Contracting company Al Naboudah will build 330 luxury villas on the Dh6.6 billion Al Barari residential project in the Nad Al Sheba area.

Zaal Mohammad Zaal, executive chairman at Al Barari, said: "We are finalising the details of the contract and expect to sign it shortly.

Australian company Woods Bagot has been chosen as the master planner while detailed architecture will be handled by Arif and Bintoak. UK-based Mace International has been appointed the project manager.

Approximately 80 per cent of the 14.2 million square-foot Al Barari development will be open land, dominated by gardens, parks and water elements such as lakes and streams. The estimated population is expected to reach 6,000.

Despite the cost of the five to seven-bedroom mansions being set at no less than Dh10 million, Zaal said 82 villas have been sold already.