UAE-based Drake & Scull International (DSI) has been awarded an AED80m ($21.8m) contract to complete the main mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) works on a hospitality project in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

“We anticipate substantial growth for DSI in Egypt, driven by the large population growth that fosters strong real estate domestic demand, in addition to the fundamental need for infrastructure development,’’ says Khaldoun Tabari, chief executive officer, DSI.

DSI said that the political problems had affected work in Egypt, but that it was committed to finishing projects as planned.

“The latest political developments in the country had minor effects on our operations. However, we altered our project scheduling and adapted programs that simultaneously address time limitations and reflect resource constraints. We have managed to streamline our procurement schemes and, most importantly, re-align our labour force. We expect to complete this fast track project in February 2012,’’ says Mark Andrews, managing director of DSI MEP.