The Big Project Middle East

nOVEMBEr 2009

ARCHITECTuRE • EnGInEERInG • COnSTRuCTIOn

january 2010

Market analysis and 10 projects you should know about

QATAR UPDATE

Shopping tips from trade experts in the Middle East

BUYERS’ GUIDE TO STEEL

How construction of the world’s tallest building has paved the way for future mega-projects

B U R JB U R JB U R JKHALIFAKHALIFAKHALIFA

othErs: abu dhabi invEstMEnt paint suppLiErs buiLding codEs

PUBLICATION LICENSED BY IMPZ

New Year S p e c i a l Pull-out 2010 calendar inside

2 Editor’s LEttEr

4 rEgionaL nEwsInvestors in Omniyat’s The Square development voice grievances; ADEC to build 18 new schools in Abu Dhabi.

8 suppLiEr spotLightNews, appointments and product launches from Middle East suppliers.

12 covEr story: burj khaLifaWith the launch of the world’s tallest building, The Big Project speaks to the designers, contractors and consultants to uncover new and exceptional engineering methods implemented.

19 coMMEnt: invEstMEntHC Securities and Investment’s MENA real estate analysis Majed Azzam on why investors are migrating from Dubai‘s property market to Abu Dhabi’s.

21 caLEndar 2010Your handy, pull-out guide to the must-go industry events planned for the New Year in the Middle East and North Africa.

january 2010Contents

12

26

3426 fEaturE: qatar updatETrends and 10 projects you should know about based on research by Euromonitor International and Proleads.

30 suppLiEr profiLE A look at how concrete formwork manufacturer Doka responds to market trends with new products and services.

32 products: paintA round-up of some of the leading paint and coatings suppliers in the Middle East.

34 buyErs’ guidE to stEELThree experts comment on the regional steel market and offer their top tips for buyers in search of quality and value.

38 tEndErsKeeping you up to date on the status of projects across the Middle East region.

42 trainingAbu Dhabi’s Department of Municipal Affairs consultant – policies & regulation Ali Bukair on the introduction of International Building Codes.

January 2010 THE BIG PROJECT 1

What a way to kick off the New Year with the launch of the world’s tallest building, Burj

Khalifa, reaching 828 metres.The renaming of the Burj Dubai

to Burj Khalifa after the president of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan represents a united front in the UAE with the emirates working together to overcome the tough financial challenges of 2009.

Furthermore, the launch of Burj Khalifa broke engineering records. New

and innovative approaches to concrete pumping, wind engineering and the management of gravity- and seismic loads in the design and construction of the building have already been proposed for future mega-projects.

Together the many designers, engineers, consultants and construction teams involved in the project overcame numerous obstacles to reach new heights and their efforts will be reflected in construction methods used in developments for years to come.

In fact, the importance of joining forces to find solutions became evident more than ever in 2009 and this is being carried forward into 2010, with Middle East exhibitions, conferences and events covering every sector – providing key networking opportunities and a chance to share knowledge – on the agenda. Keep track of important diary dates with our pull-out calendar on page 21.

The team at The Big Project is focused on providing a platform on which the industry can come together by listening to your views, identifying and tackling the issues that affect you, consulting industry bigwigs and giving each sector a voice through our regular roundtable debates. Here’s to clubbing together for a prosperous New Year.

PublisherDominic De Sousa

Managing DirectorNadeem Hood

Sales DirectorLiam [email protected]: +971 (0)55 310 9256

EditorLouise Birchall

DesignerMarlou Delaben

WebmastersTroy MaagmaElizabeth Reyes

Editorial BoardNicholas Maclean, CB Richard Ellis

David Nancarrow, DLA Piper

Paul Abbosh, Atkins

Ali Bin Towaih, Enpark

Frank Duggan, ABB

Fariborz Hatam, Aedas

Lisa Dale, Al Tamimi & Company

Ian Tarry, Mace Group

Saleh Muradweij, Gulf Technical Construction Company

Published by

Head OfficePO Box 13700 Dubai, UAETel: +971 4 3625158 Fax: +971 4 3625394Web: www.thebigprojectme.com

© Copyright 2009 CPI.All rights reserved.While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

Louise BirchallEditor

[email protected]

Common goals

EDITOr’S LETTEr

2 THE BIG PROJECT January 2010

A number of The Square investors gathered to voice concerns over contract changes and delayed handovers


real estate and development firm omniyat Properties has been accused of having “squeezed

and taken advantage of” 50 investors, who own more than 40% of apartments forming omniyat’s residential project, the square in al Mamzar, Dubai.

the square should have been handed over with keys before the remaining instalments divided over five years were to be paid, but omniyat coercively took the cheques in advance by threatening the investors for cancelling their contract; thus breaching the payment terms as laid out in the contract, according to the investors, speaking at a press conference.

“omniyat is taking unfair advantage of the situation because we have paid them more than 50% despite omniyat breaching the contract over and over again. May it be the payment terms, the maintenance charges or hand over, everything is being manipulated every other day as an amendment or new contract proposals,” said one of the investors.

in addition to imposition of new contracts and failure to handover the project to schedule, investors questioned handover charges incurred and “exorbitant” maintenance fees.

“the credit crunch does not mean that developers should take advantage and get greedy despite ample government

support. Developers must support the investors and if not, at least abide by the contracts earlier made.”

however, an omniyat Properties spokesperson told the big Project that handover of the square is well underway.

“More than 100 investors representing nearly 30% of owners in phase one have already taken possession and are occupying units in the first phase of the development. since the square’s launch, omniyat has upgraded amenities and partnered with luxury hotelier Mövenpick, providing additional value and return on investment to investors.”

the company claimed that it was committed to engaging in a transparent and open dialogue with its investors and operated in full accordance with the real estate regulatory authority’s guildelines.

the company said that it would meet and support its investors and address any concerns raised.

Meanwhile, investors said this was a small example of a wider issue concerning investors’ rights in the uae: “We hope that this case study would guide the government officials to take necessary action and devise a strategy to secure the interests of investors and assure that due to these organisations like omniyat, Dubai’s reputation is not damaged.”

rEGIOnaL nEWS

omniyat accused of “taking advantage” of investors

a bu Dhabi-based master developer hydra Properties announced that it has

completed the concrete casting of the hydra towers’ main foundation.

Piling work was completed in june last year and the cluster of five high-rise towers in the business bay area of Dubai is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

the commercial complex comprises five wave-shaped business towers ranging from 20-36 floors.

“hydra Properties is committed to delivering high-quality commercial and residential properties across the uae. the hydra towers development promises to reach the pinnacle in business environments, both in terms of facilities and location, and we are working towards completing the project on schedule,” said hydra Properties Ceo ali bin sulayem.

Foundation work completed on Hydra Towers

Hydra Properties completes concrete casting

Five investors in Omniyat’s The Square development speak of their dissatisfaction with the developer

abu dhabi Education council to build 18 schools in emirate

ADEC announced its plans at the Building Schools Exhibition and Conference

New smart school designs are expected to drive educational achievement in UAE capital, said organisation

US $10 billion The amount the Government of Abu Dhabi and UAE Central Bank agreed to supply to the Dubai Financial Support Fund that will be used to satisfy a series of upcoming obligations on Dubai World.

abu Dhabi education Council (aDeC) will develop 18 new schools across the emirate

starting mid-2010, as part of a 10-year strategic schools facilities plan.

the schools will include seven cycle one (grade kindergarten-five) schools, seven combined cycle two and three schools (six-12), two cycle three schools (grades 10-12), and two kindergarten-12 schools.

Designs will contain features not seen at schools in abu Dhabi before, according to aDeC, which held an international Concept Design competition inviting a number of architectural firms to submit innovative designs implementing the concept of “learning communities” in which the student is the centre of the learning process and where classrooms and science labs are integrated with

break-out areas for multiple learning opportunities. “We are creating a new way of learning. Development of analytical skills in our students is a key objective of aDeC’s strategic plan and these new learning communities combined with the other innovative features of our school designs will help bring this initiative to life,” said aDeC director of infrastructure and facilities hamad al-Daheri, speaking at the building schools exhibition and Conference – Middle east and north africa (bseC Mena) held at abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre (aDneC) last month.

“research has proven that a well-designed school building could be a decisive factor on driving student achievement and retaining quality teachers.”

aDeC received more than 27 proposals from firms worldwide and

Burj Khalifa incorporates an active lighting system

i t is expected that burj khalifa will be struck by lightning “thousands of times a year”, an emaar

spokesperson told the big Project.“lightning is always attracted to the

tallest object around and as the tallest building in the world, burj khalifa will attract a lot of lightning; this is a natural phenomenon that cannot be avoided,” said the spokesperson.

however, emaar saidburj khalifa has been designed such that when struck by lightning the electricity will be conducted internally through the building and into the foundations where it is discharged into the earth.

“in fact, burj khalifa has incorporated an active lightning system into its design which will actively attract electrical discharges before they build up to large voltages, then discharge them safely into the ground”, added emaar.

for a case study on january’s burj khalifa launch, see this month’s cover story on page 12.

selected three designs that will serve as the model for future school development in abu Dhabi. the Planar Model features classrooms arranged along the perimeter of the building, with specialised common spaces, such as labs and music rooms, concentrated in the middle spine.

the studio e/tawreed Model will be used predominantly for cycle one schools and features defined learning communities set between outdoor learning facilities.

the lumiset model designed specifically for cycle two and cycle three schools is organised along a central space that has a triangular shape and accommodates communal facilities such as a library, iCt labs and a cafeteria.

aDeC’s new school designs will be economical and easy to build and operate, said aDeC. sustainability features have been incorporated into school design such as energy-efficient air-conditioning systems and water-saving devises. orientations, insulation and shading devices have been carefully planned and all the electricity required for daily consumption in classrooms will be generated on the school site.


rEGIOnaL nEWS

Tallest building is ‘lightning magnet’


nEWS suPPliers

septech plans to expand in the Middle east with the opening of new offices and factories in saudi arabia.

the water giant has entered into a strategic joint venture with a saudi arabia-based partner Mawrid holdings to form septech saudi arabia. the company’s head office will be based in riyadh, while factories will be set up in the eastern and western provinces. septech will retain a majority stake in the partnership.

“We are very excited about septech’s entry into saudi arabia. We look forward to introducing our latest technologies in water / water re-use, desalination and utilities management expertise to address the country’s growing water challenges. Mawrid holding’s strategic strength lies in the fact that they have a deep understanding of the marketplace and the related challenges and opportunities that it presents,” said septech Ceo David heffernan.

Water scarcity is a critical issue that the region is dealing with. according to a report released by birzeit university in Palestine, the Mena region has five percent of the world’s population and less than one percent of the world’s available water.

