THE SKY IS THE LIMIT ITP MEDIA GROUP / BUSINESS AUGUST 2021 • ISSUE 778 “Through the sky pod system we aim to transform the future of transport not just in Sharjah or the UAE, but around the world” OLEG ZARETSKIY, CEO, uSky TransportCONTENTS AUGUST 2021 • ISSUE 778 uSky Transport’s CEO Oleg Zaretskiy outlines how the company plans to create an innovative solution for traf c congestion in cities CO V ER S TOR Y 20 SCAFFOLDING Ascend Access System Scaffolding on receiving the Kitemark certi cation as it marks a safety milestone SUSTAINABILITY Terraco on using Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems to ramp up its focus on green building initiatives BIG PICTURE A look at the 1,500m2 Deep Dive Dubai that features the world’s deepest swimming pool for diving INNOVATION Construction giant ALEC shares details about implementing digital solutions to promote collaboration EDITOR’S LETTER Ranju Warrier re ects on Egypt’s construction sector and explains why it deserves more attention INTERVIEW Red Sea International Company’s CEO Khalid Mohammed Fagih discusses with Disha Dadlani the company’s upcoming strategies and focus on Saudiasation 9 10 12 14 16 17 STAT OF THE MONTH $530M ROAD NETWORK PROJECTS The UAE opens road projects connecting regions and emirates with a total gross length of 112km QUOTE OF THE MONTH “SHIFT THE NEEDLE” Industry leaders on adopting modular construction methods to keep up with global trends 08 06 ROUND UP Construction Week highlights key takeaways from our rst ever Leaders in Construction Egypt Summit that focused on the sector’s transforming nature in the country 26 AUGUST 2021 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 3WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM4 CONSTRUCTION WEEK AUGUST 2021WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM PUBLISHED BY AND © 2021 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. PO Box 500024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates TEL +971 4 444 3000 WEB: WWW.ITP.COM Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London & Mumbai ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi MANAGING DIRECTOR Alex Reeve EDITORIAL CW DIGITAL EDITOR ranju.warrier@itp.com CW MULTIMEDIA REPORTER disha.dadlani@itp.com CW REPORTER mina.vucic@itp.com MEP EDITOR anup.oommen@itp.com PMV EDITOR dennis.daniel@itp.com FM EDITOR rajiv.pillai@itp.com ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Saraswati Agarwal TEL +971 4 444 3352, EMAIL saraswati.agarwal@itp.com SENIOR SALES MANAGER Moutaz Gadelhak TEL +971 4 444 3177, EMAIL moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com ITP LIVE GENERAL MANAGER Ahmad Bashour TEL +971 4 444 3549, EMAIL ahmad.bashour@itp.com STUDIO SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS Efraim Evidor, Adel Rashid STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Aasiya Jagadeesh, Ajith Narendra, Fritz John Asuro PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION GROUP PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR Kyle Smith PRODUCTION MANAGER Basel Al Kassem PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Mahendra Pawar SENIOR IMAGE EDITOR Emmalyn Robles CIRCULATION DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION MANAGER Evijin Pathrose DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Avinash Pereira CIRCULATION EXECUTIVE Rajesh Pillai MARKETING DIRECTOR OF AWARDS & MARKETING Daniel Fewtrell ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies WEB www.ConstructionWeekOnline.com SUBSCRIBE online at www.itp.com/subscriptions NOTICE The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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The most important project, contract, and tender information, updated every month To have your copy of Construction Week delivered to your doorstep, subscribe by logging on to www.itp.com/subscriptionsWendesday 8th September Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences The construction industry’s duties to fulfil Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, set out by the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, are beginning to take shape as we are witnessing some of the most exciting and remarkable projects that the Middle East has to offer. The Leaders in Construction KSA Summit will bring together senior construction executives, to discuss and offer an insight into the rapid growth and development of Saudi Arabia’s construction industry. SHERDIL BABAR Conference Production Manager T +971 4 444 3223 E: sherdil.babar@itp.com For Sponsorship EnquiriesFor Speaking EnquiriesFor Attendance Enquiries CONTACT SARASWATI AGARWAL Commercial Director T: +971 4 444 3352 E: saraswati.agarwal@itp.com RANJU WARRIER Digital Editor T: +971 4 444 3385 E: ranju.warrier@itp.com OFFICIAL EVENT SPONSORS WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM/LEADERS-KSA6 CONSTRUCTION WEEK AUGUST 2021 QUOTE OF THE MONTH WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM “SHIFT THE NEEDLE”: RAMBOLL SUPPORTS THE INDUSTRY’S MODULAR MOVE Modular construction has been identified, to an extent, as the future of construction in the Middle East. The truth behind this construction phenomenon is the anticipated benefits the industry was patiently waiting for, which includes heightened efficiency, productivity, and waste management. With large portions of