One of the UK’s most distinguished and oldest construction services company, Wates, has opened an office in Abu Dhabi, marking its first step onto the international stage.

The award-winning Wates Construction, with a turnover of more than Dh6 billion and over 2,200 staff, has an almost unparalleled pedigree having worked on some of the UK’s most treasured and prestigious buildings. This includes the restoration of St Paul’s Cathedral; the renovation of The National Gallery in London’s Trafalgar Square; and the refurbishment of Queen’s Gallery within Buckingham Palace, which houses The Queen’s Royal Collection of art and treasures.

Alongside such impressive projects, Wates also has a strong track record in the design, construction, funding and operation of new schools and prisons, with a reputation for always completing projects on time and on budget, said a statement.

Its construction experience stretches into several other sectors including retail, commercial and affordable housing. In the UAE, Wates is working with construction, industrial and property group Al Fara’a on the design, development and delivery of educational facilities.

Wates is one of the leading developers in the education sector in the UK and has built schools and colleges to accommodate 35,000 pupils, including Canterbury College and North Liverpool Academy. It is currently running the day-to-day operations of 26 UK schools.

Wates’ history stretches back 114 years, but its reputation as a preeminent builder and developer was confirmed in the years following World War II. Wates became integral in the reconstruction of post war Britain in the 1940s and 1950s and rebuilt huge areas of London and Birmingham. It has continued to maintain its name as a ‘nation builder’ that delivers important amenities and infrastructure, an expertise and experience that will be of value to Abu Dhabi as it develops into a leading global city.

“Previous generations at Wates have helped to reconstruct London and now, decades later, we have the same opportunity to help Abu Dhabi fulfill its potential,” explained Matthew Kennedy, Wates’ Middle East director.-TradeArabia News Service