DEWA Makes Progress In Water Transmission Network Project

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority( DEWA) is working at present on a project to extend and commission water transmission networks with 1200 mm diameter, and other pipelines with 600 – 900 mm diameter along Muscat Road, Al Khail Road, Al Aweer, Nad Al Hamar and Ras Al Khor. Moreover, the project covers areas of Business Bay and Oud Metha, and it also includes supplying water to Dubai Maritime City via Sheikh Zayed Road.

His Excellency Saeed Mohamed Al Tayer, MD & CEO Of DEWA stated: “This step is part of DEWA’s strategic plan aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of its water networks, support water transmission networks and increase quantities of water flow to meet the ever-increasing demand for water.”

“This comes in line with DEWA’s efforts to support water transmission networks, increase quantities of water flow to meet the ever-increasing demand for water, and enhance the efficiency and capacity of its infrastructure to establish an adequate flow of water all over the Emirate of Dubai,” His Excellency further added.

DEWA has made remarkable progress in carrying out the project of extending water pipes with 1200, 900 and 600 mm diameter, and at total length of 43.75 km to connect pumping station at Al Quoz with other several areas in Dubai.

HE Al Tayer concluded: “Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is moving ahead with its vital projects especially in the field of infrastructure. So far, it has completed extending approximately 35.8 Km of water pipelines out of 43.75 km of this project, which costs AED 416 million. This project, which aims to enhance the capacity of water transmission networks, started on 15th June, 2008, and it is expected to be completed in December of this current year.
 

Wow Vitamin Water Hits UAE Market

Abu Dhabi based Agthia Group PJSC is creating a new functional water segment in the UAE with the launch of the region’s first Vitamin Water product – WOW.

WOW Vitamin Water will be available in three unique flavours, each combining the refreshing pureness of Al Ain Mineral Water with the natural benefits of vitamins, minerals, herbs & fruits extracts. All flavours contain natural fruit juice, are low in calories and are 100% natural, with no preservatives, additives or artificial colors.

Speaking about the innovative new product, Mr. Fasahat Beg, General Manager of Agthia’s Consumer Business Division said: “With the launch of WOW Vitamin Water we are creating a new functional water category in the UAE which recognizes a growing worldwide trend where consumers are looking for healthier, value-added beverages. Globally, the Vitamin Water category is growing at the rate of 14% annually (source: Zenith International, 2010), and we believe these figures can be replicated here. The WOW product range has been developed after obtaining consumer feedback regarding specific health and wellness concerns and each of the respective WOW offerings – Live, Think and Relax – provide relevant health benefits which meet consumer needs at different times of their day.

WOW will initially be available in 3 unique and stimulating flavors: Live, Think & Relax.

• WOW Live contains all-natural apple & kiwi fruit juice, with Vitamin B-Complex and guarana extracts. This particular variant is designed for the early hours of your day, giving you the right amount of zest required.

• WOW Think contains natural orange, passion fruit and star fruit juice, with Vitamin B Complex, guarana and ginseng extracts. It is ideal as a morning drink, to boost your stamina level and keep you focused during the day.

• WOW Relax contains peach and raspberry juice, with lemon balm extract. It also contains: Vitamin B-Complex. The ingredients of this drink work as a calming agent and help reduce stress, giving you a good night’s sleep, and is hence best consumed during evening hours.

“In addition to the numerous benefits of the vitamins and herbs, WOW Vitamin Water is also a low glycemic index product, making it ideal for health-conscious individuals seeking beverages to help them achieve more in life while taking care of their bodies,” added Mr. Beg.

WOW is also an environment-friendly product, the first to use the breakthrough ThermoShape™ lightweight hot-fill technology recently installed in Agthia’s water and beverage manufacturing facility in Al Ain. The Thermoshape technology allows for at least 30% less PET use than the existing hot-fill bottling technologies in the world, thereby contributing to less energy usage and improved PET recycling.

WOW- Vitamin Water is now available in all leading stores in UAE.
 

Dubai Electricity And Water Authority Signs 5 Contracts For New Projects As Part Of WETEX Exhibition, At A Cost Up To One Billion Dirhams

On the second day of The activities of the 13th Water, Energy, & Environment Exhibition 2011 (WETEX), Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) celebrated the signing of 5 new contracts for power and water projects in a bid to support its infrastructure and boost the efficiency of grids and networks to meet the growth of demand for its services. This comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The contracts were signed by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO of DEWA representing Dubai Electricity and Water Authority with the representatives of DEWA’s partners and contractors’ which were selected to execute these contracts.

