The Armada Group has awarded contracts totalling Dh7 million for piling and concrete ready-mix for Salam Tower - Sharjah's tallest residential building.

The piling contract worth Dh5 million was granted to Zetas company, and the concrete ready-mix contract valued at Dh2 million went to Star Ready-Mix, a local firm based in Sharjah. The duration of work is expected to last eight weeks.

"These two companies were chosen because of their specific expertise," said Dr Mohammad Raheef Hakmi, chairman of Armada Group. "Both are reputable companies with excellent records that meet the rigorous demands of such a massive construction endeavour as the Salam Tower."

Once completed, the tower will be 57 storeys high and will occupy 800,000 square feet. Total investment for construction is expected to total Dh170 million. It will have 284 flats, including 12 penthouse suites, overlooking Al Khan lakes.

Included in the tower will be a five-storey covered parking and a ground floor meeting room. The mezzanine will house office spaces. There will also be an entire floor for a health club, with nursery and dedicated male and female swimming pools.

The Salam Tower will be ready to welcome tenants as soon as 2006.