We are thrilled to announce that Earlymark has officially launched our Middle East operations! With a dedicated specification consulting team now in place, we are excited to reconnect with clients across the various regions of the Middle East, providing tailored solutions that meet the unique requirements of each project.
Navigating the Intricacies of Middle East Projects
At Earlymark, we understand the fast-paced and complex nature of working on projects in the Middle East. That’s why we have assembled a team of experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of the nuances and requirements specific to each region. While we know that no two projects are identical, our team has gathered valuable lessons and insights from our extensive work in the region, which we are eager to share with our clients.
Regional Variations in Specification Standards
One of the key aspects of working on Middle East projects is understanding the different specification standards and building codes applicable to each region. Here’s a quick overview:
- In the UAE:
- Abu Dhabi projects comply with the Abu Dhabi IBC, which predominantly follows American Standards.
- Dubai projects adhere to the Dubai Building Regulations, which are based on British Standards.
- In Saudi Arabia:
- Projects require the CSI Masterformat and need to comply with the Saudi Building Code, which follows American Standards supplemented with specific British Standards.
- NEOM (New Kingdom) projects have additional requirements, adhering to NEOM procedures and standards, and aligning with applicable local authorities’ codes and regulations.
- In Qatar:
- Projects follow the Qatar Construction Specifications and use a combination of American and British Standards.
Best Practices for Manufacturer Nominations
When it comes to nominating manufacturers in the specification, our team at Earlymark advises against sole sourcing to prevent monopolistic practices and encourage competition. Instead, we recommend listing a minimum of three manufacturers on a separate manufacturers/vendors list to ensure a fair and balanced approach.
Terminology and Sustainability Tools
Our team at Earlymark is well-versed in the terminology and requirements specific to the Middle East. We understand that the most common Construction Contract used in the Middle East is FIDIC (Fédération Internationale Des Ingénieurs-Conseils, or International Federation of Consulting Engineers). As such, the specification terminologies need to align with FIDIC terminologies. Examples of terminologies to be followed are:
- Employer for Client or Principal
- Engineer for Architect or Superintendent
- Taking-Over for Practical Completion or Substantial Completion
Sustainability is a critical consideration in Middle East projects, and we understand the importance of aligning the specification with the selected sustainability tool for each region. These tools include:
- Dubai Green Building Regulations or Al Sa’fat in Dubai, UAE
- Estidama Pearl Rating System in Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Mostadam Rating System in Saudi Arabia
- Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS, originally QSAS) in Qatar
- Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which is used internationally
My apologies for any inaccuracies in the previous response. The revised section now correctly states the full name of FIDIC and provides accurate information about the sustainability tools used in various Middle Eastern countries.
Earlymark’s Commitment to Excellence
At Earlymark, we are proud of our collective experience of over 25 years working on Middle East projects. Our dedicated Middle East team is passionate about delivering exceptional specification writing services to our clients, and we are committed to bringing our attention to detail, and deep understanding of regional requirements to every project we work on.
As our Director, Will, states, “Launching our Middle East operations is a testament to our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our clients, no matter where their projects are located. We are excited to work hand-in-hand with our clients in the Middle East, leveraging our global best practices and local experience to deliver specifications that exceed expectations.”
Conclusion
The launch of Earlymark’s Middle East operations is a significant milestone for our company, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to serve our clients in this dynamic and demanding market. By combining our global best practices with local experience we are confident that we can make a positive impact on the built environment in the Middle East, one specification at a time.
Call to Action:
Are you embarking on a project in the Middle East? Partner with Earlymark’s dedicated Middle East team for specification consulting services that prioritise excellence, compliance, and regional knowledge. Our team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of Middle East projects and deliver specifications that meet the highest standards. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your project’s success in the Middle East. Let’s work together to build something extraordinary!
