Latest news with #BIM
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Department of Municipalities and Transport launches Binaa digital platform to enhance building permit processes in Abu Dhabi
18 June 2025 15:07 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of the official launch of the Binaa digital platform, powered by artificial intelligence technologies, the Department of Municipalities and Transport signed a multi-party cooperation agreement on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, organised by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure agreement was signed between the Department and key entities, including Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), and e&. The parties committed to streamlining procedures for issuing building permits and related services, aiming to expedite approvals and authorisations. Additionally, they agreed to coordinate the exchange of data, documents, and technical reviews, as well as other services associated with building construction processes. Binaa is the first-of-its-kind in the region, representing a fundamental shift in how construction plans are submitted, reviewed, and approved for both new and existing developments across the Emirate. This multifaceted system will reduce processing times by up to 70 percent and it identifies over-designs, such as using unnecessarily complex construction methods or heavy materials for smaller buildings like villas. This helps avoid redundancy, needless costs, and minimises environmental impacts, without compromising structural safety and on its launch, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the DMT, said, 'We are pleased to launch Binaa alongside our strategic partners. This platform is a transformational step forward for Abu Dhabi's construction sector, and supports our goal of providing smart, AI-enabled services that streamline the permit issuance process while setting a new global benchmark for efficiency and transparency in government services.'Binaa will be rolled out in phases to give architects, contractors, and developers ample time to adjust to its features. In line with the aspirations of the UAE Year of Community, Phase 1 will focus on new private villas, for which about 20,000 applications are received each year. It will also provide all stakeholders, including individual villa owners, their consultants, and contractors, with the ability to simultaneously monitor the project's progress through the Executive Director of the Planning and Infrastructure Sector at DMT, His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Alblooshi, said, 'Abu Dhabi's construction and building regulatory frameworks are poised to set global standards as a result of the Binaa's rollout. We call on architects, engineers, project owners and everyone operating in the sector to embrace this development as we are all set to benefit from the considerable opportunities it provides.'The platform incorporates artificial intelligence, Building Information Modelling (BIM) — introduced in 2024 and showcased at GITEX Global that same year, along with virtual and augmented reality technologies to improve efficiency and ensure building-codes compliance. Through its advanced features, Binaa introduces an innovative approach to construction virtual interface allows users to remotely explore and navigate construction sites, while tagging areas that require additional development or attention. On-site, augmented technology enhances inspections by overlaying 3D design data onto physical structures and spaces, enabling inspectors to mark zones for closer platform incorporates an advanced AI review tool capable of analysing 2D models of current or older buildings requiring adjustments or improvements, ensuring precision, adherence to regulations, and alignment with Abu Dhabi's building all new and existing 2D building plans will continue to be reviewed manually, with AI gradually introduced into the highlighted that the system enables over 15 government entities to access blueprints and other relevant documents, creating a unified platform for contractors, project owners, and consultants to secure certifications and permissions. Binaa also offers a comprehensive view of each project's progress, from initial design to final completion, ensuring seamless coordination at every stage.
Morocco World
11-06-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
BIM Expands Presence in Southern Morocco with Second Laayoune Store
Doha – BIM Morocco has opened its second store in the city of Laayoune, strengthening its presence in southern Morocco. This new location builds upon the company's first store in the city, which opened in October 2022 and marked BIM's position as the first modern retail chain to establish operations in Laayoune. The new store is part of BIM's commitment to improve access to consumer goods across Morocco. According to the company, it aims to meet customer expectations throughout all Moroccan cities by offering a range of products at competitive prices. Over the past six months, BIM Morocco has expanded its network with new stores in several cities including Tahanaout, Taroudant, Oulmes, Tamallalet, Tassaltante, Nador, and Jorf Elmalha. 'We are proud to strengthen our presence in Laayoune, where BIM was the first enseigne in the sector of grande distribution to establish operations,' said Ahmet Fevzi Çalışkan, CEO of BIM Morocco. 'This opening is part of a broader approach aimed at strengthening access to quality products in all 12 regions of the Kingdom.' Çalışkan added that each new location represents 'an opportunity to stimulate the local economic fabric, promote socio-economic inclusion, and contribute to creating sustainable jobs, in perfect alignment with our commitments to the communities where we operate.' BIM's expansion comes amid increasing competition in Morocco's proximity discount retail sector. The Turkish hard discount leader is facing new challengers including Kazyon, Supeco, and Marjane City. In response, BIM has accelerated its store openings, with 39 new locations in the first quarter of 2025 alone, bringing its network to 828 proximity points. The company's first Laayoune store was located in the city center and covered an area of 364 square meters. At that time, Haluk Dortluoglu, Chairman of BIM Morocco's Board of Directors, stated, 'We are proud to be the