RME NEWS

RAMBOLL MIDDLE EAST NEWSLETTER

#17 OCTOBER 2010
MESSAGE FROM THE MD
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this important annual event. Knowledge taken place recently at RME and this has serv
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in the ever-changing global business market demand.
environment we find ourselves in.
Understanding our colleagues’ roles and Finally, the buzz words are cash
responsibilities means that we can work collection and remaining cash positive.
together more effectively and provide Collecting our debts remains the major
our customers with seamless solutions. challenge at the moment and is an area
we need to keep pushing.
Efficiency is a factor that directly
impacts the stability of our company I want to thank you all for being
and how competitive we are in the supportive during this challenging time -
market place. In basic terms, efficiency we have a bright future ahead of us and
is how we analyze what we are actually if we continue to work in a structured
producing against the consumption of and efficient manner with our hearts
our resources. and our minds, our business can only go
from strength to strength.
Efficiency is an important factor in
determining our productivity and Peyman
Peyman with Chris O’Donnell (Nakheel’s Chief Executive
Officer) during the recently held ACE GCC.

Peyman attended the ACE GCC 2010 Conference

which was held in Abu Dhabi on 17-18 October

The two-day conference addressed
issues ranging from entry strategy
to guidance on contract risk
management. The conference drew
together senior engineering and
construction professionals working
in the region and provided a forum
to explore current and future
opportunities in the GCC countries,
knowledge sharing and the
challenges firms face in the region.
The conference drew eminent
speakers including the British
Ambassador and representatives
from Nakheel, Abu Dhabi Sewerage
Services, Buro Happold, Mott
MacDonald, Sorough Real Estate,
ACE, Willis and UKTI.
Messages focused on the fact that
the Middle East is still a key market
for engineering projects with an
exceptional level of development
planned in the region – in particular in
Saudi Arabia.
Some of the topics covered at the
conference included:
• Business opportunities and
challenges in the region
• Entry strategies to Saudi Arabia
and Iraq
• Legal, insurance, health and
safety, regional commercial and
cultural implications of working in
the GCC region
• Appropriate forms of consultancy
appointment
• Key effective risk management
and mitigation strategies
• Business strategies to overcome
the economic squeeze and
staying ahead in a competitive
market place
Peyman said that he “found the
conference to be most informative.
I enjoyed Chris O’Donnell’s speech
about Nakheel’s future plans, how he
sees Dubai evolving over the coming
years and its promising future.”
KNOWLEDGE FESTIVAL
WEEK: CELEBERATION OF
LEARNING
Ramboll Dubai was on a high, as for the 2nd year running the
Middle East team gathered for Knowledge Festival Week, which
also coincided with Ramboll’s 65th Anniversary celebrations!

Thanks to an action packed schedule, arranged by Sal and Ambika

in our HR team, our collective IQ was elevated through knowledge
sharing and our relationships cemented through challenging team-
building events!

The week proved to be a great success and many seminars were

held over the course of the week - some of which are highlighted
here. All the presentations can be viewed on the intranet and if
you have any questions or feedback relating to the event please
send your emails to Sal (s.latif@ramboll.ae).

The small print

We started the week by learning more about the legalities

applicable to us while being employed in the Middle East.
Mazen and Sal were able to clarify many complex processes
and procedures and explained the various regulations and
legislations we are required to abide by in this region. The
labor law, labor contracts, visas and gratuity were just a few of the topics that we
now understand more about. Getting things right the first time

What an asset…or is it a liability? Quality is popularly defined as

‘getting things right the first time’. As
Thanks to Arif, those of us who used to go into a cold explained by Sha ji, Quality Assurance is
sweat at the thought of a balance sheet or income paramount to achieving this and ensures
statement no longer have an excuse! Arif was able that we continue to maintain the high
to clearly explain the basics of accountancy systems standards expected and deserved by
and why such an understanding is of paramount importance to our daily business our clients. Shaji’s presentation on QA
activities, regardless of the positions we hold. Even if we are not directly involved terminology and the principles of the
in the financial aspects of our projects, we are now in a position where we can QMS gave us a thorough understanding
understand these fundamentals at a basic level. of how QA should be taken into account
throughout the life cycle of our projects.
The Burj Khalifa or the Eiffel Tower
Shaji highlighted 6 ways that we can
Our views on how we can determine ‘good’ architecture improve the quality of our projects;
from ‘bad’ were tested during the Façades fun-packed improving our communication with
presentation and we were able to understand the design our clients, using clear milestones and
components taken into consideration by our experts on the realistic timelines, understanding our
ground such as concept, site, form, ornamentation and space. limitations, building confidence and last
Allan Taton, Junior Engineer from MEP, said “it was very interesting to understanding but not least - the key to outstanding
more about how architects design and this will help all of us to co-ordinate more design – making sure we keep inspired!
effectively with architects in future”.
The right design Our Contracts

