DIFC appoints project managers for Dubai's new financial district

One of the world’s most successful construction companies, and the largest in the US, Turner Construction teams up with internationally renowned financial centre developers, DTZ Middle East as lead property advisors, to take Dubai’s multi-billion dollar Financial District project to the next phase of development.

The Dubai Financial District project is unparalleled in the region and is currently one of the biggest projects in the world, according to Turner. To achieve the vision of creating a world-class Financial District, in line with New York, London, Singapore and Hong Kong, DIFC has carefully selected these two key companies to launch and manage this initial phase.

Hussain Al Qemzi, Chief Operating Officer for DIFC says, “We searched the world for the very best organisations with portfolios matching our requirements perfectly.  Both Turner and DTZ bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help us implement this initial phase and we are delighted with their understanding of what we need.”

Turner is a recognised industry leader and operates through a network of offices throughout the Middle East, US and internationally. In their centenary year, Turner’s current portfolio of management projects totals some $6.6 billion. Amongst their immediate tasks is to establish and manage a strategic selection process resulting in the appointment of a world-class Master Planner. The pre-qualification process is already well underway.

Turner’s Area Manager, Dimitrios K Antzoulis is pleased to be associated with what he calls “One of the most exciting projects in the world today”.  “We at Turner have been involved in numerous projects in Dubai and we believe we’re the best in the world at what we do. The full experience of our highly qualified and dedicated team will ensure a first class job, that the government and people of Dubai will be proud of.”

The other team member of this initial phase is DTZ Middle East, part of a global property advisory firm with specalism in financial centre development. With a 250 year history, beginning in the UK, DTZ is now one of the world’s leading property advisers with 125 offices in 34 different countries. Their expertise in the London financial district, Hong Kong, Singapore and other global financial centres stands them in good stead to advise DIFC on the right development mix, to both attract and properly cater for the end users of the new Dubai Financial District.

Robin Williamson, General Manager of DTZ Middle East is also delighted at the selection of his company, and says,  “Our extensive global expertise will allow us to bring both local and international perspectives to this very exciting project.  We’ve been charged with developing a market analysis study and to advise on the optimum development mix, volume and specification to make sure the DIFC is the most attractive and functional centre comparable, and in many cases better, than anywhere in the world. We’re delighted to be working with Turner and the DIFC and especially pleased we’re in Dubai. It’s the right place for the project because Dubai simply delivers and that’s what will make it the ultimate success”.