At the beginning of the ceremony, HE Saeed Al Tayer stated, “I would like, on this occasion to welcome DEWA’s partners and contractors who have cooperated with it for years to execute its projects in different sectors. And today, we are here for the signing of more contracts for new projects.”

HE Al Tayer pointed out that DEWA assumes its responsibilities in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and in compliance with DEWA’s strategy, which is part of Dubai’s strategy aiming to provide reliable infrastructure capable of meeting all the requirements of electricity and water necessary for the march towards development. These directives are being executed according to a systematic approach to meet the growth of demand for DEWA’s services.

“We are here today to sign 5 contracts for new big electricity and water projects at a total cost up to one billion Dirhams,” HE Al Tayer further added.

The first contract includes the construction of AL Ghafat Reservoirs Phase 1 & 2 with capacity of 120Million Imperial Gallons (MIG) and at a total cost of AED 285,000,000. The contractor of this contract is M/s Pratibha Industries Ltd.

The second contract was signed with M/s APINA, Spain, to set up and construct an inlet air chilling for Gas Turbines at “L” Station , Phase I at Gebel Ali. After completion of this project, DEWA will generate additional power of approximate 108 MW from 3 Gas Turbines from “L” Station at peak summer season and it will improve efficiency of Gas turbines.

 As for the third contract, it includes 132 KV cable laying works at a cost of AED 100,000,000 and at total length of 230 km. The contractor of the project is M/s Emirates Electrical Engineering LLC.

The fourth contract was made with M/s Siemens LLC. It includes the supply, installation, testing, commissioning of five Nos. series reactor stations at generating stations with 400 KV OHL, at a cost up to AED 372,000,000.

The fifth contract was signed too with M/s Siemens A.G, and it relates to the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of SCADA/EMS/DTS system for transmission control centres, at a cost up to AED 97,000,000.

At the end of the ceremony, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer MD & CEO of DEWA stressed the importance of executing such projects according to contractual time schedules so that they can be duly put into service. Meanwhile, HE pledged that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority will provide all possible facilities to contractors to ensure that these projects will be properly executed in compliance with environmental standards, on which it places higher priorities.
 

The Dubai Fountain To Showcase Glittering Fire Water Shows Daily From Dec. 18

The Dubai Fountain is going on fire! The world’s tallest performing fountain located in Downtown Dubai – the ‘centre of now’ – will unveil an unprecedented spectacle wherein water jets will flutter to rhythmic melody along with live flames in a spectacular fire-water-music show.

The ‘Fire & Water’ show at The Dubai Fountain is part of an impressive line-up of events to celebrate the festive season at Downtown Dubai, and will commence from Dec. 18. All regular shows of the fountain, held every 20 minutes from 6pm, will feature the fire element, offering a never-before-seen experience for visitors.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Downtown Dubai, the new heart of the city and the must-visit tourist destination, is hosting a whole array of breathtaking celebrations this festive season. The ‘Fire & Water’ show at The Dubai Fountain flags off the festive calendar, with several surprises in store for visitors during the coming weeks.”

The Dubai Fountain overlooks Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and lines the Waterfront Promenade of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.

Set on the Burj Lake, the fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai, attracting thousands of visitors every day. The Dubai Mall and the adjoining Souk Al Bahar – an Arabesque themed shopping mall – have several waterfront restaurants that offer spectacular views of the fountain.

The Dubai Fountain sways to the rhythm of several songs that are updated regularly. These include ‘Sama Dubai,’ a tribute to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and another Emirati composition Insh Al Aldar, associated with festive solidarity and dancing, reflecting the UAE’s cultural traditions.

At over 900 ft (275 metres) in length, The Dubai Fountain has been designed by Californian based WET, also the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The new ‘fire’ addition is facilitated through Flame Generators, at least 60 of them strategically located in the lake.

In addition to world-class homes and offices, Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties, also features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai, the world’s first Armani Hotel located in Burj Khalifa; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace – The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, hosts several lifestyle activities including the Emirates Classic Car Festival held recently as part of the UAE National Day celebrations.

Downtown Dubai also hosted several lifestyle events including the music concerts by Saudi Arabian singer Mohammed Abdo as part of the Eid in Dubai celebrations, and by Emirati singer Hussain Al Jasmi.
 

