Six construction firms have submitted bids for the construction of the $272.5 million Mohammed bin Rashid Library in the Al Jaddaf area of Dubai, an official has confirmed.

“If all goes well, the contract will be awarded in the next two months,” a Dubai Municipality official told Zawya Projects, though he declined to name the bidders.

It was reported in November that Architectural Consulting Group had been mandated as the design and architectural consultant for the project. The enabling works package was awarded to Binladin Contracting Group.

The Mohammed bin Rashid Library will be the region’s largest library. The seven-storey structure is planned to be home to more than 4.5 million books, while the 92,903sqm space will also serve as a cultural centre, with space for interaction, events, activities, education and cultural festivals and events.

A museum of Arab heritage and the history of human civilisation will also be developed within the space, along with venues for art and literary exhibitions, heritage preservation initiatives and a 500-seat theatre for lectures and seminars, amongst other events.

The library is scheduled to open in 2017, officials have said. It will be able to host 42 million visitors annually.