UAE faces 'exceptional challenges'

The UAE faces “exceptional challenges” as it juggles economic, social and environmental concerns in the bid to embrace sustainability. This was the message from Angela Mulgrew, who heads up Hyder Consulting’s environmental team in Abu Dhabi.

“For example, the UAE is one of the highest consumers of water per capita in the world. And yet it is also one of the most arid countries,” said Mulgrew. Hyder Consulting celebrated 35 years of working in Abu Dhabi by announcing a new strategic alliance with Dubai-based architectural firm Holford Associates at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2009.

“We have developed along with Abu Dhabi,” commented Hyder Consulting property MD Mario Pishiri. “Together with Holford Associates we can offer a comprehensive service to our clients. We look forward to continued growth as Abu Dhabi strives to realise its 2030 Vision.”

The international advisory and design consultancy started working in the Emirate in 1974 as John Taylor & Sons, when it was awarded the contract to develop a sewerage masterplan for Abu Dhabi.

Since then, Hyder Consulting has continued to work closely with government departments, and has played a pivotal role in developing the infrastructure of Abu Dhabi. It has also worked on a number of iconic projects across the UAE, including the Mall of the Emirates, the Burj Dubai, City of Arabia, the Sky and Sun Towers on Reem Island, Lusail and Education City in Qatar, the Al Areen Resort and Spa in Bahrain, and the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

In other news, Hyder Consulting chief executive Ivor Catto has announced that Wael Allan has been appointed MD of Hyder Consulting Middle East from 1 April. Allan has a strong background in international business management, having worked for such major engineering and construction companies as Raytheon. Most recently he was executive vice president of Skansa USA Building Inc.

Hyder Consulting Middle East is part of the Hyder Consulting Group, and has been operating in the Middle East for the past 45 years. More than 1 000 of Hyder’s global team are located across the Middle East in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Doha and Bahrain, making it one of the largest international multi-disciplinary consultancies in the region.

“Hyder always knew that sustainability would move to the forefront as Abu Dhabi grew. We have developed a strong environmental presence in the region, and were one of the first international consultancies to transfer a dedicated team from the UK,” said Mulgrew.

“Sustainable development is also about creating thriving and integrated communities where the health of all individuals, and all aspects of the environment, are considered at every stage. This includes the provision of equitable modes of transport for all, access to community facilities, and acceptable levels of air quality and noise.”