facilities management me - nov 2009

Essential information for FM & strata professionals, building owners, developers & contractors

INSIDE

THE fmME BREAKFAST CLUB ANNOUNCES

ITS AGENDA FOR THE FUTURE

An ITP Business Publication | November 2009 Vol. 04 Issue 11

HEAD FORHEIGHTSArchitects design buildings to look pretty. Engineers make them stand up. But who cleans and maintains the Gulf’s skylines?

CATCHING UP WITH MODUS’ NEW MD, NIGEL HAMBLY

CATCHING UP WITH MODUS’MODUS OPERANDI

CHECK OUT fmME’s COVERAGE OF CITYSCAPE DUBAI AND BIG 5

CK OUT fmME’EE s COVERAGESHOW REPORTS

Maintenance Solutions

HVACBMS

HV / LVChilled Water

Electrical Networks

Outsourcing Solutions

Guaranteed ResultsService Level Agreement

Health & Safety Compliance24/7 Help DeskSoft Services

Property Management

Energy Solutions

AuditReduction Management

ProcurementCombined Heat & Power

District Cooling

Dalkia operates in 41 countries and has 52,800 employees.Our strong workforce in the Middle East delivers best in class International solutionsin Facilities and Energy Management Services.

Facilities & Energy Services"

DALKIA MIDDLE EASTMAJID AL FUTTAIM GROUP

City Centre Offices, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 22707, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 2038111, Fax +971 4 2038112, www.dalkia.ae

CONTENTS

November 2009 1www.constructionweekonline.com

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 11 NOVEMBER 2009

02

10

16

19

WHAT’S ON THE WEBThe online portal for fmME keeps you up-to-date with all the trends, features and comments about Middle East construction.

fmME Breakfast ClubThe fi rst order of business was to help create MEFMA. That’s done. The October meeting was all about setting the agenda.

Feature: Rope accessStuart Matthews gets up close and personal with those respon-sible for keeping GCC skylines working and looking pristine.

CommentAlan Millin talks about the unique training of FM professionals and why its essential that they’re included from design stage.

PROJECT UPDATEKuwait Projects DatabaseAn update of ongoing projects from Ventures Middle East

Q&ANigel Hambly, managing director of Modus Middle East, speaks to Stuart Matthews about setting up shop in the GCC’s FM industry.

10

02

10

35

25 The Big 5From cleaning products to wastewater treatment, access control and fi re protection, there is a slew of products and suppliers relevant to the FM industry at The Big 5 exhibition this year.

07 NEWSGerman FMs headed to Dubai. Johnson Controls partners with Motorola. Hines & ADNP to manage real estate. Transguard Group acquires MACAir. ista ME tackles consumption-based billing.

28

39

Big IssueSwitzerland’s Belimo Automation has suggested that Dubai’s regu-lations of fi re doors need to be to be more thorough & effective.

30

Cityscape Gerhard Hope identifi es the newest trend from Cityscape Dubai: “Cityscape is no longer about design, it’s about constructability”

35

08

19

WHAT’S ON THE WEB

2 November 2009 www.constructionweekonline.com

COLUMNS & FEATURES

ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT

US $2.65bn UPTOWN BAHRAIN SHELVED

ARE YOU LEEDing THE INDUSTRY ON?

the online home of:

IN PICTURES

For more columns & features, go to: www.constructionweekonline.com/comments

For more galleries, check out: www.constructionweekonline.com/in_pictures/

• UK asks UAE to pay construction firms• High rise fire in Sharjah• In the budget• Sustainability still mostly ‘green wash’ • New project director for Tiger Woods Dubai

• Contractor detained over deadly roof collapse • Single business tower due four months early • US $2.65bn Uptown Bahrain shelved• Green buildings are ‘sensible’ and ‘logical’• The culling of transparency

37.5% A government official. What are leaders thinking? 37.5% A contractor. What’s happening on the ground?25.0% A developer. What big projects are coming up?

To vote in spot polls, go to:www.constructionweekonline.com

For breaking news, go to:www.constructionweekonline.com/news/Stories selected October 25-31, 2009

5 MOST POPULAR

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Stories selected October 25-31, 2009

POLL: Who do you want to see interviewed next?

GLASS TOWERS WILL ALWAYS BE ICONIC

CAN THE GCC REALLY GO GREEN

The fi rst F1 track in UAE history. In a word, it is amazing. The hotel is state-of-the-art. The venue is pris-tine. The stands, snack bars, restrooms and relaxation space are all integrated seamlessly within the seat-ing structure. And the track is at once a testament to engineering pre-eminence and aesthetic brilliance.

The move to sustain-ability will not sound the death knell for iconic buildings in the region, say VE Solu-tions’ Arkady Siterman and Eugene Siterman.

The UAE Ministry of Environment & Water, UN Uni., Arab Media Group and LG Electronics ME signed the Greenomics Confer-ence 2009 Protocol.

The US $2.65 bil-lion Uptown Bahrain development has been shelved indefi nitely and may never be built according to a senior source at Fortune In-vestment House (FIH).

The preservation of our environment is climb-ing up many people’s agendas and green building products can contribute, in a big way. Construction Week delves into the issue.

C LTANC L

46.4 million square metres of office space will be completedin the GCC region by the end of 2012. Meet and do business

the Middle East’s only office furniture and solutions event.

Book your stand nowwww.TheOfficeExhibition.com

with over 8,000 key buyers for these projects at The Office Exhibition,

EDITOR’S LETTER


Well, it’s me again. Back at the helm

of facilities manage-ment Middle East and ready to listen to those willing to teach me all that I don’t

understand about this all-ecompassing, all-things-to-all-people industry.

Long time readers may remember a short stint at the end of 2008 when fmME was under my control. I seem to remem-ber some of those same readers chastiz-ing me for not really understanding facilities management. Fair enough.

Well, now I’m back as interim editor, I understand more, although perhaps only slightly, about facilties management and more importantly, as any good journalist, I’m willing to listen to my readers.

For the fi rst time I was able to attend a Breakfast Club meeting and, to be honest, everyone reading this magazine needs to contact Stephen Barker to reserve your space around the table. It was fascinating to listen to the collective experience in the room talk about the issues in the industry and to know, like they did with MEFMA, that these same people have the infl uence and ability to effect change in one of the region’s fastest growing industries.

Subscribe to facilities management Middle East for freeLog on to www.itp.com/subscriptions

In this issue, Stuart Matthews got up close and personal with those poor souls tasked with dangling themselves off a rope in an effort to clean and maintain the skylines of the Middle East. As the cover image (courtesy of Megarme) suggests, when I say cleaning the skylines, I mean it quite literally. It’s one of those oft-re-quired yet highly under appreciated skill sets that makes a real difference in the aesthetics and functionality of facilities.

Speaking of diverse job descriptions, Gerhard Hope, editor of MEP Middle East, contributed to this month’s issue with post-show coverage of Cityscape Dubai and pre-show coverage of Big 5, not to mention a good bit of news.

And, in recognition of the many hats worn by FMs, Alan Millin’s monthly column addresses the very popular senti-ment that FMs need to be more involved at the design stage of buildings. Including them is paramount, says Millin, because FMs are uniquely trained to consider both the technical aspects of how a building functions as well as the aesthetic aspects of how it looks and feels for end users. These days, its seems, everyone’s a jack of all trades.

Jeff Roberts, group [email protected]

These days, everyone’s a jack of all tradesRegistered at Dubai Media CityPO Box 500024, Dubai, UAETel: 00 971 4 210 8000, Fax: 00 971 4 210 8080Web: www.itp.comOffices in Dubai & London

ITP Business Publishing

CEO Walid AkawiManaging Director Neil DaviesDeputy Managing Director Matthew SouthwellEditorial Director David InghamVP Sales Wayne LoweryPublishing Director Jason Bowman

Editorial

Senior Group Editor Stuart MatthewsGroup Editor Jeff RobertsContributing Editor Gerhard HopeTel: +971 4 435 6252 email: [email protected]: Alan Millin

Advertising

Commercial Director, Construction Raz Islam Tel: +971 4 435 6371 email: [email protected] Manager Shishir DesaiTel: +971 4 435 6375 email: [email protected]

Studio

Group Art Editor Daniel PrescottDesigner Angela Ravi

Photography

Director of Photography Sevag DavidianChief Photographer Nemanja SeslijaSenior Photographer Efraim Evidor, Khatuna KhutsishviliStaff Photographers Khaled Termanini, Thanos Lazopoulos,Leila Cranswick, Jovana Obradovic, Rajesh Raghav, Ruel Pableo, Lyubov Galushko

Production & Distribution

Group Production Manager Kyle Smith Production Manager Eleanor ZwanepoelProduction Coordinator Louise SchreiberManaging Picture Editor Patrick LittlejohnImage Retoucher Emmalyn RoblesDistribution Manager Karima AshwellDistribution Executive Nada Al Alami

Circulation

Head of Circulation & Database Gaurav Gulati

Marketing

Head of Marketing Daniel FewtrellDeputy Marketing Manager Annie Chinoy

ITP Digital

Director Peter Conmy

ITP Group

Chairman Andrew NeilManaging Director Robert SerafinFinance Director Toby Jay Spencer-DaviesBoard of Directors K.M. Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin

Circulation Customer Service Tel: +971 4 435 6000

Certain images in this issue are available for purchase. Please contact [email protected] for further details or visit www.itpimages.com.

Printed by Color Lines Press Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances.

The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

Published by and © 2009 ITP Business Publishing, a member of the ITP Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the B.V.I. under Company Registration number 1402846.

*BPA Worldwide Circulation StatementAverage Qualified Circulation6,005 (Jan - June 2009)

Essential information for FM & strata professionals, building owners, developers & contractors

INSIDE

THE fmME BREAKFAST CLUB ANNOUNCES

ITS AGENDA FOR THE FUTURE

An ITP Business Publication | November 2009 Vol. 04 Issue 11

HEAD FORHEIGHTSArchitects design buildings to look pretty.

Engineers make them stand up. But who

cleans and maintains the Gulf’s skylines?

