< Previous| SUSTAINABILITY | 18 JUNE 2024 The Green Planet recreates the characteristics of a natural environment experienced in the heart of the deepest rainforests will become living structures that last a lifetime. This can include net-zero buildings, high- rise timber structures that off er fl exible and adaptable fl oorplans, and green-drenched walkways and façades that provide canopy shading as well as lower surface and air temperatures, dissipating urban heat island eff ects while saving the energy used on air conditioning. We are innovating with more than green infrastructure; blue infrastructure also has an aesthetic, therapeutic, and sustainable element. Water can be collected on rooftops, fi ltered, and recycled through buildings. This promotes natural cooling eff ects, and as gravity helps the water fl ow, the reduced need for pumping systems lowers energy consumption. A LIFE-CENTRIC MINDSET Life-centric urban design requires a diff erent way of thinking. We need to look at how we design with nature for society. We can’t wait for the next generation to change our way of thinking; we must start thinking about them and designing for them. Ramboll’s advancement in digital tools enables: • The creation of hundreds of design options in relatively shorter time spans. • The benchmarking of designs against Ramboll’s global database to map asset performance against international best practices. • The development of carbon budget and carbon value engineering opportunities. • The translation of corporate ESG/net-zero ambitions to an asset-level design KPI. WHOLE LIFECYCLE APPROACH As much as we talk about including human experiences in our design thinking and being future-ready, most residential developers are directed down a more short-term rather than lifetime path to their investment. Their business model is based on launching a project, liquidating the asset, and exiting it. Even many commercial developers are driven by immediate returns rather than long-term sustainable development. The average building has a lifespan of 39 years. Naturally, it’s not surprising that the built environment is responsible for 40% of global C02 emissions, 33% of global waste, and nearly 50% of all extracted materials. We have been stuck in this cycle of building for now, and our buildings are not able to adapt to future needs and the next generation. But what we are now seeing is a generational shift towards regeneration, recognising that this short-term cycle can’t last. Technology and nature can work together to create the cities of the future that are climate-sensitive, fi nancially resilient, and future-ready. LIFE-CENTRIC APPROACH We often see technology and nature as opposites. As recent generations have become more tech-savvy, our respect for nature and the environment has generally declined. However, when it comes to our buildings, particularly in the Middle East, where we must manage extreme temperatures and burning sunlight, nature and technology can work together to improve productivity, create social cohesion, and provide aesthetic benefi ts. This will attract generations to our urban landscape because these buildings Witness their latest vision, Cove by Imtiaz, take shape as a state-of-the-art vertical community under VICC's construction expertise. Turning blueprints into reality is what we do at VICC. We pair an expeditionary mindset with industry best practices to create unparalleled value for our clients. Cove by Imtiaz stands as a testament to this commitment. Don't just dream it, build it. Choose VICC as your trusted construction partner. Established in 1993, Venco Imtiaz Construction Co. is a global construction company with a significant presence in the Middle East, South Asia, and North America. Our expertise includes Engineering Services, Turnkey Construction Solutions, Infrastructure Development, Industrial Facilities, and K-Span Pre-Engineered Buildings. VICC employs more than 4,500 people worldwide, making us one of the leading construction companies in these regions. Our strength lies in our ability to cultivate innovative and practical solutions for our clients. BUILDING THE FUTURE, ONE PROJECT AT A TIME. Trusted by Leading Developers Like Imtiaz Developments. ABOUT VICC| DESIGN | 20 JUNE 2024 THE RISE OF F&B EXPERIENCES IN SAUDI ARABIA James Gates, Senior Project Manager at PMKConsult, discusses how international F&B brands are driving culinary innovation and economic growth in the kingdom The infl ux of international F&B brands into Saudi Arabia signifi es a shift in the culinary sector, as global giants recognise the kingdom’s growing appetite for diverse experiences. From iconic coff ee chains to high-end restaurants, these brands are not just importing their concepts, but actively adapting them to embrace Saudi culture. This adaptation combines modern and traditional designs and materials that is seamlessly integrated to create spaces that resonate with local sensibilities. IMPACT OF GLOBAL BRANDS The arrival of global brands has catalysed a surge in culinary innovation, sparking a new wave of restaurant openings across the kingdom. In 2023, over 500 new restaurants debuted in Saudi Arabia, such as the likes of Zuma, Akira Back, Jones the Grocer, and Sexy Fish, among others, marking a signifi cant increase in F&B investments. In 2024, we expect to see the opening of Saudi Arabia’s fi rst Sushi Samba, located in KAFD. This infl ux of dining establishments not only diversifi es consumer choices but also drives James Gates, Senior Project Manager at PMKConsult to ensure operational sustainability, such as zero waste initiatives, further ensuring eco- friendly and effi cient operations. DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH The rise of global and local F&B brands not only stimulates economic growth but also promotes cultural exchange by supporting competition, prompting developers and entrepreneurs to elevate the design and construction standards to new