The Big 5 2009 Show Dubai News - Day 2

NOVEMBER 24, 2009 [DAY 2]WWW.THEBIG5EXHIBITION.COM

In association with

Dubai deputy ruler opens Big 5 show

24INSIDE SIX CONSTRUCT

Philippe Dessoy on building the world’s tallest tower

27BRINGING THE HAMMER DOWN

A buyer’s guide to using auctions to your advantage

35EUROPE TAKES CENTRE STAGE

A look at the European suppliers on show today

47 HIGH PROFILE ROPE ACCESS

Head for heights required in safety focused industry

SHOW INFORMATIONThe Big 5 2009 show timings:23-26 November 11am - 8pm

The Big 5 venue:Dubai World Trade Centre,Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Visitors are encouraged to pre-register online at

www.thebig5exhibition.com to ensure quick and easy

access. On-site registration is available for trade and

business professionals only. Persons under the age

of 18 will not be permitted entry.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al

Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai and

minister of Finance and Industry, of-

fi cially opened Th e Big 5 exhibition

yesterday.

Th e Big 5 is the Middle East’s

largest exhibition for the interna-

tional construction industry which

has grown by 15% this year, accord-

ing to organisers of the event, dmg

world media.

Th e event, which is on until No-

vember 26 at the Dubai World Trade

Centre (DWTC), has taken up the

entire venue, occupying a total of

over 43,000m2, including the re-

cently completed hall Sheikh Saeed

Halls extension. Th is year’s show has

attracted over 3000 exhibitors from

52 countries, ranging from major

global suppliers to regional agents

An ITP Business Publication on behalf of dmg World Media Dubai

and distributors, along with 22 na-

tional pavilions.

Big 5 vice president of construc-

tion Simon Mellor said, “We are de-

lighted and greatly honoured that

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al

Maktoum offi cially opened Th e Big

5 Exhibition. It has been a tough

year for the construction industry,

but the Big 5 is the fi rst time that

the international construction com-

munity has come together since the

beginning of the downturn and it

will provide an excellent platform

to share our thoughts on the past 12

months and devise strategies for the

future. We look forward to an excit-

ing four day event.”

Helal Al Marri, CEO of DWTC

said, “As has been evidenced by Th e

Big 5’s impressive growth this year,

the demand in key sectors such as

construction is clearly on the rise.

Our recent infrastructure expansion

is hence a critical step that will cater

for the increasing demand and posi-

tive growth in the region’s events

sector. Th is growth reinforces rising

levels of global business and inves-

tor confi dence in Dubai as a global

business powerhouse.”

HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (centre) opens The Big 5.

BIG 5 OPEN FOR FULL DAY ON THURSDAYThe Big 5 exhibition will still run the full day this Thursday, 26 November, despite it being declared a public holiday for Eid, CW Big 5 Daily can confi rm.

This follows confusion among many industry specialists over the show’s operating status on

Thursday. Last week the UAE government declared public holidays for Eid, the fi rst of which falls this Thursday, which is also the last day of the Big 5 exhibition.

But speaking to the show’s offi cial newspaper

at the opening on Monday, Simon Mellor, vice president construction – dmg world media, which is also the organiser of the show, said the show will be in full swing.

“The Big 5 show will be open on Thursday, full day,” he said.

“Obviously some government entities will be closed but we hope that this will give them the opportunity to take time out of their otherwise busy schedules and come down to the Big 5 to support the show and the construction industry.”

‘Impressive growth’ as Trade Centre opens doors for a record number of exhibitors

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UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with

WWW.CONSTRUCTIONWEEKONLINE.COM

3BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 24, 2009

Dubai has to safeguard qualityConstruction fi rms say building regulations must be enforced to protect Dubai’s growing reputation

A number of building com-

panies have called upon the

Dubai government to support

their attempts to maintain

quality within the industry.

Al Rajhi Holding CEO Oth-

mar Wutscher lent his weight

to the Dubai government’s

drive to introduce new,

tougher build standards, but

warned that new regulations

would also have to be strictly

enforced in order to succeed.

“Th ey can’t just be on paper.

Dubai has been built on qual-

ity but, with the economic

downturn, there’s too much

value engineering at the mo-

ment and buildings that may

look good are anything but.

UAE green product firmto attend “Hope in Hagen”Gulf International Trading

Group chairman and CEO,

Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim

Al Midfa, said his company

will be participating at next

month’s United Nations (UN)

Climate Change Conference

in Copenhagen, Denmark, in

order to support the global

green cause.

Speaking to CW Big 5 Daily,

he said, “We were invited by

the UN to participate at the

Climate Change Conference

in December, after they heard

of all the environmental cam-

paigns we’ve done and for our

products which are extremely

green in nature.”

In addition to his partici-

pation, 65 heads of state and

governments have also ac-

cepted Danish Prime Minis-

ter Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s

invitation to attend the con-

ference in the Danish capital.

Th e conference had origi-

nally been intended to pro-

duce a new global climate-

change treaty on limiting

emissions of greenhouse

gases that would replace the

1997 Kyoto Protocol.

Midfa said he was not sure

if all objectives set out would

be achieved but it was a step

in the right direction and that

his company fully supports all

causes to protect the environ-

ment.

In the company’s brochure

that is available at their stand

in Hall 11, he says: “My dream

is to create homes that rely

completely on natural energy

sources and that create op-

timal living surroundings for

the Middle East.”

Khalid Mohammed Ibrahim Al Midfa, CEO of GITC.

French district cooling solutions are being presented by Ciat.

France showcases ideal air conditioning solutionFrance’s Ciat Group, which

manufactures equipment

for central air conditioning,

heating by heat pumps, air

handling and heat exchange

is currently showcasing its

district cooling solutions at

the Big 5 Show.

According to the company,

these solutions off er three key

advantages including com-

fort, air quality and energy

optimisation.

Energy effi ciency, district

cooling solutions make huge

savings and enable construc-

tion projects to be completed

quicker. Th ey also have a mi-

nor impact on the environ-

ment, making them suited for

use in urban areas.

Ciat off ers three key prod-

ucts including the Itex plate

heat exchanger, its range of

Alto and District Ciat fan coil

units and Cristopia thermal

energy storage.

Th anks to their excellent

heat transfer coeffi cients and

compact design, Ciat’s range

of Itex plate heat exchangers

transfer cooling capacity and

ensure the performance of

the whole system. Th e com-

pany said it underwent many

qualifi cation tests and re-

ceived the approval of Middle

Eastern authorities to equip

gigantic district cooling fa-

cilities in the UAE with plate

heat exchangers.

Th e District Ciat and Alto

units are specially designed

for district cooling applica-

tions (operating with a tem-

perature diff erence of 9K).

Th ey deliver the required

cooling capacity to ensure

optimum comfort even at

wide thermal amplitudes and

do so with minimum pressure

drops. Th eir large drain pans

are perfectly suited to any cli-

mate and feature reinforced

insulation.

Th e company provides a

range of renewable energy

and safety and security prod-

ucts including Powerglaz,

which the company describes

as “the real green building

cladding material” and uses

photovoltaic technology to

produce electricity, hydro-

gen and fuel cell operation

products, fi re resistant glaz-

ing Alufl am, steel profi ling

system Stalprofi l and Saint-

Gobain’s Vetrotech glass.

Cristopia latent thermal

storage, a fl exible system for

managing signifi cant refrig-

eration energy needs stores

heat in spheres inside an in-

sulated tank during off -peak

periods or when costs are

low and then transfers the

heat for use when demand

is high. Th e size of installed

equipment can be reduced

by as much as 70% without

aff ecting the available capac-

ity, peaks in consumption are

levelled out and energy costs

are cut.

As a result, facilities are

more dependable, safer and

last longer. Th ermal energy

storage is particularly suited

to district air conditioning.

Al Rajhi Holding is the

umbrella group for compa-

nies such as Romeo Design,

Cladtech International, Mada

Gypsum and Unipods.

“We realize that, at this

time, we need to be competi-

tive but we also want to re-

main quality conscious,” con-

tinued Wutscher.

“In the next two or three

years, I’m sure we’ll see an in-

crease in the number of dedi-

cated refurbishment compa-

nies at shows like Big 5, as the

corners being cut start to come

apart – refurbishing is expen-

sive and labour intensive.”

Cladtech International

business operations director

Bater Biyouk agreed, add-

ing: “We compromise a little

on price which we’re able

to do at Cladtech [a curtain

walls and cladding special-

ist], as we manufacture our

own glass and steel…we can

avoid the commission from

the middle men. But we never

compromise on quality.

“However, testing has to

be thorough. Quality curtain

walling is a matter of using

the right material, in the right

place at the right time – it has

to be tested as a system, not

as individual parts. We sup-

port the government is any

moves it makes to improve

those tests and standards.”

Welcome to Swiss Building & Construction Solutions!

Hall 7 – Booth No. 7A301 – 7C302

of switzerland

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with


4 BIG 5 SHOW DAILY NOVEMBER 24, 2009

A night on the tiles

Globcom fl ushes out stale odours

Brazilian tile makers are enjoying growth and see even more ahead

Demand from the Middle East

for ceramic and porcelain

fl ooring solutions has been

soaring for Brazilian export-

ers. Silvio Fernandes, export

manager for porcelain tiling

specialist Itagres, says that

Middle Eastern business rep-

resented just 5% of the fi rm’s

direct sales six years ago, but

has grown to represent over

35% of sales and revenue.

“Last year, we did over US $1

Casagrande and Itagres, Concourse 848 and 873

million dollars in the Middle

East, and I have at least the

same level of expectation for

2009, if not a little bit more.”

Fernandes says that Saudi

Arabia represents the biggest

opportunity for his fi rm and

is already his biggest market

in the region. “We have start-

ed to tailor our production to

local tastes, and that has had

a big diff erence. Th is year, we

have actually tripled our rev-

enue from Saudi Arabia. Th e

demand for high-end porce-

Cetenareski: Casagrande has begun tailoring products specifi cally for the Middle East.

lain tiles there is very strong,

particularly the dark, highly

polished stonework.”

Fernandes says this year’s

Big 5 will be all about build-

ing the brand and increas-

ing market awareness of the

product range, which is ex-

tensively shown on the Brazil-

ian Pavilion in the concourse.

Claudio Cetenareski, ex-

port manager for Casagrande,

a ceramic fl oor tile manufac-

turer from Brazil, agrees the

local market is growing in

importance. “Th e UAE, and

in particular Abu Dhabi right

now, is a very big opportunity

for us.”

Casagrande does about 10%

of its worldwide direct sales

into the Middle East, and is

at Big 5 on the lookout for

distributors, showrooms and

stores to carry its brand lo-

cally. “We have had a tremen-

dous number of enquiries for

day one. I am very confi dent

that a lot of the traffi c will

turn into some concrete busi-

ness by day three or four.”

Casagrande has also be-

gun designing and marketing

products tailored to Middle

Eastern tastes. “Our range of

beige matt fi nish tiles, and

the sand coloured range sells

very well across the region.

It’s more in keeping with tra-

ditional styles.”

Both manufactures say ho-

tels and commercial develop-

ments are targets, but that

residential and private sales

represent the lion’s share of

business. “Th ere is a big trend

to tile both indoor and out-

door areas in this region, and

we are delivering a high-qual-

ity, Brazilian manufactured

product which is a great fi t.”

Globcom General Trad-

ing LLC has debuted the

Hidrovent localised air ex-

traction system for toilets at

Th e Big 5. Th e company has

global distribution rights for

the patented technology, and

has used Th e Big 5 to intro-

duce it to the region.

“Th e Big 5 has a high pro-

fi le, and therefore represents

the perfect opportunity to

launch a new product like

Hidrovent. Th e current em-

phasis on ‘green’ building

and sustainability also virtu-

ally guarantees interest in the

product. Combined with the

high calibre of the visitors at-

tracted by Th e Big 5, this is

the perfect place for us to be,”

Rashid Hall, C179 comments Globcom manag-

ing director Jean Bellumat.

“Hidrovent is a revolution-

ary electromagnetic device to

extract air from toilet bowls.

It essentially removes any un-

pleasant toilet smells without

any need for maintenance,”

explains Bellumat. Th e prod-

uct is adaptable to all build-

ings, making it ideal for the

refurbishment market.

It comprises a 12 V DC suc-

tion motor fed by 125-220

VAC 50/60 Hz electronic con-

trol, with infra-red or switch

operation, plus a universal

water-emptying mechanism.

Th e system is contained in a

sealed box in a wall at least

90 mm thick, which prevents

exterior tampering as well as Bellumat: Globcom helps get rid of undesirable odours.

Published by and © 2009 ITP Business Publishing,a division of the ITP Publishing Group ltd, registered inthe British Virgin Islands company number 1402846

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In association with

ensuring aesthetic appear-

ance and safety.

“Hidrovent is activated

when a person sits on the toi-

let, by either infra-red ray or

a customer-activated switch,”

says Bellumat. Th e system

halts 100% of the odours em-

anating from the toilet, and

thereby prevents these from

spreading into the rest of the

washroom or building.

Th e odours are directed to-

wards the AC extract duct,

or externally through the

Hidrovent system.

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with



Masa hits a milestone

Miele promotes its ecological credentials

Masa Group is showcasing its 200th plant sold in the Middle East

Construction machinery man-

ufacturer, Masa Group is cel-

ebrating the sale of its 200th

plant in the Middle East. Th e

company’s range includes con-

crete block-making machines,

aerated concrete machines and

plants, and limestone plants.

“Around the world we have

supplied more than 1000

block making machines and

hundreds of aerated concrete

and limestone plants. In this

region, we have just sold ma-

chine number 200, which is a

real achievement,” said CEO

Liebherr keeps customers cool

and chairman of the board,

Masa Group, Dirk Bunthoff .

‘Plant No. 200’ is being

showcased on the company’s

stand, H131 in Zabeel Hall. It

was developed for Pasco, an Al

Ain-based company that spe-

cialises in the construction of

concrete blocks, concrete pav-

ers and retaining walls.

“One of the things about Pas-

co is that it is concentrating on

creating high-quality products.

So you have two companies

working together who focus on

quality,” Bunthoff continued.

“Pasco has bought a total

The Masa Group executive team: Al Ain-based Pasco is the lucky purchaser of ‘Plant No. 200’.

of nine machines from us. I

think that’s important – if a

client is interested in buying

more than one of your prod-

ucts. Th at comes down to good

client relations, and means not

just selling the machines but

providing a full service.”

To that eff ect, Masa Group

off ers a 24-hour hotline service,

and has created a hub in Dubai

in order to better service its cli-

ents in this region. “We have an

offi ce, along with service and

erection people, and sales peo-

ple. We also have stock here.

So if there is a malfunction in

the plant, we can service our

clients immediately with parts,

people, and whatever else is

needed.”

The Germany-headquar-

tered company has been in

business for over 100 years, and

is present in the US, Russia, Eu-

rope, India, China and Korea. It

has been active in Middle East

since the early 1970s.

“Th is is one of the most im-

portant parts of the world for

us. It is an area with one of

the highest growth rates and

we have contributed with a

fairly large number of plants,”

Bunthoff said.

“A year into this crisis and

we are still running a suc-

cessful business. We will end

2009 with the same turnover

as 2008. What’s more, Masa

Group has doubled its turn-

over over the last fi ve years

– mostly because of contracts

in the Middle East,” Bunthoff

said. “Th is is why it is such an

important region for us.”

Th e refrigerators and freez-

ers division of the Liebherr

Group is attending Th e Big 5

for the fi rst time, in an eff ort

to expand its presence in the

Middle East.

“Th e Liebherr Group has

an annual turnover of EUR

8.4 billion and our division

represents 10% of that,” ex-

plained managing director,

refrigerators and freezers

division, Steff en Nagel. “We

started production in 1955 so

we have a long history. We

are very strong in Europe and

now have hopes and plans to

expand our business in the

Middle East.”

Th e ‘cooling and freezing’

specialist currently works

exclusively with regional dis-

tributors. “We off er the best

quality on the market and we

focus on the premium side

of the business. We are here

looking for project business,

which includes hotels, restau-

rants and catering, but we are

also looking for new distribu-

tion channels,” Nagel said.

Th e company is showcas-

ing a range of products on

its stand, W21 in Zabeel Hall,

including the energy-saving

GTP 2356 chest freezer. “Th is

is the most energy-effi cient

chest freezer in the world,”

noted regional manager, Mid-

dle East and Africa, Liebherr

refrigerators and freezers di-

vision, Gian Paolo Glucker. “It

is the fi rst model with a 60%

better than A rating. And if

there’s an energy interruption

– it keeps food frozen at -9

degrees for four days.”

Miele, a German manufac-

turer of high quality domestic

appliances and machines, is

highlighting its eco-creden-

tials at Th e Big 5 this year. Th e

company is showcasing its

‘ecological’ line of products

on Stand J23 in Zabeel Hall.

“We took this opportunity

to present our ecological line

– so whether it is washing

machines or dishwashers, the

product range we are show-

ing will consume less water

and less electricity, and will

have of all the functions that

will help protect the environ-

ment,” said managing direc-

tor, Miele, Gaby Koudsi.

Hall 1 J23 Attention to consumption,

cleaning processes, water

temperature and cycle length

also set this line apart, Koudsi

explained. “Th e environment

is becoming more important

for decision makers here, and

we are targeting projects that

are driven by environmental

initiatives,” he said.

Th e company is also using

the show as the Middle East

launch pad for its Octoplus

washing machine and tumble

dryer. Th e product was fi rst

uncovered in Berlin in Sep-

tember and has already re-

ceived a Red Dot award.

“Th e Octoplus is from our

professional range. It is an

8kg, heavy duty washing ma-

chine and tumble dryer. It can

be used for commercial and

residential applications. In

places like the Gulf, families

are large, so although it is

a professional machine, we

anticipate high levels of do-

mestic use,” Koudsi said.

“For a professional ma-

chine, we’ve done a very good

job with the aesthetics, and

also, you don’t require a de-

gree from MIT to operate it.”

Miele is also keen to pro-

mote a new collaboration

with IBM. Th is new technol-

ogy will enable Miele appli-

ances to determine, and then

run, during off -peak hours. Miele is promoting its environmentally-friendly line of products, including washing machines.

FACT BOXMasa Group says that it will end 2009 with the same turnover as in 2008

Liebherr’s refrigerators and freezers division is new at Big 5.

Zabeel H131 Zabeel J131

Reem Emirates Aluminum (REA) and its subsidiaries:Reem Emirates Glass (REG); Reem Emirates Metals (REM) & Reem Emirates Cladding (REC), boasts of its

factory as the largest in the Middle East and GCC market, equipped with complete line of the most sophisticatedequipments and state-of-the-art technology to be able to meet the ever increasing demands for architectural cladding elements.

With its unparalleled business expertise matched with a team of highly professional engineers and architects, Reem Emirates Aluminum carefully blends creativity and ingenuity to produce competitive products that meet the exacting architectural requirements of its clients such as:

Double Skin Active Walls l Conventional Curtain Walls l Unitized Curtain Walls l 3D Metal Structures l Metal CladdingSpider Walls l Sliding & Casement Windows, Doors l Shop Fronts, Doors, Windows, Balustrades l Skylights l Domes l Grilles & Clusters

Rolling Shutters Special l Architectural Featured BMS l Fully Tempered/Toughened Glass l Heat Strengthened Glass l Insulated/Double Glazed Units l Laminated Glass l Stainless Steel Architectural Metal Products

www.reemalum.com

Tel.: +971 2 599 4200 Fax: +971 2 550 1812 P.O.Box 36863 Abu Dhabi, UAE

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with



Green roofi ng hits ME

New glasswool insulation outfi t launches

IPAF to promote access equipment safety following in-depth surveyTh e Middle East could be set

to be hit by a wave of green

rooftops, according to an in-

dustry professional.

“Th e interest is improving in

green rooftops in the Middle

East and I see it as a trend

that will increase in the future,”

revealed Melanie Manlangit,

manager of Al Yousuf Agricul-

tural & Landscaping.

Th e company supplies and

installs the roof systems which

allow landscaping to be put

on the roof of buildings. Green

roofs are said to provide many

benefi ts to a building, includ-

Poor pipework fl oods region

ing lowering the cost of irriga-

tion, protect waterproofi ng on

a building and also reducing

the temperature inside.

“We have had a lot of inter-

est in the UAE in our product,

and we have also been talking

to companies in Bahrain, Qa-

tar, Oman and Saudi Arabia, so

interest has been high,” com-

mented Manlangit.

“Th e region seems to fi nally

have reaslised the benefi ts of

having a green roof installed

on a building. Dubai is push-

ing for it now and a new rul-

ing is being discussed whereby

Melanie Melangit, manager of Al Yousuf Agricultural & Landscaping.

new buildings in the city would

have to have 30% green roof

technology,” she added.

Green roof systems have

been widespread in Europe in

for several years, and countries

such as Germany have seen

particular enthusiasm for the

technology. Al Yousuf Agricul-

tural & Landscaping is a part-

ner of German fi rm ZinCo.

Manlangit stressed that the

fi rm can operate best when it

is involved in the design stage

in order for it provide technical

support and work closely with

the designers and architects.

