< Previous| CITY FOCUS | 10 MAY 2024 The preparation for groundworks is underway on a 100-hectare site in the town of El Mansouria A fter winning a bid to jointly host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal—Morocco is racing to put the infrastructure in place to host the fi nal. The nation is currently competing against Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu stadium for the right to host the World Cup fi nal, and recently approved construction for the largest football stadium in the world, the Grand Stade de Casablanca. The stadium will be fully compliant for FIFA competitions, with the ability to host games at the FIFA World Cup 2030, and will also be home to two local clubs. While details regarding which matches will be hosted at the stadium and other specifi cs are still being fi nalised, here is what we know so far about the stadium where Morocco wants to hold the fi nal. PROJECT STATUS Preparation for groundworks to start is underway on a 100-hectare site in the town of El Mansouria, in the province of Benslimane, 38km north of Casablanca, after public fi nancing was approved in October 2023. WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT MOROCCO’S $500MN FIFA 2030 WORLD CUP STADIUM Stadium in north London. Engineering fi rms Maff eis Engineering, ME Engineering, Rider Levett Bucknall, Momentum, and SEPSI are also on the project design team. Competitors for the project included proposals by Herzog & De Meuron, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, Cruz y Ortiz, GMP Architects, and HPP Architects. DESIGN INSPIRATIONS Oualalou + Choi and Populous’ winning plan for the stadium drew inspiration from the traditional social gathering of Morocco known as a ‘moussem’, with the stadium structure set under a grand, tented roof that emerges as a dramatic intervention in the forested landscape. The stadium’s expected seating capacity is 115,000 people, and when completed, will be the largest in the world. Currently, the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, is the largest football stadium in the world, with a seating capacity of 114,000. Morocco’s current largest stadium is the Mohamed V in Casablanca, which seats 67,000 people. The stadium is expected to cost approximately $497 million (MAD5 billion), according to a provisional budget by Sonarges and ANEP, the Moroccan public companies dedicated to sports investment and public facilities. The project is fi nanced as part of a $1.4 billion (MAD14.5 billion) agreement between the Moroccan government and the country’s public investment company, Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (CDG) to renovate six other stadiums in Tangier, Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Marrakech, and Fez that will host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. DESIGN TEAM A consortium led by American architecture fi rm Populous and French-Moroccan fi rm Oualalou + Choi (O+C), has been awarded the contract to design the Grand Stade de Casablanca project after winning an international design competition. Previously, the fi rm has designed FIFA World Cup-compliant stadiums in Qatar, Canada, South Africa, Korea, Japan, United States, and France, as well as the Tottenham Hotspur FORGING FOUNDATIONS IN THE KINGDOM: ALL ROADS LEAD TO EXPO 2030 REGISTER INTEREST TO ATTEND CONSTRUCTIONWEEKLIVE.COM SCAN TO VISIT WEBSITE FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES Moutaz Gadelhak Commercial Director T: +971 4 444 3177 M: +971 58 287 6309 E: moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES Karishma Vithalani Senior Events Manager T: +971 4 444 3226 E: karishma.vithalani@itp.com 5 Wednesday 5th June 2024 Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha, Saudi Arabia Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Gold SponsorGold SponsorGold SponsorGold Sponsor Bronze SponsorSilver SponsorSilver SponsorBronze SponsorBronze SponsorBronze Sponsor Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Supporting Partner Gold Sponsor| NEWS | 12 MAY 2024 The penthouse was sold for $2,917 per square foot, which is four times higher than the average price of Downtown apartments sold in the rst quarter of this year The UAE is known for its stunning properties, from penthouse apartments to luxurious villas with impressive amenities. Dubai, in particular, is a city of record-breakers, boasting the world’s tallest building, and fastest roller coaster, amongst others. Now, the recent sale of a penthouse highlights the city’s reputation for opulent real estate off erings, and adds to its list of accomplishments. Knight Frank MENA recently made history by selling the most expensive apartment ever in Downtown Dubai. Kempinski The Boulevard duplex penthouse, listed by Knight Frank MENA, was sold for a staggering $21.8 million (AED 80 million). Younus Karim, Principal Client Advisor was the agent that secured the deal. The four-bedroom Sky Collection Penthouse at Kempinski The Boulevard is a luxurious residence with stunning views of the Burj Khalifa. Spanning 7,466 square feet, this penthouse features fi ve bathrooms, a powder room, and two fully equipped kitchens, and is furnished by Fendi. Off ering the epitome of luxury living in Dubai, it is located in one of the city’s most