Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) – the first building in the world to integrate wind turbines in its structure, setting a precedent for sustainable architecture in the globe. Utilizing the wind power of the Gulf coast, the three 29-metre diameter horizontal-axis wind turbines generate an annual energy supply of 1100 to 1300 megawatts, equivalent to lighting 200-250 homes in a year. Providing 11-15% of renewable energy source for the building.

Another striking feature of this landmark development is exhibited in its façade design and engineering. Leading facade specialist in the Middle East, Al Abbar Group provided the notable façade of the twin towers. “The project was unique and not as conventional in any of our previous project’, noted by Dean Cordon, Deputy General Manager, Al Abbar Aluminium. BWTC façade design incorporates 9 different cladding systems, being the ‘diamond’ appearance, the most complex. “The unitized panels were trapezoidal in shape as well as cranked in the middle due to the 3D shape of this building. Al Abbar had to utilize 3D software construction in the design of many areas of the façade”, he adds.

The installation of the first façade began on January 2006 and was completed in December 2007. Al Abbar dispatched 250 workers, trained in the Philippines to work on the project. An additional 100 workers were recruited from Bahrain to provide additional manpower to the project. Project management was handled by an experienced team of project managers, engineers and staff from Dubai whose strong professional expertise suits the project’s diverse requirements.

Today, BWTC started handing over the floors to their respective tenants who are ready to take advantage of the Kingdom’s first intelligent offices employing the latest SMART systems capable of delivering unsurpassed security and maximum efficiency in office management. Other benefits enjoyed by local and international businesses occupying space at the development is membership to the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA). This offers an exceptional opportunity for connectivity with the global business community. With more than 300 centers in 100 countries, WTCA has a membership of approximately 750,000 commercial enterprises worldwide.

Similar to the Burj Al Arab and the Burj Dubai, BWTC has become a landmark in the Kingdom of Bahrain, a testament to Al Abbar’s growing portfolio and a reaffirmation of its position as a leading façade company in the region. “Where our previous landmark buildings have been within the borders of the UAE, the experiences encountered with executing a project of this stature overseas; has done nothing but increase our confidence in providing a quality product and service further afield”, Cordon reinstates.

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