Embassy to function from Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi in 2012
His Highness Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan signed an agreement with His Excellency Alain Azouaou, the French Ambassador in the UAE, marking a high profile tenant for Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. The French Embassy will function from the dedicated office tower of the newest and most prestigious integrated lifestyle development in the capital city.
Developed by Sheikh Suroor Projects Department (SSPD), Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi was launched at a glittering ceremony on December 1, and is today, one of the most sought after developments in the city. With the new office move, all Embassy services will be integrated including business services that are currently being conducted from the Hamdan Street office.
His Highness Sheikh Suroor said: “The agreement with the French Embassy underlines the premier position of Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, as the first choice for business entities and organisations in the capital city. This luxury development is a symbol of the world class work and living environment that Abu Dhabi has to offer, and we are confident that these new premises will contribute to further strengthening the UAE-French relations, nurtured over the past 40 years.”
The French Ambassador said: “Ever since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the UAE and France 40 years ago, our relations have grown considerably. We look forward to strengthening these relations with the UAE nationals and residents as well as the French community, by providing them a convenient and central location. The choice of these state-of-the-art offices illustrates our desire to offer excellent working conditions to the embassy’s employees and a welcoming environment to meet visitors.”
The French Embassy, with over 80 staff members – the number doubling in the past decade – offers Diplomatic Chancellery, consular services, cultural, economic, military, management, cooperation with police, and relations with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The French community in the UAE has also grown over the years, with more than 16,000 French residents, some 5,000 of them in Abu Dhabi.
The French Ambassador said that by choosing a prestigious building, close to the Ministry of External Affairs, France is highlighting its privileged relations with the UAE. “This demonstrates that throughout the year, we will serve as a strategic partner through our diversity in cooperation – business, commercial, financial, military, defence, cultural and educational, among others. The choice of Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, marks our commitment to the relations with the UAE for the years to come.”
The new embassy will span over 2,000 square metres on levels 27 and 28 of Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.
‘Working at Etihad Towers’ provides more than 45,000 sq metres of leasable space over 52 floors. Several high profile regional and international companies and organisations have already partnered with Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi with the leasing progressing well. These new tenants are currently undertaking their interior design, and fitting out works.
Mr. Sami Al Khuwaiter, Project Director at SSPD, said: “We are thankful to the French Embassy for opening their office premises in Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. The luxury development offers the opportunity to be part of a vibrant lifestyle development with luxury homes, high-end retail, a five-star hotel – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, and many leisure amenities in close proximity.”
With an emphasis on environmental sustainability, ergonomics and the highest specification, the offices can be laid out in a highly flexible manner that best suits the tenant’s business. Facilities include on-site underground car parking, professionally managed reception areas, high speed elevators, concierge services and 24/7 security.
