The Big Project Middle East (BPME) editorial team has confirmed that its forthcoming Critical Infrastructure Summit (CIS) will shine a light on regional data centres, progress on Dubai’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) network, and other key infrastructure in the region.

Through panel discussions and presentations, the event aims to highlight regional infrastructure trends and demands, best practices, current development and operational challenges and much more. Ensuring cities and infrastructure are resilient in the face of a greater number of adverse weather events driven by climate-change will also be a key focus for the event, the BPME editorial team said.

Attendance is free but registrations are mandatory for built environment professionals. Click here to register.

20 regional speakers have been confirmed to speak at the inaugural CIS, which will take place on 8 May at the Two seasons Hotel in Dubai. The editorial team said that speakers from Khazna Data Centres, Skyports Infrastructure, AECOM, KEO International Consultants, Gensler, Parsons, Zutari Engineering International are due to speak at the event. Check out the full roster of speakers here.

“We’ve got a packed agenda planned for the Critical Infrastructure Summit, and I’m excited to hear what our speakers have to say about regional airports, Dubai’s AAM infrastructure, data centres, seaports, and urban mobility. Given the growing number of adverse weather events driven by climate-change, we’ll also be focusing on how cities and infrastructure can be made more resilient in the face of heat waves, storms and other such challenges,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

Click here to read the agenda for the 2024 Critical Infrastructure Summit. The event is supported by:

Gold Sponsor: KEO International Consultants
Strategic Content Partner: ALEC
Silver Sponsor: AECOM
Endorsed by: The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), RICS

Read more about the Critical Infrastructure Summit by clicking here.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

In the digital age, data centres have emerged as an indispensable backbone of our interconnected world. They facilitate the storage, processing, and dissemination of vast amounts of information that power everything from business operations to social interactions.

Lewis Wright, Projects Director at PMKConsult, a leading project and commercial consultancy firm, has over 10 years of experience spanning across various sectors in the UAE & UK. He has witnessed firsthand the evolving landscape of this critical infrastructure, particularly in the dynamic region of the GCC.

“The demand for data centres is not just about meeting today’s needs; it’s about building for tomorrow’s challenges,” says Lewis. “Understanding the intricacies of modern data centre requirements is crucial for ensuring their long-term survival.”

He continued, “Requirements for data centres are skyrocketing, driven by shifting work processes, accelerated technological advancements, and heightened concerns around data privacy. This surge calls for a comprehensive understanding of the complex requirements that modern data centres must meet to thrive in today’s digital ecosystem.”

Lewis explained, “First and foremost, modern data centres must be designed with scalability, reliability, and efficiency in mind. They need to accommodate the exponential growth of data while ensuring uninterrupted access and optimal performance. In the GCC, where rapid urbanisation and economic diversification are fierce, data centres must also be resilient to extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperatures and sandstorms, which are unique challenges compared to data centres situated in cooler regions.”

He also highlighted that sustainability has become a paramount consideration in data centre development. These facilities are notorious consumers of resources, particularly power and water. Embracing sustainable practices, such as leveraging renewable energy sources, implementing efficient cooling systems, and adopting water recycling technologies, is imperative to mitigate environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.

However, alongside sustainability, compliance is another critical aspect that cannot be overlooked. Data centre developers and operators in the GCC must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, ensuring adherence to local laws, international standards, and industry best practices. From data localisation requirements to stringent data privacy regulations, compliance poses significant challenges that require meticulous planning and execution.

Lewis added that physical and digital security are also paramount concerns for data centre operators. Physical security risks, including unauthorised access, natural disasters, and sabotage, demand robust measures such as biometric access controls, surveillance systems, and resilient infrastructure design. Similarly, safeguarding against digital threats, such as cyber-attacks, malware, and data breaches, requires state-of-the-art cybersecurity protocols, continuous monitoring, and proactive risk mitigation strategies.

He concluded  “As the demand for data centres continues to surge in the GCC and beyond, navigating the complexities of their design, development, and operation is essential for success. By addressing the diverse requirements of scalability, sustainability, compliance, and security, we can build resilient, efficient, and secure data centres that serve as the foundation of our digital world. As industry experts, it’s our responsibility to lead the way in shaping the future of data infrastructure and driving innovation.”

Lewis Wright will be discussing his experience and insights representing PMKConsult at the upcoming Critical Infrastructure Summit on the 8^th May. To register to attend, click here.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Arup has been appointed by Azizi Developments for the spatial planning of an opera house within its premium development, Azizi Venice, which is taking shape in Dubai South. Billed as a US $8.16bn mixed-use project, Azizi Venice is expected to feature more than 30,000 residential units across 100 apartment complexes, and over 400 luxury villas and mansions.

