< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com 10 MEP Middle East | April 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com -- “We have not only survived industry challenges but have also achieved unprecedented growth levels ” – Basheer M assad , Ge neral Ma nager , BK Gulf p28 p34 “We have stra tegic ally focu sed on high ly speci alised proje cts wher e comp etitio n is lowe r and we can sust ain stron g profi t marg ins” – Mich ael Ghan em, Mana ging Partn er, LASC O “As costs continue to decline and standardisation improves, BIPV adoption is likely to accelerate” – Bashar Kayali, Managing Direc tor, ALEC Solut ions p48 “Balancing high -perfo rmanc e building envelopes wi th effi cient HVAC systems is ke y to su staina bility in GC C” – Mohamed Amer , Mana ging Direc tor, ICC MEN A p46 MEP_Apr2025_10_Word of Mouth_13574424.indd 1027/03/2025 22:36NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.com 12 MEP Middle East | April 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com Sharjah’s ambitious Aljada megaproject is set to receive a major boost with the construction of Phase I of the Arada Central Business District (CBD), which has been awarded to Modern Building Contracting Company (MBCC). The $164 million contract will see MBCC begin work on the fi rst cluster of the CBD, with completion expected by the fi rst quarter of 2027. The fi rst phase includes eight smart blocks, one of which will house Arada’s own headquarters. This nine-fl oor building will not only accommodate 1,500 of the developer’s staff but will also feature unique spaces such as an accessible roof for events, a grand atrium, an amphitheatre, a café, and a staff restaurant. The building’s design will ensure that all departments are connected both visually and physically, creating a dynamic and collaborative workplace environment. The CBD will off er 812,000 sq ft of Grade A leasable space, 1,666 parking spaces, and 76,000 sq ft of landscaped green space. The district will also include 26,500 sq ft of retail space, contributing to a vibrant commercial hub in Sharjah. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Arada’s Group CEO, highlighted the strong demand for commercial space in the area, noting that Arada CBD is set to become a key player in Sharjah’s future economy. “With its contemporary architecture, the workspaces designed to inspire productivity, and excellent connectivity to major transport routes, Arada CBD is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of businesses in the region,” he said. FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY One of the standout features of the district is its ‘green spine’—a forest park running the length of the CBD, featuring shaded walkways, rooftop terraces, and an amphitheatre. This green space will provide a relaxing environment for workers, with a variety of cafés, dining options, and retail spaces spread across the district. In addition, extensive parking will make the area easily accessible for visitors and employees alike. The project’s 40 smart buildings will span 4.3 million sq ft of prime leasable space and are targeting LEED, WiredScore, and SmartScore certifi cations, ensuring that the district is at the forefront of green building practices, digital connectivity and smart technology. Aljada is transforming the emirate with its mix of residential, retail, entertainment, and educational off erings. The fi rst 30% of the 25,000 homes in Aljada are now completed, while the development continues to progress, establishing itself as a landmark project. MBCC Wins $164Mn Contract to Develop Arada Central Business District The project is set to reshape Sharjah’s commercial landscape with a distinct feature, The Green Spine 4.3M The area of prime leasable space in Aljada mega project MEP_Apr2025_12-13_News_13565780.indd 1227/03/2025 22:37NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.comApril 2025 | MEP Middle East 13 www.mepmiddleeast.com The Water & Effluent Treatment (WET) business of L&T, along with Lantania of Spain, has signed a contract with ACWA Power, a major developer in the Middle East, to build the Ras Mohaisen Desalination plant in Saudi Arabia. The WET unit won the order in a joint venture with Lantania of Spain, wherein it happens to be the lead partner. L&T has classifi ed it as a ‘large’ contract with a value between $287.17 million and $574 million. THE SCOPE Ras Mohaisen Desalination plant will have a capacity of 300,000 cu m/day. The project’s scope includes design, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of a seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant. It encompasses intake and outfall facilities, process units, pumping stations, 600,000 cu m potable water storage facility, electrical special facility and associated works along with state-of-the-art automation and instrumentation systems. A Solar PV plant is also part of the project scope. The plant will serve as a drinking water source for Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Baha regions, benefi ting about one million population. This is the second desalination order that L&T has received in Saudi Arabia in the recent past and it strengthens L&T’s WET business presence in the Middle East region. This large order underscores L&T’s resolve to expand its regional footprint across all the neighboring and business-conducive geographies, the company said. This contract also helps Lantania strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia. Lantania recently signed an agreement with NEOM for the construction of a biosolids treatment plant in Al Badaa. OTHER ORDERS Larsen & Toubro is a $27 billion Indian multinational enterprise engaged in EPC projects, hi-tech manufacturing, and services, operating across multiple geographies. In the recent months, multiple divisions of L&T have been winning contracts in Saudi Arabia. L&T’s power transmission and distribution vertical also won ‘large’ orders in the Middle East. In Saudi Arabia, the company won an order for a 380 kV gas insulated substation. The scope of work also includes the associated reactors and installation of hybrid gas-insulated substation bays. In Abu Dhabi, the business secured an order to set up a new 220/330 kV grid station, along with the associated jobs. Larsen & Toubro Signs ‘Large’ Contract for Desalination Plant in Saudi Arabia This is the second desalination order that L&T has received in Saudi Arabia in the recent past 300,000 The capacity of the Ras Mohaisen Desalination plant in terms of cu m/day MEP_Apr2025_12-13_News_13565780.indd 1327/03/2025 22:37IN PICTURES www.mepmiddleeast.com 14 MEP Middle East | April 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com BY BNW DEVELOPMENTS PELAGIA MEP_Apr2025_14-15_IN PICTURES_13559065.indd 1403/04/2025 18:10IN PICTURES www.mepmiddleeast.comApril 2025 | MEP Middle East 15 www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_Apr2025_14-15_IN PICTURES_13559065.indd 1504/04/2025 16:06www.mepmiddleeast.com 16 MEP Middle East | April 2025www.mepmiddleeast.comwww.mepmiddleeast.com 16 MEP Middle East | April 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_Apr2025_16-17_5 Things to Know_13559007.indd 1603/04/2025 18:135 THINGS TO KNOW www.mepmiddleeast.comApril 2025 | MEP Middle East 17 www.mepmiddleeast.com TRUMP TOWER JEDDAH 1 Trump Tower Jeddah will rise 47 storeys along the corniche, making it one of the tallest residential towers in the city. The high-rise was launched by DarGlobal and The Trump Organisation. 2 The enabling works contract for the tower has been awarded to Specialized Italian Foundation Co. Ltd. (SIFCO), a fi rm specialising in deep foundation construction. This phase is critical for ensuring structural stability on Jeddah’s coastal terrain. 3 The tower will feature a range of 1- to 4-bedroom apartments and penthouses, all off ering spacious layouts, high-end fi nishes, and fl oor-to-ceiling windows designed to maximise natural light and the Red Sea views. 4 DarGlobal has prioritised energy-effi cient designs and sustainable building practices in this development, aligning with modern environmental standards to establish a sustainable luxury residential landmark. 5 Scheduled for completion in December 2029, Trump Tower Jeddah is expected to be a key addition to the city’s high-end real estate market and will introduce Saudi Arabia’s fi rst members-only Trump Club. MEP_Apr2025_16-17_5 Things to Know_13559007.indd 1703/04/2025 18:13COVER STORY www.mepmiddleeast.com 18 MEP Middle East | April 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com MEP_Apr2025_18-25_Cover Story_13576939.indd 1804/04/2025 16:32PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.comApril 2025 | MEP Middle East 19 www.mepmiddleeast.com As modular construction gains wider adoption, BK Modular’s Manager Robbie Nelson highlights the efficiency, precision, and reliability that the firm brings to the table THE SMART FIT Words by Almas Tholot Photography by Ajith Narendra MEP_Apr2025_18-25_Cover Story_13576939.indd 1904/04/2025 16:32Next >