It was very much a case of National Development Plan B, when Irish Finance Minister Brian Lenehan TD unveiled his economy jump-start budget, which may result in some construction job activity in the education, housing renovation and infrastructure sectors.
The Irish Construction Industry Federation was quick to welcome the budget because Minister Lenehan did not go as far as expected in making cuts in the National Development Plan. But concern remains about how quickly the Government can get future infrastructure developments on site.
Transport 21
A quick look at the revised Transport 21 Plan shows that because many projects were at such an advanced stage of planning they could not be cut back. So, plans for Luas extensions and the Metro projects will proceed, despite misgivings from some quarters. Likewise the interurban route remains on track for completion by 2010. After that, smaller, but not necessarily small roads projects, will feel the pinch. With a capital budget of €900m Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has listed six road projects that have been deferred for at least a year. These include the Arklow to Rathnew road in Co Wicklow (back to 2010) and the Atlantic Corridor with the rescheduling of the N18 Oranmore to Gort section a cause for concern regarding access between Galway and Shannon Airport. If these projects are delayed for too long, the big worry here is that the Government will return to a stop/start piecemeal roads programme associated with the 80s. And with fixed price contracts now in place and an Irish civils industry geared up to deliver, it would make sense for the Government to get some mechanism in place to deliver the necessary roads network and complete these smaller but vital regional urban links.
Education
In the weeks leading up to the budget, Minister for Education Batt O’Keefe granted approval for 25 new school building projects to proceed to the tender and construction phases: a clever political move? Minister O’Keefe has been one government minister who has been lauded for his openness in presenting the effects of the budget on his Department’s spending plans. And while he faces great criticism on class sizes and student grants cuts, the fall in the price of land and the deficit of school buildings in the country means that much will be expected from his department in the next 18 months. Minister O’Keefe has a capital allocation for next year of €889 million – an increase of €79 million, or almost 10%, on 2008 spending.
Commercial development
The reduction of stamp duty on commercial property from nine to six percent could be enough to renew activity in the commercial property market. According to a number of real estate agencies there is growing interest in European property from foreign speculators and the three-percentage point cut makes the Irish commercial market a very attractive option for anyone looking to expand their European property portfolio. However, whether this proves the case is dependent on more money being available on the market.
Housing
A revised housing loans scheme and increase in mortgage interest relief for first time buyers has also been welcomed by the construction industry. However this may take some time to work its way through the system. However the €15m allocation to the Home energy Saving Scheme, while well short of the originally planned allocation is good news for those in the housing renovation sector and should create job opportunities for those working with energy efficacy products such as BER assessors, insulation installers, window installers and in indeed renewable energy products.
Construction job opportunities
Those looking for construction jobs in school building and housing renovation should be particularly happy with the budget. While those looking for construction jobs in road and rail development may have to wait and see how quickly future projects can be rolled out.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
constructionjobs.ie flys high on global market
Global construction recruitment activity jumps on Constructionjobs.ie in September
In September 2008, constructionjobs.ie passed another landmark when 52 per cent of all job applications through our site were for construction professional jobs outside of Ireland.
Construction professional job opportunities in the Middle East now accounts for 50 per cent of global activity on the website. Our latest applications figures show a meteoric rise in the number of applications for construction professional jobs in Gulf States such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
During September of an overall total of 10,893 job applications, 5,686 applications (52%) were for jobs outside of Ireland, while 5,207 (48%) were for construction jobs in Ireland.
Of the 5,686 overseas applications, 2,843 (50%) job applications were for construction professional jobs in the Middle East region. This is a meteoric figure, when you consider that only 54 applications were made for Middle East construction professional jobs in February last.
A further breakdown of the overall figure also indicates a high number of applicants seeking construction professional job opportunities in the UK and construction professional job opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The UK accounted for 25 per cent of overseas construction job applications, while the region of Australia and New Zealand has 15% of overseas construction job applications.
