The 153-m-high Dusit Dubai, with its peculiar and unique design, stands apart from other buildings situated in the area. It has curtain-walling and cladding covering an area of 30,000 sq m.
Given the special architectural and structural requirements of the project, which could only be delivered by a 'specialist and experienced' curtain-walling contractor, the job was awarded to Aluminium and Light Industries Company (Alico) Limited, says Mohammed Aslam, project manager with Alico.
The contract, valued at $6 million, was signed on July 4, 1999.
In this venture, Alico was closely associated with Arup Facade Engineering of South Africa, an internationally-renowned company known better for custom-design or unitised systems across the globe.
"Working in tandem with Alico's Technical Department, the company was responsible for the system development incorporating the specific requirements, both from an aesthetic and engineering point of view," Aslam says.
He continues: "The nature of work on the project involved design, manufacture, supply and installation of unitised and conventional curtain-walls, barrel vault, louvre systems and podium, apart from other related work.
"Being an ISO-certified company, all works from production to installation were carried out strictly in accordance with the established company QA/QC (quality assurance/quality control) procedures.
"No difficulties were encountered with respect to design and supply aspects. But installation of units on site proved to be a major challenge, particularly in the slope and arch areas - access to which was very difficult, involving cost and time factors.
''But the skill and experience of well-trained Alico personnel has enabled the company to overcome this hurdle.
''As scheduled, all works have been substantially completed and handed over to the client.
''The Dusit Dubai project is a milestone in the history of Alico. Having accepted a very challenging task, Alico has successfully completed the project and in doing so, has added one more landmark project to its list and furthered its reputation as a specialist curtain-walling contractor winning acclaim from one and all.''
Sharjah-based Alico is one of the largest curtain-walling firms in the Middle East, which was established in 1976 to manufacture aluminium doors and windows. 1980 saw the implementation of a concerted diversification programme, which resulted in a group of integrated operating divisions offering a comprehensive range of construction and industrial products. Such products and services are backed by joint venture or licensing agreements with leading European and American manufacturers and consultants.
"Alico has a reputation throughout the region for producing premium-quality aluminium glazed curtain-walling. Employing more than 1,500 personnel from all over the world, the company's annual turnover exceeds $90 million," says a spokesman for the firm.
He continues: "The most important feature of Alico's capabilities is its ability to manufacture tailor-made items to suit consultants' and clients' design and specifications. To achieve this, Alico employs qualified engineers and technicians with extensive field experience in its technical design department. It also operates over 60 computer-aided design (CAD) stations.
''Its factory is equipped with technically-advanced computer-aided machinery together with suitable qualified personnel to operate them. Experienced factory managers and supervisors ensure that exacting standards and production targets are met. All procedures follow guidelines set out in the company's quality assurance manual, which is in line with ISO 9001 requirements.
''Installation teams consist of well-trained and experienced, highly-skilled field operatives. A continuous feedback system from site to factory and the technical design department and vice versa, ensures that customers are provided with the best possible, cost-effective and practical solutions.''
Alico is also active internationally and has completed projects in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, India, Pakistan, Sudan, Nepal, Russia and the UK.
Over the years, Alico has completed many and varied projects in the UAE and has introduced new and innovative systems and technologies to the curtain-walling and glazing market.
Its prestigious projects include the Dubai 2000 Air Show, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, the National Bank of Dubai (a pioneering unitised curtain-wall project), the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Creek Golf and Yacht Club, the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Emirates Airline Training Centre, the Abu Dhabi Golf Course and the Saleem Al Sayegh Building in Sharjah.
Some of its current jobs include the Grand Hyatt, Union Tower (both in Dubai) and National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
