Local developer Arada says it has awarded Dubai-based BIC Contracting (BICC) the estimated AED103m ($28m) first infrastructure package for its AED24bn Aljada real estate development in Sharjah.

The work includes the construction of power, water and communications networks, as well as landscaping and building roads. BICC will mobilise on-site immediately and the work will be completed by October 2019.

The infrastructure for the entire 2 square kilometre site is designed by US-based Jacobs and is expected to cost more than AED1bn to deliver.

Phase 1 of Aljada consists of 14 apartment buildings with a total of 1,300 units, as well as more than 100 townhouses and semi-detached villas. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.

Local contractor MBCC is working on the construction of the first four apartment blocks.

BIC Contracting was formerly known as HLG Contracting.