Construction Week - Issue 321

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ConstructionWEEK NEWS, ANALYSIS, PROJECTS,

TENDERS, CLASSIFIEDS, ANDJOBS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

MAY 15-21, 2010 [321]CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COMAn ITP Business Publication | Licensed by Dubai Media City

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FOCUSpage 36

50 COMPANIES CHANGING THE FACE OF GCC AIRPORTS50 COMPANIES CHANGING THE FACE OF GCC AIRPORTSAIRPORT A-Z

1MAY 15–21, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK

CONTENTS

FEATURES12 LEGALPhilip Adams looks at compensation events and the role of the project manager in NEC contracts.

REGULARS2 ONLINE4 MAIL

FRONT9 HSE COMPLIANCENew regulations mean that 190 construction fi rms will have to implement health and safety management systems by 2012.

10 QATAR PROJECTSAll mega projects will be fi nished in Qatar by 2026, according to government.

11 NEWS IN BRIEFHighlights of the week.

14 AIRPORT PROJECTSCW looks at the top 5 airport projects in the GCC as billions are ploughed into the aviation market.

19 AIRPORT A-Z An A-Z of 50 well-known companies changing the face of airports in the Middle East, including their specialist products, services and details of their largest and most recent airport projects in the region.

MAY 15-21, 2010 | ISSUE 321

DIRECTORY34 PRODUCT FOCUS36 REGION FOCUS38 SPECIALIST SERVICES

BACK40 DIALOGUECW catches up with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of architecture practice Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, which has recently returned to the region.

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CONSTRUCTION WEEK MAY 15-21, 20102

City update

AMMANJordan’s capital has been given a boost by a clever approach to investment law, and projects are nearing completion

Analysis

WORKING AT HEIGHT Why working safely at height needn’t come at the cost of expediency

FEATURESSector focus

RETURNING TO HEALTH Why investments in hospitals across the Gulf are proving to be long-term sources of return

Design

HIGH FASHIONItalian architects, Lino Losanno and Lorenzo Perini, speak to CID about the art of effective retail design

In preparation for the FIFA 2010 World Cup, South Africa’s most reputable stadiums have undergone revamps. Hosting the fi rst and fi nal matches of the tournament, Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg for example paid out as much as ZAR1.2 billion (AED580 million) to expand the seating area to cater for 94,700 fans. To further increase capacity, South Africa has also built fi ve new stadiums. With its giraffe-shaped roof and zebra-print seats, the 46,000-capacity Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit pays tribute to the wildlife at nearby Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves. Just as eye-catching is the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium, which cost around ZAR2.1 billion to build. To read more visit www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com

IN PICTURES: FIFA 2010 WORLD CUP STADIUMS

ONLINEwww.ConstructionWEEKonline.com

MOST POPULARTOP 13 SAUDI ARABIAN CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTORS CONTRACTORS TO BID FOR STADIUM PROJECT BY MAY 24ARABTEC WINS DAMA HEIGHTS CONTRACT FOR MARINAIN PICTURES: KAUST

TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK’S SPOT POLL GO TOwww.ConstructionWEEKonline.com

HAVE YOUR SAYBURJ OBSERVATION DECK TICKET PRICESShould it be lowered? Is it fair for ‘At the Top’ to charge as much as it does for viewing?

JOBS OF THE WEEKProcurement Offi cer, BangladeshMechanical Engineer, Abu DhabiQuality Assurance Manager, Riyadh

ONLINE POLLIS YOUR COMPANY WORKING ON AN AIRPORT PROJECT?

45.2%Yes

35.5%No

12.9%Yes, wish we could get more.

6.5%No, never again.

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CONSTRUCTION WEEK MAY 15–21, 20104

MAILRE: ‘TIME FOR DIALOGUE’ ON THE FUTURE OF DUBAI Making Dubai into a city like New York or Chicago will require huge resources. I have worked on Sheikh Zayed Road and lived in Deira, and I am now living in International City where I can walk to the new offi ce that NAGA set up there over a year ago. It’s not bad to have satellite cities but there have to be good connections. I agree with the comment about creating a better walking and bicycle city. It would make Dubai much more human. JOHN

RE: KAUST PRAISED Hats off to KAUST! As part of the KAUST commissioning team, I am very proud to have worked as an architect on this project. It’s very hard to develop such a big university in less than three years. It’s a fantastic achievement, and an honour to be praised by the AIA. Thanks to all the personnel who worked on this project.SALMAN SAEED

RE: TOUGH 2012 DEADLINE FOR HSE COMPLIANCEThis is one of the highlights of CW’s news. Abu Dhabi Municipality is moving in the right direction by implementing better health and safety for contractors. As an EHS professional myself, I see this as a very strategic decision by the government.PAMARTHI

RE: BURJ OBSERVATION DECK TICKET PRICEThe Burj observation deck ticket price should defi nitely be

more affordable. Though it will still attract visitors at a price of AED500 it would be unjustifi ed to charge such a high amount. Making it affordable would allow those with lower incomes to enjoy it. They could perhaps vary the prices at weekends. AHMED

If you want to increase revenue, lower the price of the tickets. If the company makes the ticket price more affordable for the general public, say AED50, its revenues could triple or quadruple.ISIDRO BALMATER

RE: NAKHEEL’S UNFINISHED PROJECTSBlame the US? You cannot be serious. In addition to poor and top heavy middle management there was uncontrolled corruption. I hope Nakheel has learnt from this and hires practical, experienced people in the future.NICK

Nakheel is a good company. In the recent times of economic crisis, management executives have tried to solve problems by refunding back money to investors. TAHIR MASOOD

RE: MARINA WEST INVESTORS TOLD: THIS ISN’T GOING AHEAD The project has stopped and Al Hamad has not been paid. The company had to reduce its workforce by more than 50%. The money paid so far by investors has disappeared. There needs to be more laws to protect the interests of individuals. HASSAN

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COMMENT

Spending on airport projects in the GCC has been massive over the last fi ve years. Driven by a desire for economic diversifi cation and teamed with brand-building national airlines, GCC airports have been an integral part of making GCC cities into regional business hubs.

Increasing passenger and freight fi gures, plus the enthusiasm for the giant Airbus A380, have helped push Gulf cities into developing larger and more modern airports. The long and low profi les of an airport passenger terminal, being built in just about every city near you, are the outward signs of development.

Less obvious are all the supporting works which go along with those buildings. From cargo to catering, engineering, fuel stores, runways and aprons, the modern airport is a large and complex combination of resources. But when was the last time you noticed all of this?

When traveling through an airport, I normally do so with anxious haste. There are always miles to walk, then it is dodge the perfume sprayers, the money changers, the fl oor sleepers and the inevitable slow-moving phalanx of old people looking for a distant gate.

But in truth there is much more to an airport than the things you try to avoid, or simply rush past. A quick look at the contracts awarded over the last fi ve years reveals a world of detailed and technical construction packages, which must look to every detail of access, comfort, security and overall safety.

With all the usual fuss that is associated with fl ying it can be easy to miss the efforts of the industry that continues to build some of the nicest and newest airports in the world. It is an effort that should be applauded, even if you do not always appreciate it.

HIGH FLIERS

STUART MATTHEWS SENIOR GROUP [email protected]

“WITH ALL THE USUAL FUSS THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH FLYING, IT CAN BE EASY TO MISS THE EFFORTS OF THE INDUSTRY THAT CONTINUES TO BUILD SOME OF THE NICEST AND NEWEST AIRPORTS IN THE WORLD.”

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9MAY 15-21, 2010 CONSTRUCTION WEEK

New regulations mean that 190 organisations in Abu Dhabi’s construction industry will have to devise and implement their own environment, health and safety management system before 2012.

The scheme will affect contractors, sub-con-tractors, developers, consultants and suppliers, and has come about with the launch of a new Building and Construction Sector Environ-ment Health and Safety (EHS) Department in the Al Ain municipality, Abu Dhabi.

By linking international principles with existing federal laws and setting minimum standards for environment, health and safety, senior government executives want tocreate safer workplaces and healthy working environments, while minimising pollution and ensuring sustainable development.

General Manager of Al Ain Municipality Dr Matar Al Nuaimi said: “This landmark project aims to deliver a fundamental change to levels of understanding and attitudes towards the environment, health and safety on construction sites.

FRONT

TOUGH 2012 DEADLINE FOR CONTRACTOR HSE COMPLIANCEBy Elizabeth Broomhall

“The Sector Regulatory Authority (SRA) is committed to working with all stakeholders in the building and construction sector to enforce the Environment Health and Safety Management System (EHSMS). Our aim goes beyond enforcement. By educating the sector, we hope to infl uence behaviours and develop a positive EHS culture that values both human life and the environment. We aim to create a cleaner and safer working environment and, ultimately, save natural resources.”

As part of the scheme, 190 high risk companies or ‘nominated entities’ will be informed of their requirement to register with the new building and construction SRA, before devising their own manage-ment systems, in line with their specifi c health and safety needs.

After each system is approved by the SRA, the companies will have one year in which to implement it throughout their own corpo-ration, as well as a applying similar system across their supply chain.

ABDULLAH SULTAN AL-DAREI, THE EHSMS PROJECT MANAGER, CONFIRMED THAT SRA WILL WORK WITH STAKEHOLDERS TO ACHIEVE PROJECT GOALS.

>News 10

>Highlights 11

>Comment 12

>Top airport projects 14

This will involve self regulation and regulation of subcontractors through regular internal audits, and through effi cient performance, risk and incident reporting to the SRA, using IT systems. Abdullah Sultan al-Darei, the EHSMS Project Manager, confi rmed that the SRA will work with stakeholders to achieve project goals by providing the nec-essary support, including training, educa-tion and recognition of the best compliance with EHSMS requirements.

Environment Agency-Environment Health and Safety (EA-EHS) Centre Representative Andrew Jukes said: “We believe it is a good time to introduce regulatory guidance for government departments and private busi-nesses. It will give this particular emirate a competitive advantage in the region.”

He added: “This is the world’s fi rst integrated system of health, safety and environment. We think that’s a good step forward and believe the benefi ts of this scheme will outweigh the economic impact. Having this framework will actually attract business.”


FRONTCOMMODORE CONTRACTING ENTERS DUBAI LAGOON FRAYBy Ben Roberts

Troubled developer Schön Properties has added another construction company to the building of Dubai Lagoon to speed up the completion of the stuttering AED3 billion project.

The company has awarded an AED82.25 million contract to Commodore Contracting for zones two and four, to fi nish all concrete and block works, double basement, superstructure, water proofi ng and related works for both zones.

Commodore Contracting joins Bin Sabt Building Contracting Company, which is working on the more advanced Zone one, and Belhasa Contracting and Engineering Company (BHECC), which is reputedly on site with an intensifi ed construction program planned for Zone three.

Actual construction is expected to start within three weeks and the ground fl oor will be hit by mid-September, according to the schedule set by the contractor.

The move comes after mounting criticism from investors over delays, in some areas by more than two years. Last month Schön Properties confi rmed that zones fi ve through to seven had been stopped completely.

The Ministry of Labour is to step up pres-sure on businesses to compensate labourers who work on Fridays in a wider attempt to harmonise the enforcement of employee rights across the Emirates.

Following a notification on its website, the Ministry has confirmed that it is tak-ing action to ensure that companies do not flaunt existing legislation and pay workers 50% more than their usual hourly pay on the first day of the weekend. The crackdown on payment comes after a pro-

MOL GETS TOUGH ON FRIDAY WORKER COMPENSATION By Ben Roberts

test on 3rd May in Dubai in front of the Ministry of Labour, in which workers demanding pay long-overdue that had been withheld by their employer, a South Korean construction company, which is yet to be named.

