IMKAN has joined forces with the esteemed Chinese construction company CNTC, appointing the internationally renowned company as the main contractor for its Pixel project. The developer carried out an official signing ceremony at IMKAN’s head office, where ADCG CEO, H.E. Abubaker Seddiq Al Khoori, Dr Hamad Abdulqadir Al-Ali, Board member in Royal Strategic Partners LLC , IMKAN CEO Walid El-Hindi and Vice President of CNTC, Xinrong Xu took the all-important first step to make Pixel’s seven towers come to life.
IMKAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Walid El-Hindi said: “CNTC is one of the biggest construction companies in China, and their experience combined with our commitment to developing research-based communities, gives us confidence that Pixel’s seven towers will be delivered utilizing some of the most innovative and diverse construction solutions in the region.”
Vice President of CNTC, Xinrong Xu, said: “We welcome this collaboration with Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer IMKAN. Through this partnership, CNTC and IMKAN will translate our shared foresight for Pixel into reality. China and the UAE enjoy a symbiotic relationship that encompasses culture, investment and trade and is underpinned by a deep understanding of the important role we both play in the region’s economic development and prosperity.”
CNTC, based out of Beijing, is among China’s largest construction conglomerates with a presence in over 35 countries and 120 cities across the globe. The company, which has been in operation for more than 60 years, was listed by Engineering News-Record, one of the construction industry’s most respected publications, as 25th in the world’s largest 250 international contractors. With a portfolio that includes Shanghai Center Building (the world’s fourth tallest building), and terminals at both Shanghai Hongqiao and Beijing International airports, CNTC has aided in international projects such as the Russian Federal Building, India’s Bangalore President tower and the Togolese Parliament Building. CNTC, who have received China’s top construction honor, the Luban Award, a total of 17 times, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to Pixel’s construction. Its wide-ranging portfolio encompasses everything from hotels e.g. Sheraton Jiaozhou Hotel, the first Sheraton branded hotel in China; to hospitals, namely Tongji Hospital, widely regarded as one of the best hospitals in China.
“We are looking to the future and the union of our companies is a reflection of the close relationship the UAE shares with China, a relationship that is only set to grow. Abu Dhabi is a hub for global trade and the UAE is set to play a pivotal role in the China Belt and Road Initiative – already we see sixty per cent of China’s exports passing through our ports and the pending addition of the Shanghai Stock Exchange to Abu Dhabi Global Markets (ADGM) also indicates how invested the two countries are in a shared future,” added El-Hindi.
The hybrid of international companies involved in Pixel’s construction and design reflects the progressive nature of the UAE’s capital. IMKAN have partnered with world-renowned Dutch architectural firm, MVRDV who share the developer’s research-based ethos and like IMKAN, are known for embedding the principles of place-making into their practice. MVRDV have been involved in many globally renowned projects including the remarkable Tianjin Binhai Library in Chin, Seoullo 7017 Skygarden in Seoul. The award-winning designers are also behind Bulgari’s flagship store in Kuala Lumpur and Future Towers project in Pune, India.
Work on Pixel’s seven towers will begin immediately and the project is scheduled for full completion in Q4 2021. The vibrant neighborhood responds to IMKAN’s extensive research by offering a mixed-use, amenity-rich, walkable and engaging community. The development has been structured to surround a pedestrianized plaza and will be made up of 525 residential units. Its uniquely designed towers will comprise of 26 exciting amenities; such as homegrown F&B, retail, interactive public areas, co-working spaces and creative hubs all aimed at enriching the lives of the community’s residents and visitors.
Pixel is strategically located within IMKAN’s flagship development, Makers District. An 18-hectare scenic waterfront community on Reem Island; designed to cultivate creativity and will be home to “Makers” – entrepreneurs, artists, curators, artisans, SMEs and those who appreciate an environment infused with creativity.
Through the integration of world-class construction solutions and the implementation of research-led design and development; IMKAN and CNTC have established a solid partnership, one which is in alignment with China and the UAE’s relationship. By way of their joined efforts, the two entities are set to seamlessly bring Pixel’s innovative concept of ‘forward-living’ to fruition.