Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS), a consulting organization in the field of construction materials and geotechnical engineering, has been awarded a contract to carry out testing and analysis on construction materials to be used for the Riyadh Metro Lines 1 and 2.
The contract win with the Riyadh Metro is the second for ACTS after it has been awarded a previous assignment to carry out geotechnical and geophysical works on the same two metro lines in support of the BACS (Saudi Arabian Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors and Consolidated Contractors Company WLL and Siemens Aktiengesellschaft) Consortium.
BACS is one of the three consortiums that were awarded the Riyadh Metro Project by Arriyadh Development Authority, the executive arm of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.
The new three-year contract will see ACTS operating one of the largest site laboratories for infrastructure in the Kingdom with the setting up of an 800 sqm laboratory space to perform the expert services required under this assignment.
The laboratory is fully-equipped to investigate and assess related construction materials.
ACTS will also integrate the use of its online concrete pouring and quality control system, a sophisticated quality control web-based program developed by the company itself, used to track, evaluate and capture data for construction materials testing.
On top of these, ACTS will deploy more than 150 highly-trained professionals on three different site locations to fully complete the diverse technical expertise required under the agreement.
Christopher Daniels, project quality manager, BACS, stated: “ACTS has been involved with the Riyadh Metro project since January 2014, providing Geotechnical Investigation and Materials Testing services for the BACS consortium.”
Khaled Awad, chairman of ACTS, said: “The awarding of this new contract speaks volumes about the quality services ACTS is capable of delivering. We are pleased to be given additional assignment on the Riyadh Metro.”
ACTS wins material testing bid for Riyadh Metro Project
ACTS wins material testing bid for Riyadh Metro Project
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.