While applications for construction professional jobs in Ireland totalled 5,207 (48%) in September, the 52 per cent level of activity in the global construction professional recruitment arena means that we have developed with jobseekers and recruiters to meet the changing needs of the global construction professional recruitment market.
Overall, there were 34,500 unique visitors to constructionjobs.ie in September. Of which Ireland accounted for 70%,
Rest of the World 19% and
The UK 10%.
Who's recruiting
On the recruiter front the main performers on the site have been Irish recruitment agencies diversifying to deliver construction job opportunities in the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand, as well as construction professional jobs in Canada and USA. However a growing number of international recruiting clients are also choosing constructionjobs.ie to attract an Irish construction professionals for positions in their regions of operation.
Top 10 September Construction Jobs
Our September Top 10 Construction Professional Jobs Table indicates a mass of movement of Construction Health & Safety Professionals and Construction Project Managers to meet the the growing number of jobs in these areas.
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Constructionjobs.ie Top 10 Jobs for September
In September 2008, constructionjobs.ie passed another landmark when 52 per cent of all job applications through our site were for construction professional jobs outside of Ireland.
Construction professional job opportunities in the Middle East now accounts for 50 per cent of global activity on the website. Our latest applications figures show a meteoric rise in the number of applications for construction professional jobs in Gulf States such as the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
During September of an overall total of 10,893 job applications, 5,686 applications (52%) were for jobs outside of Ireland, while 5,207 (48%) were for construction jobs in Ireland.
Of the 5,686 overseas applications, 2,843 (50%) job applications were for construction professional jobs in the Middle East region. This is a meteoric figure, when you consider that only 54 applications were made for Middle East construction professional jobs in February last.
A further breakdown of the overall figure also indicates a high number of applicants seeking construction professional job opportunities in the UK and construction professional job opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. The UK accounted for 25 per cent of overseas construction job applications, while the region of Australia and New Zealand has 15% of overseas construction job applications.
While applications for construction professional jobs in Ireland totalled 5,207 (48%) in September, the 52 per cent level of activity in the global construction professional recruitment arena means that we have developed with jobseekers and recruiters to meet the changing needs of the global construction professional recruitment market.
Overall, there were 34,500 unique visitors to constructionjobs.ie in September. Of which Ireland accounted for 70%,
Rest of the World 19% and
The UK 10%.
Who's recruiting
On the recruiter front the main performers on the site have been Irish recruitment agencies diversifying to deliver construction job opportunities in the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand, as well as construction professional jobs in Canada and USA. However a growing number of international recruiting clients are also choosing constructionjobs.ie to attract an Irish construction professionals for positions in their regions of operation.
Top 10 September Construction Jobs
Our September Top 10 Construction Professional Jobs Table indicates a mass of movement of Construction Health & Safety Professionals and Construction Project Managers to meet the the growing number of jobs in these areas.
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Constructionjobs.ie Top 10 Jobs for September
- Construction : Health & Safety
- Construction : Project Management
- Construction : Civil Engineering
- Construction : Quantity Surveying / QS
- Construction : Construction Management
- Construction : Site Engineering
- Construction : Foreperson
- Construction : Electrical Engineering
- Construction : Contracts Management
- Construction : Site Management
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Oman – Tourism and infrastructure development offer construction jobs for years to come
The Sultanate of Oman, one of the six GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, is looking to tourism to sustain its economy in to the future.
In recent years, a change in law regarding foreign freehold ownership has resulted in foreigners being allowed to own property in designated integrated tourism areas. Land prices in Oman are estimated to be roughly 50 per cent of those in Dubai, and 65 per cent of those in Bahrain.
In terms of real estate the recent trend has been towards ownership of apartments. In the commercial property sector the recent increased movement of foreign firms in to Oman has resulted in a major shortages in commercial properties. However, the retail success of neighbouring Dubai has meant that the Omani retail sector is developing less quickly.
