Dubai Constructions Update by Imre Solt

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Fortune Executive Tower photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT,Dubai

Emaar to observe ‘Earth Hour’ on March 27 ,Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Address hotels to switch off lights

Emaar to observe ‘Earth Hour’ on March 27

• Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Address hotels to switch off lights
• Emaar’s communities and schools to partner in the global initiative

Dubai, UAE; March 24, 2010: Emaar Properties, the global property developer and provider of premier lifestyle, will observe ‘Earth Hour,’ the global initiative against climate change, by switching off the exterior lights of its landmark developments in Dubai on March 27 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre; and The Address hotels - the flagship hotel brand of Emaar - in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Emirates Living, will add to the cause of conserving energy by switching off the lights. The performance of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, will also resume after Earth Hour.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said that the company’s support to Earth Hour highlights its commitment to partner in initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainable development.

“As the pioneer of integrated lifestyle projects, Emaar has been at the forefront in creating sustainable communities through a focus on the efficient use of resources. We believe that meaningful change can be brought about through community action, and we are taking the lead by participating in Earth Hour.”

He added: “Emaar is also encouraging all community residents to partner in Earth Hour, and urge them to switch off lights for the hour along with the rest of the world. Our schools will also participate in the initiative. With icons like Burj Khalifa joining in observing Earth Hour, we are confident that the message of sustainable growth initiatives will reach out a large audience across the world.”

Emaar, the recipient of the ISO 14001:2004 certification for environmental best practices, undertakes a series of sustainable development measures across its communities including a recycling initiative. Most developments of Emaar follow the smart home technology for efficient energy use. Several water saving devices have also been introduced in the communities.

Founded by WWF and originating in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour is a global sustainability movement in which over 50 million people from over 35 countries participate. Emaar is encouraging everyone to pledge their support by registering online at www.earthhour.org. Join us in this movement by kindly switching off your lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.

Photo Caption
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, will switch off lights for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 27, 2010 to celebrate Earth Hour along with the other iconic developments of Emaar Properties in Dubai.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Al Saqran Tower photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT,Dubai

Mazaya Business Avenue photos,Jumeirah Lakes Towers,JLT,Dubai

Qatari delegation reviews RTA expertise in delivering Dubai Metro Project

Qatari delegation reviews RTA expertise in delivering Dubai Metro Project

The delegation intended to benefit from the visit in constructing Doha Train Project

Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) recently received H.E. Dr. Hassan bin Eisa Al Fadhala, Executive Vice-President for Operations, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, in the presence of H.E. Faris Al Nuaimi, Qatari Consul General in Dubai; Ghanim Hassan Al Ibrahim, Director of the Group’s Projects; and Sultan Bakheet Al Azzi, Director of Qatar Railways Project. The meeting explored ways and means of boosting cooperation in railways networks.

In the outset of the meeting Al Tayer hailed the fraternal relations between the UAE and the State of Qatar under the wise leadership of the two sister countries. “Visits of GCC delegations are good opportunities for sharing expertise, boosting cooperation in various fields and benefiting from the practices of GCC countries. In keeping with the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, RTA offers all its expertise and potentials in the service of sisterly and friendly countries” he said.

During the meeting Al Tayer spoke about the key instrumental factors that helped RTA complete Dubai Metro on time; namely the unlimited support & follow-up of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, clear vision, mission & objectives, ongoing follow-up of work progress at various phases of the project, teamwork spirit, the cooperation & communication with all relevant internal & external parties, proper management of risks and challenges, developing an integrated work program for all key stakeholders & subcontractors, and documenting & learning lessons.

He further elaborated: “Dubai Metro Project was confronted with several challenges such as the integrating various mass transport systems in the Emirate, reviewing the important project details, tackling technical issues such as tunnel ventilation, taking strategic decisions such as the phased opening of the Red Line stations, commitment to open the project on time i.e. 09.09.09, and cooperating with various stakeholders of the project, dealing with engineers and workers of almost 200 hundred nationalities. The leadership team coped with these challenges out of its commitment to carry out the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; which were communicated to all personnel working in the project, be it employees of the RTA or employees of the Consortium constructing the project. It was reiterated to all personnel that the decision of opening the Dubai Metro Project on the time preset at the signing of the contract in 2005 is an irreversible decision and everyone has to work accordingly. RTA succeeded in mobilizing all potentials & resources of all affiliated agencies & sectors to ensure the project delivery on time”.

