Construction

Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, chairman of 3DXB Group. (Image source: 3DXB)

3DXB Group, a pioneer in 3D printing for construction, said it achieved a landmark year in 2024. 

The company’s technologies have redefined construction efficiency, scalability, and environmental sustainability, aligning with key national objectives such as the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 strategy and Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033.

This year, 3DXB Group was recognised as the ‘3D Printing Construction Company of the Year’ at the Construction Innovation Awards, underscoring its role in modernising the construction industry. It also received the ‘Sustainable 3D Printing Company of the Year’ award at the Sustainability Innovation Awards, reflecting its commitment to environmentally responsible practices and innovative building solutions.

Active engagement at industry forums such as The Smart Built Environment Forum and the Arab Housing and Community Development Forum further solidified 3DXB’s reputation as a leader in modular construction and green building techniques. These events provided a platform to showcase its groundbreaking technologies and contribute to critical discussions shaping the future of housing and infrastructure.

Among its key achievements in 2024, the company introduced 3D printing solutions that reduced material waste by 60%, cut construction timelines by half, and lowered building energy consumption by up to 30%. These innovations have supported Dubai’s ambitious AED 1 trillion real estate transaction goals under the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, further advancing sustainable urban development.

Badar Rashid AlBlooshi, chairman of 3DXB Group, said, “2024 has been a year of growth and achievement for 3DXB Group. We are proud to have provided solutions that address the demand for sustainable construction while supporting regional development goals. Our focus remains on advancing 3D printing technologies to create a more efficient and environmentally conscious construction industry.”

One of the most significant advantages of electric construction vehicles is the reduction of noise pollution. (Image source: Canva)

Construction vehicles powered by diesel engines contribute to ongoing costs and environmental pollution, impacting both the environment and nearby communities.

IDTechEx's report, Electric Vehicles in Construction 2024-2044: Technologies, Players, Forecasts, delves into the growing shift towards electric construction vehicles, examining battery chemistries, key market players, and the positive impact on workers and society.

Reducing costs

Electric construction vehicles aim to deliver maximum productivity, reliability, and efficiency while minimising costs. A crucial factor in achieving affordable electrification is selecting the right battery chemistry to ensure that the total cost of ownership is lower than diesel-powered alternatives.

Unlike passenger vehicles, construction machines require sustained power over longer durations, meaning lower power densities are needed.

Electrifying construction vehicles could also lead to the replacement of traditional hydraulic systems with electric linear actuators. This shift would not only reduce maintenance needs but also enhance the robustness and cleanliness of the vehicles, further driving down operational costs.

LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries are the dominant choice for electric construction machines, offering durability and the necessary performance for these vehicles. While NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) batteries offer higher energy and power density, they come at a higher cost.

The increased energy density of NMC batteries makes them more suitable for smaller machines, offering longer battery life in compact designs.

Regionally, NMC is more commonly used in Europe, while LFP is prevalent in China. IDTechEx notes that more than 75% of pack manufacturers in Europe and North America use NMC.

Concerns about electric machines running out of power during a full day’s work are being addressed through solutions like fast-charging, tethering, or battery swapping. However, many new machines are equipped with large enough batteries to complete a typical workday without issue

Worker benefits

One of the most significant advantages of electric construction vehicles is the reduction of noise pollution.

Operators will benefit from clearer communication without the need for noise-cancelling headphones, while construction sites will produce less disruptive noise and vibrations, leading to fewer complaints from nearby communities.

Air quality will also improve as the harmful emissions from diesel engines are eliminated, benefiting both workers' health and the surrounding population.

IDTechEx predicts that by 2044, electric construction machine sales will exceed 650,000 units, with the market reaching a value of over US$126bn.

The event brings together industry leaders. (Image source: Light+)

InSpotLight, the premier technology platform for the lighting industry, returns to Light + Intelligent Middle East from 14–16 January for its third edition.

The event brings together industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the future of lighting, design, and technology.

This year’s InSpotLight will showcase cutting-edge advancements in lighting, highlighting their potential to enhance illuminated environments and transform industry practices. The event will feature over 40 global speakers discussing innovations in lighting technology and updates to international lighting standards, offering valuable insights for designers in the region.

On 14 January, the opening day of InSpotLight, the final round of judging for The Specifiers Arena – Product Pitch will take place. The overall winner will be honoured with the Light Middle East Awards 2025 Product of the Year.

The "Product of the Year" award includes four subcategories: Indoor Lighting, Outdoor Lighting, Decorative Lighting, and Intelligent Lighting Solution of the Year. Companies such as LEDFlex Group, iGuzzini, BEGA, Targetti Sankey, Media Façade Limited, Catellani & Smith, Intra Lighting, Arkoslight, ERCO Lighting, ateljé Lyktan, EWO, Inventronics, Flashnet, MADRIX | inoage GmbH, and Linea Light will present their shortlisted products to an independent panel of judges.

Abdul Muhsin, show director for Light + Intelligent Building Middle East, said, “Each presentation promises to highlight the unique capabilities and advancements of their products, setting the stage for a dynamic competition in the regional lighting industry. The Specifiers’ Arena – Product Pitch perfectly sets the tone for three days of innovation, creativity and industry best practices at InSpotLight.”

The excavation contract represents another major step in advancing the Diriyah masterplan. (Image source: Diriyah)

Diriyah Company has awarded a US$202mn contract to China Harbour Engineering Company for bulk excavation in the second phase of the Diriyah project.

The excavation will cover 6.3 sq km of the 14 sq km development area. Over 600 machines will be deployed to prepare the site for key projects, including the Royal Diriyah Opera House and a 20,000-seat arena.

Excavated materials will be crushed and reused for road bases, landscaping, and backfill to minimise waste, following international sustainability standards. Diriyah Company’s approach prioritises environmental responsibility and efficient resource use across the project.

Diriyah Company’s latest contract adds to a series of significant awards this year, including a US$1.55bn joint venture for the Qurain Cultural District in November, a US$2.08bn contract for the Northern District in July, and a US$2.13bn deal for four luxury hotels and the Royal Diriyah Equestrian & Polo Club in Wadi Safar, also in July.

Joint cooperation

The excavation contract represents another major step in advancing the Diriyah masterplan, part of the 14 sq km integrated urban development.

Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Company, said, “We are excited to begin bulk excavation works in the second phase of the Diriyah project, marking another key milestone in the development of ‘The City of Earth’. Progressing ahead of schedule, this excavation will enable smooth and efficient development of major cultural assets that will attract millions of visitors annually to Diriyah and inspire the world. As we move forward in creating a premier live-work-play destination, we encourage partners to join us on this journey."

Yang Zhiyuan, CEO of China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd (Middle East), commented, “We are honoured to collaborate with Diriyah Company on the execution of the Bulk Excavation Works project. We are confident in the success of this project, integrating the advantages of global resources, technical strength, equipment resources and an experienced management team. We will focus on environmental protection awareness and sustainable development concepts during implementation, ensuring the timely delivery of the project, contributing to the preservation of Diriyah’s heritage, cultural exchange and the development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”