Drake&Scull wins major contract for Riyadh complex

Dubai: Drake & Scull International PJSC (DSI), a regional leader delivering integrated engineering capabilities, has been awarded a Dh460 million contract for the complete mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works for the iconic Information Technology and Communications Centre (ITCC) project in Riyadh.

DSI will undertake this project in a joint venture with the Al Zamil Group, one of the largest conglomerates in Saudi Arabia.

The contract was awarded by Rayadah Investment Company, the investment arm of the Saudi government's Public Pensions Agency (PPA). "The dynamics of the Saudi market are different from the other GCC markets in which we have been operating; we had to ensure that we adapted our practices to meet the strict requirements of the kingdom's construction industry, which can be very challenging," said Khaldoun Tabari, DSI CEO.

"Following the recent win of Damac Jawharah Tower for 450 million riyals and now the ITCC project, we can proceed in the knowledge that our efforts in the kingdom are starting to pay off and we are on the right track for further development in the country."

Smart city

ITCC is the kingdom's first "smart city". When completed it will offer widespread broadband services, the latest in voice and video communication platforms and high-level data security.

It will operate on a huge optic-fibre cable network designed to give the fastest speeds and accommodate next generation technologies.

The Dh6 billion project will cover 776,000 square metres and will include four 20-storey towers, business technology incubator buildings, a sports club, a clinic, a hotel, a convention centre, a technical college and government service buildings.

MEP work on the project has already begun and will be completed in 24 months.

Along with the main contractors working on the project, DSI will work to achieve the basic Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification through the use of grey water recycling, low energy lighting, low energy air conditioning and a reduction in solar gain.