November 2010
Halcrow was on the winning podium at the prestigious British Expertise International awards on Thursday 12 November.
Halcrow’s Saeed Alabbar walked away the coveted title of young consultant of the year and the Yas Island Primary Infrastructure project was highly commended in the major consultancy project of the year category.
The awards held at the Institute of Directors, are designed to publicise the continuing success of UK professional services throughout the world, and to showcase some of the outstanding projects being carried out.
Saeed Alabbar won the title of young consultant of the year for his drive and commitment to his profession. At 26, Saeed is experienced beyond his years. His passion for sustainability and affecting change in the United Arab Emirates drives his career. With an aim to become a thought leader on these areas, Saeed is working towards this at an alarming rate. He has already had many offers to speak at various conferences and being asked to project manage the design and fit-out of the Emirates Green Building Council headquarters. His submission stated him as the individual to watch and the British Expertise agreed!
Halcrow was highly commended in the Major Consultancy Project of the Year category for its work on Yas Island. Just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, the island is being transformed into a tourism leisure destination and home for 100,000 people.
The major undertaking to complete enough work in time for its first Grand Prix in November 2009 was achieved thanks to the dedication of those involved, their quick thinking and good planning.
Halcrow provided a combination of planning, design and construction supervision for the development including roads and bridges, major utility networks and structures, 144-berth and 1,100-berth marinas and a 1.1km-long tunnel.
Halcrow also prepared the transport plan for race day at the Yas Marina Circuit on 1 November 2009.
The judging panel was led by the President of the British Expertise, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, he said; “The panel were unanimous in feeling that they had seen a higher quality of entries than ever before. The standard of those projects shortlisted is therefore very high. Members of British Expertise can be proud of their significant contribution to the economy, to Britain’s image abroad and to the export-led economic recovery we all hope for”.