Called sector 6, the contract is estimated to be worth AED 455 million ($124 million). It calls for the construction of four towers of 35-40 storeys, a common podium and related facilities.

The JBR project is estimated to cost $1,400 million and involves the construction of: 35 towers offering 3,000 apartments, ranging from studios up to four-bedroom units; five lower-level hotels and three beach clubs on the seafront near Mina Seyahi. The mixed-use development also entails the construction of shopping malls, restaurants and cinema complexes.

The fast-track project will be tendered in at least seven packages. Each package is expected to involve the construction of several high-rises, each with a basement and a three-level podium. All packages will be carried out simultaneously.

A contract award is due for sectors 2 and 7, which cover the construction of six high-rises, including twin 46-storey towers. Bids are also under evaluation for the sector 1 contract. It covers the construction of six towers of up to 35 storeys each offering one, two, three and four-bedroom apartments.

The UK's Drake & Scull International has been awarded an estimated AED 250 million ($68 million) contract for a district cooling plant to serve the JBR project (MEED 7:11:03).

The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract involves the supply and installation of about 65,000 tonnes of cooling capacity and will take 18 months to be carried out. The consultant is the UK's Roberts & Partners.

The JBR project is due to be completed by late 2005. The project manager is the UK's Mace International. Dubai Technology, e-commerce & Media Free Zone Authority (Tecom) is the client.