Zawya.com - Construction News

Markaz: FIFA World Cup 2022 (21-May-13)

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:45:00 GMT

Qatar won the honors for hosting one of the biggest sporting events in the world on Dec 2nd, 2010, when the country won the bid against five countries (US, Japan, Australia and South Korea) to host 2022 edition of FIFA World Cup. Qatar will hog the limelight during the event and would represent an Arab world that stands for well-developed, modern, diversified, capable and futuristic group. Qatar has hosted FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 1995, Asian Games in 2006, and Gulf Cup of Nations in 1992 and 2004 where it eventually won the cup too. Apart from these, it has hosted several other regional and International sporting events and would like the opportunity to showcase its prowess to host large scale international events.Click here to read Abstract

Markaz: FIFA World Cup 2022 (21-May-13)

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:40:00 GMT

This is a PDF report.

Zawya Research: Construction Boom Puts Qatar in Spotlight (2013)

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:51:00 GMT

This is a PDF report.

Alargan Towell investments total OMR245m

Tue, 21 May 2013 07:23:24 GMT

Alargan Towell Investment Co (Oman), whose investments in the Sultanate have so far exceeded OMR 245 million, says it will shortly unveil a new integrated tourism project in Oman.

Dubai DSI wins construction deal worth USD460m in Saudi Arabia

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:25:30 GMT

Dubai's Drake & Scull International said its general contracting unit has won a SAR 1.73 billion(USD 460 million) contract from Lamar Investment and Real Estate Development Co. in Saudi Arabia.

Banque Audi: Lebanon Economic Report (Q1-2013)

Tue, 21 May 2013 06:12:00 GMT

Economy growing slowly but avoiding recessionThe Lebanese economy started the year 2013 with an activity similar to the one observed since the onset of the Arab Spring which had undoubtedly adverse spillover effects on Lebanon in the realms of investment, tourism and foreign trade. But within the context of some mitigating factors as well, the Lebanese economy didn’t fall into a recessionary trap, with economic growth slowing down but remaining positive on the overall. As a matter of fact, the average increase in the Central Bank coincident indicator by 4.0% in the first two months of 2013, after having contracted in the past year, confirms that the Lebanese economy managed to avoid recession, though activity remains weak.

Qatari Diar invests USD300m for hotel in Morocco

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:58:45 GMT

Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has plans to venture into a large-scale investment project in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in the very near future, an official source told Zawya.

Approved Ashrafieh highway project in Lebanon sparks controversy

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:39:18 GMT

A USD 60 million road project to connect the international highway in Hazmieh to the Charles Helou highway in Beirut has sparked a dispute between the municipality and civil society activists on whether the project will actually solve the city’s traffic issues.

Interior companies see growing demand from Dubai’s hospitality sector

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:29:34 GMT

Local and international design companies say demand is increasing for hospitality interiors and fit-outs due to a growing number of hotel projects announced recently in Dubai.

AED330bn approved for developments across Abu Dhabi emirate

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:18:41 GMT

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has allocated Dh330 billion for the implementation of major development projects over the next five years in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a good part of which would be invested towards the development of the emirate’s Western Region.

National Water Company to invest SR50bn in new projects

Tue, 21 May 2013 05:08:31 GMT

The power and water sectors are experiencing a massive boom in Saudi Arabia, according to Abdulrahman Almutari, head of privatization at the National Water Company (NWC).

Middle East construction dispute values fall 42% y-o-y

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:34:27 GMT

Even though construction disputes in the Middle East have dropped by 42% to USD 65 million in 2012 from USD 112.5 million in 2011, the value remains the highest in the world.

Arabtec workers back at work after protest

Tue, 21 May 2013 04:19:59 GMT

Thousands of workers employed by Dubai’s largest construction firm, Arabtec, who stopped work demanding a salary increase and overtime pay are back at their worksites after being promised their issues will be sorted out.

USD1bn Salalah IWPP officially opens

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:48:50 GMT

Sembcorp Industries (Sembcorp) celebrated the official opening of its USD 1 billion Salalah Independent Water and Power Plant (Salalah IWPP) in Oman.

Dubai World Central begins construction of new agent warehouses at Logistics District

Mon, 20 May 2013 07:39:36 GMT

Dubai World Central (DWC), the world's first purpose-built aerotropolis, has announced new developments at DWC's Logistics District, including the start of construction on the fourth complex of agent warehouses.

GCC interior spending to grow 28% to USD9.2bn

Mon, 20 May 2013 06:39:14 GMT

GCC projects spent USD 7.2 billion on interiors and fit-outs in 2012 and expects spends to increase by more than a quarter (28 per cent) to USD 9.2 billion in 2013, said Index International Design Exhibition and The Office Exhibition.