coveted addresses. The penthouse in question has sold for $2,917 (AED 10,715) per square foot, which is four times higher than the average price of Downtown apartments sold in Q1 of this year at $726 (AED 2,670) per square foot. Additionally, it is 60% higher than the average price for branded residences in Downtown, which is $1,796 (AED 6,600) per square foot. The sale of the Kempinski The Boulevard duplex penthouse has broken the previous record set in 2022, when a fi ve-bedroom DUBAI PENTHOUSE BREAKS RECORD, SELLS FOR $21.8 MILLION apartment in the Burj Khalifa was sold for $19.9 million (AED 73 million). This demonstrates Dubai’s status as a highly desirable city for super-prime real estate. Will McKintosh, Regional Partner and Head of Residential, MENA, says, “As the name suggests, ‘Downtown’ is always a prime central hub of any city, as is the case with many US cities such as New York and LA, Dubai is no diff erent. Downtown Dubai is a popular and one of the city’s favoured locations, both for domestic and international ‘city types’ who like the lively ‘hustle and bustle’ vibe that comes with being on the doorstep of the world’s largest shopping mall.” He adds, “Views of the iconic Burj Khalifa remain highly sought after and it comes as no surprise that we have sold this unique Kempinski- branded penthouse, which off ers stunning views of the world’s tallest building. Even at AED 80 million, the property still represents very fair value particularly when compared with what you are getting in other global cities.” The four-bedroom Sky Collection Penthouse at Kempinski The Boulevard is a luxurious residence BUILDING BRIDGES, RESOLVING CONFLICTS: CONSTRUCTING A BETTER FUTURE TOGETHER REGISTER INTEREST TO ATTEND CONSTRUCTIONWEEKLIVE.COM SCAN TO VISIT WEBSITE FOR SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES Moutaz Gadelhak Commercial Director T: +971 4 444 3177 M: +971 58 287 6309 E: moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com FOR EVENT ENQUIRIES Karishma Vithalani Senior Events Manager T: +971 4 444 3226 E: karishma.vithalani@itp.com 23 Thursday 23rd May 2024 Grosvenor House, Dubai, UAE Gold Sponsor Supporting Partner | PROJECTS | 14 MAY 2024 As one of the newest additions to the NEOM gigaproject, Treyam occupies a strategic position overlooking one of the most stunning azure lagoons at the southern tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It will feature a bridge-like architecture spanning the northern and southern shores and a 450-metre-long infi nity pool perched 36 metres above sea level. Designed by London- based HKS Architects, the 76,000-square- metre venue is a key component of Diriyah’s $63.2bn masterplan, reshaping cultural and lifestyle off erings in Riyadh. The Arena will embody Diriyah’s distinct lifestyle, blending community, culture, and nature. Moreover, lead architect Alex Thomas of HKS Architects revealed that the design draws inspiration from local geological formations. THE ARENA BY DIRIYAH PROJECT Construction Week Middle East unveils the most anticipated, innovative, and creative project launches in April 2024, ranging from ultra-luxury resorts to vibrant entertainment destinations TREYAM BY NEOM| PROJECTS | MAY 2024 15 LAUNCH Unveiled by gaming lounge operator True Gamers, the island will feature dedicated spaces for competition, training, and athlete accommodation. Envisioned sectors at the island will include The Digital Tower, housing meeting spaces, startup accelerators, and animation studios; TG Arena, featuring eSports tournament arenas, and a boot camp area. Inspired by the popular Japanese anime from the 1980s, the park will off er an immersive journey into the franchise’s universe. Spanning more than 500,000m2 and inspired by the seven Dragon Balls, visitors can navigate seven distinctly themed zones and over 30 rides. Additionally, a fl agship attraction will be located at the centre of the park with a rollercoaster passing through a 70m landmark. ESPORTS ISLAND BY TRUE GAMERS DRAGON BALL THEME PARK BY QIDDIYA| SUSTAINABILITY | 16 MAY 2024 ENGINEERING SUSTAINABILITY: EGIS’ VISION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Egis champions sustainable development across the Middle East, blending innovation with environmental stewardship The Middle East is experiencing a period of rapid development and transformation, with towering skyscrapers to infrastructure networks emerging across the region. However, traditional construction methods often have signifi cant environmental impacts, creating a pressing challenge: How can we stimulate economic growth while safeguarding the environment for future generations? Pedram Rad, Laure Russier, Jacques Khoriaty, Yassmin AlKhatib, Ali Amiri [From L-R] specialised team focuses on integrating building engineering with environmental considerations, ensuring innovation, sustainability, and practicality in their projects. ADVANCED ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE General Engineering: The Middle East faces unique challenges such as extreme Egis, aligning with the objectives of the Paris Agreement, is actively working to address this challenge. The company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and contributing to regional decarbonisation eff orts. Recognising the multifaceted