Page 75 - Magazine March 2021

Local News Contractors News

Al Qana: Abu Dhabi’s Abu Dhabi Government and Aldar Properties

new entertainment hub 90% complete partner up for capital projects

The projects will provide a significant positive impact on the wider Abu Dhabi economy
Construction of Abu Dhabi›s latest entertainment and spread across seven zones.
dining hub, Al Qana, is about 90 per cent complete. Visitors will have access to restaurants spanning the

The waterfront destination, spanning 2.4 kilometers, waterfront, offering a prime view of Sheikh Zayed
will have restaurants and cafes, children›s recreation Grand Mosque.
centers, and, most notably, the National Aquarium – Al Qana›s main feature, the aquarium, spans more
the Middle East›s largest. than 7,000 square meters and is now 95 per cent

Al Qana developer, Al Barakah International complete. Once open to the public, it will be home to
Investment, said the project was on schedule for 33,000 marine creatures that will be cared for by a

completion this year 2021. team of 80 experts and specialists.
«As the tourism sector recovers from the travel The animals will be responsibly and ethically sourced
restrictions due to the pandemic, Al Qana would be from around the world, according to organizers,
ready to receive visitors in 2021,» said Fouad Mashal, with the destination highlighting the importance of

chief executive of Al Barakah International Investment. conservation throughout its themed zones.
«Our top priority is to adapt to the new social norms The other sections will feature scenic walkways to

in place to ensure the safety of visitors coming to encourage visitors to stroll, while entertainment
this special social destination. Our team is working options will include cinemas, a children›s area, an
on new protocols and procedures with the relevant outdoor skate park and landscaped community
authorities to ensure the required guidelines are spaces.

applied fully at our premises.» Al Qana will also have a yacht marina, an e-sports and The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has approved a over the next five years. In addition, Aldar will
Located on the Khor Al Maqta waterway, Al Qana is gaming zone, a wellness hub and virtual-reality park. framework between Abu Dhabi Government and provide management oversight of Dh10 billion worth

Aldar Properties for the development of capital of Musanada’s projects in education, healthcare,
projects in the emirate. The decision follows the infrastructure, social services, and facilities
recommendation of the Abu Dhabi Executive management.
Committee to establish a public-private partnership The projects will provide a significant positive impact

framework for the development of capital projects on the wider Abu Dhabi economy. Aldar’s ‘in-country
in the emirate and the subsequent Memorandum value’ (ICV) program gives priority to local contractors,

of Understanding signed between ADQ and Aldar consultants, and suppliers – including SMEs – for
Properties. most contract awards.
The framework includes Aldar taking on the Aldar’s fee-based development management business
management of Dh30 billion worth of major projects is also managing Dh5 billion worth of infrastructure

such as Riyadh City, Baniyas North and developments projects awarded by the Abu Dhabi Government
in the Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions. Together the in 2019, which includes Al Falah national housing,
projects will deliver approximately 25,000 homes for Media Zone Abu Dhabi on Yas Island and Saadiyat

UAE Nationals as well as associated infrastructure infrastructure works.

8 9