Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence: AEB’s Legacy of Architectural Innovation and Global Impact

Impressive heritage

Having achieved 50 years of excellence in the field of architecture, engineering and consultancy in 2016, AEB continues to take on new and exciting challenges across the globe

Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) was founded in 1966 and was the first architectural and engineering consulting firm in Qatar. Known for its expertise in planning, creating, producing and executing unique design and construction projects, the company has completed 1500 diverse projects for a broad range of clients across the globe.

Acquired by Ibrahim Jaidah in 1991, he and his six employees soon developed a solid reputation in the market with projects such as the Al Shaqab Institute for Girls, which was nominated for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2001 and won the Arab Towns Organisation Aware in 2002; this project was also honoured on the 100 Riyal note in 2003. Opening an Abu Dhabi office in 2003, the company went on to win the Organisation of Islamic Capitals & Cities Award for the Diplomatic Club in 2004, with Ibrahim going on to receive the State Encouragement Award for his work in the field of architecture in 2005. Further expansion took place in 2007 and 2008 with the establishment of a Manila office and Kuala Lumpur office respectively.

Ranked as one of the top 15 consultancies in the GCC in 2010, AEB went on to achieve numerous awards over the following years for its expertise in delivering high quality solutions to those seeking architectural and engineering consultation services. Recent awards include the Architecture Firm of the Year Award from Construction Week Qatar in 2015 and 2016 respectively as well as The BUILD 2016 Architecture Awards for Multidisciplinary Consultancy & Design Firm of the Year and the Qatar Sustainability Awards for the Green Office Building and Green Interior Fit-out projects.

Celebrating 50 years in operation, AEB has had the privilege of being involved in developing a number of historic buildings, such as the Barzan Tower, which was completed in 2000 and the Kempinski Marsa Malaz in 2015. Today the 600 strong firm is comprised of a team of committed individuals, each seeking to deliver the best possible service the industry has to offer in their specialised fields. Operating in a culture that encourages integration, communication and a team effort, AEB’s staff, some of whom have been part of the AEB family from eight to 25 years, have an ethos that ensures each project is successfully executed. Indeed, by combining local expertise, global knowledge, innovation and a dedication to delivering excellence in service, the company has become a leader in its field.

Split into segments, services available for clients include design, which is comprised of feasibility studies, concept, schematic, detail design and construction, tenders, construction supervision and commissioning & handover. Project management, meanwhile, which guarantees full support and co-ordination, permanent reporting, clear responsibility, as well as plans followed and goals achieved, includes a project management plan, master programme, reporting; license management, change & claims, support during the definition of goals, a quality plan, value engineering, communications, document control; risk assembly, procurement strategy, commissioning plan and general co-ordination. The final segment, construction management, guarantees full on-site co-ordination, quality surveillance, timing control and task interferences for multi work packages; services include tender support, site organisation, supplier co-ordination, work packages, quality assurance, commissioning, constructability workshop, contract administration and field logistics. Other consultancy services include cost consultancy, project monitoring and control, due diligence, technical assistance, design review, retail planning and market studies.

Having achieved an enviable reputation in the market, AEB recently used its expertise and long-term experience to win a competition to design the FIFA World Cup 2022 Al Thumama stadium. Appointed by the Supreme Committee for delivery and legacy, AEB will design the eighth proposed host venue for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which will be located on a plot of 515,400 square metres. Known for delivering traditionally inspired designs that resonate within its surroundings while remaining in line with local and international construction codes and standards, AEB aims to design a facility that not only meets the Qatar National Vision 2030 but will also be a true legacy for the local community.

Another notable project for the company is Doha Festival City, which is located on the Al Shamal Road, the main artery connecting the capital of Doha with the north of Qatar. Doha Festival City is a mixed-use retail and entertainment complex encompassing a plot area of 434,000 m2 with an impressive built up area of 621,000 m2 and a GSAS 3 star sustainability rating. In the first phase of the project an IKEA store was completed and opened, and the second phase launch is scheduled for April 2017 when opening of the main mall, cinema and mountain bike trail is expected. Besides the main architectural, engineering and construction supervision services AEB was also in charge of HSE on site and notably over 50,000,000 safe working hours without an incident were achieved to this date.

With a number of projects ongoing, the future looks bright for AEB as it continues to deliver state-of-the-art solutions to its diverse customer base while also building on the strengths and values that have cemented its international reputation for more than 50 years.

Arab Engineering Bureau
Services: Architectural and engineering consulting firm