RTA builds new HQ
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded Dutch firm Zwarts & Jansma Architects a contract to design its headquarters in Al Garhoud, Dubai, at the intersection of Marrakesh and Al Rabat Street.

The 22-storey building will be characterised by changing facades according to the angle of visibility. The concept presented unique design challenges for the building, which would appear different when viewed from the Creek or from the airport
* Dubai’s Road Transport Authority had launched 39 projects in 2006 at a cost of Dh9 billion ($2.45 billion). These included 24 projects of bridges and tunnels extending a length of 40 km, Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and RTA executive director has said.

Atkins works on ‘green’ building
Atkins Middle East is currently working on the design of the world's first zero carbon emission tower building, which will be located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The tower, which is in the early stages of design, would produce its own power to cope with the energy use of the building. In order to achieve its ultimate design, Atkins will focus on the tower's orientation, the increased thermal insulation of the building, along with high-volume photovoltaic cells. The company is also looking into integrating wind turbines on the building.

Doosan to build $1bn plant
South Korea’s Doosan Heavy Industries said it had won a $1.14 billion order to build a power plant in the UAE. The agreement with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority calls for the plant to be completed by March 2010, the company said.

Al Habtoor secures Skycourts deal
National Bonds Corporation (NBC) has appointed Al Habtoor Engineering as the main contractor for its Dh1.5 billion ($408 million) residential Skycourts.
Coming up in Dubailand Residential Complex, Skycourts,will have six towers comprising over 2,300 upscale apartments that will combine luxury with affordability. Residents of Skycourts will have access to world-class recreational and leisure amenities including health clubs and swimming pools, rooftop gardens and cafes, shops and free parking.

Abu Dhabi to build solar plant
Abu Dhabi will build a $350 million solar power plant, the first of its kind in the region. The 500 MW plant, expected to begin operations in 2009, is part of Abu Dhabi's drive to cut dependence on hydrocarbon power generation, said Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of state owned Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company. 

Petron lands Sharjah contract
UAE-based Petron Emirates Contracting and Manufacturing has been awarded a contract for the complete mechanical installation work for the erection of a 1,180 TPD (tonnes per day) ammonia plant at the Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah, UAE.
The scope of works for the contract, which was awarded by Green Dome Petrochemicals - an Al Buraimi Group company - includes erection of equipment, such as the erection of an ammonia converter weighing 353 tonnes) piping, structure, NDT and associated work.

Hager opens new Jebel Ali centre
Hager Tehalit Systems Middle East, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Hager Group, inaugurated its new marketing and training centre at Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai, recently.
“This reflects Hager's commitment towards the Middle East region not only in providing state-of-the-art products, but also support customers with technical backup,” said a company spokesman.
Speaking on the occasion, Sean Cain, managing director, Hager Tehalit Systems Middle East, said: “The impressive growth of Hager is the result of its customer-focused approach and the dedicated efforts of its loyal distributors”.
Starting its Middle East operations in 1998, Hager, has evolved as a key player in the electrical industry, focussed on the trading, residential and commercial project segments.
Hager Group is a French multi-national company, catering to the high-end requirements of low-voltage distribution systems for more than 50 years.

UAECA doubles membership
The UAE Contractors Association, (UAECA) the professional utility for the Emirates' building and engineering sectors, is reaping the benefits of the country's construction boom - by doubling its membership to 700 companies in just three years.
The growth was revealed by Humaid Salem, the association's general manager, who dubbed the construction sector “a mainstay of the region's economy with all indicators pointing to its growing national significance.”
Salem said membership growth from the UAE was Emirates-wide with construction activity in the country now ranked amongst the highest in the world. He said the time was now right for the association to press for standardisation of best practices throughout the UAE's construction sector.
“Best practices are taking an increasing hold on the market with the entry of international companies and a growing number of joint ventures being forged between local and global operators,” Salem concluded.