At the heart of Azizi Venice lies its pedestrian-friendly boulevard, which will be open-air in the winter and glass-covered in the summer to ensure a temperature-controlled space with year-round activity and visitors. Located at the heart of the boulevard and built to the highest, most contemporary standards in design and architecture, Azizi Opera will become one of the most notable venues for high-caliber events in the emirate, the developer explained in a statement.

Lined with three-storey buildings planned to host the world’s top retailers and brands, nightlife, and entertainment options, as well as eateries that represent a vast number of countries from across the world, Azizi Boulevard will represent a new and unique point of interest on Dubai’s map of outstanding sights, it added.

Azizi is the master developer of the mixed-use project, and is spearheading the construction of buildings, roads, and all the infrastructure.

“We are delighted to be partnering with the renowned UK group Arup, whose expertise in engineering and design perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury. Azizi Opera will become one of the most notable venues for cultural and community events in Dubai. We are eager to witness our joint efforts bringing about this state-of-the-art opera house,” said CEO Farhad Azizi.

He added, “A prime tourist attraction and high-end local hotspot, Azizi Venice plans to welcome over 30,000 visitors on a daily basis. The opulent community will have its very own two Azizi-owned and operated five-star hotels at the entrances of the community, as well as one boutique hotel located on an island in the middle of the lagoon.”

A large number of underground parking spaces will be constructed to grant tens of thousands of daily visitors easy access to Azizi Boulevard and Azizi Opera, he added.

Azizi pointed out that Arup was the second UK group to be signed up for the Azizi Venice project in the past week. It also appointed UK-based design studio Kettle Collective to provide concept design for 12 buildings within the mixed-use development.

Kettle Collective is said to have garnered recognition for its cutting-edge approach to architecture, tackling projects ranging from commercial developments to cultural landmarks, said the statement.

“Their commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing new technologies ensures that each project they undertake leaves a lasting impression on the built environment. We eagerly anticipate their creative concept designs, and we are confident that they will add tremendous value to our Venice projects, helping us in our pursuit of excellence,” Azizi concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Property and construction cost and project management consultancy Thomas & Adamson has been acquired by Egis. According to a statement from Egis, the addition of Edinburgh-Headquartered Thomas & Adamson will significantly enhance its project management and advisory capabilities for its clients across the United Kingdom and the Middle East.

“We are excited to have the talented team from Thomas & Adamson join Egis to further elevate our expertise in project management and cost consultancy. They will allow Egis to continue to grow our capabilities. Combining their regional strength in cost management in the region with our strong portfolio of project management, we will strengthen and develop our client offering to deliver integrated solutions,” said Alaa Abusiam, Chief Executive Officer at Egis in the Middle East & South Asia.

Founded in 1935, Thomas & Adamson has a rich heritage, a dedicated team of 100 staff across the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and a proven track record of supporting leading organisations through the complexities of procuring, delivering, and operating assets in the built environment. The firm delivers cost and project management, building surveying, and principal designer services across all major sectors in the built environment, including commercial, education, sports, and hotels, said the statement from Egis.

Alastair Wallace, Senior Partner at Thomas and Adamson added, “Joining Egis opens up a world of possibilities for Thomas & Adamson. It enables us to engage with larger-scale projects and introduces our clients to a broader spectrum of services, particularly in sustainability and decarbonisation, which are critical in today’s world.”

In the Middle East, Thomas & Adamson is said to have 14 years of experience, particularly in cost management, across various sectors. The team will work closely and become integrated within Egis’ Middle East team. Together, they will deliver enhanced value to clients by combining Thomas & Adamson’s strength in cost management with Egis’ comprehensive project management and engineering offer, the statement noted.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

The designs for a new passenger terminal at Al Maktoum International (AMI) airport and its overall expansion have been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The approval came during Sheikh Mohammed’s visit to the Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

The project is expected to have a total cost of US $34.8bn and will be almost five times the size of Dubai International Airport. Once complete, Al Maktoum International will comprise five parallel runways with a quadruple independent operation, west and east processing terminals, four satellite concourses with over 400 aircraft contact stands, an uninterrupted automated people mover system for passengers, and an integrated landside transport hub for roads, metro, and city air transport.

“With the use of new technologies for the first time in the aviation sector, we are preparing for a new phase in the growth of the global aviation sector. We are preparing for a phase in which Dubai leads the international aviation sector for the next forty years. We are also building an entire airport city in Dubai South, which will raise the demand for housing for one million people… and will include the most important companies in the world in the logistics and air transport sector,” remarked Sheikh Mohammed.