Key expansion and new projects to improve access to health services

Mon, 20 May 2013 04:45:29 GMT

Key expansion and new projects to improve access to health services and make Dubai a formidable player in the global medical tourism sector were announced by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Sunday [May 19].

Ministry floats 11 tenders for Sharqiya internal roads

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:11:39 GMT

The Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources (MRMWR) has floated as many as 11 tenders for the design and construction of internal roads in South and North Sharqiya.

Galfar wins two construction contracts worth OMR19m

Sun, 19 May 2013 15:10:14 GMT

Galfar Engineering and Contracting Co has been awarded two construction contracts worth OMR 19.1 m by Occidental Oman (Oxy) and Oman Medical College.

BMI: Saudi Arabia Infrastructure Report (Apr-13)

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 GMT

Includes 3 FREE Quarterly Updates.BMI View: Saudi Arabia's construction sector is experiencing a boom period driven by all sectors of the infrastructure and non-residential building industries. Over the near term we have revised up our growth outlook for the construction sector, driven by continued strong activity anticipated in the energy sector. We also expect a pick-up in investment into residential construction, as the mortgage law moves closer to approval and commitment is reiterated to the SAR250bn housing plan through policies to enable the release of land. Risks remain in terms of costs, labour shortages and public institutional inertia which threaten to delay the project pipeline.We have upgraded our outlook for construction industry growth over the near term based on the strength of construction contract awards, and revised historic data showing a stronger growth trend than previously. We are now anticipating 10.4% and 9.4% real growth in construction industry value in 2013 and 2014 respectively.Factors Underpinning Growth:- Transport Upgrade: The transport sector is receiving preferential treatment, especially rail infrastructure, with projects worth US$24bn under way or in the pipeline. To support this flurry of transport contracts and to ease layers of red tape, the government set up a Public Transport Commission in October 2012. - Strong Chemical Integration: A growing number of petrochemicals projects are also boosting construction activity, as the country attempts to diversify its industrial sector away from oil and gas. In fact, we are seeing a rapid expansion of downstream capacity to meet the growing economic needs of the region, with operators rushing to capture an increasing slice of the market.- Electricity Revamp: Another dynamic sub-sector in Saudi Arabia continues to be power plants and transmission and distribution (T&D). The US$80bn (excluding nuclear), 10-year investment plan for electricity infrastructure (

Aljazira Capital: Cement Dispatches (May-13)

Sun, 19 May 2013 07:33:00 GMT

According to the data released by Yamamah Cement Co, cement dispatches for the month of April -2013 stood at 5.3mn tons, as compared to 4.8mn tons, depicting an increase of 10.7% Y/Y and a decrease of 2 % M/M

KAEC sees big expansion of businesses and investments

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:58:15 GMT

Fahd Al-Rasheed, Managing Director and CEO of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), stressed the growing number of businesses and investments in the city, both from local and international companies.

China Harbour to implement Sohar Port container terminal expansion

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:36:55 GMT

Oman International Container Terminal (OICT) kicked off construction work on its modern terminal at the Port of Sohar late last week.

One&Only resort planned in Jeddah

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:29:14 GMT

KERZNER International Holdings Limited has entered into an agreement with Al Khozama Management Company to develop and operate a new One&Only resort in Jeddah on the Red Sea.

Qatar's non-oil sector set to grow, says Global Investment House

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:26:41 GMT

Manufacturing sector and the roll-out of infrastructure projects in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup, would continue to drive Qatar's growth of the non-oil sector, Global Investment House said.

Leading Muslim architect tapped for metro project

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:24:03 GMT

The ArRiyadh Development Authority has tapped the world's leading Muslim architect Zaha Hadid to design its metro station at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh.

How China's challenger to Burj Khalifa will build taller 'Sky City' in 7 months

Sun, 19 May 2013 06:15:41 GMT

The 838-metre pre-fabricated 'Sky City' in Changsha, China, will be built in seven months, its developer reveals in a new video.

Dubai World Central announces construction of new agent warehouses at Logistics District

Sat, 18 May 2013 09:25:53 GMT

Contract signed for new KKIA terminal in Saudi Arabia

Sat, 18 May 2013 06:51:00 GMT

Chairman of the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) Prince Fahd Bin Abdullah Bin Muhammad, has signed a contract to develop a fifth terminal for King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh.

Alessa Industries eyes new markets

Sat, 18 May 2013 06:48:38 GMT

Alessa Industries, a leading integrated industrial group in Saudi Arabia, took part in the recent Project Qatar International Trade, Construction, Building, Environmental Technology & Materials Exhibition, that attracted industry heads and key buyers seeking the latest technology and equipment in the market.

