< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com20 MEP Middle East | December 2024 COVER STORY the industry. “I am driven by the idea that women bring unique perspectives and strengths to engineering,” she explains. “I chose this field to show that we can play a significant role in building and influencing our world.” With the unwavering support of her family, she pursued this vision, further strengthened by opportunities such as her studies abroad and continuous encouragement from those who believed in her potential. “Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength. They’ve encouraged me every step of the way.” A REMARKABLE START Her journey led her to BK Gulf LLC, where she began as a junior electrical engineer. “I was drawn to the company’s profile of mega projects over the years,” she shares. “The opportunity to work with a company that has shaped the UAE’s skyline for over four decades was incredibly exciting.” BK Gulf, a key player in the UAE’s engineering sector, provided her the ideal The MEP industry has long been seen as a male-dominated field, but one young Emirati woman is proving that engineering is not only for everyone but that women can lead the way in transforming the future of this industry. Noora Alsaleis, recently awarded the Young Engineer of the Year title at the MEP Awards, is an embodiment of passion, perseverance, and excellence in engineering. Her journey began long before she entered the professional world. From her early childhood fascination with robots to representing the UAE in the Trinity College Dublin Innovation Ambassador Programme, Alsaleis has always been destined for greatness. As a young girl, she didn’t just play with toys – she imagined how they worked and took them apart to understand the mechanics inside. “My passion for engineering started at a young age,” she tells MEP Middle East Editor Almas Tholot, reflecting on how robotics classes after school ignited her interest. “By the age of fourteen, my passion for engineering was clear, and I was determined to become an engineer.” Her passion for technology and problem-solving led her to take part in multiple competitions, and she earned the distinction of becoming the UAE Innovation Ambassador during high school. It was during this formative period that she honed not only her technical skills but also her leadership abilities, with a growing determination to use her platform as a woman in engineering. For Alsaleis, becoming an engineer wasn’t just about working in a field traditionally dominated by men; it was about demonstrating what women can bring to “Young engineers bring fresh perspectives, an openness to new technologies, and a drive for innovation ” Noora Alseis started her professional journey as a junior electrical engineer at BK Gulf LLC MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 20MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 2025/11/2024 17:5125/11/2024 17:51www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 21 COVER STORY environment to hone her skills and grow professionally. The company’s rigorous graduate recruitment campaign, which included both technical assessments and life skills evaluations, was a fitting gateway into the world of large-scale engineering. Once onboard, she quickly immersed herself in the dynamics of real- world projects, benefiting from a work environment that not only nurtures young talent but also places significant emphasis on continuous learning and empowerment. “Working at BK Gulf has been an incredible journey,” she continues. “BK Gulf has been instrumental in my development. The company is committed to providing ongoing training, which has helped me expand my technical and personal skill set,” she explains. In her time at BK Gulf, she has worked on a variety of projects, each leaving an indelible impact on her professional growth. Among the various projects she has worked on, the Design and Build Dubai Data Centre project stands out. “Working on such an engineering feat from design stages to handover gave me an excellent understanding of the project lifecycle, as well as in-depth knowledge of the latest MEP technologies,” she says. Currently, she is part of the work- winning and estimation team. Here, she is gaining valuable experience, broadening her technical and commercial analytical skills as she works on diverse and unique projects. A CAREER HIGHLIGHT Being named the MEP Young Engineer of the Year is, in her own words, a career milestone. It has deeply validated Alsaleis’ career achievements and fueled her desire to continue pushing boundaries. “It validated the hard work and persistence I’ve put in, and it’s motivating me to set even higher goals,” she says. “This recognition has opened doors to new opportunities and has shown me the impact that young engineers, especially women, can have on the industry.” However, the path to this recognition has not been without its challenges. RESILIENCE AND PERSISTENCE As an Emirati woman working on construction sites, Alsaleis has faced her share of conventional barriers. “Initially, I faced challenges in some of the sites relating to stereotyping and preconceptions,” she admits. “But I leaned on my persistence, the support of my mentors, and the encouragement from my family and friends. Their belief in me has been a constant source of strength, reminding me that each experience is an opportunity to learn and prove my capabilities.” Her resilience and determination have been key to overcoming these obstacles, as she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for women in the field. For this young engineer, the road to success has been paved with the qualities of patience and an unwavering determination to learn. “I believe that these qualities have been essential to my success,” she shares. “By staying focused on growth and self-improvement, I’ve been able to overcome obstacles and move steadily towards reaching my full potential.” Her commitment to continuous self-improvement has enabled her to take on challenging projects and deliver results even under pressure. One of the key pillars of her journey has been the mentorship of Aly Diab, Design and Engineering Manager at BK Gulf, who has been instrumental in guiding her