Local developer Emaar Properties has invited consultants to submit proposals for the programme management of its Dubai Creek Harbour development in Dubai.

It is understood the role could be expanded to include other Emaar projects in Dubai, and possibly some of its work overseas.

The Dubai Creek Harbour at the Lagoons is Emaar’s largest project in Dubai. It was launched by Emaar and another local developer, Dubai Holding, in October last year. The two companies signed a joint venture agreement to develop the site in 2013.

Unlike many other Dubai projects, Emaar says the scheme is a long-term concern and not based on short-term buying patterns and business cycles.

The project will aim to develop a residential, commercial and leisure destination for Dubai, much like Emaar’s other developments, Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.

Later phases will include 39,000 residential units, more than 8 million square feet of retail space, 3,664 office units, and 22 hotels with 4,400 rooms. The centrepiece of the development will be two tall towers.

Emaar announced new management team for 2015 at the end of last year following the departure of its head of real estate Robert Booth. Several other senior executives also left to join Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills.

Fred Durie, formerly CEO of Emaar International, continues to serve on the boards of Emaar joint ventures in Jordan and India. Robert Booth will also continue to work with the company in an advisory role to the Emaar chairman Mohammed Alabbar.

Emaar has been one of the most active construction clients in Dubai over the past two years, awarding a string of major projects in the Burj Khalifa area.

Contactors also submitted bids in mid-February for an estimated AED1bn ($272m) construction contract for The Hills development in Dubai. The project involves building a common podium with six towers. Four will be residential towers and the other two will be serviced apartments and hotels managed by the developer’s subsidiary Vida Hotels.