BICC (formerly HLG Contracting), one of the UAE’s most prominent contractors, has been awarded the first infrastructure package worth Dh103 million ($28 million) by leading Sharjah developer Arada for its landmark mixed-use project - Aljada.

The total infrastructure package for the 24 million sq ft project, which has been designed by global engineering contractor Jacobs, will be worth more than Dh1 billion ($272.2 million).

The scope of work includes the construction of power, water and communications networks, as well as landscaping and building roads.

As per the deal, BICC will mobilise on site immediately and the work will be completed by October next year.

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).  

A key player in the region, BICC 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.

The Phase One, which will see the development of 14 apartment buildings, totalling 1,300 units, as well as more than 100 townhouses and semi-detached villas, is scheduled for completion 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 Dh24 billion project, said a top official.

"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," remarked Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, the chairman of Arada.

The construction contract announcement comes following 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.

Moustafa Fahour, the chief executive and managing director of BICC, said this project is well suited to the company'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," he added.-TradeArabia News Service