the project being fabricated away from the job site, the aforementioned are just some of the many advantages that have been introduced to the markets across the globe. In their latest webinar titled — The Rise of Modular Construction in the Middle East — modular design consultant, Ramboll, explored the benefits and challenges impacting modular construction in the region. A panel of experts from around the world, led by Brian Sweeney, Head of Project Middle East, Ramboll, brought a broad spectrum of information and opinions to the discussion. The panel participants, who engaged in the stimulating discussion included Ewelina Wo niak-Szpakiewicz, CEO of DMDmodular, Poland; Gwyn Taylor, General Manager - LINQ Modular at ALEC/LINQ; Nicholas Reynolds, Director of Construction Delivery at AMAALA; Utku Oztaskin, Development Director at Qiddiya; and Wael Boureslan, Head of Technical – Middle East & Africa at ACC. The webinar focused on how there has been a change in attitude towards the construction sector in the last five years. Reynolds stressed that a shift in the government’s mindsets in the region has definitely happened, with the use of modular construction methodologies. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has particularly adapted the approach, encouraging a smarter, and most importantly, safer way to construct. He added: “We as developers really want to see this [modular construction] coming into the region and establish more government support.” Reiterating Reynolds’ comments, ACC’s Boureslan said: “There is definitely a major change in attitude and in the acceptance of modular construction in the region, first and foremost, due to its necessity.” Although a hot topic in the Middle East, modular construction has been used in multiple industries for decades. AMAALA’s Reynolds believes that the Middle East can learn a lot from cases like Singapore, where modular construction is a commonplace, “having had the government shift the needle from traditional to modern methods”. The Middle East is well prepared to start the modular construction journey, as it needs to keep up with modern approaches that goes hand in hand with being the world’s largest construction activity hub. Summarising the webinar’s discussion, the key towards achieving yet another target comes down to updating regulations, as well as being open to accepting change. The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to the surroundings, and the Middle East is on a remarkable path to implement yet another successful modification to the construction sector. With the largest global construction activity in the last 20 years, the region is shifting focus onto more innovative building approaches to keep up with the global trends Offsite construction involves an increase in the ef ciency of the project as well as its waste management and overall productivity [Image: CW archives]Saraswati Agarwal Commercial Director T: +971 4 444 3352 M: +971 52 895 2214 Email: saraswati.agarwal@itp.com Ranju Warrier Digital Editor, Construction Week T: +971 4 444 3385 Email: ranju.warrier@itp.com Ebonie Platfoot Events Manager T: +971 4 444 3689 Email: ebonie.platfoot@itp.com CELEBRATING SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR WEDNESDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2021 ConstructionWeekOnline.com/ksa-awards #CWAwards RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES: FOR NOMINATION ENQUIRIES: FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES: NOMINATE NOW PLATINUM SPONSORGOLD SPONSORSASSOCIATE SPONSOR8 CONSTRUCTION WEEK AUGUST 2021 STAT OF THE MONTH WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM NEW ROAD NETWORKS WORTH $530M ENHANCE TRANSPORTATION EFFICIENCY IN THE UAE HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated a series of road networks and strategic development projects, which has been implemented with the aim of shortening the distance and transportation time between various regions and emirates in the country. Completed at a total cost of $530m (AED1.95bn), the roads are aimed to enhance transportation efficiency, as well as facilitate commercial growth and encourage domestic tourism. Additionally, the projects are part of vital development initiatives, implemented by a committee under the President’s directives, to provide the highest quality of living for the people in the UAE. Talking about the projects, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Under the leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the follow up of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as the concerted efforts of federal and local authorities, the UAE continues to implement strategic initiatives that support the country’s aspirations for the next 50 years.” He additionally stated that the projects boost the “competitiveness” of the nation’s vital sectors. “The UAE’s infrastructure projects are designed to provide an environment where both individuals and institutions can achieve their fullest potential,” HH Sheikh Mohammed added. Featuring a total gross road length of 112km, the road projects include a network of tracks, roads, intersections, and bridges in three main axes. The first axis, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, is a new route that represents an extension of the Sheikh Khalifa Road (E84) leading to the Emirate of Fujairah. The 52km