Work has started on the Dh400-million ($109 million) Fortune Pearl commercial tower in Dubai's Business Bay.

The 19-storey tower offers 300,000 sq ft of office space.

The project, designed by AEIB, will be completed by 2009. The soil investigation contract for the project has been awarded to Al Hai and Al Mukaddam.

"We are confident that the project will set a new benchmark in world-class commercial office space in Dubai and will have facilities that are conducive to supporting business growth. Being in Business Bay also adds value to the positioning of the project as a premium product," Fortune Group CEO Syed Mohammad Ali was quoted as saying by the Dubai-based Gulf News.

Fortune Pearl features hi-tech office concepts along with a range of luxury offerings which will include advanced communication facilities, state-of-the art conferencing systems, broadband internet connections, comprehensive business support services, a well appointed venue for conferences and meetings, a swimming pool and all modern amenities.