Al-Futtaim Carillion (AFC)’s long history of successful construction works in the UAE is currently culminating in one of the Company’s most high profile projects to date as it looks to apply its market-leading expertise to the Dubai World Trade Centre’s One Central Development.
MAKING TOMORROW A BETTER PLACE
With roots tracing back to the early days of the region’s growth and development, AFC’s experience and local knowledge is almost unparalleled, naturally lending itself to projects such as these, and with a plethora of complex, large-scale developments under its belt over the years, this latest addition to the portfolio reaffirms its dominant market position.
“The Company commenced activities in the mid-1950s under the banner of George Wimpey & Co. Ltd, then in the 1970s as Al-Futtaim Wimpey LLC,” introduces AFC’s Project Director Anil Kumar Madathil for DWTC’s One Central. “In 1994, the Company became Al-Futtaim Tarmac after a Wimpey/Tarmac asset swap and subsequently Al-Futtaim Carillion LLC after a Tarmac demerger in 1999.”
Moving into the modern day, “AFC was awarded Phase 1 of DWTC’s One Central development project through a competitive tender process in March, 2014”, Madathil continues. “Our ability to deliver Phase 1 on time, and with quality delivery, enabled us to secure Phase 2 in December, 2015 and subsequently, Phase 3 was awarded in December, 2016 through a competitive tender process.”
Across all stages, AFC has been able to apply its commitment to safety, quality and delivery , beginning with Phase 1 of the One Central development which included a combination of commercial and hotel space as well as external finishes.
Madathil details: “It involved the construction of two towers, a 16-floor hotel with 588 rooms, and an eight-floor, LEED Gold certified A-grade office building, with five Levels of basement, the construction of an LPG station, and a service culvert; all across a built-in area of 126,000 square metres, with an approximate contract value of AE$457 million.”
Phase 2 of the development consists of two LEED Gold certified A-grade office towers as well as a link building, a retail area at ground level, a core restaurant at roof level, and associated external works and landscaping with a built-in area of 176,000 square metres. The approximate value of this middle stage has been stated at AE$739 million.
Madathil rounds up: “Phase 3 is similar to the Phase 2 building with an additional car park extension and another service culvert with an approximate value of AE$749 million with a built-in area of approximately 186,000 square metres.”
AWARD-WINNING WORKS
AFC has delivered numerous, complex megaprojects in the UAE over the course of its 40-year evolution, subsequently establishing itself as one of the top tier contractors in the region.
Its high standards and strict adherence to them encompasses areas of safety and quality is instilled across each and every member of its experienced team.
“The Company has worked across the UAE, initially undertaking civil and infrastructure projects,” Madathil says. “Many of these early works were landmark projects in the development of the UAE and, today, the modern day Company continues to apply its substantial experience, knowledge and capabilities on major projects, so continuing to help create the new vision of UAE.
“We currently have a number of ongoing projects across the infrastructure, retail, residential, commercial, leisure and education sectors working with some of the largest developers in the region.”
Consequently renowned as one of the UAE’s most prestigious contractors – inevitably being earmarked for the country’s most prestigious projects – the business has grown accordingly to cater for such demand; now comprised of 5,000 employees within its joint venture composition.
The Company’s vast scale has also led it to organically expand and diversify its capabilities, becoming a one-stop shop turnkey proposition for potential clients in the region.
Madathil notes: “We have developed a reputation for delivering complex, high quality projects safely and on time and budget for our clients. We have a portfolio of award-winning works in areas vital to society.
“From first concept to post-handover support, we provide high quality, cost effective and sustainable solutions, tailored to the needs of our customers. Recognised as a one-stop shop, Al Futtaim Carillion is proud to be able to provide a packaged integrated solution.”
FOCUSING ON THE FUTURE
In Madathil’s words, AFC’s general contractor appeal is unsurpassed as a result of the quality and professionalism that is showcased across each and every project; a differentiator that is certainly being displayed at present at One Central, where Phases 2 and 3 are in full swing.
“Phase 2 is in the finishes, testing and commissioning stage and is programmed to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017. The Phase 3 structure is ongoing and is programmed to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018,” the Project Director explains.
Incorporated into each Phase, and indeed within every project that AFC is involved in, is a series of additions and improvements to the Company’s skill-sets and processes. A recent example on the technology front has included a configured app, ‘Field View’, which has been implemented to aid safety and quality monitoring on-site.
“We have also configured this app to record snagging during the handover period,” Madathil adds. “Investing in and utilising this technology eases the execution and management of such activities.
“Building Information Modelling (BIM) has also been implemented on the project for efficient management of design, commercial, procurement, programme and delivery. We are currently working with IT specialists to develop more technology-driven project monitoring.”
And behind every new technological innovation is an employee whose loyalty is repaid through AFC’s support, training and skills development. Each individual is given the opportunity to gain the necessary skills to reach their full potential and evolve through the business; ensuring that the Company is continuously occupied by a specialised, highly qualified, effective and efficient team to help it realise its mission statement of ‘making tomorrow a better place’.
“We provide equal opportunities and a safe and healthy workplace, and our other commitments to human rights reflect our belief that the success of the Company is linked with employee satisfaction and well-being. This is what helps us to attract and retain our people,” Madathil emphasises.
Successful delivery of projects is the desired result from implementing such refined internal procedures, and this is once again underpinning AFC’s successful role at One Central; Phase 1 of the One Central development recently receiving the MEED quality award for Best Commercial Project of the Year in the GCC.
Madathil concludes: “It is a great privilege to be involved in a development as prestigious as One Central, where we have had the opportunity to work on all three phases. This was possible only because of our outstanding teamwork and great support from our client, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
“DWTC is one of the premier developers in the UAE and they have a great pipeline of projects. I believe our successful delivery will strengthen our relationship and improve our opportunities to participate in future tenders and project awards.”
