Scope of work
- Pre-construction review of IFC drawings, specifications and soil reports, flagging buildability issues, missing details and conflicts between structural, architectural and MEP drawings before mobilisation.
- Site mobilisation, hoarding, temporary power and water, site offices and HSE set-up under our HSEMS, with logistics planned around crane positions, deliveries and neighbouring plots.
- Excavation, dewatering where groundwater requires it, shoring and foundations, including raft or piled foundations as designed by the structural engineer.
- Reinforced concrete frame including columns, cores, slabs and transfer structures, with pour sequences and curing planned for UAE temperatures.
- Blockwork, plastering, waterproofing of basements, wet areas and roofs, and thermal insulation to meet the building's energy requirements.
- Building envelope packages including curtain wall or window systems, cladding, shading elements and sealants, coordinated with specialist subcontractors.
- Finishes, joinery, external works and landscaping interfaces, with MEP installed and commissioned in sequence by the group's MEP companies.
- Authority inspections, snagging, completion certificates and handover documentation, including keys, warranties and training for the client or operator.
Systems we install
- Reinforced concrete frames with post-tensioned or conventional slabs as designed.
- Basement waterproofing with membranes, waterstops and protection boards.
- Curtain wall, window wall or punched window facade systems with thermal performance specified.
- Roof build-ups with insulation, waterproofing and protective screed or pavers.
- Fire-rated walls, doors and penetration sealing for compartmentation.
- Complete MEP: HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drainage, fire protection and BMS.
Codes, standards and approvals
- Dubai Municipality, Sharjah Municipality, Abu Dhabi DMT or the relevant municipality building permit and inspection requirements.
- UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice for compartmentation, escape routes, facade fire performance and fire systems.
- Al Sa'fat in Dubai and Estidama Pearl in Abu Dhabi for envelope, energy and water performance of new buildings.
- Utility requirements of DEWA, SEWA, ADDC, AADC or Etihad WE for substations, meter rooms and connections.
- Master developer or free-zone authority requirements where applicable, including Trakhees, DDA or DMCC zones.
- UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice (UAE FLSC) — national code governing fire-fighting, fire alarm, smoke control and egress
UAE site and climate challenges
- Concrete poured in summer heat loses water fast, risking plastic shrinkage cracks and lower strength. We schedule large pours for night or early morning, use chilled water or ice in mixes as specified, and keep wet curing going on slabs and columns.
- Basements in coastal Dubai and Sharjah often sit near or below groundwater with saline content that attacks reinforcement. Dewatering is planned with permits, membranes and waterstops are inspected before backfilling, and concrete cover is checked against the design.
- Facades face extreme solar heat and thermal movement between day and night. Sealant joints, bracket fixings and glass selection follow the facade engineer's movement and performance criteria, and water tests are carried out on sample areas before full installation.
- Sand and wind carry dust into fresh plaster, paint and MEP equipment. We sequence wet trades and finishing so building envelope closure comes first, and protect installed equipment until handover.
Decisions to make early
- Separate main contractor and MEP contractor versus a combined package: a combined package removes interface disputes and aligns programmes, while separate contracts give the client more direct control and visibility of each trade.
- Lump-sum versus remeasured contract: lump-sum gives cost certainty when drawings and specifications are complete, while remeasured contracts suit projects where design is still developing during construction.
- Conventional formwork versus system formwork for repetitive floors: system formwork shortens tower floor cycles and improves finish quality, but needs upfront investment, crane capacity and an early structural design freeze.
- Facade system choice: unitised curtain wall installs faster with factory quality control, while stick systems are more flexible for complex geometry, smaller buildings and late design changes.
What you receive at handover
- Completed building with authority completion and occupancy approvals obtained through the consultant.
- Material approvals, inspection and test records under our QMS structured to ISO 9001 requirements.
- As-built architectural, structural and MEP drawings.
- O&M manuals, warranties and guarantees for structure, waterproofing, facade and MEP.
- Snag-close records and handover training for the client or facility manager.
How we deliver: 8 stages
- 01Appointment & review
- 02Mobilisation & approvals
- 03Planning
- 04Engineering & shop drawings
- 05Procurement & execution
- 06Monitoring & reporting
- 07Quality inspection
- 08Testing, commissioning & handover
Why clients appoint Manolia
Manolia Group has delivered MEP and building contracts in the UAE since 2001: more than 100 projects and over AED 1.1 billion of completed work, including towers above 50 floors. Delivery follows an 8-stage process under a QMS structured to ISO 9001 requirements, with HSE controls and in-house engineering for shop drawings, coordination and commissioning.
Relevant Manolia projects
Sharjah Gate Tower
Sharjah · Building · Completed
34 typical floors over a five-level parking podium.
Hassan Tower 1, Sharjah
Sharjah · Building · Completed
25 typical floors above a parking podium.
5-star hotel, Dubai
Dubai · Building · Completed
Hotel tower with podium parking, pool, health club and 23 typical floors.
Office tower, Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi · Building · Completed
24 office floors above parking and health club.
Al Durrah International School, Sharjah
Sharjah · Building · Completed
G+2 school with service building.
Frequently asked questions
What does a main building contractor do?
A main contractor takes responsibility for constructing the whole building to the approved drawings: structure, envelope, finishes and services, either directly or through subcontractors. The main contractor manages programme, site safety, quality, inspections and coordination, and hands over a completed building with documentation.
Since when has Manolia provided building contracting?
Manolya Building Contracting Co. was established in 2015 to offer end-to-end construction from inception to completion. The group itself was founded in 2001 as an MEP contractor, so building contracting grew from long experience with services in towers, hotels and villas.
What building types does Manolia construct?
Our building contracting covers residential towers, hotels, mixed-use buildings, villas and industrial facilities. The group's portfolio includes towers of 50+ floors, hotels in Dubai and Sharjah, villa communities and factory complexes, many delivered with full MEP scope.
Why does MEP experience matter for a main contractor?
MEP typically makes up a large share of building cost and much of the coordination risk. A main contractor that understands shafts, plant rooms, ceiling voids and commissioning can sequence structure and finishes around services, reducing rework, delays and late design clashes.
How is quality controlled on site?
We work under a QMS structured to ISO 9001 requirements, with document control, supplier evaluation, inspection and test plans, daily site reports, internal audits and corrective actions. Inspections are recorded and closed before work is covered up or handed over.