Jafza, Al Habtoor Engineering sign contract for Convention Centre Complex

With this the free zone's drive towards perfecting its service-oriented strategy and enhancing its value position gathered further momentum.

The Dhs1.9bn contract agreement was signed by Mrs. Salma Hareb, CEO of Jafza and Economic Zones World, and Mr. Riad T. Sadik, Chairman, Al Habtoor Leighton Group, on Wednesday, April 2 at the Jebel Ali Free Zone.

The agreement entrusts Al Habtoor Engineering with the task of constructing the Convention Centre Complex comprising Food Court, the Office Complex and a 322-room hotel.

The entire project is spread over an area of 72,700 square metres.

The Dubai division of Al Habtoor Engineering will work closely with Arenco, the Project Consultant and EC Harris, the Project Management firm for the efficient execution of this highly prestigious project.

Mrs. Salma Hareb described the signing of the contract as a moment of great importance for Jafza.

'With this we are entering the next phase of Jafza's ambitious development plans. We aim to be the provider of the most advanced infrastructure, equipped with cutting edge technology, so that our customers will not have to look further for services,' she said.

'Jafza's success in becoming the most customer-friendly economic and logistics hub in the region is based on its pledge not to compromise on service quality. The Convention Centre Complex will be one of the best of its kind in the world. Our goal is unchallenged excellence and the signing of this contract is another step towards that goal,' Mrs. Salma Hareb added.

Mr. Riad T. Sadik of Al Habtoor Leighton Group said: 'The contract with Jafza is of great significance to us. The construction of the Convention Centre complex is a major milestone in the growth of Jebel Ali Free Zone and being part of this development is a matter of pride for us. We are confident that we can provide the best in terms of construction quality and meet the standards of excellence that Jafza expects in the execution of this project'.

The initial work on the Convention Centre Complex was launched in April 2007.

The complex is strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road.

It includes facilities such as 22 meeting and conference rooms equipped with the latest technology, exhibitions halls and a 700-seat modular auditorium.

A 22-outlet Food Court, two terrace restaurants, a fitness centre and a recreational area will enhance its service quality.

The plan also includes 22 retail outlets, a VIP Majlis, lecture halls and a 4100-space car parking zone.

The complex will also have a twin-tower commercial building housing 1,274 offices.

One of the two Signature Clubs in the country will be housed in the complex.

The Convention Centre Complex is designed to be one the most intelligent infrastructures in the region and aims at optimising process efficiency, operational simplicity and workforce productivity.