EXCLUSIVE: CEO Sameh Muhtadi tells CW the project needs a builder with 'very strong infrastructure capabilities'
Abu Dhabi-based developer Bloom Holding plans to appoint a main contractor for its 220ha Abu Dhabi International Airport-adjacent Bloom District project in Q4 2019, chief executive officer, Sameh Muhtadi, told Construction Week at Cityscape Abu Dhabi.
Muhtadi said the project is in the masterplanning stages at the moment, with Australian engineering consultancy GHD picked last month to work on the scheme.
“The main contractor for the project has not been appointed yet,” he added. “I would say in the last quarter of this year, we would look to appoint [one].”
Muhtadi said the group will develop the project in phases, adding: “The plot is so large that it’s going to take us roughly eight to 12 years to fully develop it. It is going to include residential units, villas, townhouses, schools, hospitals, community retail, and so on.”
His comments came during the 13th iteration of Cityscape Abu Dhabi, where the group is showcasing Abu Dhabi-based developments such as Park View and Soho Square, as well as Bloom Heights and Bloom Towers in Dubai’s Jumeriah Village Circle.
READ: Abu Dhabi's Bloom to enter Saudi Arabia with education assets
“The difference with [Bloom District] is the amount of infrastructure required,” said Muhtadi, when asked what qualities he would look for when selected a main contractor for the development.
“Initially, we would need a contractor with very strong infrastructure capabilities, followed by general contractors that have done residential and so on. But, infrastructure, I would say is the main requirement.”
Asked how the group’s other projects in the emirate are progressing, Muhtadi said Bloom would “very soon” launch Phase 5 of its gated community Bloom Gardens, located on Abu Dhabi’s Eastern corniche.
“That is going to be strictly townhouses,” he said.
Abu Dhabi Cityscape 2019 was inaugurated by HH Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The event is being held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.