Abu Dhabi-based developer Waha Land, part of the Waha Capital Group, has started construction work on the first phase of its Almarkaz industrial development in Abu Dhabi.

The developer has appointed the local System Construct as the main contractor to build 90,000 square metres of light industrial buildings. The developer has also awarded a contract to the local Bin Hafeez General Contracting for the main infrastructure works in the initial phase of the project.

The first group of industrial units is scheduled to be handed over in the second quarter of 2011.

 “We are very happy to announce the appointment of System Construct and Bin Hafeez Contracting as contractors for the first phase of the project,” said Salem Rashid al-Noaimi, chief executive officer, Waha Capital in a press release.

The Almarkaz development is being developed in four phases, the first of which will cover a total area of 1.5 square kilometres. This initial phase will feature 220,000 square metres of warehouses, 285,000 sq m of light industrial units, 90,000 sq m of smaller light industrial units, 19,000 sq m of commercial space and 5,000 sq m of office space.