Will facilitate company’s expansion of operations and manufacturing capabilities.

Victaulic, the US-based manufacturers of mechanical pipe joining systems, has appointed Mark Gilbert as Vice President and General Manager for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. Gilbert was most recently the Regional Director for the Middle East, and has more than 15 years’ experience working for Victaulic. In his new role, he will oversee the development of long-term sales and operational strategies for the company.

According to the announcement, Gilbert brings with him a wealth of sales and strategic knowledge with which to further the company’s business. His focus will be to facilitate the expansion of operations and the company’s manufacturing capabilities to support future growth.

Commenting on his transfer, Gilbert called it an honour and said: “Being able to put in place structures that will facilitate the growth of the company in this fast-moving environment will be both exciting and challenging, and I am looking forward to developing and strengthening the company.”

Appointment will support the institute’s mandate of transforming Abu Dhabi into a hub of advanced technology and skilled human capital

Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, claimed to be the world’s first graduate research institution dedicated to alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability, has announced the appointment of Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, as its President. Dr Moavenzadeh, who was James Mason Crafts Professor of Engineering and Director of the Technology and Development programme at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), took up his position at Masdar Institute on July 1. His appointment comes at the completion of the institute’s inaugural academic year. His brief is to support Masdar’s mandate of transforming the emirate into a source of advanced technologies and skilled human capital. MIT is Masdar’s collaborating partner.

According to Masdar Institute, Dr Moavenzadeh is widely recognised for his innovative role in building global institutions and developing new models of teaching and research through international initiatives in education, science and technology. He received his Masters degree from Cornell University, New York, and his PhD from Purdue University, Indiana. He also has a long and distinguished career at MIT. As the Director of the Technology and Development Programme, a position he held for the past 39 years, he led and facilitated the establishment of a research-based science and technology infrastructure, now regarded as a critical component in the economic development of any nation.

General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Masdar Institute, which is an initiative of the Abu Dhabi Government, and a subsidiary of the Mubadala Development Company, Mubadala. HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is its patron.

The institute, avowedly owes its founding to the vision of Abu Dhabi’s leadership to establish a sustainable knowledge-based economy, and serves as the nucleus of an interdisciplinary, collaborative, high-technology research and development infrastructure.

Commenting on Dr Moavenzadeh’s appointment, Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustee of Masdar Institute, said: “In a short period of time, Masdar Institute has made significant progress towards supporting Abu Dhabi’s goal of cultivating the necessary human capital required to build a knowledge-led and technology exporting economy. I am confident that by bringing Dr Moavenzadeh and his wealth of experience to Abu Dhabi, another important stride has been taken towards our goal.”

In this context, Dr Moavenzadeh said: “In responding to the defining challenge of our time, climate change and energy security, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology is embarking on an exciting and vital journey, with a comprehensive approach to education and research. I am delighted to be appointed as its President.”

Continuing on the same theme he added: “My mission as President will be to advance the long-term sustaining development of Abu Dhabi by providing a highly trained calibre of people equal to the task and working with other academic institutions in the region, with government officials, and with industry, to insure free flow of information and coordination of effort across platforms that will provide answer to complex questions and needs.”

Regarded as one of the pioneers of district cooling in the UAE

Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chairman, Elips, recently announced the appointment of Jamal Al Jarwan as the General Manager, of Elips, a joint venture between Empower and Logstor, to manufacture insulated pipes.

According to Elips, Al Jarwan, who will be based in the company’s head office in Jebel Ali, has over 15 years of relevant experience and has held senior managerial positions and has served as a board member in district cooling affiliated bodies. Apart from district cooling, his experience encompasses sectors like real estate investment and project management. He is an active member of IDEA. Al Jarwan holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the United States. According to Elips, he is regarded as one of the pioneers in introducing the concept of district cooling to the UAE and GCC markets.   

Al Jarwan was a board member and CEO at United Cool, Abu Dhabi. There his responsibilities involved start up of the company, development of new business, overseeing day-to-day operations and setting the company’s strategy and vision. Earlier, he was the Area Manager for Dubai  and Northern Emirates, and Business Development Director for National Central Cooling Co (Tabreed).

Commenting on Al Jarwan’s appointment, Bin Shafar said that Al Jarwan brings with him a depth of industrial knowledge that would ensure continued growth for Elips operations in the Gulf and beyond.

In this context, Al Jarwan said: “I am delighted to take up this position at Elips. I am excited to start planning the way forward with the management. We have a lot to do in terms of catering to the needs of district cooling services and oil and gas across the Middle East.”

Targets district cooling and oil and gas industry

Elips, a joint venture between Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) and Logstor, manufacturer of insulated pipes, recently announced starting its operations. The pipes are designed to build district cooling networks and for use in the oil and gas industry.