Water re-use technology has surfaced as an important solution to this serious threat. according to water research company Global Water intelligence Christopher Gasson, the water re-use market in saudi arabia will be worth as much as us $3.4 billion between 2009 and 2016, making it the largest water re-use market in the world after the united states and China.

furthermore, heffernan has forecasted that septech saudi arabia’s annual turnover will exceed sr 300 million ($80 million), and anticipates a growth rate between 20% and 30% within two and three years, respectively.

Farhan Al Marzouqi

Suppliers in the spotlightA ROUND-UP OF THE LATEST NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Septech expands in Saudi ArabiaCompany’s expansion plans based on growing issue of water scarcity in KSA

Dubai Municipality has teamed up with suppliers to launch a public awareness campaign to encourage

‘green’ roofs in the emirate. the campaign has been jointly launched

in conjunction with al Yousuf horticulture and landscaping, bMC Gulf trading and renewed solutions; all companies which specialise specifically in agriculture technology and landscaping.

Models will be distributed for display as part of an integrated plan to clarify the engineering idea of green roofs in a much simpler way so that all categories of the society understand it easily, explained Dubai Municipality head of corporate marketing and exhibitions farhan al Marzouqi.

“in addition to that, educational publications will be provided by the municipality to support the idea clearly. this will be done with the participation of shopping centres and markets, which will provide space to display the models.

the Green roofs project aims at transforming the roofs of all buildings and houses in Dubai to cultivated areas and use water generated from air conditioners to irrigate plants. the project will be implemented gradually and in line with the Green buildings project

london-based artillery architecture and interior Design company will soon open a new

office in abu Dhabi, uae. the new branch is artillery’s second global

office. it will be located in Makeen tower and headed by steven Charlton, who has been in the design industry for three years.

“abu Dhabi is experiencing a boom of development and with our new branch, we

Dubai launches first ‘Green Roofs’ initiative

London-based architecture firm makes UAE debut

hope to develop new and strategic alliances and partnerships, as we have done in london and Melbourne, said managing director David back.

“abu Dhabi is a key region for us to move into due to its fantastic market potential and it is also crucial that we are ideally placed to cultivate that growth as well as provide global support to our portfolio of clients based around the world.”

artillery uae will initially focus on the corporate sector, offering services such as workspace analysis, test fits, sustainable design, contractor supervision and management in addition to elegant designs which will aid their clientele in achieving a space which truly reflects the dynamic nature of their business, said the company.

L-R: David Heffernan with Mawrid Holding’s Mansour Swaidan


suPPliers nEWS

ost Constructional Projects has been awarded an aeD 65 million ($17.7 million) construction

contract by Dubai-based Memon investments for the development of frankfurt sports tower i (fsti).

the aeD 339 million ($92.3 million) themed residential project in Dubai sports City is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2011.

Memon investments joint managing director rizwan shaikhani said: “We are confident that its [ost Construction Projects] extensive experience in building high-rise towers will help us achieve our vision for our themed residential development. efforts to set the bar of quality above everyone else will only be successful if you have the capacity, the financial backing and the people who are up to the task. We are certain that this recent partnership will help us set a new standard for themed apartments in Dubai”.

shoring and excavation has finished, said Memon investments, and the contractor has started preparing for construction works.

Dulsco opens new Sharjah branch

Memon awards OST $17 million deal

D ulsco Waste Management services has opened a new branch at lagoon tower in

sharjah, uae.the launch is a strategic move

to increase business capitalising on sharjah’s economic growth and

opportunities offered by sharjah Municipality, which is considering the privatisation of waste management in industrial areas and ports, according to Dulsco’s director Prakash Parab.

“there are currently very few legal operators established in the area, and our main strength is our extensive knowledge of the business and the local market,” he added.

the company also plans to introduce tanker services.

sweet homes General Contracting (shGC), the in-house contracting arm of sweet homes holdings

and the main contractor for ajman uptown, uae, has completed concrete pouring on the largest foundation raft within the aeD 3.5 billion project.

up to 6064 cubic metres of concrete was poured continuously within a 26-hour period to form the substructure of ‘kentia’, one of the seven commercial towers within the master development. the excavation for the basement of the building was completed within a period of two months, according to the company.

the concrete pouring on the tower, which occupies a plot area of 5799m² has been completed using five concrete

Ajman Uptown concrete complete

Cat has launched its latest range of lift trucks designed specifically for enhanced productivity, durability,

comfort and safety. the updated diesel and petrol-powered

range, DP/GP iC, has a number of new features, such as the analogue display has been replaced by a digital version with additional functions and an engine timer keeps track of hours worked.

Gear wheels are used on the new engine instead of a cam-belt and a new design of bush-mounted rear axle is said to improve service life.

Cat launches new truck lift range

pumps and a laser level machine. “We’ve been working non-stop to hit the delivery deadline of ‘ajman uptown’ and we’re leveraging the expertise of our partners to ensure that progress will mirror the targets we have previously set,” said shGC MD fawad sattar Dero.

spread over four million square feet of land accessible from emirates road, the project comprises 1,504 villas, seven commercial and residential towers with a shopping mall, hotels, hospital, two mosques, a club, market and a school.

furthermore, a seat switch blocks the truck’s hydraulic functions and prevents the truck from driving if the operator is not correctly seated.

the truck lifts are available in capacities of 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 tons. there is also a compact variant of the 2.0 version for applications where space is particularly tight.

SHGC managing director Fawad Sattar Dero

Dulsco hosts a press conference to announce new branch

Frankfurt Sports Tower rendering

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from the central core. In three months, the basic concept of the tower was established, but the design work lasted for one and a half years and the construction documents were completed within three years.

overcoming obstaclesThe major challenge was to design the building so it would not move with a high level of acceleration during peak winds, according to Smith. This was helped by the size and frequency of the steps as was limiting the stack effect (or the movement of air inside the tower); an issue that governs the design and construction of all tall buildings. Turner Associates was appointed construction manager on the


COVEr STOry burj khalifa

Unveiled to a crowd of thousands amid an impressive firework and laser display, the Burj Khalifa – renamed from Burj Dubai after

the president of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – soars 828 metres into the sky, breaking many records; most significantly having surpassed the height of Taipei 101 by 320 metres to steal the ‘world’s tallest building’ crown. But also hugely significant are the design, engineering and construction firsts.

The 160-storey Burj Khalifa developed by Emaar Properties employs a record-breaking 330,000 cubic metres of concrete, 39,000 metric tons of steel rebar and 142,000m² of glass, And it took 22 million hours’ labour to construct. But where did it all begin?

Seven years ago, Emaar Properties approached Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

with the intention of building the world’s tallest building.

Robert Booth, Emaar International MD for Canada and the USA and then Emaar Design Studio MD Mark Amirault (now a senior director at JZMK Partners) met with SOM’s Adrian Smith (now of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture) and two colleagues in New York on the basis of seeing the Jin Mao Tower that Smith had designed in 1993.

“At the end of the discussion they asked me how I thought they should go about selecting an architect for this project because they had interviewed several and felt each had the ability to perform the task,” recalls Smith.

He suggested Emaar host a two-week ‘ideas’ competition, which it did, only to opt for Smith’s entry.

Smith says the initial inspiration was a combination of factors: “The tripod-like shape of the tower was developed on the basis of previous structures used for residential towers, such as the Tower Palace III I designed for Samsung in Seoul Korea. That was also used in Chicago’s Lake Point Tower Palace and architect Mies van de Rohe’s Friedrichstrassa prototype tower he planned for Berlin in the 1920s.

“I wanted the tower to feel as though it was growing out of the ground and organic, with a spiral quality; this was achieved by stepping the length of the legs back as it climbed upwards.”

Smith was inspired by a regional desert flower, the hymenocallis. Like the petals from its stem, the tower’s wings extend

Launched on January 4, the Burj Khalifa has set new heights in the construction of tall buildings. Louise birchall speaks to the architects, consultants, developers and constructors to discover how they turned the vision into a reality

sky’s the limit

photo: www.clearandtransparent.com: The Burj Khalifa was launched amid an impressive fireworks, laser and fountain display.

project and the general contractor was a joint-venture between Korea-based Samsung Corporation, Belgium-based Besix and Arabtec, headquartered in Dubai.

Ahmad Abdelrazaq, vice president and executive director of the High-rise Building and Structural Engineering Division, Samsung Corporation, was involved in the structural planning and structural design of the Burj Khalifa. He reveals that it was also a challenge to complete the building within the allocated time, taking into account the harsh environment.From the onset of the project, the plan was to mechanise and streamline the entire construction process for it to become repetitive and speedy.

“In addition to the tight construction schedule, we needed to place a huge volume of concrete; pumping it up to 600m above ground level and transporting materials and resources to the highest level,” says Abdelrazaq.

This had never been done before, adds Hyder Consulting mechanical engineer Alastair Mitchell, who took on full responsibility for the planning, execution and ultimately the closure of the mechanical engineering activity for Burj Khalifa. The tower also had to be built to within acceptable tolerances (vertical and lateral) that would not compromise the technical execution of the project and its long-term performance, including elevator

systems, mechanical systems, cladding and so on, Abdelrazaq explains.

To overcome this, he performed an extensive construction sequence analysis to predict the actual movement of the building as it was built.

“This was probably one of the most comprehensive construction sequences that had ever been done before for a tower of this height, since it included the prediction of the short- and long displacements (vertical and horizontal) of the tower due to elastic, creep and shrinkage as a function of every single construction activity, says Abdelrazaq.

“We extensively monitored the movements of the tower from the


burj khalifa COVEr STOry

foundation to the tip of the pinnacle to correlate the predicted movement with the actual behaviour. The agreement between our prediction and what we actually measured was excellent despite it being a concrete building.”

The tower required a significant amount of early planning for all concrete works and full-scale testing was performed

to simulate the actual construction to avoid any technical issues that could have arisen due to any unusual and unpredictable conditions.

Learning curves Abdelrazaq says the original construction detailing at the outrigger levels was difficult and could have resulted in potential delay on completing the mechanical floors on time. Therefore on these levels, the contractors recommended changing the outrigger wall panels into composite elements – in agreement with design consultants and the owner – to speed up the construction.

Constructing the spire was an accomplishment in itself. Erecting the steel structure at heights above 600m was never going to be easy, considering the wind effects and the time involved transporting the steel components to such heights. This was made even more difficult by the thin design of the spire and the fact that cranes could only be climbed up

to certain heights. “Just like the empire state building, the pinnacle was built from within the tower at level 156 and lifted to the highest structure within a very short period of time”, recalls Abdelrazaq.

“The pinnacle and its cladding attachment were lifted in three steps and erected with a high degree of tolerance in spite of wind conditions and the spire

geometry. The lifting was a novel one and it took a lot of planning before the operation started,” he says.

