Construction work on the new Yas Island Circuit in Abu Dhabi which will hold a Grand Prix in 2009 is progressing well, the chairman of the emirate's executive affairs committee said.

'We are delighted with the way in which construction is progressing and a number of tasks are already ahead of schedule, including the excavation of the marina and piling work for the pit building,' said Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

The 5.6km circuit is being constructed by Bahrain-based Cebarco-WCT, after it beat off rival bidders earlier this month.

The Yas Island development will feature a Ferrari theme park, polo clubs and parkland golf courses.