It remains unclear why the project has been shelved, but it is understood that there had been issues with nearby flight paths for Dubai International Airport.

The project had involved the construction of two high-rise towers, which will be used for a five-star hotel and offices. The total built-up area would have been 900,000 square metres.

Three groups had been shortlisted for the construction contract. The companies were: the local/ South African joint venture of Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises and Murray & Roberts Contractors (Middle East); South Korea's Samsung Corporation; and Lebanon's Arabian Construction Company.

US-based Morganti Group is the project manager (MEED 21:1:08).

It is not the first time that flight paths have affected tower projects in Dubai. In 2006, the proposed 75-storey Al-Durrah tower was redesigned as a 47-storey tower to accommodate Department of Civil Aviation regulations. The contract was later awarded to Dubai Contracting Company.