Jabal Omar takes shape

13 April 2006

Jabal Omar Development Company (JODC) has awarded a Malaysian team of Professional Services Development Corporation (PSDC) and Kuala Lumpur City Centre Property Berhad (KLCCPB) the project management contract to oversee the construction of the Jabal Omar project on the mountainside overlooking the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The estimated SR 10,000 million-12,000 million ($2,666 million-3,120 million) development will take about eight years to complete (MEED 6:1:06).

With a built-up area of about 230,000 square metres, the scheme involves the construction of six five-star hotels, seven 35-storey residential towers, a four-level retail concourse and car parking for 12,000 vehicles. The project also includes commercial developments, roads, gardens, schools, medical centres, air-conditioned plazas for 100,000 worshippers and open courtyards for prayers. Malaysia's TR Hamzah & Yeang carried out the original masterplan.

The local Rio Trading & Contracting is working on the ground levelling and earthworks package for the entire development after being awarded the SR 93 million ($25 million) contract in November. The package is due to be completed by April 2007. Beirut-based Associated Consultants Engineers (ACE) International is the design consultant.

JODC, which has the licence to develop the Jabal Omar area, was recently given approval to raise its paid-up capital to SR 6,700 million ($1,786 million) from SR 5,300 million ($1,414 million). The company plans to float 30 per cent of its capital in an initial public offering later this year.

www.meed.com/construction

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