Furthermore, contractors had build the tower within a strict tolerance while it was constantly moving in the wind. To overcome this obstacle, a creative and innovative survey procedure was put in place from the onset and GPS survey technology was utilised to build the tower when at great heights.

Wind engineering management started from the early design stage, with wind forces on the tower reduced by disorganising the vortex shedding along the height by constantly changing the shape of the tower; creating proper orientation of the tower to the wind and, most importantly, reducing the wind vibration of the tower.

“Almost every wind engineering trick was used from the foundation to the very pinnacle. The tower shaping added spoilers and the helical shaping strategies (setbacks) had significant effects in reducing the cross-wind response and the creation of different resonance conditions along the height of the tower.

In fact, “the wind engineering techniques used will be incorporated in future tall-building planning; a testament to successful collaboration between architecture and structural engineering concepts,” asserts Abdelrazaq.

Since the building was constantly moving, the geometric centre had to be established before setting the steel and concrete elements into their theoretical design elevations.

Extensive analytical work was also performed to study the interaction of the spire and the crane during construction as the crane imposed significant loads on the spire and potential effects of high winds

and major seismic events had to be taken into account,” explains Abdelrazaq.

“All sorts of due diligence works were performed to ensure the safety, stability, and the behavioural characteristics of these elements during construction. In fact, a big seismic event did happen during the spire construction and the building behaved exactly as predicted.”

There were many lessons learned during the design and construction of the Burj Khalifa, all of which were observed with interest by Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH); the organisation that determines the world’s tallest building based on specific criteria (see box-out).

“It’s not one single revolutionary finding that make taller buildings possible; it’s a whole range of small inventions, efficiencies and improvements of materials, methods and management,”



“wind EnginEEring tEchniquEs usEd wiLL bE incorporatEd in futurE taLL-buiLding pLanning; a tEstaMEnt to succEssfuL coLLaboration bEtwEEn architEcturE and structuraL EnginEEring concEpts”

COnSTRuCTIOn TImElInE

January 2004 Excavation started

February 2004 Piling started

March 2005 Superstructure started

June 2006 Level 50 reached

January 2007 Level 100 reached

March 2007 Level 110 reached

April 2007 Level 120 reached

May 2007 Level 130 reached

July 2007 Level 141 reached – world's tallest building

September 2007 Level 150 reached – world's tallest free-standing structure

April 2008 Level 160 reached – world's tallest man-made structure

January 2009 Completion of spire

September 2009 Exterior cladding competed

January 2010 Official launch ceremony

Adrian Smith

plates until the 156th floor. From there a lighter steel structure takes over to the top.

Although, he points out that usually a tower has a rectangular plan, but such a plan would not suffice for a building of that height. By designing a Y-shaped structural plan, one wing buttresses the other two wings. In the centre of the building, there is a hexagonal concrete core that encloses all the elevators and acts as a giant axle. This design is referred to as the Buttress Core.

shaping the futureIn fact, Burj Khalifa represents various advancements in construction, materials, engineering and technologies; mainly in the use of concrete.

“In the early 1900s when concrete was proposed for tall-buildings, engineers were concerned about its behaviour as there was very little information available. And even in the 1960s-80s, concrete strength was limited; it was very heavy and wasn’t an economically-viable solution due to the large member sizes and the effect on the floor efficiency and construction period of the tower, which was longer than steel construction; thus a major impact on financial viability. Generally steel was looked at as the solution for super-tall buildings,” says Abdelrazaq. However, now concrete has become a highly-competitive solution with the availability of high-performance or high-strength concrete,

asserts CTBUH research and communications manager Jan klerks. But technically, Klerks says the Burj Khalifa uses “pretty straightforward techniques to ensure the building stands up”. The tower is built of concrete with embedded steel

recent advancements in concrete materials and technologies, the availability of high-capacity pump, high-flow concrete and automatic formwork systems.

In addition, concrete is easier to plan, needs less leading time, requires a less-skilled labour force; particularly significant in regions where skilled labour is scarce, and – because of concrete’s high strength, stiffness, added damping etc.– structural concrete is an economically-viable solution.

“Burj Khalifa is a testament that concrete is a viable option for supertall buildings,” he adds.

Abdelrazaq tells The Big Project that many structural options were considered for the development of the Burj Khalifa, including a composite solution.

“But after my extensive review of the construction market in Dubai, I was convinced the concrete option was the best solution for the tower. We came up with a solution that addressed all the

Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has established three criteria to determine what makes a tall building tall and the Burj Khalifa tops all categories:

1. HEIGHT TO ARCHITECTuRAl TOPHeight is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the architectural top of the building. This includes spires, but does not include antennae, signage, flagpoles or other functional-technical equipment. This measurement is the most widely used and is used to define the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat rankings of the tallest buildings in the world.

2. HIGHEST OCCuPIEd flOORHeight is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the highest continually-occupied floor within the building. Maintenance areas are not included.

3. HEIGHT TO TIPHeight is measured from the level of the lowest, significant, open-air, pedestrian entrance to the highest point of the building, irrespective of material or function of the highest element. This includes antennae, flagpoles, signage and other functional-technical equipment.

WORld’S TAllEST CrITErIa



lEvEL ConcrEtE gradEVertical Horizontal

154-156 C60/14

C50/20101-126 C80/14B2-101 C80A/20

flOOR PlAn

FLOORS USE160 upwards Mechanical

156-159 Communication and Broadcast

155 Mechanical

139-154 The Corproate Suites

136-138 Mechanical

125-135 The Corporate Suites

124 At The Top, Burj Khalifa

123 Sky Lobby

122 At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa

111-121 The Coporate Suites

109-110 Mechanical

77-108 Residential

76 Sky Lobby

73-75 Mechanical

43 Sky Lobby

44-72 Residential

40-42 Mechanical

38-39 Armani Hotel suites

19-37 The Residences

17-18 Mechanical

9 - 16 Armani Residences

1 - 8 Armani Hotel

Concourse Armani Hotel

B1-B2 Parking, Mechanical

The world’s first Armani Hotel is expected to open inside Burj Khalifa on March 18

Standing at 828m and more than 160 storeys high, Burj Khalifa holds the following records:• Tallest building in the world• The tallest free-standing structure in the world• Highest number of storeys in the world• Highest occupied floor in the world• Highest outdoor observation deck in the world• Elevator with the longest travel distance in the world• Tallest service elevator in the world

RECORd BrEakEr

fundamental issues typically faced in high-rise building construction.

He was easily able to predict the structural behaviour with a high degree of accuracy and without fully relying on powerful computer analytical tools that were only used to verify the solution.

“This structural concept of the tower had approached 95% cantilever efficiency, which is the best we can do in designing super-tall buildings. This simplicity in design led to simplicity in construction,” asserts Abdelrazaq.

Today, some of the highest skyscrapers proposed use similar systems as Burj Khalifa, which proves its efficiency in

design and construction. “The development of the building has

proven to be a testament to engineering and construction success stories; built efficiently, designed with due diligence to excellent engineering solutions and on the way we managed the gravity loads, wind loads, seismic loads and elimination of relative shortening, while minimising the amount of materials used for the project.”

No other tall building has been given the “quality of materials, coupled with the slender spire the Burj Khalifa was afforded and these elements will be very difficult to

Ahmad Abdelrazaq, vice president and executive director of the High-rise Building and Structural Engineering Division joined Samsung Corporation in 2003 and was involved in the construction planning and structural design of the Burj Khalifa.

He tells The Big Project his favourite parts of the Burj Khalifa development:o Seeing the structural rise that mimics

the architectural, with beamless slabs defining the tower geometry and the construction methodology incorporated into the design.

o Fully mechanising the entire construc-tion process and being in control; as if manufacturing the tower into place.

o Being able to monitor the building behaviour and response and correlating it to the design concept.

o Watching the rise of the spire and the lifting of the pinnacle as it pierced into the sky with a kind of limitless end.

o The survey of the tower brought a lot of excitement to the process; con-structing the tower with tolerances that are in close proximity to steel con-struction accuracy.

o And ultimately seeing the rise of the Burj Khalifa to its completion.

Profile: Ahmad abdelrazaq

duplicate”, adds Smith. But with various projects proposed that surpass the height of Burj Khalifa, incorporating many of the design and construction concepts discovered during the development of the tower, the question is raised of ‘how long will the Burj Khalifa be able to maintain its world’s tallest building title for?’

on recordCouncil on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s Klerks says he cannot tell.

The 1001m tall Kingdom Tower project in Saudi Arabia seems to be the most serious contender for the title, but planning a next world’s tallest and

completing one are two different things and even if someone started constructing it today, it would take five years to build,” he asserts.

However, Klerks can offer a clue as to what future trends will be seen in the development of tall buildings.

“We’ve already witnessed a more sustainable awareness when it comes to designing, constructing and managing tall buildings; Steven Holl’s Linked Hybrid in Shanghai is a good example”.

“Another trend is tall buildings with more interconnections between them, instead of a standalone development; this could be done through sky bridges or even platforms of parks between two buildings, such as the Marina Sands development in Singapore,” adds Klerks.

He says the Burj itself has been quite a trendsetter in the way it has been developed in conjunction with the surrounding Burj Khalifa area is “different from most generic tall buildings, which are usually developed as a standalone project”.

Abdelrazaq concludes: “Burj Khalifa was the catalyst for new surge in tall building buildings all around the world and in the Middle East in particular.

“Burj Khalifa made Dubai the hub of financing in the Middle East and has brought so much investment to the region regardless of the financial crisis. Development visionaries had the courage to go into this venture and bring fame to Dubai from the desert sand.”


burj khalifa COVEr STOry

“burj khaLifa was thE cataLyst for a nEw surgE in taLL buiLdings aLL around thE worLd and in thE MiddLE East in particuLar”

SummARy Of COnCRETE PumPInG SImulATIOn

Pumping length

250m, 450m, 600m

Pipe diameter 125mmGrade of concrete

C80A/2, C80/14, C60/14, C50/20

Pressure measuring

Hydraulic and delivery pressure, strokes

Concrete testing

Flow, temperature and strength

Concrete properties (per 100m pumping)

Flow loss 25-30mmTemperature increment: 0.8-1°CEarly strength: 30%

Expected concrete pressure (vertical, 6” pipe)

C80A/20 (250m): 151 barC80/14 (450m): 170 barC60/14 (600m): 209 barC50/20 (600m): 199 bar

but is likely to lead to margin compression going forward.

We initiate on Aldar and Sorouh with a buy recommendation and target prices of AED 6.2 (US $1.7) and AED 3.2 ($0.9) per share. We value real estate companies using a combination of discounted cash flow (DCF) and land valuation. Where a final master plan is available, we use a DCF; otherwise, we use land valuation only. To be conservative, at this stage we exclude future projects from our model until further clarity.