Legal experts say that the legislation for remuneration has been in place across the Emirates for some time, though this far from guarantees compliance.

One employment lawyer told CW that it is part of a sea-change at the Ministry to

All mega projects in Qatar will be fi nished by 2026, according to a government offi cial.

Ibrahim Abbass, Infrastructure and Trans-portation Planning director of the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning (MMUP) said during the Qatar Property Investment Forum that all current and upcoming projects will be ready within 13 years. This includes projects such as the upgrade and expansion of road networks, as well as the metro lines and railway system.

“We are planning to have connected roads soon for easy access to any part of the country. We are also working on underground and surface metro as well as improved bus trans-portation to encourage more people to use public vehicles,” he said.

QATAR MEGA PROJECTS TO BE FINISHED BY 2026By Andrerw Sambidge

The plan is ambitious given the scope of the work, but Abbass said there was a desire from the government to keep projects on track.

“We intend to achieve all our plans on the country’s masterplan by 2026 and, before then, every fi ve years we will commission a new package of projects, especially road projects,” he told a newspaper.

He also urged more residents to use public transport. Abbass said that the government had revised earlier targets for public trans-port uptake to more realistic fi gures. They had hoped that 40% of commuters would use public transport but a more realistic target of 20% could be achieved through a slow but steady commuter transition from cars to buses, the underground and metro services.

QATAR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE BACKING THE COMPLETION OF MEGA PROJECTS BY 2026.

add bite to rule enforcement, along with the added clarity of publicising its activities online. “We are seeing more and more that the Ministry of Labour – and groups such as the International Labour Organisation – are ensuring that elements of legislation are being implemented,” she said.

She added that there is often great vari-ation in the enforcement of such issues as worker pay – but that the authorities will be breathing down the necks of non-compliant fi rms.


FRONTFRONT

HIGHLIGHTS

Project

DAMAC PICKS ARABTEC CONSTRUCTIONDamac Properties selected Arabtec Construction as the main contract for its US $136 million (AED500 million)Damac Heights project at Dubai Marina.

The contract was signed this week and construction is expected to start on site as soon as Zetas Foundation Technology has competed enabling works.

The 90-storey Damac Heights tower will be one of the company’s most iconic projects, overlooking the Palm Jumeirah and situated within walking distance of another Damac fl agship construction project, Ocean Heights - which is also being constructed by Arabtec. Work on Ocean Heights is due for completion later this year.

Materials

IMPORT DUTIES TO BE SCRAPPEDThe GCC Secretary-General has confi rmed that tariffs on steel and cement imports into the GCC countries will be abolished within one to two months.

At a meeting of fi nance ministers on Saturday, Abdul

Rahman Al Attiyah told reporters that the 5% import duty imposed by the GCC customs union would be scrapped as part a wider plan to ease economic integration in the region.

“There is consensus among GCC countries about this proposal. It will be approved without any problem but it will probably take a month or two for it to be implemented,” Al Attiyah told Reuters before the start of the meeting.

Materials

GAS SQUEEZE ADDS TO MATERIALS PRESSUREThe curtailing of gas from Qatar is putting pressure on UAE building materials suppliers forced to switch their machines to running on oil, slashing the returns from revenues and sales.

The cost of switching from US $5 per barrel of gas to $85 per barrel of oil has added to a dwindling market for Emirati material suppliers, particularly those in cement, as the drive to run machinery on more sustainable fuels such as electricity remains a distant prospect.

“The gas supply in UAE is very small, and the gas curtailment means that

companies have had to look at a switch to alternative fuels,” said Hettish Kumar, senior fi nancial analyst at Global Investment House in Kuwait.

Ras Al Khaimah-based Gulf Cement Company is the latest company to see a jump in the costs as order sizes shrink. Revenues declined almost US $11.7 million to $46.58 million (AED43 million to AED171.1 million) from $58.2 million - for the period January to the end of March this year compared to the same period in 2009.

Project

TAMEER’S TWIN TOWERS TOPPED OFFTameer Holding Investment’s Imperial Residence development in Dubai has been topped out, the developer has announced.

The two-towers that make up the residential project consist of 28 fl oors each and rise from a four-storey podium.

“The topping out of the superstructure on both towers has been completed, and we expect to deliver the project to our customers in the fi rst half of 2011,” said Tameer president Federico Tauber.

“The development affords residents the benefi t of

being easily connected to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the added appeal of unobstructed, panoramic views of the spectacular Dubai skyline as well as Dubai’s Sports City.”

Once completed, Imperial Residence, which is located in Jumeriah Village South, will house 510 apartments. Other amenities include a swimming pool, a gymnasium and several retail outlets.

MEP

SLASH YOUR AIR-CON BILLS BY WITH BLINDSThe latest trend in roller blinds and metallic fabrics, can slash the electricity consumption of an air-con system in a typical building by at least 50%, says TechnoShade manager Mohammed Imtiaz.

“These kinds of products create a very high refl ectance of solar radiation, and therefore a much lower G-value, so that less heat enters a building.”

“The climatic conditions in the Middle East have boosted the demand for environment-friendly roller shutters and sun-protection systems,” adds Alusol general manager Nasser Al Essa, one of the exhibitors at R+T Middle East 2010.

the contract offered to Commodore Contracting to work on zones 2

and 4 of Dubai Lagoon

NEWS IN NUMBERS

Last year’s expenditure of

Bahrain’s Ministry of Works

BD128.3m (AED1.24bn)

number of tonnes of copper used in the Middle East

each year

600,000

AED 82.25 million the equity stake that

India’s UltraTech is to take in Star Cement, announced this week

51% million


COMMENT> For more legal advice log on to www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com/comment

NEC reality check

I become increasingly frustrated at the way in which the NEC contract is promoted as the answer to all constructions ills. Don’t get me wrong, it is a good contract but at the end of the day it is virtually impossible to compel parties to act in mutual trust and cooperation, either they do or they don’t.

In my experience due to a general misunder-standing of the procedures and an inherent ‘wait and see’ attitude, compensation events can remain unresolved until the end of the project. The NEC panel recognised the prob-lem and introduced condition precedents in NEC3, but unfortunately in practice these tend to be deleted in the Z clauses.

Compensation events are assessed at the time of the event and once agreed, there is very little scope to revisit the assessment. In preparing assessments contractors include allowances ‘for matters which have a signifi cant chance of occurring’ (clause 63.6), and the assessment is ‘not revised if a forecast upon which it is based is shown by later information to have been wrong’ (clause 65.2).

In paragraph 5 on page 4 of the guidance notes, the NEC explains the principles behind the above. It is intended to ‘stimulate fore-sight’, enable the employer to make decisions ‘with reasonable certainty of the cost and time implications’, and ‘put a risk on the contractor which is tolerable and motivates him to manage effi ciently’.

Unfortunately, contractors can become overly reliant on their subcontractors when pricing a compensation event and often seem unwilling to price from fi rst prin-ciples. The result is that initial assessments tend to be too global and incorporate ‘on account’ sums.

Consequently they are gradually eroded by the project manager (PM) due to lack of substantiation, until eventually the assess-ment reverts back to actual cost.

The PM should state assumptions upon which the assessment should be based, and if such assumptions are subsequently cor-rected, then this becomes a compensation event in itself (Clause 60.1(17)).

Therefore, the PM is required to give direc-tion but again this rarely happens and matters remain vague, in the hope that a ‘wait and see’ attitude will have a positive outcome, when invariably the opposite occurs.

Consequently, there can be no cost or time certainty and little motivation for the contractor.

Furthermore, the defi nition of disallowed costs under options C, D, E and F includes costs which the PM decides ‘is not justifi ed by the contractor’s accounts and records’.

Unfortunately, these provisions tend to be used to revisit assessments and this doesn’t sit well with Clause 65.2.

Finally, under Option C (target contract with activity schedule) assessments are there to increase or decrease the target price and therefore, have limited bearing on the fi nal cost of the works other than as an incentive for the contractor. However, this concept is often misunderstood and PM’s seek to erode the assessments to actual cost. In my experience Option C projects administered as normal cost-plus contracts result in no gain and a lot of pain.

In conclusion therefore, contractors must ensure that the compensation events are priced properly and timely. If there are multiple compensation events the process can become quite complex and therefore, contractors should ensure they allocate adequate commercial and programming resources. If insuffi cient information exists regarding a compensation event and the PM is not providing clear direction, contractors should be proactive and prepare their own list of assumptions so that the PM is clear from the outset where the risks lie.

PHILIP ADAMS LOOKS AT COMPENSATION EVENTS AND THE ROLE OF THE PROJECT MANAGER IN NEC CONTRACTS

The opinions expressed in this column are of the author and not of the publisher.

Philip Adams is an associate director at Systech in Dubai. He has provided commercial, contractual and dispute resolution advice on projects ranging from high specification offices, data centres and long distance fibre optic networks to major civil engineering projects, multi-storey offices and oil and gas. He is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a fellow at the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.

“IT IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPEL PARTIES TO ACT IN MUTUAL TRUST AND COOPERATION, EITHER THEY DO OR THEY DON’T”

On May 29th, Construction Week will reveal the GCC’s 50 Most Admired Companies. From a shortlist of over 250 companies, our editors have spent the past three months studying a range of companies across all sectors of the industry – developers, contractors, engineers, suppliers and product manufacturers.

Each company has been examined carefully, looking at its profi ts, management, leadership,

innovation, technological excellence, R&D and the range of projects it has been involved with.

The publication of “The GCC’s 50 Most Admired Companies” is the most anticipated event in construction publishing this year, and will take place both in print on Saturday 29th May and online at www.constructionweekonline.com from 9am on the same day.

To ensure you are part of this historical issue, contact me immediately.

Jason Bowman, Publishing Director T: +971 4 210 8351 E: [email protected]

ConstructionWEEK


The GCC’s aviation sector has undergone rapid transformation over the last decade. Recognising that establishing a hub – backed by an international brand – was a strong tool for development, Dubai with Emirates, Abu Dhabi with Etihad and Qatar with Qatar Airways have ploughed billions of dollars

into their respective aviation markets. Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman too have established strong

regional hubs and are continuing to modernise their airport infrastructure to cope with double-digit growth in cargo and passenger demand.

Construction Week takes a look at fi ve of the biggest aviation projects currently underway in the GCC, beginning with the biggest potential market, Saudi Arabia.

Despite being left behind by the investment of its GCC neigh-bours, the kingdom – buoyed by record budget spending – has embarked upon a massive upgrade programme of its airport infrastructure.

In particular, the kingdom’s airports are undergoing extensive and radical overhaul’s to ensure Saudi Arabia will become a major hub by 2035 – and at the same time catch up with newer hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which have already committed signifi cant funds into their respective sectors.

BILLIONS HAVE BEEN PLOUGHED INTO GCC AVIATION MARKETS TO BUILD UP THE REGION’S PROFILE AS A TRANSPORT HUB. CONSTRUCTION WEEK LOOKS AT FIVE OF THE BIGGEST ONGOING AIRPORT PROJECTS AS THE DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES

By Chris Sell

TOP 5 AIRPORTPROJECTS IN THE GCC

Projects listed in this feature are in alphabetical order.


> For more top 10s visit www.ConstructionWEEKonline.com

KING ABDULAZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, JEDDAHThe kingdom’s largest contractor, Saudi Binladin Group last month secured

the low-bid for two of the largest contracts set to be awarded in 2010 for the upgrade of the King Abdulaziz International airport in Jeddah. A number of international and local contractors had submitted bids for two design and build contracts, which covered infrastructure and construction of the terminal and affi liated works. SBG submitted bids valued at US $3 billion (SR11.3 billion) for the terminal and $3.7 billion for the infrastructure. Other bidders for the work included Almabani General Contractors, El Seif Engineering & Contracting Company, China Harbour Engineering Company and Joannou & Paraskevaides with Murray & Roberts.