The Structures Team gave a comprehensive presentation The basics of FIDIC, various forms
on the various stages of steel construction design from of contracts and their applications
construction stage engineering and fabrication through to were covered in Kiran’s interesting
the components relating to corrosion protection and fire presentation. We now have a better
proofing. The factors taken into account when designing idea of what we should take into
buildings to withstand earthquakes were fascinating and we consideration when we are writing our
now understand about performance based design and how it can reduce earthquake proposals and how we can make sure
effects on structures. that contracts we enter into negate any
risk.
Hearts & minds
The future is green
A number of workshops were held during the course of the
week that focused on our most valued asset - our employees! Estidama
The Mentoring/Buddy Scheme has proven to be an invaluable (Arabic for
process within our employment structure and understanding sustainability)
how we can make the most of these relationships will enable is a hot topic at
all of us to achieve our goals and to never feel alone. many meeting
room tables in
The importance of keeping fit and healthy and keeping those stress levels down Abu Dhabi right now. This is due in part
were a key element of these workshops and if we do fall sick, our understanding of to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.
our medical insurance policy and benefits are now fresh in our minds. The lessons
we learnt in basic fire fighting and first aid mean we are now able to work safely and The S&R team brought us up to speed on
calmly and be better placed to manage any emergency should it arise. Abu Dhabi’s plans for a “sustainable and
viable capital for the future generation”.
Communication is key to building successful and long-lasting relationships with Muhammed Arafath from the Structures
our clients and our colleagues. Mustansar Shahbaz from the MEP team found the team said “This exceeded my
Communication Skills training session by Eton Institute “very good and it has helped expectations! Very informative and an
me to improve my communication skills”. excellent presentation - I would suggest
all our engineers take the the Estidama
Taking a little time out to think about ourselves is something that we don’t usually exam to become green engineers!”
get around to. Agnes gave us this rare opportunity during her inspiring coffee
session and we all very much enjoyed the open forum she provided us. This soul- “I really enjoyed this event as it gave
searching session focused on what really makes us tick and gave us an alternative an opportunity for us to laugh a lot
view of how we look at the priorities in our lives. Ambika from HR said that “It has and have fun with our colleagues - it
made me realize that happiness does not just depend on material things, it is the was a great stress reliever” said Kiran
small things in life that we often take for granted – I am now looking at my life from Choudhary, Head of Contracts.
a slightly different perspective”.
“The workshops were more exciting
Understanding the full project lifecycle this time as a lot of new things
were introduced this year - we had
Each one of us plays an integral part in the success of our the opportunity to learn the basics
projects, whatever the role we play. However, we may not of other disciplines” said Felishya
necessarily be involved in the full life cycle of our projects. Ibrahim from the MEP team.

The Site Team provided us with a valuable insight into how “The workshops were really helpful
our projects are structured from start to finish and how to improve interaction with different
if we follow the correct procedures, our collective input disciplines and socializing within the
will result in a successful execution. Pankaj Pachori from the MEP team said “It was network” said Rabab Hussain from
interesting to know about project related activities on the site and how to improve the MEP team... “it will be good to
design and construction co-ordination. Design requirements for special rooms at the see such events in future and the
end of the presentation were also helpful” lunch on the last day was really
good!”.
Mental Marathon
QUOTES FROM
The “Mental Marathon” consisted of 42 questions that KNOWLEDGE WEEK:
were required to be answered within 42 minutes. Each
team was only allowed one question at a time. Teams Mustansar Shahbaz from the MEP
could have as many attempts at answering the question team found the challenge “fun &
until the correct answer was given or they could pass and engaging and also interesting for me
move on to the next question. Once a team had passed because I was part of the winning
on a question they could not come back to it later on in team last year and this year also!”
the game.
“It was the first time for me to
The scores were low with most teams deciding to have a go at crunching the experience this in Ramboll – it was
numbers rather than pass on the tricky ones in search of the easier/less time really a nice break for all of us”
consuming questions. The most successful team managed to get through to (Abbie Legara, Facades)
question 12 and passed on a lot of the questions towards the end of the game. Well
done to the winners! “It was so knowledgeable, enjoyable
and informative” (Mahesh Patnaikuni,
Bridge Building Challenge Structures)

