Cityscape Abu Dhabi: 27 projects approved in Q4
Reem Mall among projects to get planning approval by UPC
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has approved 27 major projects including the vast Reem Mall, according to an announcement on the first day of the Cityscape show, which runs until Thursday.
The planning approvals were issued in the last quarter of 2015, bringing the total number of projects and master plans given the green light last year to 101.
Those projects have a gross floor area (GFA) of 13.58 million sq metres – 26% more than the projects approved in 2014.
Of the 27 approved in the last quarter of 2015, 21 were in the Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area, two in Al Ain and four in Al Gharbia.
IN PICTURES: Al Fahid Island among 27 Abu Dhabi projects approved in Q4
The Reem Mall development is set to span 185,000 sq metres, and feature 450 retail units, including 85 restaurants and cafes, the world’s largest indoor snow-play park, and a multi-screen cinema.
“The creation of a high-quality mall in Abu Dhabi City will provide much needed retail, leisure and entertainment amenities for residents of Abu Dhabi City and visitors to the area,” said Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director, Urban Development and Estidama Sector, UPC.
“Al Reem Island is a central component of Plan Capital 2030 and it gives us great pleasure to give approval to such an important project – we look forward to watching the mall become a focus for residents of and visitors to the island.”
IN PICTURES: Al Fahid Island among 27 Abu Dhabi projects approved in Q4
Another approval was for Najmat Towers, a two-tower residential complex, one comprising 244 units over 40 storeys and the other comprising 330 units over 41 storeys. The units will be made up of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, duplex apartments and townhouses.
A third project located on Al Reem Island is Shams Meera, two identical residential towers comprising 408 units. The development, which is targeting a 2 Pearl Estidama sustainability rating, will span 67,000 sq metres of GFA.
The Al Fahid Island master plan was also given approval. Located between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, the island development is split into five phases, of which phase one has received detailed planning approval.
The largest master plan approved by the UPC in the last quarter of 2015 is the Al Khrair Emirati Housing project, located in the Al Khrair area in the eastern side of Al Ain City. With a GFA of 3.3 million sq metres, the residential community will comprise 3,017 single-family villa plots.
“The increase in the amount of GFA approved in 2015 vs. 2014 reflects the long-term demand for quality real estate development across Abu Dhabi,” said Al Khadar.
The UPC is responsible for approving large-scale projects and master plans as well as managing the Emirate’s mandatory Estidama PRS for sustainable design, construction and operation.
IN PICTURES: Al Fahid Island among 27 Abu Dhabi projects approved in Q4
