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Leading precast concrete companies in the UAE successfully hosted the second edition of ‘Precast for All’, a seminar highlighting the benefits of ready-made structures in construction.
Held on 15 May at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers, the seminar offered industry know-how and an overview of the projects that integrate precast concrete components. The event gathered key government officials, prominent international precast industry experts, as well as contracting companies, consulting firms and real estate developers.
Her Excellency Fatema Al Jaber, Board Member, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, inaugurated the event that was headlined by Max Jordan, Senior Director, Fluor Middle East, Sameh Al Ashri, Engineering Director, eConstruct, Bob Scott, Head of Structures, W S Atkins, Prof. Maher Tadros and Prof. Leslie D. Martin, Civil Engineering Faculty, University of Nebraska, and Carlos Amaya, Senior Associate Assessor, Estidama.
Her Excellency Fatema Al Jaber said: “The precast industry is a key revenue-generating sector in the UAE. The pioneers of the precast sector are driving a new trend in the construction industry through offering high quality products and maintaining safety and environmental standards.”
Echoing the view, Max Jordan added: “The efficiency of precast structures produced in the UAE is phenomenal. Using precast fabrications reduces labour costs by up to 25 per cent as compared to conventional concrete. The Al Falah project, a huge real estate development of 4,856 villas built on an area of 12 million sq. feet, offers a prime example. Over 1,000 villas were completed in April while the rest will be ready by the end 2012. The UAE is witnessing the construction of a plethora of similar high-profile projects.”
Speaking on Estidama compliance for envelope thermal performance, Carlos Amaya said: “The first and most important factor in evaluating the efficiency of materials is sustainability. Precast concrete greatly lowers the carbon footprint in construction, which is reflected in almost 100 projects that are currently being developed in the western region of the UAE.”
Samir Koblawi, the official spokesperson for the seminar, said: “The latest edition of Precast for All is the outcome of the combined efforts of 10 industry leaders in the UAE. We are confident that the seminar will continue to offer a platform for professionals to share successes and identify solutions to challenges in construction.”
According to statistical data provided by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the precast sector in the UAE is valued at AED six billion, employing over 25,000 technicians and skilled workers.
Precast concrete has steadily gained popularity in the Middle East construction industry as a preferred structural solution. Architectural and structural precast concrete components save time, cut costs and provide a high-quality appearance. Precast concrete also adds to the sustainability and durability of the structures.
The precast seminar was sponsored by Arabtec, Concrete Technology, Dubai Precast, Emarat Europe, Exeed Precast, Gulf Precast, Hard Precast, RAK Precast, United Precast Concrete, and Xtramix. The event is co-sponsored by eConstruct, Mapei, and Strusoft.
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