SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES QATAR OMAN KUWAIT Construction WEEK NEWS, ANALYSIS, PROJECTS, TENDERS, CLASSIFIEDS, AND JOBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST MARCH 20–26, 2010 [313] CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM INSIDE NEWS Dewa announces new green building guidelines PAGE 7 COMMENT Philip Adams explains why coordination is the name of the game PAGE 15 SOFTWARE Experts discuss the need to steer clear of outdated software PAGE 20 DIALOGUE Mohamed El Mikawi chats about the Cairo Festival City in Egypt PAGE 32 CW VISITS ONE OF THE TALLEST TOWERS IN DUBAI MARINA An ITP Business Publication | Licensed by Dubai Media City KUWAIT CITY FOCUS page 30
Transcript
SAUDI ARABIA BAHRAIN UNITED ARAB EMIRATES QATAR OMAN KUWAIT
ConstructionWEEK NEWS, ANALYSIS, PROJECTS,
TENDERS, CLASSIFIEDS, ANDJOBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
MARCH 20–26, 2010 [313]CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM
INSIDENEWSDewa announces new green building guidelines PAGE 7
COMMENTPhilip Adams explains why coordination is the name of the game PAGE 15
SOFTWAREExperts discuss the need to steer clear of outdated softwarePAGE 20
DIALOGUEMohamed El Mikawi chats about the Cairo Festival City in EgyptPAGE 32
CW VISITS ONE OF THE TALLEST TOWERS IN DUBAI MARINA
An ITP Business Publication | Licensed by Dubai Media City
KUWAITCITY FOCUSpage 30
CONTENTS
10 NEWS IN BRIEFHighlights of the week.
13 EVENTSIndustry dates for your diary.
15 COMMENTPhilip Adams explains how the word ‘coordinate’ does not include managing and how the main contractor does not have any power over other contractors.
REGULARS2 ONLINE4 MAIL
FRONT7 DEWA UNVEILS NEW SET OF GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINESGreen building regulations stage II are designed to reduce the consumption of water and energy in new developments.
9 BCC PICKS UP AL GHADEER CONTRACTEmaar has awarded Building Construction Company the main contract to build a residential cluster in Saudi Arabia.
FEATURES16 SITE VISITAn update of how the Dubai Marina’s Ocean Heights project is progressing.
20 SPECIAL REPORTExperts explain what benfi ts construction software can bring to your business and your projects.
BACK30 CITY UPDATEThe latest news and projects from Kuwait City.
32 DIALOGUEMohamed El Mikawi, managing director for Al Futtaim Real Estate in Egypt gives an update of how his company’s fl agship development is progressing and discusses the benefi ts of doing business in Cairo.
MARCH 20-26, 2010 | ISSUE 313
1MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20-26, 20102
FEATURESConstruction
SITTING ON TOP OF THE BAYThe complex U-Bora towers continue to rise from the ground.
Business
JEDDAH CITY PROFILEUpdates on the development of the port and opportunities available.
The Saudi PMV Show, held at Jeddah Gate on March 7 to 9, has rapidly become the leading construction equipment event in Saudi Arabia. This year, the show also included a two day conference which ran alongside the event. More than 1000 items of equipment were on display for the duration of the show, which included live demon-strations from Bobcat, JCB and Caterpillar to a packed audience of machinery afi cionados.To read more visit www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com
IN PICTURES: SAUDI PMV SHOW 2010
ONLINEwww.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
MOST POPULARDEWA UNVEILS NEW SET OF GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINESAL MAABAR: MARSA ZAYED WORK TO START IN Q3DEWA SIGNS POWER, WATER CONTRACTS WORTH MILLIONSBUILD SAFE CHAIRMAN REACTS TO TRENCHING FATALITY
TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK’S SPOT POLL GO TOwww.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
HAVE YOUR SAYINJURIES/DEATHS ON SITEShould contractors be made liable for injuries and deaths onsite?
JOBS OF THE WEEKMarketing Manager, Manama, BahrainFinancial Director, Dubai, UAETeam Assistant, Doha, Qatar
ONLINE POLLHOW EASY IS IT TO FIND A DECENT PLUMBER IN DUBAI?
38.1%Tough.
23.8%Impossible
23.8%No problem at all
14.3%Ok, but he’s always busy
Special Report
BUILDING TENSIONWhy post-tensioning could make your life easier
FM
GOOD PLUMBER HARDER TO FIND THAN ODOURLESS CAMELIs there a gap in the market for good plumbers?
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CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 20104
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MAILRE: BUILD SAFE CHAIRMAN REACTS TO TRENCHING FATALITY The UAE Government must initiate [the implementation of ] HSE plans and procedures. As usual, some certifi ed companies are only interested in obtaining a safety certifi cate. After that, certain companies are not interested in implementing and maintaining the HSE system. In order to avoid this problem, the organisation must ensure that their internal audit is conducted properly. Government personnel must inspect all the projects at least once a month and evaluate the performance of supervisors.REGHUVARAN NAIR
GTCC SIGNS CONTRACTS TO BUILD PROJECTS FOR DAMACI have a few properties at lakeside and this development has been delayed for two years. We are going to request the money back.ALAN PALAO
DEWA UNVEILS NEW SET OF GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINES I have been in Dubai for many years and found that, unfortunately, local people, who don’t pay water bills, are consuming a lot of water. Also, Dubai has to be more realistic in site selection and stop disturbing the environment by building off-shore projects.AHMAD
Whilst Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer and DEWA should
be applauded for the new, pressure should also be put on existing property owners via energy saving measures. Six years ago, I was involved in such measures, whereby the capital expenditure was recouped in less than 15 months. [The result was] energy savings of between 30% and 35% a month, while also extending the life span of the chillers, due to reduced load factors.STUART THOMAS
RE: JEDDAH NEEDS ONE MILLION HOUSING UNITS Five million units over the next 10 years seems an obnoxious and outrageous number. Who, how and where did these statistics come from? Kindly include information with specifi c references of credible authority.AHSAN JABBAR
DEWA is to be congratulated for taking this momentous step to make Dubai a leading green city. Collaboration between public and private organisations is necessary to mitigate the effects of climate change affecting us all. Together we can and will make a difference.THOM BOHLEN
SIXCO-SAMSUNG WIN ABU DHABI CLINIC JOBWell done Six Construct and Samsung. We need more clinics and hospitals to be built in the UAE and you are the right companies to do it. I wish you all the very best.SAM
WRITE TO THE EDITOR Please address your letters to: Post, Construction Week, PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE or email [email protected]. Please provide your full name and address, stating clearly if you do not wish us to print them. Alternatively log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com and air your views on any one of a number of the latest Middle East business articles.
The opinions expressed in this section are of particular individuals and are in no way a refl ection of the publisher’s views.
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7MARCH 20-26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (Dewa), last week, unveiled Green Building Regulations Stage II, a new set of guidelines to be implemented in the construction of all new buildings in Dubai.
