Author: Kasun Illankoon

 The main theme of the webinar revolves around how contractors are dealing with COVID-19 pandemic from a legal point of view. COVID-19 has disrupted almost every industry and with projects being delayed due to a variety of reasons due to COVID-19, how do current contracts give reprieve to contractors and what may future contracts look like to ensure that contractors are protected in the future. Also we’ll discuss issues such as force majeure, what legal challenges construction companies would face during the COVID-19 pandemic, and much more. Speakers: Joanne Strain, Partner at King & Wood Mallesons Dubai, Andrew Mackenzie,…

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Following the successful launch and operation of Saudi Arabia’s newest commercial communications satellite, SaudiGeoSat-1 (SGS-1), Lockheed Martin has been selected to develop a new ground system to control, manage and operate the satellite. The Saudi Technology Development and Investment Company (TAQNIA) and Lockheed Martin will develop and deploy the new ground segment for the secure and commercial operations of SGS-1. The ground system supports advanced Ka-band spot beam communications services, commercial off-the-shelf-based broadband services as well as Saudi-specific secure communication services. The system will be deployed in two phases, with the initial commercial system going online in late 2020 and…

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While Dubai has started to allow the return of employees to their offices after the lockdowns imposed on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there are still COVID-19 preventive measures to keep in mind when we all return to our workplaces in the UAE. From guidelines on using public transport to get to work, to procedures to comply with when one is in the office, here’s a video from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry that will help you understand how you can help reduce the risk of infection, and protect your health and that of your loved ones.

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Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, today announces a new market-focused structure for its Atkins, Faithful+Gould and Atkins Acuity brands in the Middle East & Africa. The new business structure, which will take effect from 1 July 2020, will be based around two core markets of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with services and propositions aligned to country priorities and respective client projects.  Providing a simpler and focused structure will ensure Atkins is agile and responsive to customers’ needs with a services delivery model that is more efficient and responsive to evolving local…

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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced sustained performance in the reinsurance sector. The sector grew by 17.4% in 2019, representing the highest volume of premiums ever written in the market, further reinforcing the Centre’s position as the leading reinsurance hub in the region. The DIFC confirmed that Gross Written Premiums (GWP) for Q1 2020 reached $472 million, on par with the same period during Q1 2019, reflecting continued industry stability and resilience. The premiums cover different areas including marine, aviation, transport, health, property damage…

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The new Cat® 966 GC Wheel Loader is designed for reliable performance and long-term durability in a wide range of applications, as well as for various tasks in governmental applications that require a capable, versatile machine that fits the budget. Power train/front linkage The Cat C9.3B engine, with a maximum gross power rating of 239 kW (321 horsepower) and emitting equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA emission levels, features a new common-rail fuel injection system designed for fuels available in emerging markets. An electronically controlled, hydraulically driven, variable speed cooling fan, combined with the Cat Engine Idle Management System,…

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During an interview with aviation industry consultant John Strickland, during ATM Virtual, Wizz Air CEO, Joszef Varadi, confirmed his ambitions for the low-cost carrier’s impending move to operate out of Abu Dhabi. “If you look at what we’ve been able to achieve in the EU, we managed to grow our fleet to 100 aircraft over the last 15 years and we should be able to do the same thing in Abu Dhabi.” Expanding on his forecast, he added, “You should be looking at our platform, not necessarily just Abu Dhabi, we want to serve the UAE and possibly the broader…

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Dubai Municipality has organized a virtual environmental exhibition on the occasion of the World Environment Day 2020, which falls on 5th June. The exhibition will shed light on the environmental efforts that have taken place since the beginning of the Corona virus crisis, which focuses on biological diversity and thus contribute to enhancing the environmental work carried out by municipalities and environmental organizations all over the world during such an important global event. The virtual environmental exhibition, organized in cooperation with art4you gallery, will enable community members to enjoy seeing the paintings drawn by 15 international artists. The Municipality organized…

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Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software and digital twins services for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure, today announced the acquisition of NoteVault, a San Diego-based provider of voice-based field automation for construction management. The acquisition expands Bentley’s SYNCHRO digital construction environment with industry-leading mobile field applications to track and manage labor, materials, and equipment. Together, these comprehensive offerings further extend the value of digital twins across construction management, enabling projects to combine immersive 4D models of the construction progress with detailed up-to-date reports on resource expenditures, enabling more effective management of cost, schedule,…

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U+A is chosen as the main consultant on the Creek Edge project by Emaar. Within Dubai’s world-class waterfront community, Creek Edge is the latest off-plan development launched by Emaar. It offers residents a luxurious collection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with elegant designs and world-class amenities. The handover is by Q1 2022. The two beautiful towers of 40 and 20 floors rise above the waterfront promenade of Creek Island, connected by a lushly landscaped leisure podium.

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