< Previous| MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | 60 DECEMBER 2023 CONSTRUCTION WEEK MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2023DECEMBER 2023 61 | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | Set on the dazzling night of 23 November, the 19th annual Construction Week Middle East Awards 2023 took place at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. The event aimed to recognise outstanding individuals and businesses in the construction industry who demonstrated excellence in the preceding 12 months. This year marked a signifi cant milestone, with a record- breaking number of nominations across 20 categories. In 2023, there has been a notable resurgence in construction sector activities, with projects in full swing. The award ceremony was a dedicated platform to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and companies who distinguished themselves through resilience, innovation, expertise, and project excellence. | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | 62 DECEMBER 2023 Health and safety is crucial to the success of the construction industry. In the past 12 months it has been a big talking point for the sector. This year, the Health and Safety Initiative of the Year was claimed by McLaren Construction for its behavioural-based safety programme. According to the judges, McLaren Construction enhanced competitiveness and developed a positive and safe culture for its workers during the execution of a project. The company successfully met the client’s expectations in helping and maintaining an effi cient health and safety management system. Beating nine other sustainability initiatives, this year’s award went to Egis. The company claimed the Sustainability Initiative of the Year for its Seaboost – Qatar Reef initiative which has contributed to the advancement of environmental considerations in construction and demonstrated clear practical applications. The judges were impressed by Egis’ proactive measures in promoting sustainability within its organisation, praising the company’s dedication to undertaking design projects with a zero- carbon focus. Moreover, the highly commended trophy was awarded to AtkinsRéalis for its Decarbonomics™ initiative. HEALTH & SAFETY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR MCLAREN CONSTRUCTION – BEHAVIOURAL BASED SAFETY PROGRAMME EGIS – SEABOOST – QATAREEF Highly commended: Stanley Black & Decker – Safety Initiatives and Trainings organisation Highly commended: Decarbonomics™ - AtkinsRéalisDECEMBER 2023 63 | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | U+A secured the 2023 Construction Week Middle East Award for Hospitality Project of the Year with its outstanding work on the Six Senses, Amaala – Triple Bay project. The judges commended U+A for skillfully drawing inspiration from the natural HOSPITALITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR U+A – SIX SENSES, AMAALA - TRIPLE BAY The Diriyah Company clinched the Infrastructure Project of the Year award for its remarkable Diriyah Gate 1 Tunnel Infrastructure project in Saudi Arabia. Diriyah received acclaim for its eff orts in upgrading the city road network to connect seamlessly with neighbouring developments, thereby improving supply security and advancing connectivity to some of the world’s most ambitious urban forestation projects. The award recognises Diriyah for its signifi cant contribution to the surrounding area, exemplifying construction best practices, and highlighting the role of technology and advanced techniques in achieving project success. INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT OF THE YEAR DIRIYAH COMPANY - DIRIYAH GATE 1 TUNNEL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT, NORTH AND SOUTH surroundings. The Six Senses, Amaala project not only refl ects the unique heritage and culture of the city it calls home but also seamlessly integrates into its environment, presenting a modern interpretation of a classic design. DSA Architects International took home the highly commended trophy for this category. Highly commended: DSA Architects International – Jumeirah Gulf of Bahrain Resort & Spa Highly commended: Larsen & Toubro – Etihad Rail Package 2F2 — Design & Build Contract Freight Facilities| MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | 64 DECEMBER 2023 The winner for 2023’s Modular Construction of the Year award went to China State Construction Engineering Corporation for its pre-fabricated work on the Downtown Views II project. The company received acclaim for off ering a practical solution to minimise carbon footprint, particularly by aiding in the controlled disposal of construction waste. China State earned this recognition based on its commitment to sustainable practices and its ability to provide a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction methods. The company’s emphasis on modular construction and its sustainable credentials was particularly noted, as evidenced by its selection by a long-term client who valued the benefi ts of a sustainable solution over traditional brick and mortar structures. MODULAR PROJECT OF THE YEAR MIXED-USE PROJECT OF THE YEAR CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION – DOWNTOWN VIEWS II DUBAI MULTI COMMODITIES CENTRE (DMCC) – DMCC UPTOWN TOWER Securing the award for the Mixed-Use Project of the Year was Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) for its outstanding work on the DMCC Uptown Tower. This award recognises the project’s ability to encapsulate residential and commercial spaces within its development. DMCC distinguished itself by expediting the project, renowned for its unique architecture, and leveraging digital engineering to optimise all aspects of a specifi c element’s design within the project. Nine other projects made it to the shortlist of this category, however, it was LWK + Partners who took home the highly commended trophy. Highly commended: LWK + PARTNERS – DIFC LivingDECEMBER 2023 65 | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | The Engineer of the Year award at the 2023 Awards was claimed by Sarah Hussain Zahidi from RED Engineering Design. The judges acknowledged Zahidi for her exceptional technical profi ciency and extensive experience in handling intricate projects, spanning large-scale, urban, and industrial developments. Furthermore, she showcased signifi cant contributions to construction-related business throughout the eligibility period. The category witnessed intense competition this year, with engineers from various companies across the region vying for the prestigious recognition. However, the highly commended trophy successfully went to Egis’ Laure Russier. W Residences by JT + Partners was applauded this year for picking up the Residential of the Year trophy. This winning residential project stood out for its unique architectural design, smart home solutions, and state-of-the-art amenities. JT + Partners earned the award for contributing substantial value to its built environment, emphasising excellence in design, construction, location, and harmonious integration with the surrounding area. On the other hand, Azizi Developments took home the highly commended trophy for its Riviera mega development in Dubai. ENGINEER OF THE YEAR RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR SARAH HUSSAIN ZAHIDI - RED ENGINEERING DESIGN JT + PARTNERS – W RESIDENCES Highly commended: Azizi Developments - Riviera Highly commended: Laure Russier – Egis | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | 66 DECEMBER 2023 Mohamed Mathbout, Director of Project Management at AECOM, earned the title of Project Manager of the Year at the prestigious Construction Week Middle East Awards. In a highly competitive category featuring 13 accomplished project managers, Mathbout stood out in the eyes of the judges due to his exceptional attention to detail, eff ective time management, and organisational skills. His notable support for other projects further contributed to his recognition. Mathbout secured the award for making a substantial impact on AECOM’s construction-related business throughout the eligibility period, showcasing excellence in project management and leadership. PROJECT MANAGER OF THE YEAR MOHAMED MATHBOUT – AECOM Campbell Gray CEO of AtkinsRéalis, claimed the prestigious title of Construction Executive of the Year at the 2023 Construction Week Middle East Awards. Judges acknowledged Gray’s leadership for its “solid impact,” not only benefi ting AtkinsRéalis’ business but also leaving a positive imprint on the broader construction industry. The judges were particularly impressed by his dedication to fostering digital transformation at AtkinsRéalis and spearheading eff orts in the global sustainable building movement. Additionally, his commitment to fostering Corporate Social Responsibilities within the company was also one to take note of. The highly commended winner for this category went to Alaa Abusiam, CEO of Egis. CONSTRUCTION EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR CAMPBELL GRAY - ATKINSRÉALIS Highly commended: Krzysztof Czerwiec - KEO International Consultants Highly commended: Alaa Abusiam - Egis DECEMBER 2023 67 | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | The 2023 Construction Week Middle East Award for Rising Star of the Year went to Asma Abouleish, BIM Manager at Egis. The judges recognised Abouleish for making an “outstanding” contribution to both the organisation and the projects she was associated with, highlighting her passion for his work. The judges noted that Abouleish is undoubtedly “one to watch out for,” emphasising their extreme impression of her meticulous planning and management skills. Her dedication and talent in the industry make her a standout rising star with a promising future. RISING STAR OF THE YEAR ASMAA ABOULEISH – EGIS From engineers to project managers, HR and sustainability champions to directors and architects, as well as mentors and leaders, women are paving the road for themselves, their peers, and young girls who aspire to build a career in construction and engineering. Demonstrating women’s growing presence in the industry, the award for the Inspiring Woman of the Year went to Katarina Uherova Hasbani, Partner and Global Director of Strategy and Advisory at AESG. Hasbani impressed the judges for building a leading regional team that has placed net- zero and sustainability at its core. Taking home the highly commended trophy was Patricia Crilley, Director of HR at Omnium International. INSPIRING WOMAN OF THE YEAR KATARINA UHEROVA HASBANI – AESG Highly commended: Kathren Salah, TBH and Roxy Reynolds, Omnium International Highly commended: Patricia Crilley - Omnium International| MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | 68 DECEMBER 2023 The trophy for the Unsung Hero of the Year at the 2022 Construction Week Middle East Awards was given to Leen Nasr, Director of Development at International Design Associates. This category recognises individuals who have made a positive impact on a project through their optimistic outlook, readiness to assist in any capacity, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Nasr garnered praise from the judging panel for approaching challenging projects with enthusiasm and successfully seeing them through to completion. The judges commended her for going above and beyond, consistently sharing their expertise and planning skills to navigate projects, off ering detailed itineraries, and presenting eff ective solutions. There was no highly commended winner for this category. TBH took home the 2023 Construction Week Middle East Award for Sub- consultancy of the Year, showcasing its prowess in adding substantial value to clients and off ering specialised expertise for various projects. The recipient of this award was lauded for their signifi cant contribution to the industry, with judges highlighting their eff ective collaboration with stakeholders throughout the project development process, ensuring timely project delivery. The Sub-consultancy of the Year category, open annually to fi rms of all sizes, focuses on those specialising in disciplines such as fi re safety, project management, cost consulting, façade design, and MEP design. This category had one defi nite winner. SUB-CONSULTANCY OF THE YEAR UNSUNG HERO OF THE YEAR TBH LEEN NASR - INTERNATIONAL DESIGN ASSOCIATESDECEMBER 2023 69 | MIDDLE EAST AWARDS | ALEMCO secured the prestigious title of Sub-contractor of the Year at the 2022 Construction Week Middle East Awards, earning recognition for its outstanding track record of progress and delivery for clients. The winner was commended for its commitment to excellence in work quality, contributing to the enhancement of the regional MEP construction industry, and successfully managing a diverse range of complex projects over the past 12 months. Judges were notably impressed by ALEMCO’s ability to execute contracts within budget, adhere to timelines, and satisfy all signifi cant stakeholders across its operations. SUB-CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ALEMCO ALEC FITOUT was honoured with the title of Fit-Out Contractor of the Year at the 2023 Construction Week Middle East Awards. The recognition was given to the company for its signifi cant contributions to the implementation of swift, cost-eff ective, and sustainable solutions for projects throughout the Middle East. The jury praised the winner for its innovative utilisation of smart technologies, adeptness in translating design intent into reality, and its skill in eff ectively managing multiple specialist disciplines and stakeholders during the execution of intricate fi t-out projects. FIT-OUT CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR ALEC FITOUT Highly commended: OXYPRO Electromechanical Contractors Highly commended: Dutco Interiors Next >