Under the deal local partner, the Dubai Transport Company, will take control of builder Dutco Balfour Beatty and M&E specialist BK Gulf.

Since the start of 2015, Balfour Beatty has exited the Middle East, Indonesia and Australia in order to focus on its target markets in the UK, US and Far East.

Leo Quinn, group chief executive, said: “We continue to simplify the group and strengthen the balance sheet through our Build to Last programme.

“As a result, Balfour Beatty enters Phase Two of its transformation with a solid foundation for long term profitable growth.”