Al Yousuf Agricultural &

Landscaping is currently work-

ing on one project in the Middle

East where the client is seeing

to use the rooftop for storage of

rainwater. Asked how the com-

pany would supply green roof

technology to the Burj Dubai,

Manlangit revealed the fi rm

would look to install walkways

and pathways on the podium

level of the building.

On the green building poli-

cies in the Middle East, Man-

langit was optimistic about the

future; “It’s a work in progress,

they have come up with a sys-

tem for here but they are just

starting really. Th e country’s

building sector is not as old

as those in Europe so it is no

wonder they need to catch up

a little. Th e important thing

is these guidelines have to be

adapted and adjusted so they

can be used in the Middle East

and I think so far they have

been,” she concluded.

Th e piping industry is being

aff ected by low-quality prod-

ucts that are now starting

to fl ood the market, an indus-

try insider has warned visi-

tors and buyers at Th e Big 5

show this week.

“Th ere were already a num-

ber of low-quality products in

the Middle East market, but

there has been an increase in

since the economic troubles

that have aff ected the con-

struction sector began some

12 months or so ago,” claimed

Rajesh Th unoli, project sales

representative at Al Sahoo, a

trading company for Aqua-

therm products.

“We have a lot of problems

with these lower, cheaper

products, we do try to edu-

cate the people but of course

the contractor always wants

to cut costs so you win some,

you lose some,” he added.

Th unoli added that the

Middle East market for pipes

is huge, and revealed there

are a number of companies

looking to bring in high quali-

ty products from a number of

countries around the world.

Needless to say, the execu-

tive was also keen to advise

potential buyers at the show

that the best products were of

German origin.

Th unoli also indicated that

he has witnessed some signs

of recovery in certain markets

in the Middle East.

“If you look at Dubai, it has

not been that encouraging

but I do see a little bit of im-

provement in the Abu Dhabi

market and Qatar does not

seem to have been as badly

aff ected from what I have

seen recently.”

Aquatherm provides pip-

ing for a number of diff erent

applications from domestic

water to chiller systems. “We

cover a number of diff erent

systems,” Th unoli concluded.

Th e fi rm produces plastic

pipe systems and developed

the Fusiotherm plastic pipe

system of polypropylene

(PP-R) for potable water and

heating installations in 1980.

Th e company now has more

than 74 marketing partners

across the world.

On the sustainable side,

Aquatherm also has a strong

portfolio of environmentally

friendly solutions, including

its Greenpipe and Clima-

therm systems.

Al Sahoo Trading has been

active in the Middle East since

its inception in the 1950s,

and has a particular focus on

the GCC market.

Th e Big 5 is playing host to

another new company launch

as Glasswool Insulation Tech-

nology, a manufacturer of

glass-fi bre insulation prod-

ucts, offi cially begins opera-

tions this week.

“We began production in

April this year, and have used

Th e Big 5 to launch the new

company,” said operations

manager Jun Brigole.

Based in Abu Dhabi Indus-

trial City, the factory will have

a yearly production capacity

of 12,000 tonnes of glass-fi -

bre products, ranging from

boards to pipe insulation.

“Th e applications are numer-

Maktoum A121 ous, ranging from metal-roof

insulation to insulation of air-

conditioning ductwork, and

even walls,” Brigole added.

Th e executive indicated

that his fi rm’s new factory has

been equipped with advanced

technology from STM Tech-

nologies of Italy, an interna-

tionally renowned supplier of

quality glass-fi bre production

equipment and systems. Th is

advanced technology will

enable Glasswool Insulation

Technology to off er a sub-

stantial range of high-quality

products to meet the needs of

the region’s commercial, air-

conditioning, construction

and industrial markets.

“Th is is a very competitive

market, with some major

manufacturers already well

established, including one

from Kuwait, and therefore

Th e Big 5 is an ideal platform

for us to introduce the new

company,” stated Brigole.

Commenting on launching

a new company at such a dif-

fi cult time, Brigole said the

pending ‘green’ regulations

together with the larger sus-

tainability agenda is focusing

the spotlight on proper insu-

lation and the role it plays in

energy saving.

“Insulation plays an impor-

tant role in environmental

comfort, thermal and noise

Jun Brigole, operations manager at the newly established

company, Glasswool Insulation Technology, based in the UAE.

control and fi re safety. In

Europe, for example, the use

of proper insulation is pro-

scribed,” Brigole explained.

“It helps conserve energy,

thereby saving operating

costs, which means it has an

important bottom-line ben-

efi t. However, perhaps the

greatest advantage, which is

perhaps the least tangible, is

that it lowers greenhouse gas

emissions and the associated

carbon footprint.”

Glasswool Insulation Tech-

nology falls under Exeed In-

dustries, the industrial arm of

National Holding, a privately

held Abu Dhabi-based diver-

sifi ed holding company.

FACT BOX

The UAE is aiming for 30% green roof technology for new buildings

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with



HSCC lands major regional jobBrazilian skirting board manufacturer announces US $150,000 deal to supply UAE property manager

Starting Big 5 with a spring in

its step this year is Brazilian

skirting board manufacturer

HSCC Business Solution. On

day one, the fi rm was able to

announce its fi rst major UAE

contract, a US$150,000 deal

to supply skirting products to

a UAE construction and prop-

erty management fi rm.

“We launched our UAE of-

fi ce in July this year, so to

net such a major contract in

Dubai in such a quick turn-

around has been remarkable,”

says Tania Lompa, business

development manager.

Th e fi rm produces poly-

styrene skirting solutions for

commercial and residential

properties, which Lompa

Concourse 821 says is a unique off ering for

this market. “Th e polystyrene

solution is a perfect fi t for

the Middle East market. It’s

cheaper than wood, more du-

rable and ready to go. With

wood or MDF the installa-

tion fi rm needs to cut, paint

or treat the product, whereas

our skirting is ready as soon

as it arrives.”

Th e quick turnaround is

what has impressed Lompo

most on the recent deal.

“Typically in the Gulf mar-

ket it takes much longer to

go from bid to signing the

contact. In fact getting local

companies to open up and

look at new suppliers and

new products has been a real

challenge,” she says.

Th e deal for HSCC Business

Solution will see the skirting

installed in apartments in

Dubai within the next three

months. Th e company says it

bids at the project manage-

ment level, but meeting with

fi t-out fi rms and interior de-

signers is what has brought

the company to Big 5.

“Th is is a great way to meet

clients from all over the Mid-

dle East, and the fi rms we

meet here will allow us access

to the Qatar and Abu Dhabi

markets, where it is very ex-

citing right now.”

Lompa says gaining market

traction and launching new

products has been her biggest

battle to date, but she has

very high hopes for Big 5. Lompa: Polystyrene is a more suitable material for skirting boards in the region than wood.

Mapei refl ects on successful period‘Fast-track solutions with no

compromise on quality’ is

the message from Innovative

Building Solutions (IBS), the

UAE subsidiary of Italian ad-

hesive and chemical products

giant Mapei, which is show-

casing its skills for the fi fth

consecutive year at Th e Big 5

this week.

It’s been a good month al-

ready for the company, which

won a silver medal at the Gaia

Construction Environmental

Awards held in Dubai at the

beginning of November, and

Mapei is clearly building on

this achievement by welcom-

ing all comers to its sizeable

stand in Hall 7.

A list of the latest projects

in which Mapei has been in-

volved reads like a roll-call of

the GCC’s most high-profi le

developments. Aside from

previously carrying out work

on the Burj Al Arab, the Atlan-

tis Resort and the Emirates

Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi,

the company has more re-

cently completed work on the

Stand 7 E291 Metro Red Line, Terminal 3

at Dubai International Air-

port, and is even now putting

the fi nishing touches onto

the Burj Dubai, set to be the

world’s tallest building when

it opens in early January.

“With regard to the Burj

Dubai, we’ve carried out a lot

of work in the Armani Hotel,

where as you can imagine,

an exceptionally high stan-

dard of fi nishing is required,”

said Laith Haboubi, business

development manager at the

Mapei subsidiary. “And we’ve

also been working on every-

thing from substrate fl oor

preparation, self-levelling

and screed-work, as well as

adhesives and grouts.”

Another of Mapei’s major

highlights of the year has been

the successful completion of

its work on some of the sur-

rounding infrastructure for

the Formula One Grand Prix

on Yas Island in early Novem-

ber. Given the tight deadlines

put down by the Abu Dhabi

authorities, on-time comple-

tion was of vital importance.

Altis Wood, part of the Greek

Pavilion at Th e Big 5, is on the

lookout for UAE distributors

for its products.

Porte by Altis, a member

company of Altis Wood, man-

ufactures a range of wooden

interior doors in modern and

classical designs.

Altis says the high level of

new projects in the UAE, de-

spite the overall slowdown in

Concourse 792 the construction industry, in-

dicates a natural niche for Altis

Wood to distribute its exclu-

sive, high-end range.

“We are a fi rst-time exhibi-

tor, and are very excited and

privileged to be part of the ex-

tensive Greek contingent at the

exhibition,” comments market-

ing director Nikos Altis.

“Th e slowdown has meant

a renewed focus on qual-

ity. Customers particularly are

Greek company eyes entry into the region

Altis: Better fi nishing raises the value of the end product.

FACT BOX

US $1.4

BILLIONValue of Al Salam

Street & Mina Road road development

projects in Abu Dhabi

paying more attention to the

end product, as it adds over-

all value. Shoddy construction

and poor attention to detail are

detrimental to the real-estate

market overall.

“It is only by focusing on

quality, and thereby high-end

products, that we will all over-

come the current market con-

straints,” opines Altis.

However, it is important to

be cost-eff ective as well, as the

market is still very price-sensi-

tive, he adds.

Th e company was founded

in 1919 by Christopher Altis,

with a furniture division being

established in 1960. Th is was

followed by a veneer-fi nishes

division covering 4000 m2 in

Kavala, Greece.

“Th e Big 5 is the ideal plat-

form for us to promote our

products. We see it as an im-

portant stepping stone to the

MENA region as a whole, and

further afi eld,” concludes Altis.

Th e company is also pursuing

the certifi cation of its product

range to meet international

manufacturing standards.

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with



Australia touts green productsAustralian fi rms at Big 5 display their expertise in water recycling and heat refl ection technologies

Touting years of experi-

ence with building sustain-

able properties and outdoor

spaces in hot and arid envi-

ronments, this year’s contin-

gent of Australian exhibitors

in Hall 8 have much to off er

the Middle East, according to

Graeme Wright, environmen-

tal water management con-

sultant at Wisa Australia.

“Soil moisture control

is the key to making crops,

landscaped gardens or golf

courses fl ourish in a water

starved environment,” says

Wright. “By using intelligent

water capture and reuse sys-

tems, anyone managing a

green outdoor space in the

Middle East can save a for-

tune on water and electricity

costs, and that’s what we’re

here to promote.”

Paul Wright of Burdens

Environmental, also from

Australia, says hotels and

golf clubs in the region could

make huge savings by deploy-

ing the right technology. “Our

water management and re-

cycling systems are designed

to maximise the retention

and use of non potable wa-

ter. Straightforward recycling

systems can reduce water

use with proven reductions

in utility bills. For example, a

hotel at 60% occupancy, with

our system, should have no

need at all to draw fresh wa-

ter for its landscaped areas.”

Burdens is hoping the

Big 5 exhibition will act as

a gateway to lucrative con-

tracts around the Gulf. “For

agricultural and crop use this

technology has already made

a big splash in Jordan, and we

are seeing a lot of business

from Iran; in fact, that’s go-

ing to be our next big push,”

says Wright. Both Burdens

and Wisa see Abu Dhabi and

Qatar as important markets,

and are hoping for a break-

through on the back of Big 5.

Wright sees hotels and water

theme parks as major poten-

tial markets across the Gulf.

“Th ere is still huge poten-

tial in the Middle East and

even Dubai. Th ese solutions

PPG introduces energy saving facade coatingsPPG Industries, a leading di-

versifi ed industrial-coatings

manufacturer, has launched

its new Ultra-Cool extrusion

coating for aluminium com-

posite panels at Th e Big 5.

“Th e new technology saves

8% to 15% refl ected energy

over conventional paint coat-

ings,” says MENA marketing

director Vincent Allais.

Regional technical manag-

er Ramesh Morabad explains

that Ultra Cool has been de-

veloped specifi cally for the

Middle East climate, where

energy-saving measures in

terms of building facades is

a key focus of pending ‘green’

building regulations and sus-

tainability initiatives.

Ultra Cool is a silicone-poly-

Concourse 801

ester coating, and is available

in a variety of colours. Th e

formulation process is pro-

prietary, with the company

having established a dedicat-

ed -manufacturing facility in

the Jebel Ali Free Zone about

two years ago.

“Th is is the fi rst time we

Vincent Allais: Coating can facilitate energy savings of 15%.

RAK Ceramics expresses confi dence in the futureRAK Ceramics, a regular ex-

hibitor at Th e Big 5 for the

past decade, has expressed

its confi dence in the local

construction industry with

an impressive stand showcas-

ing some of its latest product

ranges and innovations.

Assistant manager, mar-

keting services, Rajesh Patil

says that, while the company

expects this year’s footfall to

be down on preceding years

due to the economic crisis

and its impact on the con-

struction industry, the exhibi-

tion nevertheless remains the

premiere platform to target

the sector.

“By being a regular exhibi-

tor, we are showing our con-

fi dence in the construction

industry. Our continued pres-

ence at Th e Big 5 also shows

us to be a major player in the

market,” says Patil. “It sends

a strong message to our cus-

tomers that we are a commit-

ted player.”

Established in 1989, RAK

Ceramics has established a

solid reputation as one of the

world’s leading producers of

high-quality ceramic wall and

fl oor tiles and sanitaryware.

It also exports its locally-

manufactured products to

135 countries spread across

fi ve continents.

“Despite our entrenched

global presence, the UAE re-

mains an important focus for

us, and hence our participa-

tion at Th e Big 5,” explains Pa-

til. Th e company began with

are exhibiting at Th e Big 5,”

reveals Allais. He says that

despite the economic down-

turn and its impact on the

construction industry, the

exhibition remains the pre-

mier venue for companies to

introduce new technologies

and products.

a single production line in

June 1991 producing 5000 m2

a day, and today is capable of

producing 200,000 m2 a day.

As to what visitors can ex-

pect to see at Th e Big 5, Patil

reveals that the company will

be showcasing Th e Source, In-

fi nity, Zen, Summit and Series

600 ranges, which are some

of the specially-crafted sani-

taryware models expected to

make an impact in 2010.

In the tile porcelain series,

RAK Ceramics will be dis-

playing the Inline, Lavagna

Pearl, Ardesia, and Granada

Stone ranges, as well as the

Crema Marfi l, Diano and

Calacatta in 30 x 100 special

format, manufactured utilis-

ing new NanoPix technology

from Italy.

Paul Wright (left) and Graeme Wright: Australian fi rms know a thing or two about how to save energy and water.

are all about being sustain-

able and saving money, so

now is a good time to invest,”

says Wright.

Australian fi rm Green Insu-

lation is also focused on cost-

saving eco-solutions, touting

its Refl ecta-Range of energy-

saving insulation.

Paul Cox, general manager,

says that 60% of the fi rm’s

business comes from the

warmer areas of Australia,

and the solution is designed

to refl ect heat back out of a

building, keeping air condi-

tioning and district cooling

costs to a minimum.

“If you look up at the ceil-

ing here there is no insula-

tion. By installing refl ective

aluminium insulation, or

even retrofi tting it, the cost

and energy savings would be

enormous,” says Cox.

Cox is at Big 5 in search of

a distributor for the Gulf re-

gion, or a network of country

specifi c distributors to rep-

resent his fi rm. “We signed a

distribution deal in India last

week and we’ve already got a

big order. Th e product is just

right for this market, so I’m

hoping for much the same

from Big 5.”

Rashid Hall, A181

Hall 8, Australian Pav

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with



Flexibility key in crisis

Quality matters, says Elba

Greece-based Eurobend is back at Big 5 for the fi fth year in a row

Greek rebar and wire-pro-

cessing machinery multi-na-

tional Eurobend sees portfo-

lio diversifi cation as the route

to success in what has un-

doubtedly been a tough last

12 months. “We are operating

in a number of diff erent sec-

tors in this industry, but we

also have installed bases in

more than 45 countries,” said

George Adamis, sales and

marketing director for Eu-

robend SA. “So by changing

markets or by changing prod-

ucts in the same market, I

would say that we have coped

GulfWall unveils precast walling

extremely well, considering

the circumstances.”

Th e company has now ap-

peared at Th e Big 5 for fi ve

years on the trot, and sees the

event as a great opportunity

to showcase its new fl exible

mesh-welding line, as well as

expanding its installed base

in the Middle East.

“Traditionally in the Mid-

dle East, the larger and old-

er dedicated machines that

provide this service are being

sold, but this crisis has proved

that you need to have fl exible

machines,” Adamis added.

“You need to adapt quickly to

Adamis: Diversity of operations has helped Eurobend pull through the economic downturn.

manufacture diff erent prod-

ucts, which will allow you to

reach out and seek diff erent

markets and diff erent sectors,

and I am convinced we have

the best solution for this.”

Some of the key features

of the company’s latest PLR

model for mesh-welding in-

clude user-friendly software,

which requires no program-

ming skills, and a customised

working width, which off ers

adaptability to demanding

production requirements.

Aside from this product,

Eurobend’s portfolio includes

continuous multi-layer au-

tomatic stirrup benders, au-

tomatic straightening and

cutting machines, and wire

automatic benders, all of

which can be used to process

coil or straight bar between

2mm and 60mm in size.

“For us, fl exibility and ser-

vice are absolutely crucial,”

Adamis remarked. “And by

service terms I mean our

physical presence in the re-

gion; we are not just an ad-

dress on a brochure.”

Looking forward, the Eu-

robend executive confesses to

being excited about the proj-

ects in the pipeline. “We’ve

recently carried out a lot of

work in the UAE, but in terms

of installed base, our biggest

market is Saudi Arabia,” said

Adamis. “Depending on the

economic situation, the Mid-

dle East is often our most

important market, and it’s al-

ways in the top three regions

for us worldwide.”

Colin Williamson: “It’s important for us to be here [at Big 5].”

Australian fi rm GulfWall is

using Th e Big 5 show to high-

light its new generation of

light-weight precast walling

and partition systems, which

off er several key benefi ts to

the local construction mar-

ket. “It’s important for us to be

here, not only from the sales

perspective, but most impor-

tantly to educate potential

clients about the new tech-

nologies and smart building

systems that are now avail-

able in the market,” said Colin

Williamson, project manager

for GulfWall FZCO.

“Our walling system is made

from gypsum, and fi bre-glass

rovings, water-proofi ng ma-

terials and a number of other

proprietary components.”

GulfWall makes its prod-

ucts at a US $7 million facility

based in Jebel Ali. “We mould

the walls themselves and

then install them onsite,” said

Williamson. “As construction

is extremely fast, our process

saves on cost and labour.”

Once a GulfWall product is

installed, the company then

fi lls it with concrete, allowing

the wall to become load-bear-

ing. “Th e main factors that

separate us from the compe-

tition are the speed of con-

struction and our versatility,”

Williamson added.

“Clients aren’t bound by

concrete precast because

the design can be changed,

and we can also take clients’

drawings and work to them

at the drop of a hat.”

Th e Middle East construction

sector is more competitive

because of the intense level of

competition, a manufacturer

of concrete plants has stated.

“Th e Middle East market is

very tough,” reported Rainer

Paetzelt, Middle East delegate

of ELBA. “Th e entire world

markets meet here and this

makes it diff erent from any

other market.

“You get some markets that

are isolated on their own and

they can be easier to break

into but everyone is of the

opinion that you can make

easy sales here,” he added.

ELBA is a manufacturer of

Zabeel C130 concrete plants although it

does not have a manufactur-

ing base in the Middle East.

Paetzelt revealed the compa-

ny looks to collaborate with

local markets for some com-

ponents of its job.

“Our competitors don’t

manufacture in this region

but in the countries that sur-

round it and there is a diff er-

ence in the standards,” com-

mented Paetzelt.

“We have to compete with

plants which are cheaper,

German products are among

the most expensive but there

is a standard which is expect-

ed of a German manufactured

product and that is some-

thing that you have to live up

to. You feel the diff erence of

the product later rather than

straight away,” he added.

Th e company has, like most

of the industry, experienced

a diffi cult year. Paetzelt re-

vealed that 2009 has been

“tough” following an excel-

lent year previously. “Interna-

tionally, key markets such as

Russia broke down and here

there was a signifi cant drop

also,” he explained.

The company’s Middle

East involvement makes up

around 10-15% of its world-

wide activities and ELBA is

looking to increase that fi gure

through exhibiting at Th e Big Paetzelt: Competing whilst maintaining standards is tough.

5. “Th e challenges are actu-

ally being close to the proj-

ects which are coming up,

in places such as Abu Dhabi,

you get a checklist out, you

get involved and you meet

the key players. In this sector

AlBA is a supporting com-

pany because we are doing

plants which are for the con-

struction business but we are

not a key player like a devel-

oper. But it is a brand that is

well known so it is more or

less reminding people of our

service,” stated Paetzelt.

