A consortium led by Bechtel has started tunnelling work for the US$23 billion Riyadh Metro project.
BACS, which in addition to Bechtel consists of Jeddah-based Almabani General Contracting, Consolidated Contractors Company and Siemens, is delivering the biggest and most technically challenging package.
The value of BACS’s contract is $10bn and covers Lines 1 and 2, which includes major underground elements through the city and two of its four main interchange stations at the Olaya district in the centre of the city and in the new King Abdullah Financial District.
Tunnelling has begun on Line 1. The first tunnel-boring machine, Mneefah – named after the horse of Saudi Arabia’s founder king, Ibn Saud – will be one of seven that the BACS consortium will employ to dig out and construct 35 kilometres of tunnels underneath Riyadh. Bechtel said it expected to complete the work by the middle of next year.
“The metro, set to be the cornerstone of Riyadh’s new public transport network, will revolutionise how people move around the city,” said Bechtel’s project director, Amjad Bangash.
“Sending our team’s first tunnel-boring machine on its underground voyage is a significant step for all.”
In total, the Riyadh Metro is set to contain six lines of driverless trains. It will cover 176km of the city and have 85 stations. It is being built for the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.
Riyadh is one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, with a population expected to increase by 50 per cent to 7.5 million by 2035.
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The low down
Producers: Uniglobe Entertainment & Vision Films
Director: Namrata Singh Gujral
Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Nargis Fakhri, Bo Derek, Candy Clark
Rating: 2/5
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The biog
Favourite pet: cats. She has two: Eva and Bito
Favourite city: Cape Town, South Africa
Hobby: Running. "I like to think I’m artsy but I’m not".
Favourite move: Romantic comedies, specifically Return to me. "I cry every time".
Favourite spot in Abu Dhabi: Saadiyat beach
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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SPECS
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
SPECS
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Abu Dhabi Card
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m
National selection: AF Mohanak
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m
National selection: Jayide Al Boraq
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m
National selection: Rocket Power
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m
National selection: Ihtesham
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m
National selection: Noof KB
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m
National selection: EL Faust
Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs
Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
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