Known as the King Abdulaziz International Airport Development Project, it will be developed in three phases. Phase one – which includes the overhaul and construction of two passenger terminals, construction of a general aviation terminal, desalination plant and other facilities – is scheduled for completion in 2012, while phase 3 is sched-uled for 2035.

The new terminal will include a new terminal with 42 departure gates, aircraft hang-ers, new control tower, railway station zone and maintenance facilities.

Unlike the rest of the GCC, Saudi Arabia’s primary target is to meet demand from religious tourist on the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. Jeddah acts as the gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, with approximately 2.5 million visitors during the Hajj period alone. Up to seven million perform the Umrah over the course of a year.

In addition to these plans, Saudi Arabia plans a number of ‘airport cities’ within the kingdom where people can live, shop, study and attend conferences. Jeddah, Riyadh and Dammam have all been earmarked as sites where these cities will be developed.

Arabian Business, citing Bloomberg, reported the General Authority for Civil Aviation (Gaca) had short-listed four groups for a $2.4 billion project to build and operate facili-ties at an Airport City linked to Jeddah. It will take approximately 10 years to complete and is part of a plan to attract $5.86 billion in investment to build, own and operate an airport and terminal related facilities, according to Alaa Samman, director of business development for domestic airports at Gaca.

The winning bids are expected in August, he added.

AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DUBAIAl Maktoum International airport – part of the massive US $33 bil-

lion Dubai World Central project – is set to open its fi rst phase on June 27 for cargo. The site will also feature a logistics centre and a number of residential developments. When complete Al Maktoum will be able to handle 160 million passengers a year, making it one of the world’s largest airports.

While falling demand and room for renegotiation on contracts has affected the pace of the project, its overall design has not altered. Anticipating long-term growth, the government is developing the new airport near Jebel Ali Free Zone. It is not clear at this stage, however, when commercial fl ights will begin operating out of the airport.

The budget has been revised but when fi nally completed the site will feature 4km of runways, a cargo terminal, passenger terminal, utilities complex and associated facilities. Other phases will see the construction of further run-ways, a 10km underground cargo tunnel to Jebel Ali port, baggage and cargo handling facilities and associated amenities.

A consortium featuring the local contractor Arabtec Construction and Malaysia’s WCT Engineering won the construction contract for the airport in 2006.

Meanwhile, Dubai airport’s $1.17 billion concourse three, designed specifi -cally to take the A380 is scheduled to open in 2012.


ABU DHABI EXPANSIONLike its neighbouring emirate, Abu Dhabi

is anticipating a marked increase in passenger and cargo traffic over the coming years and has subse-quently planned for this. The Abu Dhabi Airports Company is constructing a new airport near the existing site, under the Supervision Committee for Expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport (SCA-DIA) to increase passenger traffic from the current 7 million to 32 million.

To be completed in two phases the project will include a 21-storey air traffic control tower (ATCC), Etihad passenger terminal, midfield terminal com-plex, 4.1km runway and a number of taxiways and commercial areas.

The contract for the midfield terminal complex is expected to be awarded in the fourth quarter this year and will be completed by 2015. The contract will see a new terminal built between Abu Dhabi’s International airport’s two runways with a total built-up area of 630,000m2 and the capacity of han-dling up to 20 million passengers per year. It will also feature a multi-storey car park.

A number of groups are understood to have sub-mitted prequalification forms. These include ACC with Bouygues, Samsung Corporation and Six Con-struct Abu Dhabi. Bechtel Corporation with Enka and the Al Jaber Group and Al Habtoor Leighton with Murray & Roberts and Hochtief.

Al Habtoor Engineering & Murray & Roberts were awarded the EPC contract for the Etihad passenger terminal, which was completed in 2008. The ATCC is being built by Ascon and Kumho Engineering & Construction Company and is due to be completed in the second quarter.

Foundation, piling and excavation works are cur-rently underway.

PRINCE MOHAMMED BIN ABDULAZIZ AIRPORT, MADINAHIn addition to Prince Abdulaziz at Jeddah, Gaca is in the

process of prequalifying fi rms for the public-private partnership (PPP) deal to develop the US $1.5 billion fi rst phase of the Prince Mohammed Bin Adbualaziz Airport expansion at Madinah.

Bids for the fi rst phase are due in September, with an award expected by the end of November. Construction is then due to start one year later. A number of fi rms have been prequalifi ed including SBG and Almabani General Contractors.

Gaca will renovate the airport to enable a much-increased capacity of 14 million passengers per year, compared to the 3.5 million passengers a year. Construction will involve a new pas-

senger terminal, renovation of the existing runway and a pos-sible second runway. This second phase is expected to take place between 2021 and 2024 and is expected to push up the overall cost to $2.4 billion.

The expansion of Madinah airport – the fi rst that Gaca is devel-oping under a PPP contract - is part of the kingdom’s wider plan to develop more than $10.5 billion of airport projects to increase capacity across the kingdom.

In total, Gaca is upgrading 16 domestic airports including Abha, Hail, Arar, Al Wajeh and Al Quisumah.

Bids for construction packages are scheduled to be submit-ted in the third quarter of 2010, with an award following in the fourth quarter. Concept and detailed design has previously been awarded to ADPI Designers & Planners. Saudi Arabia has 27 airports in total.

136 MILLION MAN HOURS WERE WORKED WITHOUT LTIS AT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.


Elsewhere in the region, Iraq’s Ministry of Transport is looking to develop aviation facilities, which meet international standards to receive pilgrims and tourists. In total, it plans to meet a capacity of 30 million passengers per year on a site of 220 acres at Karbala. Details of the projects include a runway, taxiway, apron, terminal, passenger bridges, air traffi c control tower and administrative buildings. The project has an estimated value of US $3 billion.

Kuwait’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation is looking to expand the number of passengers annually passing through the airport to 20 million, from the current six million. It will also be able to receive the new Airbus A380. A new terminal building will be linked to the existing terminal via

a tunnel and the new design incorporates a hotel, car parks, new maintenance hangers and both existing runways will be extended by 600m.

Oman’s Ministry of Transport & Communication is pushing ahead with expansion plans for airports at the capital Muscat and Salalah to raise passenger capacity to 7 million.

Consisting of five phases, the ministry plans to develop airside facilities, an air traffic control tower, a passenger terminal, the redevelopment of Salalah airport and deliver updated airport IT systems.

EPC contracts for new passenger terminals at Muscat and Salalah are expected to be awarded in July. For the capi-tal, this will involve the construction of a 290,000m2 airport terminal. Work is expected to start in the second half of the year. Firms understood to have submitted bids are Joannou and Paraskevaides (J&P), TAV, Consolidated Contractors Company, Bechtel and Larsen & Toubro.

NEW DOHA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, QATARWork is also still ongoing on the New Doha International Airport

in Doha. Following the success of Qatar Airways, it was decided the exist-ing facilities were inadequate and work is now under way to build a new airport in excess of 22km2, with the ability to handle 50 million passengers. This will make it three times the size of the current airport and six times the capacity.

With a spiralling budget estimated now at US $11 billion (previously it was $5.5 billion), the fi rst phase of the airport is expected to open in 2011. This will comprise of two runways and a 13,000m2 terminal, 24 gates and the capacity to handle 12 million passengers per year. Phase 3 is due to be completed in 2015.

At the beginning of the year, a number of contractors submitted bids for a $600 million contract to build an extension to the passenger terminal. An award is expected in the second quarter of this year. The extension includes a fi ve-storey structure covering 127,000 m2.

Those fi rms understood to have bid include Six Construct, Hyundai Engi-neering & Construction Company and China State Construction Engineer-ing Corporation.

This will connect with the main passenger terminal currently being built by a consortium featuring Taisei Corporation and TAV.

The second phase of the expansion will double capacity to 24 million and the addition of 80,000m2 of space.

KING ABDULAZIZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, JEDDAH WILL BE UPGRADED.


HIGH FLIERSCONSTRUCTION WEEK TAKES A LOOK AT THE COMPANIES CHANGING THE

FACE OF REGIONAL AIRPORTS AROUND THE GCC

By CW Staff


AEROPORTS DE PARIS INGENIERIEADPi has been one of France’s most successful mergers, now into its 10th year of working together backed by the historic Aeroport de Paris Group. Certifi ed ISO 9001 since February 2003, ADPI has developed a global brand in architecture and engineering. Its chief success has been in the design for Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport. Its success in realising all facilities for the airport - terminals, aircraft maintenance hangars, Control Towers, VVIP Pavilion, Business Aviation Terminal – has allowed it to expand into stadiums, theatres and performance halls, offi ce towers, and urban development. This month it announced the completion of the concrete and steel works for the new control tower and air traffi c facilities of Abu Dhabi International Airport, part of the $6.8 billion expansion of the project for which it was assigned work four years ago. The tower will enable the airport to handle up to 70 takeoffs and landings per hour and is part of a massive expansion of airport facilities.

IN 1997 AL ABBAR ALUMINIUM BECAME A SEPARATE DIVISION AND ACQUIRED THE PURPOSE BUILT OFFICE AND FACTORY

300

1997

THE COMPANY HAS WORKED ON 300 INTERNATIONAL SUB-STANTIAL PROJECTS IN THE

LAST TEN YEARS

products comprises of many different grilles, disc valves and diffusers – among other products – to most effectively suit the outlet needed. It also provides steel sheet access doors into air conditioning systems that use rubber and fi breglass. The list of airports in the region in which it has sold its ISO9002 products is impressive. This include mandates for the expansions of the Doha, Dubai and Al Ain international airports, along with specifi c work on the cargo terminal in Sharjah, the extension of the duty free section of the airport in Bahrain, as well as the pedestrian access and arrival lounge in Dubai airport, as well as its VIP pavillion. It also has worked on the Emirates Engineering Centre.

AL ABBAR ALUMINIUM Al Abbar Aluminium, part of the Al Abbar Group, has forced itself to the front of cladding and façade providers with a number of high profi le and highly visible buildings in the Emirate. However, even within this broad spectrum of projects it earmarks its two-fold work on Dubai International airport as two of its special projects, after it was selected by Al Habtoor Murray and Roberts to provide the curtain walling for the iconic airport. A walk around its manufacturing facilities in Jebel Ali Industrial Zone gives some reason why the ambitious company was chosen. It has a purpose-built, 300,000ft3 factory which houses both its manufacturing and fabrication units and an in-house design centre

AL-ABBAR SUPPLIED CLADDING FOR DUBAI AIRPORT.

AIRMASTER EQUIPMENTS EMIRATESFew travelers would not have appreciated a pleasant atmosphere and temperature as they relax while waiting for a fl ight, and they frequently would have Airmaster Equipments Emirates to thank. The company develops high quality outlets for air conditioning units, and is now into its 14th year selling into the Middle East. Its wide selection of

using cutting edge CAD, 3D technologies that generate the product lines prior to delivery and installation. It takes an A to Z approach to all products, supporting projects from raw materials to fi nishing touches in close collaboration with main contractors, as well as architects.

AL FAROOQI ENGINEERING CONSULTANTSAl Farooqi has one of the broadest overall offerings of all airport providers. It made its name by providing concrete and steel structural work, as well as the piling and other enabling works. The Cypriot company knows time is of the essence when moving from drawing board to fi nished project, and fi ttingly the clock tower at Kuwait International Airport ranks among its most distinctive feats. Developers have continued to return to Al Farooqi for various construction aspects of the airport down the years based on its good reputation, including for its VIP terminal, which saw the company design and drawings for entirely precast structures, plaza canopy, plaza walls and drop-off canopy. The company has also been instrumental in the expansion of the airport.

