02-04-2012

Bechtel is a major contributor to Emirates’ Infrastructure

Bechtel is celebrating its 50th anniversary of working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) this year.  From its first project in 1962, the Murban oil field development to Borouge petrochemical complex, Bechtel has been involved with some of the most significant infrastructure projects in the UAE during the last half century. These include Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s largest and busiest airports, as well as a number of major oil and gas, and power projects.

Bechtel’s current projects in the UAE include the Borouge 3 petrochemical complex in Ruwais and the Khalifa Port and Kizad (Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi) project. Khalifa Port is a new-build, semi-automated container port, which is due to open later this year and is destined to become one of the advanced trading hubs in the region alongside a world scale industrial zone.

“Bechtel is proud to have been able to play a part over the last 50 years in helping the United Arab Emirates achieve its ambitions for its citizens. From oil recovery projects, to power plants and infrastructure projects, today the UAE is building its role as a pivotal trading hub for goods and services, with projects such as Khalifa Port and Kizad at the heart of it. The UAE leadership has demonstrated itself to be visionary and wants to see its vision translated into a reality,” said David Welch, president of Bechtel’s Europe, Africa and Middle East regions.

“The UAE has adopted a strategy of fast-paced development, and it has been important for Bechtel to be able to adapt to the changing needs of its customers in the country.  We are committed to delivering a quality product, in a sustainable and safe way, and with an emphasis on training,” added Welch.

As part of its anniversary year, Bechtel is the platinum sponsor of the World Ports Summit taking place on April 2-4 in Abu Dhabi.  David Welch will be speaking on April 2, as part of a panel discussion on world trade and economics.

Since 1962, Bechtel has completed more than 100 projects in the UAE. Our projects successfully established top-class safety, quality and other programs based on best practices throughout the globe and in compliance with government rules and regulations. We are proud to have employed rigorous on-the-job and formal training of Emirati and international contractors working in the UAE.