For Aldar, we exclude Al Raha Beach phase two, Yas Island phase two and Motor World, whereas for Sorouh, we exclude Lulu Island and Sheih Al Sedira. We value Aldar and Sorouh at a 56% and 42% discount to their estimated 2009 NAV of AED14.2 ($3.0) and AED5.5 ($1.5) per share.

The sector fundamentals in Abu Dhabi remain solid with exceptionally high rental yields of around 10% and an acute shortage in all segments.

This situation is expected to persist up until 2013. Also, the higher affordability in Abu Dhabi versus the other emirates means that prices have further room for appreciation.

Financial developments in Dubai have led to more interest in the potential of Abu Dhabi’s property scene, reinforced by the recent opening of key developments such as the first Aloft hotel in the emirate. So Abu Dhabi

is in a strategic position, where it is absorbing migrating property investors from Dubai while staying ahead of other emirates in terms of property projects.

Liquidity concerns which triggered recent sell-off are unjustified, particularly in the case of Abu

Dhabi given its strong fundamentals and government backing.

The sector fundamentals in Abu Dhabi remain solid with exceptionally-high rental yields (circa (c) 10%) and an acute shortage in all segments, expected to persist until around 2013 (as stated in our Property Beat report published on November 2, 2009).

Furthermore, the Abu Dhabi Government is well placed to provide support given its large reserves estimated at US $800billion. We see current valuations as bargain buying opportunities.

However, Nakheel’s restructuring is bound to lead to further project delays and cancellations, which is supportive of sector dynamics in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Given their proximity, the two property markets are highly correlated, with excess demand in Abu Dhabi being absorbed by vacancies in Dubai.

The spill over has weighed down on prices in Abu Dhabi forcing developers to delay or consolidate projects and offer discounts, which raised questions about the viability of its future projects. Since Nakheel controls around 50% of forthcoming supply in Dubai, we feel that its restructuring is likely to be supportive of pricing in both emirates going forward.

Our preferred player is Aldar, largely on valuation (trading at 0.75 x 2009 estimated book value (BV) and 0.3 x net asset value

(NAV) versus Sorouh at 1.0 x 2009e BV and 0.45 x NAV), despite high gearing.

Although the Dubai debt situation has renewed global liquidity concerns, given Aldar’s strong government ties, we believe that its strategy of maintaining price levels by gearing up its balance sheet is likely to prove value accretive.

Conversely, Sorouh’s sales-based strategy has helped maintain its strong liquidity position, but at the cost of significant price appreciation and has resulted in rapid depletion of its most prime land bank, with little build-up of investment assets. Also, its decision to consolidate projects and offer discounts is likely to protect its cash flows,

capital investmentHC Securities and Investment’s MENA real estate analyst Majed Azzam comments on the impact of Nakheel’s recent restructuring on Abu Dhabi’s property market as some investors migrate from Dubai to the capital

“sincE nakhEEL controLs around 50% of forthcoMing suppLy in dubai, wE fEEL that its rEstructuring is LikELy to bE supportivE of pricing in both EMiratEs going forward”

hc securities and investment operates in MEna as an investment, asset management, securities brokerage and research services firm. the company is based in cairo and has a joint venture with al futtaim group in dubai. Majed azzam joined hc brokerage in october 2009 as a senior analyst covering the MEna real estate sector.

profiLE


inVestMent COMMEnT

Sector fundamentals in Abu Dhabi’s property market remain strong

Plan the New Year with our handy pull-out guide to must-go industry exhibitions and events in MENA

2010

2010 CaLEnDar


january:

18-21: Environment 2010Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE18-21: World Future Energy Summit ADNEC, Abu Dhabi21-24: International Exhibition of Investment Opportunity in Property & Mass Production Building; Tehran, Iran 26-29: International Real Estate & Investment Show (IREIS) ADNEC, Abu Dhabi

May: tbc: Real Estate and Investment Exhibition Kuwait 1-3: Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, 2010Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai 3-6: Jordan Furniture and Interiors Expo – Finex Amman, Jordan 4-6: Gulf Bid 2010Manama, Bahrain 10-12: Domotex Middle East Dubai World Trade Centre16-20: Libya BuildTripoli, Libya 18-20: Facilities Management (FM) ExpoDubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), Dubai, 23-26: 11th Saudi AirCon 2010Riyadh Exhibition Centre, Saudi Arabia 24-26: Arabian Construction Week 2010, Incorporating Greenbuild World Summit, Futurebuild and Civil Engineering24-26: Building Machinery Middle EastADNEC, Abu Dhabi

february:

2-4: International Property Show, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai18-20: Metal and Steel Exhibition; Cairo, Egypt

March:

tbc: Gulf Glass Expo Centre, Sharjah8-10: Front Roof and Cladding 2010 Expo Centre, Sharjah15-17: Interiors and BuildexOman International Exhibition Centre (OIEC); Oman21-24: Dubai Plast ProCrowne Plaza Hotel, Dubai, UAE29-31: Middle East Coatings ShowDubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre 29-31: Interiors UAEADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

april:

11-14: Saudi International Windows, Doors, Shutters and Solar Protection Exhibition; Riyadh Exhibition Centre, Saudi Arabia 12-15: Project Qatar; Doha, Qatar 12-16: Saudi Buildings and Interiors Exhibition; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 13-15: Dubai International Wood Show; Dubai Airport Expo Centre 15-19: Middle East Climatech 2010; Damascus, Syria 18-21: Cityscape Abu Dhabi; ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE18-21: CityBuild Abu Dhabi; ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

KEYCONTACTSAbu DhAbi NATiONAl ExhibiTiON CENTrE

www.ADNEC.AE

DubAi wOrlD TrADE CENTrE www.DwTC.COm

DubAi iNTErNATiONAl CONfErENCE AND ExhibiTiONS CENTrE

www.DiCEC.AE

QATAr NATiONAl CONvENTiON CENTrE www.QATArCONvENTiON.COm

riYADh ExhibiTiONS COmpANY www.rECExpO.COm

KuwAiT iNTErNATiONAl fAir COmpANY www.Kif.NET

AmmAN wOrlD TrADE CENTrE

www.AwTC.COm


june: tbc: International Property and Investment ExpoMuscat Exhibition Centre, Oman tbc: Property ArabiaBahrain International Exhibition and Conference Centre 1-3: ICHVAC 2010Olympic International Hotel 1-4: Project LebanonForum de Beyrouth, Beirut 5-7: Cityscape Saudi Arabia 2010Jeddah International Exhibition and Convention Centre, Saudi Arabia

august:3-5: Indian Trade Fair 20 aug-14 sept: Ramadan & Eid 2010

september:23-26: Project IraqErbil, Iraq28: Cleaning Middle East Exhibition, Dubai

october:

tbc: Ecobuild EmiratesThe Westin, Dubai3-6: Saudi StoneRiyadh Exhibition Centre, Saudi Arabia 4-7: Cityscape Dubai DICEC, Dubai12-15: Conmex Middle EastSharjah, UAE 17-19: Power Generation and Water Middle East 2010ADNEC, Abu Dhabi24-26: Roadex-RailexADNEC, Abu Dhabi31 oct-2 nov: Garden & Landscaping Middle EastDubai World Trade Centre, Dubai31 oct-2 nov: Light Middle EastDubai World Trade Centre, Dubai

november:tbc: Construct Libya; Tripoli, Libya tbc: TIAF (transportation and machinery); Iraqtbc: IranPlast ; Tehran, Iran 7-13: Building and Construction Exhibition; Kuwait 14-17: Index Dubai 2010; Dubai International Conference and Exhibition Centre 21-41: The Big 5 2010; Dubai World Trade Centre

december:15-19: Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS) 2010

july: 5-8: IranConMin; Tehran, Iran

2010


launched a sales and logistics centre in Doha, Qatar. Furthermore, in March 2009 it entered into a joint venture with Dubai Water and Electric Authority

(DEWA) and Abu Dhabi Water and Electric Authority (ADWEA) to establish Ducab-HV; a high-voltage cable systems factory costing AED 500 million.

The new Special Cables Unit devoted to the oil, gas and petrochemicals sector is already up and running in Jebel Ali, Dubai, while the Ducab HV factory is expected to be completed by the end of 2010, says Tan.

Ducab-HV is one of a number of initiatives implemented by Ducab to remain competitive in spite of various market challenges. The company has also focused on customer service and introducing new products.

“Our revenues have been impacted by lower copper prices and construction activities in 2009, but we have maintained our leading position well,” explains Tan.

It seems Ducab’s persistence has paid off with the company receiving a number of recent awards, including a MRM Business Excellence award for the manufacturing sector presented by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Economic Value Creation in the Industrial Sector.

And Tan remains positive about the future outlook for the company.

“Despite the global economic crisis that has impacted the UAE and GCC markets, we feel demand is expected to pick up from the second half of 2010 onwards when more projects are implemented,” he asserts.

Established in 1979 by the late ruler of Dubai, Ducab is jointly owned by the governments of

Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is one of the first cable manufacturing plants set up in the region.

The company has five major facilities in the UAE; two in Dubai and three in Abu Dhabi. Today, it can produce 110,000 copper tons equivalent of low-, medium- and high-voltage cables.

Ducab products are type tested throughout the manufacturing process and are approved by third-party certification bodies such as British Approval Services for Electric Cables (BASEC UK), Lloyds UK, KEMA Netherland, Loss Prevention Certification Board (BRE-LPCB UK), CPRI India (Central Power Research Institute) and Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Meteorology UAE (ESMA).

Having operated for more than three decades, Ducab continues to expand within the UAE and wider Middle East,

according to general manager sales & marketing Chew Wah Tan.

Following the recent opening of a new sales office in Saudi Arabia, it has

connecting with ducab

“wE fEEL dEMand is EXpEctEd to pick up froM thE sEcond haLf of 2010 onwards whEn MorE projEcts arE iMpLEMEntEd”

Chew Wah Tan

Ducab GM sales & markerting Chew Wah Tan reveals ambitious expansion plans for the region and explains how the cabling manufacturer has remained competitive in spite of falling copper prices during the global economic downturn

DucabTel: +971 (0)4 808 2500Fax: +971 (0)4 808 2566Website: www.ducab.com

Contact

duCAB’S BESTSEllERS

High-voltage cables up to 132kV Medium-voltage cables up to 33kV Low-voltage power cables Control and auxiliary-, wiring- and lead-

sheathed cables Ducab Smokemaster low-smoke and fume cables Ducab – FR fire-resistance cables Instrumentation and pilot cables Flexible cables and wires Ducab Connect cable connectors

complemented by copper rod and wires

SuPPLIEr PrOFILE DuCab


landmark hotel projects including W Hotel Doha, as well as Sharq Village & Spa in Doha.

