Abu Dhabi - Summary of Projects

[must7]

List or prequalified contractors for Louvre Abu Dhabi is out.

[Adam2707]

DWP to design one of thirty towers set for Saraya Abu Dhabi


Design World Partnership (dwp) has won a contract from aabar Investments to provide the architecture, environmental and interior design services for a 41 storey luxury residential tower in Saraya Abu Dhabi. Saraya 1, as the tower will be called, will be situated near the Arabian coastline within the 'Lagoon' Precinct providing uninterrupted vistas of the waterfront and foreshore districts.

Dwp’s UAE-based design team, led by Toufic Zaidan, have striven to reduce the effect on the operational energy demands and emissions of the building as well as ensuring its occupants wellbeing and comfort. Located within the master-planned community development of Sorouh Real estate PJSC under the project SARAYA, the tower will respond to the local climate aiming to reach Gold LEED certification. According to Zaidan, “The smooth and slim undulating tower echoes the water it faces. Its curvilinear facade will vary in colours and shades according to the sun’s location and intensity. This intensity of climate has also made us look at the energy efficiencies and sustainability of its design.”

The location was used as to coordinate the high performance, energy-efficient high-rise design, impacting on orientation and boundary and defining the building’s shape. The overall façade utilises state-of-the art glass curtain walls with thermal insulation and the use of green and low-VOC building materials. The design team incorporated further energy efficiencies through the use of enclosed balconies that can optionally open up.

Indoor air quality improvement with air filtration systems and natural ventilation, waste reduction and recycling strategies; the design of the structure and use of materials are all incorporated into the architectural DNA of the building. The sustainable use of water in such an arid environment is extremely important. The building collects and reuses rain water and façade condensation, it also has a grey water treatment facility for recycling and reuse. Saraya Abu Dhabi will consist of 30 towers, that will include residential and commercial buildings ranging from 10 to 40 stories and hotels spread over 120,000 sq m. The project will be completed in phases. The construction of the towers will be completed in two phases, by 2010 and 2013.



worldarchitecturenews.com

[Parisian Girl]

Saadiyat visitor centre phase 1 ready in Nov

by Andy Sambidge on Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the developer of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday announced the first phase of its state-of-the-art visitor centre would be completed next month.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, which in Arabic translates to lighthouse, will be one of the Cultural District’s components and will feature international exhibitions from around the world.

The 15,400 sq m visitor centre will encompass four major galleries, an experience and sales centre, a 250-seat theatre and a restaurant, the company said in a statement.

Manarat Al Saadiyat will be home to The Saadiyat Story, an interactive narrative on the historical and cultural vision behind Saadiyat Island.

The purpose of this 1,874 sq m visitor centre is to narrate the story of Saadiyat Island and bring alive the future plans of the island.

It will also comprise the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery, a permanent 1,946 s qm space dedicated to host series of exhibitions and educational programmes organised by TDIC.

Additionally, it will house the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Gallery and Louvre Abu Dhabi Gallery which will both showcase exhibitions related to these famed museums before they open by 2013.

Manarat Al Saadiyat will also feature the Central Events Gallery, a 660 sq m multi-purpose space for hosting Manarat Al Saadiyat’s special events calendar.

“We commissioned construction of the project in February 2009, and we are proud to have been able to deliver on our promise eight months later by launching the inaugural phase of Manarat Al Saadiyat,” said Lee Tabler, TDIC’s chief executive officer.

“The launch of Manarat Al Saadiyat is the first of many exciting groundbreakings and launches to come on Saadiyat Island in the near future,” Tabler added.

The first phase of the development will be completed in third week of November 2009 while the second phase, completed in April 2010, will include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi galleries, the theatre and the restaurant.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/57120...1-ready-in-nov

[must7]

Has anybody the photo of the proposed Sh. Zayed Musuem (Cultural district, Sadiyat Island)

[Adam2707]

EXPO 2010 Pavilion To Be Rebuilt in Abu Dhabi



Commenting on the significant MoU, the NMC'ss Chairman and Minister of Labour, Saqr Ghobash, stated that this was a groundbreaking initiative that is in tune with the country’s efforts at promoting sustainable development. “Rather than see all the work, effort, materials and investment that have gone into this project be lost at the closure of the exhibition, we felt that it would be much better to create a building that can be taken apart, transported and rebuilt back here in the UAE,”the Minister stated. "We are pleased to have TDIC as a partner in this initiative and are confident that their own plans for the building will be of benefit to all our people.

