< Previous| PARTNER CONTENT | 50 JULY 2024 As construction rapidly evolves, contractors constantly seek ways to improve productivity and enhance job site safety and effi ciency. Emerging trends such as smart devices, software solutions, and remote worksites are reshaping the industry. With the pace of innovation fast-tracking the construction industry over the last few years, DEWALT’s groundbreaking developments are leading the market with solutions that redefi ne job site standards. TOTAL JOB SITE SOLUTIONS One of DEWALT’s key innovations is its total job site solutions, designed to provide comprehensive support to contractors. This approach goes beyond merely selling tools; it involves understanding the specifi c needs of each project and off ering customised solutions. “We’re not trying to sell a tool; we’re off ering a solution, a package. We need to understand who you are, what you need, and how we can best support you,” said Julien de Boury, Marketing Director, ME & East and West Africa (EWA) at Stanley Black & Decker. This holistic approach includes training workers on tool usage, ensuring safety, and providing effi cient solutions that reduce long- term costs. “Service is key. Contractors want to know how we will support them if there’s a problem. Our focus on service and training ensures that our tools are used eff ectively and safely,” added de Boury. THE FUTURE IS CORDLESS Continuing, de Boury highlighted the signifi cance of cordless technology in modern construction, emphasising its impact on portability, effi ciency, and safety. “Without hoses, cords, and tanks, workers can freely move about the job site, perform tasks faster, and achieve better overall project cost savings,” he noted, further pointing out that the extended runtime and consistency of battery-powered tools provide prolonged, uninterrupted work time. Safety enhancements are another major benefi t. “Using cordless tools also eliminates the ineffi ciencies of cords running across job sites, reduces safety hazards, and ultimately lowers long-term costs,” he explained. UNLOCKING EFFICIENCY Additionally, de Boury stated that construction safety, according to DEWALT, comes in many forms, and the design and ergonomics of the power tools that professionals use on the job site every day also fall into this category. Accordingly, its PERFORM & PROTECT™ line meets or exceeds OSHA regulations, off ering those performing heavy-duty applications protection from loss of user control, vibration, and dust contamination. These benefi ts include: • Increased User Control: Anti-rotation technology and an electronic clutch help to maintain control, even in the most demanding DEWALT: ADAPTING AND INNOVATING FOR THE FUTURE Julien de Boury, Marketing Director, ME & EWA at Stanley Black & Decker, on DEWALT’s advancements in total job site solutions, cordless technology, and cutting-edge battery systems| PARTNER CONTENT | JULY 2024 51 conditions. “With our anti-rotation and electronic clutch features, users have the confi dence and control needed to handle any task,” de Boury explained. • Reduced Vibration: Advanced anti-vibration systems are incorporated to minimise user fatigue and injury. “Our tools are designed to reduce vibration, which signifi cantly enhances comfort and safety during prolonged use,” noted de Boury. • Dust Containment: Eff ective dust management systems capture dust before it becomes airborne, maintaining a cleaner and safer work environment. “Containing dust is critical not only for user health but also for tool longevity. Our dust management solutions are top-notch, keeping both the workspace and the tools in optimal condition,” added de Boury. REVOLUTIONISING BATTERY TECHNOLOGY In 2021, DEWALT introduced the DEWALT POWERSTACK™ Compact Battery, marking a signifi cant milestone as the world’s fi rst major power tool brand to use pouch cell batteries designed for the construction industry. “Rather than traditional cylindrical cells, POWERSTACK batteries use pouch cells that are fl at and stackable. This design utilises the space more effi ciently, resulting in more stored energy and a longer lifespan,” explained de Boury. He further explained the benefi ts of the POWERSTACK technology: “POWERSTACK technology delivers 50% more power, enabling broad application capabilities and fast performance with cordless tools. It’s 25% more compact and 15% lighter, designed to provide tool manoeuvrability, high precision, and reduced fatigue when used in tight workspaces. Additionally, it off ers twice the lifespan, providing the user with more overall investment value.” XR FLEXVOLT: As we look at more and more construction sites regionally, it is becoming clear that advanced battery technology will become the catalyst for cordless tool adoption, driving productivity and profi tability. In line with this is DEWALT’s XR FLEXVOLT battery technology. Available in 54V power, it can undertake jobs not previously possible with cordless tools and complete jobs faster, for longer, using less energy. However, the most exciting usage is that it can power both 18V and 54V tools, eff ortlessly switching its output based on which tool the battery is plugged into. It is also backwards compatible, powering all DEWALT 18V XR products. “DEWALT off ers over 350 tools compatible with the 18V MAX* and 54V