The guidelines, developed along with Dubai Municipality, are designed to reduce the consumption of water and energy in new buildings across the emirate.
They will cover such factors as site selection, energy and water usage, material selection, indoor air quality and waste management.
“The authority plans to issue the green building power and water regulations in April 2010, for ensuring the effi cient use of electricity, water and renewable energy in Dubai, within the green buildings frame-
FRONT
DEWA UNVEILS NEW SET OF GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINESBy CW Staff
work,” said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dewa.
“In the initial stage, all new buildings will be required to comply with the codes and regulations and incorporate them in their construction designs.”
“Dubai will be the fi rst city in the Mid-dle East that offi cially applies the green buildings standards on its residential and commercial buildings.”
According to Al Tayer, energy usage will be reduced by up to 40% in each building when the codes are put into practice.
The regulations only apply to new build-ings within the emirate.
Dewa has also recently awarded six new contracts (see box), contractors for which will have to follow the new guidelines.
DEWA MANAGING DIRECTOR & CEO SAEED MOHAMMED AL TAYER SAID THE CODES MUST BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE DESIGN OF NEW BUILDINGS.
>US $3.5 billion committed to fi x Sharjah drainage 9
A recent incident which left a labourer dead has prompted safety watchdog Build Safe UAE (BSU) to issue an alert highlighting the causes of what it views as a ‘horrendous accident’.
The accident happened on March 8 in Ras Al Khaimah when the shoring wall of a 3m-deep excavation collapsed, burying a worker under tonnes of sand, rocks and other debris. Police were alerted, but the 43-year-old victim, Jol Ahmed, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Grahame McCaig, chairman BSU said: “There is no excuse for allowing people to enter and work under the conditions that were evident from the photograph of the accident scene. I would hope that the RAK authorities are undertaking a full investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident and will act accordingly.”
He also said that the company involved “must be held accountable.”
Kleindienst Group, the developer of The Heart of Europe on The World islands, is reviewing the submissions of pre-qualifi ed contractors who have bid for the infrastructure and civil work contracts for Germany Island and the newly launched Monte Carlo Island.
The company told ConstructionWeekOnline.com that it is looking to award the contracts to a construction fi rm with particular expertise in the delivery of offshore projects and beach front hospitality venues. The work is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year.
“Our tender process for the award of the infrastructure and civil work contracts has been completed,” said
KLEINDIENST REVIEWS BIDS FOR JOBS ON THE WORLDBy Sarah Blackman
Josef Kleindienst, chief executive offi cer of the Kleindienst Group.
“Our intention is that the infrastructure and civil work contract will be awarded to one contractor for both Germany and Monte Carlo island to ensure proper distribution of services to the islands.”
Foundation Construction Group Limited is already carrying out the geotechnical works including vibro-compaction of the soil at both islands.
Kleindienst is also negotiating with four fi t-out experts, one of which will oversee luxurious fi nishes at the Monte Carlo development.
Emaar Middle East, a subsidiary of global property developer Emaar Properties, has awarded Building Construction Company (BCC), the main contract for the fi rst phase of Al Ghadeer Village – the second residential cluster in Al Khobar Lakes.
Emaar Middle East’s other Saudi develop-ments include Jeddah Gate, Emaar Resi-dences at the Fairmont Makkah and Al Khobar Lakes.
According to the company, site grading work is in progress, and construction of the villas will begin shortly.
Al Ghadeer Village is located on the north-east side of the project, and is spread over an area of over 217,910m². It will feature
BCC PICKS UP AL GHADEER CONTRACT IN SAUDIBy Conrad Egbert
232 residential units in sizes ranging from 275m² to 500m². Al Ghadeer also features green spaces of over 8500m², and the com-munity is anchored by a 14,000m² lake and a mosque.
Emaar Middle East regional CEO Dia Malaeb said: “The progress achieved by Emaar Middle East projects in Saudi Arabia highlight’s its focus on project completion and hand over. Emaar is driving growth in the Kingdom through partnerships with renowned contractors and consultants.”
Al Khobar Lakes, a multi-billion dollar project by Emaar Middle East, is a luxury lakefront development set on 2.6 million m² featuring 80,000m² of water bodies.
AL GHADEER VILLAGE IS THE SECOND RESIDENTIAL CLUSTER AT AL KHOBAR LAKES IN SAUDI ARABIA.
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 201010
FRONT
HIGHLIGHTS
Health & SafetyOMRAN CLOCKS 6.6 MILLION MAN HOURS WITHOUT LTIOmran has completed 6.6 million man hours without lost time injuries at the Muscat-based site that will host the second Asian Beach Games. So far, 1821 labourers have worked 640 days in safe conditions. The news follows the announcement that 64% of the work at the project has fi nished. The project, which broke ground in June last year, will feature sporting facilities, an athlete’s village, a four-star hotel, a 400-berth marina and a man-made lagoon for the game’s water-based events.
Contracts US $3.5BN SOUGHT TO FIX SHARJAH DRAINAGEA US $3.5 billion (AED13 billion) strategy to fi x drainage systems in Sharjah could soon be approved, according to Sharjah Municipality offi cials. The move follows the death of three men in two separate incidents in Sharjah
when they were electrocuted while standing in fl oodwater. Sharjah offi cials aim to have the improved sewage and drainage network in place within three years, Salim al Owais, the head of the department of municipalities and agriculture, told UAE daily The National.
BusinessHONEYWELL FORMS LIBYA JOINT VENTUREHoneywell has formed a Libyan company, Honeywell Libya Technical Engineering Joint Stock Company, together with its joint venture partner Rida Technical Services. The new company, to be known as Honeywell Libya JV, will provide process automation technology and services to local organisations.
ContractsRWI BAGS SAADIYAT ISLAND CONTRACTRubber World Industries (RWI) has won an AED600,000 insulation contract for the Manarat
Al Saadiyat building in Abu Dhabi. Literally translated as ‘a place that provides enlightenment’, Manarat Al Saadiyat encompasses four major art galleries. It opened its fi rst phase to the public in November 2009.
EnvironmentEMPOWER WANTS COMPULSORY DC IN GCCDistrict cooling provider Empower has called on GCC countries to make district cooling services mandatory in new real estate projects in order to save energy and conserve natural resources, following Dubai’s successful example. Empower CEO Ahmad Bin Shafar said the residential sector has achieved operational savings of 40% to 45% compared with conventional air-con technologies.