Upon signing the agreement on behalf of the NMC (the body responsible for executing the UAE’s participation at EXPO 2010), Salem Al Ameri highlighted the importance of the UAE Pavilion in presenting the achievements of the country, particularly in relation to the general theme of EXPO 2010, “Better City, Better Life.”

Responding to these comments Mr Ahmed Hussein, COO of TDIC, thanked the National Media Council, on behalf of TDIC and its parent company, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) for “the generous gift of the UAE Pavilion building,” which he described as “truly iconic.” “The UAE Pavilion in Shanghai will be an impressive experience for visitors from around the world to delve into UAE’s multifaceted culture and development. TDIC certainly looks forward to importing this amazing piece of architecture to Abu Dhabi and to setting it up as an experience centre in a prime destination that will attract many fascinated visitors,” he added.

“The UAE Pavilion is a prime example of promoting culture and understanding through architecture that is inspired by a key natural feature of our beautiful nation. Our interest and commitment in ensuring the long term life of the building underlines TDIC’s commitment to focus on cultural and sustainability elements in line with Abu Dhabi’s 2030 economic vision, such as building world-class museums on Saadiyat Island,” Ahmed Hussein explained.

The pavilion itself, designed by world reknowned architects Foster Partners, headed by Pritzker prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster who designed the Zayed National Museum for Saadiyat Island Cultural District (due for completion in 2013), has been built to optimise energy efficiency in relation to solar energy and temperature control. Whilst inspired by the organic undulating form of sand dunes, it is an ultra-modern structure covered in a rosy-golden tiling whose reflecting properties simulate the ever-changing colour of natural dunes. Diffused light penetrates the structure during the day and spectacularly illuminates the pavilion by night.

The UAE pavilion will showcase the country's past and highlight the government's efforts to protect the UAE’s heritage, blending it with the designs of modern and future cities. It will present the UAE development model and how the country became one of the fastest growing economies in the world, explained Salem Al Ameri.

Link & more text...

[Adam2707]

Capital to spend $1tn on major projects


Abu Dhabi will spend US$1 trillion (Dh3.67tn) on major infrastructure, property and manufacturing projects, the Minister of Economy said.

The unprecedented infrastructure spending comes as the emirate speeds up its economic diversification plans in response to the global financial crisis, with projects valued at more than $100 billion under way.

“The planned investments to be implemented through public and private partnerships in infrastructure, real estate and manufacturing sectors over the medium term are expected to reach $1tn,” Sultan al Mansouri said in a speech at the Abu Dhabi Outlook Summit yesterday.

“This will lead to extraordinary demand for building materials and technological innovations, thus boosting the economy further.”

Abu Dhabi holds about 8 per cent of the world’s oil and is already ploughing billions of dollars in oil revenues into such projects as the $40bn Yas Island development, which hosted the Formula One Grand Prix on Sunday.

Other major projects planned include the $10bn Shah sour gas project and the Chemaweyaat chemicals cluster, one of the world’s largest petrochemical investments.

Investment in infrastructure and manufacturing are central to the country’s plans to diversify its economy away from a reliance on oil.

Economists also see infrastructure spending as a key part of reviving economic growth from a downturn by creating jobs, lowering the cost of running businesses and attracting foreign investment...

Link & more text - The National

[Adam2707]

Various pics of downtown Abu Dhabi taken from the top of the Central Market development.



Higher-Res


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Higher-Res


Higher-Res

I remember hearing that Abu Dhabi had a height restriction not so long ago. Dose anyone know when this was lifted and what was the height limit was?

