Major al-Ain tourist attraction approved by UPC in 2014

Plans for a major new tourist attraction in Al Ain featuring an African safari experience, botanical gardens and an amphitheatre, have been given the green light by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, UPC.
World Desert Oasis is among 76 new projects and master plans approved by the UPC in 2014, covering a total gross floor area, GFA, of 10,937,398 sq.m.. The oasis is one of several approved projects that are set to enhance Al Ain's appeal as a tourist destination, along with its aerospace industry and property landscape.
Designed to showcase wildlife in its natural environment, World Desert Oasis is a project within the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution of Al Ain, ZAPIA, and will be one of the many zones that make up ZAPIA Park. Visitors will be able to explore communal areas including an oasis garden, a botanical garden, a children's discovery area and an African World Desert.
The UPC has also approved a Master Plan for the use of industrial land surrounding Al Ain International Airport, with a focus on the aerospace industry.
In the Al Ain residential sector, the Wahat Al Zaweya Master Plan for a community consisting of almost 3.8 million sq.m. of residential and commercial development was given the go-ahead, as well as the Al Ghaniema development, which will consist of 275 villas for UAE nationals as part of the Abu Dhabi National Housing Programme. Aldar Properties' Al Shabahat development for sale to UAE nationals was also approved.
The UPC approved several developments in Al Gharbia, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, to improve the lifestyle of the existing communities there.
These include Phase 1 of the Al Wajeha Al Bahria Project Plan, the first mixed-use waterfront development in Mirfa City, which aims to attract more people to the area. It will consist of four buildings, retail and residential, covering a GFA of almost 26,935 sq.m., containing 126 apartments and 10 villas.
Al Hai Al Tejari project, a mixed-use development at the centre of Ghayathi City, located on the main road that connects the major settlements of Al Gharbia, was approved. It will include a town centre, office and retail space, residential apartments and a cinema.
For UAE national, as part of the Abu Dhabi National Housing Programme, the Bida Al Mutawa development in Al Gharbia will provide 60 villas as well as a community centre, park and mosque.
In the Capital Region of Abu Dhabi, the Concept Plan for Al Maryah Central, formerly known as Sowwah Central, was approved. Al Maryah Central will be a world-class shopping, dining and family entertainment destination at the heart of Al Maryah Island. Linked to The Galleria Mall, it will boast high-profile international department stores, including Macy's first international outlet outside of the USA and Abu Dhabi's first Bloomingdale's store.
Farglory's EW11, Maryah Plaza, luxury development on Al Maryah Island was approved and construction is expected to commence in the near future.
Also on Al Reem Island, the Al Qurm View residential project, a low-rise building overlooking the Mangroves in Shams Abu Dhabi, was given the go-ahead. The building, to be constructed from natural materials, will comprise 36 apartments spread over eight levels with ground-floor recreation facilities. Al Qurm View has been designed as a complete lifestyle destination within a sustainable environment and has received a 1 Pearl Estidama Rating.
Mangrove Residence will be an eight-storey residential tower located within the Shams district of Al Reem Island. Apartments will feature wide, shaded balconies, direct access to the beach and an open sea lounge facing the mangroves on the ground floor.
The M Tower development on Al Reem Island, a 29-storey residential tower comprising a mix of apartments, residents' amenities and retail outlets was also approved.
On Saadiyat Island, Phase 1 of TDIC's Mamsha Al Saadiyat development was given the go-ahead and will sit within the northern part of Saadiyat Cultural District directly east of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The site will occupy an area of 142,355 sq.m. and will stretch along a proposed public beach. The development will be predominantly for residential use, with some cafe and restaurant options along the waterfront. The promenade will also include pedestrian and cyclist paths and beach facilities.
On the other side of Abu Dhabi Island, in the prestigious area of Al Bateen, the Master Plan for Nareel Island, an exclusive development by Aldar Properties consisting of 148 plots, was approved. Residents will enjoy views of the Gulf, Emirates Palace and Al Bateen, as well as direct access to waterfronts and the beach, and a leisure and health club, mosque and retail centre.
In the recreation sector, the UPC approved a detailed Project Plan for the further development of the Yas Beach Club on Yas Island. Located on the beachfront between the Yas Hotels and Yas South, the new Club will be an extension to the existing Yas Beach and will cater to members, guests, surrounding hotels and properties. The venue will be split into two, with the left side set to become a high-end beach club offering restaurants, VIP cabanas, a lap pool and infinity pool. The existing beach club on the right will remain as a more informal destination, enhanced by the addition of a swimming pool and children's pool.
Other projects approved in 2014 include Aldar Properties' Al Raha Beach East, the first phase of the overall Al Raha Beach development, further development of the Petroleum Institute on the Abu Dhabi Mainland, a Project Plan for the new Secondary Technical School in Al Ain and a detailed Project Plan for an extension to Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, which will include Abu Dhabi's first medical school. Both projects were developed by Elite Design and Engineering Consultancy and are under execution by Z General Contracting.
Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director, Urban Development and Estidama Sector, UPC, said, "These approved projects bring us closer to achieving the goals of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and are very exciting for residents and tourists alike, as we look to develop and showcase Abu Dhabi Emirate not only as a great place to visit, but an attractive place to live.
He added, "Of course, we are very careful and deliberate in our evaluation of all project proposals; each one must adhere to our regulations and guidelines and take into account environmental, economic, social and cultural factors, thereby ensuring that every new development is in line with Vision 2030."
Source: WAM