Latest from Trade Arabia
Trade Arabia
a day ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
KBR secures EPCM contract renewal with Basra Oil Company
Global engineering company KBR has announced that it has secured the renewal of its engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contract with Basra Oil Company (BOC) for the Majnoon Oil Field for an additional two years. Under the contract, KBR will continue to provide comprehensive EPCM services to help BOC sustain forecasted production capacity, enhance operational efficiency, maximize local content, and drive continued safety improvements. "This contract extension is a testament to the strong working relationship between KBR and BOC, and further reinforces KBR's ongoing commitment to Iraq's national energy strategy and the sustainable development of the Majnoon field, one of the most strategic assets in the country," said Jay Ibrahim, the President for KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions. "KBR is committed to support local development and contribute to Iraq's long-term domestic capacity enhancement," he added. Kadhim Kareem, the CEO of Majnoon Field at Basra Oil Company, said: "KBR will continue to be our strategic partner in EPCM projects in Majnoon, successfully supporting our long-term development goals and maximizing field potential through safe, efficient, and sustainable project execution." KBR's team in Iraq comprises a high number of local professionals to meet the targeted percentages at the Majnoon site and other regional hubs, ensuring the seamless execution of ongoing and upcoming projects as part of the Growth II Program, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Trade Arabia
6 days ago
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Fairmont grows in India with Udaipur Palace opening
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor, has announced the opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace, a palace located on the ancient Aravali Hills in Udaipur. The 18-acre estate is designed for modern royalty, offering 327 rooms and suites, seven distinct event venues, eight dining concepts, a transformative wellness sanctuary, and layered experiences built on Rajasthan's poetic legacy of timeless art, craft, and hospitality. Rooted in Mewar's great fortresses, Fairmont Udaipur Palace rises above rock and marble, chattris and courtyards, stepwells, and terraces to celebrate design, culture, and the natural flora and fauna of the destination. Guests enter through the grand Raj Dwar, a dramatic fortress gateway flanked by cannons. The palace unfurls like a story etched in time, with intricately layered pavilions, gardens, colonnades, and terraces that reflect the property's design ethos that blends the region's traditional craftmanship with contemporary style. It honors the primal forces through its three interconnected wings: Surya Mahal, the Sun Palace, Chandra Mahal, the Moon Palace, and Agni Mahal, the Fire Palace. Every space is steeped in comfort, beauty, and contemplative charm, a living tribute to nature, memory, and timeless design. At the heart of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is the majestic leopard, symbolising resilience, grace, and quiet ambition. The vibrant world of Rajasthani arts and crafts comes alive through the skilled hands of local artisans from villages supported by Fairmont Udaipur Palace. Guests can choose from Fairmont Rooms, Signature Rooms with plunge pools, Luxury Rooms with garden or courtyard views, and an array of suites including the Fairmont Suite, Maharani Suite, and Maharana Suite. The palace also features a collection of specialty suites, including the Rajputana Suite, the Regal Mewar Suite, and the Jewel of Udaipur Suite with pool and terrace. The Fairmont Udaipur Palace offers a range of culinary destinations, each designed to complement its architectural and cultural soul. Bahaar, an all-day dining venue, serves globally focused, locally sourced soul food, while Dahaad, an opulent palace bar, echoes Rajasthan's wild symphony with a thikri sculpture of a leopard. Dastaan, a lounge celebrating storytelling, offers thoughtful conversations surrounded by curated coffee table books, artful sculptures, and candles. Sitara, a sunset-facing space above the palace gardens, offers cosmic cocktails and skygazing rituals. Zaika pays homage to bold Indian culinary traditions through a deeply layered menu of comfort classics and regional specialties. The property's signature restaurants, Celeste, an avant-garde Asian bistro, and The Alchemist, will open in the coming months, adding new dimensions to the palace's evolving culinary journey. With over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor celebration spaces, the palace is built for occasions that are worthy of being etched in the memory. The Imperial Ballroom, Mehfil, Ivory Pool and Garden, Jashn Bagh and Noor Bagh, Chand Baori, Dialogue Rooms, and Terraces offer elevated, panoramic settings ideal for private dinners, cocktail hours, and quiet reflection. The Fairmont Spa & Salon and Fairmont Fit Gym provide wellness treatments that enliven the skin, restore tired muscles, and soothe the spirit. Signature massage rituals, rooted in energy meridians, aromatherapy, and natural movement, are designed not only for recovery but also revelation, integrating the use of bespoke oils under the brand. For recreation beyond the palace, guests can explore Rendezvous, a vibrant activity zone featuring mini golf, pickleball, paddle ball, ziplining, and a dedicated kids' play area. The palace also offers a private helipad for seamless access and a spectacular arrival that sets the tone for an unforgettable stay. 'The opening of Fairmont Udaipur Palace marks a defining moment in Fairmont's journey in India—a tribute to the timeless beauty and cultural richness of Udaipur, one of India's most iconic and romantic destinations. Known as the City of Lakes, this destination has long captured the imagination of travelers with its regal heritage, architectural splendor and serene landscape. This new palace reflects Fairmont's commitment to honoring the spirit of each location we enter, blending global luxury with deep local resonance. We are proud to bring the Fairmont experience to Udaipur and to be part of the city's enduring legacy as a jewel in India's cultural crown.'