Adwea signs $541m refinance deal
Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (Adwea) in the UAE has signed a Dh1.9 billion ($541 million) deal with a consortium of local, regional and international banks to refinance its first independent water and power project (IWPP).

The Taweelah A2 IWPP will have a capacity of 710 MW and 50 million gallons of water per day.

Daylighting tech under spotlight
Dubai: Environmental experts and architects highlighted hi-tech natural lighting technologies at a conference held recently in Dubai, UAE.
 The  conference, held by the Emirates Environmental Group (EEG), a leading non-governmental organisation working in the field of environmental protection in the UAE, also highlighted the significance of environmentally friendly architecture.
The discussions covered architectural design approach towards sustainable environment in the UAE, with special focus on advanced natural lighting technologies for interiors, their benefit on human health and visual comfort, and the technologies currently available in the global markets.

Lootah launches Ewan Residence
Dubai: Lootah Real Estate Developments has launched a unique residential development in Dubai, specifically created to meet the accommodation needs of a growing number of corporate clients.
Ewan Residence is the first corporate residential project available for purchase in the UAE marketplace, and is strategically located close to Jebel Ali Free Zone and the $5 billon Dubailand theme park.
Available to UAE companies on a 90-year lease, initial signs from the Dubai-based business community look extremely positive, a company statement said.
“The first cluster of 20 buildings is currently under construction. The first occupants can move into these apartments by March 2005. Phase one is now on sale, however we have already reserved 20 per cent of our buildings for a number of local companies that see the huge benefits to this staff accommodation solution,” a spokesman stated.
Located on a two million sq ft area in the Dubai Investments Park, and consisting of 75 buildings in total, each residence comprises 10 two-bedroom apartments and two single-bedroom apartments, and is available at a market price of Dh2.4 million.

UAE to draw up new builders code
Dubai: The UAE is to draw up a code of measures to ensure that builders of new developments make their constructions earthquake-resistant.
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing is setting up a technical committee of specialists to prepare a blueprint for developers to work by. The move comes after tremors were experienced in parts of the UAE and neighbouring countries last year.
Ali bin Hamad Al Shamsi, undersecretary at the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, said the code would include every minute detail of how a building should be constructed so it might withstand earthquakes.
Al Shamsi was addressing the inaugural session of an international forum on ‘Seismology and Earthquakes in the Arabian Region’.

Texmas launches Textile City
Dubai: The Textile Merchants Group (Texmas) has launched a Dh220 million ($60-million) ‘textile city’ to help promote the emirate as a major trading hub.
Dubai Textile City (DTC) is to be built on approximately 557,000 sq m of land in Dubai’s Al Warsan area and is to be completed by mid-2005.
Texmas has already awarded the contract to build the DTC to United Engineering Contract (UNEC) and the project will be completed by mid-2005. 

Prequals called for cargo terminal
Dubai: The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of Dubai is currently inviting registration for pre-qualification submissions for cargo mega terminal (CMT) and airport operations and crisis centre as part of the ongoing Dubai international airport (DIA) expansion.
The cargo mega terminal comprises a major cargo handling facility for Emirates airlines. The construction of the first of the three cargo mega terminals will cover an area of 270 m by 130 m, and feature a 700-slot multi-storey car-park and connecting bridge.
The airport operations and crisis centre comprises a high-tech facility at the DIA for operations, risk assessment and management. Key features include systems integration, extensive data management and display facilities.
The building footprint is expected to be around 60 m by 40 m with a substantial portion of the works contained within a two-storey reinforced concrete structure below ground. The superstructure component is yet to be determined. The fit-out will comprise of sophisticated cabinetwork and specialist interior works including lighting and acoustics (see page 54).

Ducab to conserve heritage sites
Dubai:  Dubai Cable Company (Ducab)  has reiterated its commitment to the conservation of national heritage sites. The pledge came as the Ducab showcased its comprehensive range of cable solutions for the construction sector of Dubai’s first international conference on architectural conservation held last month.
As a leading supplier of quality cables, Ducab has a long history in supplying cables for prestigious projects not only in the UAE but also across the GCC and further afield.
The company will play an active role in preserving the local historical sites through the supply of quality cables for Dubai Municipality’s heritage site’s maintenance projects.

Village promises new experience
Dubai: The Village, which will open its doors to the public this month, is the latest addition to Dubai’s fastest growing sector of retail shopping with a difference.
The Village, located at the heart of Jumeirah Beach Road and with a total leasable area of 61,995 sq ft, will house 40 specialty shops offering a wide range of personal and household selections of items and services ranging from a tailor, hairdresser and wellness centre to a child care facility and an assortment of dining choices.
With architecture and design by Holford Associates, the community shopping centre is predominantly European in theme, with exciting new brands being brought into Dubai.