Rising son

The sprawling City of Capitals project in Moscow helped put AE Arma-Elektropanc gain recognition in Europe.

Over the last two decades Dubai has capitalised on the yearlong sunshine and pleasant winter weather that is prevalent throughout the Gulf region to promote itself as a tourism destination to the Western world, garnering rave reviews for its beaches, shopping and luxury living.

As the influx of tourists grew, the other members of the GCC cottoned on to the opportunities that the emirate recognised years ago.

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Slowly but steadily, the likes of Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Abu Dhabi and even Saudi Arabia realised that while it was all well and good to capitalise on the oil reserves they possessed, the need to establish an alternative source of economic income was vital.

Thus we’ve seen an exponential growth in leisure and luxury holiday attractions throughout the region, attracting more and more tourists from all over the world.

However, with the rise in holiday travellers comes the obvious and necessary need to build accommodation to house them in comfort and even extravagant luxury. As a result, we’ve seen the mushrooming growth of hotels all over the Gulf.

Ranging from small bed and breakfast operations to sprawling seven star resorts that embrace decadence and luxury, the hospitality industry has become one of the most viable sources of income for the Arabian Peninsula.

But as work on building these holiday nirvanas continues apace, the need for MEP systems that measure up to the highest standards across the world becomes vital. After all, who wants a holiday that’s ruined by fluctuating plumbing and inconsistent building services?

This is where a company like AE Arma-Elektropanç comes into its own. Founded in 2001 after a merger between Arma Engineering and Elektropanç Electrical Industry and Trade Corporation, the Turkish owned company has grown to become one of the largest MEP contractors in the region.

It has overseen the installation of MEP works in projects spread across three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa. With around 24 projects spread across various countries, the contractor has worked on a vast array of projects, but has been especially active in the GCC region.

It entered the UAE in 2004 with its first project, the Shoreline residential apartments on the famous Palm Jumeirah. Since then it has worked on projects such as the electrical and electronical system installation at the Gold and Silver Towers for Dubai Metal and Commodities Centre at Jumeirah Lakes Tower district.

Looking further afield, the contractor recently completed the MEP works for what was at the time, Europe’s tallest building: the Capital City mixed-use development in Moscow.

Capitalising on the success of this project and the experience they gained from it, the Arma-Elektropanç team bid for and won the contract for the Mercury City Towers, a highrise project that will stand at 380m, making it the tallest building in Europe.