Massive investment in mega tourism projects to the tune of US$810 billion (Dh2.97 trillion) is expected to transform Saudi Arabia as one of the largest leisure tourism industries in the world between now and 2030, according to research conducted by the Middle East and North Africa Leisure Attractions Council (MENALAC), the leisure and entertainment industry council representing the Middle East’s dynamic leisure attractions sector. “Mega tourism projects being developed by Public Investment Fund will be spread over an area of more than 64,634 square kilometers, with a value exceeding $810 billion (Dh2.97 trillion),” according to Saudi Commission for Tourism and…
Author: Kasun Illankoon
Leading international construction consultancy, Linesight, has released its latest Middle East construction industry findings, underlining the impact of COVID-19 on the sector in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait. As part of the company’s Knowledge Centre, the findings highlighted ongoing economic volatility however, the construction industry across the region is expected to be buoyed by a range of government stimulus packages. As a result, modest growth within the industry is expected to be realised in 2021, with recovery already being witnessed in some countries. Ciaran McCormack, Regional Director for Linesight Middle East, said: “According to GlobalData, the UAE construction…
Al-Futtaim HINO, an Al-Futtaim Automotive company that exclusively franchises light, medium and heavy-duty HINO trucks in the UAE, has announced the delivery of a major order of 200 HINO trucks to the National Food Product Company (NFPC) cementing its leadership of the FMCG sector in the UAE. Al-Futtaim HINO which has increased its market share by around 300% in the past 5 years, has been the preferred mobility partner for many FMCG companies thanks to HINO’s unmatched Japanese quality and reliability and Al-Futtaim’s dedicated aftersales support. With the latest handover, NFPC’s fleet of HINO trucks grows to 450 HINO trucks,…
AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure consulting firm, has been appointed to design transport and utilities backbone infrastructure for NEOM, a new model for urbanization and sustainability located in the northwest region of Saudi Arabia. In addition to design services, AECOM’s scope will also include environmental and geotechnical support. “We are excited to be playing such a pivotal part in delivering one of the world’s largest and most complex infrastructure projects,” said Lara Poloni, AECOM’s president. “As the centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030, NEOM will become one of the world’s leading destinations to attract talent and investment and drive economic change…
Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, is seeing a high demand from international investors, especially from Israeli nationals, for Creek Views II, its recently launched AED 350m-development on the shores of the iconic Dubai Creek in Dubai Healthcare City, a budding community that is rapidly coming to life and increasing in demand. Creek Views II, much like its predecessor Creek Views I and Aliyah, is outstandingly well positioned among global real estate offerings, as international demand highlights, with 30% of units sold having been acquired by Israeli investors, 30% by UAE Nationals, and 20% by Azizi’s Saudi…
Digital Twin Technology is increasingly being deployed by organisations in the construction industry as part of their digital transformation journey. In this article, Andrew McCloskey, AVEVA’s CTO and EVP R&D discusses the benefits that this technology can bring in terms of delivering organisational cost savings and operational efficiencies. Worldwide, construction is already one of the largest industry sectors. According to PwC, Global Construction 2030 forecast, the volume of construction output will grow by 85% to $15.5 trillion worldwide by 2030, with three countries, China, US and India, leading the way and accounting for 57% of all global growth. However, the…
Ecocoast, a global leader in engineered solutions for sustainable coastal and marine development founded by Australian entrepreneurs Lachlan Jackson and Dana Liparts, announced today that it has acquired Bolina, the European leader in marine safety, security and environment booms, headquartered in the United Kingdom. The acquisition allows Ecocoast to offer its clients an unmatched range of environmental, safety and security solutions globally. The Bolina acquisition brings together the best of two worlds. Both Ecocoast and Bolina are leaders in their respective core markets. Ecocoast with coastal and marine protection, demarcation and navigation; Bolina with safety and security booms. The inclusion…
Emirates SkyCargo crossed a historic milestone with its freighter flight touching down at Shanghai, which was the cargo carrier’s first scheduled cargo destination in the country and marked Emirates’ entry into the Chinese mainland. Since 2002, Emirates SkyCargo has built its reputation in China by fostering a sense of reliability and by deploying capacity to cater to the growth in Chinese exports over the years. Emirates SkyCargo has been providing a continuous and robust trade link through its cargo flights for exports from Shanghai and other points in China with a better reach and faster time to the market connecting…
Yellow Door Energy, a UAE-based sustainable energy provider for businesses, has successfully commissioned a 3.1 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar carport and rooftop solar plant for Al Nabooda Automobiles L.L.C. Located in Dubai Industrial City, the solar carport and rooftop solar plant are expected to generate 4,620 megawatt-hours (MWh) of clean energy in the first year of operation, equivalent to reducing 2,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The solar carport covers 747 parking spaces, making it one of the largest solar carports in the UAE. Together, the solar carport and rooftop solar plant comprise of more than 11,000 solar panels and…
Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) has awarded a contract to design 16 villa and townhouse typologies to be constructed within Phase 1 of the AED5 billion Jubail Island project. The unique designs will cater to discriminating and diversified buyer demands; and include a myriad of differing floor plan layouts, and serviced plots ranging in size from 1,200 to 2,205 square metres – meeting market demand particularly addressing Emirati household preferences. The units will blend seamlessly into the adjacent natural environment which completely surrounds and meanders through the communities. The impressive design themes embrace modern and traditional styles; and the villas…