ENPARKs Third Green Brunch Series Event To Focus On Water And Wastewater Management

The Energy and Environment Park (ENPARK), a sustainable community model for commercial and residential use and a member of TECOM Investments’ Sciences Cluster, today announced the third event in the four-part Green Brunch seminar series will focus on water and wastewater management.

To be held on 23 November at the Amwaj Rotana Hotel in Dubai, the sessions will underline the urgency of conserving and recycling one of the scarcest natural resources in the GCC region. The event will help highlight how the region faces the composite challenge of diminishing aquifers (reserves of naturally occurring underground water), a heavy ecological toll through the process of desalination of sea water, and the demands of a growing population in a fast expanding economy.

Dr. Ayesha M. Abdullah, Managing Director of TECOM’s Science Cluster, said: “We have already entered a phase in human civilisation where water management needs to be the prerogative of countries around the world, and not only of those that receive scant rainfall. This Green Brunch event will prove an ideal networking opportunity for industry peers in the UAE and for those who wish to learn about the practical application of water management technologies.”

Ahmed Lootah, Senior Business Development Manager, ENPARK, said: “As the earth’s natural sources of fresh water diminish and the global population increases, proactive engagement will be needed by governments, businesses and communities. We are confident this installment of the Green Brunch series will focus on regional case studies and expertise, and point a direction towards shared responsibility.”

The programme will additionally showcase studies conducted by ENPARK’s business partners. Averda, an environmental services company specialised in the cleaning, collection, recovery and disposal of waste, will offer a case study on environmental finance. Dynamics Energy and Water Solutions will touch upon the potential risks associated with bottled drinking water, while Five Oceans Environmental Services will provide an overview of the Nimr Reedbed Project in Oman.

Envestors MENA, a UK-based Angel Investor network, will discuss, ‘How to keep start-up and early stage companies liquid’, and BAUER International will elaborate on ‘Cradle to grave water management from an environmental perspective’ and additionally examine a ‘Case study of a zero wastewater treatment project in Oman.’

Earlier in July and October this year, ENPARK hosted seminars on ‘Energy Efficiency’ and ‘Green Retrofitting’ as part of the Green Brunch series to highlight how environmental sustainability can be fine-tuned to meet the challenges of a desert topography through the use of innovative green technology and resourcefulness.

Both seminars featured presentations and open debates to help raise awareness of new energy and environment-related technologies as well as solutions available in the regional market. The two events drew enthusiastic participation from the local building industry and business communities.

TECOM Investments and its entities adopt a proactive approach through various initiatives to inform and educate on green issues and contribute to reducing the region’s carbon footprint.
 

Dubai Marina Mall Unveils Spectacular Water Tree

Dubai Marina Mall, the definitive lifestyle, shopping and entertainment destination in New Dubai, unveils a must-visit attraction – a spectacular water tree.

At 7.5 metres (24 ft) high, the water tree is the first of its kind in the region, with previous water trees set up in the US and Europe rising to only about half the height. The water tree at Dubai Marina Mall will continue through the winter months.

Essentially an intricate network of nozzles, jets and pipes, the water feature is set around a pool and creates the illusion of a beautifully structured tree, complemented by dancing lights.

Visitors to the mall – developed and managed by Emaar Malls Group – in the heart of the Dubai Marina community will now have an added leisure experience with the water tree set to become another must-see on Dubai’s tourism itinerary.

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said: “The water tree, envisaged as a winter attraction at the mall, builds on the fascination which Dubai residents and visitors have for innovative water features. It further adds to the appeal of the mall, which has already been established as a popular shopping and entertainment destination within Dubai Marina and the surrounding areas. The mall has over 120 retail outlets, along with a choice of popular restaurants, and the newly opened premium boutique six-screen Reel Cinemas cineplex, which greatly adds to the entertainment choice of visitors.”

He added: “By launching the water tree, we are offering visitors to the mall an added incentive to experience the attractive waterfront ambience of the mall – ideal for the winter days to come. We are also planning to add several further attractions on the promenade outside the mall in the coming weeks.”

Designed and executed by water engineering experts and designers from France, the water tree has an intricate network of bead like water jets. They spray the 30,000 litres of water in an 8mx8m pool, creating a stunning visual experience, as the water shimmers through dazzling light rays.

