The local Arab Technical Construction Company (Arabtec) has received a letter of intent to build 13 towers on the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) project.

Valued at AED1.65bn ($450m), the two-year contract covers the construction of the main structures in sectors 1 and 3.

The local Al-Shafar General Transport & Contracting Company was awarded in late February the sector 6 buildings contract, the first major construction package on the estimated $1.4bn development (MEED 27:2:04).

Sector 1 will comprise six 42-52-storey towers, which will be built on a common podium, while there will be seven towers on sector 3, ranging in height from 17-53 storeys. Other contracts are pending on the development, which involves the construction of 35 towers offering 3,000 apartments, extensive retail space and recreational facilities. The local Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises is in contention for the sector 4 buildings package, while an award is also awaited on sector 5.

The JBR project is due to be completed in 2006. The project manager is the UK’s Mace International.