In this context, Ahmad Bin Shafar, Chairman, Elips, said, “The largest manufacturer of pre-insulated pipes in the UAE provides a golden opportunity for district cooling and oil and gas companies to acquire fair-priced pre-insulated pipes that are on par with international standards.”

He added, “Benefiting from its location in Jebel Ali Industrial area, Elips provides easy access to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi markets, which are one of the biggest markets for district cooling and oil and gas sectors in the region.”

Elips is one of 10 factories worldwide partially owned by Logstor.

Claims 240 million-worth contracts will leverage its market share in Abu Dhabi

According to a statement by Drake & Scull International, it has recently won the contract for the complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for two major projects in Abu Dhabi – Saadiyat Beach Apartments project and a government building project – worth a combined value of Dh240 million.

Commenting on this, Khaldoun Tabari, CEO, DSI, said, “We are very pleased to continuously work on domestic projects in a city that has contributed so greatly to the 40 years of experience which we have gathered in the MEP field. We have always seen Abu Dhabi as a lucrative market, and our expectations of projects in the pipeline have indeed been fulfilled.”

DSI reports that it will begin work immediately on the Saadiyat Beach Apartments Plot SB19 project located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. The series of beachside apartments, which are being developed by the Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), will provide living spaces in private gated communities, with options ranging from studios to multiple bedroom apartments.

The project is scheduled for completion in December 2011. The scope of work for DSI will include supply, installation, testing and commissioning of the entire electro-mechanical works.

According to DSI, it will simultaneously start the MEP works for the government building project, which will be completed by June 2012, and will include a total built-up area of 106, 670 square metres.

“These two recent project wins bring the total value of contracts awarded to us this year to Dh1.4 billion,” said Tabari, and added, “Aside from this being a marked accomplishment for the company, we expect that this will also aid in boosting our returns towards the end of the financial year.”

Reflect Saudi construction sector’s resurgence with lineup of over 720 projects.

According to a recent statement issued by Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s current lineup of construction developments includes over 720 projects spanning the commercial, education, healthcare, leisure and residential segments, and collectively budgeted at more than SAR1.6 trillion. These account for more than 25% of construction activities in the Gulf, making the Kingdom the region’s largest construction market.

This is reflected in the growing interest in Saudi Build 2010, the 22nd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition, and Saudi Stone-Tech, the 13th International Stone and Stone Technology Show, said Riyadh Exhibitions Company, the organiser of the two events.

The events, which are slated to run simultaneously at the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Centre, from October 18 to 21, are already 70% booked and expected to draw thousands of professional trade visitors, the organizer claimed. It also confirms the participation of 42 national pavilions, with Belgium, Egypt, the UK, France and Taiwan joining for the first time and contributing to a 12% increase in international participation.

Commenting on this, Shahid Bhatti, Project Manager, Saudi Build and Saudi Stone-Tech at Riyadh Exhibitions Company, said: “Saudi Build 2010 and Saudi Stone-Tech 2010 are still a few months away, and yet we have already received numerous inquiries and advanced confirmations. This is indicative of how Saudi Arabia has emerged as the leader in Gulf construction and property development. Last year, the domestic construction business posted a real growth of 3.9 per cent amidst the crisis. Given the more positive outlook for the global economy this year, we can expect even more local and foreign investments into one of the Kingdom’s strongest economic sectors, with Saudi Build 2010 and Saudi Stone-Tech 2010 serving as an important preview of construction opportunities.”

Saudi Build 2010 and Saudi Stone-Tech 2010 are business-to-business construction events in the Gulf, and will gather exhibitors from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. According to Riyadh Exhibitions Company, the events will feature around 30,000 square metres of dedicated indoor and outdoor exhibition areas for stone, heavy machinery and construction equipment. It further claims that it is the only construction trade show in Saudi Arabia accredited by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

The new facility will serve GCC region and nearby countries

Perma-Pipe, a subsidiary of MFRI, recently announced that its Board of Directors has approved the establishment of an additional insulated pipe manufacturing plant to be located in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, to serve the GCC region and nearby countries. The plant will be developed and operated by Perma-Pipe’s subsidiary, Perma-Pipe Middle East, (PPME), in tandem with its existing plant in the UAE.

According to MFRI, a site has been leased in Dammam Industrial Area, and the detailed plant engineering and design are currently in progress. The new manufacturing facility, stated MFRI, will serve the requirements of the oil and gas industry as well as the growing market for district cooling networks in the Kingdom.

As per a statement by MFRI, Perma-Pipe Saudi Arabia, (PPSA) will feature Perma-Pipe’s Xtru-Therm automated spray polyurethane insulation and several jacketing systems, including Polyethylene, metal and FRP, offering a comprehensive product range. PPSA will also be equipped to custom manufacture pipe spools and a complete range of pre-insulated fittings.

The company has reportedly received an industrial license and the required commercial registration and expects the plant to be fully operational in 2011.

