Aldar to build infrastructure for Al Ain project

Al Ain Municipality has selected Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi's leading property developers, to build the infrastructure for the Shiebat Al Watah development in Al Ain.

This new residential development is located approximately 10km to the south of Al Ain city centre. Aldar will carry out major infrastructure work to pave the way for the development of a residential neighbourhood that will consist of 1,045 units for UAE nationals, in addition to a full range of educational, health and retail facilities.

The cost of the project is estimated to reach Dh730 million, said Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Aldar's Chief Commercial Officer. It covers roads, lighting and sanitation facilities, as well as 1,045 villas for UAE nationals and is expected to be ready in 36 months, he said.

The Department of Municipal Affairs at Al Ain Municipality appointed Aldar to oversee the development after the project was reviewed and signed off by its Executive Council. A construction timeline of 36 months has been agreed upon to complete the development.

Highlights of the infrastructure requirements include 41km of internal roads and pedestrian pathways; a 45km-long water network system and a 32.5km sewerage system. Medium and low voltage power networks and a fibre optic telecommunication network are also being installed as part of the infrastructure needs.

The project agreement was signed yesterday by Dr Matar Mohammed Saif Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Al Ain Municipality, and Aldar's Al Mubarak. Also present were Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs, and Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Aldar Properties.

Al Mubarak said Aldar would soon hand over the designs of another project, named Noor Al Ain, in which important changes have been made.

When asked about the Al Falah housing project outside Abu Dhabi, he said the company has already completed 10 per cent of it; the first phase, comprising hundreds of villas, will be completed in 2011 and handed over to UAE national owners. Aldar had announced the Al Falah project, which comprises a total of 5,000 villas, at last year's Cityscape. The project investment was reported at up to Dh20 billion.

Work on the Al Butain project is in full swing, and the 272 housing units and 75 villas have been sold, the developer said. This project will be completed in 2012.

Meanwhile, Al Nuaimi, told Emirates Business that Shiebat Al Watah was the civic body's first project with Aldar. The municipality will receive some 11,000 villas over the next five years, which will be handed over to UAE nationals, he said.

Aldar Properties also said there were no delays in its big projects in Abu Dhabi. It said it would soon introduce medium-level housing projects for nationals and expatriates in the emirate. Al Mubarak said it is apparent Abu Dhabi still needs medium housing, given the big demand for such projects.

"Our Abu Dhabi projects are proceeding steadily and there is no delay whatsoever. We are committed to handing them over on time," he told Emirates Business on the sidelines of the signing of the agreement to build the infrastructure for Shiebat Al Watah.

Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, Chairman of the Department of Municipal Affairs, said: "We believe this public-private partnership will provide a conducive and welcoming environment for similar ventures, establishing the foundations of a responsible future. This sort of infrastructure will support Al Ain city's dynamic growth, and will provide sustainable and enhanced municipal services for residents."

Al Nuaimi said: "We are pleased to work with Aldar again on this important project, which serves the key objectives of Al Ain Municipality – building the foundations for Al Ain's long-term development as envisioned by Al Ain 2030. This project further demonstrates our commitment to providing housing for UAE nationals."

Aldar has already finalised infrastructure for the Shabhat neighbourhood, southeast of Al Ain. The development will provide housing for UAE families and is another key element in Plan Al Ain 2030, which will guide the Garden City's evolution and long-term development.

Al Sayegh, said: "We are pleased to engage again with Al Ain Municipality in a new project after having delivered Shabhat infrastructure last year. Aldar has proven experience in developing key infrastructure as the basis of starting new projects.

"Our emphasis on infrastructure is driven by our commitment to building sustainable communities to cater to the needs of UAE nationals across Abu Dhabi." (With Wam)

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