Construction projects
Oman has its fair share of ambitious development schemes, and much is hinged on a Development Plan that will see many of these schemes completed before 2020.
Of the large-scale developments currently under construction, the €20bn Blue City has to be the most exciting. But The Wave, Shalam Yiti and Oman’s first rail line have also been grabbing the headlines in recent years.
Find the latest Construction Professional jobs in the Middle East and Oman
In recent years, a change in law regarding foreign freehold ownership has resulted in foreigners being allowed to own property in designated integrated tourism areas. Land prices in Oman are estimated to be roughly 50 per cent of those in Dubai, and 65 per cent of those in Bahrain.
In terms of real estate the recent trend has been towards ownership of apartments. In the commercial property sector the recent increased movement of foreign firms in to Oman has resulted in a major shortages in commercial properties. However, the retail success of neighbouring Dubai has meant that the Omani retail sector is developing less quickly.
Construction projects
Oman has its fair share of ambitious development schemes, and much is hinged on a Development Plan that will see many of these schemes completed before 2020.
Of the large-scale developments currently under construction, the €20bn Blue City has to be the most exciting. But The Wave, Shalam Yiti and Oman’s first rail line have also been grabbing the headlines in recent years.
- Blue City was launched in 2005 and is being built on over 35sq km of some of Oman’s most breathtaking beaches, about 100kms north of the capital city, Muscat. The first phase of the 15-year project, AL-Madina Al-Zarqa ($1.8bn) is due for completion in 2009. When completed in 2020, Blue City is expected to accommodate 200,000 people.
- The Wave is a $1bn tourism Joint Venture involving the Omani Government, Majid Al Futtaim Investments (MAFI) and the Omani Pensions Fund. It is due for completion in 2012.
- Salam Yiti is a $1.7bn mountainside resort project located between the Al Hajar Ash Sharqi Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. The development is also only a 15-minute drive from Muscat. Spread across 420-hectares and rising to a height of 140m above sea level, and it will include golf courses and marinas. Salam Yiti is being developed by Sama Dubai and is scheduled for completion by 2013.
- Oman is quite unique in the world in that it has no railway network. In early 2008, the Omani Government unveiled plans for the country’s first rail line. The line will initially be used to transport goods, with passengers on board at a later stage. While it is still very much at planning stage, the line is planned connect the Sohar Port with Birka on the outskirts of Muscat, covering a distance of 200km. It will then be extended to Duqm, where there are plans to develop a new seaport and airport at a later stage.
Find the latest Construction Professional jobs in the Middle East and Oman
Monday, September 29, 2008
Bahrain – Small Island, Big Ambitions
In order to overcome the challenge of limited development space, Dubai came up with the brainwave of creating a man-made island to create more beachfront. In 2001, this idea evolved in to The Palm Jumeriah, and the ‘The World’ collection of private islands followed soon after.
The island Kingdom of Bahrain (at 665-sq km is two thirds the size of County Louth) has been similarly affected by the scale of development that has taken place in the state over the past few decades. With a minimum of land available for development, property values have risen dramatically in recent years, and the island is now very much focused on diversifying the range of developments that take place in the coming years. It has also taken the opportunity to create its own version of the man-made island series.
Bahrain is considered to be the fastest growing economy in the Arab world, fastest growing financial centre in the world, and it is also considered to be the freest economy in the Middle East.
So, it should be no surprise that in recent years many multi nationals have chosen Bahrain as the location for their regional headquarters, bringing many experienced senior managers to the island. Foreign residents account for about 40 per cent of Bahrain’s 700,000 population.
Major projects currently on site in Bahrain include The Bahrain Financial Harbour (€900m), Durrat al Bahrain (A €2.1bn series of 15 man-made islands), Health Island Project (€700m)), Al Areen Resort (€750m) and Rifa Views (€300m).
