Contractors in Abu Dhabi say they are still waiting to hear if the contract to build 600 villas for local developer Aldar Properties has been awarded.

Aldar received the bids for the contract in August.

The Emirati housing community will be built in Zone K of Yas Island and is known as the Garden Crescent development.

The architect of record is US-based RW Armstrong.

Housing is a major priority for the government in Abu Dhabi, and private and public sector developers have been tasked with developing new communities.

Abu Dhabi General Services (Musanada) recently revealed that it is preparing to tender AED8.5bn of construction contracts in 2013 for a new housing development in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The contracts will cover roads and general infrastructure work for the new housing development for UAE nationals in the Al-Wathba area close to Al-Ain. Known as North Wathba Urban Development, the scheme will eventually house 130,000 people.