Abu Dhabi’s Al Qana on track for completion this year
Developer Al Barakah says new development has timelines in place despite the pandemic and will be a relevant and safe destination post Covid-19
The developers of Abu Dhabi’s upcoming waterfront destination, Al Qana, have announced that the project is on track for completion by the end of this year and has cost $273m to build so far.
According to a statement by project owners Al Barakah International Investment, the development will be a destination for entertainment, social dining and wellness, and is “being built at pace” for Abu Dhabi residents and visitors to enjoy.
Fouad Mashal, CEO, Al Barakah International Investment, said: “Al Qana will support the transformation of Abu Dhabi’s landscape. It’s a destination for the whole family where the great diversity of the capital will be celebrated. The project has a clear plan and timeline in place despite the pandemic. By following guidelines from the relevant authorities, we have also successfully maintained very high health and safety measures for our office and construction site workers.”
Stuart Gissing, GM at Al Qana, added: “We have managed to adapt to the situation and found new modes of working to ensure that there is continuity for the project’s construction and operations management. Now, more than ever before, Al Qana will be more relevant to the situation post-Covid 19 as people seek safe outdoor spaces and healthier lifestyle choices.”
Revealing some of the progress milestones of the project’s components, Al Barakah said that 90% of the Middle East’s largest aquarium is completed at the project whereas 80% of the cinema has already been built.
“All four pedestrian bridges, connecting both sides of the canal (total 2200 tons of steel) are installed. All basement parking facilities are now completed. All major entertainment attractions are leased to world-class operators and fitting out (and) key operations management team of international experts are hired and onboard,” sad the statement.
Elaborating on the project’s details, it added that Al Qana’s attractions will include the region’s largest aquarium (The National Aquarium), a lifestyle and wellness hub (The Bridge), the largest standalone cinema in Abu Dhabi (Al Qana Cinema), a first-to-the-UAE high-tech multiple-level Virtual Reality (VR) zone, an E-Sports arena, a 4,000sqm kids’ entertainment and activity centre, waterside eateries and a marina with more than 90 berths. A lush landscaped community space will also stretch 2.5 km along the waterfront destination.