and complex nature of this challenge, Egis has established the “Energy and Sustainable Cities” business line, led by Jacques Khoriaty. This | SUSTAINABILITY | MAY 2024 17 weather, unpredictable soil conditions, and ageing infrastructure. These factors compel the need for innovative engineering solutions that ensure community resilience. Ali Amiri, Egis’ Building Engineering, Façade and Sustainability Director for the Middle East and South Asia, plays a key role in translating these principles into tangible project outcomes. His approach includes adopting eco-design principles and utilising sustainable materials that enhance resource effi ciency and reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, the ever-evolving technological landscape necessitates the adoption of cutting-edge Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital engineering tools. These advancements streamline the design process, allowing for a holistic and comprehensive consideration of a project’s lifecycle and its impact on surrounding communities. Architecture: Today’s architectural demands in the region extend beyond aesthetic appeal and prioritise functionality, user-centricity, and sustainability, while respecting and understanding the region’s cultural identity. Pedram Rad, who leads Egis’ Architecture Division for the Middle East and South Asia, is keenly aware of this evolving landscape when it comes to architecture, master planning, interior design and landscape. His approach pushes design boundaries to meet each project’s specifi c needs, with user experience at the forefront and energy effi ciency as a core principle while preserving the distinct architectural character of the Middle East. WATER, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENT INTEGRATION Water and energy: Addressing water scarcity in the Middle East through sustainable infrastructure projects is crucial, given the pivotal role water plays in regional planning, infrastructure development, and energy systems. With Laure Russier, Director of Water, Energy, Ports and Marine Ecology for the Middle East and South Asia, Egis leverages its expertise in water desalination, wastewater treatment, and smart irrigation systems to promote water conservation and resource effi ciency across the entire project lifecycle, demonstrating Egis’ commitment to sustainability. Environment: Successfully integrating environmental considerations throughout a project’s lifecycle is a cornerstone of Egis’ strategy. Yassmin AlKhatib, who leads the regional environment team, brings extensive expertise to tackle any environmental challenge that may arise during all project phases. Egis has committed that all eligible projects will be eco-designed or eco-operated by 2030, emphasising the importance of adopting eco-friendly practices early in the infrastructure and building process, continuing into the construction and operations phases. Water, energy, and the environment are highly innovative areas for Egis. Their teams of engineers develop operational solutions specifi c to environmental challenges, such as nature-based solutions, protecting biodiversity, mindful use of energy, recycling materials, etc. This includes award-winning solutions that have been implemented across the region, such as Seaboost, which employs 3D solutions to restore marine ecosystems. HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PROJECT DELIVERY Traditional project management often suff ers from compartmentalisation, where each engineering discipline works independently, hindering optimisation opportunities. For instance, the General Engineering team’s profi ciency in BIM is shared across divisions to optimise project design and resource allocation. Similarly, insights from the Water and Energy team on renewable energy integration can inform design decisions made by the Architecture and General Engineering divisions. This cross- functional knowledge transfer allows for a unique collaborative strength, leveraging integrated in-house capabilities, from its architecture design centre in Jordan, to its international network of 19,500 employees worldwide. FOSTERING KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER Outside of traditional project boundaries, international engineering consultancies can extend impacts far beyond by prioritising knowledge transfer. By empowering local communities and developing a local workforce, Egis is contributing to a more sustainable future, equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to address challenges and maintain vital infrastructure projects long after initial involvement. This commitment is evident with the launch of various graduate programmes throughout the region that cultivate local expertise and foster long-term community development. FLAGSHIP PROJECTS Egis is involved in multiple projects across the region with prominent developers and clients. Some of these projects include Aldar’s Nikki Beach Residences, multiple projects in NEOM, DHRE Hospitality Assets, DGDA, Four Seasons, Expo City, and more. Egis is also working on a one- of-a-kind project in Saudi Arabia—a timber offi ce building with the goal of creating an offi ce space that meets high standards of sustainability and well-being, incorporating an international building