Professional services leader secures milestone contract as developer works towards breaking ground in Q1 2018

ARADA has awarded the infrastructure design contract for Aljada, Sharjah’s largest ever mixed-use project, to professional services firm Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (NYSE:JEC)*. The contract forms part of the overall AED1.2 billion infrastructure package for Aljada, which will see Jacobs managing all aspects of infrastructure delivery for the project, including roads, water, power and drainage, ensuring full integration with the overall masterplan.

Aljada, a master-planned destination with a sales value of AED24 billion that is set to transform the future of Sharjah, was unveiled by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during an exclusive ceremony in early September 2017. Since that date, and helped by ARADA’s first appearance at the Cityscape Global real estate showpiece, the 24 million sq. ft. project has become Sharjah’s fastest-selling residential community.

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of ARADA, said: “This is a significant milestone for Aljada, as we continue to work towards breaking ground on this megaproject by the end of the first quarter. We are pleased to be partnering with Jacobs, a company with an excellent track record in delivering world-class projects around the world.”

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman, ARADA

Neil Stevens, Project Director with Jacobs, said: “We are extremely happy to be working closely with ARADA on the development of Aljada, a landmark project both for Sharjah and the UAE. We are looking forward to bringing our expertise and skills to this inspiring project and help deliver innovative, yet sustainable infrastructure, for this exciting development.”

The contract award follows a busy start to the year for Aljada and the developer behind the project, ARADA. In early January, ARADA announced that it had secured a AED1 billion Islamic financing facility with two major UAE banks, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank, to help fund the development of Aljada. In December, ARADA hosted Red Bull Torque, a brand new motorsports experience featuring highly tuned desert buggies at the Aljada site, with 1,000 visitors enjoying for the first time a purpose-built events destination. ARADA will now roll out a calendar of further events at the site, focusing on sports, entertainment and family activities.

Aljada is ideally situated on the last major plot of undeveloped land in the heart of Sharjah, with exceptional connectivity to surrounding areas, and is an all-encompassing district that comprises considerable retail, leisure and entertainment options, in addition to a wide range of residential and commercial offerings.

Delivered in phases starting in 2019, construction on Aljada will begin in the first quarter of 2018 and the entire project is expected to be completed by 2025. The Aljada masterplan is carefully designed with walkability and wide green spaces in mind, allowing residents, workers and visitors the ability to live, work, play and be entertained within an all-inclusive and self-sustained precinct.

Buyers interested in purchasing their home in Aljada are invited to attend ARADA’s dedicated sales office in the Badriyah Ballroom in the Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah, between 10am and 7pm between Saturdays and Thursdays, or call 800-ARADA.

*On December 15, 2017, Jacobs announced the completion of its acquisition of CH2M. The combination is expected to further support Jacobs’ mission of delivering innovative solutions for a more connected, sustainable world.