first player in the modern distribution sector to set up in Laayoune. Our objective is to be closer to all Moroccans, in order to facilitate access to high-quality products at accessible prices.' In its development strategy for the Moroccan market, the group plans strong organic expansion with an average of 100 new store openings per year. To streamline its logistics processes, BIM is investing in new regional warehouses. The company currently operates four logistics centers in Morocco, with plans to increase this number to support the pace of new store openings. To maintain its competitive edge, the chain applies the hard discount model: small-sized stores, essential products at low prices, supply predominantly of private labels or Turkish brands, and rigorous management of operating costs. The company offers around 900 products, of which 59% are private labels, adapted to the needs of the local market. It's worth noting that in May 2021, the Turkish group sold 35% of its shares in BIM Morocco to Blue Investment Holdings, a structure managed by Helios Investment Partners LLP funds. Morocco is the only market where the Turkish group operates with a local partner, unlike in Egypt where the local subsidiary is 100% owned by BIM. Read also: BIM Opens Logistics Hub in Marrakech As Morocco-Turkey Trade Expands Tags: BIM MoroccoLaayoune (southern Morocco)
The Sun
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Hartanah Kenyalang hopeful of securing more Sarawak infrastructure projects
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak-based building and infrastructure construction company Hartanah Kenyalang Bhd expects to secure 10% to 15% of projects with an aggregate contract value of RM451 million that it has tendered for by the end of 2025. 'Many of the projects are open tender, so there are many tenders involved. However, one of the projects related to power substation, I believe we will have a better chance (of securing),' managing director Seah Boon Tiat said after the listing of the company under the construction sector on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia today. He noted that Sarawak produces 3.5 gigawatts of green energy and this is expected to increase to 10 gigawatts in 2030. 'This energy will go to the substation, so our job here is tendering for substation projects and this will benefit our company. We have started tendering for these projects since last year,' Seah said. He added that the Sarawak government has allocated RM1 billion allocated for the development of bridges and road projects. 'Currently we are doing one project and have tendered for another one bridge project as well. It's a design and build type project ... so hopefully we have some chances to follow through with them,' he said. The company has also tendered for water projects in Sarawak, including water treatment plants. Hartanah Kenyalang made a muted debut on the ACE Market, opening at its initial public offering (IPO) price of 16 sen per share. Its share price closed at 14.5 sen. The company raised RM19.3 million through a public offering of 198.4 million shares, representing 32% of its enlarged share capital of 620 million shares. Its IPO was oversubscribed by 5.33 times. At listing, Hartanah Kenyalang's indicative market capitalisation was about RM99.2 million. Hartanah Kenyalang has recorded strong financial growth, with revenue increasing from RM34.1 million for financial year ended Oct 31, 2021 to RM127.6 million for financial year ended Oct 31, 2024, a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55%. During that period, profit after tax increased at a CAGR of 24%, growing from RM4.8 million to RM9.2 million. TA Securities Holdings Bhd is the principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and sole placement agent of Hartanah Kenyalang's IPO. 'Today, with RM19.3 million in funding raised from our IPO exercise, we are going to utilise approximately RM3 million of the IPO proceeds to purchase six new excavators in order to increase our capacity and productivity,' Seah said. 'We also plan to expand into offering design and build services for our building construction services segments and infrastructure construction services segments by investing in the Building Information Modelling (BIM) System.' Deputy managing director Seah Boon Kee said BIM helps architects coordinate their designs for a building, reduce errors of construction and speed up the process of construction. 'Thus far, we have one state archived project where we use BIM.'
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Who was Issac Paul Olakkengil, the Indian engineer who died in scuba diving incident in Dubai
Issac Paul Olakkengil was a skilled civil engineer specializing in Building Information Modelling, working in the UAE since 2019 Issac Paul Olakkengil, a 29-year-old civil engineer from Kerala, India, died after suffering a cardiac arrest during a scuba diving training session at Dubai's Jumeirah Beach on Friday, June 6. The tragic incident unfolded while Issac was on vacation with his wife and younger brother, partaking in the Eid Al Adha holidays. The news of his untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Indian expatriate community in the UAE, where Issac had built a thriving professional life. A life built on precision, passion, and progress Issac hailed from Naduvilangadi in Thrissur, Kerala. A driven and accomplished engineer, he specialized in Building Information Modelling (BIM), a sophisticated digital process essential in modern construction. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from Calicut University in 2016, he steadily climbed the professional ladder. He first gained experience in India, including a stint with Indian Railways, before moving to the UAE in 2019. There, he worked with prominent firms such as Omnix International, Aspen Creations, and most recently as a BIM Coordinator at PNC Architects in Dubai, a role he held since May 2022. Issac's expertise spanned tools like Revit Architecture, Navisworks, AutoCAD, and Enscape, and he was certified in BIM Technology and BIM Coordination. He was fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, and his colleagues and peers admired his methodical nature and professional diligence. A family of engineers, bound by love and shared ambitions Engineering ran in the family. Issac's wife, Reshma Olakkengil, is also an engineer based in Dubai. His younger brother, Ivin Olakkengil, lives and works as an engineer in Abu Dhabi. The three shared a close bond, not only familial but also intellectual and professional. All three were part of the same scuba diving training session at Jumeirah Beach when the incident occurred. According to David Pyarilos, Issac's uncle, who is currently supporting the family with legal procedures and the repatriation of the body to India, 'It seems they were getting trained for scuba diving, and apparently, he [Issac] couldn't breathe properly and moved away from the pack.' 