The local/UK Al-Futtaim Tarmac has been awarded an estimated AED 750 million ($204 million) contract to carry out the first major package on phase 1 of the DFC project. Called the Crescent, it covers the construction of waterfront restaurants, shopping malls, entertainment and hospitality areas and residential and office accommodation. The architect for the retail component is the US-based DTG. The proposed facilities will be completed by 2005/6.

The local Al-Naboodah Contracting has also been awarded a phase 1 contract. Worth an estimated AED 500 million ($136 mi2:12 PM 11/16/02llion), it involves the construction of 300 luxury and townhouse units, an 18-hole golf course and related facilities (MEED 24:5:02).

The golf course has been designed by Robert Trent Jones II and the contract includes the construction of a clubhouse, a sports academy and related works. The proposed facilities are targeted for completion by late 2003.

A third major construction package on phase 1 is due to be issued for bid by January. Estimated to be worth AED 200 million ($54 million), it calls for construction of car showrooms and office buildings. The design architect is DSA of South Africa.

The local ETA Ascon has also been awarded an estimated AED 45 million ($12 million) contract for the supply and installation of a 132/11-kV substation to serve the first-phase development of DFC. Two more substations are planned for the project.

Covering an area of 3.5 square kilometres, the DFC will include the construction of: a 50-storey office and hotel tower; waterfront residential units; a central park; a resort hotel; a terraced hillside development; a docking bay for boats; waterfalls; and a global village.

DTG has recently updated the project's basic design, which was carried out by The Jerde Partnership of the US. Four UK firms - Hyder Consulting (structural works), Roberts & Partners (mechanical and electrical), Maunsell Consultancy Services (traffic engineering) and Mouchel & Partners (marine and environmental engineering) - are acting as consultants. The client is Al-Futtaim Investments, part of the local Abdullah al-Futtaim Group.