Dubai Marina Mall, a lifestyle shopping destination, currently has over 120 retail outlets. The mall provides an exciting mix of tenants including a supermarket, fashion wear, accessories, jewellers, boutiques, book & toy shops and children’s entertainment, in addition to a food court and the 6-screen premium Reel Cinemas.
 

Dubai International Marine Club To Host International Sea Pool Water Polo Tournament

Teams from across the UAE and from Saudi Arabia will descend on Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) on Friday 24th September for the first International Water Polo event to be held in a specially created harbour-based pool facility at DIMC.

The teams, that include hosts Dubai Camels, Jumeirah College, Dubai College, Abu Dhabi Water Polo club, UAE Egyptians and the travelling Saudi Aramco from KSA will battle it out in a round robin league format, from 9am on Friday 24th September in the sea pool facility overlooked by the famous Barasti bar, part of the Mina Seyahi hotel. Members of the public are encouraged to attend, support their local teams and to find out more about how they can take part in a sport that is becoming increasingly popular across the UAE.

The event forms part of the on-going programme of activity of the recently established Dubai Open Water Swimming Sports Association (DOWSSA), of which DIMC and Dubai Camels are part. DOWSSA aims to provide programmes and services to the open water swimming sports community, sanction open water swimming sports competitions and to serve as an advocate for competitive open water swimming sports in the emirate. Earlier this year on 7th May, the inaugural DIMC Open Water Polo Tournament was held at the same facility – an event eventually won by the hosts Dubai Camels Water Polo club. On 27th November last year, DOWSSA held its first event, The Palm Open Water Challenge Cup, a 6.5km open water swim from Atlantis, The Palm to the Mina Seyahi.

Adam Winter, a founding member of the DOWSSA committee and a member the Dubai Camels Water Polo Club, commented:

“We are delighted that DIMC has supported in such fashion that we are able to host this, our first International Water Polo event, so quickly after our last event. We have doubled the number of teams from our first event. This is a testament to the hard work committed by the organizers and DIMC’s unflappable support.

“The sea pool created by DIMC in the shadows of Barasti, which views The Palm and the Burj Al Arab, offers a truly world class facility in which to play and showcase this amazing sport. We are truly excited about the amazing facility that DIMC has created and we are thankful for their support and that of DOWSSA in helping Dubai become a leading destination for open water swimming sports.”

DOWSSA is the brainchild of Mr Saeed Hareb, CEO of DIMC. It brings together for the first time a growing number of individuals and groups in Dubai that have an interest in promoting and participating in competitive open water swimming sports.

DOWSSA will focus on providing individuals with the opportunity and incentive to pursue excellence in competitive open water swimming sports in the emirate of Dubai. It is committed to attaining a five point charter;

• To promote and encourage those living in Dubai to participate in all forms of open water swimming sports
• To make participation in such sports easy and enjoyable for everyone involved
• To promote health and fitness through competitive open water swimming sports
• To co-operate with other organizations for the betterment of open water swimming sports, with a focus on establishing new facilities and gaining permissions to host events
• To establish Dubai as a world leading destination for open water swimming sports

The DIMC Open Water Polo Tournament takes place on Friday 24th September 2010, starting at 9am. The final will take place at 6.30pm that evening. Check out the Dubai Camels Water Polo Club Facebook group – search for “Water Polo in Dubai” – for more details.
 

Dubai Taxi Inks Agreement With Al Ain Mineral Water Co To Install Water Coolers In Taxicabs

The Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently signed an Agreement with Al Ain Mineral Water, PJSC for supplying and installing mini water coolers for selling mineral water on board Dubai Taxi vehicles in the context of endeavours to provide excellent and unique services that meet customers satisfaction.

The Agreement was signed for the DTC by it CEO Abdul Aziz Malik, and for Al Ain Mineral Water Co. by its General Manager Mr. Fasahat Beg in the presence of Company’s Export Manager Jason Harasides. DTC was also represented in the signing ceremony by the Director of Fleet Operations Yousef Al Ali, Director of Fleet Drivers Affairs Ammar bin Tamim, and Acting Director of Human Resources & Support Marwan Othman.

Abdul Aziz Malik expressed his delight with the signing of this Agreement, which will be implemented for a 3-month trial period on 350 DTC taxicabs deployed at the Airport. The trial period is extendable for another period in order to assess the viability and feasibility of installing mini water coolers in Dubai taxicabs to provide a unique public service considered the first of its kind offered to customers; besides generating an additional income source. The trial period will start upon completion of the installation of the water coolers in the taxicabs within a timeframe jointly agreed by the two parties.