ProjectsMARSA ZAYED WORK TO START IN Q3Work on Al Maabar’s Marsa Zayed project in Aqaba will
start in the third quarter, according to Yousif Al Nowais, managing director of Al Maabar. Work on the development, which has a reported budget of around US $10 billion, will begin with infrastructure work on approximately 300,000 m² of land, which will be followed by development of a 35-story mixed-use tower, around 130 townhouses and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
ProjectsSUNSET HILLS CLAIMS WORK IS ON TRACKSunset Hills, one of the components of the Al Areen master project in Bahrain, is on track, with 80% of construction work completed, according to its developer. Al Areen is a US $1.3 billion development spread over an area of 2 million m². It includes residential units, a hotel and a water park. The Formula One track, equestrian facilities and a wildlife park are nearby. Sunset Hills is one of two housing projects within Al Areen.
40%No.June 1
The sum for which the main contractor on the CityCenter
project in Las Vegas plans to sue the
project’s owners, MGM Mirage and
Dubai World.
The amount by which energy usage will be reduced in
each building when the new green guidelines are
applied, according to Dewa.
The new bidding deadline for
Saudi Aramco and US-based
ConocoPhillips’ solids handling
unit at their Yanbu refi nery joint venture.
US $492 million
The position of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in a list of top 10 engineering universities named by UK-based QS in its annual survey.
NEWS IN NUMBERS
13MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
FRONT
CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Mirdif City Centre was formally opened last week with Peter Walichnowski, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties – the developer of the mall — saying that this was “one of the best and most completed malls in the region upon opening.” Alec was the main contractor on the AED3 billion project and was appointed in August 2007. With a total constructed area of 578 000m2, Mirdif City Centre features 430 retail outlets.
A picture taken last week shows ongoing but slow construction work at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Swimming Stadium in New Delhi, India. With seven months to go until the start of the Commonwealth Games in the capital, the partially completed main stadium is a messy building site and the swimming complex a pile of rubble. The XIX Commonwealth Games 2010 are scheduled to be held between October 3-14, 2010.
The Saudi PMV Show, held at Jeddah Gate last week, has rapidly become the leading construction equipment event in Saudi Arabia. This year, a two day conference was held alongside the show.
Pearl Dubai chairman Abdul Majed Al Fahim has said that the developer is seeking to attract international investment, with particular interest from the Far East, for its US $4 billion Dubai Pearl development, while also considering a future funding strategy for phase two of the development, according to reports. Designed by German architect Peter Schweger, the project which will house residential apartments as well as arts and leisure centres, is due for delivery in 2013 and will be completed in two phases. The fi rst phase of building will cost $2.5 billion, funded by equity, promoters’ loans and concluded pre-sales, the developer said.
NEWS IN PICS
> For more pictures log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com
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15MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
COMMENT> For the latest news and comments log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/comment
The opinions expressed in this column are of the author and not of the publisher.
In a previous article I referred to the term ‘coordination’ and given recent experiences, I thought it would be useful to expand on the subject a bit more. I have come to the conclusion that this word is considered by some to be an ancient mystical symbol infused with magical qualities. When faced with problems on site one only has to utter this word and ‘poof’ they miraculously disappear!
The problem seems to stem from a basic misunderstanding of what the term means compared to an obligation to ‘manage’ and more importantly how this relates to the contractors obligations with respect to ‘other contractors’ and third parties. As previously recommended it is a good tip to begin with the basic dictionary defi ni-tion of the terms namely, ‘coordinate’ = to place or arrange in proper order, and ‘manage’ = to exert control over.
Clause 4.6 of the Fidic Plant and Design Build Contract (Yellow Book) states that the Contractor ‘shall allow appropriate opportunities’ for carrying out work to the employers’ personnel, employers’ contrac-tors and public authorities. The contractor shall be responsible for his construction activities on the site, and shall ‘coordinate his own activities with those of other con-tractors’ to the extent (if any) specifi ed in the employers’ requirements.
It is important to note that clause 4.6 obliges the contractor to ‘allow oppor-tunities’ and to ‘coordinate’; it does not oblige the contractor to ‘manage’ these other contractors and public authori-ties. Therefore, if the other contractors or public authorities are late in carrying out their works then in the absence of an express obligation ‘to manage’, the con-tractor has no responsibility to ‘exert con-trol’ over them to ensure they carry out their obligations.
Furthermore, the contract is binding between only two parties, namely the employer and contractor. It cannot be enforceable against ‘other contractors’ and therefore, the contractor has no recourse against them or power or authority over them. Consequently, the contractor has no control over any of their acts or omissions and any attempt to make the contractor liable for such acts or omissions would be beyond the scope of the powers granted by the contract.
Hence why under Fidic a contractor is entitled to a time extension for completion, due to any delay caused by the employers personnel or the employers other contrac-tors (clause 8.4(e)), and public authorities (clause 8.5); provided he has diligently fol-lowed the authorities procedures.
Finally, the above can cause considerable problems when a contractor is attempt-ing to gain approval or consent to his pro-gramme (eg. Fidic clause 8.3).Where works by ‘other contractors’ are delayed and no extension of time has been granted, it is virtually impossible to gain approval of the contractors programme especially if the engineer blames the contractor due to his alleged ‘failure to coordinate’ his works with those of ‘other contractors’.
In such circumstances the only solu-tion is to revise the time for completion, but this rarely happens and consequently the programme remains unapproved and confusion reigns supreme when the par-ties attempt to administer the extension of time provisions.
In conclusion, coordinate does not mean manage and the contractor has no power or authority over ‘other contractors’. The employer retains the risk of acts and omis-sions by ‘other contractors’ and no amount of waving of the coordination wand will change that!
Coordination - the magic wandPHILIP ADAMS EXPLAINS HOW THE WORD ‘COORDINATE’ DOES NOT INCLUDE MANAGING AND HOW THE MAIN CONTRACTOR DOES NOT HAVE ANY POWER OVER OTHER CONTRACTORS
Philip Adams his an associate director at Systech in Dubai. He has
provided commercial, contractual and dispute resolution advice on projects
ranging from high specification offices, data centres and long distance
fibre optic networks to major civil engineering projects, multi-storey offices and hotels. He is a member
of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a fellow at the
Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
“I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS
WORD IS CONSIDERED BY SOME TO BE AN ANCIENT
MYSTICAL SYMBOL INFUSED WITH MAGICAL QUALITIES.
WHEN FACED WITH PROBLEMS ON SITE ONE
ONLY HAS TO UTTER THIS WORD AND ‘POOF’ THEY
MIRACULOUSLY DISAPPEAR!”
16 CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 2010
CW VISITS DUBAI MARINA’S OCEAN HEIGHTS TO FIND OUT WHAT TASKS DAMAC AND ITS CONTRACTORS HAVE
TO TICK OFF THEIR TO-DO LIST, BEFORE THEIR Q4 DEADLINE
By Sarah Blackman; Photos by Efraim Evidor
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 201016
17MARCH 20-26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
W e all know that it takes more than just bricks and mortar to construct a building that will shelter its occupants, especially in the GCC market, where every contractor is striving to create a work of art. Construction is
about planning, intricate design ideas, and complicated struc-tural work.