While a number of projects underway have faced delays, these have generally been minor and the country has attracted foreign direct investment through its industry sector.

Such investments have brought some knowledge and expertise transfer to Qatar and the wider GCC. It has also created jobs and encouraged inbound labour migration, especially from India and Pakistan. Population in Qatar rose by an average annual 15.3% in Qatar between 2003 and 2009.

Here, we outline 10 of the most significant developments planned and underway in the country, based on market research by Proleads.

Q atar has displayed resilience to the global economic downturn having posted one of the

highest economic growth rates in the world in 2009 driven by its energy sector and liquid natural gas, according to Euromonitor International.

The organisation reports that Qatar’s economy has been growing by more than 10% per year; boosted by growing world enery prices and its increased production of natural gas.

Qatar can now claim to be the world’s richest economy in per capita terms, but the government needs to scale back the generous state subsidies for consumers, which date from the oil boom of the 1970s-80s, reports Euromonitor.

Furthermore, the government has begun to pay off its large external debt, which was accumulated for infrastructure investment in oil and gas projects. These projects sharply increased Qatar’s oil production capacity creating facilities for the export of LNG and petrochemical plants.

And the outlook looks bright for 2010 and beyond, with Qatar’s economy expected to grow by more than 15% per year over the next three years. The value of total annual exports could triple by 2014 to around US$114 billion.

In fact, Euromonitor ranked Qatar fourth in a ‘doing business in 2010 report’ for selected countries; Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Syria. It achieved a score of 39 (on a scale where 1 is the best and 183 is the worst) succeeded by Saudi Arabia (13), Bahrain (20) and the UAE (33).

However, despite all its wealth, Euromonitor highlights that Qatar cannot rely solely on energy exports and officials are attempting to diversify the economy by investing in tourism, education and health-related projects.

In recent years, the country has seen major developments such as the Museum of Islamic Arts; part of an initiative to establish the country as the cultural hub of the Middle East and

all eyes on qatarWith Qatar boasting one of the largest economic growth rates in the world in 2009, The Big Project discusses what’s in store for the New Year and outlines 10 developments to look out for

BuSInESS IndICATORS

businEss start-up

Cost (% of GNI per capita) 7.1

Duration (days) 6

dEaLing with construction pErMits

Time (days) 76

Cost (% of GNI per capita) 0.5

EMpLoying workErs

Rigidity of employment (index) 13

Ratio of minimum wage to average value added per worker

0

Redundancy costs (weeks of salary) 69

taX ratE

Total tax rate (% profit) 11.3

Labour tax and contributions (% of commercial profits)

11.3

EXporting

Documents for export (no.) 5

Time to export (days) 21

Cost to export (US$ per container) 735

iMporting

Documents for import (no.) 7

Time for import (days) 20

Cost to import (US$ per container) 657

protEcting invEstors

Investor protection index 5

cLosing a businEss

Time (years) 2.8

Cost (% of estate) 22

Source: Euromonitor International based on the World Bank

Doha Skyline


QaTar uPDaTE

4New Doha Port Owned by the Higher Committee for the Co-ordination & Pursuance

Executive Council, the new Doha Port is located approximately five kilometres east of the new international airport.

The port will be linked to the mainland by an 8.5km bridge and will feature a greater cargo handling capacity, with each of the new container terminals able to handle two million 20-foot-equivalent units annually, a 15m-deep approach channel to the port, an 8-13.5m deep harbour basin, and berths for general cargo, the Qatari and visiting navies and yachts.

Contactors have been invited to submit bids by February 14 for phase one of the development, which includes five general cargo terminals and berths, four container terminals and berths, a roll-on/roll-off berth, an administration and customs complex, as well as a berthing area for tugs and pilot boats. Works also include dredging a sea channel that will link to the existing sea channel for the nearby Messaeid Industrial City (MIC).

5Heart of Doha City Dubbed as a ‘city within a city, Heart of Doha is a 35-hectare site, which aims to create a

dynamic local economy, with school and basic amenities and facilitating community interaction and social exchange in a sophisticated public area. Bauer International Qatar has been awarded the first construction contract.

1New Doha International Airport (NDIA) Various aspects of phase one are available for tender including

airside and landside facilities; design engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of 645,000m² of roads and 28,500m² of bridges and ramps, three twin level semi-directional interchanges and ramps and parking area facilities at a value of US $300 million. It will also include aspects like street and area lighting, storm water drainage, traffic signals and road striping, marking and signage and fencing and intruder detection systems.

Construction work has been delayed, but is expected to be completed in 2011.

2Qatar National Bank (QNB) HeadquartersThe project calls for the design and construction of a 510m high,

104-storey building that will cover a built-up area of 250,000m² in the centre of the Corniche area in Doha.

Scope of work will includes basement, entrance, banking halls, offices and other related facilities. Construction due to start in April 2011.

3The Pearl QatarThis Riviera-style man-made island is being developed by Qatar shareholding firm United

Development Company (UDC) in Doha. The project occupies 400 hectares and is Qatar’s first international urban development venture.

10 qatar projects you should know about...

The Pearl Qatar is underway in Doha

various aspects of the new Doha International Airport are available for tender

Contractors have been invited to submit bids by February for phase one of the new Qatar Port


QaTar uPDaTE

6Education City Development – Sidra Medical & Research CentreOwned by Qatar Foundation – Weill Cornell Medical College

in Qatar JV and valued at $2300 million, the Education City Development calls for the design and construction of a nine-story hospital comprising 380 beds. It will provide medical care, training, a research centre and treatment resources. It is expected that the speciality teaching hospital will be a world-class female and paediatrics hospital covering 98,000m² and include a 60,000m² car-parking area.

Construction work is in progress and is scheduled to be completed by 2012.

7Qatar Petroleum (QP) New Headquarters Complex Comprising two or three office buildings in Ras Laffan, Bids

have been submitted for the main contract for Qatar Petroleum’s new headquarters complex.

8Qatar National Convention CentreExpected to open in 2011, Qatar National Convention Centre is designed to be a ‘green-

technology venue’ and is the first of its kind being built to US Green Building Council’s LEED certification, according to devlopers. The venue will provide up to 40,000m² of exhibition space.

9Qatar Bahrain Causeway (Friendship Bridge) The construction of the 40km double-lane causeway linking

Qatar and Bahrain will include bridge structures covering 20km and another 20km of embankments.

The causeway will start at Askar Village, Bahrain and end at Ras Ashraj, 5km from Zubarah in Qatar. The project will also include 17,000m² land area for buildings and 600,000m² of green areas.

Owned by Qatar-Bahrain Causeway Foundation and valued at $3000 million, construction is scheduled to start in March and is expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

10Qatar-Bahrain Trans-rapid TrainThe Qatar-Bahrain Causeway project also

calls for the design, supply, construction and operation of a Trans-rapid magnetic levitation fast-track train between Bahrain and Doha comprising two rail tracks on the left side of the 40km causeway at a value of $1500 and scheduled for completion by 2015.

One of the tracks will carry a passenger train with a maximum speed of 160km per hour and the other is for a 120km-per hour freight train, which together will form part of Qatar’s rail system; eventually expected to form part of an 800km corridor linking Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE.

Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar

Sidra Medical & Research Centre rendering

Rendering of Qatar National Convention Centre


QaTar uPDaTE

Concrete formwork manufacturer Doka is responding to changing market trends and consumer demand with the introduction of new products and services

economic climate,” she adds. A trend toward shorter times for completion due to increasing pressure to reduce costs has led Doka to introduce new products, such as load-bearing tower ‘Staxo 40’ formwork and ‘Frami Xlife’ framed formwork.

Staxo 40 is a highly cost-effective shoring system. The system offers patented solutions such as tower-to-tower walkway openings, which make for safe and speedy work on the scaffold and underneath the superstructure; key to more productivity on the build.

With innovative new ergonomics, Doka developers succeeded in matching lightweight design with rigidity and high load-bearing capability, according to Orlowska.

In combination with the ergonomic frame geometry, the lightweight Staxo 40 towers are quick and easy to erect and disassemble by hand.

The hand-operated framed formwork, Frami, is tailored for use on smaller areas.

“Frami delivers perfect forming performance even where no crane is available; the panels are lightweight and can be easily erected by hand. It enables quick vertical forming and is commonly and often used in the fields of residential construction,” explains Orlowska.

“Its Xlife sheet enables extremely high numbers of repeat uses ensuring long service life and cost efficiency,” she adds.

Furthermore, the company has identified opportunities in social infrastructure and transport infrastructure and is focusing on Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman in 2010.

Doka, a manufacturer of concrete formwork, produces up to 14 million metres of timber formwork

beams and 2.4million square metres of three-ply formwork sheets annually.

In addition, around 75,000 tonnes of metal is processed into formwork components every year.

Most Doka products are manufactured in the company’s central plant at

Anstetten, Austria and in a new facility at nearby St Martin.

However, the company brought its 130 years’ experience in formwork to the Middle East with its first subsidiary in

Kuwait in 1977, and later established Doka Gulf in Dubai and Doka Establishment in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Lebanon, Qatar and most recently in Oman.

“Since its establishment in the Middle East, Doka has been able to work closely with clients and became a valuable partner for the local contractors in their quest to keep up with the phenomenal growth rate and continuous evolution of the

construction industry,” says Doka marketing manager – Middle East Agata Orlowska.

Projects in the region that Doka has partnered with include Burj Khalifa, Marina 101, U-Bora Towers and Dancing Towers in Dubai, Capital Gate and Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Towers in Qatar, and King Saud University and Riyadh Ring Road in Saudi Arabia.

In the face of increased competition, the company has focused on customer relationship building and enhancing its service offerings.

“Construction companies have been affected by a mood of uncertainty, making them cautious when it comes to investing in new formwork equipment. This is where our rental parks come in, enabling us to offer contractors an alternative to purchasing their formwork,” says Orlowska.

“We have also made intensive efforts to optimise our costs and business processes. This means we now have modern technologies and a highly cost-saving product range that gives customers measurable benefits – more relevant than ever in the present

doka is on form

“construction coMpaniEs havE bEEn affEctEd by a Mood of uncErtainty, Making thEM cautious whEn it coMEs to invEsting in nEw forMwork EquipMEnt”

Doka The Formwork Experts

www.doka.com

Contact

dOKA’S BESTSEllERS

floor systems: Dokaflex, Dokaflex tables and TLS Wall systems: Timber beam formwork and large-area formwork and framed formwork Framax Xlife, suited for heavy concrete pressure, and Frami Xlife, which is light weight for shifting without a crane. Both have integrated long-life plywoodAutomatic Climbing System: SKE 50 load-bearing towers: Staxo 40 and Staxo 100


SuPPLIEr PrOFILE Doka

Ergonomic H-frames feature a lightweight design for easy handling and speedy setup

The North West ring of Riyadh Ring Road, which incorporates two sets of Doka SKE

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This month The Big Project rounds up some of the region’s leading paints and coatings suppliers

jotun Founded in 1926, paint manufacturer Jotun established its presence in the Middle East in 1974 with Jotun UAE Ltd.

