The groups are a joint venture of Dubai-based Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises with Australia’s Gulf Leighton, Dubai-based Arabtec Construction, Lebanon’s Qatar Arabian Construction Company (ACC), and Australia’s Multiplex.

The four groups have been shortlisted for the largest package on the project: the shell and core of the 61-floor building.

It involves building the concrete substructure, basements, structural steel and curtain walling, as well as the installation of lifts, escalators and the mechanical, electrical and plumbing works.

It will have a total built-up area of 235,000 square metres, with five basement levels, 88,000 sq m of parking, 9,000 sq m for the entrance and banking halls, and 138,000 sq m of office space.

The project is split into three packages. One involves enabling works, installing a diaphragm wall, excavation and piling. It is scheduled for completion in February 2009.

The other package, also to be tendered in 2008, will be to fit out the building.

This involves the internal walls, partitions, doors and screens, raised access floors, toilets, furniture and finishings.

The project manager is the local office of KEO International Consultants.

The architect is Australia's Peddle Thorp Architects (MEED 10:8:08).