Master developer ARADA has awarded BIC Contracting (BICC) the first infrastructure package, worth AED103mn, at its Sharjah megaproject, Aljada.
The total infrastructure package for the 223ha project, which has been designed by global engineering contractor Jacobs, will be worth more than AED1bn.
The scope of work includes the construction of power, water and communications networks, as well as landscaping and building roads. BICC will mobilise on site immediately and the work will be completed by October 2019.
Phase 1 of Aljada consists of 14 apartment buildings, totalling 1,300 units, as well as more than 100 townhouses and semi-detached villas, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year. Construction at Aljada is already in full swing, following the development’s official ground-breaking in April, with contractor MBCC on site and building the first four apartment blocks in the AED24bn project.
HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of ARADA, said: “Infrastructure is the backbone of any successful real estate development, and as a result ARADA is very pleased to be working with BICC, a high-calibre company with a strong track record in this area. We are confident that they will execute this critical work to the very highest standards.”
Moustafa Fahour OAM, CEO and managing dDirector of BICC, said: “This project is well suited to BICC’s expertise in delivering high-quality infrastructure for marquee projects in the Middle East region. Aljada is a project that represents Sharjah’s future, and we’re proud to be working with ARADA to help bring this destination to life.”
The news follows ARADA’s recent announcement that Sharjah’s first smart homes would be based in Aljada, via the introduction of next-generation technology to the development’s Misk Apartments buildings. In April, ARADA announced the launch of East Village, a 15-building creative community targeting the younger generation, which constitutes Phase 2 of Aljada.
Also in April, ARADA signed a management agreement with Emaar Hospitality Group to bring three new hotels, The Address Aljada Sharjah, Vida Aljada Sharjah and Rove Aljada to the megaproject. In January, the developer also confirmed that Jacobs had won a key contract to design the infrastructure for the project.