Dubai Festival City awards first stage contract for construction of its multi-billion Dirham waterfront centre

The combined total built-up area of the facilities in this initial Dubai Festival City component, exceeds 6 million square feet with additional provision for under-cover parking that will accommodate 8,000 cars.

The 1.8 million square foot retail centre will be the focal point of Dubai Festival City's various lifestyle destinations and will house in excess of 400 retail outlets, cafes and restaurants. The centre will be home to approximately 20 international flagship retailers, leading into a three-level, enclosed retail environment which will be complimented by unique restaurants, cafes and entertainment venues.

"We are creating a world-class 'down-town' waterfront destination and to achieve this objective, we are in the process of contracting a range of leading construction companies to join with the owners in making this exciting 'city-within-a-city' a reality," said Phil McArthur, Director of Marketing & Leasing for Dubai Festival City.

"In bidding for this first major building contract, Carillion demonstrated its capability to provide the necessary experience through its international and local operations to align with our requirements and expectations."

The initial deep excavations for the centre are virtually complete and structural foundation work is underway, which comprises two levels of basement parking and the support foundations for three levels of leasing area above ground.

The completion of this phase and the superstructure works are being fast-tracked to be finished by the end of 2005, for the centre's opening in the third quarter of 2006.

"The centre will be a fascinating structure to observe under construction. The entire building is crescent-shaped - designed to curve around the man-made marina; it will rise out of the ground just like a fan, opening alongside the Creek," said McArthur.

Commuters crossing Al-Garhoud Bridge will be aware of the activity taking place on the Dubai Festival City site due to the highly visible piling equipment punctuating the skyline.

"This activity will increase as structural work begins to rise from the ground and the first leisure destination at the heart of Dubai Festival City becomes a reality.

"Dubai Festival City's centreplace retail, entertainment and hospitality centre will be one of Dubai's most exciting destinations that residents and visitors alike will experience," concluded McArthur.