Local firm Dewan Architects & Engineers has confirmed that it has started design work on the $517m Reem Mall project in Abu Dhabi.

The contract will include engineering, masterplanning, architectural design and post-contract services.

In September last year, MEED reported that Al-Farwaniya Property Developments had invited companies and joint ventures to express interest in construction work on the development on UAE capital Abu Dhabi’s Al-Reem Island.

The project involves the construction and completion of a large-scale regional retail mall located in the Najmat district of Al-Reem Island.

A contract is expected to be awarded for the enabling works in the second quarter of 2015, which will include earthworks, excavation and dewatering.

The UK’s Mace Group is the project manager.