(Dubai, UAE) 16 November 2011 - A major micro-tunneling project by Qatar Building Company (QBC) and Gulf Tunneling (GT) in Qatar's Lusail City was judged as the GCC Infrastructure Project of the Year, at Construction Week Awards 2011, held in Dubai last month. QBC was the main contractor who provided full project management and design, while GT was the sub-contractor that executed the micro-tunneling works over 1.12km.

This prestigious award follows a "Project Manager of the Year" award presented last month to QBC at Construction Week Qatar Awards 2011.

Managing Director of QBC, Mr. Ali M.T. Mustafawi, comments: "This year has been eventful for QBC. We are honored to be part of such iconic projects for the State of Qatar, and this award is a testament to our team's dedication to sustainable engineering and construction best practice."

The GCC Infrastructure Project of the Year recognized QBC's "design & build micro-tunneling, pipework, and associated works between Pearl & Golf Roundabout (TAC/LUS/101/09)," to provide the collection and return pipelines for the sewage treatment of the entire vicinity. Sewage treatment is integral in saving natural resources as the recyclables (e.g. solid waste and recycled water) are re-used for agricultural purposes. The project, therefore, required tunneling works to be done at great depths directly under the open water of an existing canal--without closing the canal or pumping out its water.

QBC (main contractor) worked intimately with Gulf Tunneling (sub-contractor) to ensure that modern technology coupled with sophisticated engineering minimized negative environmental impact, saved time and resources, and did not disrupt traffic flows amid the congested residential and commercial towers in the surrounding area.

"Care for the environment played a major role in the sophisticated engineering approach, and safety initiatives were a top priority," said Mr. Hazem Gazarin, QBC project manager of the site. "Despite great shaft depths and tunnel lengths, we kept construction waste to an absolute minimum, ensuring that there were absolutely no complaints regarding environmental issues. With regards to HSE, our project succeeded in zero loss time incidents (LTIs) throughout the 299,262 man hours, and the latest technology was used for optimal ventilation, lighting, access, and air-quality detection throughout the long tunnels."

This project was Qatar's first use of Micro-Tunneling under open water, especially at such great depths.

The gala banquet, held at the Westin in Dubai on October 31, honored 16 categories of construction excellence in individuals, projects, and organizations. For more information on Construction Weekly's Awards and entries, visit: http://www.constructionweekonline.com/cwawards/ .

For more information on the greater Lusail City, visit:  http://www.lusail.com.

Award: GCC Infrastructure Project of the Year

Project: Lusail Development Sewage Treatment Works (Design & Build Micro-Tunneling, Pipework, and Associated Works between Pearl & Golf Roundabouts)

Client:  Lusail City / Qatari Diar

Contractor:  Qatar Building Company

Sub-contractor: Gulf Tunneling

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About Qatar Building Company (QBC)
For 40 years, Qatar Building Company (QBC) has taken on major civil engineering and contracting projects for a broad client base including government agencies, international contractors, gas majors, and private developers. 

With "Grade A" classifications in all categories of the Government Central Tenders Committee, QBC is qualified to undertake civil engineering projects of any size and complexity.

QBC is comprised of three divisions--civil engineering, materials production, and construction equipment--each designed especially for the demands of the Qatari market. QBC is a proud sponsor of Qatar Football Association, and supporter of FIFA 2022 and the Qatari National Vision 2030.

About Gulf Tunneling (GT)
Gulf Tunneling (GT) is an engineering firm that specializes in planning and executing complex boring & tunneling works. We are considered the biggest self-contained Micro-Tunneling company in the GCC. Our acquired technological & operational experience--coupled with the rapid growth of the region--allows us to partake in great infrastructure projects and developments throughout the State of Qatar, with over 45,000 meters of tunnel currently installed or ongoing.

Our underground installations have reached remarkable depths, on every type of ground condition, with pipe diameters reaching several meters. We have served government agencies, gas majors, private contractors, and private developers using our field-expertise and our fleet of equipment (including TBMs, separation plants, control containers, cranes, water tankers, and more). Our services include installation of all kinds of underground gravity and pressure pipelines for drainage, water mains, and utility tunnels.

Since inception in 2002, GT has become a leader in the field of Micro-Tunneling. Our technical & commercial team is multinational, comprised of professionals with project experience from around the world. HSE is always a top priority: we have maintained a record of zero Loss-Time Incidents (LTI) in every project.

Contact Information
E-mail: qbc@qbcqatar.com.qa
Web: www.qatarbuildingcompany.com
Doha, Qatar
Qatar Building Company (QBC)
P.O. Box 1985
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974- 4462 5555/56
Fax: +974- 4462 5522/44
Web: www.QatarBuildingCompany.com
E-mail: info@gulftunneling.com
Web: www.gulftunneling.com

Doha, Qatar
Gulf Tunneling (GT)
P.O. Box 201971
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974- 4465 1401
Fax: +974- 4476 4472

© Press Release 2011