Dubai-based Arabtec Holding has announced plans to open a regional headquarters in Belgrade, which will serve as a launch pad for the company’s planned expansion into the countries of the wider Balkan region.

The company said it is already in talks with developers about taking on projects in the region.

“We see great potential for Arabtec in the Balkan region,” said Arabtec’s CEO Hasan Abdullah Ismaik. “The opening of our regional headquarters in Belgrade provides us with a base from which to pursue available opportunities and achieve another milestone in our growth strategy.”

Earlier this week, Arabtec won a AED5.7bn ($1.6bn) contract for the construction of Jordan’s first themed tourist destination, the Red Sea Astrarium.

The deal pushed Arabtec’s backlog to nearly AED40bn, the company said.