[mhussain1991]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but does anyone know whats being built around the Cultural Foundation?, there has been construction work in that area for quite sometime and I'm really curious to know what they're building there...
Thank You

[Adam2707]

Originally Posted by Parisian Girl

New ZU campus a 'design masterpiece'



http://www.gulfnews.com/notes/campus/10348322.html

$1bn finance secured for new Zayed campus

Mubadala, the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi Government, announced yesterday that it had secured $1 billion (Dh3.67bn) of financing for the new Zayed University campus, which is to be built on 75 hectares in the new Capital District.

The campus, which is scheduled for completion in 2011, will accommodate up to 6,000 students and staff.

Eleven international and regional banks have signed on to finance the project through a 10-year package.

They include the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank and First Gulf Bank. Abu Dhabi’s Al Hilal Bank provided the Islamic tranche.

“The new Zayed University campus is a major part of Abu Dhabi Government’s strategy to create a world-class education system for the people of the UAE,” Khaldoon al Mubarak, the chief executive of Mubadala, said.

“The closing of this finance package is an important milestone for the project and a mark of confidence the regional and international finance community has in the infrastructure projects Mubadala is developing for Abu Dhabi.”

The public private partnership (PPP) model is being used for strategic infrastructure projects that support Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.

The Zayed campus PPP is the second major project Mubadala is developing with the Abu Dhabi Education Council, following the Paris-Sorbonne University PPP project on Reem Island.


http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs....711259846/1010


Abu Dhabi is definitely investing a lot of money into new University's and Schools. So many major ones seem to keep popping up.

[Adam2707]

Abu Dhabi to award $7 bln construction deals


Abu Dhabi will award $7 billion worth of construction contracts this month as building activity continues in the UAE capital despite an economic slowdown, local daily Gulf News reported on Thursday, without saying where it got the information.

The newspaper said the government is pushing ahead with its development projects to attract foreign direct investment.

Dubai, which had led the UAE's feverish construction activity for years, saw the world economic crisis late last year upset its ambitions. But oil-rich Abu Dhabi is still spending on real estate, tourism and other infrastructure projects.

With business slow elsewhere in the country, consultants, contractors and suppliers have started focusing more on the UAE capital.

http://business.maktoob.com/20090000...ls/Article.htm

[Adam2707]

100 new 'green' schools planned for Abu Dhabi



An ambitious plan to replace the emirate’s ageing schools with environmentally sensitive buildings was more than tripled in scale yesterday.

Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), which in May announced its intention to build 30 sustainable schools by 2012, said yesterday that the project would now consist of 100 new schools in the next 10 years.

Eighteen would be built by the end of 2011, and another 12 by the end of 2012, Adec said. The schools will use energy-efficient air-conditioning units, and water-saving devices.

The electricity that will be used in the classrooms will be generated on site.
The schools will be aligned to reduce direct exposure to the sun where possible. Adec declined to say how much the project will cost.

The expansion was announced as Adec unveiled three new school designs during the inaugural Building Schools Exhibition and Conference for the Middle East-North Africa region.

A memorandum of understanding with the Urban Planning Council was signed at the conference to draft sustainability guidelines that will govern the building of all state schools. Alberto Treves, the section manager for educational facilities design at Adec, said the guidelines would be released in March or April.

Adec has chosen three architectural firms from 27 that submitted proposals for the new schools.

“Eventually, we will have either a new school or a renovated school,” Mr al Dhaheri said. “Both will be in very good condition and suitable for our vision in terms of applying our vision in terms of education.”

The new schools will be larger than existing ones, taking up to 1,200 pupils.
“In some cases, we are replacing two schools with one new school,” Mr al Dhaheri said.

In May, when plans were first announced to build sustainable schools, Dr Mugheer al Khaili, the director general of Adec, said: “We are going to target the schools that need to be replaced because of their age and their design first.”

Yesterday’s announcement draws on an Adec study of existing school buildings carried out before architectural firms were invited to submit proposals.
The study, the full contents of which have not been made public, found that many school buildings waste valuable space.

