Saadiyat Development and Investment Company appoints Sharpoorji Pallonji as main contractor for iconic AED 1.5 billion Abu Dhabi real estate development

Saadiyat Development and Investment Company (SDIC) board members, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, H.E. Hamad Al Darmaki, and CEO/MD Rashid Al Zaabi have officially announced the appointment of Shapoorji Pallonji Middle East as the main contractor for the multimillion-dirham (AED 1.5375 billion) Qaryat al Hidd development on Saadiyat Island.

Sharpoorji Pallonji joins international construction and real estate consultants Drees & Sommer, lead international design consultants B+H Architects Corp., and lead international architectural and engineering multi-disciplinary consultants Khatib & Alami, who have all previously been awarded contracts to provide project management and architecture expertise. 

The 160,000 sqm Qaryat al Hidd development consists of two separate residential developments, Sunrise and Sunset. Over 900 luxury apartments are spread across 12 buildings with each housing a range of one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments. The elegant four and five storey buildings are architecturally representative of their respective zone and connected by lush greenery and ornamental gardens with all properties offering sought after waterfront views.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Saeed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “The wealth of global experience and proven track record of delivering excellence on time and within budget was a key decision when selecting contractors for this project. In order to create world-renowned developments, it is important to work with people who are aligned with our goals and vision which I am confident we have achieved through Shapoorji Pallonji, Drees & Sommer, B+H Architects, and Khatib & Alami.

‘The elegant design of the homes, the combination of a natural environment and waterfront lifestyle, a family-focused design and easy access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s business hubs, will ensure this development will be extremely popular with end-users,” he added. 

Shapoorji Pallonji group has a rich history of over 154 years in the global construction industry with an annual turnover of US$ 7 billion and sustained growth year on year. Since inception, Shapoorji Pallonji has been a pioneer in the construction industry in India. 

Mohandass Saini, MD & CEO of SP Mideast LLC said: “We are honoured and excited to partner with world-class developer SDIC to develop the exquisite beachfront residential property ‘Qaryat Al Hidd’ in the Saadiyat Island, and we are committed and geared to complete the project on time”.

As part of Drees & Sommer’s remit, the team will be responsible for elements of the project including agile planning, value engineering, technical project management, cost control and quality management, amongst others. 

Stephan Degenhart, Associate Partner of Drees & Sommer and Managing Director of the Middle East office, said: “We are proud to be contributing to such an iconic development on one of the most sought-after areas of real estate in the emirate. To date, we have been responsible for delivering world-renowned projects in multiple continents and we’re confident we can apply that expertise to successfully delivering this project and ensuring a high-quality outcome for the client.” 

As the lead design consultants, B+H Architects prides itself on the fact that as planner architect, landscape architect, and interior resigner they have a unique talent of shaping every element of a guest or patrons experience as an immediately recognizable brand. This provides significant added value to the owner and all who visit this community.

Reflecting upon this as the completion of their work, Phillip Jones, Managing Director for B+H in the UAE said: “It is said that great architecture is not simply the delivery of a well-engineered building but the delivery of spaces that inspire and uplift us as humans. With Qaryat Al Hidd, B+H had the rare opportunity to work with a visionary client who not only understood that architecture can inspire but so does the outdoor public landscaped spaces. SDIC’s vision has always been developing a holistic community that improves the lives of all those who live, work, and play in this stunning beachfront community. It has been a great honour and thrill for B+H to deliver the design of a unique resort community for SDIC on Saadiyat Island.”

Khatib & Alami (K&A) has been appointed Construction Supervision Consultant for Qaryat Al Hidd, and they will be responsible for working with the contractor to ensure the project is built according to exacting standards, in line with the design drawings and specifications, and for maintaining best practices in health and safety.

Bashar Ayyash, vice president – Abu Dhabi for K&A, said: “Qaryat Al Hidd is set to be among the finest developments of its kind, and K&A is delighted to part of its world-class project team. We are committed to ensuring that every detail is delivered to the highest possible standards in order to create a destination which does justice to the stunning beauty of Saadiyat Island while preserving its sensitive natural ecosystem. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on the project to establish a strong safety culture and a collaborative, one-team approach to realize the vision of our client.”

Qaryat al Hidd forms part of the larger 1.5 million sqm Hidd al Saadiyat masterplan development on Saadiyat Island and will feature a range of amenities including parks, playgrounds, shops, restaurants as well as a range of five-star resorts and world-class marina and yacht club.