The company recently opened its largest plant worldwide in the Al Quoz area of Dubai and is focused on developing products specifically suited to local conditions, which in the Middle East comprises a variety of conventional and specialised coatings incorporating the latest technology. Today, its product range includes decorative-, protective, marine, floor/concrete protection and coatings.

national paints National Paints Factories in Sharjah manufactures and markets a wide range of paints; giving special importance to the production of environmentally-friendly, solvent-free, low-VOC, water-based products.

In fact, the company was recently awarded the ISO 14001:2004-Environmental Management Systems Certificate from the UK-accredited certification body BM Trada.

The accreditation was given after a thorough inspection of the National Paints environmental facilities of processes, systems and equipments by the prominent multi-sector certification auditors group. The ISO 14001:2004 is a global standard that provides organisations with a specific set of requirements for an environmental management system, which is needed to enable the development and implementation of a fully-compliant Environmental Management Programme.

painting the town

www.nationalpaints.com

Contact

PORTFOLIO

Jotun has supplied a number of high-profile projects including:

Majid Al Futtaim’s ‘Wahooo Waterpark’ in Bahrain

Three million litres of paint for Dubai Metro

Burj Khalifa

rak paints RAK Paints manufactures an extensive range of surface coating solutions, including water-based decorative paints, primers, putty and textured, solvent-based paints, epoxy systems and PU coating.

In fact, the company recently launched export operations in the Middle East and Africa, in line with increased demand for quality surface coating solutions in the industrial and construction sectors, according to RAK Paints general manager Abdullah Massaad.

RAK Paints currently has a modern manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah and is mainly targeting architects, interior designers, contractors, project developers

www.rakpaints.com

Contact

PORTFOLIO

RAK Paints has supplied many real estate projects in the Middle East such as:

Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah

Al Naeem Mall, Ras Al Khaimah

and retail consumers in the region, who are looking for a fashion-oriented brand.

Furthermore, all products undergo strict testing for all parameters in a highly advanced quality-control lab, says Massaad.

In addition, Jotun’s interior paint brand Lady has launched a dedicated website targeting modern day women in the Middle East in line with the company’s aims to enhance service levels for female customers in the region.

The webste provides users with advice on colour psychology and decorating tips among other value-add content.

www.jotun.com/me

Contact

Jotun regional marketing manager Erik Kristensen

National Paints recently formed a trademark license with DuPont


PrODuCT rOunD uP Paints

not been as severely impacted by the global economic downturn.

During the past three years it has undertaken around 710 projects worldwide, many comprising multiple buildings. Recent projects in Abu Dhabi include Al Saadiyat Island staff dining facilities, three schools, four aircraft hangars and Abu Dhabi’s central storage depot for solid waste.

about Mabani steel LLc Abu Dhabi-based Mabani Steel designs, manufactures and erects pre-engineered steel buildings and hot rolled structural steel. An Al Rahji Investment Group Company, Mabani Steel operates in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Pakistan, Africa, Tanzania and Nigeria.

For the past three years the company has shipped and erected around 78,000 metric ton of steel, with a key focus on providing cost efficiency and fast delivery for hospitals, factories, warehouses, airports, schools, showrooms, labour camps, plan rooms and military complexes.

Mabani stEELThe regional steel industry has experienced a 50% drop in the volume of active real jobs, with profit margins down by half, according to Mabani Steel general manager – Abu Dhabi & Iraq Sarmad Al Khudairi.

However, many global suppliers have recently closed production facilities to reduce costs, which in turn has pushed up the price of industrial steel and aluminium, enabling local suppliers to begin to grow profit margins, says Khudairi.

Furthermore, Mabani Steel is focusing on entering new global markets that have

Buyers’ guide to steel Three suppliers explain how the Middle East steel industry has been impacted by the global economic downturn and offer shopping tips to buyers looking for quality and value

Mabani Steel GM – Abu Dhabi & Iraq Sarmad Al Khudairi

Mabani Abu Dhabi Steel Construction LLCTel: +971 (0)2 667 8922Email: [email protected]: www.mabanisteel.com

Contact

Khudairi’s buying tips 1 Engage a highly-qualified consultant who has

been in the area for at least five years.2 Make sure you give a clear brief detailing the

building function and a realistic budget.3 Give the company time to perfect the design

establish a fit-for-purpose tender document.4 Invite a maximum of four firms to bid for

your project.5 Let the consultant evaluate the bids without

interference from others. Do not take the lowest price and visit at least three of the company’s projects.

Sarmad Al Khudairi


PrODuCTS steel

erection of metal structures. Litana currently employs more than 1000 skilled workers, including welders, assemblers of metal constructions, installers, engineers, electricians, crane operators, pipe fitters, supervisors, carpenters, painters, riggers and sandblasters.

The company has built and assembled more than 200 facilities in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Finland, Russia and Belorussia.

Litana The strength of the steel industry in the Middle East is based on domestic markets and an increasing number of projects in Arab countries are being developed using more steel products, according to manufacturer Litana.

As a result, “Litana has made the strategic decision to establish a branch in the UAE to serve the Middle East and North African countries”, says regional manager – MENA Ibrahim Shahwan.

about LitanaWith its head office in Lithuania, Litana has been in operation for 16 years and has established branches worldwide.

The main focus areas of the group are the manufacture, design, construction, assembly and

Litana Middle East and North Africa Tel: +971 (0)4 312 4412Fax: +971 (0)4 312 4413www.litana-group.com

Contact

Shahwan’s advice to buyers1 Opt for a company that specialises

in specific solutions that meet the requirements of the project.

2 Time is money; make sure the company offers competitive delivery timescales.

3 Request a comprehensive work schedule before partnering with a company.

4 Limit risk by opting for a company that is well established in the region.

5 Invest in good quality products to see a return on investment in the long term.

Ibrahim Shahwan


steel PrODuCTS

intEr tayMThe global steel industry has not had an easy ride recently, asserts steel manufacturer Inter Taym managing director Zurab Taymaskhanov.

“Worldwide the steel industry has been effected by the sudden decline in market rates as a result of speculations that steel rebar was reaching US $2000 per metric ton (mt) and currently selling easily at $1830 per metric tonne. However, we are actually selling it now at between $500 and $520 per mt, depending on various

speeding up construction compared to rebar manual tying onsite. Wire mesh is delivered to site in a ready-to-place condition, leaves no waste and can considerably reduce the weight and pressure due to its high-yield strength.

factors,” he explains. Taymaskhanov has also witnessed the effect the global economic downturn has had on developers and contractors’ budget, especially in Dubai.

“We’ve adopted a different approach; providing additional conditions and flexibility in the schedule of material collections and deliveries and so on, and by providing building materials from stable and direct manufacturers to show our full support,” he says.

Inter Taym’s Zurab Taymaskhanov says that, particularly in the current market climate, it’s important for suppliers to assess the reliability of buyers:

about inter taymWith regional offices in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Steel manufacturer Inter Taym provides Cut and Bend and Welded Wire Mesh products direct to construction clients within the GCC.

The company’s Cut and Bend products require no manpower, no storage space for steel, are ready to fix with special tags on each batch produced, save on equipment and electricity and limit material wastage.

Inter Taym’s Welded Wire Mesh as reinforcement reduces project costs,

Inter Taym FZCOTel: +971 (0)4 883 8310 Email: [email protected] Web: www.intertaymfze.com

Contact

Inter Taym supplies Cut and Bend and Wire Welded Mesh

Suppliers should take care too 1 It is important to assess the purchasing

company’s credibility. Request bank statements, obtain an authorised signatory and seek references from suppliers it has worked with previously.

2 Obtain a bounced cheque record whereever it is possible.

3 Consult banks for client references. 4 Check the status of the project and client

ensuring the development or related aspects are not on hold.

Zurab Taymaskhanov

36 THE BIG PROJECT January 201036 THE BIG PROJECT January 2010

PrODuCTS steel

project name MARSA ZAYED MIxED-USE DEvELOPMENT PROJECTterritory Aqaba, Jordan

client Al Maabar International Investments (Abu Dhabi)description Design and construction of 3.2km² Marsa Zayed mixed-use

development, including 2km of waterfront, comprising residential towers, retail, recreational, entertainment, business and financial districts and hotels, marinas and all associated facilities.

budget US $10billionLast updated November 1, 2009

period 2016 remarks Construction work will be carried out in three phases. Phase

1 is expected to commence in 2010 and be completed by 2015, while Phase 3 will commence in 2013. US-based KEO International Consultants will carry out the master plan. Infrastructure work is expected to commence by mid-2010.

project manager KEO International Consultants (USA)tender categories Hotels; Housing projects

Prestige buildingsLeisure

project name CAPITAL CITY DEvELOPMENT PROJECT – KHALIFA CITYterritory Abu Dhabi

client Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Councildescription Development of new Capital City comprising headquarters of all

federal authorities, ministries, local government offices and embassies, including residential units, offices and exhibition centres.

budget US $40 billion Last updated December 7, 2009

period 2030 remarks This project will be developed close to Khalifa City, between Abu

Dhabi International Airport and Mohammed bin Zayed City. Covering an area of 49m², it will include government and office buildings, residential tower blocks and low-density neighbourhoods for Abu Dhabi nationals. When completed, the development will be home to 370,000 residents and serve as a new downtown area for Abu Dhabi. The client will build a national seat of government for the UAE, the Federal Precinct, at the centre of the development.

project manager AECOM (Abu Dhabi)planning consultant KEO International Consultants (Abu Dhabi)

tender categories Housing projectsPrestige buildings

project name ROCCO FORTE HOTEL PROJECTterritory Saudi Arabia

client Al-Eissa Real Estate (Saudi Arabia)description Design and construction of 23-storey, five-star Rocco Forte Hotel,

including associated facilities.budget US $100,000000

Last updated December 5, 2009period June 15, 2012

remarks This hotel will be located in Jeddah. Piling work has been completed. Issue of tender documents for the main construction package has been delayed due to some changes in design.

