On 20 May, the first concrete was poured at the Centre of Excellence in Abu Dhabi. The date was not entirely random: it also coincided with World Bee Day! A detail that fits a project built around an unusual combination: advanced canine facilities and a full honey production ecosystem.
Where canine expertise meets sustainable beekeeping
The Centre of Excellence is a multi-use campus spanning 244,000 m², with a built-up area of more than 60,000 m². Across this vast site, around 56 buildings are being delivered. Each has a specific role, yet all are connected by a single ambition: to create one integrated environment where different functions coexist and reinforce each other.
At first glance, the combination may seem unexpected. On one side, highly specialized facilities dedicated to dogs. These include breeding centres, training areas, veterinary clinics and competition spaces. On the other, a full ecosystem built around the production and development of premium honey.
For Bianca Pateet, leading the project, the value of the project lies in this combination: “This is not a project where you deliver one function at a time. Everything is connected. That’s what makes it both challenging and interesting from day one.”
A simple, meaningful ceremony
The first concrete pour began with the casting of the first blinding layer, setting the base for what will become a highly specialised environment: the Anara building. The milestone brought together key stakeholders: client Sanad, consultant OMA, future operators and the project teams were all present. The morning was structured around fundamentals, safety and quality.
Erkan Bozkurt, H&S Manager, addressed the teams with a clear message: “A good start is about discipline. If we get safety right from the beginning, everything else follows.” The same pragmatic approach applied to quality. Mondher Ouafi, QA/QC Manager, reminded participants that expectations are set from the very first works: “On a project like this, you don’t get many second chances. Getting things right first time will make a real difference later.”
But what made the moment stand out was also its human dimension. After a short introduction of the project by Luna de Zitter, Fit-Out Package Manager, participants were invited to share their expectations for the months ahead. Each person wrote down a wish for the project. The exercise was simple, but it created a shared moment across teams and stakeholders.
From there, the group moved to site. Guided by Amar El Mourad, Construction Manager, the first blinding layer of concrete was poured, marking the effective start of the structural works. “This is the point where plans become reality,” Amar noted. “From now on, coordination on site becomes the priority. Every step builds on the previous one.”
Taking a step back: understanding the bigger picture
The morning did not only look forward to construction. It also offered a moment to understand one of the project’s defining components.
As part of World Bee Day, Dr James Arruda Salome, future operator of the Anara building, gave a presentation on the role of bees in ecosystems and food production. “Beekeeping is much more than honey,” he explained. “It is about maintaining balance in nature. This project creates a place where that balance can be observed and supported.” His perspective helped connect the technical ambition of the project with its broader environmental dimension.
Managing complexity across multiple functions
From a construction standpoint, the Centre of Excellence presents a particular challenge. It combines facilities with very different technical requirements. Veterinary spaces require strict hygiene standards. Kennels bring operational and acoustic constraints. Training and competition areas demand flexibility. At the same time, the honey production component introduces a different set of conditions, related to processing and environmental control.
It is precisely this level of complexity that defines BESIX’s expertise. The ability to orchestrate multiple functions into a coherent, operational whole.
Bianca Pateet: “This project combines very different functions. The challenge is to make them work together as one coherent whole. This raises expectations, in terms of quality, execution and long-term performance.”
A start that reflects the project’s identity
The first concrete moment captured that ambition. It combined technical precision with a strong sense of purpose. It brought together colleagues, partners, operators, and even a few four-legged participants. The atmosphere was focused but open, with space for both technical discussion and informal exchanges. And it ended, quite appropriately, with a honey tasting: a simple ending that reflected the project’s identity.
For the teams on site, the next phase begins: turning the design into a working environment, one step at a time.
“Excavations are now underway, with visible progress on the buildings expected within 6 to 12 months,” ends Bianca.