Louis Berger lands $100m Madinah transport deal

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Louis Berger lands $100m Madinah transport deal

US-based consultancy Louis Berger has picked up a $100m contract from Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Development Authority (MMDA) to programme manage the city’s new Public Transportation Programme (MPTP).

The plan for Saudi Arabia’s second-holiest city, which includes a new metro and bus network, as well as new roads and substantial upgrades to the existing road network. A new park and ride network will also be developed under a 25-year plan to meet the city’s transport need in the run-up to 2040.

The consultancy deal will run for five years.

Louis Berger will integrate with MMDA’s internal team and guide and oversee relationships with other consultants, advisors and contractors.

With a massive expansion of The Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah still taking place, the MPTP is aimed at providing a public transport network to serve the city’s residents and religious tourists alike. It is estimated that by 2040, Madinah will be handling 8.6m Umrah visitors and 3.6m Hajj pilgrims.

“We could not be prouder to be associated with MMDA in the implementation of the MPTP for the holy city of Madinah,” said D. James Stamatis, president of Louis Berger’s international operations. “The implementation of an advanced public transportation system will endow Madinah with one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world.”

Source: Construction Week Online

Link: http://tinyurl.com/nbvna6e

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.