One of the most exciting construction projects to be completed in the Gulf States this year is the 50-floor Bahrain-based World Trade Centre. This twin tower development, ironically for an oil rich state, has three giant wind turbines bridging the gap between the towers. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.
Bahrain International Investment Park
Bahrain's jewel development mega project is the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) . This is being developed in the Hidd Industrial Area, and covers over 250 hectares with 25.5km of readily equipped infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, sewage systems, landscaping and desalination systems. BIIP offers 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies, zero per cent tax with a ten-year guarantee, special customs services and no recruitment restrictions.
At the end of September Bahrain's government approved a monorail train network to ease traffic flow on the island. The three-stage development plan is expected to be completed by 2030.
Find the latest Construction Professional Jobs in the Middle East and Bahrain.
The island Kingdom of Bahrain (at 665-sq km is two thirds the size of County Louth) has been similarly affected by the scale of development that has taken place in the state over the past few decades. With a minimum of land available for development, property values have risen dramatically in recent years, and the island is now very much focused on diversifying the range of developments that take place in the coming years. It has also taken the opportunity to create its own version of the man-made island series.
Bahrain is considered to be the fastest growing economy in the Arab world, fastest growing financial centre in the world, and it is also considered to be the freest economy in the Middle East.
So, it should be no surprise that in recent years many multi nationals have chosen Bahrain as the location for their regional headquarters, bringing many experienced senior managers to the island. Foreign residents account for about 40 per cent of Bahrain’s 700,000 population.
Major projects currently on site in Bahrain include The Bahrain Financial Harbour (€900m), Durrat al Bahrain (A €2.1bn series of 15 man-made islands), Health Island Project (€700m)), Al Areen Resort (€750m) and Rifa Views (€300m).
One of the most exciting construction projects to be completed in the Gulf States this year is the 50-floor Bahrain-based World Trade Centre. This twin tower development, ironically for an oil rich state, has three giant wind turbines bridging the gap between the towers. It is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.
Bahrain International Investment Park
Bahrain's jewel development mega project is the Bahrain International Investment Park (BIIP) . This is being developed in the Hidd Industrial Area, and covers over 250 hectares with 25.5km of readily equipped infrastructure such as roads, street lighting, sewage systems, landscaping and desalination systems. BIIP offers 100 per cent foreign ownership of companies, zero per cent tax with a ten-year guarantee, special customs services and no recruitment restrictions.
At the end of September Bahrain's government approved a monorail train network to ease traffic flow on the island. The three-stage development plan is expected to be completed by 2030.
Find the latest Construction Professional Jobs in the Middle East and Bahrain.
Saudi Arabia – The giant that still sleeps
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is located at the centre of the emerging Gulf States. It has a population of over 27 million people and, at approximately 2.15 sq km in area (some borders in dispute), it is the largest country in the Middle East.
With a per capita income of €20,700, Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest growing countries in the world. However, in terms of development activity Saudi Arabia has been one of the slower Gulf states to kick in to action. Sometimes referred to as a ‘sleeping giant’, it has to date been more conservative than some other Gulf states, and it has not exploited its development potential with the vigour of some of its neighbours to date. But should this change, it would be expected to outperform all other construction markets in the region.
Projects
At the centre of its development ambitions are six economic cities. King Abdullah Economic City is the largest of these mega projects, and it is planned for completion in 2020. The creation of these six industrialised cities will spearhead Saudi Arabia’s move away from dependency on oil and gas. Further infrastructure development will include a number of major port and railway projects, such as a 950km rail link between the capital Riyadh and the coastal city of Jeddah.
According to NCB Capital, in the coming years demand for residential units in Saudi Arabia will exceed 1.3million units. Recently amended Saudi investment laws now allow foreign investors to invest in a limited number of identified projects.
In the capital city Riyadh, there is a considerable shortage of housing, particularly amongst the lower and middle classes. Growing demand in these markets is expected to drive residential development activity in the capital for at least the next five years.
