Three contracts for the US $2 billion (AED7.5 billion) Amwaj waterfront project in Rabat, Morocco, are expected to be announced this week.
Dubai International Properties (DIP), Dubai Holding’s international investment arm, is expected to award the architectural and engineering design contract to the Bernard Reichen Company, the project management deal to Hill International and the interior design package to Jean Nouvelle.
According to a statement, Farhan Faraidooni, CEO, DIP said: “Our choice of those companies who were granted the contracts was based on high international standards.
“DIP will work on completing the project in a unique way that preserves the spirit of Moroccan architecture so that originality and heritage mixes with modernism and creativity. The purpose is to unify all the buildings’ appearance that reflects the area’s originality and the greatness of Moroccan architecture, especially in Al Rabat.”
He also said that the master plan is close to completion. Construction work will start in the first quarter of 2006 while completion is due by 2009.
DIP had announced the Amwaj project last May. The project will sprawl across 100 hectares of space along the banks of Abi Regrag River, to create a unique waterfront development that would make the area a great attraction.
The project includes a yacht harbour, a chain of hotels and resorts, a conference centre, residential units, services and technology equipped offices, shops and shopping malls, water gardens and a cinema.
DIP has so far announced five large projects this year at a cost of $3.6 billion (AED13.5 billion).
Beside the Amwaj project —which is thought to be the largest of its kind in North Africa — DIP started on the Dubai Towers, Doha, in February, which is set to cost more than $2.7 million.
A month later, DIP announced a $8.2 million project close to Muscat in Oman, under the name of Salam Resort and Spa.Last month, DIP revealed its first project in Turkey: Dubai Towers, Istanbul, which is set to cost $5.4 million.
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