IMPLEMENTING some 50,000 sq m of false ceiling works in one of Bahrain’s prestigious projects can be a daunting task particularly with a host of other trades working on the project at the same time. However given its experience in the field, the well-diversified Shaheen Group rose to the challenge posed by King Hamad University Hospital and achieved yet another success.

The group, through its member companies, executed a number of assignments at the medical facility: Gypsum Products provided all the acoustical and standard false ceiling works; Gulf Services was responsible for the supply, installation, and testing and commissioning of the fire-fighting system; and Awal Products supplied six McQuay air-cooled chillers.
Some 25,000 sq m of acoustic ceiling tiles and 22,500 sq m of gypsum ceiling works, worth BD300,000 ($796,000) were provided to the project, according to Victor Abou Tayeh, general manager for Gypsum Products.

Work has been completed and the company has received a practical completion certificate.

Shaheen also supplied six McQuay chillers for the project.

Speaking of the challenges involved in carrying out the project, Abou Tayeh says: “Carrying out approximately 50,000 sq m of false ceiling work is a big challenge particularly when a lot of other contractors and works are involved. As ceiling works are among the last works carried out on a project, coordination and execution of these works as per schedule was the biggest challenge. However, our professional and qualified team completed the project as per schedule.”

In addition to the King Hamad University Hospital, each of these companies has recently carried out numerous other projects in Bahrain. Gypsum Products, a specialist interior fit-out contractor, has provided state-of-the-art gypsum ceiling and cladding for all the guest rooms and spa at the Sofitel Zallaq Resort Hotel, under a subcontract from main contractor China State Construction Engineering Corporation. The project was worth more than BD300,000 (($796,000) to the company.

Furthermore, a BD400,000 ($1.06 million) project involving GRG (glass-reinforced gypsum) curved ceiling, metal ceiling works and fire-resistant and standard gypsum partition works was executed by Gypsum Products at the Arcapita Bank headquarters at Bahrain Bay for Mivan Depa Contracting.

Other projects carried out by Gypsum Products include the Prime Sports Entertainment Centre at Sitra Mall, where it undertook complete interior fit-out works (over more than 3,000 sq m) for a bowling and recreation centre under a contract valued at more than BD500,000 ($1.3 million); and Riffa Views where, under a BD635,000 ($1.69 million) deal from the contractor GP Zachariades, the company undertook ceiling works for 335 villas; special ceilings at rooflight areas at Bahrain City Centre for Cebarco WCT; as well as many high-end luxury villas.

Meanwhile, the other Shaheen Group companies that were involved in the King Hamad University Hospital project have also been involved on a diverse range of projects in Bahrain. Awal Products, a leading heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) services provider, was the MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) contractor for the Matrook Tower project under a BD2.85 million ($7.5 million) contract. It has also carried out works at the Sofitel Zallaq Resort Hotel, Riffa Views (67 villas at South Park); Country Mall; Meena 7, Dragon Complex and Al Marsa Floating City at Amwaj Islands; InterContinental health club and car-park building; and Al Safir Tower.

Similarly, Gulf Services, which handles various electromechanical contracts for fire and safety, has carried out a BD1.6-million ($4.24 million) project at Sofitel Zallaq Resort Hotel and a BD130,000 ($345,000)-project entailing supply, installation, and testing and commissioning of an ESFR (early suppression fast response) sprinkler system for Kraft Food (as per FM Global approval). Other projects to which the company has contributed include Tabreed’s district cooling plant, the Lagoon Bahrain, a commercial development in Amwaj Island, and the Universal Rolling Mill, Hidd.

Meanwhile, in line with its growth strategy, the Shaheen Group has joined hands with Saint Gobain to offer ceiling solutions to the regional market. It has also set up Abrasives Technology Industries (ATI) in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, in joint venture with Bahrain-based Nass Group. The $10-million joint venture, which specialises in the manufacture of high-quality abrasive resin-bonded cutting and grinding wheels, is believed the first sophisticated facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf.

The group has also successfully acquired ISO9001 total quality management certifications and intends to expand and establish branches all over GCC in the coming year.

Shaheen Group employs about 300 people and has facilities in the Mina Salman and Sitra industrial areas.