Project Welcome Pavilion, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Yas Island is a US$36 billion development by Aldar Properties transforming 2,500 hectares of desert into variable attractions. The main feature on the island is the Yas Marina Circuit, which hosts the annual Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Other major developments on the island include Ferrari World, the largest indoor amusement park in the world, and Yas Links golf course. Hospitality is offered in Yas Island’s numerous hotels, including the Crown Plaza hotel, which was completed by BAM International in 2009. The Welcome Pavilion is located at the heart of Yas Island. It provides visitors with a luxury shopping, resting and leisure area before or after their visit to the island’s many attractions. On nearing completion of the Welcome Pavilion, BAM International was also awarded the south link demarcation scope, which comprised the construction of a connection between the Welcome Pavilion and the Yas Island multi-storey car parks. Location Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Client Aldar-Besix LLC Contractor BAM International Abu Dhabi Contract period November 2008 – August 2010 Contract sum € 21.8 million ‘One of the visual highlights of Yas Island.’ December 2010 000684/H08330-207 September 2013 Scope of work The Welcome Pavilion is a four-storey cast-in-situ circular building, flanked on either side by a water cascade. The overall height of the building is 21.55 metres, with floor areas decreasing in size as levels rise. The support structure for the synthetic (ETFE) roof involves four outer corner pedestals and two centreline columns. The main structure of the Connection to the car parks in progress pavilion includes a foundation comprising nearly 700 piles and a raft slab. Over 23,000m3 of concrete was used in the construction of this building, with over 4,300 tonnes of steel reinforcement. The connection to the multi-storey car parks consists of a four-storey cast-in-situ structure and steel frame. Construction of the structure required 14,000m3 of concrete and over 4,500 tonnes of steel reinforcement. A further 340 tonnes of steel were used to construct the steel frame from levels 10 to 30. Welcome Pavilion in progress A definite eye-catcher: the Welcome Pavilion’s dome roof baminternational.com.