United Engineering Construction (UNEC) bags Nakheel mall complex project

Nakheel announced the award of a contract to the UAE firms United Engineering Construction (UNEC) and Actco General Contracting Company to build the new complex, adding that construction is expected to begin soon. The contract worth more than AED1.2bn ($326mn) for the construction of Nakheel Mall, its new 418,000m2 retail hub to be built on Palm Jumeirah.

The project will be managed by Nakheel until the transfer date.

The project envisages Nakheel Mall will have five retail levels with more than 100,000m2 of shop space, three basement parking levels with 4,000 spaces, 200 shops, two anchor department stores, a nine-screen cinema, medical centre and fitness complex.

There will also be a roof plaza with a host of fine dining restaurants, as well as a selection of food and beverage outlets inside. The project is expected to be completed in 2016.

Alongside Nakheel Mall will be The Palm Tower, Nakheel's new, five-star, 50-storey hotel and residential complex, for which a separate construction contract will be awarded soon, Nakheel added.

The Palm Tower comprises 504 luxury residences and a 290-room hotel occupying the first 18 floors of the building. There will also be a rooftop restaurant and infinity pool.