UAE-based developer Select Group, which recently appointed China State Construction Engineering Corporation Middle East (CSCEC ME) as the contractor for the first phase of its latest waterfront project Peninsula, approached the project with early engagement as a key priority.

Rahail Aslam, Select Group’s founder and chief executive officer said: “What we did with Peninsula in terms of early engagement was that we invited three contractors at design stage. Of the three, Khatib & Alami was responsible for the design of the project. Our agreement with Khatib & Alami was to have contractors involved early on to ensure an efficient design. One of the reasons why the Phase 1 main contractor CSCEC ME is proving to be successful is because they know the project very well since they were involved in the design process as well.”

He further explained that CSCEC ME were one of three to four bidders who were really keen on the job. “They are really putting their best foot forward; they have mobilised on site and Phase 1 construction is in full swing. The masterplan is completed; phase 1 design and development is ongoing. The contract has been tendered on a competitive basis.

We invited a group of Tier-1 contractors from the region, primarily the ones that operate in the UAE. Some of the criteria we check before we bring contractors into the tender process is that we check the balance sheet and ensure there is a strong supply chain in place and we also check for a demonstrable track record. Obviously, pricing also plays a part. But, we don’t weigh the tender process just through pricing; it is measured through several key performance indicators,” he said, indicating that CSCEC ME “ticked all the boxes.”

The main construction works for Peninsula will commence in Q1 2022, while both developments are expected to complete by Q4 2024.

The initial phase of the multi-phase Peninsula waterfront development comprises of three separate residential developments, including high rise towers and low-rise waterfront residences, meticulously blending into the first community-focused residential master development in Business Bay.