Contracts, upcoming event and installations are highlighted.

Al-Futtaim Awarded Dubai Maintenance Contract

The elevator division of Al-Futtaim Engineering of Dubai has been awarded an annual service and maintenance contract for the 22-unit high-speed Hitachi elevator system serving the Burj Al Salam Tower on Sheik Zayed Road in Dubai, Reuters reported. Al-Futtaim Senior Managing Director Dawood Ozair said he looks forward to exceeding the expectations of Abdulsalam Al Rafi Group, which awarded the contract. Representing major brands such as Hitachi and Shenyang Brilliant Elevator Co., Al-Futtaim has supplied elevators to significant Middle East projects including Jumeirah Lake Towers, Al Maktoum International Airport and the Nassima Royal Hotel.

Saudi International Exhibition for Elevators & Escalators

Alagat Exhibitions is holding the second Saudi International Exhibition for Elevators & Escalators on September 25-27 at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Convention Center. An expected 12,500 professional visitors and exhibitors from around the world include those involved in the elevator/escalator and related industries.

The organizer notes increasing public and private investment in Saudi Arabia, including US$116 billion for the planned ​​King Abdullah Economic City; US$40 billion for Sudair Economic City, Juba and industrial city in Yanbu; and other large developments. It states the country is the Middle East’s largest construction market, with US$290 billion spent in the sector over the last five years. To meet the needs of 1.65 million new homes the country needs by 2018, it is imperative to have a strong elevator market to serve at least 375,000 new buildings.

New Delhi Escalators Making Station “Staircase Free”

Fourteen escalators have been installed at the New Delhi railway station so far. Staircases are being eliminated in favor of the machines, and the station now boasts more than one escalator at all its platforms, excluding entry and exit points. Railway authorities are expecting to have elevators installed at each platform, also, by the end of the year, “making the railway station almost ‘staircase free,’” The Hindu reported. It also states there are “elevators coming soon.”

Arun Arora, divisional railway manager, Delhi, explained, “We are aiming to not only have escalators to reach each of the 16 platforms of the station, but to also have at least one elevator at each platform.” Another official cited safety as being a serious concern, saying, “We also plan to add a sari guard and bristles on both sides to protect the clothing of users from getting caught in the moving parts.”