Kleindienst on Wednesday announced the appointment of JK Bauen Building Contracting, Wuchang Ship Building Industry Group Co Ltd and Sino Great Wall International Engineering Co Ltd to complete the construction of The Heart of Europe, a cluster of six islands on Dubai's The World.

The agreement formalises the awarding of construction projects worth AED4.8 billion ($1.3 billion) and follows a strategic cooperation agreement signed between the companies in Wuhan, China.

A statement said engineering staff from JK Bauen, Wuchang and Sino Great Wall have been working together to accelerate the mobilisation phase of the projects, adding that the signing will "guarantee an immediate start of the resorts, hotels and infrastructure projects on the islands".

The building firms will join forces to carry out the construction of all the hotels located on the The Heart of Europe’s main hub, Main Europe Island, villas on Germany Island, buildings and resort facilities on St Petersburg Island, as well as the buildings and infrastructure on the other three islands in the project, the statement said.

JK Bauen is the existing contractor for the Sweden Palaces on Sweden Island, construction of which is well underway.

The contractor will work in partnership with Wuchang and Sino Great Wall to complete the islands project.

“The combination of JK Bauen’s vision and Wuchang’s experience will work hand-in-hand to bring the Heart of Europe to life. From the Floating Seahorses to the hotels on Main Europe Island, the building quality greatly exceeds construction regulations in the Middle East with durable materials and superior technique,” said Josef Kleindienst, chairman of Kleindienst.