FedEx Cargo Hub
FedEx Cargo Hub
BUILT UP AREA
72,200 S.QM
YEAR
2022
LOCATION
Dubai World Central Airport
EMPLOYER
Dubai South
Contract
Design and Build
STRUCTURE
Steel
SEGMENT
Industrial
SUB-SEGMENT
Warehouses & Distributions centers
PROJECT STATUS
Ongoing
Amazon build to suit (BTS), Fulfilment Centre for phase one is located in Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) which is a free zone dedicated to industrial processes. Spanning across 40 sq. km. ICAD is part of Musaffah, a popular industrial district located in the southwest of Abu Dhabi. The master development is one of the most important economic zones in the UAE housing several factories and a port.
Once soil has been improved and the plot leveled by another contractor, RAQ will begin the execution project for the Amazon fulfillment center. Client targeted time duration for the completion of “Build to Suit (BTS), Fulfilment Centre (FC) Phase 1 – “AUH1” project will be in 14 months (420 days).
The project has been directly commissioned by Amazon USA and is run with their standards.
As always, we plan our project in phases and divide areas in zones for easy deployment of resources.
Erection of steel starts of in Zone 2. We start the erection from the left; this is the absolution center of the entire building.
In the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airlines and Group and chairman of Dubai Airports; FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world’s largest express transportation company, signed an agreement with Dubai South to build its new regional hub for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa (MEISA) region at the Logistics District.
During the initial design process of this design and build project for FedEx in Dubai South, we aimed to create a hybrid structure for the main sort facility. This structure would consist of a steel structure sitting on precast columns, similar to ones done in Europe. This design would result in significant savings due to the reduction in surface area from the fire coat. The office structure would be a complete reinforced cement concrete building, further reducing the need for fire protection. Additionally, the enormous steel structure was significantly cheaper due to the price hike caused by the pandemic. What do you see on the left is our initial prototype of the FedEx cargo hub at the Dubai World Central airport.
One of the main challenges encountered during the project involved determining appropriate access points for over one hundred cargo containers originating from various locations worldwide and transported by FedEx. These containers contained essential equipment and conveyors that needed to be installed within the facility. To address this issue, RAQ implemented a strategy of allowing early access points throughout the project timeline. This enabled the FedEx Project team to install specific components in the designated zones allocated to them.
Subsequently, these zones were handed back to us for further work before being returned to FedEx, resulting in a continuous back-and-forth process that increased the risk of potential rework. However, through meticulous planning with both FedEx and Dubai South, this seemingly complex process was executed successfully, ultimately leading to the project being completed ahead of schedule.
After undergoing numerous iterations in the design phase, we ultimately reached a consensus on a solution that effectively caters to the requirements of both the end-user and the contractor. The accompanying video comprehensively documents the sequential procedure we devised for the construction of the new cargo hub at Dubai World Central airport, specifically intended for FedEx.
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The construction of the FedEx facility in Dubai commenced in March 2022, with a ceremonial event graced by the presence of executives from Dubai South and FedEx, as well as RAQ’s execution team.
Several images captured during the groundbreaking ceremony depict the unwavering enthusiasm exhibited by the entire collective as we embark upon a transformative journey of the building of the new FedEx facility in Dubai South.
Safety walk with the Dubai South team.
The mesmerizing timelapse showcases the awe-inspiring evolution of the cargo hub’s construction over time. From the initial groundwork to the final steel structure rising against the skyline, this visual journey encapsulates the tireless dedication of the construction team. Cranes swing into action, steel beams soar to great heights, and intricate details emerge as the hub takes shape before our eyes. Day turns to night and seasons change, yet the relentless progress continues, highlighting the precision and coordination required for such a monumental endeavor. The timelapse not only documents the physical transformation of the cargo hub but also symbolizes the spirit of innovation and determination that fuels the project’s success, turning an ambitious vision into a tangible reality.
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and ground hub at Dubai South, graced by the presence of His Highness Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation. President Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman Dubai Airports alongside His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, and Mohsen Ahmad, CEO of the Logistics District at Dubai South, and esteemed guests Raj Subramaniam, Richard W. Smith, and Kami Viswanathan. The brand-new hub, strategically located next to Al Maktoum International Airport, spanning an impressive 57,000 sqm, is a cutting-edge facility that represents a significant leap forward in our mission to empower smarter logistics networks in the UAE and the region.
Opening celebration.
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