EMSTEEL overcomes global headwind as domestic demand stays strong
The company's Decarbonisation Strategy aims to reduce GHG by 40% from its steel business and 30% from its cement units
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Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead office quality fit-out investments
The corporate sentiment in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) is geared towards targeted investments in overall space design and fit-outs to support return-to-office strategies, according to leading real estate expert JLL. This has accelerated demand for high-quality Grade A office spaces and fit-outs that enhance workplace experience and performance. In its latest 'EMEA Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025', JLL has identified Saudi Arabia and the UAE among the top countries globally with a high proportion of cost for high quality finishes, averaging more than $2,400/sqm, against the global average of $1,830/sqm, as workplace design becomes a component part of talent attraction and retention. The JLL EMEA Office Fit-Out Cost Guide 2025, which analyses data from 25 countries to provide insights into cost variations, drivers, sustainability concerns, and market sentiment, has also outlined the complex cost pressures for the EMEA construction sector in 2025, with office fit-out costs increasing in the last 12 months. The steady rise in costs reflects the growing trend of organisations (44%) in the region to increase office-based workdays over the next five years. Dubai also ranks among the top 20 cities globally in the City Cost Index, reflecting continued competition for Grade A spaces, while in Saudi Arabia, initiatives such as regional headquarters (RHQ) programme is also driving demand. JLL has also found that sustainability is a key driver in many relocation strategies and office fit-outs, with 68% of organisations globally planning to increase investment in sustainability performance in the next five years. In MEA, the sentiment is strongest in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where 78% of corporate real estate leaders aim to enhance value through sustainability. Maroun Deeb, Head of Project & Development Services, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain at JLL, said: "The general optimism towards investing in workspaces is likely to continue throughout 2025 as growth-oriented corporations invest in office fit-outs to support their hybrid workplace policies." "Targeted investments to enhance employee experience will see an increased focus on workplace design, innovative technology solutions, and refurbishment opportunities amid growing interest in healthier, energy-efficient workspaces," he stated. Several factors are contributing to the current market dynamics. Supply chain disruptions in 2024 disproportionately affected the Middle East and North Africa, tightening project timeframes and escalating pricing. According to JLL, builders' works, which includes partitions, flooring, finishes, and joinery, typically accounts for the largest component of fit-out costs, ranging from 26% in Cairo and 36% in the UAE to 40% in Saudi Arabia. These costs are among the most susceptible to raw material prices and supply chain risks, it stated. Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) services now account for a higher proportion of office spend as stricter environmental and sustainability standards require more complex systems. Cairo (39%) ranks among the top cities globally for average proportion of costs per sqm for M&E services, while Dubai (30%) and Riyadh (29%) are on par with the global average cost of 29%. Technology integration is also pivotal to enhancing hybrid work environments across all office typologies, with companies in MEA investing in improved and extended AV systems. Gary Tracey, the Head of Project & Development Services UAE at JLL, said: "The demand for high-performance office spaces is intensifying in the UAE as stakeholders increasingly prioritise environmental considerations to drive asset value." "Offices that embrace innovative technologies and sustainable design principles and have higher levels of green certification command a premium, especially in Dubai. Investments to improve sustainability will mitigate future operational expenses, remaining highly attractive to tenants seeking modern, efficient workplaces," he added. JLL said the momentum for sustainable workplaces continues to surge in the region, driven by corporate commitments, evolving expectations, and stricter regulatory requirements. Companies are weighing the cost-benefits of relocation to newer Grade A buildings compared to upgrading existing assets. However, organisations in the region face challenges in meeting sustainability requirements due to limited suitable stock and high costs of upgrading older buildings. To address these challenges, early planning and integration of sustainability targets in relocation strategies and fit-out projects are crucial, it stated. Ahmed Hemmat, Head of Project & Development Services at JLL in Egypt, said: "In a climate of economic uncertainty, organisations that build flexibility and agility into planning will be better positioned to adapt their work settings to evolving workforce needs." "This also supports leasing decisions, as flex spaces optimise costs for landlords and occupiers and create a more engaging and productive work environment to support the needs of today's hybrid work model," he added. Despite the complex landscape of challenges and opportunities, office construction will remain active in the region. To ensure the success of fit-out initiatives, JLL recommends the need for greater collaboration and effective partnerships. From environmental and smart building systems to adaptive workspaces and settings, supply chain engagement is critical in managing costs and allowing for innovation in future-focused workspaces. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Innovating for Impact: Hansgrohe's exclusive evening on water-saving solutions