CATCHING UP WITH MODUS’

NEW GM, NIGEL HAMBLY CATCAA HING UP WITH MODUS’MODUS OPERANDI

CHECK OUT fmME’s COVERAGE

OF CITYSCAPE DUBAI AND BIG 5 CK OUT fmME’EE s COVERAGESHOW REPORTS

fmME Breakfast Club: Serving the FM industry

THIS MONTH’S COVER:Image provided courtesy of Megarme


HIGH LEVEL ACCESS CLEANING SPECIALIST

PP..O. Box 91812, Dubai, U.A.E.O. Box 91812, Dubai, U.A.E.Tel: +971 4 258 4100Tel: +971 4 258 4100Fax: +971 4 258 4155Fax: +971 4 258 4155

Email: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.grakonet.comWeb: www.grakonet.com

Techem Energy Services:Because energy saving connects us all.

The fact is: only those who pay for the energy or water theyactually consume use these resources significantly moreefficiently. Techem has specialised in this for over 50 years:with a comprehensive range of devices and services which• precisely and reliably record• accurately allocate• individually settle or• intelligently controlheating and cooling energy or water consumption.Innovative technologies and advanced services haveenabled us to become the global market leader for remoteconsumption metering and settlement.Preserving valuable resources – worldwide.Techem – your partner for saving energy and water

Techem Energy Services Middle East FZCOPO Box 341002Dubai, U.A.E.Telefon: 00971 (4) 5015515/ 16(PC) Fax: 00971 (84) 482284www.techem-me.com

NEWS


Abu Dhabi //The Abu Dhabi offi ce of Hines, the international real estate fi rm, along with Abu Dhabi Na-tional Property Company PJSC (ADNP), the real estate arm and subsidiary of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), have announced the formation of a strategic alliance to become the UAE’s premier commer-cial and mixed-use property manager for select real estate projects in the Middle East. The announcement was made at the recent Abu Dhabi Investment Forum in London.

Hines/ADNP will bring a world-class property manage-ment standard to the region, initially targeting commercial

International //Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions has entered into a comprehensive real-estate services contract with Motorola, Inc. Johnson Controls will manage the real-estate transactions for Motorola facilities globally to support its aggressive global footprint reduction goals.

“This contract expands Johnson Controls’ relationship with Motorola, which includes a long-standing FM contract in Asia, and recently-awarded fa-cilities and project management contracts in India,” said Steven Quick, executive vice-president, Johnson Controls Global Work-Place Solutions.

Commercial property management

German FM consultant heads for DubaiFocus International Life Cycle Management has already secured various contracts in Abu Dhabi

Dubai, UAE //German FM consultant Focus International Life Cycle Man-agement JLT has established a local branch under MD Wer-ner O. Maluck. It has already secured work in Abu Dhabi, and is set to make a signifi cant impact on the local market.

Commenting on establish-ing a new FM consultancy in view of the downturn, Maluck says that “now is the ideal time to launch, with the em-phasis on reducing costs and optimising resources.”

“Our activities are centred on generating lasting sav-ings for the owners of real estate and technical facilities,” explained Kay Glenewinkel at the offi cial launch of the local company. “Our approach is to home in on the most signifi -cant expenses in the areas of maintenance and operations.”

Glenewinkel commented that a relatively simple measure such as replacing all ordinary lightbulbs in an hotel, for example, could generate signifi cant long-term cost-savings, as this will have ancillary benefi ts such as reducing cooling costs.

The portfolio of FM services offered by Focus in Dubai will cover technical issues such as optimising HVAC systems, elevators, smoke and heat exhaust ven-tilation systems, fi re alarm systems and gate and door systems. Infrastructure FM

services will focus on security, cleaning, landscaping and waste removal. Energy and environmental management includes aspects such as light-ing design.

“We also offer a complete overview and quality-control analysis of MEP/HVAC instal-lations by a team of dedicated experts comprising FM man-agers, MEP technicians and building engineers,” explains Maluck. “We can provide support during contractual negotiations up to and includ-ing the delivery and set-up of MEP/HVAC installations.”

Glenewinkel commented that integrated FM, which in-cluded lifecycle costs analysis and sustainability, was increas-ingly becoming the norm as developers strove to optimise and organise technical and infrastructural services.

real estate in Abu Dhabi and Dubai to meet the high demand for professional property man-agement in the UAE and other GCC countries. The alliance will deliver value-creating property management services at the strategic, tactical and operation-al levels to institutional owners, high-net-worth individuals and banks involved in real estate.

ADNP is one of the primary real estate property manage-ment companies in Abu Dhabi, with a current portfolio of over 8,000 units under management. In addition to providing fi rst-class property management services, ADNP undertakes extensive in-house and external real estate valuation and adviso-

ry services. Hines has managed investment-grade properties for more than half a century, and is currently responsible for more than 11 million square metres of property around the world.

“ADNP is very keen on working in partnership with the best-in-class, and in this regard we are delighted to have Hines, a prestigious name in property management, as a partner in this new initiative,” said ADNP GM Graham Hallett.

“The guiding principles of our platform are quality, integ-rity and sustainability. We want to be the best-in-class ‘one-stop shop’ for real estate owners,” said Jurgen Herre, MD of Hines’ MENA Region.

Cutting maintenance and operational costs is a key focus of sustainability

Global real-estate services contract

NEWS


Transguard Group acquires MACAir The Transguard Group is supplementing its FM portfolio with MEP services so as to create new synergies

Dubai, UAE //The Transguard Group has acquired Dubai MEP contractor MACAir. The acquisition comes on the back of Transguard recording an increase in turn-over of 57% to AED607 million (US$165 million) and doubling its profi t to AED75 million (US$20 million) during the last fi nancial year.

Transguard Group CEO Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi commented: “This acquisition forms an integral part of our mid- to long-term strategic business plan. MACAir is a renowned specialist in major design and installation projects and, just as importantly for us, it has the MEP mainte-nance capability that completes our total facilities management service offering.”

Under the acquisition, MACAir, which turned over AED225 million last year, will become a separate business unit within the Transguard Group, operating alongside its three existing business units: FM Services, Cash Services and Outsourced Services. Another benefi t: MACAir will also retain its trading name.

As well as the obvious synergy between the compa-

nies’ FM and MEP capabili-ties, Transguard’s technology systems expertise complements MACAir’s installation business. Dr Al Hashimi explained: “Our technical solutions business dovetails perfectly with a project-led installation business like MACAir. We can now confi dent-ly bid for turnkey contracts that demand total end-to-end project management.”

MACAir MD Geoff Frost said: “Transguard is a very robust and diverse organisation, with a sound fi nancial structure. This move will give MACAir the stability, as well as the all-round expertise, it requires to grow in stature and further explore and develop existing and potential business avenues.”

Transguard Group’s existing facilities management clients include Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Atlantis the Palm and Emaar Hospitality, while its airside services division provides a range of support services to the Emirates Airline, including cleaning the new Airbus A380 fl eet.

“This reinforces one of our key objectives – to enhance our reputation as one of the most professional and successful com-

Lynne McMurray with MACAir MD Geoff Frost. Transguard CEO Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi.

“Our technical solutions business dovetails perfectly with a project-led

installation business.”Transguard CEO Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi

panies in the UAE with a long and secure future,” concluded Dr Al Hashimi.

Transguard’s Facilities Management division (TGFM) delivers carefully tailored and bespoke FM solutions built upon global standards.

The division’s operational service delivery is designed along the FM continuum or whole lifecycle of a building or facility. Its FM consultancy team ensures that, from conceptual design through to construction

phase, the principles of cost-effi cient, sustainable buildings are delivered to the client.

The TGFM operational team then ensures that the assets, infrastructure and appearance of the building are maintained to the highest standards and in compliance with the client’s and constructor’s guidelines, munici-pality instructions and globally-recognised standards.

The division has proven expertise in providing a range of strategic review services.

NEWS


“Whose energy are you paying for?”ista Middle East FZE managing director Tarek El-Far insists that consumption-based billing is a right

Dubai, UAE //Metering is from the utility or district cooling plants to the building, while sub-metering occurs inside the building. The consumption cost is often distributed by square feet. This is not fair, argues El-Far, since “tenants do not know whose energy they are paying for, and cannot even arrange their own energy fi nances.” Consumption-based billing, on the other hand, means paying only for individual consump-tion based on the accurate reading of the sub-meter.

El-Far adds that sub-meter-ing stands to play a critical role in the ongoing sustain-ability debate, as it provides credits for ‘green’ building ratings, which is why it is be-coming mandatory. “It is also proven to save 10% to 20%, but fi rst you have to know exactly where energy is being used, so that you can manage it. Sub-metering identifi es these areas. It helps facilities manag-ers do a good job, and it helps optimise building designs and energy requirements. The in-novative, technically superior solution from ista makes this a cinch,” says El-Far.

He explains that ista is the global leader in energy and water consumption based billing. It stands behind more than 100 years of solid experi-ence, with head offi ces in Ger-many, and a global presence and installations in 26 coun-tries, plus millions of meters and billed units. Europe and the US are the main markets, served by 4600 employees.

In terms of the international parent company, ista Middle East is its extended arm. It was established in 2007 to

handle the Middle East, GCC and North Africa. It is cur-rently represented in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “The UAE’s leaders are visionary, always on the outlook for best global practices and innovative solu-tions, especially when it comes to energy savings and cutting carbon emissions, so this is the perfect hub for ista in the Middle East,” says El-Far.

As a one-stop solutions provider, ista offers both M-Bus and full radio frequency technology, plus hardware, as well as a broad range of fl exible billing solutions. Web portals, energy management, retrofi tting and consultancy services are also an integral part of the portfolio.

The innovative wireless solution from ista is cutting-edge technology. It features bi-directional frequency, whereby meters are sending and receiving. This eliminates the need for numerous data concentrators, saving hard-ware cost and time during installation and programming. It combines all types of en-ergy (chilled water, water, gas and electricity) in a single bill, and includes a tailor-made web portal. This system has recently been awarded a best practice award for outstanding perfor-mance. The same system has been specifi ed for the iconic Burj Dubai, adds El-Far.

The company’s customer

base includes utilities, real-estate developers, facilities managers and district cooling providers. Building manage-ment system suppliers and MEP contractors often also require such hardware. Mixed-use projects in general are another market segment.

As to the company’s main challenges in the region: “We often talk about privatisation, outsourcing and co-operation between the gov-ernment and private sec-tors. However, this is still not the case in our fi eld. Energy pro-viders should

outsource services and focus on their core business. Au-thorities like the Dubai Green Building Council and Esti-dama will make this happen,” argues El-Far.

