The Abu Dhabi office of internationally acclaimed architecture and interior design practice Aukett Fitzroy Robinson (AFR) will provide the greatest impetus for growth among its 11 offices worldwide, a top official said.

The architects have 11 offices around the world and three major hubs in London, Moscow and Abu Dhabi.

“Despite troubles impacting some markets in the region, we still see plenty of opportunity in the Middle East,” said Nicholas Thompson, chief executive officer of AFR.

“There is still a great deal of investment being poured into the cities of the region particularly in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh and Jeddah. However, we also see opportunity in North Africa,” he added.

“We believe the main sectors for growth will be in masterplanning, social infrastructure and transport.”

Thompson was speaking at an Aukett Fitzroy Robinson celebration event at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

Appointed as lead consultant, architect and interior designer by Aldar Properties, AFR completed the striking new 397 room Radisson Blu Hotel as well as the adjoining 204 room Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, to coincide with the 2009 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The project was completed in 25 months after commencement of the design.

AFR is already committed to doing the interior design of two more hotels in Abu Dhabi and is tendering for projects throughout the Mena region.

Stephen Embley, managing director of AFR Middle East, said: “The completion of our first project since returning to Abu Dhabi has been a major milestone for the practice and one which we are delighted to be celebrating.”

“We are seeing lots of opportunities for high quality design work in Abu Dhabi, guided by Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 and driven by the ambition and vision of Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan and we are also excited about breaking into other emerging markets in the Mena region,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service