Main consultant Mohammed Harasani Architects (Saudi Arabia)foundations,

enabling and piling contractor

Arabian Soil Contractors Ltd. (Saudi Arabia)

civil engineering contractor

Al Saad General Contracting (Saudi Arabia)

tender categories HotelsHousing projects

project name BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT – SIR BANIYAS ISLANDterritory Abu Dhabi

client Tourism Development & Investment Company – TDIC (Abu Dhabi)description Construction of two lodges, a conference centre, a water sports

centre and an equestrian facility on Sir Baniyas Island.Last updated December 5, 2009

period August 15, 2010

nEw projEcts remarks This project is in Abu Dhabi. The island is located nine kilometres off the Emirate’s coast, about 250km west of Abu Dhabi Island. The lodges, known as Savannah and Flamingo, each comprise 30 guestrooms and cover an area of 6000m². The Savannah lodge will be built in the centre of the island, while the Flamingo lodge will be located next to mangrove swamps on the island’s eastern shore. The conference centre will cover an area of 3100m² built on the north of the island. The diving and water sports centre will cover an area of 1900m². The equestrian centre will be a single-storey building covering an area of 3,500m² and built in the south west of the island.

tender categories HotelsHousing projectsLeisure

project name DENTISTRY COLLEGE - SHADADIYA UNIvERSITY CITYterritory Kuwait

client Kuwait Universitydescription Design and construction of a Dentistry College at a new University

City.budget US $70,000000

Last updated November 1, 2009period July 25, 2013

remarks This project is at Shadadiyah in Kuwait. Invitation to bid for the main contract is expected in February 2010, with submission of bids expected by April 2010. An award is anticipated by July 2010. Canada’s Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden and local SSH International have been appointed as the master plan consultants. Contractors have been pre-qualified for the main contract. Pre-qualifiers for the unlimited number of packages include SNC Lavalin, with International Building Company; Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company, with United Gulf Construction Company; Consolidated Contractors Company and Bouygues Batiment, with Ahmadiah Contracting & Trading Company. Pre-qualifiers for up to two packages include Arab Contractors (Othman Ahmad Othman & Partners); China Gezhouba Construction Group Corporation, with Mohamed Abdulmohsin al-Kharafi & Sons General Trading & Contracting; China State Construction Engineering Corporation, with Khorafi Construction Company; China Railway Building Company; Posco Engineering Company, with Sayed Hameed Behbehani & Sons and Sinohydro Corporation.

project manager SMEC International Pty Ltd. (Abu Dhabi)project manager 1 KEO International Consultants (Kuwait)

Master plan consultant

Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden (Canada)

Master plan consultant 1

SSH International Consultant (Kuwait)

tender categories MedicalHousing projects

project name HAWALLY COURT COMPLEx PROJECTterritory Kuwait

client Ministry of Public Works (Kuwait)description Design and construction of a new court complex in Hawally

district comprising 17 departments and courts, including 3000m² for car parking.

budget US $51 millionLast updated November 01, 2009

period April 15, 2014 remarks Design work is ongoing on this development and will be completed

in October 2010. Main consultant Pan Arab Consulting Engineers - PACE (Kuwait)

tender categories Housing projects

project name LUSAIL LIGHT RAILWAY NETWORK PROJECTterritory Qatar

client Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company (Qatar)description Construction of a light railway network at Lusail comprising

four double-track lines with a total length of 17.8km, including 29 stations and a maintenance and storage depot.

Last updated November 22, 2009


TEnDErS

remarks An award is expected in time for the winner to commence work in the second half of 2010. Potential bidders include France’s Alstom, Spain’s CAF, Canada’s Bombardier, Japan’s Marubeni Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation and Germany’s Siemens. The winner will provide rolling stock and IT systems for the light railway and sub-contract the construction and civil works. US-based PBS&J International, working with local Horizon Group, is the programme and construction manager on this scheme.

project manager PBS&J International (Qatar)tender categories Housing projects

Industrial and special projects

project name NEW YORK UNIvERSITY PROJECT – SAADIYAT ISLAND DEvELOPMENTterritory Abu Dhabi

client Mubadala Development Company – MDC (Abu Dhabi)description Construction of New York University comprising an integrated

campus, including lecture theatres, classrooms, a library, information technology buildings, laboratories, accommodation and sports facilities.

budget US $272million Last updated December 6, 2009

period June 10, 2012 remarks This tender is in pre-qualification stage.

The project will cover a total built-up area of 150,000m². US-based Rafael vinoly Architects has been appointed as the architect.

tender categories Housing projects

project name NEW TAWAM HOSPITAL DEvELOPMENT PROJECTterritory Al Ain

client Mubadala Development Company – MDC (Abu Dhabi)description Construction of new Tawam Hospital covering a total built-up area

of 150,000m².budget US $272million

Last updated December 1, 2009period June 10, 2011

remarks This project is in Al Ain. Client has set a deadline for submission of bids for the main construction package. An award is expected in February 2010.

tender categories Housing projectsMedical

project name NEW MAFRAQ HOSPITAL PROJECTterritory Abu Dhabi

client Abu Dhabi Health Services Company PJSC (SEHA)description Construction of Mafraq Hospital comprising 690 beds, 60

examination and treatment rooms, 147 outpatient rooms, and including an underground parking facility for 1300 vehicles.

Last updated November 22, 2009period 2013

remarks Spread across 245,000m², the new facilities will replace the

existing Mafraq Hospital, which currently has 431 beds and

is managed by Bumrungrad International. The scheme will be

designed using environmentally friendly and energy-efficient

design elements, and will be constructed under the most

stringent sustainable principles available. Wastewater will be

recycled, fibre-optic interior sun lighting will be used to reduce

electrical use, electrical lighting will be low-voltage LED-based,

and there will be extensive use of solar panels, passive cooling

and shading, and promotion of on-site renewable energy

production. Bids have been submitted for the enabling works

package on this scheme. Main consultant Allen & Shariff International (Abu Dhabi)

design consultant Burt Hill (Dubai)project manager Allen & Shariff International (Abu Dhabi)

tender categories MedicalHousing Projects

project name QATAR INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK TOWER PROJECTterritory Qatar

client Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB)description Design and construction of 45-storey Qatar International Islamic

Bank Tower.budget US $83million

Last updated December 1, 2009period April 15, 2011

remarks This tower will be located on the main West Bay street in Qatar.

Main consultant Dara Engineering Consultants (Qatar)Main contractor HBK Contracting (Qatar)

foundations, enabling & piling

contractor

Raymond Foundations (Qatar)

tender categories Prestige buildings

project name AL-RAYYAN HILLS REAL ESTATE DEvELOPMENT PROJECTterritory Yemen

client General Holding Corporation for Property Development & Investment (Shibam) – Yemen

description Development of Al-Rayyan Hills mixed-use real estate scheme comprising luxury villas, a residential tower, a five-star hotel, mosque and townhouses.

budget US $600millionLast updated November 23, 2009

remarks This project will be located at Sanaa in Yemen and covers an area of 440,000m². The development will be carried out in four phases. Phase one covers the construction of 172 luxury villas, a residential tower with 59 apartments and supporting infrastructure. Phase two involves building a five-star hotel and a mosque. Phase three and Phase four will entail construction of townhouses and further villas. It is understood that if the contractors perform well on the first phase, they will probably be awarded the main construction deals on later phases of this scheme.

project manager Qatar Project Management Company (Qatar)Main contractor Consolidated Contractors

International Company - CCC (Greece)tender categories Hotels

Housing projectsPrestige buildings

project name PARK HYATT HOTEL PROJECT – SAADIYAT ISLAND DEvELOPMENTterritory Abu Dhabi

client Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company (ADNHC)description Design and construction of five-star Park Hyatt Hotel comprising

250 rooms and 50 chalets, including a selection of four signature restaurants, as well as swimming pools, a beach club, a health spa, parking spaces and exclusive facilities dedicated to conferences, events and recreation.


period September 25, 2011 remarks This project will be located within the Cultural District of Saadiyat

Island development in Abu Dhabi. The hotel will have its own nine kilometres of beach. An agreement has been signed with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to manage the hotel. Construction work is progressing as per schedule. Handover will be in the third quarter of 2011.

Main consultant Perkins Eastman (Dubai)project manager Hill International Ltd. (Abu Dhabi)Main contractor Al-Jaber LEGT Engineering & Contracting (ALEC) (Abu Dhabi)

Main contractor 1 Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises LLC (Dubai)tender categories Hotels; Leisure ; Prestige buildings

project name PLATINUM TOWER PROJECT – AL SEEF COMMERCIAL AREAterritory Bahrain

client Pearl Real Estate Development Company (Bahrain)description Design and construction of 29-storey Platinum Tower comprising

128 offices, retail facilities, health clubs, executive clubs, a commercial centre and carpark to accommodate 253 vehicles.

budget US $66million

currEnt projEcts


TEnDErS

Last updated November 19, 2009period March 15, 2010

remarks This tower will be located in Al Seef commercial area of Manama. Around 60% of construction work is complete. Full completion is scheduled by March 2010.

Main architect Habib Mudara Consultants (Bahrain)Main contractor Dadabhai Construction (Bahrain)MEp contractor GEMAC (Bahrain)

project name THE HARMONY TOWER PROJECT – EMIRATES CITY DEvELOPMENTterritory Northern Emirates

client Chapal World L.L.C (Dubai)description Design and construction of 50-storey The Harmony Tower

comprising residential apartments consisting of one-three bedrooms, including associated facilities.


period September 20, 2012 remarks This project will form a part of Emirates City development in Ajman

and cover a total built-up area of 23,000ft². Local Abou Seif Building Contracting Company has been appointed as the main contractor. Construction work is progressing as per schedule. Handover will be in September 2012.

Main consultant Adnan Saffarini Engineering Consultants (Dubai)Main contractor Abou Seif Building Contracting Company (Ajman)

tender categories Prestige buildings

project name ST. REGIS HOTEL & RESIDENCES PROJECT – SAADIYAT ISLAND DEvELOPMENT

territory Abu Dhabiclient Tourism Development & Investment Company – TDIC (Abu Dhabi)

description Construction of St Regis Hotel & Residences comprising 380 luxury hotel rooms, 259 residential apartments and 33 upscale residential villas, including a retail and entertainment component, a health and racquet club, a health spa and 1600 structured parking bays.


period September 20, 2011 remarks This project will be located on Saadiyat Island, adjacent to the

72-par Saadiyat Beach Golf Course in Abu Dhabi. South Africa’s Mirage Mille is acting as the project manager. Construction work is progressing as per schedule. Handover will be in the third quarter of 2011.

Main architect Woods Bagot (Dubai)project manager Mirage Mille Leisure

& Development (Dubai)Main contractor Al Habtoor Murray & Roberts LLC (Abu Dhabi)

tender categories LeisureHotelsHousing projects

project name PRINCESS NOURA BINT ABDULRAHMAN UNIvERSITY FOR v WOMEN PROJECT

territory Saudi Arabiaclient Ministry of Education (Saudi Arabia)

description Construction of Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University for Women comprising an administration building, a central library, conference centres, buildings for 15 academic faculties, several laboratories and a 700-bed hospital.

budget US $11billion Last updated December 6, 2009

remarks This project will be located near King Khalid International Airport, north of Riyadh. Certain areas in the campus will be allocated for research in nanotechnology, bio-sciences and information technology in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology.

