The local/European Ed Zueblin has started work on an estimated AED500m ($136m) contract for the refurbishment and conservation of the Cultural Foundation Building at Qasr al-Hosn.

The contract involves the restoration of a library, the creation of exhibition spaces, a 900-seat theatre, as well as learning and workshops facilities, and food and beverage areas. The 23,000 square metre building first opened in 1981.

Work on the site has already commenced, with shoring, excavation and the installation of working piles for the car parks already complete.

The wider project includes the Qasr al-Hosn Fort, which is being renovated under a spate contract awarded earlier to a joint venture of the UK’s Wates Construction and the local Eastern International.

The project client is the Department of Culture and Tourism.