 |
| |
UAE's Al Habtoor Tower Contract Goes To Chinese Firm | |
| Sumita Pawar |
The Al Habtoor Group has appointed China Railway 18th Bureau Group as the main contractor for its $1 billion Al Habtoor Tower, the largest residential building in the world.
The project, which is being built in Dubai, will comprise 1,701 keys over a built-up area of 3,517,313 square feet and 81 floors above ground.
 |
Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of Al Habtoor Group, commented, "It gives me great pleasure to welcome China Railway 18th Bureau Group as the main contractor for the Al Habtoor Tower.
"Knowing the complexity of taking on such a project, which requires a progressive and unique approach to construction, selecting the right contractors for the construction works was crucial for my team and me, as our goal is to complete Al Habtoor Tower at the highest quality in record time.
"The tender inquiry was published countrywide. We initially accepted 10 bidders and shortlisted three key bidders in an extensive process. We accepted the documents of European, local, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern companies."
The building will be constructed using a top-down construction method, with heavy equipment from Bauer manoeuvred on top of the current building to reuse and reutilize the existing structure.
The construction method will help reduce the building's carbon footprint. The project is expected to be completed within 36 months.
Following their engagement as the main contractor, Mr. Zon Lin, General Manager of China Railway 18th Bureau Group Ltd., wrote to Khalaf Al Habtoor, saying, "On behalf of China Railway 18th Bureau Group, I wish to take this golden opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude and joy to you in receiving the LOA for the most prestigious project, Al Habtoor Tower, which is a clear reflection of your trust and immense confidence in us to deliver the project in accordance with your deepest satisfaction. With your blessing, we are fully committed to executing and especially delivering the project within our full capabilities and abilities. You will not be disappointed in any way by our promises. We will ‘definitely walk the talk’."