Dohaland awards QR1.5bn construction contract to Hyundai and HBK

Qatar Foundation’s commercial subsidiary, Dohaland yesterday awarded a construction contract worth QR1.56bn to a consortium of Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company and HBK Contracting Company, marking a significant milestone in the ambitious 35-hectare Musheireb project.

This clears the way for construction of buildings to begin at Phase 1A of Musheireb in the heartland of Doha.

“The agreement concludes the awarding of a total of QR2.2bn of the major construction packages for Phase 1A, the first of the five phases in the Musheireb project,” a Dohaland offi cial said.

In 2009, Dohaland awarded enabling works to Bauer International Qatar and infrastructure works, including a district cooling plant and a 66kV substation, to CAT International.

“We have a commitment to deliver to our stakeholders on time, on budget and with the highest quality, as part of our values as a credible developer. This will be delivered through our values of heritage and culture, innovation, enrichment, environment and sustainability,” Dohaland chief executive officer Issa al-Mohannadi said.

Present on the occasion of the contract-signing was a delegation from Korea, including Hyundai Engineering & Construction president and CEO Joong Kyum Kim, Korean ambassador Chang See-jeong, HBK chairman and managing director Sheikh Ali bin Hamad al-Thani and representatives from Bauer and CAT. Dohaland executive committee members and the vice chairperson and director of the Office of HH Sheikha Mozah Nasser al-Misnad, Dr Abdullah al-Kubaisi, were also present.

Major consultancy service’s agreements have also been executed by Dohaland with a number of international firms.

They include: Time Qatar for project management; Arup as master development consultant and infrastructure consultant; Allies and Morrison as design architect for Phase 1A; and Burns McDonnell as executive architect for Phase 1A.

Phase 1A of Musheireb covers the construction of the Diwan Emiri Quarter, which includes the Diwan Annex, Emiri Guard and the National Archive, plus a Heritage Quarter that includes the Eid Prayer Ground and four heritage houses.

Joong Kyum Kim said: “We are honoured that Hyundai has been chosen to join the Dohaland team of esteemed partners. Working together on Musheireb reinforces our position as a leading contributor to the future of Qatar and its regeneration.”

The QR20bn Musheireb project will be completed in five phases, with the first phase due to be finished by 2012 and the last by 2016.

The mixed-use development contains hotels, retail, residential, mosques, cultural, heritage, school and government buildings ranging in height from three to 30 stories.

In January, HH the Emir and HH Sheikha Mozah inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony of Dohaland’s signature project, at the Knowledge Enrichment Centre, moored off the Corniche and now open to public three days a week.

After the contract signing ceremony yesterday, Dohaland officials took the guests on a guided tour of the Centre, located near the Sheraton Park.