Sorouh quarterly updates on construction works at Shams Abu Dhabi

Shams Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island is an Dhs25bn landmark self-sustaining city of canals and parks that integrates world-class master planning practices and extends the lush green of Abu Dhabi's landscape. Featured within Shams Abu Dhabi are several unique projects including Central Park, the Gate District, Sky Tower, Sun Tower and Marina.

Hyder-Halcrow has been selected as the project infrastructure design consultants, while Hill QPI has been appointed Project managers for Shams Abu Dhabi Infrastructure, Sun and Sky Towers.

The 1.5kms of seawall forming the east coastline of the development has been completed. So far all 5949 concrete blocks required to form the marina wall and seawall have been cast, with 1900 blocks (77%) of the marina wall already placed.

The bridge contract is supervised by Cansult Maunsell. Nurol, the contractor, started work in May 2007 and is scheduled to finish by the third quarter of 2009. Concrete substructure construction has commenced and is so far 30% complete.

Due to the architectural slenderness of the bridge decks, it is necessary for the utilities to cross under the canals which each bridge crosses. The finishing of the utility crossings (utilities include power, water, gas, IT, district cooling, irrigation, and drainage) is one of the most critical milestones of the infrastructure completion phase. This work is now 60% complete with work due to be completed by the third quarter of 2008.

Al Geemi & Partners commenced the road and utility works at the end of November 2007, and their targeted date of completion of the utilities is the end of 2009.

In June 2008, Nurol was also awarded the construction of the 4kms of canals and 3 pedestrian bridges.

Shams Abu Dhabi is provided with district cooling of a capacity of 190,000 tonnes. Earlier this year, an agreement was signed with Tabreed to provide district cooling networks and plants for 70,000 tonnes supplying part of Shams Abu Dhabi. An agreement with PAL Technology is being finalised to provide 120,000 tonnes for the remaining areas of Shams Abu Dhabi.

Sorouh also announced that the 74-storey Sky Tower project is progressing to schedule. To date, construction of the tower floor slabs has reached level 36 including 3 floors of basement, and the core of the building has reached its 40th level.

In addition, the 65-storey Sun Tower project is progressing to schedule. To date, construction of the tower floor slabs has reached level 30 including 3 floors of basement, and the core of the building has reached its 36th level.

Callison has been selected to do the concept design for Shams Marina, which will be completed by the end of September 2008. Also, TRI Consultants have been employed to complete the Market Study for this particular development.

The first phase of Shams Abu Dhabi will be completed in the first quarter of 2010 and the expected completion date for the whole development is 2013.