The AED1.5bn ($409m) contract involves the construction of a hotel with 380 rooms, along with seven residential buildings with 250 apartments, parking areas, and 32 villas. A second site will have 75 luxury villas, together with a clubhouse and sports facilities.

The total built-up area is about 200,000 square metres.

The local Alec is the other bidder.

The project manager is South Africa's Mirage Mille. Australia's Woods Bagot is the concept architect. US-based Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will manage the hotel.

The local Tourism Development & Investment Company is the client (MEED 3:7:08).