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In a significant development for Al Ain and a move that underlines its commitment to the city, ADNEC (Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company) has announced the commencement of construction on phase one of the AED 3.5 billion Al Ain Convention Centre district, located near the popular Al Jimi area of the city.
“Al Ain Convention Centre district is a pioneering and highly strategic initiative for Al Ain city and its people. ADNEC is very pleased to commence development on this landmark project which aims to create a vibrant business and lifestyle destination in Al Ain which will further boost the allure of the city by drawing the spotlight onto Al Ain’s tremendous potential,” said H.E. Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, Managing Director of ADNEC.
The Al Ain Convention Centre district is a first-of-its-kind development for the city and comprises a state-of-the-art convention centre, a cultural centre, hotels, a serviced apartment complex, and a multi-storey car park. It also includes a cluster of residential and commercial low-rise buildings within an integrated micro-city that places the convention centre at the very heart of the development.
“Al Ain holds a special place in the hearts of the UAE people and carefully managing the city’s growth and development is a priority for our emirate’s leadership. ADNEC is therefore honoured to have been entrusted with this key project which will augment the Abu Dhabi government’s plans for Al Ain city. I would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank our leaders for their trust in ADNEC and emphasise our deep commitment to the project,” added H.E. Al Dhaheri
The creation of a natural and sustainable environment will be emphasised throughout the development, with open spaces connected by walkways and several areas designed to be free of cars, key elements in the project design. Also, among the several noteworthy components of the project is a Wadi (waterway) that runs adjacent to the Wadi Hotel, which is part of the development. The Wadi is being reinvigorated with the assistance of the Al Ain Municipality landscape department.
Simon Horgan, ADNEC Group CEO said: “Hosting a world-standard convention centre as well as infrastructure and facilities that support the conventions business can be a key ingredient in activating a city’s commercial prospects. We have done this successfully with the Capital Centre development that surrounds the thriving Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and, we are confident we can replicate this model in Al Ain with the Convention Centre district. This project will ensure the Al Ain Convention Centre acts as a pivot to attracting significant business, drawing event organisers, delegates and tourists to the city from all over the world,” said Horgan.
Philip Logan, CEO of Shankland Cox, who are the architects on the project, said: “Having been involved in many important projects for more than 2 decades in the region, including Al Ain, Shankland Cox consider the ADNEC development to be one of the most significant recent contributions to the urban fabric of the city of Al Ain. We are delighted to be associated with such an important development,”
ADNEC has appointed Al Fara’a General Contracting, one of ten wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Al Fara’a Integrated Construction Group, as the contractor for the first phase of the project involving extension of the existing hall located onsite.
Dr. J.R. Gangaramani, President and Executive Chairman of the Al Fara’a Integrated Construction Group commended ADNEC for the efficient manner in which they had coordinated the project tender and initiation phases. “We are very pleased to have commenced with the turnkey delivery of this extension after having completed the initial celebration hall in 2002. This installment is already ahead of its scheduled handover in September 2010,” he said. .
Contractors for the remaining elements of the master development are expected to be appointed over the coming months.
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