Outside of Riyadh, major residential projects include Al Khobar Lakes, the first phase of which covers 2.6million sq m, and says the developer, Emaar Middle East, ‘this has a development value of SR4.6bn (€830m). Al Khobar Lakes is one of the largest master-planned communities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and is located close to Al Khobar City, Dhahran and Dammam.
Another high profile residential scheme called Jeddah Gate is a €490m, 5,000 unit development which is currently on site at the old Jeddah Airport.
Find the latest Construction Professional Jobs in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East
Qatar's mega growth ambition
According to The New York Times the Arabic emirate of Qatar will be the next Dubai. Its capital, Doha, has a population of 400,000 people and, according to the Qatar Tourism Authority, more than 100 buildings, including hotel towers, business centres and holiday resorts will cover the cities skyline in the coming years.
With a population of less than a million people Qatar has a construction market with a value of €70 billion. And when you include construction activity in the oil and gas sectors you can add a further €38.5 billion to the figure, bringing the overall market value to €108.5 billion.
Qatar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is the largest of all the Arabic States (IMF). And with no income tax, Qatar is also one of the two least-taxed sovereign states in the world, Bahrain being the other.
In terms of getting projects to site, Qatar's government and construction industry are no slouches. The state has the best record of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) in getting developments to site, with over one third of the currently planned €70billion worth of construction projects started construction, and the balance at design or construction stage.
Spearheading Qatar’s plans to divert away from a reliance on fossil fuels in the coming years will be its financial and leisure industries. Qatar will need to raise the capacity of its financial services to meet the requirements for more than $130billion worth of projects in the coming years, if it is meet its lofty ambitions. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is in fact expected to provide financial services providers with access to nearly $1trillion of investment across the GCC as a whole over the next decade.
When compared to other Arab states, Qatar has relatively liberal laws. However, it still has some way to go to match its neighbouring states, UAE or Bahrain.
Mega Project
The largest project ever undertaken in Qatar is the new City of Lusail. It is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2011. A coastal development, in the northern part of the municipality of Umm Salal, Lusail is 15km north of Doha City centre and is located on over 35-sq km of land. When completed, it will have accommodation for 200,000 people. The development will include residential areas, commercial districts, island resorts, marinas, leisure facilities (including two golf courses and an entertainment district) and luxury shopping.
Lusail is being built in phases with the whole project due for completion in 2011. It is being developed by the state controlled developer Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment.
Another Qatar mega projects is The Pearl, a $2.5billion, 985-acre artificial island comprising five-star hotels and two-million square feet of high-end shopping. Work will begin on the first phase of The Pearl in 2009, Other projects include the Sharq Village & Spa, along the beachfront and the IM Pei designed modernist Museum of Islamic Arts.
Find the latest construction jobs in Qatar and the Gulf States
With a population of less than a million people Qatar has a construction market with a value of €70 billion. And when you include construction activity in the oil and gas sectors you can add a further €38.5 billion to the figure, bringing the overall market value to €108.5 billion.
Qatar’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita is the largest of all the Arabic States (IMF). And with no income tax, Qatar is also one of the two least-taxed sovereign states in the world, Bahrain being the other.
In terms of getting projects to site, Qatar's government and construction industry are no slouches. The state has the best record of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) in getting developments to site, with over one third of the currently planned €70billion worth of construction projects started construction, and the balance at design or construction stage.
Spearheading Qatar’s plans to divert away from a reliance on fossil fuels in the coming years will be its financial and leisure industries. Qatar will need to raise the capacity of its financial services to meet the requirements for more than $130billion worth of projects in the coming years, if it is meet its lofty ambitions. The Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) is in fact expected to provide financial services providers with access to nearly $1trillion of investment across the GCC as a whole over the next decade.
When compared to other Arab states, Qatar has relatively liberal laws. However, it still has some way to go to match its neighbouring states, UAE or Bahrain.
