The contractor broke the news in a filing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on 25 March.

MEED reported on 23 March that local developer Tameer Holdings had told contractors working on Tameer Towers that it would cancel the project.

Murray & Roberts Middle East (Contractors) was working on the project in a joint venture with the local Al-Habtoor Engineering Enterprises and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Rahji Construction (MEED 23:3:09).

The project is located on Reem island and involves building six towers between the sea and the Central Park area of the Shams Abu Dhabi development.

The main buildings were a 74-floor, 300-metre-tall office tower in the commercial area, a 21-floor hotel and apartment tower, two 50-floor residential towers and two 30-floor residential towers.

Tameer would not comment on the contract cancellation, but in a statement given to MEED it said: "In line with Tameer’s stated aim to provide the best in comfortable living spaces and inspirational work environments, Tameer is reviewing the construction programmes and associated costs for its iconic Tameer Towers project on Al-Reem island, Abu Dhabi.

"Tameer is committed to the delivery of Tameer Towers in a cost-effective manner to the ultimate benefit of its clients, investors and partners."

Tameer says the Tameer Towers project is moving ahead.

Its statement says: "The enabling works are complete. Residential sub-structure works will commence upon completion of this assessment. Tameer will continue to deliver excellent service, maintain its valuable relationships, and provide clear and transparent information to all parties.”