Negotiations for the work began late last year. The project involves the construction of a 516 metre-tall residential tower at Dubai Marina, with a total built-up area of 171,500 square metres. Once complete, it will be one of the tallest residential towers in the world.

The firms that were engaged in talks include Lebanon’s Arabian Construction Company (ACC), CSHK Dubai Contracting and Turkey’s TAV. Sources at the firms say they thought they were in exclusive negotiations. Trident could not be reached for comment.

It is now unclear whether the firms will continue to pursue the project or look for work elsewhere. An additional three contractors are also understood to have been approached either directly or indirectly for work on the project.

Swissboring was awarded the piling and shoring contract at the end of 2007. US-based Hirsch Bedner Associates is the interior designer. The Hong Kong office of Aedas is the consultant.

The Pentominium tower is Trident’s third project at the marina, following The Waterfront and Trident Grand Residence tower.

CSHK is working on the Trident Grand Residence project, while ACC and TAV also have substantial projects at Dubai Marina. ACC is working on the Elite Residence and Princess towers, and TAV has won the Marina 101 contract.