AL GURG FOSROC LLC (DUBAI)Fosroc’s global presence hints at a company always on the move, taking in business and working with contractors from Oman to Venezuela. The Middle East is one of its main focuses, however, and its involvement in the ambitious expansion of the Sharjah International Airport – set for a four-fold size increase – will be one of its top contributions to the aviation sector. More recently the company has worked on two concourses for Dubai International Airport. This included all the fl ooring for the royal hangars in the Emirates Engineering Centre for HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.


250,000m2

THE EMIRATES ENGINEERING CENTRE NEEDED FLOORING OF 250,000m2. IT WAS COMPLETED

IN SIX MONTHS IN 2006.

ALICO WAS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN DUBAI AIRPORT.

All senior management for the merged

company was provided by Alico UAE

FAST FACTS

The company’s primary provision is concrete block and brick manufacturing. However, it also has ancillary services around cement and other materials that ensure a project is built, reinforced and sustained to last – simply put, Al Gurg Fosroc can be on hand to complete the nimble jobs needed to keep large structures in perfect working order. This includes areas such as admixtures, surface treatments, grouts and cement additives.

merge of Alico UAE (Aluminium & Light Industries Co) and Orascum Construction Industries that produced Alico Egypt, and the resulting company has thrived as a model for further deals between the two countries’ fi rms. By 2002 the company had accrued more than ¤70 million in orders, which could be met following the completion of its US $10 million, 12,000 m2 Ain Sukhna-based the previous year. The company has a three-fold expertise selling principally to architecture fi rms: aluminium fabrication, glass manufacture and paint products. Its portfolio of projects is grand, and includes the Nile City Towers and the Heliopolis Citystars complexes.

ARINCARINC is one of those classic organisations embedded in the evolution of airports themselves. The number of planes and airport projects it has allowed to get off the ground with its communications system is now innumerable, and its Middle Eastern operations targeted to traffi c management and seamless communication rival those throughout the world. Its communications, navigation, surveillance/air traffi c management (CNS/ATM) system is the interface between air traffi c control and the fl ight crew through a variety of air-to-ground data link networks – providing position information to the controller. The Tower Data Link Service (TDLS) allows air traffi c controllers to transmit vital information, and the FAA is using the system to issue over 350,000 predeparture clearances every month.

ASSOCIATED CONSULTING ENGINEERS (ACE) INTERNATIONALFew companies in this providers list enjoy the scale of ACE International, nor better balance its consulting expertise between architecture and engineering. The 54 year-old Lebanese fi rm was credited as being among the top 200 international design fi rms by Engineering News Record in 2005, and its multi-disciplinary consulting engineering activities for projects which had collectively exceeded US $50 billion.

To a greater extent than perhaps all in this list, the company has been able to grow rapidly through targeted acquisitions, including SFSP, which helped increase its standing for consultancy engineering, and IMEG Oil and Gas, which allowed it to offer services for these two commodities. It has global offi ces and a signifi cant presence in particular in Abu Dhabi, aiming to keep on top of the opportunities and workings of each area with a diversifi ed staff and training programme.

ATKINS & PARTNERS OVERSEASAtkins & Partners is in many ways indispensable from any tally of contributors to airport development in the GCC. The UK-based fi rm has nestled so comfortably into the business of the region over the last few years, managing to leverage its expertise accrued from its operations around the world and also from the different sectors it applies its design and engineering expertise. Perhaps uniquely in this study of providers, Atkins & Partners has established itself in three key areas of air travel innovation: aerospace itself, airports and air traffi c management. Airport designing and building is perhaps the most exciting, ranging from a number of key infrastructure projects including operational improvements, runway reconfi guration and apron development to the full-blown design for Etihad Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport. However, its service for the air vehicles and air traffi c should not be dismissed – the fi rm counts Airbus as a client on the one hand and a 20-year service developing its ATM System on the other. Its Doha-based offi ce has only increased its local reputation.

ALCATELFor a company thriving in the highly competitive mainstream telecoms industry, Alcatel has shown it is not neglecting drive and innovation in developing integrated systems for airports. Indeed, its edge on the competition has derived from its ability to use the innovations in more retail focused telecoms to meet the demands of airports increasingly diversifying their service offering to remain competitive. The company sells its technology to both existing terminals and those newly built. Essentially it has carved market share with an end-to-end communication system that helps securely link all parts of an airport for all staff and management – boosting security for passengers and reducing the cost of ownership with a unifi ed system. It has invested in being able to grow the capacity of its communication platform in line with the increasing volume of facilities and passengers.

ALICOIt is now 11 years since the smooth


15THE COMPANY CELEBRATES

ITS 15TH BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR

AIRPORT ACCESS REQUIRES FORWARD THINKING

The company is a founder member of

the Emirates Green Building Council.

FAST FACTS

BAFCO TRADING LLC (DUBAI)Without doubt even the parts of the biggest airports in the world that are not fi rst class or VIP need to meet high standards of comfort for the discerning traveller. The best designed and arranged furniture for an airport transform the travelling experience and are making up a greater part of the initial consultancy and design sketches. Dubai-based Bafco has sought to become the byword for simply providing the best, most appropriate offi ce and lounge furniture, meeting the intricate specifi cations of what are overall intricate projects and contributing greatly to an airport’s competitiveness. Then in 2008 it was the choice for Dubai International Airport for its third terminal, the biggest in the world with over 1,500,000m2 (370 acres) of space. The contract was estimated to be worth AED11million (US$2.98 million). Bafco was tasked to provide majority of the workstations, executive desks, chairs needed in a short span of time.

BK GULF LLC (DBBG) (DUBAI)An Emirati company now 32 years old, BK Gulf has the interesting dynamic of both working on overall projects and having narrow specialism. Allied with its building and engineering expertise is the company’s knowledge of electrical and mechanical design and fi ttings, and it is these last two elements in which it has found the majority of its work on airport projects. The most prestigious of these has been the cargo mega terminal at Dubai International Airport. Electrical specialisms include HV and LV switchgear and transformers, HV and LV power and control cabling, power generation systems, lighting and

public address systems, the last one particularly useful if you’ve ever found yourself running to catch a fl ight. Part of the Dutco Balfour Beatty Group, visitors to Dubain in particular has the company to thank for its engineering contribution to many of the most eye-catching sights, from the Burj Al Arab hotel to the magnifi cent Lake Fountain beside the Burj Khalifa.

CANSULT MAUNSELL AECOMThe merger of Cansult, AECOM and AECOM’s Maunsell operation almost four years ago created an unusual but profi table combination of Arabian and North American expertise. The company has also been impressing fi nancially with gains in revenues for both the last three months and the last six months up to the end of March 2010 compared to equivalent time frames a year ago. Since the beginning of the year it has seen revenues of $1,601,166, up from $1,498,058, and its six months gains reached $3,081,950, up from $2,950,686. Its key aerospace project in the region was for the ExecuJet Jet Hanger Facility in Dubai International Airport (DIA).

CAVOTEC MIDDLE EAST FZECavotec Middle East FZE has been solving power supply problems for decades. Its chief areas include airports, ports and other maritime services, mining and general industry. For airports it supplies cables, connectors and tow-bars for aircraft themselves, crocodile systems for powering stationary crafts, as well as in-ground fuel and utility systems. It has provided fuel systems and fi re hydrant systems to, respectively, Argentinian airports and Mumbai International Airport, and it is perhaps best known for its work on Terminal 2 (AX-272-F) at Dubai International Airport. However, it is on something of a roll in this region. Last month it signed an AED143.3 million deal with Bahrain Airport Company to integrate a comprehensive range of ground support

equipment for the Bahrain International Airport. These solutions will include 18 pre-conditioned air (PCAir) systems, in-ground pop-up units, transformer substations, 400Hz power supply systems, a Vacuum Evacuation System, a blue water supply system and a potable water supply system – and are set for a February 2011 completion. Further, it is one of the leaders in providing eco-friendly power solutions, and publishes environment brochures and details of its green policies.

CEMEXMexico-headquartered Cemex is a global brand for cement and other building materials with one of the longest histories in construction, now into its 104th year. It has one of the largest trading networks in the world and a presence in more than 50 countries, producing more than 97 million metric tonnes of the grey stuff every year. Despite a dip in net sales last year common to the sector (US $14.5 billion down from $20.1 billion), its total controlling shareholders’ equity actually increased by 17% to $16.3 billion – proving that it can be valuable in many ways. It is this scale which has


AIRPORT INTERIORS PRESENT A DESIGN CHALLENGE.

The Dubai International Airport

expansion contract alone was worth

almost AED 348.8 million.

FAST FACTSpartly allowed it to capture market share in such a highly-competitive region for cement as the GCC. Further, it has perhaps nailed the concept of fl exibility better than many other fi rms, with a ready-mix offering that is particularly adept at meeting specifi c requirements and a separate line in producing and exporting additives, a vital ingredient, meaning it is very much a suppliers’ supplier. Collaborations have also been a staple, not least for the expansion of the Dubai International Airport, when, in 2005, it partnered with Degussa Construction Chemicals Ranked to supply admixtures for the 2.4 million cubic metres of concrete, used for the Terminal 3 Building and an extensive upgrade for Terminal 2 and the construction of a mega cargo terminal.

CLOISALLCloisall Company was established more than 30 years ago to provide partitions and ceilings ranging in various designs and fi nishes for UAE developments. Today, it is a well-known fi rm in the UAE’s interior fi tting and contracting sector, having built its reputation working on a number of large projects, in

both the government and private sectors. The company’s fi eld of activity covers a broad spectrum of areas in interiors, while its capabilities include design development, engineering, fabrication and installation of all interior solutions.

Among Cloisall’s projects are the expansion of the Dubai International Airport and adjacent facilities, and the development of the Air Traffi c Control Tower at Jebel Ali International Airport city and the DWC Passenger Terminal and duty free section. For each project, Cloisall has been involved in the design and execution of interior fi t-out solutions, providing ceilings, cladding, fl oors, fi nishings and MEP work for Dubai Civil Aviation, in partnership with consultant Dar Al Handasah and a variety of different construction contractors. The Dubai International Airport expansion contract alone was worth US $94.96 million (AED348.8 million).

Cloisall is still reinforcing its presence in the region by focusing on quality control, quality products and superior execution and fi nishing quality. Cloisall operates from its head offi ce in Dubai and established branch offi ces in Abu Dhabi,

Qatar and Oman. In line with growing demand for locally manufactured products, Cloisall has one of the largest factories in the UAE to support the regional growth of its operations.


DAIKINDaikin Europe NV opened a Middle East branch offi ce in Dubai in an effort to respond to increasing demand for Daikin products and services in the region. It serves Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Sudan. Currently, Daikin is the only major high-ambient VRV player in the Middle East. Daikin air conditioners play active roles around the world, but particularly at locations such as hotels and international airports. The technology built in the air conditioning systems is also used to control delicate conditions for temperature and humidity. Recently, Daikin contributed to the supply of air conditioning systems at Dubai International Airport.

DAR AL HANDASAH CONSULTANTS Dar Al-Handasah Consultants is one of the largest engineering and design practices in the world, with multi-disciplinary services. When it opened in the 1950s, it was funded on just US $3,500. After 50 years of successful business, it now has 111 offi ces across 42 countries and more than 6,500 employees.

In the 80s, the company expanded globally, with a focus on the Middle East and Africa region. Over the years, the fi rm has provided master planning, design and construction supervision for more than 25 airports.

