AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION JUNE 2024 • ISSUE 812POWERED BYCONTENTS JUNE 2024 • ISSUE 812 824 10 8 QUOTE OF THE MONTH Mitigating the impact of weather challenges on construction projects in the Middle East 10 CITY FOCUS UAE, Iraq, Türkiye, and Qatar’s land rail road project 156 OPINION The pros and cons of overcoming the confrontational nature of construction contracts 164 INTERVIEW Warrior Group’s Troy Gillham on the company’s strategic ventures in Saudi Arabia JUNE 2024 3 156 164 COVER Divided into six independent sub-lists, the 15th annual Power List champions the most in uential leaders in the Middle East construction industry4 JUNE 2024 After wrapping up the 2023 event line-up, Construction Week Middle East is gearing up for more exciting events in 2024. As we step into the fi rst quarter, we are excited to host industry leading events once again. These include the Leaders in Construction Conference series across the UAE and KSA, as well as Infrastructure Summits and Annual Awards. EVENTS CALENDAR For more information on conferences, contact Karishma Vithalani, Senior Events Manager (karishma.vithalani@itp.com). For all award-related inquiries, contact Dmitry Lazarenko, Marketing and Events Manager (dmitry.lazarenko@itp.com). If you would like to be one of our partners and take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities, contact Anup Nagpurkar, Group Commercial Director (anup.nagpurkar@itp.com) or Moutaz Gadelhak, Commercial Director (moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com). *Dates are subject to change at the editorial team’s discretion* CONFERENCEAWARDSAWARDS SEPTEMBERNOVEMBERNOVEMBER Leaders in Construction UAE Summit Construction Week Middle East Awards Construction Week KSA Awards EVENTS 2024 CALENDARJUNE 2024 5 | EDITOR’S LETTER | CELEBRATING THE TITANS OF CONSTRUCTION Julianne Tolentino Digital Editor Here we are once again, on the verge of ipping through our biggest and most anticipated issue of the year. For the editorial team, it is a rather stressful time, but not for the reasons that you may expect. Working on the annual Power List usually means analysing data, talking to credible sources, and skimming through hundreds of submitted questionnaires, but it also means putting our existing bias aside to make way for a ranking that truly re ects the Middle East’s construction industry. For years now, our Power list has steadily climbed the ranks to become a benchmark for industry professionals, and this wouldn’t have been the case if it wasn’t for you, our loyal readers. Now on our 15th edition, we’ve expanded the list to include an additional 50 names, creating our special edition Power 150 issue. This expansion not only provides more opportunities for our shortlisted candidates but also highlights up-and-coming companies that have rapidly made a name for themselves. As you ip through the pages, I invite you to fully immerse yourself in each of their success stories. May their achievements resonate with you and inspire those still climbing the ranks in the industry. Before I leave you to read on, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your continued support and engagement with Construction Week Middle East. We are honoured to be your trusted source for insights and updates in this ever-changing industry. Here’s to celebrating the visionaries and trailblazers who shape our world, one groundbreaking project at a time. Signing off! 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Scan to learn more and register for our events!“Project managers must inform clients, contractors, and suppliers about weather impacts and resulting delays” 6 JUNE 2024 | QUOTE OF THE MONTH | “PROMPT COMMUNICATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AFTER ADVERSE WEATHER EVENTS IS CRUCIAL” In the fi ery deserts and bustling cities of the Middle East, construction projects face not only the typical hurdles of building but also the formidable force of nature. In particular, heavy and unprecedented rainfall. Legal experts from Stephenson Harwood delve into the complexities of mitigating the impact of weather challenges on such projects, shedding light on strategies to navigate through storms, fl oods, and scorching heat. “Exceptionally adverse weather conditions can have a profound impact on construction projects,” notes Magda Kofl uk, Managing Associate, and Samantha Martin, Associate at Stephenson Harwood in their exclusive commentary. “These challenges disrupt progress, strain budgets, and elevate safety concerns for workers.” Indeed, safety takes precedence when weather conditions turn severe. Both Kofl uk and Martin emphasise that project managers often fi nd themselves compelled to halt operations until conditions improve. Such interruptions not only disrupt schedules, but also infl ate costs due to unforeseen expenses and delays. The repercussions extend beyond halting operations. Supply chain disruptions are inevitable, with fl ooding rendering roads impassable and damaging bridges. “Key materials may not reach the site as per the project schedule,” explains the team. “And even if they do, they might suff er damage during transit, compromising quality and integrity.” The impact doesn’t spare machinery either. Performance may be compromised, necessitating repairs or replacements, further exacerbating delays. Completed works, materials, and equipment are also vulnerable to damage, necessitating costly remedial work. To navigate these challenges, contractors often seek extensions of time. However, success hinges on precise interpretation of contract language and meticulous documentation of weather-related impacts. “Establishing the existence of an excusable event, its impact on project timelines, and the causal link between weather events and delays is crucial,” emphasises a legal consultant from Stephenson Harwood. Practical steps are vital in mitigating the aftermath of adverse weather. Project managers must conduct thorough inspections to assess damages and implement robust safety measures before resuming work. Transparent and timely communication with stakeholders is paramount, facilitating collaborative eff orts to mitigate impacts and expedite recovery. Stephenson Harwood’s Managing Associate, Magda Ko uk; and Associate, Samantha Martin, on strategies for stakeholders to mitigate the impact of weather challenges on Middle East construction projectswww.glaze.ae/ MARBLE | ONYX | QUARTZ | PRECIOUS STONE | TRAVERTINE | SINTERED STONE | PORCELAIN Surface Solutions, Designed By Nature Nature GLAZE Sharjah OfficeNext >