Dubai-based Al Basti & Muktha (ABM), the main contractor for the 271 villas, says it is proud to have been associated with this landmark project.

Work on the Dh122 million ($33.22 million) project commenced in April 2000 and was completed last month (December), ahead of schedule. The first and second phases (186 villas) have already been handed over to the client and the tenants are expected to start occupying the villas by next month (February).

The project comprises four types of villas, each measuring between 3,100 and 3,200 sq ft. Each villa, comprising ground plus one level, has four bedrooms (including a 240 sq ft master bedroom), separate majlis for men and women (each around 210 sq ft), living and dining rooms, a kitchen and a servant's quarters outside the main villa, a paved garage area and garden space in front and at the rear. The villas are centrally air-conditioned using split package units.

The plots are landscaped with interlocking pavers while privacy is ensured by a 2-m-high precast concrete boundary wall. Vehicular and pedestrian gates are provided for access to each villa

The villas are centrally air-conditioned using split package units, while the entire development is connected to the main power, water and sewerage grids and linked by a network of roads.

The complex covers an area of 3.35 million sq ft in Al Warkaa - II and has a total built-up area of 835,000 sq ft. Based on the master plan developed by Dubai Municipality, , the scheme consists of a total of 271 individual plots with an average size of 12,000 sq ft per plot. A community centre, nurseries, mosques and health clinics are also planned for the development.

"A conventional system of construction was adopted for the villas which were built on isolated footings," says M D Narayan, the assistant general manager with ABM. "The superstructure comprised hollow concrete blocks which were plastered and painted to achieve the required finish. Finishes on the external walls comprise a special paint heavy texture - graffiato decor with a polyurethane system. Walls are finished internally with emulsion paint. Windows are made with thermally broken uPVC (unplasticised polyvinylchloride) with double-glazed glass. Doors are solid/semisolid softwood core type with teak finish and meranti wood frames. The floor finish comprises ceramic tiles. The wardrobes are made with MDF (medium density fibreboard) and kitchens have granite tops and cooker hoods.

"Among the challenges set by the project was meeting the contract completion date with the conventional system of construction used and maintaining the highest quality of finishes possible. The most important milestone in the project was the completion of the structural works in a record 10 months. The project consumed around 65,000 cu m of concrete, 1.95 million blocks and 21,000 sq m of ceramic tiles."

ABM - established in 1974 by its chairman S K Pathak and the late Lahej Al Basti - is registered with Dubai Municipality as an unlimited Class A category contractor. Some of the prestigious projects completed by the company include Jebel Ali Port control tower, container terminal and other developments at the port, residential and commercial developments for the Ruler of Dubai, the Gold and Diamond Park and the Emirates Lakes villas for Emaar, the Police Training Institute as well as numerous other residential, commercial, hotel and leisure facilities in Dubai.

Currently, ABM is constructing a multi-storey headquarters (3B + G + M + 17 floors) for Emaar Properties, a police station at Muraqqabat for the Dubai Police, as well as other residential and commercial properties.

ABM has worked with most of the national and international building consultants operating in Dubai and is registered with almost all the government/semi-government organisations in Dubai for major projects.

Many of the projects undertaken by ABM in the recent years have been repeat orders from its clients/consultants. "Indeed our customers' support has been the cornerstone for our success," says Prem Kumar, deputy general manager with ABM.

He continues: "ABM believes deeply in high quality of construction delivered in time and is committed to working safely. Environmental and safety norms are strictly followed and the management enforces these norms right down to the unskilled labour force.

"ABM is an ISO 9000-certified company and believes in constant improvement to ensure the client gets the maximum benefits from its products and services. Regular audits ensure that the quality norms are adhered to at all sites as well as in the office. ABM is a company built on a foundation of quality and trust.

"The company is proud of its large and dedicated work force, controlled by its experienced and well-qualified supervisors and engineers and directed by a management committed to customer satisfaction, quality, safety and productivity. The management team is led by Pathak and executive director Rakesh Talwar."

Bilt Middle East, a leading electro-mechanical company well recognised in the field of building services, is a part of the ABM Group. Bilt complements the parent company for its construction activities. Bilt is also an ISO 9000 certified company and has worked with most of the leading consultants, major builders and developers.

"ABM congratulates Union Properties on the completion of this project. Union Properties is playing a key role in developing modern Dubai and ABM is proud to have been associated with Union Properties in this landmark as well as other previous projects," Prem Kumar adds.