Piling work on iconic Burj Al Alam to be completed by January 2010

Middle East Foundations Group was awarded the shoring and piling contract for the Dhs4bn project that is slated to become one of the emirate's defining landmarks and an iconic addition to its skyline.

Commenting on the work progress Mr. Syed Muhammad Ali, C.E.O. of Fortune Group, said:

"Work on the tower is progressing at a steady pace. The shoring work has been completed and already over 146 of the 613 piles required for the foundation of the pioneering project have been laid. The piling work should be completed by January 2010 and we are optimistic about meeting the 2012 deadline for completing the project."

"For the 510-metre tall edifice which will be amongst the tallest structures in the world, we have ensured the use of state-of-the-art structural techniques in shoring and piling, with best construction practices being adopted at the construction site. Around 58,000 cubic metres of concrete and 5,000 tonnes of steel will be consumed in the piling work, which will require an estimated 180,000 man-hours to complete," added Mr Ali.

Designed by Japanese architects Nikken Sekkei to resemble a crystal flower, Burj Al Alam is an eye-catching hyperboloid skyscraper that flares out at the top and bottom and is inspired by the Arabian rose and Zen culture. It includes 74 floors of office space, a high-end, 200-room hotel - the highest hotel in the world - and 104 serviced apartments in the top 27 floors and a four-storey retail concept 'The Corporate Mall' at the base.

Its six-storey crown, where the petals of the flower separate, provides spectacular views of Business Bay Creek to the south and the Burj Dubai super-high rise tower to the north and features a restaurant, the world's highest sky garden and rooftop spa, Turkish bath, viewing deck, helipad and private club facilities. Its graceful façade, formed by six shafts that appear to be bound together at the centre, will be clad in reflective glass. Fortune Group has already sold 50% of retail space in Corporate Mall and 75% of the commercial space in the tower.

The structural and service engineers of the project are Arup Japan Ltd while the local consultants are Engineering Construction Group (ECG). US-based Parsons Brinckerhoff has been named project manager for the development.

Commenting on the growth of the group, Mr. Ali, said:

"Fortune has grown steadily over the years to become one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE. We currently have a portfolio of over Dhs12bn and our cumulative investments exceed Dhs6.5bn, with around 19 million sq ft of project area presently under various phases of development. We try to give our projects that extra edge, bringing together prime location, elegant design and superb craftsmanship. All of which add up to great value that appreciates over time."