine our expertise to create a unique concept globally – a healthy-living island featuring autonomous vehicles. We’re confident that this partnership will revolutionise the way we live, work and thrive in our communities.”

Speaking about Bayanat’s contribution to creating a healthy environment on the island, Abdulla Al Shamsi added: “We believe that the island’s transport infrastructure will play an integral role in enabling this objective. Our long-standing expertise in developing smart mobility solutions, which includes EV infrastructure, will allow us to create a quiet, clean and reliable transportation infrastructure on the island.”

“Our commitment to sustainable development aligns seamlessly with IMKAN Properties’ strategy of crafting destinations that prioritise environmental stewardship and holistic well-being. Together, we are poised to transform this island into a symbol of sustainable living, where cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious design converge to create a thriving community for generations to come,” concluded Al Shamsi.

The joint development is not Bayanat’s first autonomous driving project. In partnership with Abu Dhabi Mobility and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Bayanat launched the TXAI pilot in 2021. The project is the MENA region’s first Level 4-enabled autonomous ride-hailing service. Since the launch, the autonomous transportation fleet – encompassing Robo Taxis, Minibuses, and ART – has travelled over 500,000kms and completed almost 16,000 rides.

Suwaidan AlDhaheri CEO at IMKAN Properties, said: “We’re excited to join forces with Bayanat, aligning with our commitment as a real estate developer to deliver unparalleled experiences for our residents and customers. This collaboration enables us to spearhead a groundbreaking project, placing utmost emphasis on health, wellbeing, sustainability, and convenience. Partnering with Bayanat seamlessly integrates state-of-the-art technology with our physical infrastructure, essential for bringing this visionary project to life.”

Beyond the joint infrastructure, the two partners will also closely collaborate on data privacy and sustainability efforts, as well as the design and implementation of necessary infrastructure modifications to support autonomous vehicle operations, encompassing areas such as charging stations, docking facilities, and communication networks, with provisions for concierge services, a key priority for IMKAN Properties residents.

The post Bayanat and IMKAN Properties in agreement to develop world’s first healthy living island appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

NAZ industries have been certified by Great Place to Work for the first time. The award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at a company. This year 95% of employees said it’s a great place To Work – 59% more than the average U.S. companies, according to the statement from NAZ Industries.

Great Place to Work claims to be the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.

“It’s an achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, the Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place to Work.

She also adds, “Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. By earning this recognition, it is evident that NAZ Industries stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

Adel Mir, CEO states, ‘‘Happy CEO is the key success for every business. The CEO means Clients, Employees and Owners. NAZ Industries aims to maintain its status as the best place to work over the years, creating an environment where employees feel comfortable and balanced, making work more enjoyable than ever.”

According to great place to work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

The post NAZ Industries gains workplace certification appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Following a region-wide industry vote, the shortlist for the Construction Machinery Middle East Awards 2024 has been revealed by the magazine’s editorial staff. The inaugural Construction Machinery ME Awards is set to take place on Thursday 13th June, 2024 at the Habtoor Grand Resort – JBR in Dubai.

On the night, there will be 24 different award categories with a mixture of public vote and judge-voted winners.

Categories such as ‘Excavator of the Year’ and the increasingly important ‘Equipment Rental’ segment were open to a public vote which closed last week.

The votes have now been collected and audited to ensure that the winners are decided only by construction machinery professionals.

The Construction Machinery ME Awards 2024 event is being supported by the following companies:

Silver Sponsors
Al Marwan Machinery
Dayim Equipment
TVH

Support Sponsors
Johnson Arabia
Kanoo Cranes

If you would like to book a table email: brian.fernandes@cpitrademedia.com or andy.pitois@cpitrademedia.com to discuss availability.

The shortlist in full: 

Road Making Machinery of the Year

Bomag – BW211D-5

CASE – 1110EX Soil Compactor

Volvo CE – P6820D

Wacker Neuson – RD45 Tandem Roller

 

Access Machinery of the Year

Bobcat – T40.180SLP Construction Telehandler

Genie – Articulated Boomlift ZX 135 XC

GEHL – TX4017

JLG – Power Tower Duo

Nifty – HR15E MK3 Hybrid

 

Tower Cranes of the Year

Potain – MCT1105

Wolff – 7532.16

 

CMME Lifting Achievement of the Year*

 

Aftersales Initiative of the Year

FAMCO/Volvo – Two Year Parts Warranty

German Gulf Enterprises – DEVELON Annual Service Contract

Manitowoc – ENCORE programme for crane refurbishing

Toyota Material Handling – I-Site Fleet Management Tool

 

CMME Newcomer of the Year Award*

 

Innovation of the Year

Dayim Equipment Rental – MEWP Aircraft Maintenance Basket

FAMCO – Activecare+ Service

JLG – ClearSky Smart Fleet platform

 

Equipment Rental Company of the Year (UAE)

Al Marwan Machinery

Gargash Equipment Solutions

German Gulf Enterprises Rental

Johnson Arabia

Wolffkran Arabia

 

