Chinese set to clinch Iran rail deal

State-run China National Transportation Equipment & Engineering Company (CTC) is close to finalising an agreement on a $3-billion rail project to connect Tehran with the northeastern holy city of Mashhad, a Chinese source told Reuters.

For the 930-km (580 mile) rail project, China’s Export and Import Bank (EXIM) is expected to fund 85 per cent of the cost, with CTC providing engineering, procurement and construction services.

Work to start on hospital complex

Oman-based Al Madina Real Estate will start work on an RO72-million ($186 million) integrated healthcare complex in Muscat by the middle of 2016.

The Al Madina International Hospital will be located in the Al Hail region of the capital. It will include a 225-bed tertiary-care hospital, 120-key three-star hotel apartments, 300 residential units, besides a fitness centre and retail area, reported the Oman Observer, adding that the hospital would offer specialist care across 16 disciplines.

Mohsin Shaik, the director and head of Islamic Finance at Al Madina Investment, said construction work would kick off by the second quarter with completion by late 2018 or early 2019.

Sodic, Heliopolis to develop project

Sodic has signed a deal with Heliopolis Housing to jointly develop a major mixed-use project on 655 acres of land in the New Heliopolis area of Cairo, Egypt.

Located close to  the proposed new administrative capital, the project, which is to be developed over 10 years, will boast more than 8,600 residential units in addition to retail, medical, education and sports facilities including a dedicated sports club.

Hormann launches door operator

Hormann Middle East has unveiled a door operator that allows for automatic opening and closing of timber and steel internal doors via a hand transmitter or button.

 Whether the user is physically disabled or would simply like more convenience, the PortaMatic door operator will make everyday life easier, the company said.

The PortaMatic door operator for internal doors will help people move about their home unaided and can be integrated into all non-public areas at the workplace.

In combination with a non-contact switch, the door operator provides protection from germs and bacteria.

An acoustic signal and LED (light-emitting diode) illumination indicate door movement before the door opens or closes. The illumination also ensures safety particularly in dark and in inadequately lit doorways.

Siemens unveils deluxe train concept

Siemens unveiled a concept for a premium high-speed intercity train tailored for the Gulf at last month’s Middle East Rail event in Dubai, UAE.

The Hesan Alkhaleej or ‘Horse of the Gulf’ incorporates technology from the Siemens Mobility portfolio. It is designed to withstand temperatures in excess of 55 deg C, and incorporates sand-filtering technologies to ensure reliable service in the region. Unprecedented levels of redundancy, especially with regard to air-conditioning and power supply, ensure that even in the event of multiple failures the train will be able to continue its journey and protect passengers.

The Hesan Alkhaleej would also be equipped to run on tracks suitable for heavy freight services, enabling mixed-use services on the region’s rail systems.

Hyflux wins $500m contract

Singapore-based Hyflux has won a letter of intent for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract worth $500 million to build the Ain Sokhna Integrated Water and Power Project in Egypt.

The letter of intent, given by the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), will be followed by signing of relevant contracts.

An  on-site  457 MW  combined-cycle  gas  turbine    plant  will  be  constructed  to generate electricity for the desalination plant. Excess power will be dispatched to the grid and go towards supplying the Egyptian’s governorates needs. A 25-year operation and maintenance contract will be awarded to Hyflux for this plant.

Napco to expand production capacity

Oman-based National Aluminium Products Company (Napco) will expand its production capacity by installing two additional extrusion presses and a vertical powder coating plant. The expansion including construction of a new factory building is estimated to cost RO7 million ($18.1 million). Commercial production from the new plant is expected to start by the end of this month (April), the Oman Daily Observer reported.

Red Sea Housing wins deal

Saudi-based Red Sea Housing Services Company (RSHS) has been awarded a QR144-million ($39.5 million) contract to build an integrated accommodations facility in Qatar.

As per the deal awarded by Daruna for Real Estate Brokerage, the company will provide complete infrastructure and housing development to support a 4,000-strong community. The facilities include accommodation blocks, indoor and outdoor recreation, utilities, mini-markets, police/security station, a bank, a clinic and other miscellaneous outlets.