But, what happens when all the columns have been poured and the slabs are in place? What’s going on when structural engineers have downed tools and the concrete has dried?
For Damac Properties, its Ocean Heights project in Dubai Marina may have been topped off, but the work is not over yet. So, what process are the contractors currently going through, which will eventually lead them to announce the building’s completion?
THENIn August 2007 – two months after the US $175.6 million (AED645 million) main contract was awarded to Arabtec – con-struction of the Ocean Heights tower began. And, using the design plans from Hong Kong-based architectural design fi rm Aedas, and expert advice from Meinhardt, a structural consul-tant from Singapore, the main contractor was able to create a distinctive silhouette.
“The design of Ocean Heights is achieved by twisting the fl oor plate at every level to create the curved elevation,” says Damac vice president for projects Mike Wickham.
As it rises, the tower’s fl oor plates reduce in size, allowing the rotation to become even more pronounced.
“The structure is supported with vertical core walls and shear walls, with post tension slabs twisting on each fl oor to follow the curved nature of the building. Free ends of slabs are sup-ported with composite structural columns, which incline and twist along with the fl oor plate.”
The curved ocean-view tower contains 77 residential fl oors with 608 units, ranging from one bedroom apart-
ments to whole-fl oor penthouses, and there are four podium and three basement fl oors for car parking.
At the peak of construction, there were 30 contractors and 2000 people on site working towards the completion of struc-tural work, and on December 23, 2009 – 23
days ahead of schedule – the building was topped off at 310m and 84 fl oors.
The early fi nish was down to good teamwork, communication and
working closely to coordinate with both the lead consultant
(ECG) and Arabtec, accord-ing to Wickham.
But, the completion
DSI OPERATIONS MANAGER NIZAR BARAKA.
of structural works has been no easy task: “Ocean Heights is a ‘megastructure’ by any international defi nition – not just in Dubai. Every day presents new and varied design and construc-tion challenges, including environmental problems, such as 50 degree heat in the summer and occasional strong coastal winds, or logistical issues associated with transporting men, materials and equipment up and down through a 310m structure,” he says.
Damac also faced the challenge of implementing seismic pro-visions – a must in high rise structures.
“A key issue was the study of solutions for the anticipated building movement of a super high-rise building. Mitigation methods [were introduced], including designing the facade against wind loads, weather and noise resistance for such a super tall structure.”
And, with so many people working on site, the client and its team had to be doubly committed to on site safety. So far, over 9 million man hours have been worked on the project and there have been six LTIs during that time, equating to a lost time fre-quency rate of 0.6.
“Damac takes safety seriously and holds weekly inspections at all of its sites. The HSE team from the company works with contractors to promote best practice and to ensure that safety is embedded into every day working practices. There have been no
OCEAN HEIGHTS’ FAST FACTS• At the peak of construction there was 2000 staff on site
• There is enough electric cabling and wiring in the building to
stretch from Dubai to Kuwait City
• 50,000 metres of water pipes have been installed – enough to
circle an Olympic sized running track 125 times
• Foundations required removal of 50,000 m3 of earth
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 18–26, 201018
fatalities during the construction of Ocean Heights” insists Wickham.
NOWCompletion of structural work is always an exciting time for a construction company, but the work that remains is just as time consuming and important.
Currently, Alumco is installing the façade to the project. This consists of 20,000 m² of unitised curtain wall, 14,500 m² 4mm composite panel with insulation, 27,000 m² stick curtain wall sliding doors and swing doors and 5300 m² 3mm thick aluminium cover sheet.
Curtain walling is now 90% complete and interior fi t outs are also progressing at fast pace, with 60% of the building’s apartments and common areas now fi nished.
Further, MEP works – arguably one of the biggest jobs on site – is on track to
OCEAN HEIGHTS WAS TOPPED OFF IN DECEMBER 2009 AND MEP WORKS ARE NOW PROGRESSING.
30CONTRACTORS WERE
ON SITE AT THE PEAK OF CONSTRUCTION
be completed early, as Drake and Scull International operations manager Nizar Baraka explains.
“DSI have completed the backbone HVAC systems, including plant-room areas for chilled water and supply and extract air. We have recently started commissioning on the air and water side and this is two months ahead of schedule,” he says.
“The fact that fi nal fi nishes related to these systems (including the fi nal connection to fan coil units for the water part, and grill installation for the air part) have reached up to level 71, allows for commissioning of all completed fl oors to commence.”
DSI was awarded the $33.76 million MEP contract in the third quarter of 2007.
Another mechanical aspect to the project is the fi re fi ghting system, which is currently being tested to ensure a smooth commis-sioning phase. The fi nal fi xing, including
INTERIOR FIT OUTS ARE NOW 60% COMPLETE.
hose reels and sprinkler heads, has reached level 67. In terms of electrical engineering, fi nal fi xes such as light installations have also reached level 67 and DSI has already commenced the testing on these works.
“With the electrical works you can break it into two main areas, which include the fi nishes – civil works and plastering and then we come in afterwards with the fi nal fi xtures – installing light fi ttings and acces-sories, which make it look like a usable item,” Drake and Scull project manager Berend Jager.
“We are also eight fl oors, or two months, ahead of schedule with the in-fl oor ceiling clearance works.”
The main power supply is fed from the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) network to the dedicated sub-station on the ground fl oor and there are 14 transformers rated 1500KVA each in the substation. One back-up generator of 1500KVA is provided for maintaining essential power supply in case of a main power supply failure.
The fi nal termination between major equipment, such as chillers, fresh air han-
dling units and pumps is currently being fi nalised, with the exception of the roof cooling towers.
DSI is also one month ahead of the pro-gramme in completing its plant room areas.
Not forgetting public health engineering, Ocean Heights’ drainage system has been installed and tested up to level 76 and the system completion, excluding sanitary-ware installation, is expected to be delivered at the beginning of next month.
“Sanitary-ware installation has now reached level 65 and is being completed on a cycle of two fl oors per week. DSI is aiming to complete this fi nal fi x activity by the end of April,” adds Baraka.
“Water supply systems have reached level 76, including the plant-room areas related to tank and transfer pump installation.
Again, the plant-room areas are a month ahead of schedule.”
NEXT All evidence shows that Ocean Heights may well be completed ahead of the August 7, 2010 deadline, which is good news for investors, but also means that contrac-tors will be able to use the time to identify imperfections.
As DSI has commenced the commission-ing phase early for all MEP activities, there could be a ‘project fl oat’ on the original project schedule.
“This fl oat can be utilised to resolve unfore-seen complications that might become appar-ent during this critical phase in the devel-opment of the project,” says Baraka.
But, once the development fully opera-tional, how long will it last? According to Wickham, Ocean Heights is not a ‘green’ building, but Damac and its main contrac-tors implemented sustainable solutions where possible.