MAX* systems, ensuring that users have a comprehensive, effi cient, and adaptable toolset for their needs,” stated de Boury. POWERSHIFT™: A signifi cant leap forward from cordless tools to electrifi cation is DEWALT’s POWERSHIFT™ Cordless Equipment System, which can off er high power and runtime without the limitations of gas-powered tools, allowing for uninterrupted performance and effi ciency. POWERSHIFT™ equipment, including tools like the rammer, plate compactor, and power vibrator, delivers consistent and powerful performance with the convenience of cordless operation. “The POWERSHIFT™ system gives professionals the freedom to work without the constraints of traditional power sources, ensuring maximum productivity and fl exibility,” said de Boury. THE SHIFT TO ELECTRIFICATION DEWALT’s transition to electrifi cation is part of its broader strategy to lead the construction industry towards sustainable practices by off ering reliable and effi cient electric-powered alternatives. Recognising the industry’s growing need for sustainable solutions, DEWALT has integrated the POWERSHIFT™ line into their overall electrifi cation eff orts. Furthermore, to better understand the opportunities and challenges of electrifying job sites, DEWALT conducted a survey, “Power Pulse,” which polled construction industry professionals. The survey found that 89% of construction professionals are confi dent their sites are adequately fi tted for the transition to fully electric-powered tools. The survey data dispelled misconceptions about electric-powered tools’ effi ciency and runtime. “While commonly cited concerns were power supply and tool durability, 68% of respondents who switched to electric tools on job sites say it has allowed them to complete projects up to two to three times faster than gas-powered tools,” de Boury explained. Additionally, 72% of electric-powered tool users reported satisfaction with their performance. The company is also looking at future trends, including managing a fl eet of tools with preventive maintenance and usage monitoring features. “Tomorrow’s job sites will evolve into connected tools you can monitor. It’s about managing a fl eet of tools rather than individual units, which will enhance effi ciency and reduce costs,” concluded de Boury. DEWALT POWERSTACK™ Compact Battery Julien de Boury, Marketing Director, ME & EWA at Stanley Black & Decker| EVENTS | 52 JULY 2024 In the midst of global conversations about sustainability and resilience, the construction industry stands at the forefront, championing decarbonisation and embracing green building strategies. The CW Green Building Summit KSA 2024, held on 4 June at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha, highlighted this commitment, focusing on actionable outcomes to reshape urban development towards a sustainable future. With the theme “Shaping Tomorrow, Today: Leading the Charge Towards Sustainable Urban Development,” the summit successfully brought together industry leaders, innovators, and experts to explore the untapped potential of a greener, brighter, and more resilient world. Sponsored by an esteemed line-up of construction players, namely AtkinsRéalis, Al Othaim Investments, Nesma & Partners, Terraco, Omnium, Egis, Khatib & Alami, IHCC, and National Housing Company, the summit was divided into three sessions, each exploring critical aspects of sustainable construction and urban development in the kingdom. SESSION 1: DECARBONISING THE KINGDOM With the help and enthusiasm of Chairperson and Emcee Sameer Daoud, Managing Director – Infrastructure at KEO, the day began with a fi reside chat titled “Green Foundations: Advancing Sustainability with Building Technologies.” Moderated by Julianne Tolentino, Digital Editor of Construction Week Middle East, the session featured Eng Sultan Batterjee, CEO of IHCC, who delved into the company’s role in fostering green building solutions. He spotlighted his passion for decarbonising the built environment and the thought process that went into creating GREENER by IHCC, a professional service provider of energy effi cient services for building and facilities. The discussion also highlighted Batterjee’s stance on sustainable building in general and how he sees the GREEN BUILDING SUMMIT 2024: SHAPING TOMORROW, TODAY With a theme focused on ‘Leading the charge towards sustainable urban development’, the summit welcomed visionary leaders who have been championing decarbonisation in their workplace Four esteemed speakers from government-backed entities spoke on the last panel of the day | EVENTS || EVENTS | JULY 2024 53 future of green construction evolving in the Middle East. Following the fi reside chat, the fi rst panel of the day explored the concept of biophilic design, a unique design process that incorporates nature-inspired elements into building design. Speakers Menhal AlWazzeh, Quality & Sustainability Manager at C&P Saudi, Adil M. Ahmad, Associate Principal at Khatib & Alami, and Giuseppe Fanciullo, Head of Landscape at Omrania, discussed strategies in the biophilic design realm including the key benefi ts and challenges, improving overall user experience, and emerging trends in biophilic design. The session concluded with a presentation by Khader Ghazal, Senior Sustainability Manager at KEO International Consultants, where he shared