News Archive
KEO wins major role on Jordan's big tourism bid
Released on 02/07/2009
KEO International Consultants has won a six-month program management contract from Al Maabar, the Abu Dhabi-based real estate investment company, to work on Jordan’s US$10bn Marsa Zayed development in the port city of Aqaba.
Al Maabar’s project, one of Jordan’s largest development to date, covers a 3.2-square-km patch of prime real estate on Jordan’s only port, in the Gulf of Aqaba, a long inlet of the Red Sea.
Groundbreaking is scheduled in early 2010 and with over 6 million sq m of built-up area, it is the largest tourism project in Jordan’s history.
The development will include high-rise residential towers, retail, recreational, entertainment, business and financial districts and several branded hotels. Several marinas are designed to increase Aqaba’s attraction as a yachting destination. There are also plans for an iconic cruise ship terminal.
Commenting on the contract award, Al Maabar's CEO, Mr Abdallah Hageali, said:
“A project of this scale will act as a major economic stimulus and its impact will not only be felt in Aqaba but also throughout Jordan and the wider region. We have awarded this contract to KEO International Consultants because their vast experience and professionalism will help guarantee the success of this iconic development.”
KEO will also be responsible for master planning, landscape design, infrastructure design, marketing, feasibility studies, traffic and environmental impact assessments, design reviews and cost related services. KEO will also be responsible for project risk management throughout the period of the contract. Preliminary assessments will be conducted on critical issues including port relocation, variations of construction costs, land reclamation, cruise ship access, feasibility and market conditions.
Donna Sultan, CEO of KEO International Consultants, said:
“KEO will be there every step of the way to ensure time, cost and quality are maintained. This project occurs at a critical time in the global economic downturn, as developers seek best value and returns. We appreciate the confidence Al Maabar has placed in us and look forward to this challenge.”