'So, everyone panicked and was impacted underwater. I was told Reshma was rescued to the shore first, followed by the other two,' Mr Pyarilos told the press. Issac was rushed to the hospital, but despite resuscitation efforts, he could not be saved. His brother Ivin collapsed upon reaching the hospital, overwhelmed by the event. He was placed under observation and later declared out of danger. Mr Pyarilos added, 'Ivin's friends just told me they are concerned about breaking this heart-wrenching news to him, as the brothers shared a strong bond.' According to Khaleej Times, Ivin was only informed of his brother's death on Saturday, June 7. An ongoing investigation Dubai police have since launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities have seized the scuba diving equipment used during the session for analysis, as part of standard safety and procedural checks. The training was conducted in a designated diving area at Jumeirah Beach, popular among beginners and tourists. The family is now focused on completing the necessary legal formalities for the repatriation of Issac's body to India, a process being handled with the assistance of Mr Pyarilos. The UAE's Indian community, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has expressed condolences, remembering Issac as a hardworking, soft-spoken professional who had earned respect in his field and among his peers. While the incident has been reported widely, it is the story of the man behind the headlines, a committed husband, brother, and engineer, that resonates most.
Business Post
07-06-2025
- Business
- Business Post
Ireland's aquatech sector is making waves
A key pillar of Ireland's seafood economy is the aquaculture sector, which reported value growth of 25 per cent and volume growth of 4 per cent last year, according to the latest Business of Seafood report by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), Ireland's seafood development agency. With a total value of €211 million – of which salmon accounted for €142 million last year – Ireland is establishing a reputation for high-quality aquaculture, although the sector has a long way to go to catch up with the likes of Norway, or international powerhouses like China or Chile. Where Ireland does have the potential to make a global impact, however, is in aquatech. In 2023, BIM declared that Ireland has the potential to become the 'Silicon Valley of the aquatech industry', such was the level of investment taking place in the nascent sector. Two years on, that momentum has shown no signs of slowing, according to Caroline Bocquel, chief executive at BIM. 'The Irish aquatech sector started at zero five years ago, and is now worth about €165 million,' she explained. 'What we've seen is that companies that have come through in the sector have spent one or two years in their startup phase, then moved on to Series A and Series B funding. Now they're really taking off.' Aquatech covers a broad range of services, including marine engineering, genetics, feed additives, bioscience, health solutions and digital technologies, with much of the innovation in this sector supporting global salmon and shrimp farming, as well as domestic shellfish and seaweed operators. As global demand for sustainable aquaculture continues to gain pace, Ireland is well-positioned to capitalise. 'There's a limit to the amount of aquaculture that Ireland can produce, but there's a €300 billion international aquaculture industry that we, as a country, can support,' said Bocquel. 'Aquaculture is relatively new – it's only about 50 years old as a sector – and it's moving at pace in terms of using technology to make farms more efficient, improve survivability, disease resistance, etc. We now have a stable of companies that are able to provide that technology, at a global level, and that will continue to grow over the coming years.' BIM has been investing in the aquatech industry for the past six years, and currently supports more than 70 companies in the sector, a figure it expects to grow exponentially. The Irish aquatech sector started at zero five years ago, and is now worth about €165 million BIM recently announced details of its 2025 Aquatech Innovation Studio, in partnership with Hatch Blue and backed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) – a six-day programme to support early-stage aquatech startups. The initiative provides mentoring, investor training and technical development, providing a springboard for aquatech innovation. Auranta ( is an example of an Irish business that has gained an international footprint in the aquatech sector. The Dublin-based biotech company, which develops fish feed to bolster the immunity and gut health of species like shrimp and salmon, was awarded the BIM Aquatech Business of the Year award in 2024. 'There's a huge opportunity in this space, as we can offer a test bed for new technologies in our farms, ahead of their deployment internationally,' says Bocquel. 'Ireland has successfully grown businesses in other tech sectors – we see an opportunity to replicate this in aquatech.' As well as mentoring services, BIM assists Irish aquatech firms in accessing venture capital ('we hold their hand for the first three or four years') until they become self-sufficient and more established in their funding rounds. The net result is little short of astounding. Bocquel admits that she is 'blown away' by the level to which businesses in the sector have matured in such a short space of time. 'Watching them talk about their business makes you think, 'Oh my God, why didn't anyone else think of that? That's brilliant',' she said. The application process for the BIM Aquatech Innovation Studio is open until 18 July, with the studio running from October 13 to 18. Details are available at
