construction work is currently under way on the Arriyadh Transportation Centre, a 'land port' which is considered to be the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Lada Group is the main contractor for the SR59 million ($15.7 million) bus terminus on Al Kharj Road, being built for the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA).

The 300,000 sq m complex will comprise three facilities - the two-level main building and the parcels building and chiller building, both of which are single storey.

The project will feature three bus terminals, a four-star hotel, mosque, restaurant, gas station, workshops and a car-park for 500 vehicles including both buses and limousines. Ticketing and reservation system will be fully computerised.

The facility, which could provide a new impetus to international travel by land, will enable passengers to travel either within the Kingdom or abroad from the same terminal.

"The Transportation Centre will serve the whole of Gulf region and will be a 'Land Port'," says Khaled Al Thonayan, vice president of Saudi Lada Group.

The project, envisaged in 1997, started taking shape with the signing of the construction contract in June 1999. The construction period is 18 months.

Mobilisation work started in July 1999 and the foundation stone was also laid in that month. The project is scheduled for handover in November.

Commenting on the status of work on the project, Al Thonayan says: "We are about the complete work on the first floor. The project is progressing as per schedule."

The project has been designed to reflect Saudi architecture while providing all modern facilities such as conveyors and lifts.

Al Othaisan is the consultant for the project and Zuheir Fayez Partnership has carried out the project design.

The subcontractors on the project are:

Al Rashed Abetong - precast; Saudi Tech - electromechanical and Electrical works. Other subcontractors include Robson Company UK; Mitsubishi of Japan ; Round Office; and Intrex Company of the US.