On completion, AMI will be the world’s largest with a capacity to handle 260 million passengers. The move, which comes as part of the Dubai Aviation Corporation’s strategy, will see all operations of Dubai International Airport get transferred to the new facility in the coming years, said a statement.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports added, “The growth of Dubai has always been hand-in-hand with the growth of its aviation infrastructure, and today we see another bold step on that journey. The announcement of phase two of Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport’s (DWC) expansion, representing a substantial investment of $34.8bn, marks the start of a huge investment of resources by our many stakeholders in designing and building a state-of-the-art airport that will provide a quick, convenient, and high quality 21st century experience for our customers. This further solidifies Dubai’s position as a leading aviation hub on the world stage.”

Dubai International Airport (DXB) will continue to serve as the primary hub, meeting the needs of 100m plus guests over the next few years as phase two of DWC takes shape, Griffiths added.

“We will be actively collaborating with our airline customers, our strategic partners, the Dubai Government, and our stakeholders to bring this visionary project to fruition,” he concluded.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Saudi Arabia’s National Housing Company (NHC) has awarded a contract worth US $266mn to Urbas Middle East Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of Spanish development group, Urbas. Work will focus on the construction of 589 residential units in the Al Fursan suburb in the northeast of Riyadh.

A major global player with a presence in 20 countries, Urbas has a portfolio of more than 30,000 residential units, and brings a wealth of experience to this project.

With the latest contract win, Urbas Middle East aims to further increase its operations in the Saudi Arabian market. The NHC announcement comes on the back of the successful sale of 1,300 residential units within Al Fursan in Q1.

Equipped with over 190 vital facilities – including educational, healthcare, and recreational – the development is also surrounded by more than six million sqm of open green spaces. Designed to align closely with Vision 2030 in terms of its commitment to sustainable living, it also features a raft of amenities to encourage residents’ wellness and personal mobility.

The agreement was formalised in a ceremony attended by the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail; the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to KSA, Jorge Hevia; along with the CEO of NHC, Mohammed bin Saleh Albuty; the President and CEO of Urbas, Juan Antonio Acedo Fernández; and the Executive Director of Urbas, Adolfo Guerrero.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Nominations for the 2024 ME Digital Construction Awards (ME DC Awards) have been extended to 6 May, the Big Project Middle East (BPME) team has confirmed. The BPME team said the extension is in response to several requests from construction industry stakeholders for more time to submit nominations.

The ME DC Awards were launched in 2023 with the aim of recognising technology-focused excellence in the built environment. Nominations are welcome from government organisations, developers, operators, consultants, contractors, technology companies and other suppliers, the BPME team noted.

Nominations can be submitted across 15 individual categories on the ME Digital Construction Awards website, including (but not limited to): Young Technology Champion of the Year; Digital Team of the Year; Construction Hardware Provider of the Year; Digital Contractor of the Year; Technology SME of the Year; Digital Government Organisation of the Year; Data Champion of the Year; Digital Construction Project of the Year – Building, and Digital Construction Project of the Year – Infrastructure. For the full list of people-, company- and project-focused categories, click here.

“As a critical part of one of the oldest and most respected construction focused publications in the Middle East, the ME DC Awards offers those that win – and those that are shortlisted – significant industry recognition and credibility. We do hope that the extra time is of use to you, and wish you all the best with your nominations,” said Jason Saundalkar, Head of Content at Big Project Middle East.

The ME DC Awards are supported by: Engineering Contracting Company and Thinkproject.

In response to questions about putting together a winning nomination, Saundalkar noted, “It’s important to read our nomination guidelines for the best chance of putting in a winning nomination. From that starting point, up-to-date testimonials are an absolute must if you want to standout, and please avoid including company brochures at all costs!”

“Please also do remember that nominations are judged by our panel of judges based on adherence to our rules and guidelines, as stated on the ME DC Awards website (exceeding word limits will count against you for example),” Saundalkar clarified.

To read more about the ME DC Awards, click here.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

Stella Stays, the award-winning proptech company, offering customer-centric, technologically-supported living spaces, has recently inked contracts for two new buildings in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,

The addition of these buildings marks a significant milestone for Stella Stays, it also underscores the company’s overarching mission; to provide enhanced user experiences and redefine the standards of modern living globally, said the firm in a statement.

Since its debut in Riyadh in June 2022, Stella Stays has welcomed over 100,000 guests. This is a testament to its compelling vision and operational excellence, the firm says.