“We are a regular exhibi-

tor here, and come more or

less just to show our face and

keep in touch with clients.”

FACT BOX

Two 1.3 km tunnels have just been blasted through the mountains of the Eastern UAE.

Hall 6 E268 Hall 7 G339

• Environmentally sound in it’smanufacturing, usage andeventual disposal

• Totally free from CFCand HCFC

• 66% recycling glass content

PITTSBURGH CORNING Europe (Rep Middle East) Arenco Tower, Media City, P.O. Box 213345, Dubai, UAETEL +971 (0)4 434 7140 FAX +971 (0)4 432 7109 EMAIL [email protected] WEB www.foamglas.ae

ECOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGYCOMBINE TO GIVE THE HIGHEST QUALITY SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT

FOAMGLAS®FOAMGLAS® FOAMGLAS®

Ref: Abu Dhabi Officer’s Club (pictured under construction)

Ref: BMW factory, Regensburg Germany

FOAMGLAS®

Ref (also main image): Islamic Museum of Modern Art, Doha

ROOF INSULATION FOR FACTORYTHERMAL INSULATION FORROOF GARDEN

THERMAL INSULATION WITHSEAM ROOF FINISH

ROOF INSULATION FOR TERRACE

HALL 7, STAND 305

Ref: Social Service Department, Stuttgart, Germany

UPDATEBIG 5 NEWS

In association with



Breakthrough from KSASaudi Ceramic produces ceramics, sanitaryware and water heaters

Saudi Ceramic Company has

used Th e Big 5 to unveil a

new 300 litre energy-saving,

glass-lined water heater, says

Dubai branch manager Tony

Barbour. Based in Saudi Ara-

bia, the manufacturer has

a representative in Dubai,

as well as exporting to over

45 countries. Established in

1977, Saudi Ceramic Compa-

ny is a leading manufacturer

of ceramic tiles, sanitaryware

and electrical water heaters.

Its head offi ce is based in Ri-

yadh, where it has a total fa-

cility covering 600,000 m2 in

Industrial City. Th e company

employs about 2500 people.

“Being established in the

region for more than 30 years,

we are a well-known and re-

Rashid D161 spected brand name. Being

at Th e Big 5 only serves to

enhance our reputation and

standing in the marketplace,”

comments Barbour.

Given the extreme heat of

the desert climate in the UAE,

the need for water heating

is often overlooked, as is the

role it can play in energy ef-

fi ciency and sustainability, ar-

gues Barbour. Th e company’s

water heaters feature glass-

lining treatments, stainless

steel for the water inlet and

outlet pipes; magnesium an-

odes, fi ve-bolt fl anges and re-

cyclable components.

Quality Italian components

are used in the assembly of

the water heaters, which are

easy to install and maintain.

Applications run the gamut

from residential to commer-

cial use. Barbour says Th e Big

5 is the ideal platform to tar-

get the construction industry

in Dubai.

“Our aim of exhibiting here

is to convince the profession-

Tony Barbour: Saudi Ceramic is a well respected brand.

LEDCOM fi nds new customersArchitectural lighting and

illuminated signage in the

Middle East is lagging far be-

hind that of Western markets

and so it’s no surprise that

when LEDCOM Technology

was looking for a new market,

it decided to test Big 5.

“Th is is our fi rst time to

try Big 5 for the LEDCOM

brand,” explained Erwin Mit-

termann, managing direc-

tor of LEDCOM Technology.

“We’re doing a lot of work in

Austria, of course, but also

Germany, Slovakia, Slovenia

and the Czech Republic as

well. We feel it’s good to try

to see if we can expand into

foreign markets.”

Not only is LEDCOM Tech-

nology off ering an aesthetic

boost to consumers in the

Middle East, its approach is

also heavily focused on eco-

friendly and energy conscious

solutions as well.

“Energy consciousness is a

big issue. We’re in the process

of changing from traditional

fl uorescent tubes to LEDs;

this is where we’re putting our

money and research eff orts,”

said Mittermann. “While it’s

true that LED lights are more

expensive, using them can re-

duce energy consumption by

up to 90%.”

LEDCOM’s core technol-

ogy lies in providing lighting

for various outdoor applica-

tions. “If you’re building a

commercial building, you’re

going to need lights of some

kind. Th at’s where we come

in,” said Mittermann.

als of the effi cacy and bene-

fi ts of our products, following

which we will go public. Th e

market is still price-sensitive

at the moment, but the bene-

fi t of Th e Big 5 is it focuses on

technology and innovation.”

UPDATEPMV NEWS

In association with



FACT BOX

US $600 mILLIONValue of Phase 3 of the Al Khor to Al Ruwais road development

project in Qatar

A number of Far Eastern com-

panies have become excited

by some new research issued

to coincide with the Big 5

exhibition, which illustrates

the true state of the GCC con-

struction market.

Th e fi gures paint a gener-

ally positive picture of the re-

gional construction industry,

which has been battling to

shrug off the eff ects of the

global economic crisis. Ac-

cording to the research, Saudi

Arabia has 847 active projects

valued at US $417,859 billion.

Th e UAE leads, with 1853

civil building projects worth

a total of US $661,443 billion

currently underway. Kuwait

has 160 active projects worth

US $142,759 billion, Qatar 186

PMV hall projects valued at US $48,215

billion, Bahrain 232 projects

worth US $40,258 billion, and

Oman 116 projects valued at

US $38,512 billion.

Benny Khoo, a manager at

Hongmen, an electrical gate

fi rm from Shenzen, said: “We

Upbeat research good news for PMV makers

Khoo: Encouraged by reports of the value of the local market.

Manafaluti: Likes Libya.

are looking for a dealer here,

so it is great news that the

market valuation is still very

high. Th e number of ongoing

projects, particularly in Sau-

di Arabia, means we should

have a good market for our

security products.

Libya next growth market, says expertLibya is going to be one of the

new growth markets for con-

struction plant, machinery

and vehicles, according to the

boss of one of Dubai’s leading

equipment fi rms.

“Th ere are three types of

project there – infrastructure,

construction and petroleum.

Th is might well be the next

area to expand into after Sau-

di Arabia” said Waiel Manafa-

luti, the general manager of

House of Equipment.

With an area of 1,800,000

square kilometres, and ageing

infrastructure, there is poten-

tial for suppliers of machinery

when the decision is taken to

modernise the African nation.

“Th at is the country that we

hope will become good in the

PMV hall

future.” Manafaluti confi rms.

Speaking at the Big 5 PMV, he

added: “We also hope that the

‘balance’ countries (non-GCC

states) in the Middle East will

also start modernising when

they are past the credit crisis.

Already in the UAE, we are

seeing the start of recovery –

projects that had been put on

hold are being fi nished, albeit

at a slower speed.”

UPDATEPMV NEWS

In association with



Road kit makers have high hopesGovernment investment in infrastructure across GCC has PMV companies eyeing rich pickings

International fi rms manufac-

turing road building equip-

ment are looking to the GCC

and its many ongoing infra-

structure works as a way to

shore up sales while the rest

of the world puts such proj-

ects on hold.

“We’ve sold quite a few in

Morocco and Algeria, but I

really want this market,” ex-

plained Antonio Alvarez from

Mexican asphalt process

equipment fi rm Triaso. “Th is

is one of the countries that

is still kind of thriving, from

an infrastructure and roads

point of view.”

Th e drop off in business

through the Americas has

been hash through the reces-

sion, according to Alvarez.

PMV Hall “To give you some idea, we

were selling eight of these

per month last year, and that

dropped back to three.”

Local businessman Waiel

Manafaluti agrees. “Many of

the countries in the region

need modifi cation and im-

provement to the infrastruc-

ture whether it is roads,

bridges or power supply and

railways,” he says.

“All those infrastructure

projects will soon be released,

and some, as we are all aware,

are already being built, no-

tably the projects in Saudi

Arabia.” Manafaluti is the

general manager of Dubai-

based machinery company

House of Equipment, which

is looking forward to taking

advantage of the roadlaying Huang: Vibratory drum rollers are doing very well right now.

boom. “It’s is a line which we

are now exploring – asphalt

equipment and paving equip-

ment,.” Manafaluti says.

“We have signed a deal

with Rapid International who

specialise in mobile batching

plant and fully mobile stabi-

lisation plant, which will be

exhibited for the fi rst time

at the upcoming Saudi PMV

exhibition in Jeddah.

“It is a highly reputed

brand, and of course, being

made in Northern Ireland,

it meets all EU standards as

well as American ones. Th e

equipment has already been

very successful in the US for

massive concrete paving of

roads,” he continues.

Throughout a generally

gloomy year, manufactur-

ers of general construction

equipment have also seen

sales rise in their road build-

ing range.

Chinese conglomerate Li-

uGong is best known in this

region for a long-established

line up of wheel loaders, but

according to the general

manager Huang Zhaohua it

has been the fi rm’s line-up of

vibratory drum rollers that

have seen the largest increase

in sales over the last year.

“Th is type of equipment

has seen a 30% rise in sales

over the last year, against a

downturn of 30% in the mar-

ket generally.”

Earlier this year, Saudi Ara-

bia committed around US $3

billion to road building proj-

ects in 2009.

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INTERVIEWPHILIPPE DESSOY

In association with



SIX DEGREES IN CONSTRUCTION

The six degrees rule normally applies to

people, but in the peculiar case of Philippe

Dessoy, it seems to apply between him and his

job too. Well over six feet tall and heading up

Six Construct in Dubai, he helped build the

tallest tower in the world.

It’s destiny.

By Conrad Egbert

Names like Dubai and Sharjah were of no

particular relevance and ideas of the Gulf in

his head painted classic story book tales of

shifting dunes, camels and oases.

“My company then convinced me to go to

Dubai for two weeks to see if I liked it. I came,

I saw and thought why not. I went back to

Belgium and said ‘okay’ but also that I would

stay for only two years.” It’s been sixteen years

since then.

“When I got here I was surprised to see

that it was quite well developed and open.

I was not expecting that. I was expecting

Saudi Arabia. At that time, the company had

a compound there where all the staff was

staying and I thought living in a compound

was not the type of life I wanted. So I went

to the city and the company put me in an

apartment where it was okay,” he reminisces.

“Dubai on the other hand was quite well

developed at that time, I mean Sheikh Zayed

Road was being developed into four lanes;

some parts were already four lanes to Jebel

Ali. Since then I don’t think Dubai ever looked

back. Development went well until, I’d say

2003 or 2004, when it began to go too fast and

it became a nightmare. In 2006 to 2008, there

was just maddening traffi c with everybody

rushing everywhere, so in a way I think the

crisis has actually been good for the region.

Th ings are back to normal and you can have a

decent life again.

So what brought on such an epic

turnaround for Dessoy who started out in the

back offi ces of Besix as an estimator?

He is now one of the most wanted men in

the construction fraternity not only in the

Middle East but globally. His little offi ce in

Al Quoz is responsible for more than half of

In a way i think the crisis has actually been good for the region.

Before the towering Belgian

stepped off the plane and

onto the tarmac at Dubai

International Airport sixteen

years ago in 1992, he’d never

heard of the emirate.

He joined Besix in 1989 and had worked at

the head offi ce in Belgium for three and half

years when he was asked by the company if

he fancied moving to Dubai.

Confused and unfamiliar with a name that

was destined to become one of the most well

known cities in the world, Dessoy feebly

asked “Where?”

“Th e company asked me to go, so I went,”

says Dessoy. “I had never heard of Dubai

before that, but I had of Saudi Arabia of

course. Some friends from university had

gone to work in Saudi and they weren’t very

happy, so I wasn’t too keen to come to the

Middle East or anywhere in the Gulf for that

matter,” he adds.

For Dessoy, the Middle East consisted of

Saudi Arabia and little other versions of it.

INTERVIEWPHILIPPE DESSOY

In association with



the turnover for the company worldwide.

Dessoy’s legendary rise to his current position

as general manager of one of the biggest

contractors in the Middle East is a success

story that is second to none.

“I suppose the reason I chose to stay on

here, from a work point of view, is because

business here is interesting. I mean the

projects we are currently working on here

are quite nice. We cannot do these types of

projects in Europe anymore. Th ere isn’t that

type of demand in Europe and the money is

also not there sometimes. Plus I’ve also grown

in the company which plays a big role in my

staying on,” says Dessoy.

“On a personal note, the quality of life here

is good too; it’s a central place so you can fl y

off to almost anywhere; places that are often

only a dream are at your doorstep here; it’s

liberal too, of course not as free as Europe

but its not too bad. I’ve been on holiday a few

times to Oman, Iran, North Pakistan, India,

Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Th ere’s great food here too. Th e variety

is amazing.”

While living in Jumeirah one and often

seen at his favourite after-work haunt,

Madinat Jumeirah, Dessoy says Dubai has

several beautiful places and is a great city to

live in, but would still prefer to buy and own

property in Europe.

“Th ere are a few very nice places; what

they’ve done with the Burj Dubai downtown

area, when it is fi nished more than what it is

today, it should be a very nice place.

But I don’t think I’ll buy property here. I

prefer to keep properties in Europe. I mean

today I don’t need it. If I come back here, I

won’t be back for that long – maybe a few

weeks in winter and for just that much time,

dealing with the many issues surrounding

the buying of property here – it’s not worth it.

Th e cost is high, the maintenance charges are

high. One would rather stay

in a hotel; no headache.”

Th ey say Dubai makes you stronger and

if you’ve survived here, you can make it

anywhere in the world. But many of these

survivors have had their moments and Dessoy

has had his share too.

“At one stage I remember, I said to myself

I have had enough and I wanted to leave;

this was in 2007 and then I got promoted to

this position and the business life changed. I

mean it was a nightmare when you had to go

somewhere, because you needed half a day

to get to a meeting in town; it was awful but

that’s changed now.”

But like every action has an opposite and,

mostly, equal reaction, the “good for the

region” downturn also sent many companies

running for cover. Dessoy reveals why he had

it better than most.

“I think it was more diffi cult for other

companies than for us, because from the

beginning we’ve always tried to be diversifi ed,

so we have diff erent clients; we’ve been

working in diff erent parts of the Gulf

including here in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah,

Ajman, Qatar and Bahrain. Work in Dubai is

down but Abu Dhabi is doing okay, Qatar is

still very good; Of course we have suff ered a

little because a lot of projects in Dubai have

been stopped but it’s still okay; we’re still

working and we’re still busy.”

But unlike many companies in the same

bracket Besix has not made a knee-jerk

decision to enter the Saudi market. But it

does feature in the company’s future plans.

Egypt, on the other hand is a market that the

company is already working in and one that

Dessoy has a soft corner for.

“My fi rst ever job was in Cairo. I’ve got very

good memories of it. It was in 1983 to 1988.

With endless trips to the Dead Sea, going to

the mountains, diving; those were good days.

Besix is working on two projects there. We’re

If you’re not paid what’s the point in taking up a job? we’re not a bank.

just fi nishing the Fairmont and we’re doing

a job for Qatari Diar. But Egypt is a diffi cult

market as the quality on many projects there

is not of standards that any international

contractors would work to.

“In terms of Saudi, I’ve been there a

few times and we’ve decided to enter the

kingdom, so we’re going to put somebody

there full time, but of course, it will take time

before we start on a job and sign the contract;

it may take a few more months. We don’t

regret not entering Saudi earlier. I mean

we were in Qatar before a lot of companies

went there so we’ve got a good name there.

Similarly, we were in Bahrain before and

Oman as well, so we’re in a pretty comfortable

place at the moment.”

Comfortable for some, means not-so-

comfortable for others, at least, until the

economy begins to look up again. But when?

“I think, the recovery, will still take some

time. From what I hear, some people say 2010,

2011, 2012. Some even say 2010 is going to be

even worse, so I think we need to be prepared

as it will take some time.”

An interesting outcome of the downturn has

been the off er of property in lieu of payments

by several developers to contractors. Despite

not being a fan of the idea, Dessoy says he’s

open to hearing what’s on off er.

“As a company we’ve already bought 20

properties about four or fi ve years ago, in

order to house our staff . We have been off ered

property in lieu of payments before, in fact

just a few months ago one of the biggest

developers here did that – the problem here

is how do you evaluate the property they

give you? According to the market rate? It’s

infl ated, it’s too high.”

“Th e downturn has left us with a backlog

of payments. In Dubai we have not put in

a tender for the past nine months. Its not

that we haven’t been invited to bid, but that

we’ve declined. If you’re not paid, what’s the

point in taking up a job? We are owed about

AED500 million (US $136 million) currently. I

mean we are all working here to earn money.

We’re not a bank.”

A risky road in a region where contractors

often tender to stay on the right side of

developers. Dessoy thinks not. “If you’re based

here, I suppose you’d tender to survive, but

not companies like us.” 5

Philippe Dessoy heads up Six Construct in Dubai.

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BUYER’S GUIDEAUCTIONS

In association with



GOING UNDER THE HAMMER

Over the past few months, the Middle East’s

construction sector has changed dramatically.

At this time last year, resources were so scarce

fi rms were employing staff in advance of

tenders being signed in order to prove their

ability to complete the work. Now, many fi rms work from job

to job, employing only those staff essential at the time and

keeping standing assets to a minimum; fi nances are being

tightened and a fi rm’s every cost is being scrutinised.

One of a contractor’s biggest initial outlays for a project

is for the plant and machinery needed for the build process.

Without suitable equipment available as and when needed,

critical time delays can be incurred. And while some fi rms

may have fl eets of machinery at the ready, for others the

question is how to acquire this plant to meet needs

cost-eff ectively.

“Th e golden rule is to own 70% of your plant requirements

that are needed for six months or more; rent 30% maximum of

a project’s plant requirements; and preserve internal cash fl ow

by using company-owned machinery,” states Keith Lupton,

general manager World Wide Auctioneers (WWA).

Hiring or buying may be the two options that fi rst spring to

mind, however a third choice does exist – auctions. But how

do these operate and what are the potential benefi ts of

taking part?

Are auctions the way to buy necessary plant

during a cash fl ow crisis?By Alison Luke

THE AUCTION MARKETTwo of the biggest advantages of using an auction to procure

plant are the wide range of products available in a single sale

and the relatively low cost of these items.

“Auction prices are, if not lower, at least avoiding the

middle-man’s cut. It is a cash- quick settlement business and

provides immediate availability to fi ll an immediate need,”

states Lupton.

“If you have a project that will last two to three years, why

buy new equipment that has a guarantee for ten years, but will

have its biggest depreciation value [over this initial period]?

Why not buy second-hand?” reasons Tom Cornell, managing

director Europe, Iron Planet.

Also, being able to acquire all the equipment needed

for a project from a single supplier is a strong benefi t and

adds to potential time savings. “Bidders can view a diverse

range of equipment brands at one convenient location…and

equipment purchased at an auction is available immediately,”

stresses Steve Barritt, Ritchie Bros Auctioneers (ME) regional

manager, Middle East, Red Sea, Turkey and South Africa.

Th e fast downturn in the global economic market has

meant there is currently an extremely large amount of

equipment available at such auctions. As well as second-

hand machinery being off ered by sources, such as plant hire

fi rms and contractors, new plant is also available. “Th ink of

KEY BUYERS PROGRAMMEA new feature of this year’s edition of the Big 5 show is the Key Buyers’ Programme, designed to add extra support for the industry’s 300 biggest buyers – the people managing projects valued at over US $500 million each that are based in the Middle East, North Africa, Iran and India.

These heavy-hitting deal-makers get fast track access into the show and are hosted in a private lounge with executive suites available to conduct meetings in private.

The Key Buyers are also given more complete and detailed information on all exhibitors prior to the show, making it easier for them to pinpoint, fi nd and discuss business with the exhibitors that are of interest to them throughout the Big 5.“Our exhibitors want to see the key buyers and we’re excited to see what the results will be this year,” said DMG World Media VP construction Simon Mellor.

BUYER’S GUIDEAUCTIONS

In association with



the investment that a manufacturer has made over the last

ten years to meet demand…the economy burst happened

very quickly and it’s taken a long time to wind down [the

manufacturing plants],” explains Cornell.

And the variety of plant on off er is as large as the volume.

“Th ere’s absolutely everything from cranes, excavators, dozers

and loaders to pavers, profi lers and batch plants. Th at’s not

to mention the trucks, buses and pick-ups, or the generators,

compressors and pumps,” states Barritt.

In the Middle East, the changes over the past few months in

terms of the types of projects that are going ahead has become

evident in the auction houses.

“Items for villa construction are on an evident downturn,

for example,” reports Lupton. “Th e Arabian Peninsular has

huge infrastructure demands and has always had a huge

demand for road building plant such as motor graders,

bulldozers, wheel loaders, and Mercedes trucks,” he adds.

“Demand comes from every corner of the world and if our

registered bidders can’t be at the auction facility in person,

they will normally register to bid live and in real-time, on-line,”

explains Barritt. “If there is an over supply of a particular

equipment item in the local market, we will identify an

overseas market that has a demand for the item.”

Th e increasingly global nature of auctions has been behind

the success of dedicated online auction fi rm Iron Planet.

Launched in the USA in 1999 and aimed principally at the

construction and agriculture industries, the fi rm has grown by

50% annually since 2006. It began operating in Europe in late

2008 and held the fi rst of its monthly auctions in January 2009.