insights into the importance of certifi cations, compliance with local green building codes and regulations, and the pros and cons of being green building certifi ed. SESSION 2: ALL ABOUT SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION TECH The second session kicked off with a presentation by Renjith C., Business Development Manager at TERRACO, on the importance of thermal insulation and EIFS as energy-effi cient measures in reducing AC Cooling energy demand in the Middle East.” Renjith discussed the benefi ts of EIFS systems in hot climates, their impact on energy savings, and Terraco’s presence in Saudi Arabia. The presentation also emphasised the signifi cant role of thermal insulation in enhancing building energy effi ciency, particularly in the region’s hot climate. SESSION 3: LEADING UP THE VISION 2024 GIGA PROJECTS The summit’s fi nal session focused on the kingdom’s Vision 2030 decarbonisation plan and the role of gigaprojects in achieving these goals. The panel discussion “Embracing Scale: Gigaprojects and the Vision 2030 Decarbonisation Plan,” featured speakers Ragini Kalapatapu, ESG Lead at Egis, Mohammad Hidayath, Head of Sustainability at Alpin Limited, and Maulik Bansal, Design Director at AtkinsRéalis who engaged in a thought-provoking conversation about incorporating sustainable design principles from the outset. The panel also explored other ideas such as resource optimisation throughout the project lifecycle, eff ective measures to protect and enhance biodiversity, the importance of planning and implementing large-scale projects, and many more. Furthermore, the summit concluded with a panel titled “A Journey Towards Sustainability: The Magic of Success and Empowering the Future,” which featured Shakir Ismail, Associate Director of Sustainability Accreditation at Red Sea Global, Sinan Rasheed, Director of Sustainability at New Murabba Development Company, Ahmad Alshareef, Sustainability Section Manager at NHC Mostadam, and Osama Touni, Associate Director – Sustainability at ROSHN. Moderated by Julianne Tolentino, the panel talked about sustainability from a real estate perspective, sharing success stories and strategies for empowering future generations to continue the push towards a greener future. All in all, the 2024 Green Building Summit KSA has been successful in bringing together industry leaders and experts to discuss and advance sustainable urban development. The sessions highlighted innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and the importance of certifi cations in driving the green building agenda. With the support of its sponsors and key stakeholders’ participation, the summit highlighted the construction industry’s infl uence in shaping a sustainable future for Saudi Arabia. And as the global conversation on sustainability continues, events like these will continue to play a crucial role in translating rhetorical scenarios into actionable outcomes, ensuring that sustainability becomes a way of life rather than just a buzzword. Sameer Daoud, Managing Director - Infrastructure, KEO International Consultants Ragini Kalapatapu, ESG Lead at Egis A reside chat with Engineer Sultan Batterjee54 JULY 2024 | EVENTS | With Expo 2030 as the guiding light, the CW Leaders in Construction KSA Summit 2024 unfolded on 5 June at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha, where it brought together industry luminaries, forward-thinkers, and innovators to map out the trajectory of Saudi Arabia’s construction realm. Over the past 12 years, the summit has established itself as a vital platform where industry stalwarts share their wisdom and expertise, off ering invaluable insights and perspectives on achieving success in the construction sector. This year was no exception, with the theme “Forging Foundations in the Kingdom: All roads lead to Expo 2030” setting the stage for a day of engaging discussions and groundbreaking revelations. SESSION 1: A STEP TOWARDS DIVERSIFICATION The summit kicked off with a compelling keynote titled “The Digital Metropolis: Harnessing Intelligence in City Building and Infrastructure.” Delivered by Ion Besteliu, Technical Director Urban Middle East at Egis, the keynote explored how technology and data analytics are transforming urban development and infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. Besteliu emphasised the progression from Building Information Modeling (BIM) to digital twins, highlighting the importance of digital products and data analytics in sustainable design, operations, servicing, and construction management. His focus on sustainability and effi ciency within construction value chains resonated deeply with the audience, setting an appropriate tone for the day. Following the keynote, the fi rst panel discussion of the day explored the emerging trends in hospitality construction, with Sachin Kerur, Head of Middle East Region at Reed Smith, as the moderator. The panelists included Franc Neal, Director, Hospitality Lead – Project & Development at JLL, Christopher Seymour, Managing Director of MACE, James Gates, Senior Project Manager at PMK Consult, Yamin Shihab, Managing Director – Middle East at Collier Project Leaders, and Faiyad Peterson, Country Director – KSA at Cundall. LEADERS IN CONSTRUCTION KSA 2024: PAVING THE PATH TO EXPO 2030 Highlights