route has three lanes in each direction, with a design speed of 140 km/h. The second axis is Al-Watan Road, which represents a direct connection route between various regions, with three lanes in each direction, featuring a length of 42km and a design speed of 120km/h. The third axis of the project is the 18km Dubai-Hatta Road, which includes the development of the current road, with three lanes in each direction instead of two lanes, at a speed of 120km/h. According to HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed said the vital infrastructure projects are part of a series of economic development initiatives implemented under the directives of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, and the support of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, launched a series of road network projects [Representational image: CW archives] The projects are part of vital development initiatives, implemented by a committee under the President’s directives, to provide the highest quality of living for the people in the UAESCAFFOLDING WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COMAUGUST 2021 CONSTRUCTION WEEK 9 ASCEND ACCESS SYSTEM SCAFFOLDING EARNS “MILESTONE OF QUALITY” IN SAFETY Ascend Access System Scaffolding LLC has achieved a milestone of quality by receiving the ‘Kitemark’ certification for movable aluminium scaffolding, which adds a different dimension on its brand value. A Kitemark logo certifies that the quality and safety of the product has been tested by the British Standards Institution. Ascend System Scaffolding has set a benchmark to maintain a high quality of production in all range of scaffolding disciplines by adding a state-of-the-art facility. The company has succeeded in striking the right balance between safer and economical solutions in steel, aluminium, and fiberglass segments. Its scaffolding access system not only meets workers’ safety standards, but is also user-friendly, enabling it to uphold safety standards in accordance with EN 1004, which is the European product standard for scaffold towers. Ascend’s various scaffolding manuals describe safety practices for erection and dismantling method and hazard awareness with simplified illustrations. The EN certified erection manual is another added advantage for the users. Ascend also provides a value-added service for its customers with PASMA ( prefabricate access suppliers’ & manufactures’ association Ltd., UK), as well as training programs, crash courses and certification for scaffolders. Spike in steel prices Steel prices saw a sharp upward climb and were at an all-time unprecedented high globally, on account of excessive increase in the prices of iron ore. This was also impacted by the strong growth in steel demand in many sectors across China, India, the US, and Europe as global markets slowly retrieved from prolonged decline with the restart of business activities and vaccination drive. Consequently, this affected the steel industries negatively, which has caused a price hike across steel products such as deformed steel bars, scaffoldings, among others. Competitive price of aluminium Despite price escalation in steel and its associated commodities globally, the price of aluminium and fiberglass for scaffolding has not seen significant inflation across the Middle East, and it continues to remain competitive. In fact, the Middle East hosts several mega aluminium producers in the world. This also includes the world’s largest ‘premium aluminium’ producer. Owing to leading participation by such players, the region has successfully driven the price of aluminium to be steady and competitive, in comparison to relevant products in the market. Similarly, the Middle East is also one of the largest petrochemical producers in the world, which has aided in maintaining a substantial supply of plastic and petrochemical products, driving a competitive price for such products across the region. That, in turn, results in better price and faster delivery in terms of aluminium and fiberglass scaffolding. Ascend is curating safe access solutions, which are designed to suit a range of applications and industries, provide better work place safety, and increase productivity [Image: Supplied] The company specialises in the manufacturing of aluminum mobile scaffolds and aluminum ladders, and its scaffolding range offers simplicity, durability, and mobility, to suit most applications Ascend’s applications and features Ascend Access System Scaffolding specialises in the manufacturing of aluminium mobile scaffolds and aluminium ladders. Furthermore, the company’s scaffolding range offers simplicity, durability, mobility, to suit most applications. The company’s clientele includes electromechanical companies, advertising or sign making companies, maintenance companies, oilfield contractors, ship building and ship repairs, interior decorators, cleaning companies, insulation companies, lighting suppliers, and more. Recognising the need to cater to high safety standards, Ascend is curating safe access solutions, which are designed to suit a range of applications, provide better work place safety, and increase productivity. The company offers a variety of accessible, strong and safe solutions. These include aluminium mobile scaffolding, mobile stairway towers, foldable narrow towers, and combination towers, among others. Next >