Following the success of Doka formwork on Phase 1B (north and south parts) of the prestigious Dubai Marina project, contractors have placed orders for the systems for the next phases of the ambitious development.

Three hi-rises which comprise the south part of Phase 1B of the project, were recently topped-out on schedule. These towers - each named after Arabic scents - are the 37-storey Mesk tower, 24-storey Yass tower and the 16-storey Anbar tower.

The German firm's UAE office Doka Gulf FZE in Jebel Ali supplied the formwork systems for the three hi-rise towers to two different contractors.

The subcontractor for the 37-storey tower, Robodh General Contracting, opted to rent the systems from Doka Gulf FZE, using Dokaflex Tableforms for slabs construction and Top 50 formwork for columns.

The second subcontractor, Ascon, purpose-ordered Doka formwork for the two smaller towers, selecting climbing system 150 F with Top 50 for the core walls and shafts. In addition, the Top 50 system is in use for the columns formwork.

The main contractor for the Emaar Properties Phase 1B (north and south parts) projects is the NASA Multiplex Al-Futaim Tarmac JV.

The latest orders for Doka formwork have been placed by Al Hamad Engineering and Contracting Company, which will be relying on the system for its seven hi-rise towers - ranging from seven to 46 storeys - in districts 4 and 7 of the project.

Nasa Multiplex is also using Doka for its 45-storey hotel and service apartments contract in District 9.

Doka formwork will also be used by main contractor Dutco Construction for its contract to build two bridges across the marina's main canal with a central span of 126 m.

Dubai Marina has been described as one of the most ambitious projects in the region, covering 4.5 sq km and featuring a 3.5 km-long man-made lagoon with almost 9 km of marina frontage - starting at Dubai International Marine Club and returning to the ocean just beyond the Sheraton Jumeirah - some 25 km from Dubai city centre.

The overall project will comprise eight phases to provide more than 5,575,000 sq m of development.

Phase 1 is scheduled for completion by early 2004 and includes six towers, 64 villas, a variety of retail outlets, swimming pools, gardens and more than 2,000 podium parking spaces on a 10-hectare site.