At the time of writing, the interest from Middle East buyers in

the fi rm’s European operation was growing signifi cantly.

“Th ere are a lot of people around the world willing to buy

construction equipment online…and people are prepared to

transport equipment huge distances,” states Cornell.

10 TIPS FOR BIDDING AT AUCTION• Review equipment online/in catalogue/fi rst-hand.• Register at the auction offi ce on the day or

online. • Remember to bring: a signed agreement

specifying the buyer’s name, company, contact details and banking information, photographic identifi cation and either cash deposit or a guarantee letter from a bank or other credit agency.

• Registered bidders are issued with a personal bidding number, bidding catalogue and list of the equipment in order of sale.

• Once issued with a bidding catalogue, a buyer may bid on any item in the auction and will be held responsible for any purchases applied to their bidding number. Buyers can place bids in real time over the internet, as well as in person at the auction house.

• Each item of mobile equipment for sale will be driven across a selling ramp in front of the auction house theatre; bids should be placed during this period.

• The auctioneer will announce the lot number and a starting price; if no bids are placed the price will be dropped until someone bids, then rise according to interest from buyers until no higher bids are offered, at which point it will be announced as sold. Bids can be made by the buyer raising their bidding catalogue.

• Every item in an auction will be sold to the highest bidder on the sale date.

• Once bidding is complete, the bidder will receive an invoice listing of all their purchases. Payment must generally be made within seven days.

• On completion of payment, bidders can collect their items; the auction house generally offers transportation options.

MIDDLE EAST AUCTION HOUSEWorldwide Auctioneers (WWA)WWA holds fully unreserved auctions, with no minimum bids, seller bids or reserved items, assuring buyers and sellers that equipment is traded at fair market value. Through the Middle East auction centre, which comprises a 100,000m2 compound in the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Dubai, WWA sold more than 52,000 items of construction equipment at its 60 auctions in Dubai from March 2001 through February

2009, for a total amount of over $762.5 million in auction value. The fi rm has held auctions in other countries such as Qatar. www.wwauctions.com

Ritchie Bros AuctioneersCanada-based Ritchie Bros Auctioneers is the world’s largest industrial auctioneer, selling equipment to both on-site and online bidders. It offers auctions at more than 110 locations worldwide, including 38 auction sites such as one at the Jebel Ali FTZ in

Dubai. In 2008, it sold US$3.57 billion of used and unused equipment at 340 unreserved auctions, including a wide range of heavy equipment. www.rbauction.com

Iron PlanetUS-based online auction house Iron Planet is targeting Middle East buyers and sellers via its European base. The fi rm is also aiming to increase its presence in the region in the future. http://eu.ironplanet.com

“Currency is the great determinator and the strength of

local markets...Th e plant and equipment business will buy

where prices are attractive,” adds Lupton. “Europe at the

moment is bargain basement and the UAE dirham is strong

against the GB Pound.”

ATTENDING AUCTIONSTaking part in an auction as buyer or seller is kept as simple

as possible, assure the auction fi rms. Deposits are generally

required to ensure the fi nancial competence and serious

intentions of buyers and the turnaround of equipment after a

sale is kept to a minimum.

WWA employs multilingual staff to aid interested parties

and its website includes both English and Arabic instructions;

a dvd explaining the auction process is also off ered. Th e fi rm

has held auctions in the Middle East since March 2001 and

currently holds six auctions per year, with a deposit of $27,500

(AED100,000) required to obtain a bid book. It is planning to

expand into the Levant and USA, adding to its operations in

the UAE, Qatar and Australia.

Ritchie Bros Auctioneers (ME) also plans to expand. Th e

fi rm held its fi rst unreserved auction in October 1997 and has

conducted regular auctions every year since. It currently has

38 full-service auction facilities worldwide with more on the

way. It is free to attend the fi rm’s auctions; however, buyers

registering for its Dubai auction, for example, must provide

a deposit equivalent to 25% of their intended purchase price.

UAE-based bidders must also provide a copy of their trade

licence, while overseas buyers must provide photo ID.

Anyone wishing to register as a bidder with Iron Planet

must place a deposit of €2,000. In addition to making direct

bids, buyers can register in advance the type of products that

interest them and the fi rm’s Dublin-based staff will contact

them about suitable products that are due to be included in

upcoming auctions. Buyers can place bids during a preview

period to counteract issues such as global time diff erences;

these bids won’t show online until the auction day.

As an entirely web-based auction process, Iron Planet carries

out independent analysis of each item entered into auction and

provides potential buyers with an ‘iron-clad assurance’ of the

item’s condition. With land-based auctions, equipment is sold

as seen without warranty, making it vital for potential bidders to

undertake a mechanical check if they want to ensure plant will

meet their needs and provide value for money. 5

Attending an auction is a popular way of building construction equipment because of the wide range of products available .

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EL PASO, TEXAS : NOVEMBER 24, 2009

OTHER UPCOMING AUCTIONS:

CRAWLER TRACTORS � WHEEL LOADERS � HYDRAULIC EXCAVATORS � MOBILE EXCAVATORS �MOTORGRADERS � FORKLIFTS � MANLIFTS � TELESCOPIC HANDLERS � GENERATOR SETS � TRUCKTRACTORS � DUMP TRUCKS � TANKER TRUCKS � CARGO TRUCKS � TRAILERS � TRUCKS � DOUBLEDRUM ROLLERS � COMBINATION ROLLERS � PNEUMATIC TIRE ROLLERS � WALK BEHIND ROLLERS �VIBRATORY ROLLERS � AIR COMPRESSORS � WELDERS � ROUGH TERRAIN CRANES � CRAWLERCRANES � LOADER BACKHOES � INTEGRATED TOOL CARRIERS � ASPHALT PROFILERS � AGRICULTURALTRACTORS � ATTACHMENTS � BUSES � CARS, PICKUP TRUCKS , VANS, JEEPS � Plus Much More...

DUBAI � UNITED ARAB EMIRATES � AUCTION STARTS 9AMPRIVATE AUCTION FOR HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AND LIGHT VEHICLESUNRESERVED PRIVATE AUCTION

8TH 9TH 10TH DECEMBER 2009

ENVIRONMENTALAWARENESS

In association with



What does carbon neutral mean? An individual or an organization can become carbon neutral,

once it reduce its carbon emissions emissions internally and

then purchases off sets to balance the unavoidable carbon

footprint. It is the point at which the equivalent amount

of CO2 produced by a manufacturing process; distribution

system and / or product use is equal to the amount being

removed. A Carbon Neutral program involves the assessment

of carbon emissions, the reduction of emissions at source, and

the ‘off set’ of unavoidable emissions.

What is the process of becoming carbon neutral? An organization can become carbon neutral by using the

following process:

• Measure: Calculate your Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(carbon footprint).

• Target: Set internal targets to reduce your carbon

footprint at source.

• Reduce: Work towards achieving your internal reduction

targets and purchase off sets to balance the unavoidable

carbon footprint.

What are offsets? A carbon off set is a fi nancial instrument that reduces

greenhouse gas emissions. Carbon off sets are measured

in metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e). One

carbon off set represents the reduction of one metric ton of

carbon dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.

By purchasing off sets you are in essence investing in an

organization to reduce carbon emissions on your behalf.

What kinds of carbon offset projects are used in your carbon neutral services? EcoVentures has partnered with Th e CarbonNeutral Company

to provide off set based advisory services to its clients in the

MENA region and our off set projects are selected against

The Big 5 has gone carbon neutral, so we spoke to the team at

EcoVentures to fi nd out what the process is really all about

What is being carbon neutral?

Visit the Green Stand in Hall 9

DID YOU KNOW?One step The Big 5 will be taking towards carbon neutrality will be offsetting its carbon emissions by contributing to a waste heat recovery based captive power project in Chhattisgarh, India. The project, being worked on in association with MSP Steel & Power Limited and emissions reduction specialist EcoVentures, will aim to capture the waste heat of the gases emanating from a 900 C kiln, used to produce direct reduced iron. This recovered waste heat is then used to generate electrical energy, aiming to produce 16MW of power to meet the in-house requirements of MSP, which would otherwise have been met by the coal-based grid power.

the highest possible environmental standards. One of the

key ways to stop global warming is to use new technology,

such as wind and hydro energy, and channel our customers’

money into projects to do just that. In India, for example,

we have enabled local generators to switch from diesel to

biomass (natural compost with lower CO2 emissions). We

then use the savings in CO2 emissions to balance out some of

our customers’ CO2 production - thereby helping them to go

carbon neutral. Our technology projects not only reduce CO2

emissions, they also help to promote rural economies and

local communities.

The business value of carbon offsets Off set-based carbon management strategies have a vital role

to play because they:

• Provide an immediate response to the need for material

reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions;

• Use principles of effi cient markets to identify and enable

those reductions wherever they can be made fastest and at

the lowest cost;

• Speed progress to a low / no carbon economy by enabling

additional investment in carbon reduction technologies over

and above that achieved by Government regulations;

• Establish a ‘price for carbon’ which promotes investment

in cleaner technologies and processes, and in low carbon

assets;

• Enable those who are not obliged to take action to set and

meet meaningful reduction targets by fully or partially

balancing out their greenhouse gas emissions;

• Engage and communicate with individuals and

organisations about the impact that they can make towards

solving climate change.

Is becoming carbon neutral expensive? You would be surprised to learn that it takes less than AED

2.5 per employee per day in an average company to become

carbon neutral.

Who is EcoVentures? EcoVentures is the Middle East’s premier emissions reduction

fi rm. Based in the UAE, the fi rm helps companies across the

Middle East and North Africa reduce their environmental

impact by becoming carbon neutral, off setting their emissions,

and replacing their use of fossil fuels. EcoVentures delivers

sound consultancy, advisory and management services to

public and private sector organizations in the Middle East and

North Africa region, using global best practices and meeting

internationally recognised standards. EcoVentures specializes

in the following areas: emissions reduction advisory, carbon

fi nance and green building advisory.

IN DEPTHGAIA AWARDS

In association with



The range of Gaia Silver award winners

means almost any project can look to being

more sustainableBy James Boley

SILVER STARS

After the tricky challenge of

selecting one overall winner

for the Gaia Awards, the

judging panel then had to

turn their attention to those

products that still remain a benchmark in

their fi eld for sustainability.

To pick up a silver award, the judges were

looking for products that were highly inno-

vative, included world leading technology,

generated high-level benefi ts to other build-

ing systems and were either energy effi cient

or fully recyclable.

All the winners proved they easily exceeded

all the requirements, and as a result the win-

ners’ list is a truly creative and advanced range

of products, representing some of the very best

in sustainable design and technology.

Six companies snapped up Gaia Silver

awards, with winners from across the

world. All winners were listed in the awards

for the very first time, clearly showing how

rapidly the sustainable building product

market is growing.

A survey by EcoVentures shows how

eagerly the UAE market is embracing such

products. Around 86% of UAE-based com-

panies and 78% of multinational companies

already have an environmental strategy, and

this is expected to increase within the next

two years. Many companies either already

have environmental committees in place, or

will establish one within the next two years.

Customers are also increasingly environ-

mentally conscious, with 91% of companies

reporting that their customers care about their

environmental performance. Meanwhile, 93%

percent of UAE-based companies and 78%

of multinationals have attempted to reduce

their fi rms’ environmental

footprint through energy-

saving measures, and this

is expected to increase over

the next two years.

“Th e Gaia Awards, in

addition to our moves this

year to become carbon

neutral, demonstrate that

we are not just paying lip-

service to these issues, we are actually leading

by example, and we look forward to some

innovative and ground-breaking environmen-

tally-friendly products featuring in this year’s

show,” said dmg world media’s vice-president

of construction, Simon Mellor. 5

93%of UAE fi rms are attempting to

reduce their carbon footprint.

Simon Mellor looks of dmg World Media.

The team from Custom Building Products.

Renitherm® and Intumex® for fire protection!AUDAX-Keck GmbH GermanyPhone +49 70 51/16 [email protected]

RENITHERM® intumescentcoatings for steel, wood andcables.INTUMEX® sealants, seal,collars, mortar and more.

Stand: Zabeel D 120

IN DEPTHGAIA AWARDS

In association with



This year’s nominees represented a broad range of products, from MEP products designed for air-conditioning, bathroom fi ttings and fi xtures, grouting and construction concrete, meaning whatever your industry, there’s an award-winning sustainable product for you.

THE NOMINEES

DuctSox

Manufactured by DuctSox Corporation from the USA, DuctSox systems discharge air through a combination of porous fabrics, engineered orifi ces and linear vents to meet a large range of HVAC and Refrigeration requirements.

Because they’re made of fabric, air is discharged uniformly along the entire length of the system - providing consistent and uniform air dispersion to the occupied space. They’re also lighter than steel so they require less heavy lifting to install, and can be easily

LevelLite, MegaLite, Prism SureColor

Three products from Custom Building Products made the cut for the GAIA Silver awards. LevelLite helps level fl oors prior to the installation of ceramic tile, natural stone, resilient fl ooring, carpet, wood and other fl oor coverings. MegaLite Rapid Set Crack Prevention Mortar is a premium one-part formula with the high, fast bond strength and fl exibility for time critical commercial and residential installations. Finally, Prism SureColor Grout is a lightweight, polymer-modifi ed, cement-based grout that offers consistent colour without mottling or shading, regardless of tile type, temperature of humidity. All three products can be used to contribute towards LEED certifi cation.

Eco-Logical Recyclable Plastic Panel

UAE-based fi rms are also doing their part for sustainability too. The Eco-Logical plastic panel from Logical Plastic Industries can be used for a modular hording system, costing less than timber and can be 100% recycled. The panels are also easy to re-site or reuse, and their light weight means they can be transported in a van or pick-up truck, reducing environmental damage.

Kerafl ex

Kerafl ex is a cementitious adhesive from Italian fi rm Mapei, with no vertical slip and extended opening time for ceramic tiles and stone materials. The product is certifi ed by GEV (Gemeinschaft Emissionskontrollierter Verlegewerkstoffe) as being ‘very low emission’ with EMICODE EC1, which is the highest possible certifi cation for protection against environmental pollution.

The criteria for testing was defi ned by the Technical Council of the GEV, with the professional support of the environmental institute Miljö-Chemie, the Carpet Research Institute (TFI) and the Association for Environmentally-Friendly Carpets (GuT).

CYS-210 Automatic/Manual Faucet

Taiwan’s Chang Yi Shin Co., Ltd. (CYS-210) picked up a Gaia Silver award for their automatic and manual faucet which reduces water wastage. In automatic mode, the tap only dispenses water when a user is present. Alternatively, the tap can be converted to manual usage for user convenience, with as timer to control how long after use it switches off.

Stand Number: 1 B15

Stand Number: 9 C71

Stand Number: 1 H11

Stand Number: 7 E291

Stand Number: 11 A187Reusable Concrete Curing Covers

US fi rm Reef Industries manufactures Transguard Concrete Curing Covers for controlled curing of concrete slabs, bridges and roads. Proper moisture control during curing will reduce cracking, dusting and scaling for both fi eld and pre-cast applications. Transguard 4000 is a natural coloured polypropylene fabric with a white polyethylene backing. It is ultraviolet light stabilised to provide protection against degradation and to offer long service life.

The reusable covers are lightweight with exceptionally low permeability to retain water and allow concrete to achieve maximum expansion, control the cure and minimise plastic shrinkage. They can be used for wide ranging projects, including

Stand Number: 1 E20 / 4 C161

Der Leitwolf. The leader of the pack – live at BIG 5. Visit us: Stand Zabeel N113

EUROPEREGIONAL VIEW

In association with



Fifth consecutive year of attendance shows the little country has a great deal to offer the regional industry

Welsh wizards are back for more

European Region

WHO’S WHO – Wales promotes best in business

Nine construction and building materials

companies have come together under the

banner of International Business Wales (IBW),

the overseas trade and investment arm of the

Welsh Assembly Government, which is taking

part in its fi fth consecutive Big 5.

IBW has brought almost 100 companies to

the Middle East for the event since its fi rst

appearance in 2005, highlighting the wide

range of innovation and expertise available

in Wales, providing products and services

ranging from the supply of industrial doors

Hall 3 Stand 3D 121 for the security industry; fi re, thermal and

acoustic insulation products through to a

manufacturer of equipment for the recycling

industry.

“Big 5 is the premier event for the

construction industry in the Middle East

and features all the important movers

and shakers who infl uence developments

in the sector. Th e exhibition off ers a

fantastic opportunity for us to bring expert

Welsh companies to connect with their

counterparts in the region. We are looking

forward to this years show and building on IBW is here for the fi fth year running.

Eurobond LaminatesContact: Darren StewartWebsite: www.eurobond.co.uk Established in 1981, Eurobond has over 25 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of stone wool cored panel systems that provide superior fi re and environmental performance.

Eurobond manufactures a range of external and internal composite panel systems. All systems provide built-in passive fi re protection and are tested and approved to stringent UK and European standards.

MD Recycle DirectContact: Kevin DaviesWebsite: www.recycledirect.com Recycle Direct provides complete recycling solutions, including baling, shredding and waste material reduction machinery. Recycle Direct supplies new, rebuilt and refurbished baling and recycling equipment, and offers worldwide installation, commissioning and troubleshooting.

Siderise Insulation LtdContact: James BarrowWebsite: www.siderise.com For over 30 years, the Siderise Group has been providing innovative insulation solutions for fi re, thermal and acoustic applications. Its Lamaphon, Lamatherm and Lamapro ranges have become trusted brands in construction, building services, OEM and many other industries.

Teddington Engineered SolutionsContact: Jason ThomasWebsite: www.tes.uk.com Teddington Engineer Solutions is an amalgamation of three formally independent bellows manufacturers, which, since being established in the 1920s, have offered expertise in the design, application and manufacture of the most comprehensive range of bellows and expansion joint solutions in the industry.

Terram LtdContact: Martin Lambley Website: www.terram.com Terram is a geosynthetics company dedicated to the supply of geosynthetic materials to the worldwide construction industry. The Terram range of products has grown to meet the demands of the civil engineering industry with its focus on the supply of geotextiles for road and rail construction.

Digital Surface Research Contact: Darren ShipardWebsite: www.digitalsurfaceresearch.comDigital Surface Research is provides the pioneering technology SolaVeil, capable of naturally illuminating interiors whilst signifi cantly reducing energy consumption. While SolaVeil is relatively new to the market, it is already making an impression with developers, facility managers, building and property managers who want to reduce their buildings’ energy consumption.

Rhino EngineeringContact: Colin BrownWebsite: www.rhinodoors.com Rhino Engineering has 25 years’ experience of supplying industrial, security; ram resist and acoustic range of Rhino Doors® which are regularly specifi ed for use on government buildings, cash handling centres, the aerospace industry and high profi le companies that demand robust, high-quality and above all, reliable doors.

Julia Brooker PaintingsContact: Julia BrookerWebsite: www.juliabrooker.com Julia Brooker is a British fi ne artist with an international reputation with a studio in Cardiff, Wales. Clients include Harvey Nichols, Johnson & Johnson, GlaxoSmithKline and BP International. She has been exporting her paintings since 2004.

the successes of our previous visits,” IBW

vice president Lee Jennings.

“IBW has been active in the Middle East

for fi ve years now, following the opening of

the regional offi ce by the Welsh Assembly

in 2004, and in that time we have worked

with almost 500 companies from Wales. Our

recent activity in the region includes a highly

successful trade mission to Qatar and Saudi

Arabia, where participating companies

met with local companies and government

offi cials and identifi ed potential deals worth

over US$ 2.5million,” he concluded.

EUROPEREGIONAL VIEW

In association with



Focus on European MEPCategory: Pipe SystemsWhere: Hall 2 Stand F61Claim to fame: Based in the UK, Polypipe Terrain is the market leading range of soil and waste systems for commercial applications, available with an extensive range of pipes and fi ttings in PVC, HDPE and polypropylene to suit almost every application. Terrain’s history as a supplier of plastic drainage pipes and fi ttings to the Middle East stretches back over the last 50 years, so the company already has very strong links with the region and established relationships with the construction industry there.What to watch out for: “In addition to the range of products and services we can provide, we want visitors to our stand to be aware of the tremendous history that Terrain has in the Gulf region,” says Appleby. “We can supply everything from individual products right through to complete solutions.”Website: www.terraindrainage.com

Category: DesalinationWhere: Zabeel B121Claim to fame: MEDESA of Germany sells micro MVC/MED desalination plants with capacities of between 100 to 400 cubic metres a day of very high quality water. The plants produce distilled water at a ppm of under 10, have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, and require minimal chemicals for pre- and post-treatment.What to watch out for: The company manufactures portable units suited for container transport and multi-purpose application. These feature quick installation time, fast operational start-up, non-grid power supply capability and automatic dosage and integrated water analysis.Website: www.medesa.de

Category: Taps, FittingsWhere: Stand 9 B66Claim to fame: ITDR manufactures a full range of plumbing fi xtures, including kitchen and basin faucets, tub and shower fi xtures, thermostatic controls, accessories and components. Products are exported as

far afi eld as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Yemen.What to watch out for: The ideal manufacturer if you are looking for contemporary Italian design combined with high standards in material and quality, at accessible prices.Website: www.itdr.eu/eng

Category: Plumbing, Sanitaryware Where: Stand 6 E260Claim to fame: This Italian company manufactures high-quality prefabricated bathroom pods. They are supplied to site complete with water intake pipes in non-toxic reticular polyethylene, waste system, electrical installation (sockets and switches), lighting (downlights, fl uorescent strip-lighting or halogen spot lights built into the ceiling), ventilation system (exhaust fan or extract valve), heating, cladded with fi rst-class italian tiles and sanitaryware, taps, sanitary chrome fi ttings, shower and bath, doors, etc.Podded bathrooms bring signifi cant benefi ts. In any hotel or multi-residential project, bathroom construction is usually a critical-path item.

