QNCC launch on target
WORK on the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha, Qatar, is on track for its opening in just under one year’s time.

With the main building exterior near completion, the focus is now on the interior. Seats and rigging have already been fitted within the theatre while theatre stage machinery for stage platforms, orchestra pit and the sound and lighting cockpits is currently being installed.

Three auditoriums now have seating and carpet and work is being carried out on the conference hall including installation of the ceiling.

“We are on course to meet our scheduled opening date next year. Around 6,400 people are on site, making it a real hub of activity and excitement as we enter the final stages of building,” said Anthony Gould, manager, assets and technical services.

Meanwhile, QNCC has unveiled details of one of the first events to be held at the centre. Tesol (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages), in conjunction with local universities and regional Tesol affiliates, will host a conference at the iconic venue from October 1 to 3 next year.

Aecom Doha port role gets bigger
AECOM Technology Corporation has been awarded additional work on its existing six-year, $149.3-million agreement to provide programme management services to the New Doha Port project in Qatar.

The new work includes a 20-month project extension and $58.8-million add-on award. Aecom’s fees on the project are now expected to total $208.1 million.

Undertaken by the Government of Qatar, the port project, which has a construction value of approximately $6 billion, is currently the world’s largest ‘greenfield’ port-development project. The add-on work is related to programme management services for an expansion of Phase One of the new commercial port development, the addition of a Qatari naval base to the project and the creation of an industrial canal for a new economic development zone.

Cellular research centre goes up
WORK  on the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Centre (Kapsarc) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is well under way with the project emerging from the desert landscape. Designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid, Kapsarc is a futuristic global centre for energy, environmental research and policy studies. Designed as a cellular structure of crystalline forms, the complex is composed of a network of three-dimensional, six-sided cells with many junctions and bonds, with its design based on the concept of connection.

The modular, adaptive building is made of a series of shaded outdoor spaces, courtyards, entrances, meeting areas, indoor gardens, corridors, underground tunnels and roof terraces.

Investment Gateway a step closer
RECLAMATION work on the Investment Gateway Bahrain project will be completed in the first quarter of next year.
China Harbour Engineering Company has been undertaking the reclamation work under a contract worth $18.6 million since July and work is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2011.

The 600,000-sq-m project will feature warehousing, commercial showrooms, worker accommodation, a business park and logistics facilities. After reclamation work is completed, the developer Manara will start building the infrastructure, which will cost between $21.2 million and $26.5 million. That process is expected to continue until the end of next year.
Based just off the east coast of Muharraq, Investment Gateway Bahrain is owned by Amar Holding.

Dohaland reveals new plans
QATARI developer Dohaland showcased its pioneering initiatives on sustainability through its Musheireb project at a symposium held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Delegates at the event, titled the ‘First Urban Development Symposium: Real Estate Development and Housing Sustainability’ were shown the QR20-billion ($5.49 billion) project, which aims to build a cutting-edge metropolis with architecture that is sensitive and responsive to local climate and norms as well as one that revives local heritage and culture.

A mixed-use development, Musheireb has one of the highest concentrations of Gold Leed (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)-certified sustainable buildings in one location in the world.

Dohaland also shared related plans for the future of Qatar’s capital at the conference, which was organised by the College of Architecture and Planning, Dammam University in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of the Eastern Province.

The symposium focused on a sustainable real estate and housing development for the future, which will guide development in a rational and practical manner.

Geze showcases RWA system
GEZE Middle East, a leading developer and manufacturers of quality German systems for doors, windows and safety technology, is refreshing and retooling its operations in the Middle East for next year.

The company marked its new approach to the market with an event held in Dubai, attended by more than 300 industry professionals.

At the event, Geze showcased its latest RWA smoke and heat extraction systems, which can be activated either manually or automatically (though smoke detectors). In the event of a fire, the RWAs facilitate  the dissipation of  smoke or gases quickly and efficiently. The seminar also included a live demo of RWA products.