Sharjah-based developer ARADA has awarded the design contract for its mixed-use Aljada megaproject to Jacobs Engineering Group. Under the terms of the contract, Jacobs will manage all aspects of infrastructure delivery including roads, water, power and drainage. The professional services firm will also ensure integration with the mixed-use development’s masterplan.

The contract is part of a $326m package for infrastructure in the $6.5bn project. Aljada is located on the last major plot of undeveloped land in Sharjah and is ARADA’s second project in the Emirate, following Nasma Residences, which was announced in the first half of 2017.

“This is a significant milestone for Aljada, as we continue to work towards breaking ground on this megaproject by the end of the first quarter. We are pleased to be partnering with Jacobs, a company with an excellent track record in delivering world-class projects around the world,” said HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of ARADA.

The contract award follows an announcement by ARADA in early January that it had secured a $272m Islamic financing facility with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and Dubai Islamic Bank. The developer intends to use the funds to develop the project.

Neil Stevens, project director with Jacobs Engineering Group adds, “We are extremely happy to be working closely with ARADA on the development of Aljada, a landmark project both for Sharjah and the UAE. We are looking forward to bringing our expertise and skills to this inspiring project and help deliver innovative, yet sustainable infrastructure, for this exciting development.”

Set to be delivered in phases starting in 2019, construction on Aljada is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2018. The entire project is expected to be completed by 2025.