rating system. | TECHNOLOGY | 18 MAY 2024 ARE WE READY TO BUILD IN SPACE? Paul Wallett, Regional Director of Trimble Solutions ME talks about the possibility of 3D printing, autonomous robot construction, and aerial construction in outer space Various advancements in technology and construction methods are pushing the boundaries of what is possible and comprehendible in the present reality. The concept of space construction, which has long been a science fi ction subject, is The World Economic Forum projects that the space economy will reach a value of over $1 trillion by 2030. The UAE for instance, has ambitious plans for the space sector in the coming years. The country launched the National Space Strategy 2030, which seeks to expand the space sector’s contribution to the national economy and strengthen the country’s standing in the sector both regionally and globally. Within the next ten years, the UAE aims to send an Emirati astronaut to the Moon to reside on Gateway, a proposed station in lunar orbit that would house crew members before they land on the surface of the moon. The Gateway, which is presently being designed on Earth, would be the fi rst space station to be placed in lunar orbit. THE CHALLENGES Certainly, space construction is an innovative concept that opens up numerous exciting possibilities. However, certain formidable diffi culties are associated with construction in space compared to that on Earth, such as radiation, microgravity, and extremely high temperatures. Because conventional building techniques are inadequate for the harsh conditions of space, novel technologies meticulously designed for extraterrestrial environments becoming a tangible reality, with numerous technologies already setting forth a range of innovative ideas for building structures in space. As global space exploration eff orts intensify, the question of whether we are prepared to leverage cutting-edge technologies and build in space emerges. Space economy is expected to reach a value of over $1 trillion by 2030| TECHNOLOGY | MAY 2024 19 Paul Wallett, Regional Director, Trimble Solutions ME are a prerequisite. For instance, microgravity eliminates the force of gravity as a stabilising factor, which brings forth challenges in preserving structural integrity. Moreover, the absence of oxygen in space will make it diffi cult for traditional building materials to be used, including concrete that depend on air- mediated chemical processes. Innovative approaches that use robotics, artifi cial intelligence, and material science developments are necessary to overcome these obstacles. NASA’s Lunar Exploration Program 2021 states that the agency is currently investing in ISRU through several collaborations with industries and academia. It emphasised that initiatives related to mining, extraction, and prospecting are improving capacities to locate and utilise materials in the lunar regolith. The technology of 3D printing, which is already used on a wide scale on Earth, has enormous potential in space. The capacity to construct intricate buildings layer by layer using materials appropriate for extraterrestrial environments has the immense potential to signifi cantly transform the way we build in space. Researchers are exploring prospects to use Lunar and Martian regoliths, the loose substance that covers the surface of celestial bodies, as a potential construction material for 3D printing. Autonomous construction robots represent another domain of innovation. These robots, which are outfi tted with sophisticated sensors and artifi cial intelligence, can operate in microgravity settings, assembling and building structures in a precise and effi cient manner, in addition to seamlessly navigating the challenges in space construction. Nonetheless, with space being unpredictable, a great deal of study and research will be necessary to stabilise and start construction if we anticipate it in the near future. Aerial construction is an innovative technology that has the potential to completely transform space development. By combining human capabilities, automation, and cutting-edge engineering abilities, aerial construction creates opportunities that were previously unimaginable. To build buildings, install equipment, and carry out other precise activities in a zero-gravity environment, aerial construction uses sophisticated drones and sophisticated robots. Large-scale habitats, space stations, and even colonies could be built on celestial bodies like the Moon or Mars, By reducing exposure to dangers and hazards, aerial construction further enables autonomous systems to do the majority of the human labour, thereby enhancing production and ensuring safety of human astronaut safety. As space-building technology advances, new avenues for human exploration and habitation beyond Earth are opening up. Building large-scale space habitats will also contribute to facilitating scientifi c research, manufacturing, and space tourism. As nations unite in their quest for more space exploration and extraterrestrial construction capabilities, collective knowledge and advances in technology can propel the space sector further forward. The Gateway will be the rst space station to be placed in lunar orbit The UAE has launched the National Space Strategy 2030Next >