Arabtec Holding PJSC, UAE's major construction conglomerate, has commenced foundation-test work in Russia on a Dh10 billion tower.

The sources informed that Arabtec has inked a Dh50 million agreement with Gazprom in order to execute foundation tests to construct the Okhta Center in St Petersburg.

The sources further informed that the agreement may be inked by the company in November, while a third is expected by year-end.

Arabtec functionaries stated in a communiqué that these tests are necessary to get a permit to construct the 400-metre Okhta Center.

As per reports of media, Gazprom, leading Russia-based natural-gas exporter, on September 22 secured sanction for the skyscraper, overcoming objections from local residents and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation.