EC Harris boosts blue chip roster and presence in the Middle East

EC Harris’ business in Abu Dhabi is taking off, with a key project win and a string of new recruits. The firm is working on a scheme featuring a Foster-designed residential tower, one of few high-rise buildings in Abu Dhabi.

The $700m (£370m) development is in Abu Dhabi’s central market area, known as Al Raha. It includes a hotel and office tower, a five star hotel and three star hotel. EC Harris is acting as both cost consultant and project manager for developer Aldar.

EC Harris has almost doubled its staff in Abu Dhabi in the two years to date. It now employs 45 people in its Abu Dhabi office, up from 25 two years ago.

It is also rapidly growing its Dubai branch, which is up to 100 staff, from 80 at the start of the year and 60 two years ago.

Our growth comes on the back of the blue chip client demand

Mark Prior, head of Middle East, EC Harris

The new additions to both offices have been mostly multinational QSs and PMs.

Mark Prior, EC Harris head of Middle East, said: “Our growth comes on the back of the blue chip client demand.”

The firm’s Dubai work includes project managing Industrial City, a development the size of Coventry or 55 km2. The scheme aims to build a sustainable economy for Dubai outside its oil industry, whose resources are dwindling. It will be home to 300,000 people plus factories and plant for a wide range of industries.

EC Harris is also working on Dubai Sports City and has just won a role on the Dubai Lagoon job.