11 Emirates Projects Showcasing Scaffolding Excellence

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The unique architectural design of UAE skyscrapers, museums, and other renowned structures has made this country famous globally and in the Middle East. When it comes to the construction of iconic skylines and well-known landmarks of Dubai and other emirates, scaffolding plays a vital role. Every other construction project requires a scaffolding system to build a structure from the ground up. Everyone understands the role of these temporary structures in general structure building, but it’s time to uncover 11 UAE projects that showcase scaffolding excellence. Let’s explore the 11 most popular UAE Projects suggested by SCAXA that were hard to build without customized scaffolding.

1. Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building, with a breathtaking height of 829 meters. This 163-story skyscraper lets you discover the highest observation platform in the world. Visitors can find the world’s highest restaurant and the fastest lift in this building. Its project team used scaffolding during the construction to provide workers with easy access at different heights. To keep the height and design of Burj khalifa a surprise for the public, the project team also used scaffolding as a cladding.

2. The Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Museum, located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, was opened to the general public in 2017 and provided a room for many artifacts, historical artwork, and artistic collections from different parts of the world. The most prominent feature of this structure is its complex geometric dome that provides adequate sunlight in the morning and unlocks a panoramic digital view at night. A massive scaffolding structure of over 40 meters in height was erected to build its enormous dome roof of this modern architecture, and this temporary structure covered an area of 17,000 square meters. The construction of this dome required a customized scaffold that facilitated the construction process by offering a safe and stable surface that workers could use. A unique scaffolding system was employed to build this dome comprising000 individual pieces. Workers access every part of the complex dome structure with scaffolding. This challenging project was demanding for its contractors-  Arabtec, Constructora San José, and Oger Abu Dhabi- to achieve without using a unique scaffolding system.

3. Dubai Frame, Dubai

Dubai Frame is a masterpiece by Architect Fernando Donis, who was inspired by the Dubai Expo 2020 logo. This world’s largest picture frame is 93 meters wide and 155 meters high. Visitors take glass elevators to the top, enjoying mind-blowing panoramic views of historic old Dubai in one direction and discovering new Dubai full of skyscrapers in another direction. This walk-in artwork structure was built in the green Zabeel Park using formwork, suspended, and modular scaffolding systems. Structures above 10 meters in height story and narrow shaft dimensions had minimal wall clearance. Thereby, it was difficult for workers to access all its working areas. Workers used a combination of suspended and elevated platforms to access its upper regions. The worker safety level is maintained by offering them integrated access technology solutions and providing valuable working space. Self-climbing formwork lets workers climb at varied levels. The construction team moved from one floor to another quickly and simultaneously. This system allowed them to complete their task without using any crane. Its project team consisted of climbing and formwork specialists who built the angular core geometry of this architectural design within very tight dimensional tolerances.

4. Cayan Tower, Dubai

Cayan Tower was built at 3,026.50 square meters, has 75 stories, and is 307 feet high. Arabtec was the main contractor for this tower, and it became famous worldwide due to its unique twist design. This helical skyscraper has identical floor plates slightly rotated against the story below it to produce a whole 90-degree twist. This residential tower is perpendicular to the sea, so tenants enjoy mind-blowing waterfront views. The construction team uses a “jump form” system- a special kind of formwork scaffolding commonly used to construct tall vertical structures. The overall structure is strengthened in the center through a cylindrical concrete pillar, where floor rotation happens.

5. Al Wasl Plaza – Expo 2020, Dubai

Al Wasl Plaza is another design wonder of the UAE project featuring a complex dome. Al Futtaim Carillion was the main contractor of this project. At later stages, multiple contractors were involved. They utilized a temporary bolted connection scaffold to speed up the construction process. Project teams made the most of a custom-built geometrical scaffolding system to build its sophisticated dome and surrounding structure. Contractors relied on heavy-duty scaffolding for the installation of its intricate lighting system.

6. The Opus by Zaha Hadid, Dubai

The Opus by Zaha Hadid is a project of Omniyat, and the contractor was Brookfield Multiplex. This building has a futuristic design, with a cube-like structure and a free-form void in the center. The contractor utilized highly customizable scaffolding solutions to accommodate its unique free-form design and cube-like shape.

7. Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) Hotel Conversion, Dubai

Another UAE project showcasing scaffolding excellence is the Queen Elizabeth 2 Hotel. This retired passenger ship was converted into a floating hotel. The contractor’s real challenge was to preserve the boat’s historical elements while enriching the hotel interior with modern luxury amenities. PCFC Hotels managed this renovation project and used an interior scaffolding system, including a modular scaffold. These systems are designed to fit well in tight, complex ship spaces.

8. Dubai Mall, Dubai

Dubai Mall is another engineering and design wonder. It is categorized among the largest shopping centers in the world. CCC and Dutco Balfour Beatty were the main contractors of this mall. They used interior and exterior scaffolding systems to build these mind-blowing structures. Its impressive glass facade required a specialized scaffolding system that provided a stable platform for workers, who added perfect finishing details.

9. Ain Dubai (Dubai Eye)

Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel on Blue Water Island, Dubai. The Dubai Eye is taller than the Singapore flyer and the London Eye. The height of this wheel is 250 meters; thus, this Ferris wheel is a hotspot for visitors. There are many luxury restaurants, beachfront spaces, retail outlets, etc, around this wheel. Besides, it offers a 360-degree view of Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and other buildings of Dubai’s luxury skyline. However, when it was first opened on 21 October 2021. Contractors use specialized custom scaffolding and cranes to build in Dubai. Its fascinating design is an engineering marvel made possible through advanced scaffolding systems.

10. Etihad Museum

Etihad Museum was first known as the Union Museum and then as the Museum of the Future. Al Shafar General Contracting (ASGC) is the main contractor of this structure. The curved roof is the distinctive feature of this architectural design, so contractors used custom-built scaffolding to meet the specifications of this complex project. Founded in 1971, this museum is a 25,000-square-meter landmark.

11.Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the largest mosques in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of Dubai. The intricate architectural design comprises 82 domes, minarets, and marble cladding. The real challenge for construction workers was the placement of 82 domes of varied shapes. Formwork experts were hired to complete this placement. Contractors employed more than 3000 artisans from 38 worldwide companies. This iconic cultural and Islamic landmark of Abu Dhabi is a renowned attraction that every visitor loves to explore due to its unique architectural design.  A contractor hired Hyder Consulting Middle East as an MEP consultant, and they used scaffolding and cranes to complete MEP tasks.