What to watch out for: The prefabricated bathroom pods are available in both concrete and anodized aluminium.Website: www.modulbagno.com

POLYPIPE TERRAIN

MEDESA GmbH

ITDR RUBINETTERIE SpA

MODULBAGNO

Category: HVACWhere: Not listedClaim to fame: A UK market leader in domestic, commercial, industrial ventilation and space heating products, with distribution in 80 countries. For over 50 years the Xpelair name has been synonymous with fans and air movement. Over that period it has continued to push the boundaries, developing new products and new technologies to ensure that the air we breathe is clean, fresh and healthy. Today the growing need to reduce carbon emissions has led Xpelair to take a leading role in the development of mechanical ventilation with heat recovery.

What to watch out for: Xpelair has an extensive collection of fans and controllers for commercial and light industrial applications, available to specifi ers, installers and end users. The new Xpelair Xpress range redefi nes inline fan performance to provide ultra high pressure development, volume and effi ciency, allowing smaller ductwork to be used than conventional inline fans. At the heart of the design is a dynamically-balanced, mixed-fl ow impeller and bellmouth entry with minimised clearances to ensure optimum pressure development. Transferred though a meridian channel, the air then enters a static 3D guide vane. This dihedral twist retains a third of the pressure build-up, which would otherwise be lost. Air turbulence noise and vibration associated with centrifugal inline fans is virtually eliminated.Website: www.xpelair.co.uk

XPELAIR

EUROPEREGIONAL VIEW

In association with



What products and services do you offer and how they work?KTI offers water chillers, flake ice plants,

mobile ice storages, ice delivery systems

and modular turnkey solutions. In the first

step, we cool down fresh water by using

our ice bank system. Dry, crisp flake ice is

then produced and stored. Only such kind

of ice is suitable for storing or delivering

to the mixer without problems of blocking.

Depending on the recipe of the mixture and

required concrete temperature, we supply

chilled water and ice directly to the batch-

KTI Plersch managing director Rupert Plersch discusses the energy benefi ts of concrete cooling

Keep cool under concrete pressureing plant. The more ice is added to this mix-

ture the lower is the concrete temperature.

Has the drop in prices of concrete affected the prices of technology you offer?Before spending money, companies think

twice on investments. We have learned that

during this time customers are not only

checking investment prices. Attributes like

quality, flexibility, mobility, sustainability

and service availability and reliability are

more important. They honour higher prices

because of these advantages and they know

that the pay back will come during the

utilisation of our equipment.

Who are your competitors?Since the construction boom in the mid-

2000s, we see frequent competitors from

India, China or even this region ones show-

ing up. They try to sell their machines for a

cheap price and just copy our technology.

Ninety percent of customers who tried the

competitors’ products have come back to

KTI after bitter experiences.

Have developer needs changed when it concrete choice? This depends on the mentality of compa-

nies and regions. The demand for environ-

mentally friendly and efficient refrigerant is

increasing. But, at the same time, investing

in this kind of technology can come at a

high price for customers. Not everybody is

willing to invest in green systems because

this market is still a bit conservative.

Zabeel V28

KTI Plersch is in the business of keeping concrete cool.

How does your concrete technol-ogy contribute to green building?Our concept gives the customer the pos-

sibility to produce ice with the lowest con-

sumption of energy. Production of ice can

also be done during the night and stored

under safe conditions. With our multistage

cooler, the customer sees up to a 50%

reduction of energy consumption compared

to conventional water chillers. 5

The scientifi c approach to wall coatings Originally founded in Germany more than 45 years ago on the back of years of targeted scientifi c research and development from the company’s founder Wilhelm Dieter Farenkopf, Fakolith addressed the need for paints, coverings, coatings and chemicals protecting non-conventional surfaces and based on sustainable, advanced technologies.

A tail of tough tilesInitially more a craft shop than a manufacturer, since 1923, St Joris has been turning out ceramic products made from an extremely pure Westerwalder clay.

After the Second World War, the company switched to the professional production of glazed ceramic products using special coarse-ceramic, vacuum-pressed blending and hand-form/moulding methods to create a high fragment density. Once dry, the glaze is applied and baked once at 1200 degrees, resulting in a strong product with cindered fragments. As a result, St. Joris’ tiles retain their shape, are colourfast and free of crazes, as well as being frost-proof and having a self-washing glaze.

Street furniture is just a load of bollardsThe French ‘street furniture’ designer and manufacturer Concepturbain has brought 30 years of experience with it to Dubai’s Big 5 show, where the company is showcasing its wide range of products created from materials such as cast iron, steel, stainless steel and aluminium combined with wood or composites.

Concepturbain has managed to combine environmental constraints, local authority requirements and modern style in producing lines of bollards, posts and barriers such as Basic, Vesta, Imawa and Eveole. The six ranges provide what the company describes as ‘an adequate response to public road problems and elegant solutions in laying out public areas’.

Since the opening of Fakolith España in 1993, the company has gone from strength to strength in delivering innovative insulation systems, water repellents, anti-mould paints and many other different types of cleaners and coatings, formulated from the company’s research in microtechnology and even nanotechnology.

The company’s facility in Spain now includes a factory, a research department and a regulating centre in Spain, which is the driving force behind brands such as Fakolith Farben, Mixol, Scheidel, Pigrol and Tikkurila.

Find them at: 2 D96

Find them at: Rashid F178

FAKOLITH

ST JORIS CERAMICS

CONCEPTURBAIN

Superior, Fast and SafeHighest Quality Formwork Engineering - Made in Spain

EUROPEREGIONAL VIEW

In association with



Originally starting life as a machine work-

shop, where tools for producing pre-stressed

hollow core concrete were developed and

produced, Belgian company Echo Engineering

was founded in 1990 as a response to growing

demand from concrete hollow core fl oor and

ceiling manufacturers for those machines.

Now, the engineering and machinery sides

of the business work together to create state-

of-the-art technology for its machinery.

Echo Engineering managing director, Kris

De Meester, and design department manager

Ludo Zimmermann, explain the benefi ts

of the company’s Universal Slipformer

machinery.

In what ways does the universal slipformer help hollow core pro-duction companies?Kris De Meester: Echo Group’s production

plants, and other customers around the

world, including customers in emerging

regions such as South America and India, are

faced with changing requirements for a wide

How would this work in a practical example?KDM: Well, an HC producer has two plants,

one producing the 11-core 10 cm-thick slabs,

the other producing the 6-core 50 cm-thick

slabs; each with one mainframe and possibly

multiple product units. By just exchanging

one product unit, both plants can produce

the 10 cm and the 50 cm slabs.

Drawing on its engineering experience, Echo creates fast, easy and fl exible hollow core machinery

An Echo heard around the industryrange of concrete products: hollow core fl oors

of diff erent thicknesses and widths, wall

panels, half-slabs, lintels, hollow core beams,

and so on.

Ludo Zimmermann: Th e Universal Slipformer

has been tested in the fi eld to produce an

existing range of hollow core fl oors from 10

to 50 cm thick and expansions to 6 and 60 cm

are planned for the near future.

What gives the slipformer such fl exibility?LZ: Th at’s possible thanks to the combina-

tion of a mainframe and a product unit. Th is

product unit can be changed very quickly

and, with it, all the product-related machine

components. Replace the product unit and

you’re producing a completely diff erent con-

crete element.

KDM: Th e interchangeability of product units

and mainframes enables companies to make

extremely fl exible choices, and this applies

to both smaller producers and major players

with several plants.

Find them at: 2 G56

In addition to fl exibility, this will create faster job turnarounds?LZ: With changeover times of a few minutes,

the universal slipformer makes effi cient work

possible for everyone. Production can change

course in a very short space of time and, for

that matter, the fast changeovers show that

we’ve paid a great deal of attention to making

the machine user-friendly. 5

Environmental insulation solutions from SpaceShowcasing their products at the Big 5 this year will be Space Refl ex, a leader in thermal insulation all the way from Portugal.

The company claims to put its technology at the disposal of those who build with quality and for those who care about the environment. But, how are its products sustainable? The main objective of the company’s technology is to reduce the expenses necessary to artifi cially heat or cool a building.

The usual insulation products such as glass wool, mineral wool or polystyrene, are effective in reducing loss of heat and cold, but their value of refl ection is

Euroslot adds some steel to the Gallic fl airEntering the exhibition and hailing from France is Euroslot, a manufacturer and supplier of architectural and decorations surfaces.

The Euroslot structure is a welded combination of stainless steel profi led wires and support rods (without any need for fi ller material). The company supplies products either with or without framing or fi xing devices and ready for installation.

Dominique Perrault was the fi rst architect to utilise the product for the famous Parisian library Biblioteque Nationale de France in 1993.

Terrifi c terracotta from TerrealThe French company Terreal has brought its knowledge of all things terracotta to the Big 5 for 2009’s edition. From roof tiles to clay wall claddings products, Terreal has more than 100 years of experience in clay manufacturing.

However, the company’s focus is on remaining young and independent, providing for an international network of subsidiaries in Spain, Italy, Malaysia and the US.

With an eye also to the environment, over several years, the company has invested heavily to reduce kiln smoke and gas emissions when manufacturing its products and all waste is treated or recycled.

Find them at: 10 C90 Find them at: B146

Find them at: 3A1412

SPACE REFLEX EUROSLOT

TERREAL

usually very low because they are absorbent materials. Space Refl ex’s insulation screens are made from

aluminium foil, a plastic air bubble fi lm and polyethylene foam and are designed to refl ect radiant energy. The screens are highly resistant to water absorption – ideal for the Middle East’s humid climate. They are also durable and can be recycled.

Since the opening of Fakolith España in 1993, the company has gone from strength to strength in delivering innovative insulation systems, water repellents, anti-mould paints and many other different types of cleaners and coatings, formulated from the company’s research in microtechnology and even nanotechnology.

The company’s facility in Spain now includes a factory, a research department and a regulating centre in Spain, which is the driving force behind brands such as Fakolith Farben, Mixol, Scheidel, Pigrol and Tikkurila.

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UPDATEPRODUCT SEMINARS

In association with



Build green

DAY 2: Tuesday 24th NovemberEnvironmental Solutions11.00 Topic Green Building Services and Capabilities

Speaker Mr Kapil Kumar, Manager- Energy Audits, Leed AP

Company Prime Technologies LLC

12.00 Topic P3 Hydrotech Ducts - Our Ecological Footprint to

Save Nature

Speaker Mr Andrea Van Schalkwyk, Technical Consultant

Company M/s P3 Srl Italy

13.00 Topic The Silent Cooling for Hotel Rooms

Speaker Mr Carl Tobisson, Business Development Director

Company Swegon

14.00 Topic Carbon Footprint of Construction

Speaker Armen Vartanian, Director

Company Ecoventures

15.00 Topic HCFC Replacement Technologies

Speaker Mr Amir Naqvi, Business Development Manager( Honeywell Intl)

Company Abu Saeed Trading Co L.L.C

Cost Saving Products & Services16.00 Topic Get Smart

Speaker James Noble, International Marketing Manager

Kevin Quin, Chief Executive Offi cer

Company Kristal Technologies Ltd & Al Fajer

17.00 Topic Technical Interior Design

Speaker James Noble, International Marketing Manager

Kevin Quin, Chief Executive Offi cer

Company Kristal Technologies Ltd & Al Fajer

18.00 Topic Mechanical Rebar Coupling System

Speaker Ms Shari Robitaille

Company TECNIA GmbH

19.00 Topic HOTEL&OFFICE Maintenance of Artifi cial and

Natural Stone

Speaker Mr Jost J. Plewa, Sales Director Export

Company AKEMI Chemisch Technische Spezialfabrik GmbH

Swegon presentation on Nov 24, 1pm

To what extent does the green performance of a building infl uence the buyer’s decision to purchase?Th e launch of Sheikh Mohammed’s green

building initiative at the end of 2007 was the

fi rst step towards changing the criteria so

that people paid more attention to energy

effi cient solutions and green building

solutions. Such solutions are on their way to

the forefront of people’s minds. Th ere is a slow

move away from build fast, build cheap

and sell.

How should we encourage the developer to take an interest in the life span of a building?Th ere must be some kind of education. Th ere

are two types of investors – owners and

speculators. Owners are going to pay the bills

for energy, water, and so on. Th e problem is

with speculative buyers. When somebody else

is paying the bill it is not so easy. We must

remember that if you have a Leed certifi ed

building you can get more money out of

it, which remains an advantage, even for

speculative investors.

Gunnar Svensson, Swegon general manager,

spoke to CW Big 5 Daily about some of the pros

and cons of ‘green’ building

How have you encouraged clients to put forward the premium required to build?We are showing our customers that you

have to look at the long-term costs. You

have the investment cost, the running cost

and the maintenance cost. Th e running and

maintenance costs stay with the building its

entire lifespan. What we are trying to indicate

is that you have to look at the pointers – not

only at investment but the life-cycle cost.

Has the construction industry lost the will to go green in the face of the economic climate?Th e recession could help in some ways.

People will be more discerning. Before,

everybody could build and sell. But now the

market should be more stable, as opposed

to people simply looking to build fast and

sell. Th at’s why Sheikh Mohammed’s green

resolution was a big step. Someone has to

take the lead, or practical steps will never

be taken. 5

Technical talkMeet the experts face to face at The Big 5 Product Seminars, running throughout the show

You have to look

at the pointers –

not only at invest-

ment, but the life-

cycle cost.

Need detailed product information before making a decision? Need to know exactly how something will work for you? The Big 5 Product Seminars give you an opportunity to get face-to-face with manufacturers and suppliers of a range of construction products and services.

Speakers will be presenting concise and detailed information about what they can offer, so check out the timetable and fi nd time in your show schedule to learn something new.

LOCATIONSeminar Rooms Dubai D, 1st Floor (above Sheikh Maktoum Hall), Dubai World Trade Centre

SWEGONCategory: HVAC

Where: Stand 1 F26

Claim to fame: Swegon manufactures and sells products and solutions for ventilation and indoor climate systems. It is based in Sweden, with an important global export presence, including the UAE.

What to watch out for: Swegon will be releasing the new Paragon silent cooling unit. It operates without a fan, meaning no draught, less maintenance and added energy savings. Paragon is a dry system, meaning no condensation and drainage system. A range of room control systems is available.

Web site: www.swegon.com

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Operating in Dubai, Sharjah & Abu Dhabi

UPDATECONFERENCES

In association with



Conference sessions start

Building Future Cities of the Middle East: Opportunities, Challenges & Lessons Learned

THE BIG 5 BUSINESS CONFERENCETuesday 24th November 200909.00 – 17.15 The Monarch Hotel

8:00 Registration opens. Coffee on arrival

9:00 THE VISIONIs it important? Is the vision sustainable? Is the vision crisis proof?CHAIR: Mr Simon Azam, Chief Executive Offi cer Canterra H.E. Khalfan Saeed Al Ka’abi, Chairman Construction & Contracting Committee of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) Mr Mohammed Nimer, Chief Executive Offi cer, MAG Properties

10:25 Networking Break & Mid Morning Coffee

11:00 BUILDING THE VISIONCan the dream become a reality? What are the challenges? How can we build better?CHAIR: H.E. Khalfan Saeed Al Ka’abi, Chairman Construction & Contracting Committee of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) Mr Ziad Makhzoumi, Chief Financial Offi cer, Arabtech Holding Pjsc Mr Euan Mcewan, Chief Executive Offi cer, Currie & Brown Mr Kez Taylor, Chief Executive Offi cer, Alec

12:30 Networking Lunch

14:00 SUPPORTING THE VISIONHow does escrow affect the outcome? What have we learned from litigation? Can we afford going green?CHAIR: H.E. Khalfan Saeed Al Ka’abi, Chairman Construction & Contracting Committee of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) Mr Mario Seneviratne, Managing Director, Fimeche, Peng, Leed Faculty Member, Green Technologies Mr Nigel Truscott, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins Mr John Cowling, Risk Manager, Faithful & Gould

15:30 Networking Break & Afternoon Coffee

15:45 THE ROAD TO RECOVERYCan the economy sustain the vision? What challenges lay ahead? When will we get there?CHAIR: H.E. Khalfan Saeed Al Ka’abi, Chairman Construction & Contracting Committee of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ADCCI) Dr Imad Al Jamal, Vice Chairman, UAE Contractors Association Mr Michael Stephen Small, Partner, VSM Consultants

17:00 END

Once again The Big 5, in conjunction with Proleads, have exclusively brought together the Region’s most infl uential and distinguished industry leaders for the building and construction industry.

The quality and breadth of experience of our speakers ensures that each of the conference sessions are relevant, timely and structured to deliver maximum value. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunit

CONFERENCE LOCATIONTHE MONARCH HOTEL JUST ACROSS SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD FROM THE TRADE CENTREOnce again The Big 5, in conjunction with Proleads, has brought together some of the region’s most infl uential and distinguished industry leaders in the building and construction industry.

Day one – Tuesday 24th - sees The Big 5 Business Conference address issues vital to

the way businesses perform in the industry. It will look at the overall vision for the

industry and the challenges it faces, examine the impact of escrow and discuss what

needs to happen along the road to recovery.

Day two – Wednesday 25th - is The Big 5 Technical Conference, designed specifi cally

for professional engineers. Leading technical fi gures have been invited to speak on

sustainability and green environmental engineering, energy saving solutions and

district cooling and project management.

Both days get an early start, with conference programmes kicking off at 9am sharp.

Each day’s discussions are scheduled to fi nish at 5:15pm, leaving plenty of time for

a few hours at the exhibition too.

The conference sessions will be held at the Monarch Hotel, on Sheikh Zayed Road,

a short walk from the Trade Centre.

Attendance is free and registration can be completed at onsite registration desks or

you can reserve your space ahead of time online at www.thebig5exhibition.com.

Two days of informative conference kick off early tomorrow, but you can still register to attend now.

UPDATECONFERENCES

In association with



today, register right now!

For the Engineering Professional

THE BIG 5 TECHNICAL CONFERENCEWednesday 25th November 200909.00 – 17.15 The Monarch Hotel

SELECTED SPEAKERS

We are delighted to introduce The Big 5 Technical Conference - designed specifi cally for professional engineers. Leading technical fi gures have been invited to speak on Sustainability & Green Environmental Engineering, Energy Saving Solutions & District Cooling and Project Management.

If you are working in an applied engineering role within the Middle East Building & Construction industry you will fi nd considerable value in attending this programme. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity

Euan McEwanGroup Chief Executive Offi cer. BSc, CA, CMC, FRSATime: 11am, 24 NovemberEuan McEwan is Group CEO of Currie & Brown. He has extensive experience in the real estate, construction and management consultancy sectors. Euan is a qualifi ed chartered accountant and has a BSc in Civil Engineering. He is also a certifi ed member of the Institute of Management Consultants and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

Khalfan Al KaabiChairman, ADCCITime: 9am, 24 NovemberKhalfan Saeed Al Kaabi is Member of Board and Chairman of the Construction and Contracting Committee of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI). Being a prominent local businessman, innovator and pioneer of numerous concepts in UAE for more than 20 years, he is also Chairman of Ascorp Holdings.

John CowlingRisk manager, Faithful & GouldTime: 2pm, 24 NovemberJohn’s career in risk management began in the Australian fi nancial industry in the mid 1980’s. Since then his experience has included the environments of; project management, training, security, consulting and petrochemical. He has developed a holistic view in bringing risk management processes and techniques into the construction industry.

Kez TaylorCEO, AlecTime: 9am, 24 NovemberKez Taylor was born in South Africa on 12th of May 1963. He studied a Bsc. Building (Construction Management) at the University of Witwaresrand in Johannesburg. Currently operating in Dubai and Abu Dhabi ALEC has delivered developments of the highest quality to key clients. Many of these developments have become signifi cant landmarks in the UAE.

Michael Stephen SmallPartner, VSM ConsultantsTime: 3:45pm, 24 NovemberA ‘classically’ trained banker, who after achieving his Associateship of the Institute of Bankers (Distinction) in 1981, moved through a major US bank in London to join Credit Suisse, London. Mike formed VSM with Cyriel Varwijk and produces almost daily VSMails highlighting macro economic risks to the personal and corporate clients of VSM.

