Construction giant CIMIC says the head of its Dubai-based joint venture HLG has been arrested following a complaint to local police.

CIMIC says Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) managing director and chief executive Jose Antonio Lopez-Monis was arrested after the close of trade on Wednesday, but did not give any further details.

HLG is 45 per cent owned by CIMIC, which said in a statement it is assisting Mr Lopez-Monis.