Companies expected to price the contract, estimated to cost AED 600 million ($163 million), include Turkey's International Marine Contractor, the local/Belgian Belhasa Six Constructand Al-Hamed Development & Construction and Al-Shafar Transport & General Contracting Company, both local.

The project calls for the construction of: a 340-room hotel, over 72,000 square metres; 24 suites; and 20 pool-side cabana rooms. It also entails the construction of an artificial rainforest, waterfalls, aquatic features, desert areas, an oasis, seven restaurants and related facilities.

The proposed swimming pool will be constructed 7 metres below ground level. The six-storey hotel, to be called Cavern/Garden, will be 37 metres high and will be built close to the pool. The facilities will take 18 months to complete and will be located adjacent to Jebel Ali village off the Sheikh Zayed highway.

The US' DMJM International is the project manager; the client is Dubai Palm Developers.