Commenting on the impact of the economic downturn on the business, El-Far says: “Service businesses have been the least affected compared to others but, of course, it has slowed us down. Look-ing at the bright side, it has enhanced the awareness of cost-saving and energy effi -ciency. Recently we have seen confi rmed signs of recovery, and we have absolute confi -dence in the GCC economy.”

As for a fi nal message to its customers: “I would urge

all tenants and owners to fi nd out whose energy are they really paying for, and to insist on their right of consumption-based

billing. This will have a signifi cant savings effect

along the entire sup-ply chain.”

“The economic downturn has enhanced the awareness of cost-

saving and energy effi ciency.”

Mncy e,

of Web

ment,ncy gral

sng-res

ding nates ata rd-gming.n-r,

hasnic

er

between the government andprivate sec-tors. However, this is stillnot the case in our fi eld.Energy pro-viders should

As for a fi nal message to its customers: “I would urge

all tenants and owners to fi nd out whose energy arethey really paying for, andto insist on their right of consumption-based

billing. This will have a signifi cant savings effect

along the entire sup-ply chain.”

Tarek El-Far

Q&A

www.constructionweekonline.com

Facilities Management Middle East talks to Nigel Hambly about setting up shop in the GCC’s FM industry

10 November 2009

Modus operandi

Nigel Hambly fi rst came to the Gulf in 1976, a time when the connection between

Abu Dhabi and Dubai was in large part a sand track. Since then things have changed. Stints with a selection of big name corporations, then a brief try at retirement, have led to being involved with Modus, which offi cially

started operations in June 2009. In this short

time, the embryonic FM company has

already tendered AED 135 million worth of

work over 12 major projects and Hambly

already has his sights set

fi rmly on making a few important changes.

fmME: What do you do?NH: My role is to steward the growth of the business into profi table areas. At the same time taking the Modus brand into new areas and business sectors, while making money and enhancing the brand. I have it ensure our brand represents that of a credible

Nigel Hambly, managing director, Modus ME

professional organisation, regardless of what we under-take; that approach has some upsides and some downsides. For instance we will not do certain types of work, we will also veer away from risk, but embrace work where we think it is credible to do. I think the successful organisations have always been protective of their brand and what it represents. My background is with Shell a company that is passionate about brand values; I carry that ethos with me today. By improving the FM delivery, we can add to the professional credibility of the FM industry in the GCC states, and if we can be a small part of that FM development I’ll be very pleased.

fmME: What is Modus?NH: Historically, Modus was originally a design and fi t out company at the high end of the market, for banks, hedge funds and that kind of thing. As a natural genesis customers came back to us and said ‘you’ve designed a high-tech environment, can please you maintain it’. So it started as maintenance and then progressed. It was not a designed organisation, but grew from customer demand, very similar to the emergence

Q&A


Q&A

of FM companies here. Modus has now become one

of Europe’s leading design and fi tout organisations , not on in the commercial sector but for data centres and high-tech labs. There’s a very limited number of players in this high tech sector..

In the UK it’s a mixture of full FM, some of it is around technology, combined with a substantial FM mobile fl eet. We go from the white collar through to the blue collar. We established Modus here at the worst part of the recession; my experience says if you can make a company survive in the middle of a recession you should have a reasonably good platform to expand when the recovery begins.

fmME: Can you explain the scope of Modus’ work?NH: Our scope is manage-ment and fi rst tier supervisory control. We’re not interested in becoming a blue collar organisation here. What we bring is very comprehensive management techniques. We want to work with qualifi ed partner organisations that have a very similar business ethic to us, in terms of being a credible organisation and what they want to achieve. The other aspect we bring is a wealth of international FM experience, which we can translate into advice for client, property owner, or end user.

We can advise clients on appropriate methods, systems and processes and act as a fi rst tier of expertise. I veer away from calling it consultancy, it’s a much broader spectrum than just specifying something, it’s the whole experience of de-signing, specifying, procuring and managing thereafter.

With regard to our presence in the market place, I think the brand has become visible

quite quickly. We’ve had a credible and quite comprehen-sive response from most of the clients we’ve dealt with. We’ve not been successful with everything because it is a very competitive market out there and, on a couple of occasions, we’ve been used as a bench mark, or free consultancy.

fmME: You believe there needs to be a radical change in the way FM con-tractors are engaged, can you explain your views?NH: There are a number of things. Firstly, there is no stan-dard form for FM contracts. All I’ve seen are plagiarised construction formats, with bits out of UK contracts. There-fore, there is no standardised framework to operate an FM contract under.

Secondly, I do not like the inclusion of performance bonds in many forms of ten-der. I fi nd this contrary to the precepts of the customer fac-ing service approach the FM industry offers. They fl y in the face of partnering and service orientation in as much as cli-ents want a performance bond from you, but you don’t get any chance to get a reciprocal one from them. Effectively it

allows them to push payment out to 120 days, plus 10% on top, leaving FMs acting as a charity for six months. In my opinion, this represents a level of commercial immorality.

They are expecting you to provide the best performance service possible and they, in return, are not reciprocating in their support of you doing that. Essentially,tThey are squeezing you for money and using you as a bank.

fmME: What do you see as a viable alternative?NH: What I would like to see happen is a radical change in the way FMs contract with their clients. I think some models used in Europe can be easily transposed here. They should use perfor-mance management mod-els, so you have a defi ned contract output, linked to very objective measurements and qualifi ed against a fi nancial element of your contract, which can be put at risk for non-performance.

The other element I’d like to see, one which we are promot-ing, is an absolutely transpar-ent cost model , where both the supply chain and our own organisation costs are exposed

to an absolute level. We then agree a management fee, which covers profi t and over-heads. This is defi ned from day one and then the objective beyond that is to reduce the supply chain costs through management, innovation and technology.

The whole object of FM is not to squeeze profi t out of a fi xed price contract but to provide the best cost/value ra-tio. This role reverses, we are there as the client’s custodian of the cost base associated with maintaining that building; we are then incentivised to maintain a high standard and reduce costs at the same time.

fmME: At the end of the day, what do you end up with?NH: The result, then, is an optimised cost. It is this cost-value equation that people need to understand and man-age professionally.

Property owners are invest-ing huge sums in properties. We’re in an extremely hostile environment in terms of degradation of materials and machinery and yet owners scrimp and save on the techni-cal management and mainte-nance of this equipment.

There is a proven processes, called lifecycle management, where there are numerous examples of where asset lifecycle management actually reducing overall lifecycle costs for a building.

If you look at buildings we hope are going to be standing in 20 years, you don’t want owners dipping into their pockets for large capital sums in 10 years time, to replace equipment that if maintained properly would probably have another 5 -10 years in it. If management technology is brought in alongside FM, along with different approach-es to contracting, you can have

“I don’t like those things that have crept in called performance bonds. I fi nd them contrary to what you are trying to achieve with FM…clients

want a performance bond from you, but you don’t get any chance to get one from them. Effectively it allows them

to push payment out to 120 days, plus 10% on top, leaving FMs acting as a charity for six months. In my opinion this represents a level of commercial

immorality.”

Q&A


“I think that if I was realistic I would predict a very mature FM industry, in the UAE especially,

probably within the next 5-7 years.”

a much more effective indus-try and FMs can be far more effective in helping property owners long-term.

FMs are there to operate buildings effectively and pro-tect assets for owners.

fmME: How can you effect change in the FM industry?NH: We will engage with organisations and customers who want to explore this. This transition needs to occur and there are a num-ber of ways it can happen.

MEFMA is an ideal platform that can be used to introduce these principles and ideas and some of it can be accelerated through by legislation. The second thing is to get some of the bigger client organisations

to break the mold and go after different contracts and move toward the output specifi ca-tion models linked to asset life cycle management.

This will allow FM compa-nies to be more innovative in return. Clients need to move

away from prescriptive ten-dering, leaving FM organisa-tions to put forward a more innovative approach. It’s going to take a number of years, this is not something that is going to happen overnight.

I think that if I was realistic I predict a very mature FM in-dustry, in the UAE especially, probably within the next 5-7 years. You will start to see a highly credible and profession-al industry that supports the property owners and affects a better care of their assets.

It is slightly utopian, but the industry has to set its sights high if it wants to achieve that.

fmME: As GM, what do you want Modus to achieve over the next 18 months?NH: I’d like to see us with a number of premier contracts

under out belt, to give us the platform to grow futher. I see us being more active in commercial buildings than in the residential market. I see a larger proportion of our growth occurring in Abu Dhabi and other GCC states.

We need to choose the right customers for a viable busi-ness; I don’t want to be the biggest necessarily, I just want to be the most reputable.

I would sooner maintain ourselves as a highly defi ned player in the market, rather than be all things to all men.

I always see the business being domiciled in Dubai. There is a lot to offer here, but we are still a couple of years away from the market being suffi ciently settled for Modus to derive the growth that we anticipate.

12 November 2009

“My background says if you can make a company survive in the middle of a recession you should have a

reasonably good platform when the recovery begins.”

Q&A


D I E N S T L E I S T U N G E N

‚WE HELP MANAGE AND SAVE CRITICAL RESOURCES SUSTAINABLY,

�� !��"� ��!��"� �

Combined bill

LocalReading

CentralReading

(RF / M-Bus)

Electricity

Chilled Water

Gas

Water

Issuing BillsReading & Billing Solutions

Hardware & RetrofitingEnergy-Contracting Energy Data-Management

Energy Passport

T: +971 4 214 6624, [email protected]

www.ista.com

‘ ’

GULF

• Using rope access provides an unobtrusive, cost effective access capability.

• The number of man hours working at height can be vastly reduced when

using rope access over traditional access methods.

• Equipment used (i.e. ropes) can be installed and removed rapidly

to ensure minimum disruption and therefore could help reduce overall

lead times on projects, which in turn sees a reduction in project costs.

• Other trades can continue their tasks without disruption at ground level,

compared with other access methods, i.e. scaffolding.

• Rope systems can be easily installed to reach almost all areas, which

may not have been possible using conventional means.

• Use of rope access could reduce further costs where there maybe need of

road closures, i.e. busy shopping centres.

ULTRA is a specialist cleaning company, with a division spe-cializing in rope access solutions. A British run business, formed in the UAE in 2006, bringing with us over 25 years of experience gained throughout Europe & Australia.