—Omer Acar, Chief Executive Officer, Raffles & Fairmont Hotels & Resorts 'Our endeavour was never just to build a hotel—it was to craft a world. Udaipur has always been a jewel of India, and with Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we wanted to create a destination within a destination—where every guest feels like a modern Maharaja or Maharani. This palace isn't just built in stone and marble, but in stories, craftsmanship, and soul. From the hand-carved jharokhas to the grandeur of our architecture, every detail is a tribute to India's royal heritage and Rajasthan's timeless artistry. But beyond aesthetics, this project holds deeper meaning. Tourism has always been close to my heart, and Fairmont Udaipur Palace is my way of giving back—to the city, to the state, and to the spirit of Indian hospitality. We wanted to give Udaipur that global edge—a world-class hotel where people from around the world come not just to stay, but to celebrate, to unwind, and to feel the true soul of Rajasthan. It's our homage to heritage, our tribute to tradition, and our promise to India's future in luxury tourism.' — Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and Managing Director of ROCKWOOD Hotels & Keystone 'At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, our vision was to create more than a hotel — a living palace that stirs emotion, celebrates culture and offers experiences that linger in memory. Every element has been crafted with intention and care. As we open our doors, our focus is on shaping a destination where luxury is not just seen or felt, but deeply remembered.'— Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace. -TradeArabia News Service
Trade Arabia
09-07-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Al-Futtaim, Johnson Controls to launch smart building platform in UAE
Al-Futtaim Technologies, a leading provider of business and digital transformation solutions under Al-Futtaim Contracting, has announced a strategic partnership with Johnson Controls to bring the global smart building platform OpenBlue to the UAE market. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in delivering intelligent infrastructure and energy-efficient solutions to businesses and government entities across the region. The announcement was made during a live showcase event hosted by Al-Futtaim Technologies, offering clients and industry stakeholders an in-depth look at the OpenBlue platform and Johnson Controls' Facility Explorer FX. The event highlighted how these technologies can help organizations transition toward smart, data-driven building management, said the statement. The platform will enable businesses to achieve real-time operational insights, predictive maintenance, and improved occupant experiences – all while advancing sustainability goals. By integrating digital intelligence with energy optimization, the platform addresses rising demand across the GCC for smarter, more efficient, and future-ready infrastructure, it stated. Razi Hamada, General Manager, Al Futtaim Technologies, said: "Our partnership with Johnson Controls marks a major step forward in our mission to deliver smarter, more efficient, and sustainable buildings across the region. With the launch of OpenBlue, we are empowering our clients to embrace digital transformation through real-time intelligence, energy optimization, and seamless occupant experiences." "This collaboration reinforces Al-Futtaim Technologies' commitment to shaping the future of intelligent infrastructure in the UAE," he noted. Evgenia Ostrovskaya, Digital Region Leader EMEALA at Johnson Controls, said: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Al Futtaim Technologies in bringing OpenBlue to the region. Together, we're defining the future of smart buildings with real-time analytics, energy efficiency, and seamless occupant experience." According to her, this launch also builds on Al-Futtaim Technologies' track record in systems integration and its strategic focus on smart building solutions. The company's portfolio includes infrastructure, ELV systems, AV solutions, and managed services, serving sectors such as real estate, education, finance, and government across the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, she stated. As smart city development accelerates in the Middle East, this partnership positions Al-Futtaim Technologies and Johnson Controls as key enablers of next-generation digital buildings – driving operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and future-ready infrastructure across the region, she added.-TradeArabia News Service
Trade Arabia
29-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
DXB expects over 3.4m guests this summer
Dubai International (DXB) is entering a period of sustained peak operations, with more than 3.4 million guests expected to travel through the airport between 27th June and 9th July 2025, reported WAM. Daily volumes are forecast to average over 265,000 with the busiest day on 5 July for both departures and transfer traffic. Dubai Airports, alongside its stakeholders, has activated an integrated summer readiness plan to ensure guest journeys remain safe and efficient. While the wider regional situation has led to some delays and cancellations across the network, the oneDXB community has been working around the clock to support guests, provide welfare, and maintain service continuity. Supported by a real-time monitoring and predictive system to optimise manpower and resource utilisation. DXB continues to monitor the situation in close coordination with authorities and airline partners, prioritising the safety of all guests and employees on the ground and through to take-off.
Trade Arabia
13-06-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
L&T lands key Middle East grid infrastructure contracts
Indian engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has announced that its Power Transmission & Distribution (PT&D) business vertical has secured new grid infrastructure orders in the Middle East as well in the Indian market. In the Middle East, the PT&D business has clinched orders for executing a set of 220kV and 132kV gas insulated substations on a turnkey basis, said L&T in a statement. These orders come from leading transmission asset owners and operators in the respective countries, it stated. In India, L&T has won an order to build 765kV and 400kV transmission line jobs pertaining to the integration of a Renewable Energy Zone in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh. These new orders mark a key milestone for PT&D in its pursuit of delivering future-ready grid infrastructure to help realise the energy transition and sustainable energy goals of its valued customers, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
