Khidmah, a leading Facilities Management (FM) and maintenance company, announced the appointment of Abdulla Al Wahedi as Chief Executive Officer and Maher Al-Aghbar as Executive Director. In his capacity as Khidmah’s CEO, Al Wahedi will oversee the implementation and evolution of Khidmah’s offering across multiple geographies and sectors, grow the business and ensure quality enhancement across operations. Al-Aghbar as Executive Director will manage the enforcement of Khidmah’s stringent quality and operational standards across the company’s portfolio to ensure that clients always receive value for their investments. Jassem Saleh Busaibe, Chairman of Khidmah, commented, “We are delighted to welcome Abdulla and…
Author: Kasun Illankoon
Jourdan Younis, Managing Director at Alpin Middle East, gives his view on green buildings in Saudi Arabia and what the Industry Looks Like in 2020 If you’re wondering what green building looks like in Saudi Arabia and where the industry is headed in the future, look no further. You’ll learn exactly what green building in Saudi Arabia is all about (and the rapid changes that lie ahead). How Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader in green building? First things first: What is green building? Green building is all about constructing modern buildings that are both environmentally friendly and…
Azizi Developments, a leading private developer in the UAE, has sold 95% of its residences in the first phase of Riviera, recording sales of over AED 2.138 billion. The first phase of Riviera comprises 3,589 residences in 18 towers consisting of 2,461 studios, 935 one-bedroom, 111 two-bedroom, and 82 three-bedroom units, projected to be completed in 2020. Phase 1 has a total built-up area of 375,541 sq m and a total gross floor area of 180,854 sq m. Farhad Azizi, CEO of Azizi Developments, said: “The phenomenal investor response to Riviera for its central and strategic location, remarkable array of…
Emirates Airlines and Emaar topped the YouGov Brand Index ranking the best and most reliable brands in the UAE during 2019. The two brands scored 84.5and 80.5 points respectively in the overall ranking with Emaar growing 0.9 per cent year-on-year. Almarai came in third place with 77.5 points overall, followed by Apple’s iPhone brand which ranked fourth with 76.1 points. A new entrant to the top five rankings was Emirates NBD which scored 74 points. The Middle East e-commerce giant noon.com witnessed a remarkable improvement in the strength of its brand and loyalty of its customers. noon.com secured the tenth…
Emaar Hospitality Group celebrated the official opening of its latest project, Address Sky View, in Downtown Dubai. Held at the hotel’s much anticipated rooftop restaurant, Ce La Vi, Emaar’s Chairman, Mr. Mohamed Alabbar, and Emaar Hospitality Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Chris Newman attended the ceremony and spoke to the company’s past accomplishments and future endeavors. The Address Sky View opening showcased its importance with the appearance of Mr. Alabbar inaugurating the hotel. The Chairman of Emaar celebrated the four openings across Emaar Hospitality Group in 2019 [VIDA Emirates Hills; June 2019, VIDA Creek Harbour; September 2019, Address Fountain Views; October…
Dubai’s real estate market could be seeing the first signs of growing market confidence. This is a result of a notable slowdown in apartment sales price declines and the stabilisation of rental rates, according to the latest Chestertons’ Observer: Dubai Market Report Q4 2019. Transaction values for the year also underscored the positivity in the market with completed units witnessing a 60% increase compared to 2018, and off-plan units recording a 99% increase during the same period. The volume of transactions was similarly positive in 2019 for completed and off-plan units, with a 39% and 68% increase compared to 2018.…
Cities in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) are gaining momentum, with Dubai, Riyadh and Nairobi all ranked within the top 20, according to JLL’s City Momentum Index 2020 which identifies the world’s most dynamic cities from a real estate perspective. Now in its seventh year, the annual Index combines socio-economic and commercial property metrics to provide new insights into 130 major established and emerging business hubs across the globe. With Dubai (14th) ranking in the top 20 for the first time in three years, the Emirate continues to be the major business hub in the Middle East, with more…
The Government of Bangladesh has awarded the Rangunia 55-megawatts electric (MWe) ac grid-tied solar power plant project to the Consortium led by Metito Group together with Jinko Power and AlJomaih Group (the Consortium). The project will be developed on a Build Own Operate (BOO) basis under a 20 years concession agreement, which is in line with the Government’s vision to secure a more balanced energy-mix and a reduction in environmental pollution in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), pursuant to approval from the Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources (MPEMR), awarded the project to the Consortium.…
AECOM, the world’s premier infrastructure firm, has promoted Raj Hanspaul to Director of Program Management and Construction Management (PMCM) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman. Based in the UAE, Raj will lead over 160 members of staff within AECOM’s PMCM practice who oversee activities ranging from planning, coordination, scheduling and cost control, to design, construction and commissioning. With more than 16 years in the construction industry, 12 of those with AECOM delivering large programs, Raj’s extensive experience will continue to provide the expertise and services to help our clients meet their program objectives. Prior to his…
Logistics News ME caught up with industry leaders to see what their vision is for 2020 and how Expo 2020 Dubai is boosting their confidence for the year. Agility Albert Asool, CEO, Agility GIL Dubai Overall 2019 Performance Difficult market conditions throughout 2019 have severely affected the logistics sector as a whole. However, within our Dubai business, we have witnessed an increase in business opportunities across a number of industry verticals, which have helped us offset these challenges. Particularly due to the growth in manufacturing in the region, which has led to an increase in demand for regional logistics…