“The building was designed and planned before the Middle East’s envi-ronmental targets became more focused,”
PROJECT DATAClient: Damac Properties
Consultant: Engineering Consultants Group
Main contractor: Arabtec
Architect: Aedas
MEP: Drake and Scull
Structural consultant: Meinhardt
Façade: Alumco
Structural steel: Systems Engineering
Post tensioning: CCL - Darvish Haddad
Elevators: Al Futtaim Engineering
M&E consulting engineer: Ian Benham
and Associates
Contract period: 36 months
Completion date: 7th August, 2010
explains Wickham. “However, the whole building has been
designed to minimise its environmental impact, from the façade and glazing solu-tions employed, to the MEP systems used to control the internal living conditions. Sourcing sus-tainable mate-rials has been a priority.” �
BEREND JAGER, PROJECT MANAGER ON THE OCEAN HEIGHTS JOB.
“WE ARE NOW TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF
SCHEDULE WITH THE IN-FLOOR CEILING
CLEARANCE WORKS”
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 2010202020
CW DISCOVERS THE M
AJOR ADVANTAGES CONSTRUCTION
SOFTWARE CAN BRING TO A BUSINESS AND ITS PROJECTS
By Sarah Blackman
TAKING A CHANCE
ON CHANGE
21MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 21
C hange isn’t easy and it isn’t always welcome. Moving from site to site and adapting to a new team or envi-ronment takes some getting used to. But,
after a week or so of adjustment, the benefi ts of change can often make initial worries and concerns seem unnecessary.
The same can be said for taking on new technologies, such as construction software. Staff must be trained to use the new system, which can take time, and letting go of tradi-tional models can feel like a real hassle.
However, the returns gained from amend-ing how you manage your project through construction software are said to outweigh these challenges.
“Construction companies are generally lagging behind other verticals in the adop-tion of technology to solve their business problems,” says Causeway Middle East CEO Paul Madeira.
“We believe that in order to overcome the challenges of change companies should select and implement software that is logical, easy to use and makes people’s lives easier so they become a keen adopter and promoter for this much required change.”
Causeway’s cost and fi nancial management solutions aim to help organisations minimise risk, control cost and increase profi ts.
Abdel Muneer, marketing management for Tekla, a supplier and manufacturer of build-ing information modeling software (BIM) also believes that using construction soft-ware isn’t as diffi cult as it sounds and that construction companies just need to have a little patience.
“Sometimes our offering is too broad for people to handle – we have 11 applications so these need to be introduced slowly so that the contractor can maximise the soft-ware’s use and get the most benefi ts out of it,” he says.
“We work closely with the customer and advice them on what applications are vital and then they can choose to add further applications if they wish.”
Sounds convincing, but what’s wrong with using conventional systems to manage a development? And, how can construction software improve business?
OUT WITH THE OLDAccording to experts, programmes like Excel are just not a good enough tool to track project progress.
“Developers can’t really know what they are spending with a normal accounting system,” said Buildsmart managing direc-tor Peter Cheney. “With construction soft-ware we can get an accurate view of what people are spending and what they have left to spend.”
Construction Computer Software (CCS) provides solutions to the construction indus-try through two software product offerings; Candy and Buildsmart.
Candy consists of modules for estimat-ing, planning forecasting, cash fl ow, on site valuations and earned value management, while Buildsmart is a web-based construction orientated accounting and costing business solution, comprising procurement, account-ing and wages modules.
“Developers and contractors can track changes in the project and make sure that their budget takes into account these vari-ables. If you beat what you are allowed to spend then you can maximise profi ts,” adds Cheney.
Muneer adds to this argument by saying that using traditional systems can leave a project wide open for errors, which, in turn, wastes times and money.
“It’s out of date. You are going to make mistakes with Excel because you cannot visualise what you’re doing like you can with BIM. You’ll get the job done, but you won’t see the benefi ts like you can with our software,” he says.
“We illuminate a lot of the rework because you can track what is happening on site.”
VISUALISING PROGRESSTekla Structures enables the creation and management of detailed 3D structural models regardless of material or structural complexity.
CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE PROS AND CONSPROS
Reduces risk
Cuts costs
Saves paper
Reduces errors
Allows you to track changes
You can visually monitor progress
CONS
Can take time to implement
Staff must be trained to use the system
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23MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
Its models can be used to cover the entire building process from conceptual design to fabrication, erection and construction management.
One application that you get with Tekla Structures is ‘steel detailing’. This allows users to create detailed 3D models of any steel material and then generate corresponding fabrication and erection information, which can be easily shared by all of the project participants.
A contractor or structural engineer can create and modify grids with this function, create detailed steel connections and erec-tion sequences.
MONEY MATTERSSo construction software can cut out risk, it allows all workers involved in a development to monitor changes and track progress and, as the number of errors is reduced, using software can lead to increased effi ciency.
Madeira seconds this argument and goes one step further by suggesting that using spreadsheets may be “sabotaging contrac-tors’ and developers’ profi ts.”
“The continued use of spreadsheets to man-age mission critical business functions is an unacceptable risk for the new world we live in,” he says. “Tailored and packaged based software holds out the promise of a better
controlled and trusted environment. The use of spreadsheets to perform complex business functions exposes a business to a number of risks and although excel is the biggest competitor to construction software the advantages of moving away from them are well proven.”
Causeway’s design, cost, fi nancial supply chain and enterprise content management solutions allow users to save money through-out the tendering process – from the begin-ning stages of planning to bid leading and the fi nal accounts being produced.
“Savings in time and money can be gained in automating the entire estimating process
TOP CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE COMPANIES TO KNOW
ACONEX
Aconex provides a web-based system for managing project
information such as drawings, documents, tenders and
correspondence. To help prevent disputes and delays, the system
maintains a complete audit trail of who did what and when, allowing
contractors and project managers to track key deliverables and
identify bottlenecks before they impact schedules. More than 500
projects in the Gulf region and 6000 worldwide, are using Aconex,
including developments such as Dubai Sports City and The Lagoons
in Dubai, Yas Island and Al Raha Beach in Abu Dhabi.
www.aconex.com
CAUSEWAY
Causeway’s design, cost, fi nancial supply chain and enterprise
content management solutions cater to the needs of the
construction industry. Its cost management and fi nancial
management systems help organisations minimise risk, control cost
and increase profi ts. Causeway’s enterprise content management
solutions help companies gain better control over information
relating to projects, departments and entire organisations. The
company’s supply chain management solutions help construction
fi rms control costs throughout the tendering process.
www.causeway.com
CMCS
CMCS offers PPMIS, a portfolio and project management solution
that helps companies keep track of project progress. The system
centralises all project information, including schedules, costs and
documents, so that information is readily available when needed
by the user. Among those expected to benefi t from the system are:
developers and owners, fi nancial partners, project management
fi rms, surveyors, consultants, contractors and suppliers.
www.cmcs.ae
CONSTRUCTION COMPUTER SOFTWARE (CCS)
Candy Construction Estimating and Project Control system is a
software application for the cost management and planning of all
construction projects. The system integrates all functions and stages
of the construction process, from estimating through to tender
award and ultimately, fi nal account. Candy is entirely focused on
and designed for construction. Developed over 30 years through
an interactive and consultative process with the industry, Candy
manages the numerous links between all functions and all the people
in construction in a systemic way.
www.ccsgulf.com
TEKLA
Tekla Structures is building information modeling software that
enables the creation and management of detailed 3D structural
models, regardless of complexity. Tekla models can be used to cover
the entire building process from conceptual design to fabrication,
erection and construction management. Tekla Structures can be
used to interface with other existing applications, or on its own as
a platform to develop a customisable internal solution. Its open
platform supports interoperability and standardisation.
www.tekla.com/ae
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 13–19, 201024
different situation because now [developers] are not pulling in projects one after the other so the projects they do have are becoming critical and in turn margins become criti-cal,” says Cheney.
