The JVs shortlisted for S3 are: the local Arabtec Construction, with Germany's Max Boegl; the local Emirates Bilbadi Contracting, with Austria's Alpina; and the local Transemirates Contracting Company, with Beijing-based China State Construction Engineering Company.

Tenders are being prepared for the main academies package and S1. The academies package includes a number of hostels, academy buildings and a school complex. Fifteen companies have been prequalified for the academies, and the prequalified companies for S3 will be invited to bid for S1. Preliminary designs for S4 are still being prepared after its capacity was increased to 60,000 from 25,000 in June. It is understood that one option currently under consideration is a design and build strategy that will accelerate the design process and enable on-site work to start sooner.

DSC has also shortlisted four companies for the development's main infrastructure package, which includes the entire road network, irrigation drainage systems and a power distribution network. An award on the 18-month contract is expected by the end of November.

Lebanon's Khatib & Alamiis the consultant for the road and infrastructure works. Australia's Clifton Coney Groupis the project manager for the stadiums and Germany's Architekten von Gerkan, Marg & Partners (GMP)is the architect and designer. DSC is being promoted by a group of local investors, made up of Abdul Rahim al-Zarooni, Abdul Rahman Falaknaz and Abdul Rahman Bukhatir.