08.00 Registration opens. Coffee on arrival

09.00 – 10.45 Project ManagementCHAIR: Mr David Dale, Partner EC Harris Dr Mamoon Atout, Project Manager Horizon Star International LLC Mr Emil Rademeyer, Director Proleads Mr Martin Seaward-Case, Director - Contracts & Procurement Chairman of RICS UAE Board Royal Institute of Chartered SurveyorsPanel Session Q&A

10.45 Networking Break & Mid Morning Coffee

11.00 - 12.30 DISTRICT COOLING & ENERGY SAVINGCHAIR: Mr Ben Thompson, Senior Editor GDS International Ms Cathy Crocker, Associate Director of Building Services Scott Wilson Ltd Mr Daryl Wilson, Chief Executive Offi cer Hydrogenics Corporation Mr Mohammad Abusaa, Regional Manager of Business Development ADC Energy SystemsPanel Session Q&A

12.30 Networking Lunch

13.30 - 15.30 SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL ESTATESustainability Advocates and Green Design & Construction Professionals share their expertise in presenting and sharing their knowledgeCHAIR: Mr Mario Seneviratne, Managing Director, Green Technologies FZCO Mr Ali bin Towaih, Executive Director Enpark and SEED Mr Brocas Burrows, Marketing and Sales Director Platinum Vision Mr Ray Noble, Senior PV Consultant Gulf International Trading Group - Romag

Panel Session Q&A

15.30 Networking Break & Afternoon Coffee

15.45 - 16.45 SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR REAL ESTATECHAIR: Mr Mario Seneviratne, Managing Director Green Technologies FZCO Mr Alexander Volobuev, Commercial Production Manager, Australian Innovative Systems Mr Olli Vuola, Chief Executive Offi cer NEAPO Mr David Baggs, CEO, Technical Director and Co-founder EcoSpecifi er Global

Panel Session Q&A including Mr Richard Smith, WS Atkins

17.00 END

Attendance is completely free, so log on to www.thebig5exhibition.com and reserve your place today

Vist us on Stand 121, Hall 3, Row D and see what Wales can offer you.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENTROPE ACCESS

In association with



HEAD FOR HEIGHTS

Depending on who you talk

to, it is either the genius of

architects or the ingenuity

of engineers that has gifted

the Gulf ’s skylines with an

array of towering icons. Th ese structures

have reached new heights, taken forms that

appear to defy gravity and created some of

the most diffi cult to reach dust traps on the

planet. But someone still has to clean and

maintain them.

Making this happen is the job of the FM

manager and safe access is at the heart of

the issue. Th e earlier the issue of access is

considered, the better the opportunities to

make it easy are. But we don’t live in a design

utopia, so sometimes solutions have to be

devised well after the problem has been

created. Regardless of when it’s thought

about, or indeed, whether the problem is

one of height, tricky spaces, or just urgency,

understanding your access options may

make life easier.

MACHINE…“Cleaning at great heights is predominantly

carried out in the classical way with

cradles and climbers, though our focus

is increasingly on high-tech cleaning

solutions,” said Th omas Moslener, CEO of

ABS Group, an FM company.

“Our main issue is always safety for

workers.... Both are provided by our

autonomous façade cleaning robot, which

is not dependent on any humans to operate

or maintain and which delivers a consistent

cleaning standard.”

ABS expects growth primarily in the

area of maintenance, as the lifecycle costs

arguments for predictive and preventative

maintenance grow stronger.

“Th is of course means more and more

industrial climbers inside and outside the

construction,” said Moslener.

“We do not rely on standard concepts, but

design specifi c solutions for our customers

and their problems.”

Th is kind of bespoke solution is in part

a result of the variety of design we see in

the Gulf. It’s a variety that has also led to a

growth in another kind of bespoke solution

– rope access.

…VERSUS MANIn the recent past rope access has been used

as the last choice, when other options, for

whatever reasons, were simply impossible.

But a well-trained team of rope access

technicians can turn up on site with a bag full

of gear, deploy it, and be ready to do the job in

about the same time a scaff olding outfi t could

unload their trucks. Th at’s if scaff olding is

even an option given the site conditions.

“Rope access has tended to be a last

resort,” said Billy Harkin managing director

of Megarme, a rope access company. “But

I’m pleased to say it’s becoming a fi rst choice

and architects are designing systems

into buildings.

“We get involved, not just with execution,

but in the design of the buildings to make

sure they have anchor points and rails,

which is crucial.”

While cleaning is an obvious application

of rope access skills and provides the

bread and butter contracts, it has other

maintenance and installation uses. Take

the prominent project of the Yas Hotel.

Th ere, Megarme has had a team of about 90

involved since January, installing the panels

that displayed the post-race light show.

Jobs such as this require more than just

rope skills, technical ability and knowledge

with plumbing, electrical installation and

welding all part of the mix, it’s just that much

of the work is done at the end of a rope.

“It [the hotel] is such a tough structure

because it has so many dimensions, with the

electrical component, plus the panels with

the lights projecting back,” said Harking.

“We’ve been operating 17 years here now

and that’s probably been one of the most

challenging jobs we’ve had, because of all the

components related to the project and the

sophisticated lighting system.”

Between Yas Hotel and the Metro,

Megarme has been involved in some

high-profi le jobs of late. Th e Metro saw the

company make the front pages of several

papers in the run up to the opening and

every eye in Dubai probably spent a minute

or two watching the team dust down

stations, to make them shiny, as well as new.

However, staying out of the public eye is a

more common situation.

The Gulf's skylines are fi lled with hard to reach

places that require clever solutions to keep them

clean and in good order

By Stuart Matthews

FACILITIES MANAGEMENTROPE ACCESS

In association with



Being less noticeable than some high

access alternatives is one advantage of

using a rope team. As mentioned, cleaning

provides the most regular work, and much of

this comes from the hospitality industry. Tall

hotel atriums are a good example of spaces

that can’t have scaff olding, or cordoned off

areas, but still need to be maintained.

“As an access specialist we undertake

anything where conventional access systems

are either impractical, too cumbersome, or

not cost-eff ective,” said Harkin. “It’s quite a

niche market where a building maintenance

unit won’t work and where a crane is not

practical. Rope access is the only system

where you can get in and out quite quickly,

Megarme's team worked feverishhly in the lead up to the grand opening of the Dubai Metro.

Rope access is used when nothing else works.

The Yas Island Hotel has had about 90 staff onsite since January 2009.

which is why we are used in hotel atriums.

“While on a building site, you would have

a certain amount of freedom to protect

directly below the drop zone. In a hotel you

are not allowed to do that.”

With a company background that started

out doing access jobs for the off shore oil

industry, the training is intensive. In civil

engineering applications Harkin describes

the level of skill as using a sledgehammer to

crack a nut.

“Th ere is always room for human error,

but we try to limit it by even applying the

off shore standards, regulations and safety to

onshore projects.”

“We’ve always done bottom up training

on the rope access side, as we tend to

bring people in with skills, such as trades

inspectors, welders, electricians or plumbers.

We always do an awful lot of technical

training, through a third party trainer.”

Calling a rope access team is often an

event-based experience for FMs, such as

when there was an urgent need to repair the

fi re-damaged Atlantis Hotel, just prior to its

offi cial opening.

“Th e designers had felt no need for any

kind of access system, so when the fi re

happened it was panic and we were called in

that day,” said Harkin. “We needed to access

the structure, so in the end we had to come

up with some quite ingenious solutions.”

“Working on the Atlantis hotel has been

our biggest accomplishment,” said Daniel

Gill, business development manager for

Megarme. “Th e need to get it fi nished and its

high profi le meant it was one of those jobs

where they didn’t ask how long it would take,

they told us.”

SAFETYBoth Moslener and Harkin place a great

deal of emphasis on safety. Intense levels

of training, combined with systems of

certifi cation and continuous assessment

help to keep the specialists safe. In fact the

industry has a remarkable safety record,

given the dangers inherent in high work

and the fact that falls from height are the

number one cause of lost time injuries on

construction sites in the UAE (source: Build

Safe UAE).

Primary causes are inadequate training,

poor equipment, or incorrect use of the

right kit. Items such as harnesses have to

be selected for the job and worn correctly.

A harness must be designed to hold a

person both during and after a fall in such

a way that their head remains in an upright

position, according to All Safe, a lifting and

fall arrest solution provider.

“Prior to use, safety harnesses, their

lanyards, shock absorbers and hooks should

be inspected by a competent person,” says

All Safe corporate sales manager Hugo

Laverdin.

Harkin says that Megarme uses a mixture

of experienced people on each job, to

make sure there is enough supervision

and the right skill set for each job and its

requirements.

Th anks to local visa rules this is often

easier to achieve in the Gulf region than

in Europe and the rest of the world. Here,

staff are permanent and tend to be trained

by the companies they work for, where as

European-based rope access technicians are

frequently freelancers, who move from job to

job, making it more diffi cult to keep a track

of their current skills and to update their

qualifi cations.

Regular assessment, well established

teams and adherence to appropriate

international standards, will all help to

ensure the industry's solid safety

record continues. 5

As an access specialist we undertake

anything where conventional access systems

are impractical, too cumbersome, or not

cost-effective.

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MIDDLE EAST

ME Head Offi ceP.O. Box 5801, Sharjah, UAETel: +971 6 553 4173Fax: +971 6 553 4327

DubaiTel: +971 4 341 7477Fax: +971 4 341 7599Email: [email protected]

Abu DhabiTel: +971 2 550 2383Fax: +971 2 550 2384Email: [email protected]

BahrainTel: +973 1782 5368Fax: +973 1782 6145Email: [email protected]

KuwaitTel: +965 484 5161/ 484 9545Fax: +965 484 6414Email: [email protected]

QatarTel: +974 467 5925Fax: +974 465 3282Email: [email protected]

OmanTel: +968 2461 3571Fax: +968 2461 3573Email: [email protected]

LebanonTel: +961 545 0214Fax: +961 595 5387Email: [email protected]

Saudi ArabiaTel: +973 17558726 Ex 351Fax: +973 17558727Email: [email protected]

SyriaTel (mob): +963933676570Tel (offi ce): +963113313729Email: [email protected]

Other ME RegionsTel: +971 6 555 0788Fax: +971 6 555 0805Email: [email protected]

For general enquiries email:[email protected]

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SPECIAL REPORTSTANDARDS

In association with



STANDARD OPERATIONS

The collapse of an eight-storey

building in Deira in mid-

August hit the headlines

across the region. Th e fact that

it was a new built property

and there was no immediate reason for the

collapse, such as a fi re, heightened concern

over why it had happened.

Th e results of an investigation by Dubai

Municipality into the collapse are expected

to be announced within the next few weeks.

However, initial statements from the

investigating committee have confi rmed that

aspects being included within their scope

are whether suitable building materials

were used in construction; whether the

design of the structure was fl awed; and the

operational aspects of the project. One of

the main ways to gauge all of these factors is

whether they met approved standards

and certifi cations.

But what does gaining recognised

certifi cations actually mean and are the

authorities likely to increase the stringency

of their requirements following this

latest incident?

STANDARD PRACTICETh ere are a wide number of standards and

certifi cations applicable to fi rms operating

within the construction industry. Th ose that

must be adhered to by law vary according

to discipline and the local authority

regulations, however, certain standards are

now recognised globally and widely used

throughout the industry.

“From a certifi cation perspective, I would

say that ISO14,001 for environment; OHSAS

18,001 for occupational health and safety;

in addition, ISO9001 for quality [are among

the main standards that must be adhered

to in GCC countries],” states BSI Abu Dhabi

general manager Ahmad Al Khatib.

In general, the certifi cation of fi rms to

such standards shows that they adhere to

recognised methods of working that have

been set out within the listed standard. Th e

aim of doing so is to improve performance,

effi ciency and safety, with the certifi cations

demonstrating the fi rm’s achievements to

outside parties. Although standards are

voluntary and separate from legal and

regulatory systems, they can be used to

support or complement legislation.

Some of the other standards that are

applicable within the industry relate

to specifi c materials or products. “For

reinforcing steel the product standard

mainly used is the British Standard BS 4449:

1997,” explains UK Cares executive director

Ben Bowsher. “Th e standard requires either

steel supplied by a company that has a valid

accredited product certifi cate, which is

normally supplied by Cares, or there should

be a product testing regime applied, which

approved each batch of steel from a non-

certifi ed source,” he adds.

Such stringent quality control over

products is imperative in the construction

of buildings. Th e absence of approved and

properly installed products can create

major issues warns Passive Fire Protection

Federation (PFPF) chair David Sugden: “[In

the case of passive fi re systems] you can’t

test the installed system you need to have

the products tested in a lab in a test rig. But

unless you install the materials and products

in a building to the same standard as they

were in the test rig then they won’t perform

in the same way,” he warns.

CONTROLLED STANDARDSJust how strictly are the application of

standards and certifi cations enforced in

the region and are fi rms complying? Again

this appears to vary between countries,

disciplines and the size of fi rms involved.

“In specifi c sectors like construction some

of the standards are regulated,” assures

Khatib. “In Abu Dhabi, for example, the

government started an initiative this year on

regulating HSE implementation for the build

The recent collapse of a newly constructed

building in Dubai has brought build quality to

the fore and in particular the adherence to

recognised standards and certifi cations. What is

expected of construction fi rms and is this likely

to change? CW Big 5 Daily investigates

By Alison Luke

HOW TO GET CERTIFIED• Identify the relevant certifi cation

body that works best for you• Contact the relevant local

authorities to establish what certifi cations are required

• Contact the certifi cation body to determine their requirements

• Appoint an individual to oversee the implementation of the standards procedures

• Submit any required materials to the issuing body and/or allow access for any inspections needed prior to gaining certifi cation

WHY WE RECOMMEND GETTING CERTIFIED• Win contracts – being able to

prove that your fi rm operates to internationally accepted standards and certifi cations can win you contracts

• Top Quality – operating to the methods given in accepted standards and certifi cations will ensure a better quality end-product

• Better H&S - health and safety standards both within the fi rm and on projects on which it is working will be improved

• Higher productivity – effi ciency of operations and productivity increase when there are set and accepted standards under which to work

• Better assessments – benchmarks can be set to enable continuous improvement of the fi rm’s operations to be accurately assessed

• Easier global expansion - it is easier to expand operations geographically if the fi rm is working to internationally recognised standards that are valid in many regions

SPECIAL REPORTSTANDARD OPS

In association with



and construction sector,” he explains.

“I understand that, in the main, steel from

Cares-certifi cated sources are used although

it is apparent that sometimes this is not the

case,” reports Bowsher. “I have seen steel

from sources of dubious origin supplied to

reinforcement fabricators in this way, when

in the UAE,” he warns.

In general, the international fi rms comply

with such standards as a matter of course

and also seek certifi cations from any

subcontractors they employ. A spokesperson

from a major construction industry

contractor comments: “We take services

and materials from companies that are

registered to certain ISO systems; also, from

subcontractors we want to see health and

safety discipline.”

Th ere are several reasons cited by major

contractors for following internationally

recognised standards that are not

specifi cally required by law. Th ese include

the ability to standardise the company’s

processes and services to increase effi ciency;

plus the ability to bid for work in markets

that require the additional standards such

as the oil and gas sector, municipalities and

government departments.

And for those standards that are legally

required, ensuring that all work is carried

out within guidelines is essential in order

that the fi nal building produced can be used.

“Currently, before we can pour a [concrete]

slab on site we have to get the work

inspected by the municipality; they have to

be convinced that the supporting structure

is correct,” states the spokesperson. “Th e

municipality has to sign off the slab pour

and we must show these documents before

can get an occupation notice on completion

of the building,” he explains.

So with the Deira building collapse fresh

in everyone’s minds, are the regulations for

the region’s construction industry likely to

become stricter?

“Not necessarily,” stated Al Khatib. “Th is

issue is more related to companies adhering

to the local law and construction guidelines

imposed by the local authorities rather

than not having the right law in place.

Nevertheless, it might raise a need for better

or stronger specifi cations and standards.”

“Th e need for standards and best practices

is increasing due to the nature of high-

profi le, huge, extremely expensive projects

in the Middle East region, there is a strong

demand and need for international best

practices and standards,” adds Al Khatib.

Enforcement of the standards is made by

diff erent local authorities throughout the

region. “In the UAE, for example, Abu Dhabi

Municipality is in charge of enforcing HSE

(14 and 18) implementation and certifi cation

to the build and construction sector of Abu

Dhabi,” reports Al Khatib. “PFPF member

fi rm Warrington Fire has a role with the Civil

Defence Department of Dubai in setting and

maintaining standards,” adds Sugden

Penalties for non-compliance

vary according to the severity of the

consequences that this would invoke and

could involve a warning notice, fi ne, removal

of trading license or, in the event of a death

on site, the people deemed responsible can

be jailed.

And aside from potential legal

consequences, operating without applying

recognised standard procedures can create

even more serious issues. “Th e penalty for

occupants if a passive fi re system is not

properly installed is death,” stresses Sugden.

So what more can be done to ensure that

buildings are constructed to international

standards and standards-certifi ed products

are used on projects?

“Create national building regulations,

design codes and product standards and

enforce their use,” suggests Bowsher.

Ensuring that the message reaches a

wider audience is also vital. “Establishing

forums where experts and end-users can

get together to discuss several related issues

and share ideas and working with the local

authorities on regulating many of those

standards,” he adds.

INTO THE FUTUREOne of the major forthcoming events due

to take place in the standards sector is the

introduction of Eurocodes. Th ese structural

codes are scheduled to come into force in

March 2010 and the fl exibility of their design

has meant that several countries outside of

Europe have already committed to adopting

Eurocodes reports the BSI.

BSI is currently working to identify existing

regulations for construction.Th e introduction

of the Eurocodes has several objectives,

including the provision of common design

criteria for mechanical resistance; to form a

common basis for research and development,

in the construction industry; and to enable

the preparation of common design aids

and software. Th ey are also intended

to provide a common understanding

regarding the design of structures between

designers, manufacturers and contractors of

construction products. 5

OTHER CERTIFICATIONS AND STANDARDSThere are numerous standards and certifi cations that can be applied to construction fi rms and their operations throughout the GCC countries. Some of the most widely recognised and

followed are as follows.ISO 9001ISO 9001 outlines the requirements for a quality management system (QMS) ie a framework around which an organisation can control its processes in order to achieve set objectives including customer satisfaction, regulatory compliance and continual improvement. First published in 1987, it was thoroughly revised for the third edition,

which was introduced in 2000; changes included new requirements and a sharpened customer focus. The fourth and latest edition, ISO 9001:2008, does not require any specifi c reassessment for certifi cation.

ISO 14001ISO 14001 sets out the requirements for an organisation’s environmental management system (EMS). It applies to those aspects over which an organisation can be deemed to have control or infl uence over. First published in 1996, it has since been updated several times.

OHSAS 18001OHSAS 18001 provides specifi cations for Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems. It is

intended to enable an organisation to control its health and safety risks and ensure a continually improving performance trough ongoing measurement and setting of targets. Registration to OHSAS 18001 by an independent, third party, certifi cation body demonstrates a commitment to implement, maintain and improve the way in which you manage your health and safety system

BS 4449BS 4449 is the specifi cation for carbon steel bars used for the reinforcement of concrete. The standard lists the characteristic yield strength, tensile properties and ductility of the three grades of steel approved for use on the reinforcement of concrete.

LEEDDeveloped by the US Green Building Council, the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed) rating system is used to establish the environmental accreditations of new construction or major renovation projects. There are six categories in the Leed system - sustainable sites; water effi ciency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality; and innovative design – each of which has a number of options. An environmental designer or Leed Accredited Professional (Leed AP) uses these categories to determine what environmental features the project can incorporate given its geography, goals and budget and assigns a certifi cation level which range from certifi ed to platinum.

UK Cares’ Bowsher urges the industry not

to cut corners.

Sugden says some products will work only if

installed in buildings of the same standard.

BSI Abu Dhabi general manager Ahmad Al

Khatib recommends iso9001 for quality.

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TOP 10PROJECTS

In association with



3. ASWAN HIGH DAM (EGYPT)Completion date: 1971

Cost: Estimated US $1 billion

Damming the world’s longest river is no easy task, a hard lesson

learnt by British engineers, who had to raise the level of the original

Aswan Dam twice, in the 20th century.

But after Egypt asserted its independence from the UK, the coun-

try’s ambitious authorities decided to build a second dam a little

upstream. Th e Aswan High Dam, as it is now known, was – and still

is – considered a feat of engineering.

But what makes the Aswan Dam so special? Th e project both

prevents seasonal fl ooding of agricultural land and allows water to

be retained for irrigation. Turbines embedded within the dam also

provide hydroelectric power amounting to around 2.1GW for towns

and villages across the country.

Th e $1 billion dam (AED3.6 billion) is 3830m long and 980m wide

at its base, and the structure stands 111m above sea level. Lake

Nasser, which began to fi ll up during construction, is similarly colos-

sal, stretching back hundreds of kilometres into Sudan and contain-

ing 111km3 of water.

2. RAS TANURA TERMINAL AND SEA ISLANDS (SAUDI ARABIA)Completion date: Most recent Sea Island completed in

1975

Cost: Unknown

Each year, around 9000 tankers call in at a number of Saudi

Arabian port facilities to ship the country’s most precious

resources – crude oil, natural gas liquids and refi ned prod-

ucts – to countries around the world.

