Abu Dhabi-based developer Sorouh Real Estate is delaying work on its Al-Mashtal mixed-use development in the Khalidiyah area on Abu Dhabi Island while the local developer waits for planning approval from the city’s Urban Planning Council.

According to a source on the project, Sorouh has completed the design of the development.

In May, Sorouh invited contractors to prequalify for the contract to build the development and said work would start on the site before the end of 2009. The company said the development would open in 2012.

Sorouh says it has not cancelled the project. “The project is presently undergoing a detailed planning process. Mashtal is an important development in Abu Dhabi and it requires essential authorities’ approval before construction can commence,” says a Sorouh spokesman.

According to Sorouh, it will announce the winning contractor only once the Urban Planning Council approves the development.

The project comprises seven 23 to 25-floor residential towers, three 18 to 21-floor office towers, a two-store shopping area, an entertainment area, a five-star hotel and three levels of basement parking. The total built-up area is 790,162 square metres (MEED 24:11:08).

Kuwait’s KEO International Consultants is the project manager.

US-based Arquitectonica is the architect. UK-based Mouchel is the infrastructure design consultant.

Sorouh is also developing projects such as Shams Abu Dhabi on Reem Island, Lulu Island off the Abu Dhabi Corniche, and the Al-Ghadeer development close to the emirate’s border with Dubai.