UK-based Balfour Beatty has confirmed that its Dubai-based joint venture Dutco Balfour Beatty has been awarded the AED1.4bn ($381m) contract to build an extension to Emaar Properties’ Dubai Mall

MEED reported in mid-March that Emaar had sent a letter of intent to Dutco Balfour Beatty for contract.

That contract involves building a fashion avenue next to the existing mall, the lake, Burj Khalifa and the existing Address hotel, offering 75,000 square metres of retail space and about 25,000 sq m of parking. Another Balfour Beatty joint venture, BK Gulf, will provide mechanical and electrical services on the project.

Balfour Beatty says that at its peak, the project will employ more than 2,000 people. It is due for completion in early 2016.

Emaar received bids for the contract in December 2013. The other bidders included Al-Futtaim Carillion and Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC).

Emaar also sent a letter of intent in mid-March to Lebanon’s Arabian Construction Company (ACC) for the estimated AED3bn contract to build the Address Residence Fountain Views development. The main construction package involves building three towers including a 220-metre-tall, 60-storey building.