They were designed with long corridors and open patios, but, as a result, some classrooms remain so small that teachers find it difficult to use modern education strategies such as team-teaching or group activity work.

Many older buildings do not have facilities such as science laboratories and nearly all could be more energy efficient.

Studio E Architects, a British company that has won awards in the UK for its work on sustainable schools, has partnered with another firm to design three model schools in the capital and Al Ain.

A local firm, Dewan Architects and Engineers, will design six schools in Al Ain, and the international firm Broadway Malyan will design nine schools in rural areas.

Abu Dhabi’s first energy-efficient schools will feature facilities lacking in many existing public schools, including swimming pools and extensive sports facilities, as well as auditoriums, canteens and bigger libraries, which will be open to the community after school hours.

Computer labs and classrooms will be equipped with the latest technology.

http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs....912139967/1040

[Adam2707]

Khalifa Cities A and B 2030


Link

[Parisian Girl]

Construction begins on Waha Land’s Almarkaz project

by Shane McGinley on Wednesday, 30 December 2009

Waha Land started work on its Almarkaz project in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Contractors have begun leveling land to enable infrastructure work to commence.

Hazem Al Nowais chief operating officer of Waha Land, said: "The first phase of construction will include the leveling of 1.5m sqm of land which will be achieved by the end of the first quarter of 2010. We will then start putting the necessary infrastructure in place, constructing buildings and related facilities – we expect to start handing over some industrial and residential units by the end of 2010.”

Waha Land is the real estate arm of Waha Capital and Almarkaz is its first project.

The mixed use development will stretch over six sq km and include warehouses and storage, light industry units and accommodation for around 28,000 workers.

The first of four phases of the project will be completed by the end of 2011, at an estimated cost of AED4bn, the statement said. The entire project is expected to take four years to complete.

In October, Waha Capital reported a net profit of AED22.6m ($6.15m) for the third quarter of 2009 and a net income of AED353m ($96m) in the three months to September 30.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/57745...markaz-project

[Adam2707]

Rabdan Academy - Disaster City


Link

Well, why not build a mini city that you can blow up.

Another cool video I came across..

Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi from 1988 - 2009


HD Link

[killerk]

The black and white building in the video (the Khalidiya one) had this state of the art department store called Dana Plaza when the building opened in the 80s....Abu Dhabi Co-op acquired them in the late 90s. Don't know if that is still there!!

[Adam2707]

Interactive Map

I came across a cool interactive map on the Urban Planning Council's website. It shows most the major development and transport plans for the Abu Dhabi. There's quite a few project's I've never heard of before. However some of the renders are a little old, but I shouldn't complain. Overall a fantastic concept and defiantly worth a look. It would be great if Dubai could do one of these as well.





View Here

[Adam2707]

Abu Dhabi plans 26 new infrastructure projects in 2010

Abu Dhabi Municipality has said 26 new infrastructure projects will be developed this year in Abu Dhabi City and its suburbs.

At the first municipal forum organised by the Municipal Affairs Department at Yas Island on Monday, Salma Al Junaibi, Director of Contracts and Tenders Department at the Municipality, said: “Sixteen of the new projects will be related to roads and infrastructure and 10 to urban planning.”

Mohammed Sharif, Under-Secretary at the Municipal Affairs Department, delivered a speech on behalf of Rashid Mubarak Al Hajeri, department’s Chairman.

He said new laws and regulations will soon be introduced for municipal work on big projects that will be executed by Abu Dhabi.

The most prominent road and infrastructure projects are the construction of infrastructure for the commercial area at Khalifa City, completion of the second phase of roads at Mohammed bin Zayed City and completion of projects at Al Salam, East Coast and Presidential Palace roads, Al Junaibi said.

The urban planning projects include development of health, security and environmental procedures in the emirate according to the standard criteria.

Last year, Abu Dhabi Municipality finished 570 contracts, task orders and purchase orders in the city worth a total of Dh9 billion, she said. The total contracts and tenders completed last year were 208 at a total value of Dh2.5bn.

