Abu Dhabi-based Baniyas Investment and Development Company (BID) said three contractors are working simultaneously on its ambitious Dh3 billion ($816.7 million) Bawabat Al Sharq mixed use development in Bani Yas City to finish it in time.

The conractors engaged by the company include Al Jaber Group, which is responsible for the infrastructure works, Bauer International for the soil improvement and Royal International Construction, who are the main contractor for phase II.

BID, the investment arm of the Baniyas Sports Club, said the move come in line with its commitment to progress in construction and focus on timely delivery.

On the current progress, BID said Al Jaber Group has finished 75 per cent of the roads embankment of first phase, 25 per cent of the storm water and sewage networks, 50 per cent of the external electricity and 25 per cent of the Mall external parking area.

To ensure smooth operations and execution of the overall works and to complete all the infrastructure of first phase by the end of July, Al Jaber Group has assigned a team of specialized employees to this prestigious project supported by a fleet of equipment, the company said in a statement.

In addition to the Infrastructure works, the backfilling works of Phase II has been completed and the renowned Bauer International is deploying the latest technologies while working on soil improvement which is supposed to be completed within three months.

Royal International Construction has started laying the foundations for 58 villas, 35 per cent of which will be completed before Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2011, it added.

Wael Tawil, chief executive officer of BID, said, 'We insisted on assigning the best and most prominent contractors in the region on Bawabat Al Sharq to ensure that we are creating an ideal living environment for residents of our project.'

'We are extremely happy with the overall progress and we look forward to handing over the phase I villas and apartments to their owners and to the inauguration of BAS Mall as soon as the infrastructure works are completed,' he added.

Baniyas had awarded the Dh190 million phase II construction contract to Royal International in February this year and the contractor is going full speed ahead with the construction works.

The Dh205 million infrastructure works contract for the three phases of BAS which are expected to be completed in June 2012 was awarded to Al Jaber Group by Abu Dhabi Municipality in December last year.

Spreading over 108 hectares in Baniyas City, Bawabat Al Sharq is an ideal mix of modern residential, retail, entertainment and sporting facilities.

The project comprises premium apartments, villas, health care facilities, shool, a top-class football stadium and a distinctive mall that will include 339 high profile retail outlets of fashion wear, electronics, neighborhood services, accessory outlets, jewellers in addition to a Carrefour hypermarket, Wanasa family entertainment centre and grand cinemas.-TradeArabia