Mered, the international real estate developer based in UAE, has appointed Dutco Construction as the main contractor for the Phase I of Riviera Residences on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi.

As per the deal, Dutco Construction will undertake the main construction works, interior fit-out and landscaping for the Phase I of the key waterfront project and complete it within a 33-month period. 

The appointment represents a significant milestone for Riviera Residences following the completion of enabling works by NSCC International and marks the project’s transition into its main construction phase.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuron, Riviera Residences is a waterfront residential development inspired by Abu Dhabi’s natural environment and pearl-diving heritage. 

Its distinctive mother-of-pearl façade, landscaped terraces and waterfront setting form part of a design focused on architecture, wellness, community and long-term quality of life. 

Awarding the contract, Mered said Dutco Construction brings approximately five decades of construction experience in the UAE, with a track record across complex residential, hospitality, mixed-use and infrastructure projects including Marsa Al Seef, the Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue and Zabeel expansions, the Address Downtown refurbishment, City Walk, Bluewaters and Jebel Ali Port. 

Speaking on the occasion, Michael Belton, the CEO of Mered, said: “The appointment of Dutco Construction is an important milestone for Riviera Residences. The quality of the team delivering a project is fundamental to achieving the standard we set at Mered.”

“Dutco brings decades of UAE construction experience and strong delivery capabilities, and we look forward to working closely with them, Herzog & de Meuron, DAR and the wider project team to bring Riviera Residences to life,” he stated.

Dutco Construction CEO Paul Whelan said: “Riviera Residences represents a significant addition to Abu Dhabi’s evolving residential landscape, and Dutco Construction is proud to be entrusted with its delivery.”

“This appointment reflects the strength of our partnership and a shared belief in quality, design, integrity and lasting value. Drawing on Dutco’s longstanding UAE experience and proven delivery capability, we look forward to working closely with the entire project team to bring this exceptional vision to life,” he noted. 

Last year, Riviera Residences Phase  I sold out all its pre-launch units, reflecting buyer interest in the waterfront development. With enabling works now complete and the main contractor appointed, Riviera Residences Phase 1 is moving into the next stage of delivery.

The first phase comprises 456 apartments, together with 11 exclusive villas and a penthouse. The development will offer approximately 65,000 sq. ft. of amenities, including cascading pools, wellness facilities, lush landscaped gardens, indoor and outdoor lounges and dedicated family spaces, stated Mered in its statement.

The development’s waterfront promenade will introduce restaurants, cafés and boutiques overlooking the sea and the Al Reem Island skyline, creating an active waterfront environment for residents and the wider community.

The main works are scheduled to kick off in the coming days, subject to the required approvals and construction NOCs, with completion targeted for Q3 2029, it added.-TradeArabia News Service