Laing O’Rourke wins design, build and fit-out UAE data centre project

expat network

Laing O’Rourke wins design, build and fit-out UAE data centre project

Laing O’Rourke has been appointed by Khazna Data Centres (Khazna) to design, build and fit-out Khazna Data Centres’ Pods 4, 5 and 6 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi doubling its data centre capacity.

The expansion will cover an area of around 31,000m² across the existing facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai out of which 7,500m² is IT whitespace. The scope of the projects includes full design responsibility, construction of a two-storey building for each pod, and all specialist mechanical, electrical and plumbing works.

Design work commences with immediate effect with on-site works due to begin in early 2018. The projects are scheduled for handover in summer 2019 in Dubai and autumn 2019 in Abu Dhabi. The project will be led by project director Vijay Gangakhedkar.

Mark Andrews, managing director for Laing O’Rourke’s Middle East business, said: “We are delighted to extend our long-term client relationship with Khazna on these prestigious data centre projects. Integrating our Group’s design, construction and fit-out talents in one team provides clients with a clear advantage in terms of surety of delivery.”

Hassan Al Naqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centres, said, “The expansion of our footprint on what is already the UAE’s largest dedicated wholesale data centre demonstrates the growing demand for carrier neutral data centre. Not only are organisations looking for highly secure environments, but also reliable providers so that they can focus on their core business operations. We will be working closely with Laing O’Rourke to double Khazna’s data centre capacity, and look forward to launching our new facilities as this portfolio growth is an indicator that our clients are lookingtowards long-term growth strategies in the region.”

Laing O’Rourke is an international engineering enterprise, founded on over a century and a half of experience. Through our fully integrated offer we are delivering a single-source solution for some of the world’s most prestigious organisations.

Source: www.laingorourke.com

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.