As hotels in the region get on high gear to prepare for millions tourists flooding into the region for Dubai Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022. The hospitality sector according to STR Global, shows there are 781 hotels, totalling 195,705 rooms are currently under contract in the MEA region. This month, Construction Business News ME visits upcoming hotel under construction in UAE’s capital, Bab Al Qasr
Placed in the last stretch of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche road, Bab Al Qasr which translates to Palace Door, is ideally situated between the capital’s key attractions Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace.
The bronze-tinted glass twin-tower project adds value to Abu Dhabi’s skyline with a stunning view of the sea front on one side and the city on the other.
When asked what makes this project so unique. Mehmet Kara, business development manager, replies admitting that every construction project is unique considering the requirements of the stakeholders and time, environment and cost constraints. “However, what makes Bab Al Qasr unique is how the Emirati and Moroccan architecture is blended in every part of its design.
“It demonstrates the high quality of Nurol’s works in hotel and serviced apartments in the district of landmark projects including Etihad Towers, Perl, Emirates Palace, Presidential Palace, etc.”
The project was undertaken by new developer Emirates Moroccan Trading Company (EMROC). The main construction contract was awarded to local company Nurol Construction back in 2010 after which the construction work started by the end of the same year. The MEP subcontracting project was awarded to Turkish engineering firm Arma EleKtropanc. Kara said that there is an average manpower of the project is about 1,000 across all trades.
The project is expected to be completed by the end of this month and fully operational by the first quarter of 2016. The hotel will be operated by Millenium and Copthorne Hotels. Considering the construction, design and operational cost, the overall cost of the project exceeds AED1bn.
Kara says that one of the major challenges was the delay in design and approvals especially on finalisation of finishing materials (provisional items) on this project, which is common in many construction projects in the UAE.
“Another challenge was the construction difficulties in the very confined and environmentally sensitive location of the project. However delays were lessened through implementing proper communication, stakeholder management, team building, and crashing the work activities. Work space limitation was mitigated through proper logistical planning of activities and using high technology machineries and equipment in the construction site. ”