Spider Access, a Gulf-based specialist building operator, said it has won a three-year contract to service Index Tower, the award winning high-rise development in Dubai.

The agreement was awarded by the Owners’ Association Management provider, Gulf International Community Management (GCIM), which recognised Spider Access’s proven capabilities in meeting the challenges of tall tower maintenance.

At 328 metres tall, the 80-storey Index Tower located at Dubai International Finance Centre was one of the first high-rise developments in the region to be designed to work in synergy with its climatic surroundings.

Its architectural features, which include concrete cores and shades to protect against the highly penetrating morning and evening sun, reduce the need for air conditioning within the building, thereby minimising energy waste and substantially reducingcharges for tenants.

The tower’s design won it the accolade of 2011 Best Tall Building Middle East & Africa Award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

Commenting on the win, managing director Mazen Harake said: “Spider Access’s high level of experience in servicing modern high rise developments has allowed us to develop unique tailor-made cleaning strategies that have made us the leading tall buildings maintenance provider in the UAE.”

Index Tower’s height and environmental features pose specific maintenance challenges, which Spider Access will be addressing as a part of its customised service plan, he stated.

Kevin Williams, the operations director, pointed out that a tower of this magnitude required different approaches to ensure safe and quality cleaning. "These include direct rope access, Building Maintenance Units, cleaning cradles and scaffolding," he stated.

“The scope of our cleaning operations means that we will be utilising a total of four kilometres of ropes during the cleaning cycle. Each cycle lasts for approximately 30 days and requires a team of six staff to be working six days a week, eight hours per day,” he added.

GCIM general manager Jennifer Blackwell-Spencer said Spider Access' extended experience and proven track record for towers of this magnitude played to their advantage for ultimately securing the contract, and we are confident moving forward.-TradeArabia News Service