The national winners in the second edition of the MEED Quality Awards for Projects have been decided by MEED’s team of independent judges. The successful projects will now move through to the second round of judging to find the best GCC projects, the winners of which will be announced on 21 May. As well as competing to win the GCC Project of the Year award in their specific sectors, the national winners have the chance to win the coveted title of MEED Quality Project of the Year.

The national winners are the result of MEED’s search for GCC projects completed between January 2010 and December 2011 that have shown a commitment to quality from the concept and design stages through engineering and construction to completion. The projects have been entered by the companies that created them and were judged by an expert panel of industry professionals.

More than 800 projects, with a value in excess of $250bn, were finished between the start of 2010 and the end of 2011

The GCC has projects worth more than $1.8 trillion planned or under way, according to regional projects tracker MEED Projects. In recognition of the scale of this work, last year, MEED launched its awards programme to work with readers and customers to recognise the project owners and teams who work hard to deliver world-class projects in the region.

In 2011, there were even more challenges to overcome than usual. Political unrest across the Middle East added to the pressure of the global financial crisis and many projects were cancelled or slowed while competition for finance grew. A focus on social spending diverted funds away from state-backed projects, and high oil prices placed strain on fuel-intensive schemes.

Nevertheless, some impressive work was completed. More than 800 projects, with a value in excess of $250bn, were finished between the start of 2010 and the end of 2011.

Communication essential between clients and project teams

One important insight that became apparent to the judges of the 2012 programme is the absolute importance of communication between clients and project teams. Innovations in project management and software solutions are helping project teams that are often based across not only several countries but also several continents.

This year we are building on the extraordinary success of our inaugural awards. The second MEED Quality Awards for Projects continues to recognise projects that can demonstrate their contribution to the GCC economy, environmental awareness and success in architecture, engineering and construction. Here we showcase more than 20 schemes that stood out above other entries.

The national winners have been selected by our judges following a detailed assessment of entries submitted by contractors across the region. The MEED Quality Awards for Projects is an open competition and those selected have been chosen by an independent panel of project professionals who represent each of the region’s markets.

To allow a fair comparison of the projects nominated for the awards, entries are judged in distinct market categories. The awards recognise and celebrate excellence in the contributions each project makes in its specific sector.

Valuable support from the Society of Engineers

Support from the Society of Engineers in each GCC country is an important part of the awards initiative and thanks are due to these organisations, which play a key role in promoting quality in the region’s built environment. Many of the judges hold high positions in these respected institutions. We thank them for giving up their time to support the awards programme with their expertise.

The national winners and overall GCC winners of the MEED Quality Awards for Projects have been recommended by the judging panel, but MEED has full and final responsibility for the outcome of the programme. MEED would like to thank all those individuals, teams and organisations who have worked hard to prepare and deliver their entry forms.

Special recognition must also go to the tens of thousands of workers at all levels of management and on-the-ground execution from the Middle East and beyond without whose skills and hard work none of the projects in the region could have been built.

The MEED Quality Awards for Projects will be won by projects that have applied high standards all the way through the concept, build and delivery of facilities in each award category across the GCC.

MEED is delighted to announce the national winners and we congratulate them on getting through the first stage of the judging process.

National winners 2011

The MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2011 winners