As of November 1, 2023, the Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal A is officially open and operational. A key component of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 infrastructure projects, this new terminal significantly enhances the airport's operational capacity, capable of handling 45 million passengers annually, accommodating 11,000 passengers per hour, and facilitating 79 passenger planes simultaneously. This development injects fresh vitality into the city, serving as a crucial link between Europe and Asia.
CSCEC ME, distinguished for its proficiency in managing complex projects, outshone its international counterparts by securing three pivotal contracts for steel structure construction, MEP installation, and various airport roads construction. This positions the company as the most comprehensive international contractor involved in a diverse range of construction tasks for Terminal A, representing a significant milestone in the company's portfolio.
A Landmark Achievement for Abu Dhabi International Airport
Abu Dhabi International Airport holds the distinction of being the largest airport in the Middle East. The innovative design of its hill-like floating roof, resembling an X-shaped structure, marks the debut of the world's first streamlined bionic-shaped airport building. While the aesthetic appeal is remarkable, the intricacy of the steel construction poses unparalleled challenges.
Covering an expansive area of 740,000 square meters, Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport features a central hall employing nearly 50,000 tons of steel. This hall comprises 18 main arches of double-curved steel, devoid of columns, boasting a maximum span of 180 meters, an arch height of 56 meters, a weight nearing 900 tons, and a maximum plate thickness of 250mm. This intricate structure sets a global standard for complexity in construction.
Innovatively, to facilitate the construction process, CSCEC ME independently designed a tire frame for the overseas market—a framework widely utilized by Chinese construction workers and locally referred to by the Chinese as the "Chinese beam."
The project's design and construction adhered to Building Information Modeling (BIM), managing the entire design and construction process. Furthermore, it complied with the ESTIDAMA concept, aligning with 2PEARL green building standards.
Currently consisting of three terminal buildings, Abu Dhabi Airport recognized the limitations of its existing infrastructure in meeting the escalating tourism demands in the UAE. HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, emphasized the terminal's increased capacity as a pivotal catalyst for tourism growth, contributing to advancements in the aviation sector and fostering economic and sustainable development in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Khaled anticipates that this expansion will solidify Abu Dhabi's global position as a tourism hub and a prominent aviation center.
The inauguration of the new terminal at Abu Dhabi Airport signifies CSCEC ME's commitment to its corporate mission of enhancing the quality of life. This initiative is expected to stimulate economic development in the UAE, ultimately benefiting the local populace.