The Sharjah Municipality has finished 50 per cent of the drainage network in the city and will complete the project within five years, according to a report. A report released by the municipality stated that it had started the work under the sixth phase of the drainage project, which will help to increase capacity to 140,000 cu m.

The Dubai Development Board (DDB), a government agency tasked to oversee the development of residential units, has announced procedural changes to improve its efficiency.

Emaar Properties has awarded the first release of tenders totalling Dh1 billion ($272 million) for Arabian Ranches, the 'desert paradise' development in Dubai. The company also said while full-scale construction is already under way at the project's desert location, it will soon float a fresh round of tenders for the next release of the project.

Emirates airline has signed up Aeroports de Paris International (ADPI) for a contract to design a huge new hangar complex at the Dubai International Airport. The deal was signed by Emirates' chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and ADPI managing director Alain le Pajolec.

Khaled Nahhas has been named as the winner of the inaugural Cityscape Young Architect Award. The award, which honours property designers who have made a positive contribution to the lives of people in Islamic communities, has been initiated by the Institute for International Research (IIR).

Century Mall, the new shopping experience set to open in the A1 Mamzar area of Dubai in the first quarter of this year, has announced a unique themed family entertainment centre spread across 25,000 sq ft, adjacent to the food court on the mezzanine floor.

National Fire Fighting Manufacturing Company (Naffco) based in Jebel Ali, Dubai, says it has received good demand for its fire trucks. The company has recently started manufacturing fire trucks in response to the increasing demands from its clients and a plan conceptualised in 1994.

Phase 1B - South Part - of the prestigious Dubai Marina project is under way with the construction of three hi-rise towers - each named after Arabic scents, and each relying on Doka formwork to speed construction.

More often than not the dispute resolution process related to construction contracts commences after the works are completed. Lawyers are instructed, voluminous correspondence is produced and extended statements of claim are drafted all in preparation for a grand trial or arbitration the cost and duration of which can be substantial.

Sharjah is to get a Dh30 million ($8.16 million) inland container depot. Container terminal operator Gulftainer, which functions on behalf of Sharjah Ports and Customs Authority, will start work on the depot this month, with completion scheduled for June, it said. The project consultant and primary contractor will be finalised shortly.

The Millennium Hotel Sharjah, Millennium Hotels and Resorts' second venture in the UAE, opens its doors to the public last month as part of its soft opening launch. Located on Corniche Road overlooking Khalid Lagoon, this hotel's modern exterior of mirrored glass makes a striking impact on the natural surroundings of the lagoon.

Work on schools to be completed The Ministry of Pub lic Works and Housing is expected to complete work on 39 schools and nurseries by September. The schools are being built at a cost of Dh418 million ($113.89 million) nationwide. The new schools are aimed at upgrading the educational sector, based on the latest scientific developments.