Abu Dhabi: The capital of the United Arab Emirates is set for a major facelift that aims to transform pockets of the city into more people-friendly areas and improve quality of life.
Over the next few years, 76 development projects are set for completion with the aim of providing easy access to amenities and leisure facilities for residents.
The projects include community markets, streetside kiosks, highway rest stops and a grand traditional souq at the gateway to the city, Jassem Al Dhaheri, investment expert at the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City, told Gulf News.
“An estimated Dh8.3 billion is expected to be invested into these developments which will allow residents to live in complete sustainable neighbourhoods,” Al Dhaheri said.
“And to ensure speed of delivery of these services, the municipality is working with private sector developers and investors under build-operate-transfer partnerships. This will enable us to provide these facilities to residents much more quickly.”
While none of these developments is operational yet, a number of tenders have already been issued. One of the first visible additions will be seen in Abu Dhabi’s suburban neighbourhoods, where temporary mini markets are expected to be set up soon.
“We have issued the tenders and are looking for experienced developers who can set up these markets in five neighbourhoods, including Shakhbut City [previously Khalifa City B], Al Shamkha, Al Heeliya South, Al Rahba and Al Bahia,” Al Dhaheri said. “Once the developer is approved, each market should be set up within four months.”
A total of 300 kiosks, offering snacks and beverages, are also expected to be set up along Abu Dhabi Corniche, the north side of the island and at various public parks.
A large community centre will become one of Khalifa City’s main attractions, offering retail and dining options along with community facilities such as a gym. However, the scale of this project means that it will take longer to set up than the mini markets.
“While we are concentrating on enhancing the suburbs, a number of projects are also planned for existing neighbourhoods in downtown Abu Dhabi, such as the community parking structure with parking and retail facilities that we hope to open up in Sector E6 [bounded by Hamdan Street, Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Shaikh Zayed Street and 10th Street],” Al Dhaheri said.
Asked how the municipality had gauged the need for various services, Al Dhaheri said the projects had been designed based on feedback from residents at regular neighbourhood forums.
Not all the upcoming developments will be located within neighbourhoods, however. A 150,000 square metre traditional souq was one of the first projects to be announced, and it will be located between Shaikh Zayed and Al Maqtaa Bridges. Highways leading into the capital will also be equipped with rest stops that offer overnight stay and retail facilities for commuters, with the first being established at Ghantoot, Al Dhaheri said.
In addition, there are plans to set up jogging trails, cycling tracks and playgrounds by Al Maqtaa Canal, as well as restaurants and cafes in the public parks alongside the Corniche.
