The bids were originally due in late April and had previously been delayed until 9 June before the latest extension.

The prequalified contractors include the local/Lebanese Arabian Construction Company (ACC), the local Arabtec Construction, Saudi-based El-Seif Engineering Contracting Company and South Korea's Samsung Corporation.

The project involves the construction of a retail area, and office and residential towers, with a total built-up area of 310,000 square metres. Completion is scheduled for September 2010.

Germany's Bauer is working on the enabling package. US-based Hill International is the project manager. The local office of KEO International Consultants is the architect of record. Toronto-based WMZH is the concept architect. The local International Capital Trading is the client (MEED 17:3:08).