Events

Haji Hassan renews strategic support for gulfBID

Haji Hassan, a Bahrain-headquartered construction-focused group, has for the second successive year signed up as a strategic sponsor of gulfBID exhibition, to be held in the kingdom in April.

gulfBID 2016 is the annual specialist construction and building material exhibition targeting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

The show is held under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Bahrain, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and runs from April 26 to 28  at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Adel Hassan Al A’Ali, director of the Haji Hassan Group, said: “Our strategic sponsorship support for gulfBID delivers two goals for the company.  Firstly, we look to promote the world-class capabilities of Haji Hassan which has been built over 60 years of expertise and investment in our facilities; and second, we see gulfBID as an important showcase to present Bahrain as a leader in quality building materials.”

Haji Hassan Group, which has joint venture partnerships across the GCC, is a conglomeration of complementary businesses which have been serving the construction and industrial services sectors in Bahrain and the region since 1952.

The company manufactures building materials, precast concrete, ready-mix concrete, plastic and sewage pipes, construction chemicals, concrete blocks, steel reinforcement, rubber and mechanical engineering spare parts, all of which are essential for the construction sector.

The group has an impressive track record of high-profile construction projects in Bahrain. This includes the Sitra Causeway; Durrat Al Bahrain; the North Manama Causeway; runway upgrades and new apron stands at Bahrain International Airport; and the Sofitel Bahrain luxury resort hotel.

“Bahrain has been a pioneer in the building materials sector, not only because of the standards set by the private sector but also because of the stringent specifications imposed by the government through the Ministry of Works,” said Jubran Abdulrahman, managing director of the event organiser HCE.

“The participation of Haji Hassan provides visitors an insight into an iconic company involved in the development of the building materials sector in the GCC who have developed products to meet the the ongoing requirements of the GCC construction sector,” added Abdulrahaman.

A regular exhibitor at gulfBID, Haji Hassan will be showcasing products and services from its portfolio of joint venture partners and divisions, including Bahrain Precast Concrete, Bahrain Blocks, Haji Hassan Readymix, Arabian Chemical Industries (Isola), Haji Hassan Reinforcement, Arabian Parts Company and Bahrain Pipes.

gulfBID takes place alongside two other major exhibitions – the Gulf Property Show and gulf Interiors – thus ensuring the continued success of the biggest integrated business-to-business showcase for the construction, interiors and property sectors in the Northern Gulf.

 

Source: tradearabia.com

March 3, 2016No comments,
GCC contracts to stay resilient despite oil slump

The level of contract awards in the GCC projects market will fall slightly to $167 billion in 2016 compared to $197 billion in 2015, but the impact of oil price volatility will be limited, a new report said.

This is a clear drop, but nothing as pronounced as the delayed drops in 2010 and 2011 which followed the global economic crisis, according to research presented at an event recently hosted by Ventures Onsite, a construction projects information platform, in Dubai, UAE.

The reason, according to Julian Herbert who presented the data on behalf of Ventures Onsite, is that there is no clear relationship over time between oil price levels and the value of project awards.

“Despite anxiety in the media and elsewhere about the low oil price, history shows that the value of contract awards is not necessarily at its highest or lowest when the oil price peaks or troughs,” said Herbert.

“Three years ago, bodies like the International Energy Agency were predicting a marked softening of the oil price as a response to the impact of US tight oil production and sustained Saudi oil output. This warning gave GCC governments a two to three-year window in which to stockpile surpluses to spend strategically on long-term projects and on social and transport infrastructure.”

The data shows that this is happening, most notably in Kuwait – which awarded over $35 billion in contracts in 2015, its highest ever – and Qatar which awarded $34 billion in 2015, for the second year in a row. Oman too recorded contracts worth over $18 billion with water, power generation and industrial diversification projects featuring prominently.

History also shows that major events over a five-year time span, starting with the global economic meltdown in 2008/09 leading up to the award of Expo 2020 to Dubai in December 2013, have compelled companies involved in the construction sector and governments to adapt, making them better able to take advantage of opportunities when they arrive.