ULTRA are one of the Middle East’s leading Supplier of industrial rope access services, providing a broad range of expertise in difficult access ar-eas, specialist instal-lation, inspections, maintenance, clean-ing & safety advice. We also provide de-sign, install, inspec-tion & certification of anchor point service at the pre-build or post build stage.

Rope access provides lightweight equipment that can be assembled or removed quickly, thus providing greater flex-ibility, making rope access the preferred method of reach-ing difficult locations, allowing a variety tasks to be un-dertaken.

H.E. SHEIKH Sultan Al Qasimi

ROPE ACCESS

MAIDS SERVICES

AIR CONDITIONING

WATER TANK CLEANING

POOL CLEANING

CLEANING (Pressure & General)

GARDEN MAINTENANCE MEP

FLOOR CARE SPECIALIST

HEATH DONNELLY, Managing DirectorP.O.Box 111833, Dubai, U.A.EDUBAITel: +971 04 4207256 / Fax: +971 04 3684587ABU DHABITel: +971 02 6350014 / Fax: +971 02 3650064EMAIL: [email protected]: www.ultraabseil.com

dchoo

HOLDINGS PLATFORM LIFT COMPANY

designed, organised, and fi tted ... without compromisechoosing the right disabled access solution .. ramp or platform liftNovember 2006: United Arab Emirates Federal Government passed the UAE Disability Act (Federal Law No.29/2006) to protect

the rights of people with disabilities and special needs. It is estimated that in the MENA region there are approximately thirty

(30) million people with special needs. Providing accessibility to this significant percent of the population is not only a social

and moral obligation it offers a huge retail business opportunity.

e-type platform lift: is formed of two stylish platform lifts capable of travelling a maxi-mum of 1m. This low rise lift blends in and can be easily installed into any environment.

Stairlift: its various models are fully auto-matic with electronically controlled platforms & barrier arms. The platform & arms neatly fold away on a smooth operating rail when not in use, leaving the maximum width of the stairway for pedestrians, creating the ideal low-rise solution.

a-type platform lift: a favourite among architects and engineers, fits well into all types of environment & has a maximum travel of 12 metres and 5 stops.

HEATH DONNELLY, Managing DirectorP.O.Box 111833, Dubai, U.A.EDUBAITel: +971 04 4226457 / Fax: +971 04 3684587ABU DHABITel: +971 02 6350031 / Fax: +971 02 3650064EMAIL: [email protected]: www.platformliftcompany.com

Building designers, construction companies, building owners and managers must ensure

that adequate disabled access is provided and properly maintained. Platform lifts are

ideally suited for offices, shops restaurants, factories, hotels, schools and any other pub-

lic access buildings. They can be customized to meet special requirements and provide

a practical and low cost solution when disable access needs to be added to an existing

building.

fmME BREAKFAST CLUB


To make MEFMA successful, FMBC, companies and professionals need to contribute to it.

“Whilst MEFMA...will have its own agenda and objectives, now FMBC

needs to move on with a new phase”Stephen Barker, chairman FMBC

First order of business: Create an offi cial government sanctioned facilities management association. Check. What’s next?

Next on the agenda…

After a two-month hiatus, the Facilities Manage-ment Breakfast Club (FMBC) was back

in action in October and, as per usual, Dubai’s Mövenpick Hotel in Deira played host to the industry’s movers and shakers for the morning.

Fresh off the momentum of the offi cial launch of the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA) at City-

scape Dubai, an encouraged and reinvigorated FMBC found itself facing two very important ques-tions at the October meeting: Now that MEFMA exists, do we still have a mandate? If it does have a mandate, what is it?

As these crucial questions were put to the October visitors, the resounding answer—at least to the fi rst question—was yes. “Whilst MEFMA and the even-tual board of MEFMA will have its own agenda and objectives, now FMBC needs to move on with a new phase,” said FMBC chairman, Stephen Barker, as he opened the meeting.

Barker continued: “The Breakfast Club, since its forma-tion, has been a gathering of industry-passionate people. It was there to serve as a platform for discussion and knowledge sharing. The fact that the forma-tion of MEFMA was a particular subject that the Breakfast Club took to heart and drove through, that’s now been accomplished. Now, we’ve got to revisit what

we want to do and how we want to position ourselves.”As October’s FM

experts sat around the table contemplating a new

direction for what has been a surprisingly effective lobbyist

and working group, it became clear that the FMBC wanted to continue being a voice on

behalf of the industry. Its ability to gain the prover-

bial ear of the government (e.g. RERA) is the precise reason for its success in such a short time and

continues to be the main justifi -cation for its existence.

“The FMBC can continue to lobby what will now be a clear route to the local government,” explained Barker. “The FMBC now, in many ways, has an even more important role to play in the UAE because we can actu-ally lobby an entity.”

A CLEAR DEFINITIONAs a collective, the group moved quite quickly past the fi rst question. The second question, however, opened a discussion laced with complexities and in-tricacies understood by only the most seasoned of those around the table. It was decided that to best address the new mandate of FMBC, a menu or agenda of issues would be the necessary

now FMBC nwith a new phchairman, Stopened the m

Barker conBreakfast Clution, has beeindustry-passwas there to for discussiosharing. Thetion of MEFMsubject that ttook to heartthat’s now beNow, we’ve g

whp

expertstable co

direction fsurprisingly

and workinclear thatto continu

behalf oability t

bial ear (e.g. REreasonsuch a

16 November 2009

fi rst step in tackling the indus-try’s myriad issues.

In legal circles, it well understood that to regulate something, one must fi rst defi ne that which it intends to regulate. Perhaps the best and simplest example comes from the world of soft drinks. Coca Cola has become a monolithic global brand that has garnered endless profi ts because of its ability to protect and patent its formula. Essentially, the ingredients—or defi nition—of Coca Cola cannot legally be sold or duplicated by anyone other than the parent corporation. The punishment for doing so is easily spelled out in intellectual property legislation. At October’s FMBC, the issue of defi nition was recognised to be equally paramount.


fmME BREAKFAST CLUB

“One of the most dangerous things in the industry is the rise of ‘cowboys’,” says Hambly

Perhaps it would make the most sense for MEFMA to adorn FMBC with an offi cial sanction.

FMBC AGENDA1. Training2. Defi nition of FM3. Benchmarking4. FM Membership/ Recognition5. Events/Promotions6. Health & Safety7. Research & Development8. Client Education9. End User Benefi ts10. Legislation – Input11. Supply Chain – Pre Qualifi cation12. Sustainability – Environmental Issues13. LEED – Middle East Standards 14. Standard Form Of Contract (SLAs & KPIs)15. FM input at design stage

“We should have a list of ob-jectives or a mandate but I think the next step, before we engage in any specifi c subjects or topics, is to defi ne ‘facilities manage-ment’ for Dubai and for the UAE and for the greater Middle East,” said Juma Bin Darwish Al Muhairy, vice president of engineering, DWTC. “If we can defi ne it, an agenda can be easily driven from there.”

“I believe the best way to address it is to itemize a list of issues that concern FMs in the Middle East and then break off into workshops to start the dis-cussion of how to deal with them as FMBC and as an industry,” said Terry John-Baptiste, FM director at Omniyat Properties.

Middle East and FM veteran Nigel Hambly, general manager of Modus Middle East, explains the importance of defi ning FM: “When I fi rst came to the Middle East in 1980, we made a mistake, we didn’t defi ne FM. But if you go through the process, which could be done in [FMBC] for approval by MEFMA, you then

look at the various categories and levels within FM and come up with a composite defi nition which we can put to RERA. RERA can then approve that and work in conjunction with the licensing authorities.” he explained.

As Hambly continued, he addressed one of the most dan-gerous trends in the industry—unqualifi ed companies posing as facilities managers—and brought the discussion back to the paramount issue of client sat-isfaction: “Then companies will have an FM license that allows them to perform a specifi c set of tasks because they’re licensed to do them. It also allows for upgrading that license based on the company’s ability to prove their qualifi cations in perform-ing a certain service. That would stop the cowboys in the industry and allow clients to make their own informed choices.”

John-Baptiste quickly agreed with what he sees as one of the major issues facing the Middle East’s FM industry: “There are so many different companies that claim to be FM companies and when you look at what they’re doing, it’s shocking. Essentially, those companies are putting people’s assets—and people’s lives—in jeopardy. I’ve seen some work in this region

that scared the life out of me.”The point is this: By defi ning

the phrase ‘facilities manage-ment’, the government can begin the long and intricate process of legislating the indus-try in the form of certifying, licensing and—where laws are breached—punishing compa-nies in the industry.

MANDATE MOVING FORWARDAs the FMBC discussion moved forward, establishing a mandate assumed the position of Priority Number One. “Would it make sense for MEFMA to adorn the FMBC with an offi cial sanction to become a discussion forum for industry issues?” asked Ham-bly. “Perhaps FMBC becomes the fi ltration system before issues actually get to MEFMA.

FMBC could could present its fi ndings to MEFMA for discus-sion by their executive.”

“If that’s a possibility, then I think that’s exactly what needs to happen,” agreed Louisa Theobald, group exhibitions director, SMG FM Expo.

“In order to sustain its cred-ibility, MEFMA will need to establish such workshops and working groups to feed informa-tion and focus on issues such as benchmarking, training, indus-try concerns, sustainability and much more,” said Al Muhairy. “I think this is a vital part of MEFMA but we can’t just expect the MEFMA board or working team to do everything. It’s an organization for industry profes-sionals and everyone needs to take part in its development.”

Ali Hassan Al Suwaidi of Emaar Properties agreed: “MEFMA is an association. It needs support. RERA can support it with an offi ce and ad-ministrative details but to grow and develop, we need the FMBC members, FM companies and industry professionals to partici-pate and make it successful.”

As discussion evolved, for the fi rst time since its inception, the group talked about a new mandate and how to address the issues permeating the industry. Check out the factbox to fi nd FMBC’s new agenda.


Modus is a responsive and innovative FM company, offering our unique Service Fusion© & EcoFiciency© brands and providing a wide range of business support services comprising of FM Consultancy, FM operations, electrical, mechanical, soft services, fabric maintenance, design and fit out to clients across Commercial, Industrial, Residential, Financial, Education, Oil & Gas, IT & Telecoms, Data Centers & Healthcare sectors.