The signing of the two new buildings are the company’s 3rd and 4th towers in Riyadh since launching in the Kingdom. The two new branded residences, set to open later this year, will offer guests Stella Stay’s signature user-centric services, with modern sleek interiors and spacious, fully-equipped apartments, specifically designed to cater to guest’s needs.

“Our journey since launching in Riyadh has been marked by significant achievements and learning. As we embark on the next chapter with our two new buildings, our mission remains steadfast: to innovate, excel, and satisfy our customers,” said Mohannad Zikra, CEO and founder of Stella Stays. “This expansion is a strategic step towards our goal of becoming a globally recognised leader in branded residences.”

The decision to expand Stella Stays’ footprint in Riyadh aligns with the company’s global vision of establishing a presence in key markets around the world. The two new buildings, located in Riyadh, offer a total of 162 units, further bolstering Stella Stays’ presence in the region. Further, the towers represent the company’s “Show Up and Start Living” concept, offering modern, fully equipped apartments and co-working spaces, along with other recreational, commercial and community amenities.

“At Stella Stays, our mission goes beyond simply providing accommodation; we strive to create immersive living environments that cater to the evolving needs of our residents,” added Mohannad. “Our branded residences are designed to offer a seamless blend of simplicity, technology, and convenience, setting a new standard for modern living.”

Stella Stays’ living spaces are distinguished by their emphasis on cutting-edge technology and personalized services. Each unit is equipped with smart home features that allow residents to control lighting, temperature, and security systems remotely. Additionally, Stella Stays’ proprietary mobile app provides residents with access to a range of services, including concierge assistance, maintenance requests, and community events. By leveraging advanced technology, Stella Stays are able to offer residents greater convenience, security, and connectivity, ultimately enriching their daily lives.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

In the wake of the recent severe weather conditions across the UAE, Daikin says it is standing “in solidarity with affected residents and businesses dealing with damaged property, lost furniture, and more” by offering free inspections and special rates for the repair of its air conditioning units in offices, apartments and villas across the UAE.

“Daikin recognises the critical importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of every member of the community during times of adversity. Understanding that a comfortable environment is essential for healing and recovery, Daikin steps forward to offer complimentary AC inspections for its units to assess any damage caused by the floods and special rates on parts and repairs. This initiative aims to aid homeowners and businesses restore comfort and normalcy to their living and working spaces,” said the firm in a statement.

Daikin has also ensured that its after-sale and service fleet, processes, technicians, service staff, engineers, and manpower are fully equipped to mobilise swiftly in response to AC downtime requests.

“We understand the challenges that many families are facing in the aftermath of the recent adverse weather conditions. In moments of hardship, Daikin extends a compassionate hand, committed to aiding customers in restoring comfort and tranquility to their homes,” said Samer Alawiah, Managing Director, UAE at Daikin Middle East & Africa. “Our dedicated service team offers free inspections and thorough support on parts and services, ensuring the well-being of the community remains our utmost concern. Our goal is to provide assistance and support wherever we can and contribute to the recovery efforts.”

Daikin encourages residents and businesses in affected areas to make use of this initiative, available until 31^st May, by reaching out to their nearest Daikin service hub to schedule an inspection appointment. “

We will relentlessly strive to alleviate the burden of adversity, ensuring your living and working spaces are havens once again. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re here to assist every step of the way,” he added.

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Source: MEConstructionNews

SSH has completed the mixed-use development project at Ghala Heights in Muscat, Oman.

This integrated mixed-use development spans 146,776 sqm, making a significant mark on Muscat’s skyline. Situated just 5 km from Muscat International Airport, Ghala Heights will serve as the home for the Mövenpick Hotel and Hotel Serviced Apartments, an upscale four-star hotel providing 282 guest rooms and 58 serviced apartments.

The hotel boasts four dining options, a spa, a rooftop infinity pool, and a fitness centre, making it an attractive destination for tourists. Three residential apartment blocks, housing a total of 144 apartments, are located over a five-storey podium. The podium seamlessly combines office spaces with a ground-floor retail zone, while the basement parking accommodates 1,171 car spaces and operational facilities.

“The completion of the development at Ghala Heights represents a significant milestone for the Social Protection Fund (SPF) and SSH Oman. It’s the first development to bring the Movenpick brand to the Sultanate, complementing its 2040 Vision with yet another prestigious hospitality product that is added to the ongoing growth across Oman,” said Omar Nuri, Managing Director of SSH KSA, Oman, and Bahrain.

“With its location on the main expressway, the modern development is already a new landmark that will help strengthen the profile of Muscat as a regional hub for tourism and business. We are proud to have worked with the Social Protection Fund to deliver this important development completely and successfully. Congratulations to all the stakeholders involved.”

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Source: MEConstructionNews