through the complexities of the construction industry. “Aly’s guidance has helped me As part of the work-winning and estimation team, Noora Alsaleis continues to grow professionally while working on diverse, innovative projects Noora Alsaleis’ dedication has helped her tackle challenging projects and deliver under pressure MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 21MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 2125/11/2024 17:5125/11/2024 17:51www.mepmiddleeast.com22 MEP Middle East | December 2024 COVER STORY MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 22MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 2225/11/2024 17:5125/11/2024 17:51www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 23 COVER STORY navigate challenges and pushed me to go beyond my boundaries,” she shares. “His belief in my abilities has been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals and grow as an engineer.” NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERS For those starting their own careers in engineering, Alsaleis has simple but powerful advice: “Stay curious, adaptable, and open to every opportunity. Success depends on a willingness to learn continuously and embrace new experiences,” she says. “Resilience and a proactive attitude will carry you far in this field. It’s better to ask a silly question when you’re a junior than to say silly things as a senior!” As the MEP Young Engineer of the Year, she is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of engineers, particularly young Emiratis and women. “My goal is to show others that engineering is both a fulfilling and impactful career path,” she says. “By sharing my experiences and mentoring others, I hope to help them see that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.” THE FUTURE AHEAD Looking towards the future, the young engineer has ambitious goals. The UAE is at the forefront of tech advancements, with a commitment to national sustainability goals that is reflected in an array of eco-friendly projects and cutting-edge technologies. Alsaleis is particularly optimistic about the role that AI and robotics will play in transforming the industry. “The UAE’s commitment to sustainability is driving the integration of these advanced technologies, and engineers are encouraged to incorporate sustainable practices into their designs,” she says. “This is shaping a new era of engineering in the UAE.” “In the coming years, I aim to advance my expertise in AI and robotics through continuous training and specialised courses,” she says. “I aspire to work on projects that push the boundaries of what’s possible, and one day, I hope to lead impactful initiatives that contribute to the UAE’s vision for a tech-driven, sustainable future.” Alsaleis is also confident that young engineers, particularly those of her generation, will play an essential role in shaping the future of construction. “Young engineers bring fresh perspectives, an openness to new technologies, and a drive for innovation,” she explains. “Our generation will play a critical role in integrating sustainable practices and advanced technologies, like AI and robotics, into construction, paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly industry.” Outside of engineering, Alsaleis remains grounded and balanced, finding joy in activities like pilates, exploring new cultures through travel, and nurturing her love of robotics. “These experiences give me a fresh perspective and help me stay motivated, both in my career and in life,” she says. Alsaleis exemplifies the bright future of the engineering field in the UAE. Her mentorship, coupled with her drive for innovation, is sure to leave a lasting impact on the engineering community. As Noora Alsaleis continues to break new ground, there’s no doubt that her journey is only just beginning. Noora Alsaleis aims to lead sustainable, tech-driven projects using AI and robotics Noora Alsaleis was named ‘Young Engineer of the Year’ at the MEP Awards 2024 “My goal is to show others that engineering is both a fulfilling and impactful career path” MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 23MEP_Dec2024_18-23_Cover Story_13450318.indd 2325/11/2024 17:5125/11/2024 17:51www.mepmiddleeast.com24 MEP Middle East | December 2024 INTERVIEW MODULAR EXCELLENCE We sit down with Abs Shah, MEP Modular Manager at ALEMCO, to discuss how the company is setting new standards in the modular MEP sector MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 24MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 2418/11/2024 17:5518/11/2024 17:55www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 25 INTERVIEW The industry has evolved significantly over the past decade with the adoption of prefabrication and modular MEP systems. How does ALEMCO differentiate itself within this changing landscape? ALEMCO is an innovative, forward-thinking business that provides turnkey MEP solutions. Around 90-95% of our processes are handled in-house, from engineering and delivery to project handover. This approach allows us to control quality and ensure our standards meet not just regional but also international benchmarks. We prioritise innovation and sustainability to meet the region’s construction demands, and we continuously invest in developing a skilled workforce that aligns with these values. With so many stakeholders involved in a project, is it challenging to ensure that the modular systems integrate smoothly with overall design and performance goals? Absolutely, and it’s a question we get frequently. This region is fast-paced, so collaboration is essential for achieving project goals. We ensure transparency through regular coordination meetings, so each stakeholder has a clear understanding. When stakeholders can see what’s happening, they understand the process better, which allows everyone to move toward the common goal. Being an engineering-focused business, we strive to stay ahead, pushing these aspects forward to facilitate understanding and cooperation. How has technology impacted this collaborative approach? ALEC has a dedicated innovation and digitalisation team whose mission is to elevate our technical capabilities. It has advanced our production and