DUBAI, 30 January 2007 — Reem Developers is planning to build three world-class marinas that will form the cornerstone of its flagship project — Najmat Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi-based developer is currently evaluating bids submitted by contractors for marine works including the construction of the three marinas.
The marine works is part of the overall infrastructure package worth AED2.4 billion that will be put on tender at various stages by Reem Developers. The tender for marine works, which was opened earlier this month, also covers the construction of pontoons, canals, reclamation works and rock revetment. The tender is expected to be awarded next month following a detailed evaluation and assessment process. The marine works is then expected to be completed within the next 18 months.
The three marinas that will be built in Najmat Abu Dhabi — Bay Center Marina (250m diameter), Residential Marina (200m diameter) and Resort Marina (180m diameter) — are linked by a canal which traverses the spine of the sprawling development from northwest to southeast. The Bay Center Marina, the largest of the three marinas, will be the business, entertainment and retail hub of Najmat Abu Dhabi. It will include a range of facilities including one of the biggest and most exclusive shopping mall in Abu Dhabi, two signature towers featuring a mix of office, retail and residential space, plus two five-star boutique hotels.
The Residential Marina will boast waterfront shops, cafes, restaurants and public art galleries, offering a broad range of activities and themes that will help create a vibrant ambience around the cosmopolitan residential properties nearby.
The salient feature of the Resort Marina will be an exclusive resort with a private beach that will be developed alongside resort-like residential homes, with most of them enjoying water views.
The marinas and canals will allow use of boats and water taxis within the development. The canal works involve the construction of quay walls spanning a length of 2,300 meters.
The reclamation works will create three island parks complete with edge treatment in the form of rock revetment. The landscaping of the island parks will be included in the next tender package.
“The opening of the tender is the first major step this year for Najmat Abu Dhabi, a world-class project that has generated tremendous interest in the investor community. The awarding of the contract for marine works will start the process for building the three marinas. It is the first time that an island project of this size and scope has been attempted in the UAE. We are aiming to create a sophisticated seafront living community in Abu Dhabi that incorporates the tradition and heritage of the UAE, as well as embracing modernity,” said a spokesperson for Reem Developers.
The AED30 billion Najmat Abu Dhabi, or “Star of Abu Dhabi” is the maiden project of Reem Developers, the real estate subsidiary of Reem Investments, one of the leading private investment firms in the UAE.