Construction work at Dubai’s City of Arabia, a $5 billion retail, residential, commercial and entertainment district, is moving full steam ahead as the premier lifestyle development starts to take shape.

While rumours and speculation surround many of Dubai’s major projects, City of Arabia’s owners Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari confirmed that all elements within the project, including the unique Mall of Arabia, are on track and moving forward, with the global financial crisis having little impact on construction works.

Ilyas Galadari, chairman of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group said: "In line with the rest of the world’s construction industry, City of Arabia has experienced some delays, but this is natural with a project of this magnitude."

"We are pleased to say that all four elements, Wadi Walk, Elite Towers, Mall of Arabia and Restless Planet, are proceeding as usual," he noted.

"Workers onsite are casting approximately 60 pile caps per week and in November we completed more than 190 pile caps."

"At this rate, pile capping will continue for another nine months. Meanwhile, construction work on the I&M Tower and Metro Towers is about to commence,” Ilyas added.

Mustafa Galadari, group vice chairman and managing director, said: “We are on track for the works of zone one of Wadi Walk to commence, with the bulk excavation work to follow the successful completion of shoring.

“Our vision of the City is starting to come to life before our eyes and it’s very exciting,” he added.

Mall of Arabia, which when completed will have a gross leasable area (GLA) of 10 million sq ft, is progressing well with ongoing pile cap works at 10 of the 44 zones.

Furthermore, 16 of the 44 zones are progressing with ongoing blinding works. The Mall’s electricity substation is taking shape with concreting, plastering and equipment installation almost completed.

With business and administrative offices, schools and clinics, supported by luxury apartments, shops, galleries, restaurants and unique attractions, City of Arabia will become a key destination and urban community within the new Dubai, lying at the gateway to Dubailand.

The project will have a phased opening starting towards the end of 2010.-TradeArabia News Service