In addition, there were 162 task orders valued at more than Dh3bn and 200 purchase orders worth Dh3.2bn.

She said infrastructure contracts completed last year accounted for more than 67 per cent of all contracts, while services and information technology formed 27 per cent and six per cent of the total respectively. The municipality has modernised procedures and services at the contracts and tenders department for 2010 and applied an electronic tenders system. In addition, it has introduced a unified and improved method for the evaluation of importers.

He said the privatisation policy followed by the emirate’s municipalities had been successful.

“The three municipalities were radically re-structured and huge chunks of the municipal services and utilities were privatised. That had a direct positive effect on the business and economy in the emirate.” Sharif said.

Link - Emirates Business 24/7

[Julito-dubai]

I think it is time to get a few more information from this interactive map. I will first do it here. Maybe if the moderators are fine with it we can open these threads in the main Abu Dhabi section.

To start with:

#PROJECT: AL MANHAL

http://www.ict.ae/al_manhal.html


Al Manhal
A Visionary Development

Al Manhal is a visionary development of deep historical significance and one that will forever change life in Abu Dhabi.

Covering a sprawling 66-hectare site, Al Manhal Palace is strategically located in the heart of the city, just two minutes away from the Corniche. It has always been known as the official Abu Dhabi residence of the Late President, HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and has witnessed a substantial chapter in the march of history. At Al Manhal the president received guests and official visitors and presided over many significant events that shaped the emergence of the nation.

The palace and the surrounding grounds were left untouched for nearly 20 years until a decision was made recently to reinstate the glory of Al Manhal, give it the historical standing that it deserved and make this unique area a public center for Abu Dhabi Island.

The new vision for Al Manhal is to transform the historical icon into an inspirational, open, green area with cultural attractions relating the history of Abu Dhabi, its sovereign families and the visionary leader who built the nation. Emphasis on providing a wide breathing space around the palace has inspired the creation of a “Central Park” within the development. Al Manhal is expected to become a quality recreational area at the centre of Abu Dhabi Island, accessible space for all inhabitants and visitors of the city.

The palace, which stands at the centre of the property, will be restored to its old grandeur and will open its gates to the public. It will witness a renovation that will transform it into a public building, a historical museum, a cultural heritage centre, gallery and botanical institute.

A botanical garden will be created next to the palace, honouring Sheikh Zayed’s passion for agriculture and his dream of greening of the emirate. Indeed, the gardens will feature many of the original species of trees that he planted at Al Manhal.

A large part of the site, far beyond development requirements alone, will be open and dedicated to green landscaping and vegetation. The large space around the palace will be framed by pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes.

The Al Manhal grounds will also include a mosque, built in the style favoured by Sheikh Zayed. A public plaza will serve as a serene place for inspiration and contemplation. Every last detail is intended to capture the essence of Sheikh Zayed and celebrate his spirit of
generosity and giving.

The project has been planned meticulously with the Urban Planning Council of the city of Abu Dhabi to serve the long term needs of the city and the vision of Abu Dhabi 2030.

It is one that will surely pay tribute to the life of Sheikh Zayed and to his memory as a true visionary. Every detail is compliant with the highest standards of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The whole area will be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding neighbourhoods, their respective uses and their established heights.

A peripheral belt around Al Manhal, far removed from the centre, will provide visual corridors to the palace that will feature residential, commercial and community structures made up of villas, apartments, hotels and serviced apartments.

Al Manhal will be integrated into other cultural attractions, and together with the Qasr Al Hosn Fort and the Cultural Foundation will form part of Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Trail that is being developed by the Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage. The philosophy behind the Al Manhal development can be distilled into two key principles: “openness and ntegration.” The palace has long been dear to the public; soon it will be enjoyed and celebrated as a symbol of a city proud of its heritage and of the Zayed legacy

[Julito-dubai]

#PROJECT: LU'LUAT AL RAHA

http://www.ict.ae/al_raha.html

Lu'luat Al Raha
The Pearl Of Al Raha Beach

Located at the core of the ambitious Al Raha Beach development on a massive reclaimed island will be Lu’Luat Al Raha, a stunning mixed use project.

