Dubai-listed developer Emaar Properties has approved the selection of the UK-based RMJM as the executive architect and interior designer for the 928 metre-plus tall tower that it plans to build at its Dubai Creek Harbour development.

In June, Emaar invited contractors to bid for the contract to conduct testing piling activities. The piling work will be the first element of onsite activity to start on the project, which following its launch earlier this year has become Dubai’s most high profile construction project.

Work on the actual foundations package is expected to start later this year, and will take about a year to complete.

Tendering for the superstructure will start once work on the foundations has begun. Sources close to the scheme say the core, the steel frame and the cables are likely to be let as one main construction package.

The building will cost about $1bn to construct and will be completed in time for the 2020 Expo.

The tower has been designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava Valls. The engineering consultant is the local office of consultancy firm Aurecon.