CMME Special Contribution Award 2024*

 

Equipment Rental Company of the Year (GCC)

Adka General Contracting Company

Dayim Equipment Rental

Johnson Arabia

Wolffkran Arabia

 

CMME Mobilisation of the Year*

 

Electric Machinery of the Year

Bobcat E10e ZTS Mini-Excavator

Triplex – EP EFL1003-HV-6

Genie – Z-45 FE Hybrid Articulating Boom Lift

HANGCHA – CPD50-XXC4-I

JLG – EC520AJ

Volvo – L120

 

Safety Champion of the Year

Dayim Equipment Rental – MEWP Aircraft Maintenance Basket

Johnson Arabia

 

Material Handling Equipment of the Year

JLG – DSP-L

Komatsu Forklift FD30HT-17

Linde Material Handling – T20SP BR1156

TOYOTA – 8FBE20 SenS+

Triplex – EP EFL1003-HV-6

 

Earthmoving Compact Equipment of the Year

Bobcat – S450 Skid-Steer Loader

CASE – 150B Skid-Steer

CASE – 570V – Backhoe Loader

GEHL – Skid-Steer Loader R134

Volvo – ECR25

 

Access and MH Compact Equipment of the Year

GEHL – TX4017

JLG – X22SJP

MAEDA – MC285C Spider Crane

MAEDA – MC305C Spider Crane

 

Concrete Pump of the Year

Putzmeister – BSF56M

KCP – KCP43

 

Earthmoving Machinery of the Year

Bobcat – B730 Backhoe Loader

CASE 821F – Wheel Loader

DEVELON – D45

Komatsu – Dozer D155A-6R

LIUGONG – CLG870H

Volvo – A40G

 

Excavator of the Year

CASE CX 220C LC-HD

DEVELON – DX225LCA-7M

Kobelco – SK850

Komatsu – PC400-8R

Sany – SY750H

Volvo – EC480DL

 

Mining and Quarrying Machinery of the Year

JLG – 670SJ

Metso – HP300 Cone Crusher

Volvo – L220H

 

Mobile Cranes of the Year

Grove Cranes – GMK6300L-1

Tadano – GR-500EXL Rough Terrain Crane

Terex – AC700

 

Crane of the Year

MAEDA – M285c

Potain – MCT1105

Tadano – GR-1000EX-4

Terex – AC700

Wolff – 7532.16

 

Distributor of the Year Award

FAMCO

Galadari Trucks and Heavy Equipment

Gargash Motors

German Gulf Enterprises

Al Marwan Machinery

United Alsaqer Heavy Equipment

 

Outstanding Manufacturer of the Year

Bobcat

CASE

DEVELON

Genie

Komatsu

Putzmeister

Sany

The Manitowoc Company

Volvo Construction Equipment (CE)

*Outright winner to be announced on the night

The post Revealed: Construction Machinery ME Awards 2024 shortlist! appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

The Middle East Consultant (MEC) editorial team has revealed the shortlist of companies, individuals and projects for its inaugural Future of Architecture Awards (FOA Awards). The gala dinner event is scheduled to take place on 12 June at the Habtoor Grand Resort, JBR, Dubai and will celebrate individuals and companies that have been shortlisted as well as reveal the winners in each category.

The event was conceived in response to the success of the Future of Architecture Summit (FOA Summit) and the Middle East Consultant Awards. The fourth edition of the FOA Summit is also scheduled to take place during the day on 12 June. Read more about the summit here.

Nominations for the FOA Awards closed late in May, following which nominations were studied by the MEC editorial team. Following lengthy deliberation, the shortlist and winners were chosen.

The shortlist for the 2024 FOA Awards is as follows:

Young Architect of the Year

• AECOM – Mohammad Aziz
• Godwin Austen Johnson – Pankti Adani
• Sobha Realty – Nikita Ajitkumar

Civic & Public Sector Project of the Year

• Godwin Austen Johnson – The Jafar Centre
• Godwin Austen Johnson – Lunate Offices
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – Entertainment City Doha
• Trust Enginering Consultancy – Moza Bint Mohammed Quran and Daa’wa Center
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – Tariq Bin Ziad School

Cultural Heritage Project of the Year

• FSK & Partners – King Salman Grand Mosque
• Matrix Engineering Consultancy – Al Rayyan Mall

Residential Project of the Year

• Godwin Austen Johnson – Madinat Jumeirah Living
• MERED Residences Real Estate LLC – ICONIC Tower
• Sobha Realty – Sobha One
• SOMA – Ava
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – Residential Building, Giardino Village
• U+A – Creek Edge

Landscape Project of the Year

• LWK + Partners – Abu Dhabi Maritime Ports
• Sobha Realty – Creek Vistas Heights

Urban Planning Infrastructure Project of the Year

• Sobha Realty – Sobha Hartland II
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – Gharaffa Commercial Complex
• U+A – Expo Valley

Outstanding Achievement of the Year

• FSK & Partners – King Salman Grand Mosque
• Sobha Realty – Creek Vistas Heights
• Trust Engineering Consultancy – The Cube: AHJ Group of Companies Headquarters

Architect of the Year

• Esraa Abdellah – Godwin Austen Johnson
• James Chin – Sobha Realty
• Mahmoud Abughazal – Omrania by Egis Group
• Michel Abboud – SOMA
• Muhammad Habsah – U+A

Initiative of the Year

• Trust Engineering Consultancy – Entertainment City Doha
• U+A – Expo Valley

The editorial team confirmed that additional awards and categories will be revealed at the gala dinner event on 12 June.