Lu’Luat Al Raha will comprise of developments ranging from villas to mid rise buildings and selective high rise towers. It is expected to attract over 6,000 inhabitants, with a daytime population of up to 13,000 including visitors to the island.

Lu’Luat Al Raha will be surrounded by marine vistas of the Al Raha canal, directly opposite the existing Al Raha Beach Hotel. It will be a privileged area of residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, and cultural components catering to the most discerning of residents.

This impressive development has been designed to offer the most pleasant of living experiences. Attention to balance will give residents latitude to live, work, shop, eat and relax on the island.

The site is designed to be pedestrian and bicycle-friendly with a continuous promenade, away from car traffic, that runs all around and inside the whole island and connects the entire site. A picturesque marina will provide moorage for leisure boats, while a beach will provide seaside recreational activities. A string of restaurants and cafes will line the marina. To nurture the social characteristics of the development, a centre will be set aside to host culturally oriented land community building initiatives.

Lu’Luat Al Raha will be strategically situated at the core of the Al Raha Beach development with a public transportation system such as the light rail network (LTR) and water taxis connecting the entire community. The development is just 10 minutes away from Abu Dhabi’s future Capital District and accessible to all the emerging developments in the area. It will be five minutes away from the Abu Dhabi international airport, 10 minutes from Yas Island, 65km from the Dubai border and only 75km from the new Jebel Ali Airport.

[Julito-dubai]

#PROJECT: AL JURF

http://www.ict.ae/al_jurf.html

Al Jurf
The Dream Resort

Al Jurf is a dynamic tourism destination that will be built within ICT’s Ghantoot development project close to the Abu Dhabi - Dubai border. The location of Al Jurf Palace Resort is prime in every aspect, from the splendid sea waterfront coast to the greenery of the nature. With sweeping views of the Arabian Sea, the site has a uniquely mild microclimate.

Located on a natural coastline and immaculate stretch of land, Al Jurf is a splendid site for the development of a resort and golf course. The area will include a luxurious resort, complete with 18 hole championship golf amenities and outstanding recreational facilities.

Characterised by Arabian splendour in architecture and design, Al Jurf will be positioned as a high-end destination for marine and golf pursuits, reflecting its unique location of crystal clear waters, pristine sands, and extensive orchard preserves.

The geography of the Al Jurf site contributes to its overall beauty. While the northern side is situated on the Arabian Sea, the beach enjoys a natural extension on the Ghantoot Canal on the eastern side, thereby offering an appreciably long stretch of waterfront. The canal will offer waterfront living and boat dockage, and provide a wide promenade ideal for picturesque walks.

A significant attraction at Al Jurf is a vibrant ecosystem that will charm nature devotees and lovers of fauna and flora. An exceptional array of trees and vegetation surround the resort, creating a peaceful and idyllic sanctuary not far from Sheikh Zayed’s own natural reserves.

The crown jewel will be the Al Jurf Palace Resort, a luxury hotel and fully serviced luxury villas. The resort will spare no luxuries offering a relaxing haven of spas and recreational lounges; an ideal getaway for those in search of the solace and calm, a select destination such as this can offer. Epicureans will delight in the choice of gourmet restaurants of true Arabian cuisine as well as international delicacies.

An 18-hole signature golf course will be built to the highest standards of international competition that will appeal to serious sportsmen and enable it to host major official golf tournaments.

Although Al Jurf will be poised to take its place as an exciting luxury holiday destination, it is likely to attract substantial corporate interest with its state of the art conference facilities and state of the art business centre; an ideal corporate getaway strategically located mid-way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Al Jurf Palace Resort will serve this burgeoning development community area well. Ideally situated only 5 km from the Dubai border, Al Jurf Palace Resort is a mere 70 km away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport, and 15km from the future Jebel Ali International Airport.

The resort’s compliment of attractions for relaxation, recreation and business creates a dynamic environment complemented by its iconic architecture and unique environmental surrounds.