The Qatari delegation watched a documentary film about the Dubai Metro; which comprises two lines; the Red Line and the Green Line. It is considered the longest driverless metro line undertaken in a single project in the world. The Red Line extends 52 km and includes 29 stations (4 underground and 25 elevated stations with two stations at Dubai International Airport). The Green Line extends 22 km and comprises 18 stations (including 6 underground stations), and extends 10 km under the ground.

H.E. Dr. Hassan bin Eisa Al Fadhala, Executive Vice-President for Operations, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, stated that he was impressed with the projects undertaken by the RTA, particularly in the field of mass transportation such as Dubai Metro, and Public Transport means. He also hailed the fast speed of constructing RTA projects in a record time.

Afterwards, the delegation was accompanied by the Acting CEO of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hamadi, Director of Rail Operation Dep’t Ramadan Abdullah, and Director of Rail Planning & Development Dep’t Abdul Rida Abu Al Hassan in a tour of Dubai Metro.
Al Hamadi gave a brief explanation about Dubai Metro highlighting the environment friendly nature of the project; which has a design fully committed with safety and security standards at the highest quality levels. He spoke about the design of stations which have distinctive design offering a blend of modernity and tradition and highlighted the services offered to the metro users such as the commercial outlets, restaurants and waiting areas.

Photo captions:
Mattar Al Tayer meeting with the Qatari delegation

Monday, March 22, 2010

Empower re-certified for firm commitment to Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) performance

Empower re-certified for firm commitment to Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) performance

Companies that compromise on QHSE standards will be left behind, says Empower CEO

Dubai, UAE, 21 March, 2010: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the region, has been re-certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001and Bureau VERITAS certifications.

The coveted recognition comes in the wake of the company's success in enhancing district cooling usage amongst real estate developers in Dubai as an alternative to the conventional AC systems, leading to energy saving and environment conservation, as well as lower operational and maintenance costs.

While accepting the recognition, the company reiterated its core values of quality and safety, and cautioned industry peers in the region against compromising on Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) parameters as such attitude will leave them behind.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “Since inception, Empower was well aware that QHSE parameters hold the key to growth. ISO 9001 quality management systems have been responsible for continuous improvements in our systems and processes. Thereafter, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications helped us integrate QHSE policies.”

Empower, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is aggressively continuing its growth in 2010 with Dubai’s vision to set the pace for sustainable buildings. Dubai is the only city in the world where all new developments are required to adopt green building practices.

Bin Shafar said: “We are delighted to be assessed by Bureau Veritas which re-certified us for ISO 9001for our Quality standard and ISO 14001 for Environmental standard, OHSAS 18001 for Occupational health and safety standard and Bureau Veritas Certification which offers the possibility of integrated certification services (quality, health & safety, environment, social responsibility) and generate audit efficiency, consistency and optimization.”

Bin Shafar added: “Boosted by these certifications, our customers can expect the safest, healthiest and most environmental-friendly solutions. Our commitment to QHSE excellence will further enhance our standing as the largest district cooling service provider in the region.”
DCS Organizations in the world are increasingly concerned about achieving and demonstrating sound occupational health and safety performance by improving the beneficial effects of their activities, products and services. Increasingly, stringent legislation, development of economic policies, human resources management and other measures are used to foster these measures.
Empower plays an instrumental role in environment reservation and the trend for green living and energy reduction has been truly accelerated through the company’s efforts.

Empower tops the list of companies providing district cooling service in the region. It adopts a clear strategy to preserve environment through aggressively disseminating this technology and highlighting its necessity for the better of the society. The company provides district cooling service to a number of projects in Dubai, including Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Culture City, Business Bay and City Of Arabia.