manufacturing capabilities from an automation perspective, allowing us Abs Shah, MEP Modular Manager, ALEMCO MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 25MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 2518/11/2024 17:5518/11/2024 17:55www.mepmiddleeast.com26 MEP Middle East | December 2024 INTERVIEW to become more efficient during installations and to foresee complications or coordination issues that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. Our use of BIM and other 3D modeling software has significantly improved our ability to plan and coordinate complex installations. Are these systems customisable to adapt to changes or specific needs during a project? Modular systems are somewhat flexible, but they work best within predefined parameters. Once we’ve established the key structural elements and layout, the design can proceed within that framework. While we aim for stability in modular builds, we do advise clients on tolerances that might accommodate future adaptations. However, it’s essential to keep the modular approach as finalised as possible to maximise efficiency and precision. Does this mean modular systems can be retrofitted if needed? They can be, as long as there’s sufficient space for adjustments. Modular construction is designed to be efficient, which is why alignment between stakeholders is crucial. If everyone is aligned, retrofitting can work, but it requires careful planning from the outset. Modular construction is designed to be efficient, which is why alignment between stakeholders is crucial With building systems like HVAC, are there common issues or considerations that come up with modular MEP? From an HVAC or MEP perspective, prefabrication and modular systems can work with either type of system as long as they are designed correctly. We’ve executed single- service solutions, such as electrical, mechanical, and HVAC individually, as well as multi-service solutions that encompass all three. We’ve also developed plant room skids, which are more centralised solutions for larger plant areas, like those required in data centre applications. These methods can support various applications when designed appropriately. A streamlined, compact solution is ideal from a finishing, design, logistical, and precision- engineering standpoint, aligning closely with sustainability goals by minimising material waste. Speaking of sustainability, how do modular systems contribute to environmental goals? Sustainability is a core part of our operations. Our manufacturing facilities use solar panels to optimise energy efficiency, and we advise clients on sustainable material choices that align with modular construction principles. This includes using recyclable materials, sourcing locally, and eliminating single-use What would you say is the biggest challenge when it comes to modular MEP systems, and how do you address it? Are there specific engineering limitations? There are challenges at every stage, from initial conception all the way through to handover and operation, and I’ll briefly touch on them. From an engineering perspective, we can design a spaceship—we have that capability— but transporting this “spaceship” or any large volume, modular form, or service unit is where issues arise. Transportation and manoeuvring logistics must be considered carefully. For example, in one current project, we have a large footprint both in manufacturing and on-site, but manoeuvring the modules into the building is challenging due to specific pinch points, which creates constraints. Another challenge that often goes unnoticed is the onboarding of labour. There are certain constraints in this region regarding skilled workforce availability, as well as visa complications when onboarding workers from other countries. Additionally, sourcing materials can be complicated due to importation restrictions, making early planning essential to ensure that all processes align throughout the build. Without this proactive planning, you may face challenges that diminish the benefits of using this modern method of construction. MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 26MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 2618/11/2024 17:5518/11/2024 17:55www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 27 INTERVIEW “Around 90-95% of our processes are handled in-house, from engineering and delivery to project handover” items. We’ve introduced reusable resources for our workforce to minimise waste. At the engineering stage, we design systems to minimise material waste, and anything reusable is marked for return. Sustainability is embedded in our workflow, from design to execution. And from the client’s perspective, how do these systems benefit them in terms of efficiency? Modular systems bring considerable energy efficiency, safety, and productivity gains. For instance, the controlled environment of a modular facility reduces the risks associated with high-risk construction sites. Precision engineering allows us to meet manufacturers’ guidelines for safety and sustainability. While modular systems operate similarly to traditional ones in terms of energy efficiency, the controlled process makes the overall project more sustainable. How do the costs of modular MEP systems compare to traditional construction methods? This is one of the biggest questions that always comes up, and while I’d love to say there’s a one-size-fits-all solution, the reality is that each project and application needs individual review. The benefits may not always come from the initial cost savings. For example, if I’m a builder or developer and I tell a client that I can deliver their project more quickly but with a slightly higher upfront cost, they might question the value. However, from a business and ROI perspective, the ability to start operations sooner can provide substantial benefits. The costs can be complex—it’s not as simple as a straightforward split. There are additional considerations, such as pre-construction engineering and potentially more steelwork, but these can lead to a streamlined, integrated solution encompassing multiple services. When you evaluate the add-and-omit aspects, the costs often balance out. However, the only way this approach works