Capital master plan
Cultural and infrastructure projects revived in Abu Dhabi
Funding for a string of new projects has been confirmed by Abu Dhabi Executive Council, signalling the start of tangible economic recovery in the capital Emirate.
A flurry of reports from the government body at the end of January addressed huge social and transport infrastructure projects, and also renewed optimism in the Emirate’s troubled cultural district projects.
The total value of the projects is still un-specified, but among those specified were 100 schools; two major news roads, one of which will link to Ghweifat border with Saudi Arabia; thousands of homes; and confirmed details for the midfield airport terminal and Saadiyat Island museum projects (see below).
Boosting public transport, Abu Dhabi will also have a new metro and tram system. Utilities infrastructure will also be reinforced with a new drainage system.
“These investments reflect the growing importance of Khalifa Port to Abu Dhabi’s economy,” a statement from the council read.
The first announcement was made on January 23, with subsequent details released in the following days. All the projects are “in keeping with the Government s priorities in providing a dignified life and adequate housing for all citizens.”
Primary infrastructure projects will take place in Liwa, Ghayathi, Al Hayer, Al-Shuaib, Bida Al Mutawaa, Mazyed, Um Ghafa, Nema, Al Salamat Umm Alashtan and Alybanh.
Residential areas in north of Al Wathba, Al Falah, Mohamed bin Zayed, and Emirati neighborhoods in metropolitan and other areas, will also benefit.
The Emirate’s educational development strategy will also receive a huge boost under the plans, with 100 new schools planned – 24 of which will be ‘sustainable. Last month the final schools designed by Broadway Malyan, under ADEC’s regeneration programme, were handed over.
“These investments are aligned with the long term strategy of the Government to support infrastructure projects, and upgrading the level of services provided to its residents, investors and visitors, and has taken account of projected population growth, rates of urbanisation and growth in tourism,” the statement concluded.
Abu Dhabi’s educational building programme is covered in detail in February issue of The Big Project
Abu Dhabi: The master plan
100 schools by 2018
24 sustainable schools
6 special needs rehabilitation centres
14 new hospitals
364-bed Cleveland Clinic to be handed over
13,000 new homes in North Wathba, in addition to other Emirati housing developments
7,608 residential villas to be handed over this year
700,000 midfield terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport to be completed by Q4 2016
2.5KM² Madinat Zayed industrial zone and Al Rowais industrial zone
246km of roads to be developed
15 new overhead bridges
Kizad budget approved
Metro and tram system to be developed in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
7% of energy to be renewable by 2020. Projects include Al Shams solar power plant, Masdar, approved and to provide 100MW of power by Q3
2015 expected opening for Louvre Abu Dhabi
2016 predicted opening of Zayed National Museum
2017 predicted opening for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
327-kilometre, three lane motorway between Mafraq and Ghweifat border point to be operational by 2017
