Contractor wins AED103 million deal to construct infrastructure for Phase 1 of record-breaking Sharjah megaproject

ARADA has announced that BIC Contracting LLC (BICC) has been awarded the first infrastructure package, worth AED103 million, at its landmark Sharjah megaproject, Aljada. The total infrastructure package for the 24 million square foot project, which has been designed by global engineering contractor Jacobs, will be worth more than AED1 billion. The scope of work includes the construction of power, water and communications networks, as well as landscaping and building roads. BICC will mobilise on site immediately and the work will be completed by October 2019.

Phase 1 of Aljada consists of 14 apartment buildings, totalling 1,300 units, as well as more than 100 townhouses and semi-detached villas, and is scheduled to be completed by the end of next year.  Construction at Aljada is already in full swing, following the development’s official groundbreaking in April, with contractor MBCC on site and building the first four apartment blocks in the AED24 billion project.

ARADA Chairman HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and Vice Chairman HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal at the Aljada groundbreaking ceremony

BICC, formerly known as HLG Contracting, is one of the UAE’s most prominent contractors and has worked on many of the Middle East’s most important projects, including the expansion of Dubai International Airport, Zayed University in Abu Dhabi and the Burj Al Arab. BICC is part-owned by CIMIC Group, a global infrastructure, mining, services, and public private partnerships group that is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).

HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of ARADA, said: “Infrastructure is the backbone of any successful real estate development, and as a result ARADA is very pleased to be working with BICC, a high-calibre company with a strong track record in this area. We are confident that they will execute this critical work to the very highest standards.”

Moustafa Fahour OAM, CEO and Managing Director of BICC, said: “This project is well suited to BICC’s expertise in delivering high-quality infrastructure for marquee projects in the Middle East region. Aljada is a project that represents Sharjah’s future, and we’re proud to be working with ARADA to help bring this destination to life.”

Misk apartment at Aljada by ARADA

The news follows ARADA’s recent announcement that Sharjah’s first smart homes would be based in Aljada, via the introduction of next-generation technology to the development’s Misk Apartments buildings. In April, ARADA announced the launch of East Village, a 15-building creative community targeting the younger generation, which constitutes Phase 2 of Aljada. Also in April, ARADA signed a management agreement with Emaar Hospitality Group to bring three new hotels, The Address Aljada Sharjah, Vida Aljada Sharjah and Rove Aljada to the megaproject. In January, the developer also confirmed that Jacobs had won a key contract to design the infrastructure for the project.

Launched in September 2017 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Aljada has swiftly become Sharjah’s fastest-selling residential community. Delivered in phases starting in 2019, 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 a fully integrated and sustainable community. Aljada has 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.

Interested buyers may find out more about Aljada at the ARADA Sales centre located at the Radisson Blu Sharjah in the Badriyah Ballroom from 10:00am to 7:00pm Saturday-Thursday.

Related: ARADA wins Master Developer of the Year at the Arabian Business Real Estate Awards 2018