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — Last week, architects, interior designers, and developers in the UAE gathered for an exclusive sustainability evening hosted by premium sanitaryware brands hansgrohe and AXOR. The event served as a powerful platform to spotlight Hansgrohe's unwavering commitment to water conservation and showcase its innovative, resource-saving solutions designed for the residential, hospitality, and leisure sectors. Held at the state-of-the-art Hansgrohe/AXOR showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, the evening underscored Hansgrohe's ambitious goal: to equip 100% of its water-bearing products with resource-saving technologies by 2030. A significant stride towards this objective includes the commitment that 75% of its hand-held and overhead showers will feature EcoSmart technology by the end of 2025, promising a remarkable reduction in daily water consumption by up to 60%. Guests were immersed in Hansgrohe's dedication to sustainable innovation through key product showcases. These included Raindance Alive, an evolution of Hansgrohe's iconic shower series featuring EcoSmart technology for luxurious performance with minimal resource use, and the Zesis S Faucet with EcoSmart+ technology, which reduces water flow to just 4 liters per minute. Hansgrohe also introduced Hydraloop, a revolutionary greywater recycling system that can reduce household water consumption and wastewater emissions by up to 45%. This innovation underscores Hansgrohe's dedication to sustainable living and resource efficiency. Bens Ezhuthanavayalil, Hansgrohe's Head of New Ventures, reflected on the evening's success, stating, "It was a privilege to connect with key architects, designers, and developers shaping the region's future. These meaningful conversations reaffirmed our commitment to lead in water sustainability through innovation—growing together with our partners to protect our planet's most vital resource.' Representing Hansgrohe at the event were Ben Reed, Key Account Manager – Global Projects; Bens Ezhuthanavayalil, Head of New Ventures; and Fawzy Tello, Regional Sales Manager – MEA, Marija Cerauskaite, Marketing Manager – MEA along with the dedicated Dubai-based team. As the UAE continues to prioritize water as a finite resource and embed robust sustainability targets into its built environment, Hansgrohe is exceptionally well-positioned to drive the future of water solutions. Through this inspiring sustainability evening, Hansgrohe empowered the design community to embrace eco-conscious practices and redefine the possibilities of water-saving innovation. This strong commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. The Hansgrohe Group has been awarded the Platinum Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability rating, the highest accolade for its sustainability performance. This places them among the top 1% of all 130,000 companies assessed. About the Hansgrohe Group – Setting the Beat of Water. Since 1901. With its brands AXOR and hansgrohe, the Hansgrohe Group, based in Schiltach/Southern Germany, enjoys a reputation as a leader in innovation, design and quality within the bath and kitchen industry. Founded in 1901 in the Black Forest, the company gives water form and function with its faucets, showerheads and shower systems. In combination with sanitary ceramics and bathroom furniture, the company offers individual design options from a single source for holistic bathroom experiences. The 124-year history of the company is marked by innovations, such as the first hand-held shower with multiple spray types, the first pull-out kitchen faucet, and the first wall bar to hold a hand-held company holds more than 23,000 active property rights. The Hansgrohe Group stands for long-lasting quality products and for responsibility towards people and the environment. Sustainable production of resource-conserving products is central to the company's business activities around the globe. By developing innovative technologies for faucets and showers, Hansgrohe achieves the greatest possible effect on protecting water as a resource and limiting and adapting to climate change during the usage phase of its products. As part of its consistent sustainability strategy, Hansgrohe is equipping all water-bearing products exclusively with water-saving technologies by 2030 within its "ECO 2030" initiative. With 35 subsidiaries and 22 sales offices supplying products in more than 145 countries, the globally active company in the sanitary industry is a reliable partner to its customers in all regions of the world. The Hansgrohe Group, its brands and products have won numerous awards, including more than 800 design prizes since 1974. The products of the Hansgrohe Group are found around the world: on renowned cruise ships, in luxurious 5-star and boutique hotels, in international metropolitan cities, in extraordinary spas, exclusive bathrooms of lodges and luxury villas, public facilities, as well as in countless private homes. The Hansgrohe Group's high quality standards are ensured by eight wholly-owned production facilities: four in Germany, one each in France, in Serbia, the United States and China. In 2024, the Hansgrohe Group generated a turnover of EUR 1.387 billion. It employs around 5,600 people worldwide, about 60 percent of whom work in Germany.