Today the company is heavily involved in Phase 1 of the development of King Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) as project manager. Its responsibilities include overseeing the construction of the new 400,000m2 terminal complex and replacing existing North and South terminals, as well as the construction of 42 contact gates with air bridges

and a new control tower, complete with communications and navigations systems. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

DOKA Doka is an international producer and supplier of prefabricated formwork used in concrete pouring. Founded in 1958, the Doka Group has approximately 4000 employees worldwide, with over 100

branches in more than 60 countries and revenue of US $1.06 million. The group offers products and services to cover a range of formwork challenges arising during different construction projects. In the Middle East, Doka has been involved in projects at King Abdul Aziz International Airport, King Khaled International Airport, Tabuk Airport, Prince Muhammad Bin Abdul Aziz Airport (all in KSA), New Doha International Airport in Qatar, the expansion of ADAT facility (the hangar

at Abu Dhabi International Airport) and very recently Muscat International Airport. Other airport projects around the world include Changi Airport in Singapore, Indianapolis Airport Control Tower, a 46m-high Air Traffi c Control Tower in Munich, and the Midfi eld Dock airport in Zurich where a total of 165,000m² (walls and ceilings) had tobe formed.

EMIRATES ELECTROMECHANICAL AND INDUSTRY (EMIRATES-EMI) Emirates Electromechanical and Industry (otherwise known as Emirates-emi) was established in 1995 to meet the electromechanical and industrial requirements of projects in the UAE. Specialising in providing services to clients in the heavy engineering industries, focusing on project development and management, the company is equipped to design, build, test, and commission electromechanical and industrial projects. One of the company’s biggest projects was the Dubai International Airport expansion, which involved the development of the main building and VIP terminal, as well as baggage screening and service compound areas. Appointed as the main MEP subcontractor, the scope of works completed by Emirates-emi included the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of all electromechanical and electrical works for the project. The project was worth AED9.6 million.

EMIRATES FALCON ELECTROME-CHANICAL COMPANY (EFECO)Emirates Falcon Electromechanical Company (EFECO) has been servicing the MEP requirements of the

25DAR AL HANDASA

CONSULTANTS HAVE OVER-SEEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF

25 DIFFERENT AIRPORTS

100DOKA HAS OVER 100 BRANCHES

ACROSS 60 COUNTRIES

DOKA HAS WORKED ON AIRPORTS IN KSA.

Daikin serves Saudi Arabia, United Arab

Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar

and Sudan

FAST FACTS

Emirates-emi was MEP subcontractor

for electromechanical works at Dubai

International Airport

FAST FACTS


construction industry in the Middle East since 2001. Over the last nine years, the company has set new standards in the fi elds of electrical, HVAC and plumbing installations, and in 2007, it became a member of Arabtec Holding, one of the biggest construction fi rms in the region.

EFECO’s services involve designing, procuring, installing, testing and commissioning all associated MEP and infrastructure works. Over time EFECO has added many projects to its portfolio, including the development of the Air Traffi c Control Tower at Jebel Ali International Airport (DWCIA), the Middle East’s tallest free standing Air Traffi c Control Tower. As part of the project, EFECO and consultant Dar Al Handasah are currently involved in the construction of a 91m-high tower as well a technical block of 6000m2, to house offi ces, operations, technical rooms, fl ight simulator and a meteor observation cabin.

EMIRATES GLASS Emirates Glass is a leading processor of architectural fl at glass in the Middle East. In 2005 the company won thecontract to supply high-performance

glass to Concourse 2 at Dubai Inter-national Airport, part of Dubai Civil Aviation’s airport expansion project. Dedicated exclusively to Emirates, Concourse 2 required a multi-level structure for departures and arrivals, incorporating 27 contact gates and 59 passenger-loading bridges. In addition, the company was involved in supplying glass for a 300-room hotel and health club, duty free area and restaurants. The company also successfully supplied glass for Concourse 1 at Dubai International Airport, and a number of other major airport projects across the globe.

ENERGY INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION (EIC)Energy International Corporation (EIC) is a global company set up in 1979 to service the HVAC industry across the Middle East. Its main clients are contractors, consultants, municipalities, government agencies, airport and seaport authorities. As well

as providing mechanical, electrical and ventilation equipment, the company also supplies and contracts parking systems, traffi c management systems, traffi c enforcement and control systems, electronic ticketing and vending products, and of course, aviation and airport ground support equipment. The services provided by the company include engineering, purchasing, installation, maintenance, fi nancing, follow-up training and after-sale service.

In the past, it has provided aircraft ground air conditioning units, fuel venting systems, aircraft potable water systems and aircraft service cables, receptacles and power supplies among other products for a variety of airport developments across the region. Some of their most well-known projects

include Abu Qir Airport in Egypt, Abu-Dhabi International and Al Ain Dubai International Airports in the UAE, Beirut International Airport in Lebanon, King Fahd International, Turaif and Medina Airports in Saudi Arabia, as well as Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan and Yerevan Airport.

FREYSSINET Freyssinet, part of the Freyssinet Group, is a global construction fi rm providing prestressing, deck construction,handling and lifting solutions, cabled structures, structural accessories and repair and maintenance work. With 65 years of experience in modern civil engineering and major transport con-tracts, the company has built up a strong portfolio of airport projects. In 2004 alone, Freyssinet was responsible for engineering a device used to lift a large metal frame for Bangkok airport, and for constructing a footbridge at Cairo Inter-national Airport – one of the fi rst times that Freyssinet used its stay cables. That same year, Freyssinet was also involved in building special arches to widen the runway at the airport in Melilla in Northern Morocco, as well as being responsible for completely restoring a water tower at Rolssy Charles-de-Gaulle Airport in France and lifting a 3,000 tonne steel roof at Brisbane airport.

GEZE MIDDLE EAST Geze Middle East is part of Geze, a

EMIRATES GLASS IS A LEADING PROCESSOR OF ARCHITECTURAL FLAT GLASS IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

AED 2 BILLIONEFECO’S ONGOING PROJECTS

SURPASS AED2 BILLION

Emirates Glass has supplied its products

and systems to Dubai International

Airport Concourse 1 and 2

EIC has four offi ces in the Middle East

and company headquarters in the USA

FAST FACTS

FAST FACTS

Freyssinet is a global organsation, world

renowned for bridge construction

FAST FACTS


German company established in 1863. For almost a century and a half, Geze has been producing state-of-the art door and window control systems around the globe, with numerous branches, subsidiaries and manufacturing plants. The company has been active in the Middle East since 1996 with the establishment of a regional offi ce in Amman, Jordan.

Since that time, Geze Middle East has become one of the biggest developers and producers of door and window control systems in the GCC region, and over the last seven years, has built up a solid network of business partners and dealers. In January 2003, the company moved to the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area in Dubai in an effort to improve customer service, particularly their ability to provide a more effi cient delivery service and improved technical support. With a warehouse covering an area of approximately 500m2, the company is able to hold a large amount of stock and export to all GCC countries.

A fl agship project for the company was the development of the Cairo Airport Terminal 1 in Egypt. In partnership with consultant ECG and project manager Dar Al Handasah, Geze Middle East equipped the departure zone, arrival halls, VIP hall and presidential hall with Geze Slimdrive Automatic operators.

GUNTERT AND ZIMMERMAN CONSTRUCTION DIVISIONConcrete paving company Guntert and Zimmerman was established in 1942. In the early days, it was known for its innovative designs in canal, highway and airport trimming, as well as paving equipment, ship building, dredging and other specialised construction

machinery. Today, G&Z’s focus is on concrete paving, though the company is constantly developing new technology and upgrading its existing product offering. Based on years of experience, Guntert and Zimmerman’s paving equipment has been designed specially to last under the rigors of job site use, transport and confi guration changes, and to make users more productive. For example, some machines reduce the time required to transport, maneuver and change paving widths. Other products, such as the S1500 Slipform Paver, have been designed to meet strict smoothness specifi cations for markets that require paving widths, and are therefore ideally suited for concrete slipform paving on airport runways. The fact that the crawler tracks can be arranged to hydraulically pivot 90 degrees to the direction of travel in minutes, in either direction, renders this product extremely valuable on airport apron paving where they is usually only limited room for maneuvering. As a result, G&Z’s Pavers have become the equipment of choice in high profi le airport paving projects.

One of the company’s biggest contracts currently is the development of the New Doha International Airport. It involves the construction of two parallel airways, three parallel taxiways and 12 aircraft parking aprons.

GHD MIDDLE EASTGHD, formerly Gutteridge Haskings and Davies, is an engineering, architecture and environmental consulting fi rm, with an international network of professional and technical consultants. In the Middle East, the company has offi ces in both Qatar and the UAE. In Qatar particularly, GHD has been involved in the general engineering and architectural design, project management and supervision of a number of high profi le projects, including the expansion of Doha International Airport. Qatar Airways needed a two-storey extension to the existing departures terminal. Building on previous experience gained from similar

work, GHD provided architectural and engineering design services, as well as contract administration and project management services. The extension was designed and constructed on a fast-track basis, which enabled its completion within just six months. The new section has given Qatar Airways additional gate boarding lounges, a fi rst class lounge and cafeteria, increased check-in area capacity and additional baggage handling systems.

HALCROW CONSULTING ENGINEERSHalcrow delivers planning, design and management services for developing infrastructure and buildings worldwide. The company operates through a network of over 80 offi ces around the world with more than 7,000 employees and a turnover of approximately US $592 million. In terms of airports, Halcrow has been a key driver in the expansion of the Abu Dhabi International Airport and Sharjah Airport, though it has also

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL UNDER CONSTRUCTION.

1996THE COMPANY HAS BEEN

ACTIVE IN THE MIDDLE EAST SINCE 1996 WITH THE

OPENING OF A REGIONAL OFFICE IN AMMAN, JORDAN

Guntert and Zimmerman is currently

working on NDIA

FAST FACTS


played a role in the development of other airports in the region and indeed, many across the globe. At Abu Dhabi, the company provided planning, design and construction supervision services for the provision of a second runway, taxiways and associated infrastructure to facilitate the rapid development and growth of Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways. To meet the fast-track programme Halcrow designed and supervised an advance bulk earthworks contract to cut and fi ll 5,000,000m3 of material to achieve formation levels for the permanent airfi eld works prior to award of the main contract.

Project planning commenced in March 2005, earthworks commenced in August 2005 and the runway was

operational in October 2008 an overall period of only 43 months for planning design and construction.

At Sharjah, the growth of low-cost airline Air Arabia and a steep increase in passenger numbers meant the airport authority required Halcrow’s help to boost capacity in the short term. Drawing on signifi cant experience gained in Europe’s major airports, the company developed a series of operational approaches to make better use of the existing infrastructure and enhance the passenger experience. Using simulation modeling, they assessed passenger fl ows from both arriving and departing traffi c, and proposed immediate measures to cost-effectively increase capacity.

HOKQatar’s main airport at Doha has undergone numerous expansion projects over recent years as the region runs to keep up with demand placed on it by international and domestic travelers. Planning took place in 2003 and construction began in 2004. The fi rst

two phases are scheduled to open in January, 2012 while the third and fi nal phase is scheduled for 2015. The airport will be built over 22km2 which half is on reclaimed land.

Doha’s new airport will initially triple the eight million passengers it it currently handles. Once completed, it should process over 50 million passengers per year – which will make it one of the region’s busiest airports.

Design work for the project was carried out in 2004 by HOK – the company behind the Terminal 5 project at Heathrow International Airport in London, as well as several other major projects in the USA. The Doha airport project, however, is their biggest to date.

The design remit included the 140,000m2 passenger terminal, 800-car parking structure, mosque, central utility plant, separate royal terminal and other site improvements. The airport is also the fi rst to be specifi cally designed to cope with the giant sized Airbus A380 – and will be able to accommodate up to six of these massive aircraft at any one time.

