National Transport & Contracting Company (NTCC) has been awarded the contract for the design and development of Etihad Rail’s employee residences.
The UAE-headquartered contractor will build a 170 serviced, beachfront residential units to house employees of Etihad Rail DB, the operating partner for Stage One of the UAE’s national railway network.
The contract, which was signed in the presence of representatives from the Western Region Development Council, will also include recreational facilities for the community.
“Since Etihad Rail was founded and began construction in the Western Region, the board of directors has had a long-term vision to help drive economic prosperity in the region – in line with the wise direction and guidance of the UAE government and leadership – via investment opportunities in residential, educational, healthcare, and other facilities,” commented Eng Faris Saif Al Mazrouei, acting CEO of Etihad Rail.
“The presence of Etihad Rail’s operating arm in Mirfa has helped identify our first opportunity to begin fulfilling this vision, with the development of permanent employee residences in the Western Region.
“Etihad Rail is also currently collaborating with the Western Region Development Council (WRDC) to explore further long-term investment prospects, given WRDC’s numerous initiatives to develop residential real estate for the private sector.
“Our selection of NTCC as a contractor is part of our wider strategy to support businesses that play a significant role in driving economic development and growth in the Western Region,” he added.
Etihad Rail DB employees and contractors have been working in the UAE’s Western Region for more than a year. The appointment of NTCC will directly create jobs and enable local businesses to grow and develop, according to Etihad Rail.
“Etihad Rail DB’s top priority is the safety and well-being of our employees,” said Eng Shadi Malak, acting CEO of the operating partner.
“We are committed to going beyond conventional methods to reinforce this, as the environment and nature of our work are unique. Our plan to build a dedicated residential building for our employees is a prime example of this commitment. It will not only mitigate the safety risk of a commute from Abu Dhabi, but by establishing a comfortable, strategically located community for our personnel, we are creating an environment where productivity can be maximised,” he explained.
Yasser Al Khaja, CEO of NTCC, said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our wise leadership for their continuous support for private sector investments, which ultimately contribute to the economic development of the Western Region.
“We would also like to thank Etihad Rail DB for selecting NTCC to build these 170 world-class residential units, equipped with the latest technology and entertainment systems, which will also serve Mirfa’s residents and visitors with wider lifestyle and recreational opportunities,” he concluded.
Construction of Etihad Rail’s long-term accommodation units is expected to complete during the second half of 2016.