Among these terminals, which include Jubail, Yanbu,

Rabigh and Ju’aymah, the development at Ras Tanura

stands out for its massive infrastructure and for being the

fi rst facility to start shipping out the Kingdom’s hydrocar-

bon exports. Operations at Ras Tanura peninsula offi cially

began in 1939, where the terminal consists of the South

Pier, the North Pier and the Sea Islands. Construction of

the most recent of these facilities, Sea Island 4, which was

completed in the mid-1970s, resulted in a total of 18 berths .

THE ARAB WORLD’S TOP 10 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

When selecting the ten greatest construction achievements in the Arab world, we decided to

include all projects that have been completed from 1950 onwards in the wider Mena region

1. THE PALM JUMEIRAH (UAE)Completion dates: 2006

Cost: US $12.3 billion

Besides Nakheel’s Palm Jumeirah, any

one of a number of projects would be

worthy nominees. Th e Burj Al Arab, one

of the world’s tallest hotels, is built on a

man-made island, and the Middle East’s

most important port, Jebel Ali, was also

carved out of Dubai’s shoreline. Further

south, Abu Dhabi is enhancing its island

network using similar techniques, and

Th e Pearl Qatar has also learnt lessons

from Dubai’s experience. Construction on

Th e Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001,

and the project was completed using 94

million m3 of sand and 7 million tonnes of

rock. Nakheel awarded the major contract

to Dutch reclamation specialist Van Oord.

Th e entire island is 5km x 5km, and the

crown of the trunk is connected to the

mainland by a 300m bridge. Th e fi rst resi-

dential units were handed over in 2006.

4. KING FAHD CAUSEWAY (BAHRAIN/KSA)Completion date: 1986


At 24km, the King Fahd Causeway, which was Bahrain’s fi rst land link to

the Middle Eastern continent, is the world’s second-longest causeway.

Construction began in 1968 and concluded in November 1982 when

the cornerstone on the causeway was laid jointly by Saudi Arabia’s King

Fahd and the then ruler of Bahrain, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa. Th e

four-lane highway was built using 47,000 tonnes of reinforced steel and is

divided into three main segments: Khobar to the Saudi-Bahrain border;

the border to Nasan Island; and Nasan Island to Bahrain proper.

5. KING HASSAN II MOSQUE (MOROCCO)Completion date: 1993

Cost: Estimated US $500-$800 million

In a tight race for the region’s most impressive mosque, the King

Hassan II Mosque barely manages to nudge out Abu Dhabi’s

Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Muscat’s Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque

– both iconic and beautiful structures in their own right.

Located in Casablanca and built by French giant Bouygues, the

King Hassan II Mosque is immediately notable due to its single

210m tall minaret – the world’s tallest. Another unique feature is

that almost half the surface of the mosque lies over the waters of

the Atlantic Ocean. Work began on the project in 1986 and was

fi nally inaugurated in 1993.

Th e third-largest mosque in the world, King Hassan II can

accommodate 105,000 worshippers in all, with space for 25,000

within the building itself. Designed by France’s Michel Pinseau,

its architectural infl uences are undeniably Moorish linking back

to the Alhambra Palace and the Mezquita mosque in the Spanish

cities of Granada and Cordoba, respectively.

TOP 10PROJECTS

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9. BURJ DUBAI (UAE)Completion date: 2009


Everything about the Burj Dubai screams

massive. Th e tower is composed of three ele-

ments arranged around a central core. As it

rises from the fl at desert base, each element

is set back in an upwardly spiralling helical

pattern, decreasing the mass of the tower

as it reaches toward the sky and thereby

decreasing the wind load.

Th e tower has the fastest lifts in the world,

a water system that provides a quarter of

a million gallons a day, and enough rebar

to stretch a quarter of the way around the

world if laid end to end.

6. MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART (QATAR)Completion date: 2008 Cost: US $220 million

December 2008 saw the opening of a new

Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha, Qatar.

Architect IM Pei designed the new devel-

opment as what is believed to be his last

‘statement’ building.

Commissioned by the rulers of Qatar - the

Al Th ani family - the 45,000m2 building is

located on a purpose-built island at the

southern end of Doha bay.

While the building’s limestone exterior

was fi nished in 2006, the museum has only

recently opened its doors to the public.

7. BAHRAIN WORLD TRADE CENTRE (BAHRAIN)Completion date: 2008Cost: US $150 million

Marking a brave new age of sustainability for

the Gulf, the Bahrain World Trade Cen-

tre’s unique twin-tower design has drawn

praise from all over the world. It is the fi rst

skyscraper to integrate wind turbines into its

design.

Th e 240m high, 50-storey buildings were

designed by South African Shaun Killa, with

the contract managed by Atkins. Ramboll

Danmark, Norwin and Elsam Engineering

carried out contracting work on the project.

Th e three turbines, which provide between

11% and 15% of the towers’ energy require-

ments, are supported by an individual 30m

bridge. Each turbine measures 29m in diam-

eter and faces north.

8. QATARGAS 2 (QATAR)Completion date: 2009Cost: US $13.5 billion

Th e $13.5 billion project at Ras Laff an Industrial City has seen the con-

struction of two world class LNG trains each with a capacity of 7.8 million

tonnes per annum (mtpa) and 0.85mtpa of Liquefi ed Petroleum Gas

(LPG), 140,000bpd of condensate, three storage tanks, power utilities and

water injection systems, a fl eet of 14 ships and a receiving terminal.

Around 30,000 workers were employed on the Qatargas 2 venture, and

the project contains enough cable to stretch from Doha to London. To

create the off shore facilities, Qatargas began with a drilling process that

set a new benchmark for the company.

10. DUBAI METRO (UAE)Completion date: 2009Cost: US $4.2 billion

Th e Dubai Metro, which underwent a

‘soft launch’ in September 2009, is by

any means an impressive achievement.

Masterminded by the emirate’s Road and

Transport Authority, the driverless net-

work will be the longest fully automated

rail system anywhere in the world

once completed.

Th e fi rst phase of the network covers

35km of the proposed 75km layout and

runs from Jebel Ali to Al Rashidiya (the

Red Line) with the Green Line connecting

Al Qusais 2 to Al Jadaf. A section of the

29-station Red Line, between Al Rashidiya

and Nakheel Harbor & Tower (near Ibn

Battuta mall) is already up and running

with the entire Red Line set to open in

February 2010. Th e Green Line, which will

have 18 stations, is earmarked for comple-

tion in March 2010.

Two further routes, the Purple and Blue

Lines, are under consideration at the

moment. In its initial phase, 47 stations

are under construction. Tunneling work

on the Red and Green Lines was com-

pleted in April 2009, with around 12.6km

of both routes being underground.

PROJECT REVIEWSAADIYAT HIGHWAY

In association with



HIGHWAY TO HAPPINESS

Anyone who regularly travels down the UAE’s E11

highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi knows

that the drive can be awful – in both senses of the

word. While navigating among some of the more

erratic drivers can be a little nerve-racking, there is

the sight of the Aldar HQ, Al Raha Beach, Yas and Saadiyat Islands,

which inspire awe even if you’ve become jaded by the megaprojects

in the Emirates. However, the opening of the bridge at Saadiyat, and

the Saadiyat-Shahama highway on October 14th, means the journey

is now a little less stressful, and just as amazing.

Starting from Port Zayed in Abu Dhabi, the highway stretches

over the now-named Sheikh Khalifa Bridge, before traversing 27km

across Saadiyat Island and Yas Island and joining back up with E11

to Dubai.

Th e bridge marks the fi rst time Saadiyat Island has been joined

to Abu Dhabi and provides a crucial connection for the Tourism

Development and Investment Council (TDIC) and its plans for the

islands. Saadiyat will provide a cultural destination for tourists and

residents in Abu Dhabi, while Yas Island will provide leisure and

entertainment, including the Ferrari World theme park and Formula

One. Construction on the bridge began in December 2006 and saw

more than 7.5 million man hours put in to ensure the project was

completed on schedule.

A joint venture between Zublin – Saif Bin Darwish used

approximately 15,000 tonnes of asphalt and 15,500 tonnes of

reinforcement steel to build the 1.4km bridge, which can hold

10 lanes of traffi c. Construction took 30 months. Keeping to the

schedule of the project was vital, explains Zublin project manager

Holger Schmidt. “It was very important to deliver the project on time

because the bridge was needed for the Formula One Grand Prix.

Otherwise people coming to the event from Abu Dhabi would have

to drive to the airport and back up to Yas Island.”

Meeting this challenge required careful preparation and the

corralling of international expertise. “We prepared all our internal

systems to make sure we could deliver on time,” says Schmidt.

“Also we brought many experts from Germany to work hard on this

project. We had around 25 to 30 people from Germany here at

one stage.”

WORKING ON FORMAn important element in ensuring the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge was

delivered on time, was the formwork. RJR Formwork supplied a

fl exible system that has been tried and tested elsewhere in the UAE

and has proven particularly eff ective for bridge construction.

RJR provided a system that could be moved along the bridge

without dismantling, creating a considerable saving both in terms of

time and manpower required.

“We were able to move the system three times without dismantling

it, which off ered considerable advantages over traditional systems.

Th ey’ve used the system very successfully,” says managing director

Roger Ratcliff e.

He estimates that the RJR system greatly reduced the need for

manpower on site and helped the project be delivered on time.

“If you’ve lots of repetition you don’t need to keep taking it up

and down, you can move the whole system as a big chunk,” he says.

“Th e fact is you’re saving time by moving the system. You’d need at

The Sheikh Khalifa Bridge and accompanying Saadiyat-Shahama

highway were delivered at the start of October. We take a look

at how the project was delivered on time

By James Boley

“Projects such as this

that address both the

immediate and future

needs of the people

stand a better chance

of being recognised as

a valuable contribution

to the nation building

process”

PROJECT REVIEWSAADIYAT HIGHWAY

In association with



least two or three times the volume of equipment just for moving a

standard system. I’d say with our system they saved 30% of the time

required. Th ere’s also not the same high labour element required.”

ROAD TO SUCCESSAccompanying the bridge is the Saadiyat-Shahama highway, which

will provide the main artery for traffi c heading towards the two

islands under development by the TDIC.

Th e highway provides an eff ective shortcut between Abu

Dhabi and Dubai, allowing travellers to easily reach the corniche

while avoiding the traffi c in downtown Abu Dhabi. An unoffi cial

assessment suggests that the new highway shaves a good 20 to 30

minutes off the journey time between the two cities.

Creating a new highway has been an important part of Plan

Abu Dhabi 2030, the strategic plan that provides a road map for

development for the city and its environs for the next 20 years. Th e

plan was the key guideline framework for the development of the

newly inaugurated Sheikh Khalifa Bridge.

“Projects such as this that address both the immediate and future

needs of the people stand a better chance of being recognised as

a valuable contribution to the nation building process,” said Aldar

chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh at the inauguration of Sheikh Khalifa

Bridge. Part of this anticipation of “future needs” was the provision

for alternative transport systems. A light rail transit (LRT) bridge has

also been constructed to allow a future railway to link Yas Island and

Abu Dhabi.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITYAldar were responsible for 23m of the highway, plus a further 18km

of interchange ramps and freeway improvements. As a result, 22

highway bridges, 17 exits and four underpasses came under the

developer’s remit.

In addition, Aldar was responsible the main interchange

and surrounding highway for Yas Island, Aldar’s leisure and

entertainment destination development and location of Yas Marina

Circuit, the venue for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Aldar’s portion of the project was split into a further two packages.

Six Construct handled the construction of the Yas Island section of

the highway and the interchange with the Abu Dhabi-Dubai road,

while Taisei Corporation handled the responsibilities for building

“It was very important

to deliver the project

on time because the

bridge was needed in

time for the Formula

One Grand Prix”

“It was very important

to deliver the project

on time because the

bridge was needed in

time for the Formula

One Grand Prix”

650 PALM TREESHAVE BEEN PLANTED, ALONG WITH 500,000

OTHER PLANTS AND 10,000M3 OF STONE

the bridge and roads from Yas Island to Saadiyat Island.

Both sections were subcontracted to Al Jaber Construction, which

appears to be doing well out of the building boom on Saadiyat. Th e

fi rm also has won the contracts for the Saadiyat Beach Residences

and Saadiyat Beach Hotel.

Meanwhile, the construction of the actual road on Saadiyat was

covered by Gulf Leighton Contracting Abu Dhabi, following the

designs of US fi rm Parsons. As part of this construction, a 180m wide

land bridge was built to link Saadiyat to Yas. In anticipation of future

residents and out of respect for the natural landscape, the land

bridge was built by using a trough contour, making it less visible

and quieter.

Along the Saadiyat section, 650 palm trees have been planted,

along with 500,000 other plants, 10,000m3 of stone and 26,000m3 of

sand. Construction took 24 months to complete.

With the bridge and highway now offi cially open, a vital element of

both the Saadiyat Island and Yas Island projects can now be crossed

off the list. 5

15,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel were needed for the bridge. The highway provides an effective shortcut between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

TOP FIGURES

Saif Bin Darwish used approximately

15,000 tonnes of asphalt and 15,500

tonnes of reinforcement steel to build the

1.4km bridge.

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PROJECT REVIEWITCC

In association with



ITCC:SAUDI’S SMART CITY

In order to attract the world’s

leading Information Technology and

Communications (ITC) companies to

a place like Saudi Arabia, you need to

off er the world’s best ITC services and

infrastructure - this is the concept behind the

Kingdom’s new US $1.65 billion (SR6.5 billion)

ITCC development.

Th e project is being developed by Rayadah

Investment Company, the investment arm

of the government’s Public Pensions Agency

(PPA), which is also developing the $10 billion

King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)

in Riyadh.

As with KAFD, ITCC aims to generate

income to support the PPA’s social security

network, as well as achieve the broader goal

of stimulating new jobs and industry to

improve Saudi Arabia’s social future.

Currently, the Kingdom’s ITC sector is

disjointed, lacks suffi cient infrastructure and

faces numerous challenges and limitations

with its internet service providers. ITTC will

change that.

Included in the project’s 776,000m2 will be

administration buildings for ITC compa-

nies, technical business centres, buildings

In two and a half years Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh will burst into the

cyber-century and beyond with the completion of its Information Technology

Communications Complex (ITCC), the Kingdom’s fi rst “smart city”

for research, training and development and

software production companies.

Th ere will also be support buildings such

as hotels, restaurants, a convention centre,

residential apartments, a technical college

and government service buildings.

When commissioned in mid-2012 it’s

expected ITCC will make Riyadh a regional

hub for ITC services, education, research and

innovation.

CONSTRUCTIONTh e master plan for ITCC was designed by

a joint venture between local consultants

Zuhair Fayez and Singapore’s Jurong Inter-

national. Zuhair Fayez then carried on with

the detailed design of infrastructure and

substructures.

In April 2008 Rayadah awarded a $65

million contract to local contractor El Seif

Engineering for construction of infrastructure

for the 487,000m2 of the development.

Th e contract included a sewage treatment

plant and a concrete-encased optic fi bre cable

network and was completed in August.

Meanwhile, mobilisation and excavation

works for the superstructures began in July

following the award of three more contracts

for phase one of construction.

Th e main package went to Al Rajhi Projects

for construction of ITCC’s central area, which

includes four 20-storey towers - the projects

main architectural feature.

Th e contract also includes construction of

two research and development buildings, two

business technology incubator buildings, a

sports club and a clinic. Th e second contract,

valued at $150 million, was awarded to Con-

By Benjamin Millington

struction Contracting Enterprises to build a

326 room Crown Plaza hotel and a 5000m2

convention centre.

Th e third contract, worth $50 million, was

awarded to Al Yamama Company for the

construction of a residential complex includ-

ing apartments, villas and recreational areas.

All three contracts are due for completion in

30 months.

ITCC project director Mohammed Alsabek

says construction is progressing as per sched-

FACTS OF INTEREST• The total cost is around US $1.65 billion (SR6.5 billion)• The entire site will achieve at least the basic Leed environmental certifi cation• The four towers will be covered by a golden perforated aluminium sheeting

1.4m away from the curtain wall which will refl ect up to 60% of the solar gain• Each of the 4mx2m panels holding the aluminium sheets will have individual

lights which will illuminate the towers in various changing patterns at night• ITTC’s data centre will be rated tier four, the highest rating possible which

allows virtually zero downtime• There will be an average of one parking space per 25m

PROJECT REVIEWITCC

In association with



ule and few hiccups are expected. “Th e time

frame for this project is satisfactory; with

hard work and good coordination we should

be able to achieve the completion dates,”

he says.

Alsabek says excavation work for the

superstructures is ongoing and isn’t

expected to be complete until the end of

the year. He says a staggering 1.6 million m3

of earth must be removed from the central

area alone to accommodate ITCC’s extensive

parking facilities.

“For this development to be successful we

wanted to provide enough parking for every

tenant,” he said.

“So under each of the four towers there will

be fi ve basement fl oors of parking, a total

of 22m deep, while under the research and

development building there will be two levels

and under the hotel and conference centre

there will be three levels.

“If we don’t have proper parking it will be

diffi cult to market the development properly,

so overall we have worked out a design with 1

park per 25m2, which is quite a lot.”

Alsabek said there are still several other

elements within the project that are yet to

start construction, including a 35-tonne

district cooling plant. He said tenders will

start rolling out gradually over the coming

months.

Meanwhile, phase two of construction,

which includes 18 buildings and

the second infrastructure package, is cur-

rently under design and tenders will

be open to bidders during the course

of next year.

ENVIRONMENTWhile the focus of the project is certainly on

the technology aspects, ITCC will also be up

to scratch on its environmental credentials

according to systems project director Abdul

Muhsin Al Bakr.

Bakr says all buildings in ITCC will achieve

at least the basic Leed environmental

certifi cation through the use of grey water

recycling, low energy lighting, low energy air

conditioning and most of all – reduction in

solar gain.

A key feature of the ITCC’s four central

towers will be the unique external cladding

designed to refl ect the sun’s rays.

“About 1.4m away from the curtain wall is

a golden sheet covering the entire building,”

Baker describes.

“Th e sheet is aluminium shined to gold and

is perforated which means you can see out of

the building but you can’t see the glass from

the outside.

“Th e purpose of this cladding is not only

for aesthetics but also energy savings as it

refl ects UV rays and up to 60% of the

solar gain.”

Th e aluminum sheets will be held in 4mx2m

diamond-shaped panels that will have

individual lights which will illuminate the

towers in various changing patterns at night,

he added.

SMART CITYTh e concept of the “smart city” can be loosely

defi ned as a place which off ers widespread

broadband services, the latest in voice and

video communication platforms and high-

level data security.

All of this should be operated on a huge

optic-fi bre cable network designed to give the

fastest speeds and accommodate next genera-

tion technologies for years to come.

Silicon Valley in the US was one of the fi rst

cities specifi cally designed around the needs

of ITC companies.

In this region, Dubai Internet City in the

UAE is one development, which boasts the

smart city tag while India’s Smart City

Kochi and Smart City Malta are currently

under development.

As the world catches onto the economic and

social benefi ts to be gained from a thriving

ITC sector, Rayadah’s lead ITC engineer Kha-

lid Al Arfaj says ITCC will ensure Saudi Arabia

is not left behind.

“We benchmark ITCC with the best high-

tech smart cities in the world,” he says.

“If a company comes to us with a specifi c

need there is no doubt that we will be able to

do it. It’s a fl exible design, which will suit both

Saudi and multi-national companies.

“We have no boundaries, the sky is the limit.”

Rayadah commissioned international ITC

consultants Orange to design all of its net-

works and solutions. Meanwhile the company

has already signed MOUs with several leading

ITC companies who want to be involved in

the project, including Microsoft, Cisco

and Cantel.

“One of the biggest attractions for these

companies is the fact that we will own and

operate the infrastructure and ensure the

highest quality is delivered to the tenant,”

says Al Arfaj.

“If you search around you are not going to

fi nd a space like this for ITC companies, basi-

cally there is nowhere in KSA that can provide

all the services that an ITC company needs in

one place.”

Al Arfaj says he expects only ITC related

companies to operate within ITCC.

It’s expected that the project’s 22,000m2

technical college will help to feed the ITCC

with trained professionals and create new

jobs. Th e facility will act as a high-class ITC

college and link in with the project’s research

and development facility. 5

We benchmark

ITCC with the best

high-tech smart

cities in the world.

The four 20-storey towers we be the architectural feature of the project.

60 PERCENTOF SOLAR GAIN WILL BE REFLECTED BY THE

GOLD EXTERNAL CLADDING ON THE TOWERS

ITCC includes a vast network of optic fi bre cable encased in concrete for protection.

Insulation of pipes has not been given enough importance or attention, previously the main focus has been on condensation prevention.Now Engineers, designers and owners NEED to consider the environmental impact AND the opportunity to SAVE ENERGY and REDUCE CO2

Emissions. INSULPHEN is THE MOST EFFICIENT THERMAL INSULATION vs Fibre or Rubber. YOU WILL SAVE ENERGY - ask us for comparisons.

Also in High Occupancy buildings Thermal Insulation MUST be Fire and Smoke safe - low flame spread and low smoke emission is critical to enable people to escape in the event of a fire.Products selected must meet the regulations - Class 0 to UK buildings regs AND ASTM E84 25/50 flame spread/smoke emission rating!!

Only Insulphen WORLD CLASS Insulation gives you the best of all worlds.

ARE YOU REALLY INSULATING?