“The Company will provide these mini water coolers along with the water bottles for use in our taxicabs, and the performance of the operation will be monitored with a view to improving the service offered. All water bottles to be sold through this service will bear the logo of the RTA and Dubai Taxi together with the Customer Service telephone numbers, in coordination with various concerned RTA bodies such as Marketing & Corporate
Communication Dep’t and Customer Service Dep’t,” said Malik.

The CEO of Dubai Taxi added that DTC would add the cost of water bottles sold to the meter charge of the taxi service in order to avoid potential irregularities. DTC will also track all the daily sales and manage the transactions made, prepare & keep the accounting records and financial data, and submit a weekly financial report to measure the success of the trial period and verify its success”.

For his part Mr. Fasahat Beg, General Manager of Al Ain Mineral Water Co., also expressed his pleasure with the signing of this Agreement and working hand in hand with the RTA in general and DTC in particular and stated that the Co. would be ready to fulfill the provision of the Agreement out of its keen attention to safeguard the interests of the RTA, DTC and their taxis.

“Al Ain Mineral Water is 100% owned by Emirates Foodstuff and Mineral Water Company; the pioneer food and beverages company. An integrated work team has been formed to carry out this project with DTC and deliver it on time through overseeing various managerial aspects such as the management of mineral water bottles stock as well as monitoring the installation, maintenance and performance of the water coolers in the vehicles, the pricing structure, safety measures needed in vehicles and assessment of the project along with the feedback received in order to improve the service and accordingly win customers satisfaction.
 

Public Transport Agency To Extend Ramadan Working Hours Of Water Bus, Water Taxi

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has extended the working hours of the Water Bus during the holy month of Ramadan from 08 am to 10 pm – instead of 07 am to 07 pm, and the working hours of the Water Taxi from 10 am to 12 am (midnight) – instead of 10 am to 10 pm, and the new working hours are being observed throughout the days of the week including Fridays, announced the CEO of RTA Public Transport Agency, Eisa Abdul-Rahman Al-Dosari.

“RTA is keen on notifying all community members on any changes introduced to the working hours of public transport means such as the Water Bus and the Water Taxi during the religious events, holidays and national events as part of RTA endeavours to provide quality service at world-class standards in this vital field which underlies the prosperity made in all fields across the UAE as a whole and Dubai Emirate in particular,” said Al Dosari.

He called on the public to comply with the safety & security rules applicable on board the Water Bus and the Water Taxi; which were intended for the safety & security of all.

On the advent of the holy month of Ramadan and in the name of all its employees, RTA extends the best of greetings and good wishes to all hoping the occasion will be marked with growth and prosperity for the Arabic and Moslem worlds.
 

Empower Adopts New Technology In Sustainable Multi Use Of Water In District Cooling

Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the region, announced its adoption of a world class innovative system in water recycling to reuse the chilled water several times aiming at remarkably saving energy.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower said: “Empower tops its priority in preserving water resources through reducing the consumption of water used in providing district cooling services to its clients.”

“The Executive Council in Dubai has ordered all district cooling companies in the emirate not to use desalinated water in its operations and to use sea water and recycled sewage water instead. This aims at conserving the energy resources of the Emirate for sustainable development. Community segments have to adopt the principles of energy conservation as their core values so that future generations will gain the maximum benefit,” said Al Shafar.

Empower works on sustainable use of the amount of water in its daily operations without compromising the quality of the service.

Bin Shafar added: “Very few are the district cooling companies in the world which use this system. It is our belief that adopting this system will contribute in saving water resources in light with the population increase.”

Bin Shafar added: “In this part of the world cooling is essential for more than eight months a year, and this makes it more imperative to not only take what the modern world has to offer but also go the extra mile by innovating new technologies for the good of our children.”

Compared with conventional ACs, district cooling are 50 percent more efficient from conventional cooling. In addition to water saved with the use of this innovative system, Empower managed to reduce the electricity loads in Dubai by providing district cooling service to a wide array of projects in the Emirate, including Mirdif Gate Buildings, Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Culture City, Business Bay and City Of Arabia.

Most of the real estate projects in Dubai are equipped with district cooling services which add up to a big amount of water needed to provide this service to these projects. Multi usage of water to prevent its loss will thus have a big impact on water conservation.

Empower’s announcement of the adoption of the new system comes at a time when the UAE is working on mitigating the climate change implication in the country.