Complete Range Of Quality HVAC & R Products AVAILABLE IN OVER 90 COUNTRIES GLOBALLY +971 6 743 4176+971 5 5605 6463 RUBBER WORLD INDUSTRY LLC Untitled-20 117/12/2024 16:40EDITOR’S LETTER www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 3 www.mepmiddleeast.com VOICES THAT MATTER When you think of MEP, who comes to mind? If your answer leans towards men in hard hats or boardrooms, it’s time for a reset. If this issue proves one thing, it’s that MEP is no longer just a man’s game. This month, we highlight not fi ve, not ten, but 35 women who are not just part of the industry but actively building its future. From engineers to project leaders and CEOs, they prove every day that expertise knows no gender. We spoke to each one of them, and they have plenty to say. Listen closely, because you won’t want to miss it. Their insights, experiences, and advice are worth every bit of attention. Then there’s BK Gulf, where a new generation of Emirati women is making its mark and preparing to become the leaders of tomorrow. We brought in ten of them to share their stories, refl ecting a sector embracing change and championing inclusion. Inspiring, to say the least! That same spirit of defying expectations runs through every story in this issue. Take our cover feature on the Fairmont Residences Solara Tower, a structure that expands as it rises, a challenge that should have been an engineering nightmare. Nicholas Byczynski, Director of Sustainable Engineering at AESG, takes us behind the scenes to reveal how this bold vision is becoming a striking reality. We also sit down with ALEMCO’s MD Nathan Hanns to talk strategy, challenges, and the future of MEP services. Dr Rana El-Dabaa from Heriot-Watt University Dubai explores what it truly takes to drive diversity in a historically male- dominated industry. For those looking for career wisdom, JLW’s CEO Ramy Boufarhat shares seven lessons learned from a life in MEP, insights that anyone in the industry would be wise to take on board. Clearly, there’s one theme that runs through this issue: the refusal to accept limits. Whether in engineering, leadership, or diversity, every story we bring you is about pushing boundaries, sometimes literally. ENGINEERING THE IMPOSSIBLE AESG’s Nicholas Byczynski takes us behind the scenes of a project that is both an engineering challenge and a sustainability triumph PAGE 18 WOMEN IN MEP Whether leading teams on-site or making strategic decisions in the boardroom, here are the women breaking barriers and challenging outdated perceptions PAGE 26 SUCCESS THROUGH STRATEGY Nathan Hanns, Managing Director at ALEMCO, discusses strategies, challenges, and the future of MEP services PAGE 24 REDEFINING NORMS From overcoming doubts to leading major projects, these Emirati engineers at BK Gulf are proving that gender is no barrier to success in MEP PAGE 60 MUST READ IN THIS ISSUE Almas Tholot Group Editor almas.tholotr@itp.com MEP_Mar2025_3_Editor Letter_13535709.indd 307/03/2025 13:52www.mepmiddleeast.com 4 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com 14 14 FIVE THINGS TO KNOW Here are fi ve things to know about the upcoming 17-storey crypto tower, launched by DMCC and designed to cater to businesses in blockchain, decentralised fi nance, and Web3 sectors 16 SEVEN THINGS I LEARNED Ramy Boufarhat, CEO of James L Williams Middle East, shares seven incredible lessons from his experience in the industry 18 IN FOCUS Nicholas Byczynski, Director of Sustainable Engineering at AESG, takes us behind the scenes of a project that challenges conventional high-rise design 24 INTERVIEW ALEMCO’s Managing Director Nathan Hanns discusses strategies, challenges, and the future of MEP services 18 MEP_Mar2025_4-5_Contents_13535710.indd 407/03/2025 13:53www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 5 www.mepmiddleeast.com 24 60 72 26 60 26 66 72 INTERVIEW From overcoming doubts to leading major projects, these Emirati engineers at BK Gulf are proving that gender is no barrier to success WOMEN IN MEP Meet the women who are challenging outdated perceptions and paving the way for a forward thinking MEP sector WHITEPAPER The energy effi ciency report examines how the world is transforming its energy landscape for a sustainable future OPINION HWUD’s Dr Ranaa Al Dabba explores what it truly takes to drive diversity in the industry WATCH NOW LISTEN NOW VIDEOS PODCAST MEP_Mar2025_4-5_Contents_13535710.indd 507/03/2025 13:53www.mepmiddleeast.comwww.mepmiddleeast.com 6 MEP Middle East | March 2025 6 MEP Middle East | March 2025 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Business and Technology: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Group Editor: Almas Tholot Tel: +971 4 444 3845 E-mail: almas.tholotr@itp.com Features Writer: Akshata Kamath Tel: +971 4 444 3262 E-mail: akshata.kamath@itp.com Commercial Editor: Angitha Pradeep Tel: +971 4 444 3278 E-mail: angitha.pradeep@itp.com ART ART DIRECTOR: Amjad Ayche ART EDITOR: Tofiq Memon ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director: Anup Nagpurkar Tel: +971 4 444 3573 E-mail: anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager: Oliver Osea Tel: +971 4 444 3129 E-mail: oliver.osea@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Head of Events: Eleanor Ashton E-mail: eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events Manager: Beverly Stanforth Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager: Maria Trishina Event Sales Executive: Jan Mokoala Events Administrative Assistant: Aronn Pureza Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario PRODUCTION Production Manager: Balasubramanian P DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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The most reliable and respected source of MEP news and in-depth analysis in the GCC region To fl ip through previous editions of MEP Middle East magazine, visit mepmiddleeast.com/emagazines/digital-magazine Published by and © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. 