Canadian firm to build skylight dome in Sharjah

Sunaina Rana / Emirates Business

Where Dubai has been reaching the sky with its skyscrapers, Sharjah is also set to add a magnificent piece of architecture to its list. Canadian firm OpenAire and Aluminum Light Industries Co (ALICO) joins hand with Sharjah- based International Private Group (IPG) and Gambert Architectural to build a giant skylight dome for Sharjah’s largest shopping Mall.
Mark Albertine, President and CEO of OpenAire, told Emirates Business, “We’re happy that this is the largest aluminum dome in the Middle East. The company is really pleased to be chosen to build this complex in the region. This project is one of our best ones and we’re very pleased to work with IPG and ALICO in putting up this record-breaking project. Indeed, this will be a unique reference for us in the future. We’re also expecting this dome to be beneficial to the UAE tourism sector as this would be another UAE tourist destination.”
As the Emirates is gearing up for Expo 2020, the construction industry in the UAE has been witnessing exponential growth, although growth across the emirates is expected to remain healthy at 6.6 per cent despite low oil prices, market watchers said. Government investment will be robust in infrastructure sectors, while the biggest risk stems from private investment in Abu Dhabi, which will be adversely affected by lower oil prices, according to the latest Research & Markets report.
The spectacular 31-storey mall is situated less than 10 km from Dubai. The Complex would rise from the city’s waterfront like an oasis of luxury retail and residential space. As its centerpiece, the mall will feature a remarkable aluminum elliptical dome skylight designed and manufactured by OpenAire. Built with a durable aluminum frame and glazed glass, this skylight will be the largest aluminum dome in the Middle East, standing 74m (242ft. 9.4in.) long by 47m (154ft. 2.4in.) wide by 21m (68ft. 10.77in.) high and casting the main retail areas in vibrant, inviting natural light.
According to Business Monitor International, the majority of projects in the UAE’s construction industry involve 38 percent of the total projects to be finalised in energy and utilities, 31percent in construction, 29 percent in transport and 2percent in social infrastructure.
“OpenAire has been given a great chance to showcase our capabilities to the world, and we’re creating a skylight that is sure to exceed expectations,” said Albertine, “The mall will be sitting on prime waterfront real estate, close to Dubai and even closer to the Dubai airport. It’s going to be a cultural hub for Sharjah, and OpenAire’s skylight will be at its center. It’s just an incredible opportunity.”
OpenAire was chosen to build this complex and unique skylight because of its track record of creating unique skylights and enclosures worldwide. This aluminum framed skylight sits atop the center of the mall on a ring beam, connecting beautifully with the smooth glass, polished concrete and brushed steel of the complex’s striking architecture.
The dome will use panels shaped in a non-traditional diagonal geometric pattern. The support structure will use an innovative combination of steel nodes and aluminum connecting members, allowing for large glass panels at the center of the mall which will give visitors unobstructed views of the UAE’s open skies.