For this reason, while Saudi Arabia and to some extent Abu Dhabi is treading a cautious path with projects, the rest of the GCC – Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar in particular – will be alive with activity for the next two years, Herbert explained at the event.

Over a hundred representatives from companies across the construction industry, met at the Grosvenor House hotel in Dubai to hear about the state of the GCC construction projects market.

Mibu John, head of Syndicated Research from Ventures Onsite also shared information about expected project tenders for the next 12 months and the top projects to look out for.

“We expect to see contracts worth $167 billion being awarded to contractors in 2016, which is nearly 15 per cent less than the total value of contracts awarded in 2015,” said John.

“We have seen some major contractor awards already in January and February such as The Royal Atlantis Resort, Bahrain International Airport expansion, Borouge BOG compressor, Sohar-Ibri IPP to name a few. The top projects to look out for in the coming months include the Route 2020, MMRT contracts, Alba Sixth Potline expansion, Qatar Power Transmission – Phase 13 among others.

“It is our strong intention to stay close to our clients and support them with their information needs – on a project-by-project basis as well as at a higher industry level,” he added.

“In the past two months, many of our clients have been asking us about the outlook for 2016-17 and we saw this event as an opportunity to reach our clients and prepare them for both embracing the coming opportunities and facing the challenges ahead. The response to the event was amazing and we hope to put together more events likes this in the future for our clients in different cities and countries,” John concluded.

 

Source: TradeArabia.com

March 1, 2016No comments,
$2.5bn Bahrain Bay draws increased investor interest

The $2.5-billion Bahrain Bay development in Manama is drawing increased investor interest following the completion of key aspects of the project, a forum heard.

The past year has been one of growth and expansion, with over 86 percent of plots sold, the infrastructure complete and projects of third party developers nearing completion, officials said at the Bahrain Bay Business Forum.

The development stands well positioned as it offers enormous opportunities to investors as it consolidates Bahrain’s status as a hub for business and investment opportunities in the region, the forum heard.

The forum, a well-attended investor event, which brought together partners, associates and dignitaries involved with Bahrain Bay, a luxury waterfront development, was held at the Four Seasons Hotel on Thursday (January 25).

A joint venture between Arcapita and a Bahrain-based investment group, the Bahrain Bay development has attracted some of the best-known international brands to Bahrain. Many of the third party developers from Bahrain, the GCC and India were present for the forum.

The forum began with an address from Bahrain Bay chairman and Arcapita CEO Atif Abdulmalik, followed by a presentation from Bahrain Bay CEO Gagan Suri. Speakers also included several prominent partners and associates, amongst whom were Mohamed Al Mutaweh, CEO and board member of Al Baraka Islamic Bank; Faisal Bin Faqeeh, chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Group;  Nayan Shah, the CEO and managing director of Mayfair Group; and Greg Pirkle, general Manager of Four Seasons Hotel. Sharing their insights also were Jarmo Kotilaine, chief economist, market strategy and intelligence at the EDB, and Xavier Theillere, regional director of Bahrain Bay Utilities.

The forum provided a platform that strengthened high value networks and gave Bahrain Bay an opportunity to communicate its vision and update the guests on the progress of the development.

Abdulmalik said: “Bahrain Bay revolves around creating a metropolis for 21st century living that will meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors from all over the world. Despite the uncertain geopolitical climate and volatile economic climate, the positive activity at Bahrain Bay has set an encouraging momentum which is promising as we focus on achieving our vision, our future of becoming a true legacy for the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

The forum was also viewed as an excellent opportunity to showcase Bahrain, and to highlight its business friendly economy.

Suri added: “We have been very successful in presenting a dynamic investment environment through the premium properties and the excellent facilities of Bahrain Bay. We are proud of the fact that Bahrain Bay has remained stable through the economic challenges of the last decade. We have a network of strong and trusted partners and investors with whom we have a unified vision. This forum will help in setting up crucial partnerships and provide information and support to potential international investors in the kingdom.”