Mega Project
The largest project ever undertaken in Qatar is the new City of Lusail. It is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by 2011. A coastal development, in the northern part of the municipality of Umm Salal, Lusail is 15km north of Doha City centre and is located on over 35-sq km of land. When completed, it will have accommodation for 200,000 people. The development will include residential areas, commercial districts, island resorts, marinas, leisure facilities (including two golf courses and an entertainment district) and luxury shopping.
Lusail is being built in phases with the whole project due for completion in 2011. It is being developed by the state controlled developer Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment.
Another Qatar mega projects is The Pearl, a $2.5billion, 985-acre artificial island comprising five-star hotels and two-million square feet of high-end shopping. Work will begin on the first phase of The Pearl in 2009, Other projects include the Sharq Village & Spa, along the beachfront and the IM Pei designed modernist Museum of Islamic Arts.
Find the latest construction jobs in Qatar and the Gulf States
Friday, September 12, 2008
Sharjah – Industrial and cultural hub of the UAE
Sharjah is the third largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates. With an area of 2,600 sq km, it is similar in size to Ireland’s County Limerick, and it has a population of 800,000 people. It also has land on the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah accounts for approximately 7.5 per cent of the UAE's GDP. Although it may be lagging behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai in terms of development activity, Sharjah does have development ambitions.
During the 90’s and early 2000’s Sharjah’s main focus was on industrial development: It now accounts for 48 per cent of the UAE's entire industrial output. It has 11 industrial zones across 26 sq km, linking the UAE's main transport arteries: the north-south Emirates Road, and the east-west highway to Khorfakkan and Fujairah. Sharjah International Airport is also the region's largest airfreight cargo handler.
Further development of Sharjah as an industrial and logistics hub can be expected in the coming years with a recent $130m investment in its road network resulting in the expansion of the important regional artery, the King Abdulaziz Road.
Sharjah's most ambitious development scheme will see the creation of a $5bn retreat for those working in the nearby Dubai City.
The Nujoom Islands, when completed, will comprise a number of tall, mixed-use towers as well as villas, hotels and retail, all linked by a network of ‘swimming canals’ and bridges. Expected to accommodate 80,000 residents and tourists, work on the Nujoom Islands resort started last year.
But before you start thinking of an Amsterdam in the emirates, Sharjah is the most conservative emirate in the UAE. The sale, possession and consumption of alcohol are banned, and there is a conservative dress code for men and women.
Find the latest construction professional jobs in Sharjah, UAE and the Middle East
The cultural capital of the UAE, Sharjah accounts for approximately 7.5 per cent of the UAE's GDP. Although it may be lagging behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai in terms of development activity, Sharjah does have development ambitions.
During the 90’s and early 2000’s Sharjah’s main focus was on industrial development: It now accounts for 48 per cent of the UAE's entire industrial output. It has 11 industrial zones across 26 sq km, linking the UAE's main transport arteries: the north-south Emirates Road, and the east-west highway to Khorfakkan and Fujairah. Sharjah International Airport is also the region's largest airfreight cargo handler.
Further development of Sharjah as an industrial and logistics hub can be expected in the coming years with a recent $130m investment in its road network resulting in the expansion of the important regional artery, the King Abdulaziz Road.
Sharjah's most ambitious development scheme will see the creation of a $5bn retreat for those working in the nearby Dubai City.
The Nujoom Islands, when completed, will comprise a number of tall, mixed-use towers as well as villas, hotels and retail, all linked by a network of ‘swimming canals’ and bridges. Expected to accommodate 80,000 residents and tourists, work on the Nujoom Islands resort started last year.
But before you start thinking of an Amsterdam in the emirates, Sharjah is the most conservative emirate in the UAE. The sale, possession and consumption of alcohol are banned, and there is a conservative dress code for men and women.
Find the latest construction professional jobs in Sharjah, UAE and the Middle East
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