< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com10 MEP Middle East | May 2024 -- “The capabilit y to adapt and leve rage global reso urce s eff ectiv ely allo ws us to mai ntain high standards of ser vice, irresp ectiv e of pro ject sca le or loca tion” – Moham ad Ballout , Dire ctor of MEP Eng inee ring, KEO p16 p25 “We reco gnise the swift pace of deve lopm ent in desi gn tech nolog ies, and we inco rpora te digital design strat egies into our projec ts to foster inno vation and achie ve unparalleled levels of perf ormanc e, and qualit y” – Ehab Ibrahim , Regi onal Dire ctor, Mein hardt Grou p “The grow ing ado ption of mod ular MEP in the Mid dle Eas t will ush er in a new era of innovat ion, effi cienc y, and sus taina bility ” – Abdullah Shah , Mod ular Man ager, ALEM CO p46 “IoT tec hnolo gy is tra nsfor ming the HV AC indus try, and it has an integ ral role to play in HVA C innovat ion” – Kevin Laidler , Sale s Dire ctor - MEA , Arms trong Fluid Tech nolog y p36A TREASURE OF KNOWLEDGE AND INDUSTRY INSIGHTS AWAITS UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITYwww.mepmiddleeast.com12 MEP Middle East | May 2024www.mepmiddleeast.com12 MEP Middle East | May 2024www.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 13 5 THINGS TO KNOW NORLANA WELLNESS COMMUNITY, NEOM 1 Norlana is an ultra-modern active lifestyle community developed by NEOM in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia. 2 Situated on the Gulf of Aqaba’s coastline, Norlana will have a portfolio of 711 residential properties and accommodate up to 3,000 residents. 3 A state-of-the-art 120-berth marina will serve as an international hub for superyachts, with water taxi services available for residents and guests. 4 The community will off er world-class sporting facilities such as an 18-hole golf course nestled among rugged mountains, with an equestrian and polo centre. 5 Norlana’s amenities will also cater to a diverse range of water sports including sailing and diving, for residents and guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural environment.IN PICTURES www.mepmiddleeast.com14 MEP Middle East | May 2024 AL HABTOOR TOWER BY AL HABTOOR REAL ESTATEIN PICTURES www.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 15 www.mepmiddleeast.com16 MEP Middle East | May 2024 COVER STORY BUILDING THE BACKBONE Senior KEO MEP team leaders underscore the critical role and innovation of MEP engineering in the region’s construction sector, spotlighting the consultancy’s pivotal contribution By Angitha Pradeep www.mepmiddleeast.com COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com16 MEP Middle East | May 2024www.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 17 COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 17 www.mepmiddleeast.com18 MEP Middle East | May 2024 COVER STORY into regional and international projects, but for its unique approach. KEO’s blend of technical expertise and creative engineering pushes the boundaries of what MEP systems can achieve, setting new standards for built environments. Their commitment to sustainable development is not just a trend, but a tangible part of their innovative and practical MEP engineering solutions. As we explore insights from senior members of KEO’s MEP team, their expertise and strategic thinking shed light on how essential MEP engineering is to the growth and functionality of the region’s architectural projects. Mohammad Ballout, Director of MEP Engineering at KEO, encapsulated the department’s core strength with a sense of pride in their diversity of knowledge and commitment to sustainable, budget-conscious design. Ballout emphasised the quality of its deliverables, a factor that not only reinforces the company’s stellar reputation but also underlines its clients’ loyalty and satisfaction. “KEO’s MEP team harnesses a vast pool of resources from across the company’s network to meet project milestones with efficacy and precision,” Ballout said. This resourcefulness has led to a portfolio brimming with successful projects. From the net-zero DEWA headquarters The Middle East’s construction industry often gravitates towards the towering skylines and the architectural feats that define its cities. Beneath this facade, however, lies the crucial, albeit less glamorous, world of MEP engineering. This foundational aspect ensures that buildings are not only aesthetic landmarks but also functional, efficient, and sustainable living and working spaces. The region has been at the forefront of integrating advanced MEP engineering solutions, tackling the unique challenges posed by its harsh climate and rapid urbanisation. These systems are pivotal, acting as the lifeline for high-rises and sprawling complexes, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and environmentally responsible. KEO stands out in the industry as a global multidisciplinary consultancy, not just for its rich legacy of integrating cutting-edge MEP designs KEO’s MEP team harnesses a vast pool of resources from across the company’s network DEWA’s new headquarters, the Al Shera’a buildingwww.mepmiddleeast.com May 2024 | MEP Middle East 19 COVER STORY “ KEO’s