Sama Dubai's $25b Med Gate master plan cleared

Sama Dubai announced yesterday that it has received the approval for the master plan of the $25-billion Mediterranean Gate (Med Gate). The project is a partnership with the Government of Tunisia. Sama Dubai is the international real estate and investment arm of Dubai Holding.

With infrastructure work progressing on fast track since December 2007, Mediterranean Gate is scheduled for completion in 14 phases. The development is anticipated to generate a lot of direct and indirect jobs during the construction phase and over 350,000 when completed.

Farhan Faraidooni, Executive Chairman of Sama Dubai, said: "The official approval of the master plan for Med Gate will allow us to move forward with the execution of the project according to our scheduled timeline. We consider the Tunisian Government's commitment a key factor in developing Tunisia as a hub for international business and a vital engine for economic growth.

"We are working closely with the Tunisian Government and private companies to ensure the Mediterranean Gate development lives up to its promise of creating a city that will be a new global centre for commerce and lifestyle and an economic engine to support the community."

The planning of the project was preceded by comprehensive joint studies conducted by Sama Dubai and the government of Tunisia on the potential benefits of the Mediterranean Gate to Tunisia's economy.

Sama Dubai said it has been meticulous in the planning, research and development for the project to ensure it reflects the unique identity of Tunisia and the integrity of its landscape, culture and heritage. For a project of this immense scale, importance and complexity, it was vital to undertake rigorous and detailed planning prior to the commencement of construction, and Sama Dubai has invested significant time, funds and other resources in this pre-construction phase.

The project is expected to house international firms, several first-class luxurious hotels and a series of diverse recreational and sports facilities.

Complementing the Mediterranean Gate development and other landmark projects, the Government of Tunisia is currently constructing a highway bridge parallel to the canal, linking the Marina of the Mediterranean Gate to the sea. The bridge will reduce the travelling distance between the capital's northern suburb and the south. Additionally, work on the North-South flyover has already started allowing easier access to Mediterranean Gate from the international airports of Tunis Carthage and the upcoming Enfida-Sousse airport.

The new regional railway network and the main lines will pass through a multimodal base of public transport that will be constructed a short distance from the project. With public transport providing easy access to civic facilities, buildings and services, Mediterranean Gate will be easily accessible to all Tunisians. Sama Dubai is in the process of setting up an office in Tunis, which will house a dedicated team to expedite the delivery of the project.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.