By Jeffrey Roberts www.constructionweekonline.com
Dubai’s Roads & Transit Authority won Middle East Architect’s Infrastructure Project of the Year at Wednesday’s event at the Westin Dubai.
Nominations for the award needed to acknowledge projects that would most effectively connect people within urban spaces and offer the best options for sustainable, efficient transportation.
The jury chose the winning project because of how well the vision has been realised in the longest and most advanced driverless metro system in the world.
According to juror Dr. Alaa Mandour: “[The Dubai Metro] represents a truly global initiative. It is at once a symbol of iconic innovation and a project with a unique identity.”
Upon receipt of the award, Abdul Redha Abu Hassan, director of the Rail Planning & Development department within RTA was quick to point out the collaborative nature of the project.
“I’d like to thank the organisers for this award,” said Abu Hassan. “The project has been done by a group of government entities with several consultants. It’s not a one-sided job; it’s a complete group of different nationalities and firms, both private and government.”
A total of ten awards were presented to architects and engineers from around the Gulf region.
This was the second annual Middle East Architect awards.