Muneer agrees: “People actually turned to construction software during the crisis because it helps them save on construction costs and saves them time. It helps improve effi ciency and reduce waste.”
WASTE NOT WANT NOTOf course, construction waste is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions, but building a project also involves paper work, and a lot of it. And, with new environmental regulations coming into the Middle East is also leading construction companies to think of new ways to save energy, through any means necessary.
Fortunately, construction software can help to reduce the need for the endless print outs.
“Causeway is committed to fi nd ways to reduce carbon footprint and develop tech-nology that can assist organisations become more effi cient whilst also having environ-mental benefi ts,” says Madeira.
“Recently awarded ‘E-Commerce Product
of the Year’ in the UK, Causeway Tradex combines data exchange and process con-trols that allow companies to exchange trad-ing documents, such as invoices and orders, without the need for paper.”
So now that we know the be the benefi ts construction software can bring to businesses and their projects, is there really any excuse to keep using old school spreadsheets?
“Adding in collaborative capabilities will give those supply chains that take advantage of technology a competitive advantage. We all appreciate the old methods are broken, so shame on us if we do not correct them,” Madeira responds. �
PAUL MADEIRA, CEO OF CAUSEWAY MIDDLE EAST.
to provide a faster and more accurate bid delivery,” adds Madeira.
“The majority of Causeway employees are people with a construction background and therefore we can offer customers not only software solutions but consultants with actual practical domain expertise.”
Cost is often something that deters busi-nesses from investing in new technologies, especially during a fi nancial downturn, like the one we are experiencing now. But, it
seems that construction com-panies are actually turning
to software systems in times of crisis.
“During boom times margins are important but, they are not that
important. If a project is to turn bad it would
be immediately fi nanced by another one. In bad
times it is a
PETER CHENEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF BUILDSMART.
27FEBRUARY 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 25JANUARY 9–15, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/directory
DIRECTORY
MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 25
TENDERS | PROJECTS | SUPPLIERS | CITY UPDATE
DIR
ECTORY
To
advertise p
lease call Jason
Bow
man
+9
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10 8
35
1, or em
ail jason
.bow
man
@itp.co
m
26 TENDERS27 PROJECTS
SPECIALIST SERVICES28 Design software29 Construction manufacturers/steel
CITY UPDATE30 Kuwait City, Kuwait
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 201026
TENDERSFREE TENDERS AND SERVICES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRYTO INCLUDE YOUR TENDERS IN THIS SECTION EMAIL TENDER DETAILS TO [email protected]
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Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) is responsible for the development of air transport through constructing, managing, provisioning and operating airports and the air navigation infrastructure, and maintenance of systems. Last week, it was revealed that the government body is set to fl oat tenders worth US $4.5 billion (SR17 billion) in two months’ time to build a new airport in the holy city of Madinah and a commercial centre near Jeddah airport. Four prequalifi ed consortia including Australia’s Lend Lease Corporation, Saudi Oger and Saudi Real Estate Company (Akaria), as well as US developer Hines, are expected to submit bids for the commercial centre before the end of May and the contract is scheduled to be awarded by August. Bids for the Madinah airport will be accepted in October with contracts to be awarded in December. �
Tender focus
GENERAL AUTHORITY OF CIVIL AVIATION
SAUDI ARABIA IS TAKING BIDS FOR AIRPORT WORKS.
BAHRAIN
Issuer: Ministry of WorksTender No: SPdh/097/10Description: Construction of a theatre comprising a 1000-seat auditorium.Closes: April 21Fees: BD50Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.bh
EGYPT
Issuer: Egyptian Electricity Transmission CompanyDescription: Implementation of two overhead power transmission lines.Closes: April 27Fees: EP10,966Bond: EP7,677,320Contact: 5 Sixth October Street, El Mounib, Giza
KUWAIT
Issuer: Central Tenders CommitteeTender No: MEW/2010/2011Description: Street lighting maintenance works for roads in Kuwait City.Closes: March 21Fees: KD500Contact: Central Tenders Committee, Ministry of Electricity and Water
Issuer: Central Tenders CommitteeTender No: MEW/37/2008/2009Description: Construction of fi ve potable water pipelines.Closes: March 23Fees: KD4000Contact: www.ctc.gov.kw
Issuer: Central Tenders CommitteeTender No: PF/1/2009/2010Description: Construction of several schools in Kuwait City.Closes: March 23
Fees: KD1000Contact: Central Tenders Committee – Ministry of Education Description: Construction of Jaber Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah Bridge in Kuwait.Closes: June 8Fees: KD5000Contact: Central Tenders Committee – Ministry of Public Works
OMAN
Issuer: Ministry of Transport and CommunicationTender No: 42/2010Description: Construction of a track road.Closes: March 22Fees: OR175Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om
Issuer: Ministry of Transport and CommunicationTender No: 40/2010Description: Design and construction of Muqniyat and Miskin Link Roads.Closes: March 22Fees: OR1000Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om
Issuer: Mazoon Electricity CompanyTender No: 38/2010Description: Construction of a primary substation for Adam Airport.Closes: March 22Fees: OR373Contact: www.tenderboard.gov.om
QATAR
Issuer: Public Works AuthorityTender No: PWA/GTC/045/09-10Description: Reconstruction of the Najma Road extension.Closes: April 20Fees: QR7000Contact: Contract Department, Public Works Authority
SAUDI ARABIA
Issuer: Ministry of TransportTender No: MOT-Makkah-9Description: Construction of Makkah Ring Road- phase 2.Closes: March 20Contact: www.mot.gov.s
Issuer: Ministry of TransportTender No: MOT-Madinah-11Description: Construction of 3rd Ring Road in Madinah – phase 4.Closes: March 24Contact: www.mot.gov.sa
Issuer: Ministry of TransportTender No: MOT-TAB-7Description: Construction of Tabouk-Sharma dual carriage road in Tabouk province.Closes: March 27Contact: www.mot.gov.sa
UAE
Issuer: Dubai Electricity and Water AuthorityTender No: CE/0366/2009Description: Supply, installation, commissioning and training of a low voltage current transformer testing unit.Closes: March 24Fees: AED200Contact: https://e-services.dewa.gov.ae
> For more tenders check online at www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/tenders
ONE TO WATCHIssuer: SCADIADescription: Construction of Abu Dhabi’s International Airport’s midfi eld terminal building.Closes: UnknownContact: www.scadia.com
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> For the latest projects information visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/projects
PROJECTSA OMAN DATABASE - BUILDING PROJECTS FOCUSTO LIST YOUR PROJECTS IN THIS COLUMN EMAIL DETAILS TO [email protected]
An Independent Water and Power Plant (IWPP) is currently under going construction in Jubail Industrial City. The plant will comprise four blocks and will be based on combined cycle generation gas turbines, which will supply process steam to the desalination plant. Jubail IWPP will produce 2745MW of power and 800,000m3 of desalinated water per day to Jubail Industrial City and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The Seuz consortium – a joint venture between Suez Energy International and Acwa Power Projects was awarded the main construction contract in 2006. Work started in early 2007 and is expected to be completed this year. � THE JUBAIL IWPP WILL PRODUCE 2745MW.
