UAE-based Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) has been awarded a AED275m ($74.8m) contract from Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza) to build the next phase of the Jafza One-Jafza Convention Centre complex in Jebel Ali, Dubai.

The project site, which is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, comprises one of the convention centre’s two twin-tower commercial buildings, housing more than 450 offices and spanning a total built-up area of 72,200 square metres.

HLG’s scope of works includes completion of the fit-out of one of the twin-towers, in addition to completing associated external road works.

In 2007, HLG was awarded a contract for the first phase of the AED1.9bn project, which includes a state-of-the-art convention centre, hotel, commercial towers and associated exhibition and recreation facilities.

“We are pleased to again partner with our preferred contractor, the Habtoor Leighton Group, to continue with the Jafza One-Jafza Convention Centre’s exciting development plans,” said Salma Hareb, chief executive officer (CEO) of Jafza and Economic Zones World.

Work on the commercial tower and external roads has commenced, with completion scheduled for the end of 2014.