Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), a master developer of major Abu Dhabi tourism destinations, has awarded an AED142 million (US $39 million) marine works contract to AST Company, distinguished contractors based in the UAE.
The contract covers dredging and construction of a 2 km quay wall and pontoons for the Fishermen's Marina at the Al Bateen Wharf urban redevelopment project. The marine work has already commenced and is expected to take a year to complete.
Featuring berths for 320 fishing vessels and 38 racing dhows, the marina is central to the revitalisation of Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen district, the oldest occupied area of the UAE capital city. TDIC is redeveloping 54,000 square metres at Al Bateen, under a public-private-partnership with the UAE's Belbadi Enterprises, into a signature waterfront destination with a luxury five-star Al Bateen Wharf Hotel complex. The project, due for completion in 2011, is estimated to cost some AED1.6 billion (US $435 million).
"The facilities have been incorporated after in-depth dialogue with the district's resident fishermen to discover their needs and to ensure that the area remains a source of livelihood to both them and the builders of traditional dhows. We regard both these communities as integral to the distinct heritage of Al Bateen and are determined to preserve this cultural advantage while upgrading the district," explained Lee Tabler, CEO, TDIC.
Meanwhile, design of the 400-room Al Bateen Wharf Hotel and its adjoining 200 unit serviced residential wing has now entered final schematic stage. Soil testing of the site is now complete and shoring and excavation work is due to begin within the next three months.
