LINQ, a subsidiary of ALEC Engineering & Contracting, today announced that it has received a new modular construction license from the Dubai Municipality to start executing the pilot project for a G+6 building. The initial system approval allows LINQ to pilot the design and build of highly sustainable, customised modular G+6 units for commercial or residential developments, using cutting edge technology, new systems and materials. The approval is part of Dubai Municipality’s ongoing contribution to making Dubai one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable cities.
The initial system approval was granted at a ceremony held at LINQ’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility — one of the largest of its kind in the GCC — in Dubai Industrial City, and was attended by several officials from Dubai Municipality, as well as top executives from Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), ALEC, LINQ and other stakeholders.
The size of the construction market in the UAE was estimated to be US$86.7billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at an Average Annual Growth Rate (AAGR) of more than 3% between 2024 to 2027 . “The pace and scale of developments in Dubai is truly impressive and in line with H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, we at Dubai Municipality are keen to ensure that this momentum is maintained in the most sustainable manner possible,” commented Eng. Ahmed Al Salami, Principle Research & Building Studies at Dubai Municipality. “We are therefore proud to support innovative organisations such as LINQ that are pioneering advanced construction techniques such as modular construction. The introduction of this paradigm will translate to the more rapid and controlled production of high-quality buildings which can meet the needs of a wide range of stakeholders, from the hospitality sector to residential developments and even commercial developments like malls and offices.”
A McKinsey & Co report found that modular production can speed up the construction process by as much as 50%, while reducing costs by 20%. Aligning with the UAE government’s vision for sustainability and advanced techniques in construction, LINQ offers precision-built, modern buildings with an unparalleled focus on sustainability and the industry’s highest quality standards and best practices. The company’s modular building designs have been created using BIM (Building Information Modelling) software, ensuring each structure only uses the required amount of material with a minimal amount of waste.
The modular units will be built at LINQ’s 300,000 sq ft. manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City. With a workforce of 1,000 employees, the facility has the capacity to produce 1,900 units per year.
“The license to pilot modular construction of a G+6 unit is yet another demonstration of the vision of the Dubai government and its eagerness to be the global hub for construction innovation. At LINQ, we are honoured to be the first organisation to be awarded this license and get an opportunity to showcase the viability of modular construction for both residential and commercial projects in Dubai,” said Bashar Kayali, General Manager at LINQ Modular.