 

Source: TradeArabia.com

February 28, 2016No comments,
Investment opportunities in Bahrain Bay highlighted

The 2016 Bahrain Bay Business Forum, a well-attended investor event, which brought together partners, associates and dignitaries involved with Bahrain Bay, a luxury waterfront development, was held here recently.

The gathering of top-level attendees provided a unique opportunity to meet new business partners and build closer relationships.

A joint venture between Arcapita and a Bahrain-based investment group, the $2.5 billion Bahrain Bay development, has attracted some of the best-known international brands to Bahrain. Many of the third party developers from Bahrain, the GCC and India were present for the 2016 Bahrain Bay Business Forum.

The Forum began with an address from the Chairman of Bahrain Bay and CEO of Arcapita, Atif Abdulmalik followed by a presentation from the CEO of Bahrain Bay, Gagan Suri. Speakers also included several prominent partners and associates, amongst whom were Mohamed Al Mutaweh, Chief Executive Officer & Board Member of Al Baraka Islamic Bank; Faisal Bin Faqeeh, the Chairman of Bin Faqeeh Real Estate Investment Group; Nayan Shah, the CEO and Managing Director of Mayfair Group; and Greg Pirkle, the General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel. Sharing their insights also were Jarmo Kotilaine, Chief Economist-Market Strategy & Intelligence at the EDB and Xavier Theillere, the Regional Director of Bahrain Bay Utilities.

The Forum provided a platform that strengthened high value networks and gave Bahrain Bay an opportunity to communicate its vision and update the guests on the progress of the development.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Atif Abdulmalik, Chairman of Bahrain Bay said, “Bahrain Bay revolves around creating a metropolis for 21st century living that will meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors from all over the world. Despite the uncertain geopolitical climate and volatile economic climate, the positive activity at Bahrain Bay has set an encouraging momentum which is promising as we focus on achieving our vision, our future of becoming a true legacy for the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

The Bahrain Bay Business Forum was also viewed as an excellent opportunity to showcase Bahrain, and to highlight its business friendly and progressive economy. The development stands well positioned as it offers enormous opportunities, impacts the lifestyle of citizens, and significantly influences the economy, while consolidating the Bahrain’s status as a hub for business and investment opportunities in the region.

Gagan Suri, CEO, Bahrain Bay added, “We have been very successful in presenting a dynamic investment environment through the premium properties and the excellent facilities of Bahrain Bay. We are proud of the fact that Bahrain Bay has remained stable through the economic challenges of the last decade. We have a network of strong and trusted partners and investors with whom we have a unified vision. This forum will help in setting up crucial partnerships and provide information and support to potential international investors in the Kingdom.”

Bahrain Bay has continued to maintain its reputation as one of the most robust and successful real estate projects in Bahrain. The past year has been one of growth and expansion, with over 86 percent of plots sold, the infrastructure complete and projects of third party developers nearing completion. Bahrain Bay continues to invite investor interest as the best address for business, hospitality and residential developments.

 

Source: Bahrain News Agency

February 27, 2016No comments,
Bahrain and Russia ‘are key partners’

Bahrain is a key partner, Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday following talks with His Majesty King Hamad at Bocharov Ruchei presidential residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

He pledged to continue efforts to bolster co-operation, in light of the global economic and security related challenges.

“Bahrain is a key partner not only in the Gulf region but also in the Middle East,” he said.

“We are happy to meet our Bahraini friends and discuss the overall regional and international situation with them,” the Russian President said.

Thanking President Putin for the invitation to visit Russia, His Majesty said it was an opportunity to bolster bilateral relations.

“Undoubtedly the situation in the Middle East is important,” the King said, stressing the need for co-operation to overcome economic and security challenges.

Source: GDNonline

February 10, 2016No comments,