US $592 MILLIONHALCROW HAS A TURNOVER

OF APPROXIMATELY US $592 MILLION

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INVENSYSLondon head quartered globaltechnology and controls group company Invensys has a wide range of specialist skills designed to help governments and transport organisations run and man-age their operations. The company was formed with the objectives of establishing itself as a world leader in technology and controls, providing innovative solutions to customers around the world over a broad range of industries. There are three major areas the company focuses on: operations management – auto-mating industrial processes to better manage costs and effi ciency; Invensys Rail, which spearheads rail signaling and control software development; and Invensys Controls, which specialisies in controls systems and services used in commercial appliance, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning markets.The company has a branch offi ce in Jebel Ali, close to the Dubai World Central International Airport Cargo Terminal.

JOTUNIn 2009 the Jotun Group had a total sales income of NOK 12,814 million, and today has 7400 employees.

The Jotun Group is a manufacturer of paints, coatings and powder coatings. The group has 74 companies and 40 production facilities on all continents. Including the total network of legal companies, agents, branch offi ces and distributors, Jotun is represented in more than 80 countries. The company’s operations cover development, production, marketing and sales of various paint systems and products to protect and decorate surfaces in the

residential, shipping and industrial markets. In 2009 the Jotun Group had a total sales income of NOK 12,814 million, and today has 7,400 employees.

One of Jotun’s biggest projects in the UAE was The Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 project. Here the Dubai Civil Aviation contracted Jotun to provide all the necessary paint supplies. Towards the end of last year, Jotun India secured a double contract to supply paint for the expansion of Chennai airport and the modernisation of Kolkata airport from Airports Authority of India. This meant that several thousand square metres at the two airports would be painted with Jotun products.

KHATIB AND ALAMI CONSOLI-DATED ENGINEERINGAnother regional airport that was redesigned to cope with an explosion in visitor numbers, Yanbu Airport – or Prince Abdul Mohsin Bin Abdul Aziz Airport to give it its full name – was an expansion project designed by Khatib and Alami in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The $50m project not only included the design of a brand new 8,500m2 passenger terminal with connecting bridges (a fi rst for a regional airport in the Middle East), but upgrading of the existing runway, the design and build of a parallel taxiway and apron, and all buildings and related services.

It was a large project that also included the design of a new rapid-exit and end-exit taxiways, an apron composed of fl exible and rigid pavement large enough to accommodate three Boeing 777 and one Airbus A320 aircraft, new crash, fi re and rescue road system, a dual access main road and new terminal roads system, drainage system, runway lights, security fencing and other ancillary design touches.

KONE MIDDLE EASTKone has operated in the Middle East for over 30 years and established its regional headquarters in Dubai in 1993. Since

then, the company has become a leading supplier of elevators and escalators – with more than 1000 staff at its bases in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain – and another nine countries served through authorised agents and affi liated companies.

Kone was contracted to supply three of its machine-room-less ECO3000 escalators and 17 eco-effi cient MonoSpace Elevators for the Sharjah International Airport expansion project. Installation was carried out in 2006 and the contract included a three year maintenance programme.

The Kone MonoSpace elevators were selected because they eliminate the need for space-consuming machine rooms by placing the hoisting mechanism in the lift shaft itself. The Kone ECO3000 escalators were used because they can be tailored to customer needs, are exceptionally smooth and quiet, and have a power saving mode when not in use.

Providing reliable, hard working and dependable products for constant use is a challenge, but something KONE is well versed in. The company is also involved in the King Abdul-Aziz Development in Saudi Arabia – a huge project designed to house 50,000 people - due for completion this year; the 75 fl oor twisting Infi nti Tower in Dubai with in pioneering EcoDisc hoisting machine.

THE KONE MONOSPACE LIFT.


KUWAIT INSULATING MATERIAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY (KIM-MCO), DUBAIKimmco’s range of thermal and acoustic insulation materials is well known throughout the Middle East. Produced in Kuwait to exacting international standards, Kimmco’s pipe and duct insulation, building slabs, linings and coverings are used extensively throughout the region.

The US $350 million Sharjah Airport Expansion project was a fairly major

undertaking: with a rapid growth in passenger

numbers fi ltering through the airport annually over recent years, the airport needed urgent work

to cope with the burgeoning demand

placed on the regional terminal through budget

airlines. Passenger numbers swelled from 3.4 million to 5.5 million between 2006 and 2008, prompting the work.

The expansion project Kimmco was subcontracted by the Bin Laden Group to supply approximately US $272,242 (AED1 million) in thermal and acoustic products for the expansion project, including building slabs and other products.

LATICRETEThere are very few manufacturers of tile and stone adhesives who are specifi ed on most of the prestigious projects worldwide. LATICRETE is ranked number one among them. Airport projects around the world and

specifi cally in the Middle East are no exceptions. This shows the level of confi dence the construction industry has put in Laticrete’s high-strength tile and stone installation system.

Airport projects specifi cation in the Middle East are of very high quality and usually good quality materials get approved. The challenge of heavy duty fl oors leaves no scope for unproven materials. Airport projects have to be right the very fi rst time since they can’t afford remedial work; just imagine managing the challenge of remedial work in a busy airport like Dubai’s. Whenever low quality material manages to break in the stringent quality specifi cation, the disasters are just waiting to happen.

LATICRETEe provides warrantees for its products and the company’s tile, stone adhesives, grouts and waterproofi ng systems have been used from Singapore to the US. In the Middle East, all Dubai International Airport terminals, the Royal Terminal, hangars, and Emirates engineering facilities, already use LATICRETE products. The same can be said of airports in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Jeddah, and Riyadh. While currently, New Doha International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in Jebel Ali are using the company’s products too.

LATICRETE revolutionised installation techniques. New materials piloted the ceramic tile market towards new horizons and when industry standards for the installation of ceramic tile and stone were established, in many countries, they were far below the capabilities of the LATICRETE System

Materials, the standards of which remain the highest in the construction industry today, 200-400% above most national standards.

LATICRETE System Materials are marketed in over 65 countries around the world and the company has been active in the Middle East for the last 25 years. In 2004, in response to regional demand, the company set up a production plant at Ras Al Khaimah in a JV with RAK Ceramics. Both companies believe in providing a full solution for clients through a complete system approach. The single source responsibility and one stop service has resulted in more and more customers opting for LATICRETE RAK system products.

LEVER BUILDING MATERIALS, LLCFor large areas needing quality stone fl oor covering, Lever Building Materials has a product to suit most needs. Established in 1991, the company has a long and proud history of high-quality product supply through its close links with suppliers in Italy, France, the USA, Brazil and Japan – and their products are used extensively throughout the UAE.

If you’ve ever spent time in Abu Dhabi’s duty free section, you’ve stepped on fl ooring supplied by Lever Building Materials in the city. Italian company Floor Gres, established in 1962 at Fiorano Modense (near the current Ferrari sportscar factory and test track) has pioneered several production techniques in broad use today. In 1981 Floor Gres developed the production of porcelain stoneware, a material that not only looked terrifi c

SEVERAL SUPPLIERS HAVE PROVIDED THEIR PRODUCTS FOR DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

Insulation is as important in warm

climates as it is in cold. Reducing

reliance on limited resources not only

cuts energy costs but also helps the

environment.

FAST FACTS


future as airports and other transport hubs look for repeat business from trusted providers.

MAMMUT GROUP FZEMammut Building Systems has built a long reputation as a manufacturer of pre-engineered steel buildings, so when the then Dubai World Central International Airport Cargo Terminal in Jebel Ali required a large scale 22,688m2 structure to handle cargo operations, there was only one company to draft in.

Working for main contractors Arabtec and Max Bogl, Mammut Building Systems (MBS) - a subsidiary of Emaar Industries and Investments - completed the centre’s structure in 2008. The centre has the

capacity to process 12 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it the largest cargo hub in the world – three times larger than that of next largest, Memphis International Airport in the USA. Once completed, Al Maktoum International Airport will be ten times larger than Dubai’s International Airport and Cargo Village – able to handle between 120-150 million passengers annually.

but also outperformed traditional clinker tiles for technical quality and versatility. They were so popular that the company phased out extruded clinker tile production in 1995 in favour of the porcelain stoneware tiles.

The Italian Mirage Granito Ceramico tiles are a synthetic recreation of marble and granite, produced under ultra high pressure and fused at between 1220-1260 before they are prepared in a choice of four surface fi nishes. They’re available in 79 colours, a range of sizes, eight different thicknesses and 30 trim pieces.

LINDNER DEPA INTERIORSThree years ago Lindner and Depa separately saw the great potential for business, in the US $24.5 billion that was earmarked for investment in UAE airports. In a canny move the German and UAE fi rms – which are the biggest companies in their sector in Europe and the Middle East, respectively – partnered to create something of a powerhouse in interior fi ttings, facades and fl ooring. This has helped push venues such as Dubai International Airport to the next level. For some, that would be enough of a focus, but just six months after they combined forces Lindner Depa Interiors won the $102 million contract to work on the Dubai Metro. The two companies have been able to expand separately by the comprehensive list of skills, which also includes doors and ceilings, and the combination will be tough to beat in the

MEINHARDT FAÇADE TECHNOLOGYAustralian-based company Meinhardt has a long track record when it comes to aviation infrastructure planning and engineering. Established 50 years ago, the company has worked with airport authorities, airlines, maintenance and support organisations, investors, developers and government authorities in more than 15 countries to deliver strategic planning studies (master plans and feasibility studies), airport terminal facility planning and design – and an ever increasing range of other services specifi c to the aviation industry.

The company

was commissioned by main contractors

Bechtel/Takenaka to create detailed designs and engineering

of Doha International Airport’s new terminal building major glazing work. Meinhardt was responsible for the design of the new glass walls, mosque glass dome, suspended entry canopies, skylights and roof lights, plus the ancillary building glazing and cladding to fi t with AREP (France) architect specifi cations. The project is due for completion this year.

MOTT MACDONALDThe Mott MacDonald Group is a management, engineering and development consultancy serving public and private sectors worldwide. Mott MacDonald’s business spans 120 countries with over 14,000 staff

23%

10,000

DEPA’S NET PROFITS LAST YEAR ROSE BY 23%, AND

LINDNER’S CONSOLIDATED REVENUE TOTALLED AP-

PROXIMATELY € 714,7 MILLION (AED3,331.7MILLION).

MAMMUT’S DUBAI HEAD-QUARTERS WERE ESTAB-LISHED IN 1995 AND THE

COMPANY HAS SINCE GROWN EXPONENTIALLY. IT HAS THE CAPACITY TO PRODUCE 10,000

METRIC TONNES OF PEB A MONTH.

2770DOHA’S NEW ARRIVAL TERMI-NAL WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE 2770 PASSENGERS EVERY HOUR AND IS SLATED FOR OPENING

IN OCTOBER.

Lever designates a dedicated quality

controller is assigned to every project,

to ensure that specifi c standards are

always met

FAST FACTS


working in all sectors, including transport, energy, buildings, water and the environment, health, education, industry and communications. Aviation consultancy specifi cally is one of the fastest growing areas of Mott MacDonald’s global transport business. The company provides airfi eld and building engineering services, surface access and environmental expertise, as well as capital delivery programmes, asset management and environment management for airports.

One of the company’s renowned projects in the Middle East was the development of Kuwait airport. Mott

MacDonald’s primary role was to plan and design the operational areas including a 100,000m2 apron and hangars to be developed in phases for parking, storage and line maintenance. They were also required to support the operational needs within the terminal building and support GSE facilities.

ROBERT MATHEW, JOHNSON – MARSHALL (RMJM), DUBAI.The new Air Navigations Services Centre at Sheikh Zayed airport, Abu Dhabi, sets new standards in global air traffi c control facilities. Designed for the General Civil Aviation Authority, the project covered two main buildings: the new Air Traffi c Control Centre and the new Emergency Air Traffi c Control Centre which contains a back-up operations room, service and air traffi c control teaching facilities.

