Gulf News

Abu Dhabi, Jun 23: Construction work on the Dh500-million Ministries Complex project in Abu Dhabi will begin in February 2007, and is expected to be completed within 14 months.

The board of the Emirates Real Estate Establishment held its second meeting in Dubai on Wednesday.

Dr Mohammad Khalfan Bin Kharbash, Minister of State for Financial and Industrial Affairs, chaired the meeting.

Abdullah Khalifa Al Huraiz, Director General of the establishment said that the competitors for the project's design will be announced next week, and a panel of judgement will select the best design.

The panel will include representatives of the Ministry of Public Works, Abu Dhabi Planning and Municipality Department, UAE University, University of Sharjah and consultant offices.

Meanwhile, Al Huraiz said that the establishment's board approved the Dh80-million project of the General Authority for Youth Welfare and Sports building in Al Ghusais, which will be based near the Al Ahli Club.

The board also approved the additional cost of the residence of the UAE Ambassador in Brussels, which is expected to be handed over in August, with a total cost of 5.6 million euros, and the UAE Embassy project in Ottawa with a cost of C$19.7 million.

It also approved the Foreign Ministry's Dh24-million project in Um Hurair, which is expected to be handed over in November.

The UAE Ambassador's residence in Amman, which cost Dh10 million, is expected to be completed in August.