The Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, owners of City of Arabia, a $5 billion retail, residential, commercial and entertainment destination lying at the gateway to Dubailand, has appointed Simplex Infrastructures as the main contractor for Wadi Tower.

Simplex Infrastructures won the sought-after contract, worth in excess of Dh168 million, against eight other companies based on their experience and competitive proposal, and estimate they will employ more than 350 workers at the peak of construction, said a company statement.

The work on the entertainment destination is set to begin immediately, it added.

Ilyas Galadari, chairman of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, said, “We are excited to have Simplex Infrastructures onboard. We are confident with our decision and believe they are a skilled team who will deliver the project at the highest standard level.”

Mustafa Galadari, vice chairman and managing director of Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group, said, “With works beginning straight away the City of Arabia team is looking forward to seeing the project come to life.”

Ani Ray, country director of Simplex Infrastructures, said he is thrilled with the agreement, and intends to have the project completed by the end of 2010.

“The site preparation began mid-December and our team has begun excavation work.  With the piling now complete the next step is to commence pile cutting.”

Wadi Tower, one of a series of high rise buildings within City of Arabia, will boast 30 storeys of luxurious apartments with a state-of-the-art health club, swimming pool, high speed elevators and deluxe fittings throughout.

The tower will form part of a dramatic skyline at the heart of a self-sufficient community, with convenient access via several junctions to and from the Emirates Road as well as City of Arabia’s own monorail with connections to all areas of the City and the Dubai Metro.-TradeArabia News Service