Six local companies priced the 22-24-month packages, which call for the phased demolition of existing staff accommodation and the construction of a three-storey building. The selected contractor will also carry out infrastructure development, landscaping and related civil, mechanical and electrical works.

Bidders have submitted a base price for packages 1 and 2, as well as an alternative price.

For the base price, the local Al-Hamed Development & Construction is the low bidder. Its offer of AED 171.5 million ($47 million), is some 2.4 per cent lower than the next quote of AED 175.8 million ($48 million) submitted by Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises, also local.

The consultant is the UK's WS Atkins International.