from the CW Leaders in Construction KSA 2024 Summit, held on June 5 at the Crowne Plaza Riyadh Al Waha | EVENTS |JULY 2024 55 | EVENTS | The discussion delved into the evolving demands and preferences in hospitality construction, particularly the rise of boutique hotels, eco-resorts, and luxury accommodations. The panellists also analysed how these trends are shaping the construction landscape in Saudi Arabia, integrating tradition and innovation in the culinary scene to enhance the F&B experience. The morning session continued with a panel that explored in detail how infrastructure can fuel tourism expansion. Moderated by Ibrahim Asar from Mofarreh AlHarbi & Partners, the panellists include Darren Burke, Country Manager – KSA at ALEC, Troy Gillham, CEO of Warrior Group, Brian Sweeney, Director of Projects at KPM Engineering, and Gavin Weaver, Regional Director – Hospitality at AtkinsRéalis. Together, they examined the role of infrastructure development in boosting tourism in the kingdom, including investments in airports, transportation networks, cultural attractions, and leisure facilities that support Saudi Expo 2030’s goals. This session underscored the critical link between robust infrastructure and tourism growth, highlighting strategic investments necessary for the kingdom’s future. SESSION 2: EMPOWERING SAUDI TALENT The second session of the conference featured presentations focused on talent development and retention in Saudi Arabia. Ahmed Yehia, Managing Director and Yassine Abdelmalek, Commercial Director at Twintec Saudi kicked off with a presentation on ‘Sustainability in Flooring,’ where they talked about innovative fl ooring solutions that align with sustainable construction practices. Furthermore, Amani AlAli, Corporate Manager of Culture & Training at Nesma & Partners followed with a presentation on building a resilient workforce and retaining talent. AlAli shared insights on attracting and selecting top talent, innovative methods for retaining Saudi talent through mentorship programmes, career advancement opportunities, and employee engagement initiatives. Her talk highlighted eff ective approaches for developing Saudi leaders capable Five esteemed speakers gather on stage for the last panel of the day A discussion on construction contracts, claims, records, and disputes 56 JULY 2024 | EVENTS | of driving innovation and growth within organisations. Muntaser Haleeb, Business Development Director at Maharat Construction Training Center concluded this session with a presentation that talked about aligning solutions and government funding to develop Saudi Arabia’s construction workforce. In his talk, Haleeb emphasised the importance of comprehensive training programs in creating a skilled workforce prepared for the challenges of future construction projects. Pinsent Masons, Colin Fox, Director at TBH, James Plant, Partner at HFW, Ali Al Zarooni, Managing Partner at Horizons & Co, and Hilal Itani, Principal – Construction, Claims, and Expert Services at HKA shared best practices and practical tips for eff ective claims avoidance and fostering collaborative project environments. A fi reside chat discussing the innovative approaches in construction project management followed, moderated by Ben Hughes, Partner/Senior Principal, Capital Projects at EY, featuring Eng Ihab Abbas, CEO of Richmond Consultancy Services. Abbas discussed the integration of cutting-edge technologies such as BIM, methodologies for optimising project costs without compromising quality, and the importance of sustainability in construction projects. He also addressed strategies for early project diagnostics and risk mitigation, off ering a forward-thinking perspective on project management. Moderated by Grace Najjar, Senior Advisor, Lecture, and CEO of Align Management Solutions, the summit’s fi nal panel talked about the pillars of KSA’s Vision 2030 ambitions, where each panellist elaborated on megaprojects like NEOM, Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project. Mikhael SESSION 3: ACCELERATING PROJECTS FOR 2030 The afternoon sessions shifted focus to accelerating construction projects in line with Vision 2030. The fi rst panel discussion, titled “Navigating Construction Contracts: Addressing Claims, Records, and Collaboration,” was moderated by Euan Lloyd, Partner, Construction & Infrastructure at Al Tamimi & Company, and tackled the persistent issues of confrontational contracts and poor record-keeping practices. Panellists Nesreen Osman, Partner at Muntaser Haleeb, Business Development Director, Maharat delivers a presentation on stage Attendees at the networking loungeJULY 2024 57 | EVENTS | Alkurdi, Business Development Manager & Acting Directo of BEC Arabia, John Darroch, Executive Director – KSA, at KEO-PM/CM Internation, Matthew Campbell, Branch Director at Omnium International, Wissam El Souss, Senior Project Manager at Khatib & Alami, and Taher Hemida, Business Development Manager – MEA Region at ZWSOFT highlighted the signifi cance of these projects in driving economic diversifi cation and job creation. They also emphasised sustainable development as a core component of Vision 2030, illustrating how these gigaprojects are pivotal in realising Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals. Amani AlAli, Corporate Manager of Culture & Training