Modus provides:

supported by expert systems and processes each with full ISO certification 9001, 14001, 18001

Contact: Joanna Saward

Tel: +971 (4) 3434 722Fax: +971 (4) 3434 782 Email: www.modusgroup.com

ROPE ACCESS


Because we don’t live in a design utopia. Sometimes cleaning solutions have to be devised after the fact.

Depending on who you talk to, it is either the genius of architects or the ingenuity of engi-

neers that has gifted the Gulf’s skylines with an array of tower-ing icons. These structures have reached new heights, re-defi ned typologies, taken forms that appear to defy gravity and, in the mean time, created some of the most diffi cult to reach dust traps on the planet. While they usually inspire awe at their openings, someone still has to clean and maintain them.

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 Thomas Moslener, CEO of ABS Group, an FM company.

“Our main issue is safety for clients and workers.... Both are provided by our...façade clean-ing robot, which is not depen-dent on any humans to operate or maintain, and it delivers a consistent cleaning standard.”

HEAD FOR HEIGHTSThe Gulf’s skylines are fi lled with hard to reach places that require clever solutions to keep them clean and in good order

Making this happen is the job of the FM manager and safe ac-cess is at the heart of the issue. The earlier the issue of access is considered, the better the op-portunities 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, under-standing your access options may make life easier.

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 scaffolding outfi t could unload their trucks.

That’s if scaffolding 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 but-

Human error is inherent in high rise rope access but Megarme tries to limit it by applying very strigent standards used in offshore facilities.

Most jobs require rope skills as well as plumbing, electrical and welding abilities.

Rope access is used when nothing else works.

“As an access specialist we undertake anything where conventional

access systems are impractical, too cumbersome, or not cost-effective.”

Billy Harkin

IRATA The Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) was formed in the late 1980’s, to help provide a safe working environment for an industry where safety is paramount.IRATA works to improve safety in the industry; produce an industry standard set of guidelines and training requirements; and provide a comprehensive assessment and registration process for operatives.

IRATA’s main activities include maintaining high standards of safety and work quality, offering guidance on training and certifi cation, as well as good working practice.

IRATA REGIONAL MEMBERS

Full membersKooh Veisi Trading Company www.irata.ir

MEGARME www.megarme.com Oceaneering International www.oceaneering.com

Probationary membersEmirates Industrial Laboratory www.eillab.com

International Marine Works www.inw.com.eg

Ultra Abseil Cleaning Services LLC www.ultraabseil.com

Source: www.irata.org

ROPE ACCESS


ABS expects growth primar-ily in the area of maintenance, as the lifecycle costs arguments for predictive and preventative maintenance grow stronger.

“This of course means more and more industrial climbers inside and outside the construc-tion,” said Moslener. “We do not rely on standard concepts, but design specifi c solutions for our customers and their problems.”

This 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

ROPE ACCESS


The Yas Island Hotel has had about 90 staff onsite since January 2009. Megarme’s team worked feverishly in the lead up to the grand opening of the Dubai Metro.

“We do not rely on standard concepts, but design specifi c solutions for our

customers and their problems.”Thomas Moslener

ter contracts, it has other main-tenance and installation uses. Take the prominent project of the Yas Hotel. There, Megarme has had a team of about 90 in-volved since January, installing the panels that displayed the post-race light show.

Jobs such as this require more than just rope skills, tech-nical 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 project-ing 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. The 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.

Being less noticeable than some high access alternatives is one of the advantages of using a rope team. As mentioned, clean-ing 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 scaffolding, or cordoned off areas, but still need to be

THE WEIGHT EACH ROPE USED BY MEGARME CAN

HOLD

TONNES2.5

cleaned and maintained.“As an access specialist we

undertake anything where conventional access systems are either impractical, too cum-bersome, or not cost-effective,” said Harkin. “It’s quite a niche market where a building main-tenance 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, 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 indus-try, the training is intensive. In civil engineering applications Harkin describes the level of skill as using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“There is always room for human error, but we try to limit it by even applying the offshore 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

ROPE ACCESS


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.

“The designers had felt no need for any kind of access sys-tem, 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 ac-complishment,” said Daniel Gill, business development manager for Megarme. “The 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 train-ing, combined with systems of certifi cation and continuous as-sessment help to keep the spe-cialists 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 inade-quate 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 har-nesses, 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 supervi-sion and the right skill set for each job and its requirements.

Thanks to local visa rules this is often easier to achieve in

the Gulf region than in Europe. Here, staff are permanent and tend to be trained by the companies they work for, where as European-based rope access technicians are often freelanc-ers, who move from job to job, making it more diffi cult to keep a track of their current skills and qualifi cations.

Regular assessment, well established teams and adher-ence to appropriate interna-tional standards, will all help to ensure a solid safety record continues.

The industry has a remarkable safety record given its inherent dangers. Calling a rope access team is often an event-based experience.

Visa rules in the Gulf often make it easier to keep track of the current skills and qualifi cations of rope access technicians.


Omega Plus offers a supreme service in facilities management from MEP, HVAC to security and cleaning. Omega Plus proactively anticipates their clients needs to fi nd cost effective and energy effi cient solutions in maximizing their

customers asset channeled through their commitment to service delivery. Omega Plus’ experienced fi t-out team provides total solutions from concept through construction and implementation on all corporate and residential projects.

• Tailor their services to meet their clients unique and individual needs.• The sign of quality: the symbol of innovation.

Omega Plus is ISO 9000:2000 certifi ed

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICESHard Services • Soft Services • Fit Out Services

Address: Dubai Investment Park Tel: +971 4 885 5477Website: www.omegaplusuae.com Fax: +971 4 885 5240 Call Center: +971 4 885 5766

100% Quality G

uarante

e

BIG 5 SHOW REPORT


It’s showtime!From cleaning products to wastewater treatment, access control and fi re protection, there is a slew of products and suppliers relevant to the FM industry at The Big 5 exhibition this year from 23-26 November at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Here are some of the highlights.

BIG 5BIG 5 SHOW REPORT

Category: Hardware, Commercial ProductsWhere: Zabeel R131Claim to fame: Newell Rubbermaid is a global marketer of consumer and commercial products that touch the lives of people where they live, work and play. It is committed to building consumer and commercial ‘brands that matter’ while leveraging the benefi ts of being one company .

What to watch out for: The company will be exhibiting Rubber-maid commercial products for materials handling, cleaning and maintenance, Dymo and Rhino label printing, Irwin and Lenox hand tools and construction tools and power tools accessories.Website: www.newellrubbermaid.com

Category: InfrastructureWhere: Stand 2 G84Claim to fame: For 10 years, this AL Jaber Group subsidiary has been serving the Qatari market with infrastructure, supplies, pipes and fi ttings (DI, GRP, concrete, HDPE). The road & plant security division provides crash barriers, traffi c signs & fencing. The waste management division supplies specialised fabricated systems made from aluminium, galvanised and stainless steel.

What to watch out for: ASMA’s garbage and linen chute sys-tem was one of the fi rst products it manufactured for the Qatar market for normal and high-rise buildings. Website: www.qatcom.com

NEWELL RUBBERMAID ARABIAN SPECIALISED MATERIALS CO. LLC

Category: Access ControlWhere: Stand 11 E132Claim to fame: This Korean company has been manufacturing automatic and semi-automatic sliding door systems for over 20 years. Main features include a self-diagnosis function at initial setting, automatic adjustment of the opening/closing width, high-effi ciency, low-noise motor (DC 24V), including reducer (worm gear type) and encoder, and built-in electric locking system. Switched-mode power supply allows a steady voltage to be maintained.

What to watch out for: Automatic sliding-door operators that do not need electricity, no door rail on the fl oor, smooth and silent operation, adjustable speed, safe closing by air-brake sys-tem, easy installation and changing of the opening direction.Website: www.cortechsolutions.com

Category: Cleaning SystemsWhere: Canada StandClaim to fame: Cyclo Vac central vacuums have been made in Canada for 45 years. About 80% of the unit is recyclable, which led the company to submit its product for a 2009 GAIA Award.

What to watch out for: The company’s Data Sync technology is billed as a fi rst in the central vacuum industry. It comprises a sophisticated microchip technology PC board in the central vacuum unit and in the hose handle. The status information from the unit is sent to the handle using exclusive technology devel-oped by Cyclo Vac. This advises when it is time to change the bag or empty the canister; when to change the patented carbon fi lter, and when to schedule maintenance on the unit.Website: www.cyclovac.com

CORTECH LTD. CYCLO VAC CENTRAL VACUUMS

BIG 5 SHOW REPORT


Category: DrainageWhere: Zabeel F111Claim to fame: Since the development of the fi rst drainage channels in 1958, Hauraton products have set benchmarks. Milestones that have infl uenced drainage techniques include the fi rst channel with steel angle housing (1970), the introduction of material fi bre reinforced concrete (1974), the development of DACHFIX (1982) and RECYFIX channels (1995), as well as the invention of the fi rst boltless-locking system SIDE-LOCK (1998).

What to watch out for: RECYFIX HICAP type G channel is the fi rst system with a PE-PP channel body with a slotted cover made from ductile iron that provides long-term reliability under heavy loading. The company has supplied 20 km of drainage channel products for Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.Website: www.hauraton.com

Category: Interior Products, CeilingsWhere: Stand 4 B180Claim to fame: Sterling Crown is a brand name synonymous with quality ceiling products. It is recog-nised as Malaysia’s leading manufacturer of gypsum ceiling panels, and has expanded its export markets in Europe, Middle East, Africa, South East Asia and Australia.

What to watch out for: New products to be unveiled include gypsum ceiling tiles, T-grid suspension sys-tems, gypsum boards (drywall) and joint compound.Website: www.sterlingcrown.com

Category: SealantsWhere: Stand 3 F141Claim to fame: Accumetric is a manufacturer of silicone and acrylic sealants for use in the building and construction sectors. It also has a full range of fi re-rated sealants for use in passive fi re protection. The ISO certifi ed company manufactures or purchases product in bulk from major domestic and foreign sup-pliers. It then packages these various products into cartridges, tubes, sausages, bottles, cans and other smaller containers.

What to watch out for: Accumetric manufactures, pack-ages and markets adhesives, sealants, lubricants and related products. The packaged products are private-labeled or are sold nationally and internationally under the BOSS label.Website: www.accumetricinc.com

Category: Waste TreatmentWhere: Zabeel H115Claim to fame: Kessel offers a complete range of drainage products for residences, restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, parking garages, seweage systems, sporting facilities and waste stations and dumps.

