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PROJECT PROFILE
rock in a short period of time, which was mechanically removed using in excess of 50 breakers at any one time. Coordinating all of this was a challenge, but one we were able to overcome given our integrated approach and focus on efficiencies,” the developer says. Alongside the rock removal and cable, telecom and water line diversions, the developer was also required to protect oil & gas pipelines from damage during the task of widening roads. Meanwhile, before construction could begin, there was an abattoir and recreational club on the site which had to be relocated elsewhere in the city to allow for the preparation of ground works. Beyond these tasks, a major new bridge was constructed over the live Muscat Expressway, which had to be completed without closing any lanes. Extensive road diversions were also undertaken to build a further three bridges; each was opened separately, the developer explains. Another key aspect of the project was making sure it lived up to the sustainability standards that form a part of the company’s core values. From the very beginning of the project, the entire team was briefed about the expectations and vision for Mall of Oman, with the target being for the highest possible standards across every stage of the development to be maintained. “We set out to achieve LEED Gold status – the international accredited benchmark for highly sustainable
An active schedule of work streams is in place to keep us on track for the March 2021 opening. Specifically, work is underway to complete the mall roof, while energisation of the number nine substation is also ongoing” developments – across the project, and we have reached this objective for the design stage. We are also currently on target to achieve LEED Gold status for construction, with an extensive photovoltaic solar scheme under development for the car park shades. “The upper car park is covered by solar panels with installed capacity of 2,300kWp, which generates around 3.6m kWh per year. Major recycling and waste diversion facilities are also being undertaken by the contractor to boost the mall’s sustainable credentials. Overall, the project will achieve the LEED Gold status and we intend to aim for a Platinum certification also, as we achieved
September 2019 | MEConstructionNews.com
Robust policies Majid Al Futtaim Properties has implemented robust HSE and sustainability policies on the project, guaranteeing high standards.
70% estimated
current construction completion
with our development of the City Centre Me’aisem and City Centre Mirdif malls in the UAE,” the developer says. A robust HSE policy is also in place, implemented by Majid Al Futtaim Properties itself. A full-time HSE manager has been employed on the project, working alongside the consultant’s HSE managers to guarantee that the developer’s standards and policies are implemented and maintained by all contractors. “Our team undertakes labour accommodation audits to ensure the workers’ facilities meet our strict requirements, while weekly site walks are completed by senior HSE members with full representation from Majid Al Futtaim Properties, the consultants, and contractors directly involved in the project.” As the project continues to progress towards completion, it becomes clear that Mall of Oman will show the way forward for the sultanate when it comes to delivering projects of this size and scale. However, its impact will clearly be most powerfully felt in the country’s still nascent retail sector; it is likely to set the standard for years to come, just as the developer intends. “The development will set a new benchmark of quality in the sultanate for every kind of visitor. The mall will represent so much more than simply a place to shop, it will be a place to create great moments between people.”
