A major hotel project in Dominica is moving forward.

The planned Kempinski hotel will be the first five-star large resort on the Eastern Caribbean island.

United Arab Emirates-based developer Range Developments has now tapped NH International as the main structural contractor for the Cabrits Resort.

The project will be Kempinski’s first hotel in the Caribbean.

Range is also developing the soon-to-open Park Hyatt project in St Kitts.

“We have achieved an important milestone today with the award of the structural construction contract to this highly rated firm with decades of experience in the Caribbean,” he said. “NH International’s proficiency and accomplishments leave us no doubt that the construction of the development will be in accordance with the highest standards of quality and best international practices. We have full confidence in NH International’s ability to deliver the project on schedule.”

The Cabrits Resort Kempinski, as the hotel will be known, is the first government-approved real estate project under the island’s Citizenship By Investment Program. That means investors can obtain citizenship in Dominica by purchasing a limited partnership interest in the development for $220,000.

The project is slated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2018.