What to watch out for: The newest generation of the Kessel Inno-Clean wastewater treatment system was introduced at the 2009 BAU Exhibition in Munich, Germany. Standard-sized systems are now offered in a single-tank confi guration, access covers have been reduced to a single cover and the treatment system itself is now located directly below the access cover. The high treatment effi ciency has remained the same, employing the biological treatment process which cleans domestic wastewater without the use of any chemicals.Website: www2.kessel.de

Category: 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 applica-tions, 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 t-tings to the Middle East stretches back over the last 50 years, so the company already has very strong links within the region and established relationships with the construction industry.

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,” says commercial director Appleby. “We can supply everything from individual products to complete solutions, so we really do represent a true one-stop source for our customers.”Website: www.terraindrainage.com

Category: Insulation, GlazingWhere: Zabeel P113Claim to fame: Technoform Middle East represents two companies of the global Technoform Group, which specialises in high-precision plasic extrusion: Technoform Bautec, with in-sulating profi les for thermal break windows, doors and façades, and Technoform Glass Insulation, with warm edge spacers for insulation glass. Technoform insulating profi les for aluminum windows, doors and facades are utilised by Schüco, Hydro Group, Sapa Group, Alcoa Group, Alumil, Gartner and Heroal.

What to watch out for: Technoform is a global leader in the design, production and distribution of high-performance and thermal insulating polyamide insulation strips for thermal break aluminium frames and warm-edge insulating glass spacers.Web site: www.technoform.com

HAURATON

STERLING CROWN ACCUMETRIC

KESSEL POLYPIPE TERRAIN

TECHNOFORM MIDDLE EAST

BIG 5 SHOW REPORT


Category: Waterproofi ng, MembranesWhere: Stand 4 D171Claim to fame: BMC was established in 1998, providing the GCC and the Middle East with specialised engineering solutions in the fi eld of geosynthetics and plastic products for environmental protection, industrial applications and commercial projects. It offers turnkey solutions, including design, material supply, site supervision, installation and welding services and training and certifi cation, as well as testing and quality control through its experienced team of engineers and technicians.

What to watch out for: Geomembrane liners, concrete protective liners, rubber gaskets and hydrophilic seals, geosynthetic clay liners, geotextiles and geogrids.Website: www.bmc-gulf.com

Category: InsulationWhere: Stand 2 F77Claim to fame: Thermilate Europe Ltd. is the supplier of the world-leading insulating paint additive Thermilate, which makes paint insulate, thereby saving heating and cooling time, and hence cutting costs. Thermilate Europes hold the exclusive licence for Thermilate for the UK and across Europe, Scandina-via and the Middle East. Incidentally, the product is an offshoot of NASA space technology.

What to watch out for: A new range of wood wool insulation boards. This series of thermal and acoustic panels is used for concrete casting insulation, fl ooring and roofi ng insulation, in-ternal and external facings, sound absorbtion, false ceilings and acoustic insulation between fl oors and adjacent rooms.Website: www.thermilate.com

Category: HVACWhere: Stand 1 F26Claim 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.Website: www.swegon.com

Category: HVACWhere: Stand 1 B21Claim to fame: Leminar Air Conditioning was formed in 1992 to cater to the HVAC equipment and accessories needs of HVAC contractors in the Dubai. Today it has multiple branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, as well as retail outlets in Sharjah and Fujairah. Leminar’s ISO 9001 certifi cation and it membership of HARDI ensures that it views quality as its prime focus.

What to watch out for: IQAir room air purifi ers offer plug-and-play air purifi cation of the highest standard. These units are placed in the rooms where you spend most of your time, typically a living room or bedroom. One unit is powerful enough to effectively purify the air in an entire room or connected indoor spaces of up to 75 square metres.Website: www.leminar.net

Category: Elevators, EscalatorsWhere: Stand 7 B301Claim to fame: It has branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Swiss-incorporated Schindler Group is a leading global mobility provider, present in more than 140 countries. It designs, manu-factures, installs, services and modernises elevator and escalator systems for almost every building type. Schindler supports sus-tainable urban development with safe, reliable and ecologically-sound mobility solutions. Its expertise and its pioneering role in the development of traffi c management technologies make it an ideal partner in a region with such intensive construction activ-ity, especially in high-rise buildings.

What to watch out for: Schindler Miconic 10 is the industry’s original destination control system, proven in buildings all over the world with more than 2000 elevators in service.Website: www.schindler.com

Category: Taps, FittingsWhere: Stand 9 B66Claim to fame: ITDR manufactures a full range of regular and environmentally friendly plumbing fi xtures, including kitchen and basin faucets, tub and shower fi xtures, thermostatic con-trols, 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

BMC GULF TRADING & CONTRACTING LLC

THERMILATE MIDDLE EAST FZ LLC

SWEGONLEMINAR AIRCONDITIONING LLC

SCHINDLER UAE

ITDR RUBINETTERIE SpA

The invisible man…

COMMENT

In an earlier article we looked at defi nitions of fa-cilities management. While there are several defi ni-

tions around, there seems to be a consensus that FM relates to the integration of people, processes and places.

Designers of buildings may consider the place and the de-velopers might consider some of the processes. But why do the people get ignored?

Consider an apartment build-ing in Dubai, handed over by a major developer in 2009. The building has six fl oors and on each fl oor there are multiple spacious janitor rooms. Also on each fl oor is an electrical

room for the DEWA electricity meters and a separate room for the water meters.

No problem so far, the meters can be read without inconveniencing the individual residents; the designers have done a good job, or so it seems. Inside the apartments it’s a different story though. The

“There is another option. The occupant can enter the kitchen, walk to the far

corner, lean over the kitchen worktops, reach around a column and tap blindly

around until he hits a light switch.”

If residential building designers consider the place and developers consider some of the processes, why do the people get ignored? Alan Millin, MSc. CEng FIHEEM, says it could all be different if FMs were consulted at the start of the design process

kitchen cupboards look fi ne. The tenant opens them up one-by-one thinking that they have lots of storage space, but they are soon disappointed.

In one of the double-door cupboards they fi nd a gas meter. The meter is so big that all the shelves have had to be removed from the cupboard so

that the gas meter can be stra-tegically positioned to ensure that there is no useful storage space left in the cupboard. The gas pipe-work seems to be something of an afterthought too. Bright yellow piping is routed from the meter, through a hole made in the cupboard and terminated where the gas cooker will be located. The pipe-work installation does not exactly ooze quality. No problem though, the installa-tion team has stuck some ill-matching sections of trunking around the pipe to complete what even the most benevolent of us might call an eyesore.

Did the designers forget

EXPERT COMMENT


is he might have to sit on the worktops to complete this mission. To make life really interesting the electrical switch for the gas valve is next to the kitchen light switches in the living room.

Is it possible that the design-ers have never operated a light switch on entering a room? Could it be that our designer’s own kitchen is something he walks past on the way in and out of his study, while someone else operates the technical side of things such as cooking, operating lights or reading the gas meter behind the scenes?

Speaking of lights, in these eco-conscious times perhaps an alternative to the old incan-descent lamps may have been considered here too.

So what’s wrong? Clearly facilities management was not considered in this develop-ment. If it had been, the FM team would have made many

Alan Millin thinks it could all be different if...

comments on the design, supported by several recom-mendations.

Of course, the project design team will have reviewed the design but theirs was appar-ently just a technical review. Facilities management is so much more than this. Facilities managers see things from a

“Facilities managers see things from a functional perspective as well as a technical one. If the designers

and developers of the apartments I describe here had consulted with

professional FMs the outcome could have been so much different.”

functional perspective as well as a technical one. If the de-signers and developers of the apartments I describe here had consulted with professional FMs the outcome could have been so much different.

Residents would be able to turn their kitchen lights on and off from a sensible point. Windows could also be cleaned without literally risking life and limb. Moreover, light bulbs could be changed without having to buy or borrow extra large stepladders or paying someone else to do the job.

In a perfect world, gas meter locations could be included in the design, allowing sensible use of cupboard space. Pipe-work would be installed dis-creetly to minimise the shock/horror effect on the owners.

By including FM in the design process the developer could have gained satisfi ed owners/tenants and a reputa-tion for quality.

By excluding FM the devel-oper has instead earned a lot of dissatisfi ed customers and a reputation for poor design and low quality fi nishing. Not the sort of reputation they ex-pected when the designs were fi rst approved I’m sure.

Things would have been so different if they had not forgot-ten about the people…

EXPERT COMMENT


that a gas network was being installed throughout the whole development? Did they forget that gas meters would have to be installed somewhere? Did they forget that owners and tenants like to be able to put things in their cupboards? The janitor is, of course, laughing at everyone now. He has more space on each fl oor than he needs; no cupboards and no gas meters to clutter his room. Indeed, there is nothing at all in the janitor rooms.

On to the apartment light-ing. Enter one apartment and the kitchen is immediately to the left of the front door. It’s an open plan design with kitchen cupboards and worktops defi ning the limits of the living room. Entry to the kitchen is near the front door. To turn the kitchen lights on though, the occupant has to pass from the front door, past the kitchen entrance, enter the living room area, turn left and cross the full width of the living room to use light switches which are actu-ally in the living room.

There is another option. The occupant can enter the kitchen, walk to the far corner, lean over the kitchen work-tops, reach around a column and tap blindly around until he hits a light switch. Depend-ing on how tall the occupant

Shop on-line at www.melitidubai.com

YOUR SERVICE IS OUR BUSINESSO F F I C E D E L I V E R Y S U P P L I E SO F F I C E D E L I V E R Y S U P P L I E S

Tel: + 971 4 8802633 Fax: +971 4 8802632

P.O. Box: 120324Dubai , U.A.E.

Email: gm@meli� dubai.com Web: www.meli� dubai.com

MELITI GENERAL TRADING LLC. has been established in Dubai since 2005 and is a branch of MELITI SA, a Greek holding company, specializing in offi ce related services and support func� ons.