at Nesma & Partners The Leaders in Construction KSA Summit 2024 was a resounding success, serving as a beacon of progress and innovation in the construction industry. With Expo 2030 on the horizon, the summit provided a platform for industry leaders to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and explore sustainable practices that will shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s built environment. From digital advancements to talent development and megaprojects, the summit covered a broad spectrum of topics critical to the kingdom’s growth and prosperity. As the construction industry continues to evolve, events like the Leaders in Construction KSA Summit are essential in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of global construction trends. This year’s summit not only celebrated the achievements of the past but also laid the groundwork for a decade of rapid growth and prosperity, aligning perfectly with the kingdom’s future aspirations. The rst panel of the summit moderated by Sachin Kerur, Head of Middle East at Reed Smith A reside chat on the innovative approaches in construction project management58 JULY 2024 | THE LAST WORD | DOES DUBAI’S REAL ESTATE SECTOR HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO KEEP SHATTERING MARKET RECORDS? Dubai is known for many things, from architectural marvels like the Museum of the Future and the Burj Al Arab to its countless luxury malls and resorts. However, it is the Emirate’s real estate market that has been dominating the headlines as of late, both regionally and internationally. Dubai’s property market is proving to be a beacon of growth and innovation, regularly setting new records and attracting global attention. Off ering the highest standards of living and safety alongside expansive modern infrastructure, the city has successfully positioned itself as one of the top destinations for real estate investors and homebuyers from around the world. As the Founder and CEO of AHS Properties, I’m frequently asked whether I think this upward trajectory will continue. So, what are the key factors driving Dubai’s real estate success, and can the sector maintain its record- breaking streak? STRONG FUNDAMENTALS In recent years, Dubai has seen rising property prices, increased transaction volumes, and an infl ux of investors from across the globe. Put simply, it has outpaced other world-leading markets by some distance—especially in the luxury segment. But is this level of growth sustainable? I would argue that it is, provided we maintain realistic expectations. Most would agree that this is now a mature market. Over the course of many years, we have seen the real estate industry demonstrate impressive resilience due to our leaders’ unwavering commitment to strong economic fundamentals. The sector’s recent performance certainly appears to support my claim. Dubai registered 118,993 residential transactions in 2023, its highest total to date. On a broader level, Dubai has set an international benchmark for property development and architecture, fi rmly establishing itself as a global hub for business. It has also become a highly sought-after holiday destination, welcoming more than 17 million visitors in 2023, marking 19.4% year-on-year growth. With high demand and limited supply, there is every reason to believe that Dubai’s luxury property segment will maintain its upward trajectory for the foreseeable future. VISIONARY LEADERSHIP Our government’s proactive measures, which include investor-friendly policies, tax advantages, high rental yields, and successful visa reforms, have been key drivers in attracting investors and homebuyers. These trends are particularly pronounced in Dubai’s luxury real estate sector, where demand for high-quality residential units in prime locations continues to outstrip supply. It also helps that the UAE, as a whole, has some of the world’s most advanced infrastructure, with world-class airports, ports, and transport systems contributing to its ranking in the 2023 Global Competitiveness Report. Government schemes have played a signifi cant role in maintaining momentum within our thriving property ecosystem, and it looks like they will continue to do so. Given the ongoing eff orts to promote digital transformation in real estate for frictionless and effi cient transactions, the future looks bright. LOOKING AHEAD With Dubai’s population on course to hit 5.8 million by 2040 and the UAE’s residential real estate market size expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.4% during the period 2024-30, according to MarkNtel Advisors, the probability of sustained growth seems high. Naturally, it is hard to predict what challenges and opportunities lie ahead for our sector, but Dubai’s economic resilience, strategic investments, and innovative property off erings have laid a strong foundation for continued growth. Navigating global economic uncertainties will always prove diffi cult, but I remain confi dent that Dubai’s real estate market is ideally placed to break more records and raise the global benchmark even further over the coming months and years. Abbas Sajwani is the Founder and CEO of AHS Group and a Board Member of DAMAC GroupNAVIGATE THE LANDSCAPE OF BUILDING BRILLIANCE, WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITYNext >