The UK’s Atkins has a massive presence in the region with 2,000 permanent staff and 213 architects. It has played a key role in the emirate for a number of years, most notably as designer for the iconic Burj Al-Arab, which helped define Dubai on the international stage.

More recently it has been involved with the landmark infrastructure project, the Dubai Metro, providing full multidisciplinary design, design coordination of civil works including geotechnical and site investigations, and construction supervision of tracks, underground stations and maintenance depots. The first line opened on 9 September 2009, although there is some debate when the remaining lines will open.

The firm has also designed the 400 metre-high 64-storey DIFC Lighthouse Tower, which will be the world’s first hot-climate, low-carbon, high-rise tower to aspire to a LEED Platinum rating.

Away from the emirate, Atkins has also provided master planning, architecture, landscaping, environment, transport, civil engineering and project management services for Durrat Al-Bahrain, which is expected to house a population of 60,000. Founded in 1938 by Sir William Atkins and formerly known as WS Atkins & Partners, in 2009 Atkins was appointed as the official engineering design services provider for the London 2012 Olympics.
 
 

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