Project focus
JUBAIL IWPP
PROJECT TITLE CLIENT CONSULTANT MAINCONTRACTOR
VALUE(US$MN)
PROJECT STATUS
SAUDI ARABIAMUZAHIMIYAH POWER PLANT Saudi Electricity Company Fichtner Not Appointed 950 project under design
NEW DAM IN HAIL Ministry of Water & Electricity SaudConsult Progressive Construction Ltd 53 project under construction
202KM TRANSMISSION LINE BETWEEN QURAYYAH POWER AND THE NATIONAL GRID
Saudi Electricity Company Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company
106 project under construction
PP9 EXTENSION - 380-KV SUBSTATION Saudi Electricity Company Siemens 91 project under construction
YANBU INDEPENDENT WATER & POWER PROJECT Marafi q / Saline Water Conversion Corporation
Mohammed A. Turki Mott Mac Donald
Not Appointed 4,000 project under design
PRINCESS NOURA BIN ABDULRAHMAN UNIVERSITY - HIGH VOLTAGE SUBSTATION
Ministry of Higher Education / Ministry of Finance
ABB Contracting Company / Al Fanar
167 project under construction
110/13.8-KV AL BAIDAA SUBSTATION Saudi Electricity Company In House Siemens 10 project under construction
CONSTRUCTION OF WATER NETWORKS - CONTRACT NO. 2
Ministry of Water and Electricity Modameen Cont..Est./Ahmed Al Hurafi Co.
13 project under construction
380 KV MANIFA SUBSTATION Saudi Electricity Company National Contracting Company 123 project under construction
JIZAN ECONOMIC CITY - 132 KV SUBSTATION South Steel Co. ABB Contracting Company 21 project under construction
REINFORCEMENT OF SIX 132 KV SUBSTATION IN JIZAN Saudi Electricity Company In House Iscosa Industries & Maintenance 65 project under construction
2000 MW QURAYYAH POWER PLANT Saudi Electricity Company Arabian Bemco Contracting 778 project under construction
QSAI DAM AT JIZAN Ministry of Water & Electricity Zuhair Fayez Partners Bin Jarallah Group 40 project under construction
1200 MW THERMO ELECTRIC POWER PLANT IN RABIGH
Saudi Electricity Company/Acwa Power Int’l/KEPCO
Not Appointed Alstom Power 2,500 project under construction
NEW DAM IN ABHA Ministry of Water & Electricity Zuhair Fayez Partners Bin Jarallah Group 16 project under construction
PP11 POWER PLANT IN RIYADH Saudi Electricity Company Not Appointed 2,133 award awaited for contract
132/380-KV SUBSTATION IN NAMERA Saudi Electricity Company In House ABB Contracting Company 162 project under construction
EXPANSION OF 20 DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATIONS Saudi Electricity Company ABB Contracting Company 34 project under construction
2400- MW RABIGH POWER PLANT - PHASE 6 Saudi Electricity Company Fichtner GmbH & Co. Not Appointed 2,000 award awaited for contract
115/380-KV HALF MOON SUBSTATION - PHASE 2 Saudi Electricity Company In House ABB Contracting Company 66 project under construction
SHAROURAH POWER PLANT EXTENSION Saudi Electricity Company In House Al Fanar Contracting 96 project under construction
JEDDAH ISLAMIC SEAPORT - SUBSTATIONS PACKAGE Saudi Trade & Export Development Company
In House Civil Engineering Projects Co. for Contr.
50 project under construction
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 201028
SPECIALIST SERVICESCONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MADE EASY IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK’S DIRECTORYTO ADVERTISE PLEASE CALL +971 4 210 8351, OR EMAIL [email protected]
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Established in Italy, 1930, Ariston Thermo Group offers heating and water products, which are designed to provide comfort, while consuming a minimal amount of energy. In line with its green initiatives, the company will offer solar panels, storage tanks, back-up gas boilers (if needed), expansion vessels a control unit and all components for the production of sanitary water to the Masdar City project. Ariston’s range of solar thermal solutions capture renewable energy from the sun and deliver up to 70% of hot water needs and up to 15% of heating needs. The company has supplied energy saving solutions to projects around the world, including a 7500m2 solar system for the Beijing Olympics. It has 19 production sites in 10 countries, 40 branches in 26 countries and distributes its supplies to over 150 countries. Ariston is a fi rm believer in collaboration with local partners as they provide the company with the insights into prevailing cultural habits, climate and housing conditions to supply the optimum degree of energy effi cient comfort to any user in any environment. �
Supplier focus
ARISTON THERMO GROUPMANUFACTURER OF HEATING AND WATER PRODUCTS
is expected to be complete by 2016. But what’s under construction right now? Well, there is the United Tower, a mixed used building, which is will stand at 60 fl oors once complete.
“Now with the inclusion of the United Tower skyscraper, Kuwait City has indeed become home to numerous commercial and residential towers,” said United Towers Holding Company chairman and managing director Ahmad Saud Al Sumait, when he unveiled the project.
“United Tower is the fi rst building of its kind, designed to sustain the country’s economic progress,” he continued, add-ing that the tower would add “a specifi c aesthetic and architectural element to the Kuwaiti Capital.”
For United Towers Holding Company, the project also marked their fi rst venture into development and it has added the 18-sto-rey Al Shaheed Tower and 22-storey City Tower – both offi ce premises – to its port-folio since work began on United Tower back in 2005.
The main construction work on United Tower is being carried out by Al Ahmadiah Company and the senior project director for United Real Estate Company, Ali Saleh, claims that the tower will be built “based on modern specifi cations and world-class smart technologies”.
