Dubai-based Nakheel has awarded a contract worth more than AED1.2bn ($327m) to UAE firms United Engineering Construction (UNEC) and Actco General Contracting Company for the construction of Nakheel Mall.

The 418,000-square-metre mall will be built at the northern end of the trunk of Palm Jumeirah. Due for completion in 2016, the complex will include 200 shops, 4,000 parking bays, two anchor department stores, a nine-screen cinema and six medical clinics. There will also be a roof plaza with 12 fine-dining restaurants, as well as several cafes and eateries inside.

The two companies were the lowest bidders when prices were submitted in February. Contractors bidding on the job expected Nakheel to award the contract by early June. Construction is slated to begin soon.

The mall is one of several new schemes being developed by Nakheel on the Palm Jumeirah. Others include The Pointe, The Boardwalk and Palm West Beach.

In February, the developer awarded a AED375m contract to GTCC to build The Pointe.

The Pointe, Nakheel’s AED800m, 136,000 sq m retail and entertainment complex, will be located at the tip of the Palm Jumeirah, opposite the Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort. It is scheduled for completion in 2016. The project includes a mix of shopping, dining and entertainment facilities, along with a fountain display.