Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has awarded the AED1.25bn ($340m) contract to build its Mamsha al-Saadiyat development to a joint venture of Spain’s San Jose and the local Pivot Engineering & General Contracting.

The project involves building nine low rise buildings with 461 residences. TDIC says the project is the first residential scheme to be developed at the Saadiyat Cultural District. Completion is planned for the second half of 2018.

The foundations package has been completed by the local Nael & Bin Harmal Hydroexport (NBHH).

In mid-April, TDIC launched a six million square metre mixed-used project that will become the largest part of its Saadiyat Island development.

The Saadiyat Lagoons District, a primarily residential project with 4,000 units is expected to house 29,000 residents upon completion, the company said in a statement. The development, which includes townhouses, villas and apartments also offers retail and leisure facilities and an equestrian centre.

TDIC is also developing the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.