Main contractor Saudi Oger Limited (Saudi Arabia)sub-contractor Unimac Company (Saudi Arabia)

Main contractor 1 Saudi Bin Ladin Group (Saudi Arabia)Main contractor 2 El Seif Engineering Contracting Establishment (Saudi Arabia)tender categories Housing Projects

project name AIRSIDE INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS PROJECT – RAS AL HADD AIRPORT DEvELOPMENT – PHASE TWO

territory Omanclient Ministry of Transport & Communications (Oman)

description Development of airside facilities involving construction of a four-kilometre long, 75-metre-wide runway, a taxiway, an apron and car parking area, as part of the Ras Al Hadd airport development - phase two.

budget US $105million Last updated November 5, 2009

period December 25, 2011 Main consultant Gulf Engineering Consultancy (Oman)project manager Gulf Engineering Consultancy (Oman)

project manager 1 Pryde Schropp McComb Inc. (Canada)Main consultant 1 Pryde Schropp McComb Inc. (Canada)Main contractor Galfar Engineering & Contracting S.A.O.G (Oman)

tender categories AirportPublic Works, Roads & Earthworks

project name RAS AL HADD AIRPORT PROJECTterritory Oman

client Ministry of Transport & Communications (Oman)description Design and construction of an airport at Ras Al Hadd.

budget US $105million Last updated November 23, 2009

period August 15, 2011 remarks This airport will be located in Sharqiya region of Oman, about 10km

inland from the coast not far from Addaffa village, about 25km from Ras Al Hadd. It is being envisioned as a tier two type facility designed to handle around 500,000 passengers a year. Although essentially a domestic airport, Ras Al Hadd will be built to Code F design standards of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), meaning that it will be suitable for some of the largest aircraft in operation today, including the Airbus Super-jumbo A380. Local Desert Line Projects has been awarded a contract to implement the phase one package of the airport at a cost of $23 million. It involves construction of a roughly 10km-long access road leading to the terminal, as well as site preparation works and communications and power facilities. Canada-based airport development specialist Pryde Schropp McComb Inc. (PSMI) and its local partner Gulf Engineering Consultants are the design and construction supervision consultants on this scheme. Local Galfar Engineering has been appointed as main contractor to implement phase two.

design consultant Pryde Schropp McComb Inc. (Canada)project manager Pryde Schropp McComb Inc. (Canada)

project manager 1 Gulf Engineering Consultancy (Oman)design consultant 1 Gulf Engineering Consultancy (Oman)

Main contractor Galfar Engineering & Contracting S.A.O.G (Oman)specialist contractor 1 Desert Line Projects L.L.C. (Oman)

civil engineering contractor 1

Consolidated Contractors International Company - CCC (Oman)

civil engineering contractor

TAv Construction (Turkey)

tender categories AirportHousing projects

project name PARK ROTANA MIxED-USE DEvELOPMENT PROJECTterritory Abu Dhabi

client Tourism Development & Investment Company – TDIC (Abu Dhabi)description Development of Park Rotana mixed-use scheme involving

construction of a 280-room hotel, 162 serviced apartments, 180 rental apartments, a 35,000m² office complex and a 59,000m² two-basement podium.

budget US $170millionLast updated December 10, 2009

remarks This project will be developed at Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi. It is being implemented in a joint venture with local developer Al-Mada Tourism Investment Company. The scheme will cover a total built-up area of 180,000m². The property will be operated by Rotana Hotels Management Company. Greece’s Terna has been awarded the main contract to carry out this project. UK’s Drake & Scull International has been awarded a $49million contract to carry out mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works on this scheme. Construction work has been completed on the luxurious five-star hotel, Park Rotana. The hotel is open for business.

Main consultant Al Salam Consultants Architects & Engineers (Abu Dhabi)project manager Nassar Engineering Services (Abu Dhabi)Main contractor Terna S.A. (Greece)MEp contractor Drake & Scull International L.L.C (Abu Dhabi)

tender categories Housing projectsHotels


TEnDErS

www.energyworldme.com

Liam WilliamsSales Director Direct: +971 4 362 5161Mobile: +971 55 310 9256Email: [email protected]

Shabbir KhanBusiness Development Manager Direct: +971 4 446 1433Mobile: +971 55 964 4787Email: [email protected]

For Advertising Inquiries Contact:

Fax: +971 4 3625394 www.cpi-industry.comPlease click on www.cpi-industry.com/digital

for digital access

The Big Project caught up with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) consultant – policies & regulation Ali Bukair to find out more about upcoming training initiatives ahead of the introduction of International Building Codes in the region

Who are you targeting with the training? Training will be provided to municipality engineers and architects, all pertinent government departments engineers, consulting engineers (structural, mechanical and energy), architects, contractors, fire personnel and inspectors. The courses are provided for Abu Dhabi’s construction workforce as well as interested professionals from other emirates. Professionals with expertise in the industry can get involved in the building code development through participating in technical committees to review the adopted codes.

What are the challenges of educating the middle East industry on best practice? Through the adoption and implementation of the new codes, Abu Dhabi is ensuring best construction practices. Since the construction industry workforce in the Middle East has a diverse background (as they come from many different parts of the world with varied qualifications and experience) it is important for us to enforce and ensure the uniformity of best practices across the emirate.

Construction and real estate is growing at a dynamic rate in the emirate, hence it is a challenge to ensure adoption and compliance across the emirate. DMA is taking all actions to provide necessary training and certifications to ensure smooth compliance to best practices.

Please tell us more about training initiatives ahead of the introduction of building codes.We have hosted workshops which have

focused on the guidelines set by the International Building Code and supporting codes such as the International Energy Conservation Code, International Fire Code and Accessibility and Usability 2009.

The first workshop focused on Seismic Design Provisions and the need to safeguard buildings in the emirate against potential ripple effect from neighbouring earthquake-prone regions.

DMA is bringing globally-recognised talent to the emirate for training both government and industry professionals via workshops to ensure smooth transition and acceptance of the new codes. Launching the new building codes

and the training workshops is in line with our aim to enhance the quality of living across the emirate of Abu Dhabi by adopting best practice tools to achieve DMA’s vision and the emirate’s 2030 vision at large.

What response did you receive to the first training series held last year? More than thousand professionals from the private and public sector attended the first four weeks of International Building Codes Training, in the form of workshops held across Abu Dhabi emirate.

following this initial response to the introduction of an International Building Codes Training Series, how will you continue to educate the public and private sectors? Both the private and public sectors will

be informed about the codes through awareness and outreach programmes that will be communicated via media announcements and face-to-face workshops.

What training opportunities are planned for 2010? There will be a new extensive training programme. Seminars will be repeated as needed and customised training for Abu Dhabi will be offered. A professional development programme will be provided on a continuous basis throughout 2010 and beyond.

How will training be delivered? We will host workshops, create online training programmes and web seminars.

training talk

“sincE thE construction industry workforcE in thE MiddLE East has a divErsE background, it is iMportant for us to EnforcE and EnsurE thE uniforMity of bEst practicEs across thE EMiratE”

ABOuT THE dEPARTmEnT Of munICIPAl AffAIRS

The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) commenced operations in May 2007, following the Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s decision to integrate the Emirate’s municipal system.

As a new government entity, the Department of Municipal Affairs was created to lead, co-ordinate and oversee three municipalities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. The DMA has a regulatory role while the service delivery and operations are at the municipality level.

DMA reports a huge response to the first series of training workshops


Hr PeoPle

fEaturEs JANUARY 2010

ISSUE

fOR AdvERTISInG EnquIRIES COnTACT:

Libya focus

suppLiErs: roofing

products: adhEsivEs

top 10 projEcts in ksaSales booking deadline: January 21Artwork / copy deadline: January 24

Sales booking deadline: January 21Artwork / copy deadline: January 24



Sales directorLiam Williams

Tel: +971 (0)4 362 5161Mob: +971 (0)55 310 9256Email: [email protected]

The highest point of the160+ floor Burj Khalifa open to the general public is the viewing point on the 124th floor. The Big Project asks contractors what it’s like at the very top

“Standing at that height definitely changes the scale of the city. All high-rise building projects nearby seem small from up there. You can see the city as if it was on a plate. At the highest level on a clear day, you may be able to see all of Dubai. It seems that you are watching over the emirate. I’ve been at that height so many times and at different wind conditions; the building is quiet and the principal of vibration control used in tuning the building’s dynamic behaviour and response to wind excitation has worked well.”

Even the world’s tallest hotel Rose Rayhaan by Rotana on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, looks small viewed from the top of the Burj Khalifa.

Small talk Ahmad Abdelrazaq, vice president and executive director of the High-rise Building and Structural Engineering Division, Samsung Corporation

“It’s a whole new world looking down from the top. It’s like standing on top of the world and looking down at matchbox building below. You could be standing on top of Mount Everest.” Brian Lacey, client relationship director, Hyder Consulting

“Having worked on the project for five years starting when there was only a foundation slab, a hole in the ground and a patch of sand; standing at the top and looking down was stunning. I don’t think I’ll do anything as challenging or as satisfying again.”Alastair Mitchell, mechanical engineer, Hyder Consulting


FInaL PHaSE

PICTURE OF THE MONTH

This exclusive shot shows ahMad abdELraZaq, vP and executive director of the High-rise Building and Structural Engineering Division, Samsung Corporation, standing 700m up on the Hydraulic Jacks level of Burj Khalifa.

•Environmentallysoundinit’smanufacturing,usageandeventualdisposal

•TotallyfreefromCFCandHCFC

•66%recyclingglasscontent

PITTSBURGHCORNINGEurope(RepMiddleEast) Arenco Tower, Media City, P.O. Box 213345, Dubai, UAETEl +971 (0)4 434 7140 Fax +971 (0)4 432 7109 EMaIl [email protected] WEB www.foamglas.ae

FOAMGLAS®FOAMGLAS® FOAMGLAS®

Ref: Abu Dhabi Officer’s Club (pictured under construction)

Ref: BMW factory, Regensburg Germany

FOAMGLAS®

Ref (also main image): Islamic Museum of Modern Art, Doha

Roof InsulatIon foR factoRytHERMal InsulatIon foR Roof gaRdEn

tHERMal InsulatIon wItH sEaM Roof fInIsH

Roof InsulatIon foR tERRacE

Ref: Social Service Department, Stuttgart, Germany

Thermal insulation systems for the entire building envelope