Abu Dhabi-based Baniyas Investment and Development Company (BID) has awarded a Dh190 million ($51.7 million) construction contract for the second phase of its Bawabat Al Sharq (BAS) project to UAE's Royal International Construction.

Covering over 108 hectares of land in Baniyas City, the Dh3 billion Bawabat Al Sharq project is an ideal mix of residential, retail, entertainment and sporting facilities.

BID, the investment arm of Bani Yas Sports Club, said the enabling and backfilling works for the BAS phase II, which consists of 129 villas and 14 apartment blocks, have already been awarded to the renowned contractors Bauer International.

Bauer has already mobilized on site and commenced its works on the project which will be handed over to the owners towards the end of this year.

Commenting on the contract, Wael Tawil, chief executive officer of Baniyas said, "After the completion of Phase I of Bawabat Al Sharq, we are extremely delighted to award the contract for the second phase to Royal International Construction Company."

"This contract honors our commitment to work with the best companies in every field to ensure that we are creating an ideal living environment for residents of our project," Tawil stated.

"Being one of the leading local companies, we are sure that Royal International will demonstrate the highest level of competency to deliver the Phase II villas and apartments to their owners on schedule," he added.

Mahmoud Khaled, CEO of Royal International Construction said the company was committed to delivering reliable, innovative, and professional services to its clients.

"This commitment is shown through our dedication to apply the most advanced technologies available and employ the most efficient and advanced construction methodologies in the market to deliver the second Phase of BAS with quality, safety and commercial sharpness," he added.

The Bawabat Al Sharq project comprises premium apartments, villas, health care facilities, an international school, a FIFA standard football stadium with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 spectators and a distinctive mall that will include 339 high profile retail outlets as well as the distinctive traditional souk, Souk Al Megnas.-TradeArabia News Service