The state-of-the-art US $81.6 million centre opened last November and was,

in RMJM’s words, designed to create a high quality working environment which offered great interior workspace fl exibility, while also delivering an exterior design befi tting of the “prestigious government authority”. The facility includes a 600m2 main Air Traffi c Control room with enough capacity to cope with projected air traffi c growth over the next 20 years, handling up to two million movements, annually.

SIEMENS I&SSiemens were key in developing the world’s largest baggage handling system at Dubai International Airport.

Siemens Industry Solutions (I&S) supplies production, transportation and building systems around the world, namely, integrated hardware and software technologies and industry-specifi c solutions to customers in industry and infrastructure. In fi scal 2007, I&S generated sales of approximately US $50.8 billion with around 209,000 employees worldwide.

With 21.7 million passengers in 2004 – an increase of more than 20% compared with 2003 – Dubai International Airport is now the most important airport in the Middle East. I&S had a key part to play in its expansion. In an initial renovation phase from 1998 to 2002, both I&S and Building Technologies divisions were awarded contracts for baggage handling systems, runway lighting and building technologies. Additional large contracts were awarded to Siemens for the second expansion phase. I&S were given the task of building a cargo centre that could accommodate 1.2 million tonnes of freight per year.

120

9 MILLION

MOTT MACDONALD’S BUSI-NESS SPANS 120 COUNTRIES

WITH OVER 14,000 STAFF

THE AIRPORT HANDLED 9,026,000 PASSENGERS IN 2008.

BY 2012, ITS CAPACITY WILL DOUBLE.

THE GENERAL CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY BUILDING.

AL MAKTOUM AIRPORT’S PASSENGER TERMINAL IS SET TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN JEBEL ALI DUBAI.


STYRO INSULATION MATERIALS INDUSTRIES Anyone who has ever owned a chilly bin or cooler knows that Styrofoam is one of the best thermal insulation materials ever made. It’s a lightweight, easily workable product that has thousands of domestic and commercial uses – and it’s been used throughout Dubai’s International Airport to line cold storage units and pipes.

Supplied by local contractor Styro Insulation Materials Industries and chiefl y used to create cold storage units for the airport’s food courts. However, it’s not only in the food industry that Styrofoam has its uses. Styro also provides panels faced with plyboard or aluminium with Styrofoam at its core. They’re perfect for small building projects and mean builders don’t need to fuss with insulation products.

According to Styro, the panels are ideal for residential buildings, museums and corporate venues. They’re fl ame retardant and environmentally friendly Styro also makes products for the decorative pieces, pontoon buoyancy units and block inserts.

All products are made locally at the company’s factory in Dubai which has a combined output capacity of 500,000m3.

Since supplying Dubai airport with a range of products, the company has gone on to secure contracts with the Dubai Mall.

contracted to construct the steel roofs of the seven hangars to house Emirates fl eet of Airbus A380 heavy aircraft at Dubai International Airport.

As with any landmark construction project in the Middle East, the hangars needed to not only function exceptionally well, but also had to fit in with the airport’s modern design. The seven hangars are each 110m2, and more than 14,000 tons of structural steel was used in their construction. Work started on site in September 2003, and TAV finished the buildings in November 2005.

TAV Construction is based in Turkey and has more than $6billion in airport projects on the go.

TCTI COMPOSITES DUBAIThere’s no escaping the fact that the Middle East is hot, and the sun is bright. As the summer months approach, the effect of the sun on travelers is only going to get worse – and they’ll be scrambling for every square inch of shade available.

Dubai-based fi breglass specialists TCTI understands this, which is why its GRP sunshades take pride of place at Abu Dhabi’s International Airport. The current control tower is also topped with TCTI’s composite material, while GRP shades provide welcome respite from the UAE’s relentless sun in several public areas of the Dubai International Airport. The Dubai International Airport project was one of the company’s largest to date, with 72 large inverted umbrella shapes supplied in 1999 and used to decorate the roof supports.

TEKLA MIDDLE EASTTekla’s software has been used by major design fi rms around the world for 3D modeling, planning and cost management on major design and construction – and it’s credited with saving millions in project costs on a wide range of developments.

When Murray Roberts was awarded the contract for the fi t-out, fi nishes and MEP of Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3, Concourse 2 and Car Park in 2004, Tekla’s software was used to

Styrofoam is a trademark of the Dow

Chemical Company but it was actually

fi rst made by Swedish inventor Carl

Georg Munters. Dow now has exclusive

rights to the product.

TAV’s UAE branch in one of six outside

its home country of Turkey. The branch

has four ongoing projects, including

several high rise towers.

The Dubai International Airport was one

of the largest projects undertaken by the

company.

FAST FACTS

FAST FACTS

FAST FACTS

TCTI IS A FIBREGLASS SPECIALIST AND HAS PROVIDED ITS PRODUCTS TO ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

TAV AEROTurkey’s TAV Construction opened its UAE branch in 2004 to seize on several key projects which were available at the time. The company, with PLL, was


successfully manage the project by keeping track of what was happening, what was required and what major costs needed to be met. By keeping a close rein on wastage, project development and timescales by using the software, Murray Roberts and local partners Al Habtoor Engineering (with Takenaka, Japan) was able to successfully manage 20,000 onsite workers and meet tighter deadlines. The software helped with logistics, which meant a more focused effort could be made on site safety. With over 136 million man hours dedicated to the project, time lost to worker injuries was minimal. In fact, at one point, 32 million man hours were logged without one lost time injury.

THALES AIR SYSTEM, DUBAIAbu Dhabi International Airport’s impressive 20-storey, 109m tall control tower dominates the skyline at the airport – and is easily one of the most attractive buildings of its type in the world. But a building can only be as useful as the systems it contains, and for that job, Thales Air Systems was drafted in to fi t-out the centre with the very latest in air traffi c control and ground support control systems.

Abu Dhabi Airports Company has

committed US $6.8 billion to the airport project in order to make it one of the most advanced in the world. The Air Traffi c Control tower is its centre piece, and Thales’ latest generation gate-to-gate Air Traffi c Control systems are designed to enhance the airport’s operational capabilities. The systems cover all aircraft handling requirements, including en-route, approach and ground movements.

THYSSENKRUPP ELEVATOR, UAEIn a busy airport, the effi cient fl ow of passengers is vital for smooth running operations. It’s not an easy job: with thousands of people needing to walk considerable distances between the check-in desk and their planes, or their aircraft to baggage claim, the need for swift passenger movements is vital.

ThyssenKrupp’s reputation for producing escalators, lifts and moving walkways in heavily population pedestrian areas is unrivalled – and that’s why the company was brought in to assist with the largest airport project in the world, the Terminal 3 expansion at Dubai International Airport.

It was a considerable project for the company, with 386 elevators (345 elevators, six truck lifts, six loading docks and 29 dumbwaiters), 170 customised escalators and 134 customised walkways. The project also required 125 Crystal Apron Drive Passenger Boarding Bridges (two and three tunnels), and a total of 25 Triple Stand PBBs to service the double-deck Airbus A380.

TYCO FIRE & SECURITYIt has become imperative for any new or upgraded airport in the 21st Century - Gulf region or otherwise – to obtain the best security systems in the world. Tyco, which serves over 2 million commercial businesses has been a leader in this field. It also has a specialism for fire detection and safety, including fire alarm control panels and monitoring systems, sprinkler systems, emergency lighting as well as smoke,

heat, and carbon monoxide detectors and almost all forms of extinguishers. For something as large as an airport, it is no mean feat, but the companies investment in video and digital surveillance has seen it attract more customers. Through its subsidiaries it also provides anti-theft solutions and radio-frequency interrogations. When you’ve maintained the safety of passengers in 300 international airports so far, it is perhaps demonstration of a job most worthy of doing well.

UNIGULF DEVELOPMENT (DUBAI)As the thermometer creeps up to 50º outside in the next few months, it will most likely be applications from Unigulf Development that have to be installed to beat the heat. This distinctly Emirati company has grown to be a local leader for providing systems to cater for all temperatures, and therefore industrial end-uses: heating, cooling, refrigeration, ventilation and air conditioning. Its customers can be found in the Mall of the Emirates Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the fi rst two phases of Dubai Internet City. It is another company with an itch to expand, and now has showrooms in the UAE and Qatar, with customer relationships developing in Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan.

60mTEKLA WAS FOUNDED IN ES-

POO, FINLAND IN 1966 AND NOW HAS AN ANNUAL REV-

ENUE OF €60M AND 450 STAFF WORLDWIDE.

1893THALES ROOTS CAN BE

TRACED BACK TO 1893. THE COMPANY NOW DEALS EXCLU-SIVELY WITH THE AEROSPACE,

SPACE, DEFENCE AND SECU-RITY INDUSTRIES.

80%THE COMPANY PROVIDES SYS-TEMS TO 80% OF COMMERCIAL

SEA VESSELS.

Dubai Airport is the busiest international

passenger hub in the UAE at present.

FAST FACTS

Atco Rubber Products, Nordik Metalblok

and Refco are among the company’s

long list of business partners.

FAST FACTS

U

ADOPTING STANDARDS

There may have been a slowdown in residen-tial and commercial construction projects in the UAE over the past 12 months, but project spend in the region remains buoy-ant as governments turn their attention to infrastructure work.

But, as the UAE continues to set new stan-dards in design, new international benchmarks in mega-project construction and ambitious infrastructure work with tight dead-lines, the Gulf is also coming to grips with the need for a set of building codes developed specifi cally for the region.

Until now, the absence of a comprehensive set of building codes drafted for the UAE has not been a real issue. Most codes and leg-islation adopted in the UAE is derived from British Standards which, themselves, have been adapted by the US and Europe to bet-ter suit their local needs. With more than 85% of construction contracts awarded to international companies, all working under various building code standards from three key international regions, it’s a complicated system that needs to be straightened out.

It’s something the UAE Contractors Association is keen to address. With suppliers, subcontractors and specialists using British, Euro-pean or even American building codes as a basis, a uniform set of guidelines would help smooth out any discrepancies in the standard and legality of any work carried out, and the quality of building materials used.

THE UAE IS A WORLD LEADER IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS, BUT LACKS A UNILATERAL SET OF BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS FOR SUPPLIERS AND

CONTRACTORS. IS IT TIME WE HAD ONE?

By Carlin Gerbich

Part of that assurance comes from the approval process itself. British Standard building codes have been developed over decades – while testing standards on materials are strictly adhered to. Under British Standards rules, all materials are tested by a third party, impartial to the outcome of the test process. Products either meet the design, performance and test criteria for which they were designed, or they don’t – and specifi cations can be easily traced by customers for verifi cation.

Contractors themselves are also regulated and, though the temp-tation to use non-certifi ed products during an economic downturn must be there, the cost of project failure, poor fi t and the additional cost of correction work means that sub-standard materials are simply a false economy. A certifi ed product may cost 10% to 15%

more than a non-certifi ed product, but it’s better than having to replace it with some-thing that should have been used in the fi rst place. In general, most international construction fi rms and suppliers worth their salt have undergone the rigours of ISO certifi cation, which not only looks in to their management systems and procedures,

but also the standard and quality of products made.The safety implications of using sub-standard fi reproof and resis-

tant materials doesn’t bear thinking about, particularly given the nature of high-rise living in the UAE. The potential for catastrophe is a very real threat, and using non-certifi ed products carries little comfort should the worst happen. A supplier may claim that its products meet fi re specifi cations, but without third party approval

“THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF USING SUB-STANDARD

FIREPROOF AND RESISTANT MATERIALS DOESN’T

BEAR THINKING ABOUT, PARTICULARLY GIVEN THE

NATURE OF HIGH-RISE LIVING IN THE UAE”

PRODUCT FOCUSBUILDING CODES


or company quality standards in place, no responsible developer would be prepared to risk using their products.