“We eagerly anticipate this major strategic initiative, which will address the largest market in the GCC countries,” said said Fati Elgendy, President, Perma-Pipe, Inc. “Perma-Pipe Saudi Arabia will serve the KSA district heating and cooling and oil and gas markets in this important and rapidly growing economy. Furthermore, in conjunction with our facility in the United Arab Emirates, the company will be well-positioned to serve customers throughout the region.”

Avin Gidwani, President, Perma-Pipe Middle East, added: “The facility is within 20 miles of ARAMCO and very close to Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. PPSA fills in our Middle East expansion strategy. Perma-Pipe has successfully served Saudi Arabia since the 1970s, and is currently supplying several major projects in the country from our UAE facility. Prominent among the projects currently being supplied in Saudi Arabia is the Princess Noura University, an entirely new university campus exclusively for women. Through PPSA we look forward to expanding our share of this very large market, as well as adjacent areas in the GCC.”

Al-Futtaim Engineering recently announced being awarded a contract to supply 14,000 units of Sanyo air conditioners for the Al Razeen Labour City at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, for the Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada). The contract from the International Construction Company (ICC) was reportedly signed in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of senior management personnel of Al-Futtaim Engineering and ICC.

Seen in the picture (above) following the signing are (from right) Rajesh Bhatia, Divisional Manager, A/C Division, Al-Futtaim Engineering; Dawood Bin Ozair, Managing Director, Al-Futtaim Engineering; Fuad Mashal, CEO, ICC; Farhat Noor Khan, Regional Sales Manager, Abu Dhabi, Al-Futtaim Engineering and Shadi Shadi, Sales Engineer, Al-Futtaim Engineering.

Infrastructure services to be ready by 2012

Planner and property developer, Rakeen, has announced completion of 80% of infrastructure work on Al Marjan Island, in what is claimed to be the first-of-its-kind man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah.

Artist impression of Al Marjan Island

According to Rakeen, the project is on track for its targeted completion date in 2012. The company further revealed that infrastructure services such as, potable water system, irrigation system, storm water system, rising main system and vacuum system will be ready by the time the first development projects on the island are completed.

Phase 1 of the infrastructure work, consisting of Peninsula Islands 1 and 2, was awarded to Kumho Industrial from South Korea, which started construction work in September 2008. Phase 2, consisting of Peninsula Islands 3 and 4, was awarded to Italian contractor Rizzani De Eccher, and work commenced in November 2009.

Speaking on the progress of the project, Yahia Kambris, Technical Director, Rakeen, said: “Construction work has progressed according to schedule, and we are on track to complete all infrastructure work in 18 months. The first development projects to be completed on the island will then be able to hook up to the infrastructure services and enjoy various amenities on the island. As we enter the final stretch of construction work, there has been a growing excitement among future residents of Al Marjan Island, as various sections of the prestigious development now begin to take shape.”

Continuing on the subject, he added, “In line with Rakeen’s core values of sustainability, responsibility and prosperity, Al Marjan Island is being developed to be one of the most attractive communities in the region, with a serene and optimised living environment that provides a perfect balance between life and work.”

Rakeen reported that the $1.8 billion (Dh6.6 billion) Al Marjan Island, one of the major projects of Rakeen, consists of five man-made coral-shaped islands, covering over 2.7 million square metres and extending up to four kilometres into the Arabian Gulf.

Stating that it improves indoor environmental quality (IEQ), while delivering energy-efficient performance, Johnson Controls has announced the launch of its new Enviro-Tec-brand, floor-mounted fan-coil unit.

According to Johnson Controls, available in concealed, exposed or sloped-top configurations, the unit includes factory-mounted DDC control or unit-mounted digital thermostats. Controllers and actuators are wired via plugged wiring harnesses with colour-coded plugs and wires. In addition, factory-mounted piping packages arrive on the job site with actuators wired to the controller.

The new fan-coil unit improves IEQ by offering the following, claim Johnson Controls:

• High-efficiency MERV 8 or MERV 13 filters
• Reduced sound levels
• Stainless steel coil casings
• A sloped, stainless-steel drain pan that avoids standing water
• Standard closed-cell foam insulation that exceeds the insulating value of fiberglass and does not wick condensate
• Dehumidification control via reheat options and thermostat control schemes

Other product features include:

• Optimised coil circuits and fan and motor combinations that contribute to 30 to 50% less energy than comparably sized competitive units
• Choice of a programmable thermostat that uses a clock for unit setback or a passive infrared (PIR) sensor that senses occupancy to determine setback to help manage energy consumption
• Wireless networking capabilities that enable communication with a building automation system
• Airflows ranging from nominal 200 to 1,200 CFM with performance certified as complying with AHRI Standard 440; sound data tested in accordance with AHRI Standard 350
• Cabinet heights and widths that can be varied in one-inch increments up to 12 inches to accommodate existing architectural features