ARE YOU PROVIDING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT?

PMVHEAVY LIFT


In association with


HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION Have heavy lift companies

focused more on oil and gas projects in recent months?

By Greg Whitaker

PMVHEAVY LIFT


In association with


The heavy lift industry is

primarily associated with

construction. Particularly in

the Middle East, cranes are

invariably linked to the build

sector and were once the source of many

urban legends surrounding the percentage of

the world’s cranes located in Dubai.

But with the construction sector suff ering

from a slowdown over the past few months,

heavy lift companies have focused more of

their attention on oil and gas based business.

“Th e upstream oil and gas work shows a

trend of gradual development of the Middle

East infrastructures. Th is has resulted in a

potential growth in the market for boom

cranes, as oil and gas and its related projects

have proved to be more resilient through 2009

in the present scenario, due to the down trend

of the construction sectors which are expected

to take off again during the second quarter of

2010,” Mohammed Razzaqi, product manager,

Darwish Bin Ahmed & Sons reveals.

Th is increase in business has been wit-

nessed most in certain areas of the Middle

East. “Th e United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi

Arabia have experienced the most dramatic

growth. Saudi Arabia is the largest regional

market and is followed by UAE, Qatar and

Kuwait,” says Razzaqi.

However working out of the country where a

company is based can bring in logistical issues.

“When the equipment is going out of the UAE

there are logistical problems with that. So we

are only interested if it is a big job,” states Hus-

sein Ansar, deputy manager, Fabexi Trading.

Liebherr, a company involved in manufac-

turing the cranes used in the industry, also

sees the benefi ts of being involved in oil and

gas. “Oil and gas projects were less aff ected

than construction work. After the real estate

collapse in October 2008 many huge projects

were cancelled (e.g. Arabian Canal), this was

not seen in the oil and gas sector,” states Wolf-

gang Beringer, sales promotion, Liebherr.

Th e company off ers a wide range of cranes,

although not all of its range is used extensively

in the Middle East. “Generally we off er our com-

plete range of cranes, but mainly we sell in this

area mobile cranes from 70 – 1200 tonne capac-

ity, crawler cranes from 280 – 750 tonne capac-

ity and harbour mobile cranes in the range of

100 tonne capacity,” comments Beringer.

Beringer also states Saudi Arabia, the UAE

and Qatar as the countries which make up

the biggest market in the Middle East, and

adds Bahrain to the list also. Th e major use of

cranes in the region for the energy sector is in

erecting rigs, moving of rigs and shutdowns,

according to Beringer.

Cranes and heavy lift equipment can also

be crucial pieces of equipment at shipyards.

Recently DP World Jeddah announced a deliv-

ery of 15 cranes at its south container termi-

nal at Jeddah Islamic Port. Th e cranes were

supplied by Zhenhua Port Machinery Com-

pany (ZPMC) of China, and included three

Super-Super Post Panamax (SSPP) cranes and

12 Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes.

DP World Middle East senior VP and MD

Faisal Al Qahtani described the deal as “an

Security is the big issue, you have to work hand in hand with the safety people. A lot of paper work has to be done. The cranes have to be equipped with emergency shutdown systems, spark arrestors.

CASE STUDYWORLD’S STRONGEST CRANEThe world’s largest boom telescopic mobile crane, a Liebherr LTM11200-9.1, was used for moving parts in the fabrication of a self-propelled rig known as a ‘Seajack’ at Lamprell’s UAE yard, through the fi rst week of August. Specialist ‘builder’ Lamprell needed to lift and place the top two segments on the rig – fi ttingly named Leviathan.

The four legs, each totaling a height of 86.46m, incorporate eight segments. For the 7th and 8th segments, each weighing 52 tonnes , the crane was positioned alongside the Seajack to provide a 26m radius and capitalise on the cranes telescopic boom – capable of reaching up to 100m – to ensure fast lifts and speedier erection times for each of the legs.

The Al Faris Rental crane was confi gured with 202 tonne counterweights and an 88.30m boom length with superlift and an 18m hydraulic offset fl y jib to complete all four legs. Additionally, in a twin lift with a Liebherr LTM1500-8.1 500t capacity mobile crane, the cranes were used to lift and position a Huisman marine crane at the stern of the seajack for permanent installation.

The LTM11200 was confi gured with a 53.3m boom and superlift and the LTM1500 with a 31.7m boom to lift the 138t Heisman in a ‘top and tail’ operation.

The Seajack ‘Leviathan’ is a self propelled, self elevating lift boat intended for harsh environment conditions and was commissioned to install wind turbines in the North Sea. Equipped with the latest Class 2 dynamic positioning technology the vessel is fi tted with high standard accommodation for up to 90 people.

The alternative option for Lamprell was to use Al Faris’s 500t Liebherr’s in a tandem lift operation with both cranes being rigged on luffi ng jib confi guration.

This was ruled out as the cranes would have had to be repositioned for each of the four legs; taking more time to complete the job.

important milestone” for the company which

fulfi lled its commitment to deliver “state of

the art yard equipment to enhance the termi-

nals effi ciency and productivity”.

One of the major challenges which are

aff ecting the heavy lift industry, and one

which should not be ignored, is keeping the

highest standards of safety intact.

“Security is the big issue, you have to work

hand in hand with the safety people. A lot of

paper work has to be done. Th e cranes have

to be equipped with emergency shutdown

systems, spark arrestors,” says Beringer.

“Th e cranes have to be in top condition and

they are inspected by the owners of the plants

or third parties.”

Another challenge is the amount of compe-

tition and the increasingly higher standards

demanded from customers.

“Our challenge is the competition with

other companies which are operating in this

market. Some of them are older than us in

the UAE market so it is our challenge to off er

services at competitive prices and standard of

quality for this fi eld,” comments Ansar.

“Customers are very diffi cult these days

with higher standards now than even two

years ago. Accordingly we have upgraded our

standards to be accepted by the customers.

Th is is the main challenge in our business,”

he adds.

Companies in the heavy lift sector have had

to fi nd alternative forms of business following

the construction slowdown, and for the many

fi rms with a vested interest in oil and gas, the

solution was obvious.

With segments of the industry now looking

like they are rebounding, there can now be a

lighter outlook for the region’s heavy lifting

business. 5

EXHIBITORQ & A

In association with



What are you expecting out of this year’s Big 5?We believe that this year’s Big 5 will produce

a more focused construction industry crowd

because the result of last year’s fi nancial crisis

resulted in the cancellation of many specula-

tive projects leaving serious projects that will

produce good inquiries.

How has your company been affected by the downturn?Despite the overall downturn we have experi-

enced a 33% growth in shipments during the

fi rst 10 months of 2009. However we are expe-

riencing a strain on our margins as a result of

considerable discounting by our competitors.

What are the main challenges you’re facing in the steel market at the moment?Due to the retrenchment in demand there is

considerable over capacity in our industry

(Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings) in the GCC

countries. Our biggest challenge is the be-

havior of our competitors in the GCC as they

attempt to maintain market share as we build

up volume.

What are you doing to overcome these?To address falling demand and increased

competition in this region we have under

taken an aggressive expansion outside the

UAE by opening sales offi ces in Saudi Arabia,

Africa, Iraq and the Indian Subcontinent.

During 2009 exports outside the UAE ac-

counted to 65% of all sales.

What are your plans in the region?We remain committed to continued growth

in the GCC. We currently have three sales

offi ces in UAE (Abu Dhabi, Dubai & Ras

Al Khaimah), three offi ces in Saudi Arabia

(Riyadh, Jeddah and Khobar) three offi ces in

Iraq (Baghdad, Basra & Erbil) and offi ces in

each of Bahrain, Qatar & Oman. We plan to

add additional manufacturing in Saudi Arabia

as the business environment in this region

stabilises.

What will you be exhibiting at the Big 5 show? Th e PEB product is a traditional product.

Innovations in our industry are attributed to

advances in equipment technology, manu-

facturing processes, material handling and

engineering software. Mabani Steel enjoys

competitive advantages in the following

areas, all of which contributed to “the Mabani

Steel advantage” giving our customers the

highest value in the industry.

What do you expect to achieve from the show?Mabani Steel currently exports 65% of total

production outside the UAE. Th e Big 5 is a

venue where potential Customers from the

Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and the Indi-

an Subcontinent gather to see both the latest

products and the new upcoming successful

manufacturers. Our exposure will increase

overall awareness of Mabani Steel’s capabili-

ties and expertise to meet the steel building

needs of export markets. We are particularly

interested in Africa and welcome companies

that are interested in marketing our products

in Africa.

Will you be exhibiting any prod-ucts that contribute to green building? As steel fabricators we are proud that steel

itself is perhaps the most recyclable of all

materials, therefore by defi nition steel con-

struction is green. In addition steel construc-

tion is particularly adaptable to the use of

effi cient insulation materials and other green

subsystems.

Mabani Steel president Muayyad Khudairi talks to the CW Big 5 Daily about his show experience and his company’s performance in 2009

Showing his steel

Our exposure will increase overall awareness

of Mabani Steel’s capabilities and expertise to

meet the steel building needs of export markets.

We handle every aspect

of Steel Projects

professionally from Start to Finish

Tel: +9714Tel: +9714--886 2788, Fax: +9714886 2788, Fax: +9714--886 2799886 2799

www.steeltek.ae, Email: www.steeltek.ae, Email: [email protected]@eim.ae

P.O.Box 262012, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, U.A.E.P.O.Box 262012, Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, U.A.E.

Turning Steel Fabrication into

EXHIBITORQ & A

In association with



What are Ejar Cranes and Equipment Hire’s main business activities? We hire mobile, crawler and tower cranes to the construction,

marine and oil and gas industries throughout the UAE, Qatar,

KSA and Oman.

How do you perceive the hire industry in the Middle East?Th e industry has shrunk dramatically and there is an excess

of cranes for hire in the market. It’s changed from a hirer’s

market to a customer’s market - it is now far easier for our

customers to fi nd what they want to hire, at the price they

want to pay.

Has Ejar Cranes and Equipment Hire faced any challenges due to the current economic climate and if so, how have these been overcome? Many projects have been put on hold or cancelled, particularly

in Dubai, which has dramatically reduced the demand for

plant hire. Companies still hiring plant are now more focused

on cost and safety than they have been previously. We are

responding by showing our customers the added-value we can

bring and by building lasting partnerships with companies

that are serious about safety. We are dedicated to safety; all of

our operators are trained above and beyond local standards.

All of our equipment has current and valid safety

certifi cation, and all of our operators have full PPE kit and are

What is your growth forecast for 2010?We have seen a good level of growth in 2009 with the

implementation of the company’s strategic marketing plan,

combined with our fi rst class fl eet and sales team, 2010 is

envisaged to be another great year for Ejar.

Are you looking at working in markets outside the UAE? We currently operate successfully in Qatar and KSA. We have

a large utilisation of fl eet in both areas. In 2010 we are looking

to further expand our customer base in Oman. We also have

future work in Libya and new business on the horizon

in Singapore.

What are the benefi ts of hiring equipment over buying? Th e main benefi t of hiring, particularly in the current

economic climate, is that companies do not need to make

vast capital expenditure on fl eet, without the confi dence of

a buoyant market to support them. It also negates any of

the problems with employing and training operators, and

maintaining a fl eet that encompasses parts, workshops,

maintenance crews and trucks, delivery vehicles, safety

checks and certifi cation.

Our customers can be confi dent that every time they place

an order with Ejar, they will receive a reliable and fi rst

class service. 5

It’s changed from a hirer’s

market to a customer’s

market - it is now far easier

for our customers to fi nd what

they want to hire, at the price

they want to pay.

Ejar Cranes & Equipment is a leasing company providing lifting solutions. Ejar has emerged to become an active player in the Gulf region, thanks to an aggressive acquisition plan and investment in top manufacturing brands such as Liebherr, Demag, Kobelco and Tadano. We speak to Zoe Hudson, head of Sales and Marketing, about how the company copes with the current economic slowdown

Lift for hire

continually assessed for their performance and capabilities by

our training team.

We have a brand new fl eet of cranes from well-known

manufacturers such as Terex and Liebherr, which not only

increases the reliability of our fl eet but also gives the customer

confi dence that we are committed to making their project a

success, rather than just sending them a crane for hire.

We have recently opened a new yard in Mafraq that will

be utilised to service our customers in Abu Dhabi more

effi ciently, as well as our existing yard in Jebel Ali which

continues to serve Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

SHOW INFOSHOW STOPPERS

In association with



Win a Yamaha Banshee motorbike as well as

daily prizes of US $1,500 worth of Yamaha

clothing and apparel when you visit the four

brand new Sheikh Saeed halls

YAMAHA KIT UP FOR GRABS IN DAILY DRAW

Watch out for more informative and busy trade shows taking place in Dubai throughout 2010

FUTURE SHOWS

The Offi ce Exhibition9 - 11 February 2010Dubai World Trade Centrewww.theoffi ceexhibi-tion.comTh e Offi ce Exhibition

is recognised as being

the fl agship show for the offi ce sector. No

longer just a furniture showcase, we now

off er dedicated sectors for both technology

and consultancy. We bringing together the

world’s most important manufacturers and

suppliers, situated at the centre of the Gulf

region's construction boom.

2009 saw an increase in size of over 60%,

with visitor numbers increasing by nearly

20%! Be a part of the Middle East’s largest of-

fi ce solutions show and book your place now

for 2010… space is going fast!

The Hotel Show18 - 20 May 2010Dubai World Trade Centrewww.thehotelshow.comWhere the Hospitality industry meets...

Th e Middle East remains a strong market

for the hospitality sector, despite the current

global downturn. It is forecasted that new

hotel developments across the region will be

worth US $30 billion through to 2010/11.

Reliable estimates are that the UAE alone

will invest $19.9bn into hotel projects al-

ready under construction in 2009, which will

see fi t-out and supply business continue to

fl ourish over the next two or three years.

Four dedicated product sectors ensure

that exhibitors are able to take part among

their peers, and that visitors can identify

their needs easily and eff ectively:

• Interiors & Design

• Operating Equipment & Supplies

• Security & Technology

• Th e Resort Experience

FM Expo18-20 May 2010 Dubai World Trade Centrewww.fm-expo.comA joint venture with Streamline Market-

ing Group, FM Expo is a ‘one stop shop’ for

everything needed to manage and maintain

the built environment including: environ-

ment / energy, IT maintenance and manage-

ment, property services, security and health

and safety. Co-located with the Hotel Show

and InRetail, the 2008 event saw almost

100 companies take part and over 3,000 FM

specifi c professionals attend to discover the

latest maintenance, security, cleaning, infor-

mation technology and/or energy manage-

ment encompassed within a building.

Index8-11 November 2010Dubai World Trade Centrewww.indexexhibition.comNow in its 19th year, INDEX is the number

one business interior design show in the

Middle East. With over 1800 exhibitors from

around the globe, the event brings together

a comprehensive collection of innovative

and state of the art designs which are set to

inspire. INDEX 2008 was attended by 30,348

trade visitors and industry profession-

als, including nearly 30% attendance from

overseas. INDEX 2009 will see exciting new

developments including fl oor seminars by

renowned industry experts, stunning room

sets by leading interior designers, a new VIP

trade buyer programme and a lot more.

InRetail8-11 November 2010 Dubai World Trade Centrewww.inretailexhibi-tion.comInRetail (co-located

with the Index exhibi-

tion) is the largest retail design and shop-

fi tting exhibition in the Middle East. InRetail

off ers a spectrum of products and services

encompassing all working elements and sup-

port structures to the mall and retail sector.

From shop-fi tting and visual merchandising,

retail design and consulting to supply chain

management technology and retail secu-

rity, the event off ers a complete solution for

anybody involved in the retail sector. Our fi rst

class seminar programme running alongside

the exhibition off ers an educational look at

the retail sector and its development in the

Gulf from shopping mall construction to

security and globalising retail.

Yamaha has joined forces with Th e

Big 5 and will provide a special

temptation for visitors to explore

the four brand new Sheikh Saeed

halls that the show fi lls.

Th ese halls will feature over 540 exhibitors

as well as PMV Heavy Construction Machinery

exhibitors. On the Al Yusuf Yamaha stand

(11G141) you will be able to enter a daily draw

to win US $1,500 worth of Yamaha clothing

and apparel. Th e Yamaha range of clothing

that Al Yusuf promote in their stores is extensive. Winners of the three daily draws will be able

to exchange the products for clothes and styles of their choosing.

With the Big 5 open for four days, once you enter the daily draw, your details will

automatically be entered into the Grand Prize draw for the Banshee motorbike, which will be

drawn on 26 November at 7:00pm. Th e Yamaha Banshee motorbike is a sought after product

here in the Gulf - it has Yamaha build quality, is simple and easy to maintain and huge fun

off road.

It’s easy to enter, just visit the new halls, fi nd the Yamaha stand, and win clothing and

apparel worth US $1,500 in the daily draw, or you might be the lucky winner of the Grand Prize,

the brand new Yamaha Banshee bike.

Th e Big 5 thanks Al Yusuf for its kind support. 5

DESTINATIONDUBAI

In association with



For more restaurants, bars and cafés visit timeoutdubai.com

If you’re looking to meet friends, impress a client or simply unwind after a hard days work, Time Out Dubai has handpicked the best cigar bars in town

BEST CIGARBARS IN TOWN

The Cigar Bar Enjoy the warm tones of the mahogany lined

interior and rich dark enveloping furniture

at this charming little bar. It features an

impressive selection of world-class cigars in

a handcrafted, walk-in humidor, specialty

cognacs, whiskies and a dedicated vodka bar.

Location: Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road,

Dubai; 04 332 5555

Travel: 7 minutes walk

Timings: Open daily 6pm to 2am

Credit Cards Accepted: Yes

Bar Below

Th is swanky below ground-level cigar bar

attracts Dubai’s cigar-chomping upper crust

and its dark panelled walls, golden ceiling and

marble-topped bar are a great way of impressing

that special client you’re trying to win over.

Location: Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort &

Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai; 04 399 5555

Travel: Taxi to Al Sufouh Road



Blue Bar Located on the ground fl oor of the Novotel next

door, Blue Bar combines fashionable decor,

cigars and an unusually good selection of

draught Belgian beers.

Location: Novotel World Trade Centre Dubai,

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai; 04 332 0000

Travel: 0 minutes (attached to the exhibition

centre)

Times: Open daily 12.30pm to 2am


Cigar Lounge at Cin Cin One of the most popular cigar hangouts in

town, this little bar is a good bet for a relaxed

atmosphere to puff away on ideas with clients.

Location: Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road,

Dubai; 04 332 5555

Travel: 7 minutes walk

Times: Open daily 6pm to 2am


Cuban Bar

Located at one of Dubai’s favourite areas, this

nice and gently lit Cuban bar on the mezzanine

fl oor has a reasonable selection of Cuban cigars.

Details

Location: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Dubai

Marina, Dubai; 04 399 1111

Travel: Taxi to Al Sufouh Road


BAR

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SHOW MAPTHE ESSENTIALS

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SHOW MAPTHE ESSENTIALS

In association with



Taxi Pick Up: Station E (Shuttle Bus from Ibis

Corner)

Taxi Drop Off : Za’abeel, Ibis Corner, Convention

Gate, Hall 1

Pick Up and Drop Off – Ibis Corner

Order from desk based at Al Wasl Corner

(Between Halls 4 & 5)

Th ere will be Free RTA Shuttle Buses from the

following stops to Dubai World Trade Centre:

Direction from Sharjah, Deira, Bur Dubai:

Jafiliya Metro Station

Direction from Abu Dhabi, Jebel Ali:

DIFC Metro Station

Car Park Shuttle Bus Red Route

(Free Service)

Over flow parking Jafiliya – DWTC Plaza

(behind Etisalat Building)

Car Park Shuttle Bus Green Route (Free Service)

Car Parks B, C, D – Hall 1

Shuttle Bus to Station E (Free Service)

Ibis Corner – Station E (Taxi Pick Up & Dubai

Mall Shuttle Bus)

Shuttle Bus to Dubai Mall (Free Service)

VALET

PRIVATE CAR HIRE

USEFUL INFORMATIONStation E – Dubai Mall (From 15:00 – 21:00)

RTA Shuttle Bus – Route C 045 (Costs AED 4.00

NOL card)

Picks up at RTA Bus Station at Convention Gate.

Stops at DWTC (Convention Gate) – Crowne

Plaza – French Connection – Al Murooj Rotana

– Dusit Dubai – DWTC (Convention Gate).

Start Time 08:00 – 20:00 (Bus every 30 minutes).

METROTAXI PICK UP AND DROP OFF

John, General Contractor

Dave,Precaster

Ellen, Structural Engineer

Bob,Steel Fabricator

Tekla Structures BIM (Building Information Modeling) software provides a data-rich 3D environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, and concrete detailers and manufacturers. Choose Tekla for the highest level of constructability and integration in project management and delivery.

BIMFORMATIONMANAGEMENT

Professionals of various disciplines working in a construction project are faced with the challenge to communicate and agree on the design in detail. They need a tool that enables effective centralization and control of all stages. Sharing the Tekla model allows them to stay in the building information loop, real-time.

Documents

The Big 5 2009 Show Dubai News - Day 2