6 MEP Middle East | March 2025 MEP_Mar2025_6_Flannel_13535711.indd 607/03/2025 13:55THE VOICE OF EXPERTISE IN THE MIDDLE EAST BUILT ENVIRONMENT PODCAST BY MEP MIDDLE EAST Untitled-1 123/12/2024 16:16NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.com 8 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com Kent, a global engineering ser vices leader, has acquired Sudlows Consulting, a well-established design and engineering fi rm specialising in data centres. This move marks Kent’s entry into the fast-growing international data centre engineering market, strengthening its portfolio and reinforcing its commitment to diversifi cation and sustainability. Based in Dubai, with operations in India, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, Sudlows Consulting has built a strong reputation in the rapidly expanding data centre industry. Since its launch in 2014, the fi rm has successfully delivered over 100 data centre projects across 20 countries, positioning itself as a key player in the sector. By joining forces with Kent, Sudlows Consulting will benefi t from a global platform that can accelerate its growth while helping Kent expand into power-related markets and enhance profi tability. NO DISRUPTION TO SERVICES AND CONTRACTS Clients and partners can be assured that all existing contracts under Sudlows Consulting’s legal entities will remain in place, with no impact from this acquisition. Sudlows Consulting will continue to operate under its existing brand and legal structure, ensuring seamless service with no interruptions or delays to ongoing projects. All project teams will remain unchanged, maintaining the same level of service and expertise clients have come to expect. While Sudlows Consulting will continue to off er its renowned design, consultancy, and engineering services, the acquisition will enable further investment in innovation and the development of new service off erings. Clients can look forward to an expanded suite of solutions backed by Kent’s global expertise. Importantly, there will be no additional costs related to existing contracts as a result of this acquisition. A SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE “Our acquisition of Sudlows Consulting is more than a business deal—it’s a strategic step into a market with long-term grow th potential,” said John Gilley, CEO of Kent. John Rippingale, CEO of Sudlows Consulting, echoed this enthusiasm: “Joining Kent is a huge milestone for us. It validates our achievements over the last decade and expands our ability to deliver world-class data centre solutions on a global scale. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership brings.” SUDLOWS CONSULTING ACQUIRED BY GLOBAL ENGINEERING FIRM KENT Sudlows Consulting’s legal entities and existing contracts remain unchanged despite the acquisition 100+ Data centre projects delivered by Sudlows Consulting since its launch in 2014 MEP_Mar2025_8-10_News_13549287.indd 807/03/2025 13:56NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 9 www.mepmiddleeast.com Drake & Scull International (DSI) has announced securing two major contracts worth over AED one billion ($272.2 million) from Arabian Hills Investment and Real Estate Development. The contracts are for a landmark project in Dubai. THE SCOPE OF CONTRACT The Arabian Hills Project spans 244 million sq ft and is set for completion in 2027. The gated scheme on the Al Ain road in Abu Dhabi is being developed by Deca Properties. The project aims to establish a new benchmark for luxury residential and commercial developments, redefining modern living and infrastructure standards in the region. Under the contract, DSI will be responsible for infrastructure development in two key areas. In Area 10 (Sun Valley), the company will implement power works, street lighting, and contingency measures for Services Authority Works at a value of AED 452 million. Additionally, in Area 05 (Park Vista), DSI will complete infrastructure works and construct a sewage treatment plant, amounting to AED 557 million. The awarded infrastructure work is set to commence immediately. Muin El Saleh, CEO of DSI emphasised that these contracts mark a signifi cant milestone in the company’s journey toward growth and excellence. He highlighted that winning these vital projects refl ects DSI’s strong capabilities and commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure. He also noted that these contracts are part of a larger portfolio of projects, reinforcing client confi dence in DSI as a strategic partner in sustainable urban development. Salem Al Muheiri, Managing Director of Arabian Hills Investment and Real Estate Development, stated that the Arabian Hills Project is a transformative development that embodies innovation, sustainability, and modern living. He expressed confi dence in DSI’s ability to deliver the project to the highest standards, given its proven track record in executing large-scale, high-value developments on schedule and with meticulous attention to detail. THE BIG PICTURE Shares in the engineering company resumed trading in May last year following a six-year suspension after losses exceeded 75 percent of its capital. Under the ongoing restructuring plan, 90 percent of DSI’s debts were written off while the remaining 10 percent were funnelled into a sukuk, or sharia-compliant bond. This contract win comes at a time when DSI is experiencing renewed momentum following the restructuring and liquidity injection. DRAKE & SCULL WINS 2 MAJOR CONTRACTS WORTH $272M The gated scheme on the Al Ain Road in Abu Dhabi is set for completion in 2027 244 M The total area in square feet covered by the project MEP_Mar2025_8-10_News_13549287.indd 907/03/2025 13:56Next >