Contractors are preparing to submit bids for the deal to build Abu Dhabi’s $1bn Reem Mall development by 14 February.

It is understood that at least five groups have been invited to bid:

• Arabian Construction Company (ACC; local/Lebanon)
• Alec (local)
• Al-Futtaim Carillion (local/UK)
• Brookfield Multiplex (Canada)
• Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC) (Athens-based)/Trojan (local)
• Six Construct Abu Dhabi (local/Belgian)

Local firm Dewan Architects & Engineers completed the design work on the mall project. The contract, which was signed in February last year, included engineering, masterplanning, architectural design and post-contract services.

Construction works are expected to start in 2016, with opening scheduled for 2018. Once completed, the scheme will deliver more than 2 million square feet of retail, leisure, and entertainment facilities, including 450 stores and 85 food and beverage outlets.

The UK’s Faithful+Gould is providing a range of core services, including cost management, development advisory, project controls and specialised commercial management.

Kuwait’s National Real Estate Company (NREC) is developing the project in partnership with fellow Kuwaiti developer United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), which will invest up to $224m in the scheme through its real estate subsidiary, Al-Arfaj Real Estate Company.

Another project is being developed on Reem Island by the local Aldar Properties. It has invited companies to express interest in the deal to build its Meera Shams development.

Located in the Shams Abu Dhabi district of Reem Island, the scheme involves the construction of two mid-rise residential towers that are about 25 storeys tall. Each tower will have 204 apartments. The designer of the towers is Australia’s Woods Bagot.