Modern Building Contracting Company has won the first construction contract for Arada's $6.5bn (AED24bn) mixed-use megaproject Aljada.
Arada told Construction Week that the contract was worth $27.5m (AED101m), and hinted that more contracts could follow in the coming months.
Up to 255 units will be erected by the contractor in its scope to build four Areej Apartments blocks as part of Phase 1 for Arada's sprawling Aljada project in Sharjah, UAE.
Site mobilisation will begin in the coming weeks and construction work is slated to commence by the end of July.
UAE-based Modern Building Contracting Company is scheduled to complete the 250-unit build by the end of 2019. The homes will be the first ones ever constructed within Arada's 2.2km² project located on an undeveloped land plot in Sharjah.
“This award is an important milestone for Aljada as we move into the development phase of this iconic and transformational project," said the chairman of Arada, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.
Aljada was launched in 2017 by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the project has already become the emirate's fastest-selling residential community. While the first homes are set for completion in 2019, the entire project multiphase project is set for a 2025 delivery.
Enabling work on the project started in April, following a groundbreaking ceremony held for the development.
A month prior to this, in March, Arada awarded Zaha Hadid Architects a $272m (AED1bn) design contract for Aljada's Central Hub.
The design aims to recreate the splatter a water droplet makes when it hits the ground, scattering smaller drops in every direction. Various-sized elliptical buildings will be constructed around a central observation tower.
Phase 1 of the Central Hub is due for completion by the end of the year. Engineering giant Jacobs has been tasked with designing the infrastructure for the project.
