Dubai-based developer Emaar has invited contractors to bid by 11 February for a marine works contract on its Umm al-Quwain Canal project in the Northern Emirates.

Prospective bidders include:

• Bam (Netherlands)
• China Harbour Engineering Corporation (China)
• Dutco (Dubai-based)
• Overseas AST (Dubai-based)
• Six Construct (Belgium)

The package involves the excavation of a 1.5 kilometre-long section of canal, the installation of 3 kilometres of quay wall, 80,000 cubic metres of dredging, 500 cu m of rock work, beach works, pontoons and piling.

The project management consultant is CH2M of the US.

It is understood that Emaar is evaluating bids from contractors for an enabling works contract. Another two marine packages, and another onshore infrastructure package will be tendered later. These later works will take the overall length of the canal to 7.5 kilometres.

Emaar, which was the master developer for Dubai Marina, has been planning a major marina development in Umm al-Quwain for more than 10 years. In 2005 it unveiled an AED12bn ($3.3bn) project covering an area over 6 square kilometres. Known as Umm al-Quwain Marina, the masterplan included 6,000 villas, 2,000 townhouses, 1,200 hotel rooms, parks and recreational areas, retail facilities, schools and community centres.

Initial infrastructure work was completed by the Saudi Binladin Group, and some villas were built by the local Arabtec Construction.