The local Afrina Construction, along with an unidentified Chinese company, is carrying out works under an estimated QR 500 million ($137 million) contract involving the construction of three towers, each of 20 storeys and 110 metres high, with a total built-up area of about 220,000 square metres. The contract, which is due to be completed in September 2007, includes electro-mechanical and finishing, fittings and external works. The client is Saudi Arabia's Sabban Property Investments.

Bids were submitted in late July for parcels 4 and 5 on the Porto Arabia development. Estimated to be worth QR 600 million ($165 million), the 20-month contract will involve the construction of two 21-storey residential towers, with three basement parking floors, as well as townhouses. The facilities will have a total built-up area of 185,000 square metres. The overall project manager is Beirut-based Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners); the client is local United Development Company (UDC).