The bridge building challenge required the teams to design and build a bridge “Truly indeed it was a remarkable
to hold as many cans of fizz as possible. The catch was that each team was only week, full of knowledge, sharing,
provided with the following materials: exchanging of ideas, delicious food
and exciting games. Well done HR
• 1 roll of cellotape dept and presentors. I can’t wait for
• approx 5m of string the next fun-filled KW” (Christopher
• 20 sheets of A3 paper Sytangco, S&R)
• 1 sheet of cardboard
• 20 kebab skewers “It was a fun filled week – we need to
• 2 balloons see more events like this in the future.
I’m proud of HR - they are always so
All the teams managed to complete a bridge for testing active!” (Bindu Surendran, CAD)
but some of the bridges proved to be more structurally
sound than others. This resulted in a couple of Structural
Associate Directors looking a little nervous that a bridge
designed by members of the MEP team might win the
chanllenge. However, Roger’s team
proved to make the
difference and a joint Structural/MEP team managed to
secure the title for the best bridge design.

The bridge proved to be too tough for the number of cans

available and could not be forced to fail! Overdesigned
perhaps? Well done to Roger, Mahesh, Mustansar, Elhdo
and Kiran for winning the competition.

A big thanks to all of those that participated in the

“Mental Marathon” and the “Bridge Building Challenge”.
These sorts of activities can only be successful if people
attend and are willing to partake. The turnout and level of
team work shown was fantastic.

