Shapoorji Pallonji, a leading construction company in India with a long history of building some of the country's most iconic structures, has achieved further success in the Arabian Gulf recently, where it has won a number of major contracts.

Known to be one of the oldest construction firms in India, the company set foot in the Gulf in the early 1970s when it won the contract for the construction of the palace of the Sultan of Oman after beating off stiff international competition, thus becoming the first Indian construction company to venture into international markets.

Among the major projects it has clinched in the region over the past year is a SR1.39 billion ($369.57 million) contract from Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), for the development of an entertainment destination at Al Hamra district in Riyadh.  This was followed in May this year with the fit-out works deal for the Da Vinci Tower at Business Bay, Dubai.

The company also figures among top builders that have partnered with leading Saudi community developer Roshn for the development of modern infrastructure and facilities across the several projects it is developing in the kingdom.

Seven’s entertainment destination

Shapoorji Pallonji has started construction work on the first of the 21 integrated entertainment destinations being built by Saudi Entertainment Ventures (Seven) at an investment of SR50 billion.

Seven’s first entertainment destination is being built in Riyadh’s Al Hamra district  at an investment value of more than SR3 billion. The project occupies a strategic site covering more than 90,000 sq m  at the intersection of the Eastern Ring Road and King Abdullah Road and has a built-up area of 167,000 sq m.

Seven Al Hamra is expected to attract 6 million visitors per year by providing world-leading entertainment attractions.

Commenting on the award last year, MD Saini, Managing Director and CEO of Shapoorji Pallonji, said: “Saudi Arabia, through Vision 2030, has ambitions to become one of the best places to live and visit in the world. We, at Shapoorji Pallonji, feel honoured that Seven chose to partner with us on this ambitious and path-breaking venture. We are already executing multiple projects in Saudi Arabia and this project will certainly add significantly to our business portfolio and further establish our long-lasting legacy in Saudi Arabia.”

The Al Hamra complex will feature many of Seven’s signature entertainment experiences including an indoor Hubless Wheel, Wave House indoor surfing, a 10-lane bowling alley, indoor skydiving, an indoor karting racetrack, as well as cinemas, restaurants, cafes, international retail stores and fitness.

Seven’s entertainment destination in Al Hamra will also be home to numerous world-first entertainment attractions developed through global partnerships.

Roshn

Shapoorji Pallonji was among the top construction firms that have signed agreements worth a total of SR8 billion with Roshn, which is powered by the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund PIF for the development of modern infrastructure and facilities across the several projects it is developing in the kingdom. Other contractors include China Harbour Engineering Company, Ansab Contracting, Cityscape Group, Al Kifah Precast Company, Haif Company and Trans Contracting Company.

Da Vinci Tower

Shapoorji Pallonji was awarded the fit-out works for the Da Vinci Tower by Dar Global, a leading real estate developer.  The AED800-million ($217.8 million) project features 80 exclusive apartments, including high-end one-, two- and three-bedroom units and a luxurious penthouse.

 The avant-garde design of the Da Vinci Tower along the Dubai Canal is by Pagani which, Dar Global said, will redefine the concept of luxury living in Dubai. 

 Dar Global said the AED116 million contract award to Shapoorji Pallonji comes following a rigorous selection process. The fit-out works for the Da Vinci Tower will ensure that every aspect of its interiors, including the fittings, fixtures and finishes, meet the highest standards of luxury and sophistication, it adds. The tower is expected to be completed in December 2025.

Among other recent contract wins, Shapoorji Pallonji has been appointed main contractor for the construction of Majid Al Futtaim – Communities’ (part of UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim Properties) Aura and Aura Gardens at Tilal Al Ghaf in Dubai. The contract scope covers the construction of 808 villas set across two distinct neighbourhoods.

Some of Shapoorji Pallonji's recently completed projects in the Gulf include Oman Across Ages Museum in Nizwa, and Mall of Oman; a 257-key hotel branded and themed by Warner Bros in Abu Dhabi; and Abraj Quartier Residential Towers in Doha, Qatar.