Emaar Properties has named Dutco Balfour Beatty-Al Ghandi & Consolidated Contractors International Co (DBB-AG & CCC) as main contractors for The Dubai Mall, part of its Burj Dubai Development.
The contract to build the world's largest retail development comprising 12 million square feet of total space, and which features 5 million square feet of total retail space, is worth Dh2.7 billion. The project is expected to be completed by 2007.
Turner Construction International is Emaar's project manager for The Dubai Mall. DPA Singapore is the architect while Meinhardt is the engineering consultant.
"Emaar has signed the joint venture partnership of DBB-AG & CCC to be their main contractors in the development of The Dubai Mall.
"Dutco Balfour Beatty has proved its merit on a number of our projects currently in various stages of development and we feel they have the capacity to deliver," said Issam Galadari, executive director projects, Emaar Properties.
"We will also shortly be nominating contractors for the Mall's mechanical, electrical and plumbing works."
The Burj Dubai development will incorporate, among other things the world's tallest tower, the world's largest retail development, a vast manmade lake, a distinctive landscaped park, a boulevard to match the best in the world, an upscale residential complex, a seven-star boutique hotel and a town that takes residents back into the Arabia of old.
"This is no ordinary mall. There are design elements that will require great expertise. Our designers and engineers have ensured all factors flow in tandem with the overall design, look and feel of this unique mall which is indeed going to offer a lifestyle experience which goes beyond mere shopping," Galadari added.
The Dubai Mall includes the world's largest indoor Gold Souq, several food courts, Waterfront Atrium, Fountain Oasis, a dedicated high fashion area, Olympic sized ice-rink, The Aquarium and Kiddy Land.
Landscaped gardens and parklands with water features will add to its charm. In terms of convenience, some 15,000 parking spaces are planned.
On completion, The Dubai Mall expects to attract 35 million visitors in the first full year of business, with a continuing growth of 20 to 30 per cent a year.