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Zawya
Al Hamra Real Estate achieves Diamond ranking in Kuwait's National 'Health-Promoting Mall' initiative
Kuwait City: Al Hamra Real Estate Company proudly announces that Al Hamra Shopping Center has received the prestigious Diamond Classification – the highest recognition granted by Kuwait's Ministry of Health under the national 'Health-Enhanced Mall' initiative. The center earned an impressive score of 94%, reaffirming its leadership in promoting commercial environments that prioritize health, sustainability, and quality of life. In addition, the Ministry awarded Al Hamra three honorary medals in the following categories: Physical Activity Promotion, Community Support, and Environmental Sustainability. This groundbreaking initiative is the first of its kind in the region and is supervised by the Ministry of Health, represented by the Healthy Cities Office, with support from the World Health Organization and the GCC Council of Health Ministers. It aims to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors to create safe and healthy community environments. A field visit by the official Ministry of Health evaluation committee included tours of Al Hamra Tower, the Shopping Center, and logistics service areas, where the team reviewed the implemented health initiatives, community engagement activities, sustainable design practices, and awareness programs. On this occasion, Abdulaziz Al Dhuwaihi, Marketing and PR Manager at Al Hamra Real Estate Company, stated: 'Receiving the Diamond Classification is a significant milestone for the Al Hamra team, reflecting our deep commitment to integrating health and wellness principles into our daily operations. Through various community programs and initiatives, we aim to deliver a holistic, healthy, and premium commercial experience for our visitors and partners.' The evaluation was based on key criteria including the organization of sporting events such as the 'Peak Race' and 'Al Hamra Walkathon,' the availability of sports-friendly facilities, and inclusive support for all community segments including women, the elderly, and people of determination. Al Hamra Real Estate remains steadfast in its mission to implement forward-thinking initiatives that embed health and sustainability into the commercial real estate landscape. The company follows green building practices and embraces eco-friendly architectural design, aiming to shape a future where modern aesthetics meet social and environmental responsibility. This accomplishment reinforces Al Hamra's position as a pioneering real estate institution that goes beyond conventional property management, setting new benchmarks in Kuwait's business and retail sectors by creating wellness-driven commercial destinations. About Al Hamra Real Estate Co. Carrying the proud legacy of an iconic national landmark, Al Hamra Real Estate Co. remains a leader in real estate management. With ample office space available for a wide range of business activities, its highly acclaimed Business Tower is the tallest carved skyscraper standing at 413m high with 80 levels. The tower serves as the focal point of Kuwait's business district, enabling people and businesses to thrive. Al Hamra's Shopping Center operates as a contemporary lifestyle destination that trend-spots premium, new brands and offers special shopping and entertainment concepts. The center also functions as the gateway to a dynamic mix of culinary flavors through its popular Food Hall as well as its Shopping Center. Credited for revolutionizing workspaces in the 21st century and transforming the urban landscape of Kuwait City's skyline, Al Hamra has won awards for its distinctive Business Tower from Honeywell, Arabian Business Achievement Awards, The American Institute of Architecture (AIA) – New York Chapter, American Concrete Institute, The Dubai, African and Arabian Property and International Property Awards 2019-2020 as well as the 'Audience Award' in the 10-year category for its completion of projects during 2021 by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). To discover how Al Hamra is reshaping the business networking community, society through its national movements and maintaining its trademark of guaranteeing diverse offerings, please visit or @alhamratower.