However, it’s not only fi re safety and materials in which construc-tion standards are being driven. Ecologically sound developments are the current hot topic and US-based Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is keen to promote greener construction projects around the globe. Sheikh Mohammed’s green building initiative, announced two years ago, highlighted a local desire for a move towards more environmentally friendly construction projects. While greener projects carry a premium over traditional building techniques and materials, LEED says customers are prepared to pay more for energy effi cient designs and green building initiatives.

Any unilateral building codes refi ned and implemented for the UAE would have to mirror these concerns. It’s no easy task, and not something that can be produced in a few weeks. Even if they could be rendered and refi ned for local adoption in a relatively short period, unilateral approval for them at government level would still take time.

Though building codes and practices themselves would be based on British, European and US regulations, many architects believe the process of refi ning the codes and distilling them in to one, cohesive set of UAE Building Codes will take years to implement. The codes would not only have to be carefully worded and adapted, but they would also go through a lengthy approval process at central government level – and then be put in place, policed and appropriate documentation prepared.

In the short term, contractors and suppliers continue to self monitor their processes to ensure the highest standards are maintained within the UAE’s construction sector. It’s a precari-ous situation but one in which contractors can’t afford to risk non-compliance. �

FIRES IN THE GULF HAVE SPARKED CONCERNS OVER THE SAFETY OF WORKERS.

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FRONT

NEW DAWN FOR AL GHARBIA

Plans for the development of the Western Region in Abu Dhabi – now offi cially ‘Al Gharbia’ – is reminiscent of how many of the GCC’s most developed regions

were a few decades ago. The near end-less desert between the seven major towns has so far evaded signifi cant development due to its extraordinary contribution to the world’s oil and gas markets and to Abu Dhabi’s gross domestic product – from a population roughly akin to Downtown Burj Dubai.

The region is also remote and arid, with the fi rst challenge seemingly to be where to begin. Its landmass - 59,760 km2 – makes up 83% of the emirate.

But the fact that Al Gharbia is something of a blank slate means that, ideally, devel-opers and construction companies alike

THE CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT IN THE EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI WILL BE A HOTBED OF BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

By Ben Roberts

can apply the wisdom of the last few years accumulated from its own developments, those of neighbouring emirates and the Middle East in general.

“Frequently the foremost problem for projects are scale,” the Urban Planning Council told CW in an emailed response. “Frequently there is a park or business proposed that is far too large. The result

is wasted space, over-landscaping, or a small structure surrounded by sand or parking.”

The UPC’s prospective sectors to develop for the towns and the space between them range from tourism, housing and schools

REGION FOCUSWESTERN REGION

to oil and gas refi neries. Al Gharbia hous-ing renovation has been well document-ed since last summer, with a two phase plan costing around US $1.1 billion (AED4

• 59,760 km2

• 83% of Abu Dhabi landmass

• 120,000 population, 16,500 are

nationals, 10% of resident population

• Large land mass, low population density

• Seven major city regions:

Madinat Zayed, Mirfa, Ghayatti,

Liwa, Ruwais, Sila’a and Delma

(highest concentration: MZ and Ruwais)

• Generates 40% of GDP, over AED1.5

billion annually

• Fourth largest oil exporter by volume,

2.3 million barrels per day

QUICK STATISTICS

“FREQUENTLY THERE IS A PARK OR BUSINESS PROPOSED THAT IS FAR

TOO LARGE. THE RESULT IS WASTED SPACE”


billion) by the Al Gharbia Municipality. First, there will be an upgrade to approxi-mately 3320 houses. Second, older houses that cannot be renovated will undergo a technical report for municipality con-sultants. The fate of these houses is not yet clear.

The UPC is working in collaboration with Western Region Development Council and Western Region Municipality. An estimated $26.67 billion has already been announced for infrastructure, tourism, and economic development projects in the region. It has identifi ed seven aspects to keep in mind, including protection of the area’s culture,

identity and its growing population and economic development.

It is now two years since the ‘Design Charette’ that brought together archi-tects, designers, engineers and others to thrash out formative plans for the Al Gharbia region. The UPC told CW that although the designs have remained roughly the same since then, there have been minor alterations: the refi nement of architectural design and detail; a revisiting of popula-tion numbers and economics related to the recent economic crisis; and a higher level of stakeholder involvement and buy-in. It could not elaborate at time of deadline as to what size of outside investment they had in mind for outside stakeholders, nor the criteria for their involvement.

China Jiangsu Construction commer-cial manager Brian Chan said that this project is of great interest to his company.

Naif Mahmood, branch manager for Sayah Construction in Al Ain, said that the com-pany would potentially be interested in this project to extend the small amount of work it does in Abu Dhabi.

Damac Group said it might consider invest-ments in plots in the project, though perhaps not in the short term. “As an organisation Damac looks at all developments and if it seems like we can add value then we’ll

evaluate it in our strategic time frame,” said spokesperson Niall McLoughlin. “Our short-term agenda we wouldn’t discuss, but it is something we would consider looking at.”

General Holding Corporation (GHC), the UAE’s largest industrial conglomerate and a prime mover in implementing the Abu Dhabi government’s industrial diversifi ca-tion policy, is likely to be one of the chief sources of funding initially. On its website it says it’s “pursuing an aggressive industri-alisation programme focused on exploiting Abu Dhabi’s competitive advantages in developing energy and capital-intensive industries,” which may be fi tting with the redevelopment of the oil refi neries. However, there is no sign yet of specifi c investment plans for anything in Al Gharbia. �

WILL BE SPENT ON A TWO PHASE CONSTRUCTION PLAN

US$ 1.1 BILLION

Mirfa – small town of 15,000 located

60 km east of Abu Dhabi that is

nonetheless a tourist centre for Al

Gharbia. Developments in the 2030

project include: sports centre, maritime

centre, abattoir and sheep farmyard,

mosque and cornice facilities, schools,

police department, central souk; ADNOC

nitrogen plant; Mirfa hotel expansion;

food distribution centre.

Ruwais – a 30-year-old industrial town

of around 16,000 and one of the hubs

for the oil and gas industries, along with

the most advanced health, retails and

community services in the region. The

oil refi nery and gas plant are both to

be expanded, along with an expansion

to the airport expansion and other

industrial projects.

Madinat Zayed – the regional capital

with a population of around 29,000,

situated 150 km southwest of Abu

Dhabi City. Developments will include

residences, solar power facilities and

government and civil defence projects.

Aldar Properties – granted US $204

million contract from UPC for 1,000

houses in Al Ain

Al Qudra – real estate arm won US $1

billion contract to build 5000 houses in

Al Ain from UPC

Mustang Engineering – won contract

for carbon capture storage project from

government for Masdar city

TOWNS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

COMPANIES THAT COULD SEE REPEAT BUSINESS

DEVELOPERS PLAN TO APPLY THEIR WISDOM ACCUMULATED OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS TO AL GHARBIA.

“IF IT SEEMS LIKE WE CAN ADD VALUE THEN WE’LL

EVALUATE IT IN OUR STRATEGIC TIMEFRAME”


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The concept behind EIP’s services is to deliver European quality at a local level. The company does this by employing professionals from the insulated panel industry. In addition, the fi rm uses a fully-automated continuous production line, which as well as being a fi rst in the region, was built up by one of the two best panel-line manufacturers in the world. With the capacity to produce 4000m2 of panels daily, it allows EIP to provide the fastest possible delivery time for demanding projects. Among the company’s main offerings

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EMIRATES INDUSTRIAL PANELSUPPLIER OF INSULATED METAL PANELS

are products used for roof and façade cladding, internal partitioning and cold store construction, alongside insulated panels and complimentary products, such as installation fl ashings and accessories, insulated doors, dock shelters and lev-elers. The services provided are mostly on-site and engineering services, and include preparation of shop drawings, installation supervision and the instal-lation of the panels themselves.

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DIALOGUENICHOLAS THOMPSON

What motivated you to move back to the Middle East?We looked at coming to Middle East some time ago but the mechanics of it didn’t really work, we couldn’t price ourselves into the market and we didn’t have a local partner. Although over the years we bid for work in Bahrain, Oman, Saudi and various places we never got close enough in terms of the economics to make it work. It wasn’t really possible for us until now. Now the whole fi nancial framework has changed.

So what do you think has changed in recent years that have made this region so attractive? The region has probably now raised its level above everywhere else, whereas before it was probably below everywhere else. There has been a sea change, which you can see in both the 2030 plan [Abu Dhabi] and its equivalent in Dubai. To use Dubai as an example, the emirate seemed to be just trying to do whatever they could before the oil ran out, to keep the game going as long as possible. Whereas here in Abu Dhabi, and also in Qatar, they’re taking a more realistic approach – they’re trying not to have so many high buildings, not to make development so dense. I think that’s good for the environment but also I think it’s good for consultants because it opens the market up. When you just put in high-rise buildings, which have to be iconic, that tends to limit who can work on developments. There is a feeling that because a building is very tall the architect has got to be a world-renowned name. If you come down in height it opens the market up to many other firms. I mean, it’s more competitive but from our point of view that’s quite a good thing.”

In the last 12 months we have seen a lot of UK architects moving to the region. Why is that? It is true that in the UK the market has slowed down quite dramatically and the fi nancial side of projects has

dried up. I think government work is going to abate as well, because most of Western European countries have got pretty big debts, so governments can’t keep spending the money. But it’s an obvious place to come too, because Oman, Abu Dhabi and Qatar have all said they are going to increase their capital spending by 10% this year. That represents a huge amount of work.

One of the criticisms levied at Dubai is that because of the short time architects were given to design and get things on the ground, quality has suffered in that city. What are your thoughts on whether Abu Dhabi are going to learn lessons from that?Our buildings at Yas Island were caught by the timescale of the race day, if there wasn’t the race day they wouldn’t

have been built. Had they been built almost certainly it would not have been on the same programme. I think on more recent projects that we’ve looked at the programmes are still what we would consider to be very

short, particularly in the design phase. I think there is still an assumption that you can get the beginning of the building phase in fi ve months. If you do that, quality does suffer.

Did that belief have anything to do with your company’s decision to set up base in Abu Dhabi, rather than in Dubai?

When we came here we decided not to go and base ourselves in Dubai because we didn’t think that market was sustainable. But we also decided we would build a hub up in Abu Dhabi for geographical reasons. It’s much easier to get from here to Oman, Dubai and Qatar as well as North Africa, and Egypt and Libya are growing markets. So this is really quite a hot spot, and even if there wasn’t any work in Abu Dhabi it would still be a good location, because it is centrally positioned. As a UK fi rm you can’t do things from afar; you’ve got to be here.

Back to the futureCW caught up with Nicholas Thompson, CEO of architecture practice Aukett Fitzroy Robinson, which has recently returned to the region

By Orlando Crowcroft

Architecture and design practice Aukett Fitzroy

Robinson may have only opened its Abu Dhabi

offi ce two years ago, but the global fi rm is by

no means new to the Middle East. In the 1970s

and 80s architects from AFR designed several

buildings on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, including

the Bank of International Commerce and Credit

and Bank of Oman buildings, as well as working

on developments in Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

The fi rm’s most recent Middle Eastern foray

has been the development of two hotels on Yas

Island for Aldar.

“THE REGION HAS PROBABLY NOW RAISED ITS LEVEL ABOVE EVERYWHERE ELSE, WHEREAS

BEFORE IT WAS PROBABLY BELOW EVERYWHERE ELSE. ”

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Construction Week - Issue 321

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