Three companies in race for Abu Dhabi Guggenheim
05 September 2009
Three, possibly five candidates will be competing in the tender for the construction of the Guggenheim of Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates newspaper The National reports that three of the world's largest construction companies are ready for the tender, and possibly two local ones.
Official sources say that the British Balfour Beatty, the South African Murray and Roberts and the Australian Leighton will compete to win the prestigious contract, which has an estimated value of 750 million USD. Arabtec in Dubai, the largest construction company in the UAE, may also make an offer, as well as the National Projects and Construction (NPC) from Abu Dhabi.
Only companies with annual sales of more than 1 billion dollars will be allowed to enter the tender. The building, designed by Canadian architect Frank Gehry, who also designed the Guggenheim in Bilbao, is going to be a real challenge due to its unusual design and its complex details. According to Grahame McCaig, general director of the UAE subsidiary of Balfour Beatty, the particular design makes it necessary "to team up with one of the largest subcontractors for the construction of some parts."
Tom Barry, CEO of Arabtec, and the South African and Australian company which might form a joint venture, have come to the same conclusion. NPC director Paul Majoor said that the company will cooperate with a partner if it decides to join the tender.
The museum, developed by the Tourism Development and Investment Company, will be constructed on the island of Saadiyat which is being built 500m off the coast of Abu Dhabi. On the same island the Louvre, the Zayed Museum of local cultural heritage, a maritime museum and an art centre will be built.
Source: Ansamed