SUPPLIER OF OVER 3000 KITCHEN and CLEANING PRODUCTS • Kitchen Division: Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Milk, Snacks, Refreshments• Cleaning Division: Tissues, Detergents, Airfreshners, Cleaning Equipment

FREE

FREE

DELIV

DELIVERYERY

BIG ISSUE


Swiss expert criticizes Dubai’s fi re-door checks

Major Ibrahim Abdulrahman Bin Saif (Dubai Civil Defence), Belimo Automation FZE GM David Stevenson and operations manager Bashar Mansour.

“Having a test once a month to check the fi re doors is totally meaning-

less unless you check the fi re and smoke damper actuators as well,” said Colin Shepherd. He was speaking at the offi cial launch of Belimo Automation FZE’s new training facility at its Dubai Airport Free Zone offi ces.

Regular testing of such actuators is critical in order to ensure they function correctly at all times, said Shepherd. Some countries in Europe, for example, required such critical-component testing every couple of days. In this regard, Belimo Automation has a highly cost-effective ringbus system that automates the control and monitoring of fi re and smoke damper actuators.

“We have a standard for fi re doors, but do not check the void above where the actuators are, which would be relatively easy to stipulate in the regulations. The actuators should at least be part of this monthly check, for any fi re-control system is only as good as the last time the actua-tors themselves were tested,” said Shepherd.

He added that the failure to capitalise on the potential of the monthly fi re-door check was due to a prevailing mindset of “saving on the initial cost of the project. What I think is a big problem in the Middle East is

that often only the primary cost is taken into account and never-the total project cost.”

SPECIFICATION“When the contractors get hold of a project, often any overall specifi cation in terms of sav-

A senior executive from Belimo Automation in Switzerland has suggested that Dubai’s civil defence regulations requiring the inspection of fi re doors on a monthly basis include a check of the fi re and smoke damper actuators

in order to be more effective and thereby boost health and safety.

THE NUMBER OF RINGS ON A SINGLE SERVER/MODULES

ON EACH RING IN THE BELIMO

RINGBUS SOLUTION

16/500“Having a test once a month to check the fi re doors is totally meaningless unless you check the fi re and smoke

damper actuators as well.”Colin Shepherd

ing on project costs just goes straight out of the window. Often all they are worried about is how cheaply a project can be deliv-ered. That is a major problem at the moment,” warned Shepherd.

He added that the global trend towards heightened health and

BIG ISSUE


safety awareness, in conjunction with pending ‘green’ building design, was helping to boost business for Belimo Automation, especially in the Middle East market. It has supplied fi re and smoke damper actuators for the Dubai Metro, Burj Dubai and control valves for the Al Barari luxury villa development, among other major projects.

Based in Switzerland, Belimo Automation took the decision to open a Middle East subsidiary in 2006, which offi cially opened its doors in April 2007. “This seems like a long time ago, but we have progressed terrifi cally in a relatively short period, having supplied product to some very prestigious projects, including the supply of thousands of fi re and smoke damper actuators for the Dubai Metro,” said Belimo Automation FZE GM David Ste-

venson. “We have many custom-ers in different countries, and constantly realise that there is a real need and desire for education and training in the market. So with this in mind we decided to commit to the investment in our new training facility and knowledge centre,

which caters for contractors, consultants, graduates or even senior partners.

ENERGY-SAVINGS“Our focus will be on two key areas, namely energy-savings, which is in line with the Dubai Government’s pending ‘green’ regulations, and fi re and safety, which is in line with the

civil defence regulations throughout the Middle

East. Over the coming months we plan to embark on numer-ous training sessions based on real-life sce-narios,” commented

Stevenson.

Present at the offi cial opening of the new training facility was Major Ibrahim Abdulrahman Bin Saif from Dubai Civil De-fence, Nigel MacKenzie from Pa-cifi c Control Systems, a notable end user of Belimo Automation products, and Shepherd himself. “A main reason for such a major investment is to emphasise that Belimo Automation is not just a component manufacturer. Its ambit reaches far beyond just supplying products. We are a total solutions provider, and therefore need to be training our customers prior- and post-project,” said Shepherd.

“So in the initial stages we need to sit down with the con-sultant and thrash out various scenarios for a particular project. The respective OEMs can then visit our training facility, where we can, for example, install their VAV box. This can be connected to different controls, allowing us to simulate varying system pres-sures. We are also able to dem-onstrate the cost/benefi t ratios for different ‘smart’ systems, on the basis of both ‘green’ issues and health and safety,” explained Shepherd.

“It is critical the industry as a whole look at the total project cost rather than only the primary cost. One of the biggest problems in the Middle East market is that contractors and consultants tend to focus on the initial cost at the expense of the overall cost and its associated long-term benefi ts and payback implications,” argued Shepherd.

TRAINING FACILITYLooking at the training facility in more detail, Shepherd says it is divided into two distinct sections, namely energy-saving and fi re and safety. “We are demonstrating some of Belimo Automation’s innovative control products, such as pressure-independent valves offering signifi cant savings in energy

“Having a test once a month to check the fi re doors is totally meaningless unless you check the fi re and smoke

damper actuators as well”Colin Shepherd

A view of some of the fi re and smoke damper actuators in the training facility.

n different countries,constantly realise that e is a real need and re for education anding in the market. ith this in mind we

ded to commit tonvestment in our training facility knowledgere,

civil defence regulationsthroughout the Middle

East. Over the coming months we plan to embark on numer-ous training sessionsbased on real-life sce-narios,” commented

Stevenson.

Colin Shepherd

BIG ISSUE


consumption, comfort level and ease of installation.

“VAV, or Variable Air Volume, is a highly energy-effi cient means of distributing air in an HVAC system. VAV is relatively new in the Middle East. It is a bit of a ‘black art’ for some con-tractors as they do not fully un-derstand the concept behind it. Here we are able to demonstrate this technology by using real-life scenarios,” said Stevenson.

The training facility also serves as a working display of Belimo Automation’s ringbus system for fi re and smoke damper actuator control. Opera-tions manager Bashar Mansour says that, “in case of fi re, it is important that everything func-tions as it was designed for. With this system you can monitor thousands of damper actuators from a centralised point via touch-screen control.”

It is critical to test smoke and fi re damper actuators on a regu-lar basis, especially as they tend to be left in one place for a long time. “They need to be tested regularly to ensure they are operating correctly. Our system not only provides convenient testing in this regard, but also reduces 80% of the associated cabling cost, which can amount to millions of dirhams on a large project,” said Stevenson.

“Conventional control and monitoring of a fi re and smoke damper actuator requires eight wires for a single actuator for

correct interfacing with a BMS. The Belimo ringbus solution can supply power and control and monitoring over four wires, wired in a daisy chain method. Our ringbus system allows for 16 rings on a single server, and 500 modules on each ring. This makes for a very fl exible and cost effective control and a monitoring solution. The system is also very safe, and has

“It is critical to test smoke and fi re damper actuators on a regular basis, especially as they tend to be left in

one place for a long time.”David Stevenson

short-circuit and induction-proof protection. If there is a single fault, it will still function properly and communication will not be lost, as it is a dedicated system that is independent of the BMS,” explained Mansour.

The fl exibility of the system also means that all possible fi re protection designs for a single building can be catered for. Once a particular system has been installed, it can also be retrofi tted as and when required. “It is a totally dynamic system that even allows changes to be made to a building already in operation,” noted Stevenson. This inherent fl exibility means that the system soon pays for itself many times over.

Major Ibrahim Abdulrahman Bin Saif was given a full rundown of the new training facility.

The training facility has its own ventilation and extraction system.

Alumil Gulf fzcsubsidiary of ALUMIL in the Middle EastTechnology Park, RAK FTZ, RAKtel +971 7 2444106, fax +971 7 2444107email [email protected], [email protected]

CITYSCAPE POST SHOW


The economic downturn is spurring the contin-ued evolution of the construction industry.

“The market is no longer specu-lative, but is about supply and demand and creating the right product. It is not just about de-sign anymore, but more about constructability and functional-ity. The execution is so bad; in 10 to 15 years many buildings will have structural problems,” warned Hines MD Dr Jurgen Herre at the World Architecture Congress at Cityscape 2009.

The current situation of over-supply in the residential and of-fi ce space markets had resulted

in “competition between good and not-so-good buildings.” This posed a particular chal-lenge to architects in particular: “how to make Dubai feel like an urban space where people feel inclined to stay longer than three years …” Hence prop-erty management is going to become ever more critical.

“What will be an A1 location in Dubai in 10 years’ time? Or even in 12 to 24 months around the Burj Dubai after the Dubai Metro is fully operational? It will be a totally different ball game. Developers will be obliged to keep the end user in mind. Who will be the people inhabiting

Cityscape 2009 may have been a much more muted affair, but the attendant World Architecture Congress featured a lively debate about the growing importance of

infrastructure and the long-term maintainability of buildings.

these buildings? Most projects are targeting the high end. We have to provide solutions for the middle class, as their needs are not being addressed.”

Dr Herre warned that sus-tainability and ‘green’ technol-ogy only stood a chance of suc-ceeding “if it increased profi ts

or added value.” The focus is shifting from rental per square metre to a total cost approach.

“If a building has better in-door air quality, then sick days go down, posing a signifi cant benefi t.” Many modern build-ings are aesthetically pleasing, but what about their main-

“There is a huge responsibility for architects and engineers to make a u-turn to make buildings more

sustainable.”Mario Seneviratne, MD Green Technologies

The evolution of Dubai

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum opens Cityscape 2009

tainability in years to come, questioned Dr Herre. Such an approach was initially more expensive, he admitted, but if it is integrated during the design stage, then it only represented an incremental cost increase.

Additional value“It creates additional value for you as the ultimate owner, as you can ask higher rents for a more effi cient building. Investors will accept a reduced capitalisation rate as the mainte-nance will be lower.”

Green Technologies MD Mario Seneviratne said the ‘hot topic’ at the moment was reducing the region’s carbon footprint, one of the highest in

the world, and making sustain-able communities. “We receive nine out of ten enquiries as to LEED accreditation after tender stage. There is no chance of achieving LEED Platinum after the schematic design stage, as you have already missed the opportunity of many common-sense things. Sustainability should be the mainstream focus of any project, and not just an add-on along the way.”

Seneviratne added that all professionals involved had to assume responsibility for achieving sustainability. “It is impossible to carry out a sustainable project without the entire team on board at the beginning, especially in terms

of goal-setting and continuous monitoring. Energy modelling is an integral part of this pro-cess.” London’s city planning offi cer Peter Rees concurred succinctly when he remarked: “Any fool can design a good building, but it takes a genius to design a good space.”