Originally due for completion in 2010, the schedule has been pushed back, with
For construction companies looking for work in the GCC, Kuwait is definitely worth a visit, the simple reason being that the country is set to adopt
a US $100 billion (KD30 billion) plan to develop mega projects, mainly in the capital, over the next four years.
The plan was authorised by the Kuwait government in Parliament in Febru-ary and is set to boost the non-oil pri-vate sector economy and support the construction industry.
The funding is expected to be used to develop the new Silk City business hub (Madinat Al Hareer) at an estimated cost of $77 billion, as well as the upgrade of the country’s energy grid and the construction of a 25 km container harbour.
It will fi nance a railway and a metro sys-tem, and there will be additional spending on infrastructure.
The $7 billion Kuwait Metro is current-ly under concept stage and invitations to bid for the main construction contract are expected to be released in 2011, with work set to start in Q3 of the same year.
A consortium led by Dashti, along with members of Spain’s Ingenieria & Consul-toria de Transporte, and the local Kuwait United Development Group carried out the feasibility study. The entire project
“FOREIGN COMPANIES ARE LOOKING TO ACCESS THE MARKET AND THE KUWAITI
COMPANIES ARE GROWING.”
THE US$950 MILLION AL HAMRA TOWER UNDERCONSTRUCTION IN KUWAIT.
Whistlewhile you workCW LEARNS THAT, DESPITE THE DOWNTURN, THERE ARE PLENTY OF CONSTRUCTION JOB OPPORTUNITIES ON THE HORIZON IN KUWAIT CITY
By Sarah Blackman
31MARCH 20–26, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK
the last quarter of this year. The Skidmore, Owings and Merrill-designed tower will boast 77 storeys and reach 412m in height, making it Kuwait’s tallest building and also the tallest ‘sculpted’ tower in the world, all at a cost of $950 million.
The US-based Turner Construc-tion leads the development in terms of project management, while Al Jazeera consulting and Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Company are working together as the main contractor.
The tower will include com-mercial and offi ce space, includ-ing a fi ve-storey mall, an IMAX theatre complex and an 11-storey carpark, all spread over a footprint of 18,000 m2.
So, apart from the obvious con-tinuation of work, why should
delivery now expected in 2011. Upon com-pletion, the $240 million tower – spread across 98,000m2 – will feature high-tech offi ce facilities, residential apartments on the middle storeys, and a high-end mall with luxury retail stores.
Also under construction in Kuwait City is the iconic Al Hamra Tower. Al Hamra Real Estate broke ground on this project back in 2004, and according to the developer, the building is on course to be completed by
TOP PROJECTS US$Madinat Al Hareer 90 billionKuwait Metro 7 billionAl Hamra Tower 950 millionKuwait International Airport Expansion 750 millionUnited Tower 240 million
companies do business in Kuwait City? “Kuwait’s market is emerging and there
are many attractive investment opportuni-ties in most of the industry sectors,” states Kuwait-based Aknan Global
director of real estate and investments Fawaz Al Najadah.
“Foreign companies are looking to access the market and the Kuwaiti companies are growing exponentially. When compared to Dubai or Doha you can obviously note that Kuwait markets are more stable in the economic crisis.”
And, Bader Al Adsani, property develop-ment manager of Salhia Real Estate, the developer of Arraya Offi ce Tower II in Kuwait, agrees: “Like every other coun-try in the Gulf, Kuwait has been affected signifi cantly due to the banking crises. However it has been holding up better
than [other] major cities.” �
CONSTRUCTION WEEK MARCH 20–26, 201032
DIALOGUEMOHAMED EL MIKAWI
What progress has been made at Cairo Festival City so far?We expect to complete Cairo Festival City in 2015, having already completed several sections of the development, including the American International School (AIS), which opened in October 2005, phase one of the automotive park, which now hosts the Honda showroom which opened in early 2008, as well as the Toyota showroom, which opened in January 2009.
What is left to complete?Construction of phase one of the residential villas started last year and we expect to be handing them over to the occupiers in 2012. Construction of Festival Centre started in May 2008 and will be completed towards the end of 2011, offi cially opening its doors in early 2012. Development of the commercial offi ces also started late last year, with construction of the remaining elements of Cairo Festival City scheduled to start this year.
What can Cairo expect from the construction industry this year?There are numerous construction projects underway in Cairo at present and these projects are defi nitely designed to alleviate the high demand for housing in Cairo. The construction industry is slowly starting to catch up to this demand, but this is a process that will only be felt over an extended period of time. With regards to Cairo Festival City specifi cally, the project aims to address the housing needs of the growing New Cairo population. Spanning over 3 million m2, we hope our development will stand as the centerpiece for New Cairo. Cairo Festival City, when complete, will be a community where people can live, work, and play in one place – in theory they will never have to leave. The Mediterranean style Oriana villas will be luxurious and form a gated community where families can live in a secure and beautifully maintained landscaped environment. The apartment
Cairo constructionMohamed El Mikawi, managing director for Al Futtaim Real Estate in Egypt gives an update of how his company’s flagship development is progressing and discusses the benefits of doing business in Cairo
By Sarah Blackman
complex will complete the residential area, providing a more cost effective medium for those wanting a more cosmopolitan life style, closer to the retail resort. Also, the new compact villas subdivision is expected to be launched in May of this year and will cater to a wider target market. Festival Centre, the retail resort, will offer Egypt’s fi rst indoor/outdoor experience with shopping, restaurants, cafes and entertainment all beautifully located around a stunning water setting. Premium offi ces, a school, automotive parks and hotels add to the experience together with an ideal location and easy access to the ring road.
Why do people choose to do business in Cairo?When you look at the housing industry it is clear that there is a huge gap between supply and demand, and Egypt’s rapidly growing population means that the demand for housing has still yet to be met. It is this large population that fuels the increased number of businesses entering the Egyptian market. The consumer market remains unsaturated as Egypt’s economy is still in its infancy and the vast workforce that Egypt has makes it an ideal location for a wide variety of businesses. With regards to the retail industry, over the past ten years the industry has been growing at an annual rate of between 5% and 15%.
How does Cairo compare to GCC cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh?There are many differences but we could say that Egypt has
the largest population in the Arab world and the rapidly growing population is what is fueling the expansion of Egypt’s economy. In comparison, GCC consumer markets are far more saturated and because their populations are growing at a slower rate their economies are also expanding at a slower rate. If we are also to consider the global economic crisis that we were faced with last year, the GCC was defi nitely far more affected than Egypt.
El Mikawi joined Al Futtaim Group Real Estate
(AFGRE) in December 2008 as Cairo Festival
City’s general manager, before being promoted to
managing director of AFGRE Group Egypt. Prior
to working for AFGRE, El Mikawi was the general
manager of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture – Egypt.
He managed the overall activities for the trust
and was responsible for the design, construction,
fi nance and operations of several urban projects. He
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