Middle East

Dr Adel Hamad, CEO of GARMCO, shares some of the strategic insights that have enabled the Bahrain-based aluminium rolling operation to become a leading global player.

In an age obsessed with dwindling natural resources, aluminium enjoys a wonderful natural advantage. Bauxite, from which aluminium is extracted, is the most abundant metal element in the earth’s crust. It also enjoys a unique versatility, finding its way into countless applications ranging from moon-bound exploratory shuttles to curling foil in the hair salon.

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry. At a time when many market sectors are struggling to find growth, we look at the key role DHL’s Supply Chain division plays in keeping its customers within Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa competitive.

Warren Angus, regional sales and marketing director for the Middle East operations of leading supply chain specialist CEVA Logistics, talks about the vibrant market environment and CEVA’s response to this region of opportunity.

Qatar Airways has placed an order with European aircraft manufacturer Airbus for 88 narrow and wide body aircraft at the Dubai Air Show.

The agreement is for 50 of Airbus’ new generation A320neo (new engine option) airplanes with a further 30 on option, together with five additional A380s super jumbos and three on option.

The five new A380s will double the number of the airline’s super jumbos already in the delivery pipeline, taking firm orders up to 10 aircraft. Deliveries are due to begin in 2013.

Boeing has announced an order from the Dubai-based Emirates Airline for 50 Boeing 777-300ERs (extended range) plus options for an additional 20 of the popular twin-aisle commercial jetliner.

Valued at $18 billion, this is the single largest commercial airplane order by dollar value in Boeing's history. It also makes 2011 the best-selling year for the 777 program, surpassing the previous record of 154 orders set in 2005.

German manufacturing group RKW has started production at its first plant in Egypt, it has been announced.

The new plant, RKW Egypt, was built in less than 16 months and will be officially inaugurated on Thursday.

RKW invested more than $30 million in the manufacturing building, warehouse and administrative offices on 20,000 square metres of land in 6th October City, 35 kilometres south-west of Cairo.

ِSaudi Railways Organisation has awarded the contract for the second phase of its Haramain High Speed Rail Project to the Spanish consortium Al-Shoula.

The €6.7 billion contract includes the construction of railway tracks, installation of signalling and telecommunication systems, electrification, an operational control centre, the procurement of 35 trains, and operation and maintenance for a period of 12 years.

By awarding the second phase contract, all phases of the project have now been awarded and work is underway as planned.

One of Kuwait’s oldest pipeline construction companies is gearing up for growth. General manager Mohammad Al-Hazza’a talks to Gay Sutton about strategic partnerships and the value of longstanding staff loyalty.

Yousif Mirjan, managing director of Dubai-based marble contractor, Dar Al Rokham, talks to Gay Sutton about creating the architectural heritage of the future, and expansion beyond the Middle East.