A UNIC URW-706-2 spider crane has helped complete a complex façade renovation at the prestigious BVLGARI Resort in Jumeirah Bay, Dubai.
UNIC Cranes dealer Spider Plus supplied the compact crane to support project partner Fibrex Construction Group with the removal and replacement of GRC façade panels at the luxury beachfront resort.
With guest accommodation, restaurants and beach facilities remaining operational nearby, the project required a precise lifting solution that could work within a restricted area while minimising disruption across the resort.
A Challenging Live-Site Renovation
Located on a private island in Dubai, the BVLGARI Resort features guest rooms across two wings, alongside restaurants and other luxury hospitality facilities.
The renovation involved replacing existing panels with new coral GRC façade panels. Each panel measured approximately 2 metres by 2.5 metres and weighed around 600kg.
Although one wing of the resort was closed for the work, the second wing and surrounding facilities remained open. This meant the lifting operation had to be carefully contained within the renovation area, without obstructing guests or interfering with the day-to-day running of the resort.
The location also presented structural and access restrictions. A basement level beneath the main lobby meant that bringing large, heavy lifting equipment into the area was not considered suitable.
Spider Plus therefore needed a compact crane capable of providing the required height and outreach without the footprint or site impact of a conventional mobile crane.
Reaching 17 Metres Within a Restricted Working Area
Spider Plus selected the UNIC URW-706-2 spider crane equipped with a fly jib for the project.
The crane operated within an installation radius of approximately 8 metres while positioning the GRC panels at heights of up to 17 metres.
The fly jib provided the additional reach needed to access installation points across the resort wing, while the compact dimensions of the URW-706-2 allowed it to work within the limited space available.
This configuration gave the lifting team an effective alternative to larger machinery, which could have caused obstruction and created additional pressure on the sensitive working area above the basement structure.
Precise Installation of 600kg Façade Panels
Façade installation requires careful load control, particularly when working with large architectural panels around a finished building.
The 600kg GRC panels needed to be lifted, manoeuvred and presented accurately to the installation team without damaging the panels or the surrounding façade.
The controlled operation of the UNIC URW-706-2 allowed the team to manage each load throughout the lift and complete the final positioning with the level of precision required for the renovation.
Its compact footprint also helped keep the lifting activity concentrated around the closed wing, limiting its impact on other areas of the resort.
Supporting Work at an Operational Luxury Resort
Renovation work within an operational resort requires more than lifting capacity alone. Equipment movement, working areas and noise must all be carefully managed to protect the guest experience.
Using the UNIC spider crane enabled work to continue with minimal disruption while the resort’s open wing, restaurants and beach facilities remained in use.
The project demonstrates how compact lifting equipment can support complex construction and renovation work in sensitive environments where conventional machinery may be impractical.
Specialist Lifting Support from Spider Plus
As an authorised UNIC Cranes dealer, Spider Plus provides compact crane and specialist lifting solutions across the UAE and wider Middle East.
For the BVLGARI Resort renovation, Spider Plus identified a crane configuration suited to the project’s restricted access, structural limitations and demanding installation requirements.
By combining the URW-706-2 with a fly jib, the team achieved the height, outreach and precision needed to complete the façade panel installation without introducing oversized equipment into the resort.
The project highlights the versatility of UNIC spider cranes for façade installation, refurbishment and maintenance work where space is limited and surrounding operations must continue.
Discover the UNIC URW-706-2
The UNIC URW-706-2 is designed for challenging lifting projects where access, available space and precise load positioning are critical.
