A number of new development projects have been approved today for the emirate of Abu Dhabi, especially in the areas of social services, housing, health and education. This is in keeping in line with the Government’s priorities in providing a dignified life and adequate housing for all citizens, reports the official news agency WAM.
The Executive Council gave approval for construction, renovation and infrastructure projects in Liwa, Ghayathi, Al Hayer, Al-Shuaib, Bida Al Mutawaa, Mazyed, Um Ghafa, Nema, Al Salamat Umm Alashtan and Alybanh.
Additional infrastructure projects will be implemented for a number of other residential districts in the north of Al Wathba, Al Falah, Mohamed bin Zayed, and Emirati neighborhoods in metropolitan and other areas.
The North Wathba project is one of the largest residential projects to have been approved to date. It covers an area of 4,178 hectares, and on completion it will provide 13,150 new residential plots.
In 2012, the Abu Dhabi government will provide a total of 7,608 residential villas for its citizens. This is in line with long term planning targets for providing appropriate levels of accommodation for all Abu Dhabi citizens.
The budget for infrastructure works for Khalifa Port and the development of Khalifa Industrial Zone (KIZAD) was approved by the Executive Council. These investments reflect the growing importance of Khalifa Port to Abu Dhabi s economy. The first operations are expected to commence on 1st September 2012.
The Executive Council also approved projects to develop new terminal facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The new terminal building has an area of 700,000 square meters and will be able to handle 27 million passengers a year. It is planned to be open in the fourth quarter of 2016.
There will be two new major road projects. The first is the Al Mafrag-Ghuwaifat road which connects the Emirate of Abu Dhabi with the neighboring countries, and is considered to be one of the most important road development projects in the Emirate.
The project includes the development and expansion of the current road by 246 km and the building of 15 new overhead interchanges. This will enhance traffic flow, ensure the security and safety of the road users and keep pace with economic growth. It should have a significant impact on the growth of the Abu Dhabi transport sector.
The second major project is the extension of the existing Emirates Road from Dubai to Abu Dhabi.
Provision has been made for the design of a metro and tram system to help reduce traffic congestion in the city of Abu Dhabi.
The Executive Council also approved construction and maintenance of drainage systems in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
These investments are aligned with the long term strategy of the Government to support infrastructure projects, and upgrading the level of services provided to its residents, investors and visitors, and has taken account of projected population growth, rates of urbanisation and growth in tourism.
