Realty Capital said it has completed the fifth podium floor slab of its centrepiece 'i-Rise' business tower project, which remains on schedule for its announced mid-2010 completion date.

Work is now underway for two more slabs to complete the podium structure, which consists of larger concrete and steel quantities, said a company official.

Mechanical and electrical works are likewise running on schedule in the ground and podium floors, while the interior design team has started reviewing the finishes and is working out on the best possible design to match i-Rise's magnificent facade,' said Marwan Mansour, CEO, Realty Capital.

With a total built-up area of over 1.8 million sq ft, i-Rise is being developed to be one of the largest office towers in the region.

“It is our utmost concern to keep the development on schedule and safeguard the interest of the project's stakeholders. Being one of the biggest office developments in the region, i-Rise has generated a lot of attention from investors and potential tenants,' Mansour pointed out.

'It is our intention to sustain the high level of interest by proceeding with the development without any delay and completing the project within the specified time frame,' he added.

On completion, i-Rise will stand 37 storeys high and will feature a distinctive curvilinear design that will help make it a popular landmark in Dubai.

Strategically situated in Technology, eCommerce and Media Free Zone (Tecom) Site-C, i-Rise offers investors a free zone location and freehold title in a highly visible location.

The tower will also offer premium facilities such as 18 high-speed elevators, restaurants, coffee shops, retail space, a fitness centre, and an extensive multi-storey car park.-TradeArabia News Service