is when everyone collaborates effectively. So, from a cost perspective, it can vary depending on the project and location. But if all aspects—engineering, procurement, production, and delivery—are aligned, the process can be very cost-effective and highly beneficial for the client from both a timeline and financial perspective. Looking ahead, are there any exciting projects or developments on the horizon for ALEMCO? ALEMCO, as a business, has evolved alongside the growth of modular construction. Initially, we focused on smaller areas, but we have since expanded to handle full-scale projects. In the residential market, we are open to collaboration and have worked closely with other parts of our business to implement modular solutions on a project in the Red Sea. Moving forward, we have showcased our capabilities in Saudi Arabia by attending events like the KSA Big 5. In the UAE, we are involved in projects in Abu Dhabi and the northern Emirates, where we are implementing a significant portion of modular construction, up to around 50-60%. This includes everything from horizontal and vertical distribution to plant areas. Additionally, we’ve explored data centre setups, testing sample configurations and investigating opportunities in the data centre market, which includes large plant and distribution areas. From a business perspective, we are striving to cater to the entire market. We have expanded our operations with setups on the outskirts of Dubai, as well as in the northern Emirates for local projects. We’re growing at an exponential rate, and the modules we are delivering are of high quality and caliber, with key clients expressing satisfaction. It’s refreshing to see this growth and positive feedback. Modular systems bring considerable energy efficiency, safety, and productivity gains to a project MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 27MEP_Dec2024_24-27_Alemco interview_13448469.indd 2718/11/2024 17:5618/11/2024 17:56www.mepmiddleeast.com28 MEP Middle East | December 2024 DATA CENTRES GREEN INTELLIGENCE David Auriau, Co-Founder and CEO of Positive Zero, discusses the increasing energy demand from data centres and how sustainable solutions are essential MEP_Dec2024_28-31_Data Centres_13444387.indd 28MEP_Dec2024_28-31_Data Centres_13444387.indd 2818/11/2024 17:5618/11/2024 17:56www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 29 DATA CENTRES David Auriau, Co-Founder and CEO, Positive Zero Digital solutions enable industries to monitor, optimise operations, and enhance energy efficiency. Consequently, digitalisation often accelerates the journey towards lower carbon emissions by providing the necessary tools and data to drive sustainable practices. However, the situation regarding data centres is more complex. While they are central to the digital economy—enabling cloud computing, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence—they are also energy-intensive. Unlike other industries where digitalisation helps reduce emissions, data centres can, paradoxically, contribute to higher carbon emissions if not managed sustainably. With energy consumption closely tied to carbon emissions, data centre sustainability is under scrutiny unless renewable energy sources and energy- efficient technologies are implemented. GROWING DEMAND FOR DATA CENTRES From 2015 to 2029, global internet users are expected to grow from around three billion to over 7.9 billion. Currently, approximately 66% of the world’s population has internet access. Alongside this expansion in user base is a rapid acceleration in digitally driven services. E-commerce, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, and crypto mining (especially proof-of-work cryptocurrencies) have intensified the need for data centres. Cambridge University researchers have built an index estimating power demand and annualised electricity consumption for cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. The world’s most common cryptocurrency consumes an estimated 148 TWh per year—equivalent to 0.6% of the world’s electricity—more than many countries, including the United Arab Emirates. Similarly, autonomous vehicles produce substantial data, with lower-end estimates around 300TB per year. For many sectors, data centres also need to be locally present; for example, financial services often have legal and regulatory requirements to hold data on-shore. Generative AI has recently entered the mainstream. While artificial intelligence systems have existed for decades, platforms like ChatGPT, GPT-4, and Gemini (formerly Google Bard) have made everyday usage accessible. Advancements in Web3, Metaverse, and XR (e.g., Apple’s Vision Pro and similar devices) will further increase data storage needs. As more services and industries go online, there is a significant growth forecast for global data generation. In 2010, annual global data generation was estimated at around two zettabytes (two trillion gigabytes). By 2020, that figure had reached 64.2 zettabytes, and by 2025, Statista projects it will nearly triple to around 181 zettabytes annually. MEETING THE NEEDS OF RISING DATA CONSUMPTION To meet the massive demand for data storage, there has been a substantial increase in data centre infrastructure and the energy required to power it. Data centres house IT equipment, including communication systems, network infrastructure, storage, processors, servers, connectivity systems, and an uninterrupted power supply. Historically, energy provision has depended on electricity grids reliant on fossil fuels. Recent technology advancements have enabled data centres to improve energy consumption, but the sector still accounts for 1-3% of global electricity use—a figure that continues to rise. Comprehensive decarbonisation services, including energy efficiency management and renewable power, are essential to reduce data centres’ emissions as the world aims for Net Zero by 2050. Reports on the ICT sector, along with data To meet the massive demand for data storage, there has been a substantial increase in data centre infrastructure and the energy required to power it MEP_Dec2024_28-31_Data Centres_13444387.indd 29MEP_Dec2024_28-31_Data Centres_13444387.indd 2918/11/2024 17:5718/11/2024 17:57Next >