DUBAI, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Dubai builder Arabtec ARTC.DU , which secured one of its largest contracts to build a part of Abu Dhabi airport in June, reported a loss in the second quarter, missing analyst estimates.

The largest builder in the United Arab Emirates by market value made a net loss of 11.6 million dirhams ($3.16 million) compared to a profit of 29 million dirhams in the same period in 2011.

The earnings miss forecasts by three analysts who expected Arabtec to post an average profit of 78 million dirhams. ID:nL6E8I80WU ($1 = 3.6730 UAE dirhams)

(Reporting by Praveen Menon)

((praveen.menon@thomsonreuters.com)(+971 4 3625835)(Reuters Messaging: praveen.menon.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))

Keywords: EARNINGS ARABTEC/