Location Abu Dhabi, UAE
Client Abu Dhabi Public Works Department
Services Project Management
The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs & Transport—formerly the Public Works Department—undertook a phased project to deliver the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, also known as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Elevated about 10 meters above ground level, the white marble-clad mosque stands out from the surrounding cityscape. It features 82 domes, the largest having a diameter of 33 meters and a height of 84 meters, as well as 107-meter-high minarets. One of the world’s largest mosques, it features more than 555,000 SM landscaped area and has a footprint of approximately 50,000 SM, inclusive of courtyard space, and a built-up area of approximately 72,350 SM. The main prayer hall can accommodate approximately 7,800 worshippers, while a pair of side prayer halls can accommodate approximately 1,500 worshippers each. Including overflow areas, the mosque can accommodate about 55,000 worshippers at a time. By night, architectural lighting illuminate the mosque.
The project included two phases. Phase 1 comprised structural works, and Phase 2 involved finishing works and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works. Phase 1 concluded in 2003. Phase 2 was sub-divided into parts A and B. Phase 2A involved the implementation of a project turnaround plan to reduce project costs and the completion of the structural works, while Phase 2B comprised the construction of all finishes, architectural decoration, site infrastructure, and MEP works. Notably, Phase 2B also included the procurement and installation of seven large crystal chandeliers and an approximately 5,400 SM hand-made carpet—at the time of project completion, the largest hand-made carpet in the world. The project team completed Phase 2 and the mosque opened to the public in late 2007.
Hill provided project management services for the project. The Department initially engaged Hill to manage the redesign and restructuring of the project on an accelerated basis with a focus on cutting costs. During Phase 1, Hill quickly undertook a study of the project and defined the critical issues facing the project team. Our professionals then helped develop a turnaround plan, including recommendations to reduce costs through redesign, value engineering, and other measures without compromising on the overall project objectives. By helping create and implement the project’s turnaround plan, the Hill team contributed to significant cost savings for the client. Following this initial engagement, Hill continued to manage the project through final completion.
MEED recognized the project and project team with the Outstanding Achievement Award for Cultural Facilities in 2011.