Keep your eyes wide open and watch out for the next
Social Committee Event!
PROJECT FOCUS
Ramboll Engineers from Norway
visit Dubai!
By Mohammed Liju and Haitham Ahmed
During the second week of October
2010, we had the privilege of welcoming
our colleagues from our Norway office
who had come to Dubai to visit the
Ramboll Middle East’s projects and see
the iconic structures of Dubai. The team
included of 21 structural Engineers with
key experience in the field of low rise
design construction.
After introducing the team to our
colleagues, the tour started with a visit
to Business Bay sales centre where
the team was briefed about Ramboll’s
involvement in different projects in
the development. A detailed briefing
of one of our key projects, The Bay
Gate, was presented to the team
which included the detailed stages and
challenges in the project from concept
to construction.
It was a pleasant experience for them to
go on the outside lift, 40 storeys above
the ground! They took photos to remind
them of the projects handled by RME.
They were very happy with the sunny
weather in Dubai and appreciated the
excellent work done by the RME team.
Before their return to Norway, the
engineers kindly presented seven
cheese cutters to the RME team who
assisted them during their site visit!
RME’s New projects
Multidisciplinary
Hilton Jordan, Fairmont Hotel Abu
Dhabi, Kish Convention Center, Dayton
House & Detroit House - Motercity, Abu
Dhabi Plaza
Structures
JBH Marina Restaurant Refurbishment,
NCEMA Data Center, Alborz Tower
Facades
Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, Glass
Sphere in Bahrain, Factory procedures
review for J&H, Frame agreement for
facades consultancy for Hill Int’l, Jabal
Al Khaba Hotel in Makkah, KSA
MEP
Sharjah Military Hospital. Taj Hotel Syria,
Bank of Muscat, Military Works Office
Abu Dhabi
Sustainability
Tadawul HQ, The Skymark, ADEC HQ,
PI School Estimada, Najmat Villas Abu
Dhabi
Fire & Risk Engineering
ENOC EPCL Commisioning, Taq Taq
Oil Field, Ceva Logistics, Heart of Doha,
Nestle Office Refurbishment Jebel Ali,
Easyhotel Evacuation Plan, Dow Jebel
Ali Polymern Plant, FM200 and DHCC
District Cooling Plant, La Riveria Estate
Environmental
Shiebat Al Watah
Development in Al Ain, Doha Metal
Industry
Infrastructure
Al Faya and Razeen
GENERAL OFFICE UPDATES
Audit Time Again…
Hopefully by now, when the word ‘Audit’
is mentioned we should not be going
into panic mode, but accepting it as just
another day.
BSI will be visiting the Ab u Dhabi
office on 30th November and Dubai
on the 1st December to carry out their
regular surveillance audits. Once again,
any project or service may be audited
so please can you all spend sufficient
time over the next month checking to
ensure that the systems are all in order.
By now it should not take much time.
However, going by recent internal
audits, we should spend more time
ensuring that items such as Design
Verification Checklists and Pre-Bid/
Proposal Approval Records are in order.
Once again your cooperation and
assistance is truly appreciated in helping
us to maintain Ramboll’s position as a
leading provider of quality engineering
services.
Emirates ID Update
Following on from Mazen’s detailed
overview of the Emirates ID Card at
Knowledge Week, it is now time to take
action. Everyone should be aware that
before December 2010, we all have to
register through the Emirates ID System.
Mazen has kindly offered to assist with
your registration - so please coordinate
with him directly.
November Starters
Mr. Graeme Stewart will join us from our
UK office towards the end of November
as an Associate in the Mechanical
team. He will focus his time on project
management, client liaison and some
supervisory responsibilities. Some of
you may know Graeme from the days
when he was based in Abu Dhabi
helping us with the amazing Ferrari
project on Yas Island.
Mr. Rodrigues Buenabago will join us as
a Mechanical Engineer at the beginning
WELCOME ONBOARD
Dr. Arman Farahmand-Razavi –
Transport Director
What will he be doing?
Arman has joined Ramboll Middle East
as Director of Transport Planning and
is based in the Abu Dhabi Office.
What is he responsible for?
Arman is responsible for the Transport
Planning Practice and he will build
Ramboll Middle East’s capability in
this discipline. He will work closely
with Mauno Napari in Abu Dhabi
to expand the Infrastructure and
Transport Service Area.
Where did he work before Ramboll
ME?
Arman was with Ramboll UK in
London for four years before joining
Ramboll in Abu Dhabi. He joined
Whitbybird (later renamed Ramboll
UK) in 2006 to set up the transport
planning practice. Before that, Arman
worked in London for a specialist
transport business consultancy as a
policy analyst and freight transport
specialist.
What is his background?
Arman has a first degree in Civil and
Structural Engineering and a Master
GOODBYE & GOODLUCK
Deepak Rai – who will be returning
home to India where he is looking
forward to enjoying time with his
family and friends.
Andrew Bennetts and Sarah Handley
who will leave us in the middle of
Nov to go exploring around Europe
and then eventually to return to Oz.
of November. Rodrigues brings a lot of
experience with him, having spent the
last 10 years working as a Mechanical
Design Engineer and brings a lot of
experience with him.
of Engineering in Transport and
Traffic Engineering. He worked as a
researcher and received his PhD in
Town and Regional Planning for work
on the impact of rapid urbanization
of cities on their transport policies.
Arman has worked as a planning
and research consultant for 25 years
in a range of international projects
for the private and public sectors.
He has worked with all modes of
transport for passenger and freight
focusing on assessment of the
interaction between land use and
the transport system, analysis of the
demand for transport and provision of
infrastructure and services.
What are Dr. Arman’s thoughts on
joining Ramboll ME?
“I am very proud to be working for
Ramboll in the Middle East. My first
project in the UAE was in 1993 in
Dubai and for the past two years,
I have been working with the Abu
Dhabi office from London on projects
in the region. I recognize the challenge
for expansion of Infrastructure and
Transport services of Ramboll in the
region and having worked closely with
so many Ramboll business units in the
past four years, I am confident about
the future of Ramboll in this area”.
CONGRATULATIONS
Mohammed Imran - who has been
promoted to Senior Electrical
Engineer.
Pankaj Pachori - who has been
promoted to Senior Mechanical
Engineer.
Felishya Ibrahim - who will be
getting married on the 14th Nov -
many congratulations Felishya from
all your colleagues at RME.