Galfar wins two key contracts worth OMR19m

Sat, 18 May 2013 04:45:41 GMT

Galfar Engineering and Contracting Company, the Sultanate's biggest contracting firm, won a major contract for constructing a pipeline and fabrication works at Safah and Wadi Latham Oilfield of Occidental of Oman for a total value of OMR15 million.

Sharq Crossing project moves ahead

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:54:43 GMT

The USD 5 billion Sharq Crossing Programme, previously known as the Doha Bay Crossing programme, is moving ahead with the awarding of a USD 185 million contract by Ashghal to US-based Fluor Corporation for programme management and construction supervision services.

Sohar Port terminal expansion begins

Fri, 17 May 2013 06:46:15 GMT

Oman International Container Terminal (OICT) kicked off construction work on its modern terminal at the Port of Sohar yesterday. The project, estimated to cost around RO 50 million, will boost the capacity of the terminal from the current 800,000 TEU to 1.5 million TEU.

Najran Cement, CEIC ink deal

Fri, 17 May 2013 04:36:02 GMT

Najran Cement Company has announced that it has signed a three-year contract with Chinese company CEIC to operate and maintain its third production for a three-year period. The new line, which is still being built, is expected to come into production during the third quarter of this year and will have a capacity to produce 7,000 tons of cement per day,

President inauguraes Persian Gulf desalination project in southern Iran

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:07:52 GMT

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad inaugurated on Thursday the construction project of a desalination plant in the city provincial capital city of Bandar Abbas, Hormuzgan Province.

Oman's Galfar awarded 2 local construction deals worth USD49.6m

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:59:17 GMT

Oman's Galfar Engineering and Contracting said it has been awarded two deals worth a combined OMR 19.1 million (USD 49.6 million) for two local construction projects.

Cabinet agrees to finance Aqaba LNG terminal project

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:29:54 GMT

The Cabinet agreed on an Economic Development Committee recommendation that the government be a stakeholder in a new Aqaba port project and finance an LNG terminal project.

SAR1bn housing units for Ma'aden staff

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:59:31 GMT

Ma'aden has signed a SAR 1 billion contract for the first phase of a new housing project for its employees.

Sales exceed AED1bn in DAMAC Towers

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:56:12 GMT

DAMAC Properties has announced sales exceeding AED one billion in its DAMAC Towers by Paramount development, which is under construction in the Burj Khalifa area of Dubai.

Work set to start on new health projects in Qatar

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:40:10 GMT

In a major boost to Qatar's health sector, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) yesterday awarded work contracts totalling QR1.2 billion, covering seven major projects, including new health centres and additional operation theatres at the Hamad General Hospital.

Kuwait's construction projects valued at USD250.6bn

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:18:57 GMT

The value of Kuwait's construction market and its influence on the strength of the GCC's position as an international hub has been highlighted in a recent report.

RO385m power plant in Mirbat

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:17:06 GMT

The Public Authority for Electricity and Water will on Sunday mark the opening of a RO385 million electricity and desalination plant in the Wilayat of Mirbat, Dhofar Governorate. K Shanmogam, Singapore Foreign Minister and Minister of Law, will attend the ceremony, along with government officials and representatives of Sembcorp Salalah Power and Water project, the project's implementing company.

Skai Holdings to build USD1bn hotel on Palm Jumeirah

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:10:39 GMT

Dubai-based Skai Holdings plans to build a USD 1 billion (AED 3.67 billion) hotel with over 200 serviced apartments on Palm Jumeirah, the real estate investment firm announced.

Arabtec CEO, executives on Depa board

Thu, 16 May 2013 05:10:07 GMT

Arabtec Holding’s chief executive officer has been appointed on the board of directors for interiors contractor Depa after the construction company bought nearly a quarter of the firm last year - with analysts saying it could increase its ownership by 100%.

Gulf Prime Services upbeat on KSA residential projects

Thu, 16 May 2013 04:55:24 GMT

The recent passage of real estate finance regulations by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency seeks to ease the pent-up demand within Saudi Arabia's residential sector.

Manufacturing, construction sectors show more optimism

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:32:10 GMT

Business enterprises in the Kingdom continuing hiring under the national plan will have to overcome the headwinds facing the global economy to reach a sustainable path, a top Saudi economist said.

Basra signs contract with China to build about 2000 residential units

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:01:56 GMT

The local government in Basra province has referred a residential project named as the "Golden City" to Hong Kong Chinese company to build 1992 housing units.

Orpic plans study to build USD4bn project

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:55:56 GMT

Oman Oil Refineries and Petroleum Industries Company (Orpic) plans to conduct a study for a proposed steam cracker plant to produce polypropylene and polyethylene as part of its business development plans, its CEO said.