Beyon Names AECOM as master planner of Digital City Project

TDT | Manama

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Beyon’s vision for a cutting- edge digital and technological hub is moving forward with the official appointment of AECOM as the master planner of the Beyon Digital City project. The appointment marks a key milestone in the development of this transformative initiative, which aims to establish a premier technology and innovation ecosystem in the Hamala area.

The award signing ceremony was held at Beyon’s headquarters and attended by Andrew Kvaalseth, Beyon CEO, Faisal Al Jalahma, Chairman of the Digital City Development Company, Ahmed Al-Khayat, CEO of Bahrain’s UPDA (Urban Planning and Development Authority), and David Border, AECOM’s Head of Buildings + Places in Bahrain.

As the appointed master planner, AECOM will lead the comprehensive planning and design of the Digital City, ensuring a clear focus on accommodating its various intended uses, including commercial, technological, and lifestyle components such as landscaped open spaces, and essential urban amenities. A key priority of the master planning process will be the seamless integration of the Digital City within Bahrain’s existing and proposed transport infrastructure. The UPDA will also be playing an active role in integrating the Digital City development within Bahrain’s broader urban expansion strategy, ensuring that the project incorporates efficient internal traffic systems, and connects to the main transport networks so that the area is optimally planned for future growth.

Faisal Al Jalahma, Chairman of the Digital City Development Company, noted, “The appointment of AECOM as the master planner for Digital City is a key step forward in realizing our vision of a thriving technological hub. This project represents an investment of almost US$ 700 million and is designed to create opportunities that attract foreign direct investment in technology, commerce and R&D creating and providing high-value jobs for the future.”

Ahmed Abdulaziz AlKhayat, CEO of the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA), stated: “The successful integration of Beyon Digital City with Bahrain’s broader infrastructure plans is crucial to its long-term viability. At UPDA, we are committed to working closely with AECOM and other stakeholders to develop a project that enhances connectivity and aligns with the country’s urban planning objectives.”