RemakingHe said that the industry needed to focus on “remaking spaces that have ceased to be places. Dubai is still relatively new, comprising individual buildings with nothing much

in-between. We have got to fi gure out what to do with these spaces. It is not just bankers who have gotten us into this mess; we ourselves have been producing ‘wacky buildings’.”

Rees said the industry was in a position where it was now possible to build anything. However, after the downturn, “people are now starting to look at the real worth of buildings.” This means that ancillary dis-ciplines such as MEP and FM will play an increasingly more important role in the brave new world being built.

CITYSCAPE


“The problem with Dubai is that it is not fi nished enough. It is like visiting a giant building site. The economic

interruption has stopped the fi nishing-off process. It is good for a city as a whole to fi nish what it has started.”

Peter Rees, London city planning offi cer

Part of the exhibition space at Cityscape 2009

For a bit, Cityscape Dubai seemed like a throwback to the boom years


Leader in FM Servicesfor over 30 years

Oman: +968 24592028. e-mail - [email protected]: +9714 3475878. e-mail - [email protected]

www.bahwanengineering.com

Facilities Management & Maintenance Division ofthe BEC ensures multi-discipline functionality of the built environment by integrating people, place, process and technology.The disciplines include:Hard Services• Air-conditioning• Fire Alarm, Fire Fighting System and UPS System• Electrical - HT and LT Installations• Diesel Power / Gas Power Plants• Elevators & Escalators• Estate Maintenance - Civil, Electrical, Mechanical• Boilers & Laundry / Kitchen Equipment• Water and Waste water Plants & Swimming Pools

Soft Services• Landscaping• Cleaning and Housekeeping • Security

Facilities Management & Maintanance Division

PROJECT TRACKER


KUWAIT PROJECTS DATABASE - BUILDING PROJECTS FOCUS

PROJECT FOCUSPROJECT TITLE CLIENT CONSULTANT MAIN CONTRACTOR VALUE / VALUE

RANGE (US$. MN)PROJECT STATUS TYPE OF

PROJECT

Center for Research & Studies at Sharq

Ministry of Public Works Gulf Consult Al Jaraih Contracting 12 project under construction Commercial Buildings

College of Technological Studies at Shuwaikh

Public Authority for Applied Education & Training

Al Dowailah Engineering Consultants

Not Appointed 16 - 30 award awaited for the main contract

Educational Facilities

Vocational Training Institute in Jahra The Public Authority for Applied Education & Training

In House Not Appointed 31 - 100 award awaited for the main contract


Injassat Tower Injassat Real Estate Projacs/KEO International Ahmadiah Trading & Contracting

20 project under construction Commercial Buildings

Al Aqeelah Tower Al Aqeelah Finance Leasing & Investment Co;

Al Mousawi Engineering Consultant

Kharafi National 16 - 30 project under construction Residential Buildings

Administration Building at Kuwait International Airport

Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)

Dar Al Handasah/Jassim Qabazard


Commercial Buildings

Health Center at Bayan Palace Ministry of Public Works In House Alamiah Building Company

53 project under construction Hospital

Immigration Headquarters at Farwaniya

Ministry of Public Works Kuwait Technical Consultant

Not Appointed 2.5 - 15 bidding underway for the main contract


Ideal High School at Aqaila Ministry of Public Works/Ministry of Education

Al Zamami Consultant Bader Al Mulla & Brothers Company

17 project under construction Educational Facilities

Kuwait Business Town at Al Mirqab Area - Zone 3

Kuwait Business Town Holding Company

Projacs/Pace/Fentress Bradburn

First United General Trading & Contracting

96 project under construction Mixed Use

Al Hamra Tower Ajial Real Estate Company Al Jazeera Consultants Ahmadiah Trading & Contracting


Hotel at Salmiya Mr. Fahad Al Maiylem Al Aliyan Consulting Not Appointed 31 - 100 project under design Hotel

Neighborhood Centre at East of Al Ahmadi


Not Appointed 40 award awaited for the main contract

Mixed Use

Special Forces Training Facility Ministry of Public Works/Ministry of Interior

Dar Al Handasah Alamiah Building Company


Kuwait Institute of Justice Ministry of Public Works/Ministry of Justice

Al Zamami Consultant Not Appointed 31 - 100 bidding underway for the main contract


Kuwait Business Town at Al Mirqab Area - Zone 1

Kuwait Business Town Holding Company

Projacs/KEO Int'l/Gensler Associates

First United General Trading & Contracting


Immigration Headquarters at Farwaniya


Not Appointed 2.5 - 15 bidding underway for the main contract


Avenue Shopping Mall Expansion - Phase 3

Mabanee Company PACE/Gensler Not Appointed 908 project under design Shopping Centre

Medical Village in Mahaboola The Commercial Real Estate Company

SSH/Bernard Khoury Architect

Not Appointed 220 project under design Mixed Use

Mangaf Neighbourhood Centre Ministry of Public Works KEO International Burgan Contracting 31 - 100 project under construction Mixed Use

Service Building for PAAET in Kuwait The Public Authority for Applied Education & Training

In House First Kuwaiti General Trading & Contracting


Extension of Crowne Plaza Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)

Osama Bukhamseen Design

BIG Contractors 31 - 100 project under construction Hotel

Police Station in Sulaibiya Ministry of Interior In House Al Mohsen for General Trading & Contracting

2.5 - 15 project under construction Others

Villa Compound at Fintas Mr. Humaizi Option One Not Appointed 2.5 - 15 project under design Residential Development

Suma Tower Mr. Bassam Tuftuf Option One Al-Amarat Al-Jadidah Trading & Contracting

7 project under construction Residential Buildings

Abdali Border Post Upgrade M.A. Kharafui & Sons/Kuwait Customs/GAC

Dar Al Handasah/SSH Not Appointed 192 award awaited for the main contract

Industrial Park

PROJECT TRACKER


KUWAIT PROJECTS DATABASE - BUILDING PROJECTS FOCUS

PROJECT TITLE CLIENT CONSULTANT MAIN CONTRACTOR VALUE / VALUE RANGE (US$. MN)

PROJECT STATUS TYPE OF PROJECT

Neighbourhood Centre at Khiran New City

Ministry of Public Works KuwaitTechnical Consultant Bureau

Recafco 52 project under construction Mixed Use

Ministry of Education Headquarters MPW/Ministry of Education Cambridge 7/NBBJ/Gulf Consult



Basic Education Campus at Ardiya - Female Campus

Public Authority for Applied Education & Training

Pace/Morganti United Gulf Construction Company


Ruba Residential Project The Commercial Real Estate Company

Al Jazeera Consultants/SSH

Wara Construction Company

32 project under construction Residential Development

Al Agaila Neighborhood Centre Ministry of Public Works Bonyan Design Al Bahar Construction 31 - 100 project under construction Mixed Use

United Tower at Sharq United Real Estate Company Salem al-Marzouk & Sabah Abi Hanna/Kohn Pederson & Fox Associates

Ahmadiah Trading & Contracting


Crystal Tower at Sharq Arab Real Estate Company Projacs/HOK/Osama Bukhamseen

BIG Contractors/Shanghai Construction


Mubarak Al Abdulla Neighborhood Ministry of Public Works Industrial Engineering Consulting Office


Mixed Use

Headquarters Building for Ministry of Awqaf

Ministry of Awqaf Kuwait Technical Consultant Bureau

Not Appointed 31 - 100 project under design Commercial Buildings

KREIC Headquarters Building at Sharq

Kuwait Real Estate Investment Consortium

Al Jazeera Consultants Al Bahar Construction Company

31 - 100 project under construction Commercial Buildings

Al Khorafi Tower at Sharq Mr. Khorafi Saleh Al Qallaf Consultant Sadeem Al Kuwait General Trading & Cont.


Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Andalous

Ministry of Health Al Aliyan Consulting Arabi Construction 2.5 - 15 project under construction Hospital

Villa in Massila Area Mr. Fawaz Al Hassani Projacs/Option One Not Appointed 9 award awaited for the main contract

Residential Buildings

Administration Building at Kuwait International Airport

Directorate General of Civil Aviation

Dar Al Handasah/Jassim Qabazard Eng



Jaber Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Hospital

Ministry of Health / Ministry of Public Works

Gulf Consult/Langdon Wilson

Kuwait Arab Contractors 1,057 project under construction Hospital

Hotel at Messilah Al-Azizah United General Trading & Contracting

Gulf Consult/SOM KCPC/Kokache 86 project under construction Hotel

Fire Department Headquarters at Mishref

Kuwait Fire Department Al Shaheen Engineering Al Sager Company 2.5 - 15 project under construction Commercial Buildings

Hospital for Physical Treatment in Kuwait

Ministry of Health Al Aliyan Consulting Arabi Construction 2.5 - 15 project under construction Hospital

Kuwait Control & Meteorological Centre

Directorate General of Civil Aviation

TAEP Sayed Hamad Behbehani & Sons


Clover Clinic Al Mazaya Holding Company Soor Engineering Bureau Sadeem Al Kuwait General Trading & Cont.

25 project under construction Hospital

Al Inayah Hospital in Abu Halifa Al Amal Hospital Option One First United General Trading & Contracting

16 - 30 project under construction Hospital

Al Baher Tower in Kuwait City Al Bahar Group Saleh Al Qallaf Consultant Al Bahar Construction Company


Intercontinental Tower at Sharq Al Emad Real Estate Company HOK/Osama Bukhamseen Design

BIG Contractors 101 - 250 project under construction Mixed Use

Note : The above information is the sole property of Ventures Middle East LLC and cannot be published without the expressed permission of Ventures Middle East LLC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Zigbee slashes Energy Bills...

Retrofit Specialists

No wires, No disruption, Cut energy bills by 30%*

Zigbee based solutions for the Hospitality, Commercial & Residential sectors.

Manage multiple properties from any location.Automated alarm notification and full maintainence

reporting for Facilities Managers

*Energy savings vary on building type.

For more information contactTel: +971 4 3393187 Fax: +971 4 3380919 Email: [email protected] Web: www.varisenergy.com

reduce your costs - increase your bottom line.

facilities management me - nov 2009

Documents

middle east construction

director of modus middle

gccs fm industry

fm strata professionals

fmme breakfast clubthe

design stage

modus new md

cleaning products