Gulf-based architects ink deal for Indian expansion

Gulf-based architects Dewan is set to make its first foray into the Indian construction market after inking a deal with a prominent businessman. Dewan Architects & Engineers said the move was part of its strategy to reach more markets in Asia. Dewan, which was recently ranked 48th globally on a World Architecture Top 100 list, will jointly operate in the Indian market with entrepreneur Manoj Prasad, one of the key promoters of i1 Super Series, India's first single seater car racing event set to launch next year. Manoj also holds interests in various companies in the financial services, aerospace, management consulting and hospitality sectors, Dewan said in a statement. Major projects undertaken by Dewan include the Yas Hotel and Al Bateen School in Abu Dhabi, Media One Tower and Green Community in Dubai and Baghdad Rotana Hotel in Iraq. Mohamed Al Assam, founder, chairman and managing director of Dewan, said: "These are exciting times... Today we are working closely with our Indian partners on these exciting new opportunities with a view of aligning our design objectives and business goals, to ensure that we deliver to the highest standards." He added: "We are committed to global growth and growth in India for the long term. The global down turn in real estate has had limited impact in India as there is phenomenal growth in all areas of business and finance." Manoj Prasad added: "Dewan has an outstanding reputation and a history of harnessing its entrepreneurial culture which will suit it well to advance in India, a new market with countless possibilities." Dewan is currently setting up its first office in New Delhi which is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2012, with a second office to be open soon afterwards in Mumbai. Dewan said it is also close to signing two other major contracts in India. Dewan is a regional architectural and engineering design firm with offices in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Qatar, and the Philippines.