RW Armstrong & Associates will prepare architectural and engineering designs. The firm will also supervise the construction, which is expected to finish in early 2011.

Coconut Island will become the home of Abu Dhabi's first Ritz Carlton resort with approximately 160 guest rooms ranging from standard to presidential, a spa, restaurants and a marina.

The project also includes three- and four-bedroom apartment buildings as well as four, five and six-bedroom villas, each with views of the Gulf. Only UAE nationals can buy the properties.

US-based Parsons Brinckerhoff is the project manager. The project is being developed by a joint venture of the local Aldar Properties and the National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels, also local.