MEP team harnesses a vast pool of resources from across the company’s network to meet project milestones with efficacy and precision” Mohammad Ballout, Director of MEP Engineering at KEO to a quintet of hotel resorts and other projects in Saudi Arabia and multiple high-rise to low-rise structures in the UAE, the team’s accomplishments are as varied as they are impressive. Notably, their involvement in the design of Qatar’s stadiums for the FIFA World Cup and contributions to the Qatar International Airport signify their influence on the region’s infrastructure. Lead Mechanical Engineer at KEO, Mohammad Dehalia, added to the conversation, pointing out their work and team’s recognition through numerous industry awards, underscoring the division’s dedication to excellence. Building upon these insights, Hani Ibraheem, Principal Engineer for KEO’s MEP division, ventured into the realm of ongoing projects and the innovative techniques at play. Ibraheem highlighted their work on the Al Shera’a building, the new DEWA headquarters in Dubai, as a crowning achievement in sustainable design. “It’s not just any building; it’s one of the largest net-zero structures in the region,” Ibraheem stated, highlighting how the pioneering project directly confronts the escalating issue of CO2 emissions and its impact on climate change. KEO’s groundbreaking approach to the DEWA headquarters is rooted in cutting-edge technology and smart design. The building, adorned with 21,000m2 of solar panels, represents a bold stride toward a net-zero energy footprint. Focusing intently on the HVAC system, a notorious energy guzzler, the KEO team incorporated magnetic bearing chillers—a move that drastically reduces friction and, consequently, energy consumption. “These chillers are a rarity in the UAE,” Ibraheem noted, underscoring the innovative spirit that KEO champions. The building’s ventilation strategy also showcases KEO’s innovative thinking. “We incorporated a full demand control system,” he described, “and an air sampling system that ensures our air quality monitoring is accurate and efficient.” Highlighting the meticulous attention to efficiency, Ibraheem also revealed the chiller plant’s impressive figures. “We’ve got down to about 5.3 COP, corresponding to about 0.66 kilowatts per ton on the entire chiller plant.” He continued, detailing the enlargement of ductwork to reduce pressure drops and enhance the overall efficiency of the air conditioning system. Moreover, the team’s commitment extends beyond mechanical systems to the very core of architectural design—building orientation and integrated shading elements are thoughtfully utilised to curtail heat gain, further bolstering the building’s environmental credentials. When asked in detail about the fabric of sustainability within the MEP division, the team steered the conversation toward the integration of green design principles. “At the outset of any project, our handshake with the sustainability team is vital,” Ibraheem began, outlining the essence of KEO’s strategy. “Understanding the project’s sustainable goals is crucial, whether it’s striving for net- zero energy or enhancing efficiency beyond baselines.” He also added that this collaboration goes beyond HVAC, extending to lighting and plumbing to ensure a comprehensive and holistic sustainable design approach. Continuing, he elaborated on the impact of high- efficiency lighting systems, not just on energy consumption but also on reducing the cooling load for the HVAC system. “Our coordination with the sustainability team and local authorities sets the groundwork towards meeting those set goals,” he explained, emphasising the collective effort behind achieving ambitious benchmarks at their projects. Further exemplifying their dedication to sustainability, he also shed light on a project in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea. “This project was powered by a centralised solar plant, meeting the entire energy needs of the development,” he explained. On delving into specifics about the Red Sea project, which comprises four hotels, Ibraheem confirmed KEO’s comprehensive role, “We were responsible for the MEP design, as well as structural and infrastructure design, and acted as the lead sustainability consultant.” SUSTAINABLE ENGINEERING This interplay between sustainable practices and the rigorous demands of their projects underscores KEO’s commitment to innovation and digitisation, carving out a path that respects both the client’s needs and the environmental imperatives of our times. Transitioning to the digital realm’s role in sustainable outcomes, Dehalia took the floor. He emphasised the profound impact of digital tools and Building Information Modelling (BIM) on sustainability in MEP projects. “Energy efficiency optimisation through BIM allows for comprehensive energy modelling and simulation,” he stated, highlighting how it empowers designers to assess and choose the most efficient systems before implementation. Mohammad Ballout, Director of MEP Engineering at KEO KEO’s proactive role in digital transformation is seen through its dedicated division, the Digital Advisory ServicesNext >