heights. GLOBAL INFLUENCE ON LOCAL IDENTITY In collaboration with renowned architects and designers, global F&B brands are reimagining traditional Saudi architecture to create iconic dining destinations that capture the imagination. Each establishment tells a story of cultural fusion, where modernity meets heritage. By incorporating elements such as intricate Islamic patterns and traditional arches, the architecture pays homage to Saudi Arabia’s rich legacy while projecting a cosmopolitan vision of the future. SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES GLOBALLY Beyond aesthetics, sustainability has emerged as a cornerstone of architectural design for global F&B brands in Saudi Arabia. Developers are striving to minimise environmental impact and enhance operational effi ciency by utilising innovative construction techniques, local suppliers, and eco-friendly materials. Solar panels, modular construction methods, and green rooftops are just a few examples of sustainable features integrated into the construction, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision for a greener future. The vision of sustainable F&B practices is also implemented throughout the overall design “This influx of dining establishments not only diversifies consumer choices but also drives competition, prompting developers and entrepreneurs to elevate the design and construction standards to new heights”| DESIGN | JUNE 2024 21 VIA Riyadh is a mixed-use development with high-end retail, hospitality and entertainment outlets locally owned brands/entrepreneurs, encouraging Saudisation, and allowing collaborations that create opportunities for skill development. They also serve as a drive for tourism, attracting visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant culinary scene of Saudi Arabia. It is clear that the joining of global brands and local suppliers is reshaping the kingdom and redefi ning cultural narratives. To be at the forefront of this evolution is something to be proud of, where innovation and tradition merge to create spaces that inspire, captivate, and celebrate the history of Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage, as well as craft experiences that leave a lasting imprint on society. NO. OF MANGROVE TREES TO BE PLANTED 100 MILLION | THE BIG PICTURE | 22 JUNE 2024JUNE 2024 23 | THE BIG PICTURE | Led by URB, the Dubai Mangroves Project will blend ecological preservation with urban development, enhancing Dubai’s coastline by planting over 100 million mangrove trees across 72 km. The effort aligns with the Dubai 2040 Master Plan’s focus on urban resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable planning. Mangroves, central to this project, are renowned for their ability to sequester carbon, protect coastal areas from erosion, and support marine life and food security. [URB] JUNE 2024 2324 JUNE 2024 442444242424242424244444242424244422242424222222424444424422422242222224244424442242242222242444244242424224424444242424244444224444442444444224424442442444422224244444444242444444442244242444242444442424442444224242442242422244444424442444442244244444244 JUJUJJUJJUNJJUNJJUUJUNJUJUNJUNJUJUJUNUUNUNNNJUNJUNJUNJJUNJUJUNJUNJUJUUUNJUNUNNJUNJUNJUNJUNJUJUNJJUNJUJUNUUUUNJUNJUNJJUNNJUNJUNUNJUNJUJUUUUUNNNJUNUUUNNJUNJUUUUUNJUNNUNNUJUUUUNJUUUJUJU E EEEEEEE 2E 2E 22222E 2E EEE EE 2EEE 22EEEE 22EEEEEE 2EEEEEEEEE2EEEEEEEEE 2EEE EEEE 22222220240240240240202424240242444444440200244244402440 44444 24 JUNE 2024JUNE 2024 25 JUNJUJUJUNJUNUNNUNJUJUNE2E 2E 2E 2E 222E 2222222222222222222222E 22220000000002024024020240242400002424400200024444024440020224244222400000220224 25252525252525252525252525252552222255522525222222525 The construction industry is a vital pillar of the global economy, with its movements eff ecting various sectors and communities. In recent years, the Middle East’s construction market has experienced rapid growth, driven by an infl ux of mega and gigaprojects led by both governments and private stakeholders. To highlight this dynamic industry, Construction Week Middle East presents a ranked list of the most infl uential fi gures at the forefront of change. Celebrating our 15th edition, this year, we expand our annual ‘Power 100’ list to a comprehensive ‘Power 150’. This expanded list is divided into six sub-categories: Top 35 Contractors, Top 45 Developers, Top 20 Consultants, Top 20 Sub-contractors, Top 20 Architects, and Top 10 Lawyers/Legal consultants. The competition is fi ercer than ever, with newer faces steadily climbing the ranks. METHODOLOGY For the ‘Power 150’ 2024 list, the Construction Week Middle East editorial team gathered data by sending questionnaires to key market players. Companies were ranked based on the following criteria: • Total value of projects launched in the last 12 months • Revenue in 2023 and revenue projections for 2024 • Present backlog as of 2023 • CSR initiatives adopted in the past year • Overall public reputation This rigorous methodology ensures that the ‘Power 150’ list accurately refl ects the most infl uential and dynamic companies shaping the Middle East’s construction industry. Please note that companies who explicitly requested exclusion from the 2024 list were not considered. THE MIDDLE EAST’S 150 MOST INFLUENTIAL CONSTRUCTION LEADERS OF 2024 JUNE 2024 25Join the #1 financial centre to access more capital markets When you join the number one financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, you benefit from DIFC’s proven world-class laws, regulations, infra- structure and unbeatable connections. Banks enjoy managing global deals and structuring financial transactions in a DIFC market that is approaching USD 1 trn of activity. DIFC asset managers oversee nearly USD 500 bn in AUM from private and public markets in the region. Over 790 regulated clients are amongst the 5,500 clients that are using DIFC as a catalyst for growth. Join the number one: difc.ae/make-enquiry| POWER 150 | 27 JUNE 2024 CONTRACTORSNext >