The Future of Architecture Summit & Awards are sponsored by:

Gold Partner: AtkinsRéalis
Strategic Partner: KEO International Consultants
Supporting Partners: Climatize, Compass Project Consulting, GAJ Architects, NEB, Polypipe, TBH Consultancy
Endorsed by: RICS

Read more about the FOA Summit & Awards by clicking here.

The post Revealed: Shortlist for Future of Architecture Awards appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

A 90m span prefabricated modular bridge has been installed by Acrow across the Clyde in South Lanarkshire in the United Kingdom.

The contract to build the replacement bridge was awarded by South Lanarkshire Council to Eric Wright Civil Engineering in November 2022. Eric Wright then appointed Acrow Global to manufacture and install the steel superstructure, which is a 90m single span Mabey Delta bridge with a 4.2m wide carriageway and an additional internal footpath.

According to a report, the Mabey Delta is a prefabricated modular bridging system designed for long-spanning permanent applications on main highways or in rural areas. It uses standardised, interchangeable steel components with full highway loading capability to provide a permanent, lightweight, steel bridging solution which can be configured for long-span applications.

The original Clyde River Bridge was built in 1912 and is an early example of a reinforced concrete bridge construction in Scotland. Located on one of the main routes into the village of Carstairs Junction, a three-ton weight limit had been in place for several years, until a routine inspection in 2018 found structural defects, which subsequently shut the bridge to all traffic.

The post Acrow installs 90m prefabricated modular bridge appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews

Centered around the theme ‘Our Land, Our Future’, NMDC Group has partnered with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) to launch a beach cleaning initiative that aims to tackle plastic pollution. The project’s first phase will see the deployment of two specialised beach cleaning machines capable of processing various types of waste, which is expected to triple globally by 2040, according to the United Nations.

This collaborative effort reflects NMDC Group’s and EAD’s shared commitment to environmental preservation, natural resource protection, and the fight against plastic pollution in marine ecosystems and along beaches. This effort is said to align with the objectives of the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’ 2024 and supports the country’s ongoing efforts to uphold sustainable practices, and protect its natural environment, ensuring its recovery from environmental challenges and preventing future degradation.

The specialised machines are designed to operate in shallow waters, can reach depths up to half a metre and are claimed to have exceptional maneuverability and agility. Each machine features a 15m long and 4m wide hydraulic arm, enabling collection of waste and debris from the water’s surface.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of EAD said, “This initiative is in line with our strategic objectives and national directives and is set to play a vital role in preserving natural resources and protecting them from environmental challenges and risks. It is also part of our citizen science education program “Sahim”. We hope it will contribute to creating a healthy, clean, and safe environment for every community member in Abu Dhabi and advance the UAE’s efforts at local, regional, and global levels to promote sustainability practices and principles essential for the preservation of diverse ecosystems around the world.”

“On World Environment Day, our dedication to protecting marine waters continues, and we will continue to support national and global environmental efforts to protect and restore ecosystems for comprehensive sustainable development. The urgency of incorporating sustainability in all areas of life is now undeniable,” H.E. added.

Engineer Yasser Zaghloul, Group CEO of NMDC Group added, “This initiative is a testament to our commitment to delivering green solutions to protect aquatic ecosystems and to implementing sustainable practices that support environmental sustainability and reduce pollutants impacting our natural resources, thus fostering a sustainable environment for the community members in Abu Dhabi. In the second phase of the initiative, we plan to expand the deployment of this equipment to ensure the safety of sea waters and beaches from harmful contaminants, particularly plastic particles that threaten marine life and habitats.”

“Our partnership with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, timed with World Environment Day 2024, signifies our collective commitment to tackling the growing environmental threats worldwide. By adopting swift and adaptable sustainability-driven actions, we support the quality of life for people and communities. The UAE, under its wise leadership, continues to lead in pioneering local and global environmental initiatives,” Zaghloul added.

NMDC Group, as part of its sustainability efforts, is said to have implemented several environmental initiatives across the UAE. Their projects like the Eastern Mangroves in Abu Dhabi exemplify their commitment to environmental health, where they dredged channels and created additional irrigation, recycling a million cubic tons of water​ according to the group.

The post NMDC to launch pioneering beach cleaning technology appeared first on Middle East Construction News.

Source: MEConstructionNews