Leisure project around Abu Dhabi canal

The Abu Dhabi Municipality leads the ground breaking on the proposed unique tourist attraction that combines the beauty of the natural surroundings with modern recreational facilities alongside the scenic Al Maqta Canal in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

 Construction has begun on a mega mixed used leisure project in Abu Dhabi which will provide recreational facilities, high-end shopping, and fine dining.
The project is being built around the famous canal near Maqta Bridge, which will transform the leisure facilities in the capital.
The 'Al Qana' is the first-ever Build-Operate-Transfer model project implemented by Abu Dhabi City Municipality, which is being jointly developed with Al Barakah International Investments.
Abu Dhabi Municipality two year ago introduced a marvelous plan to attract private investments in many of the leisure projects on BOT basis and this project is the first of many to have completed the financial close.
International Construction Contracting Company (ICCC) is the lead contractor for this ambitious project.
The 'Al Qana' project is being built in a heritage-rich location which hosts luxurious hotels such as the Ritz Carlton, the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Shangri-La as well as a lush residential suburb.
The project is a unique touristic attraction that combines the beauty of its natural surroundings with modern recreational facilities. Located near the majestic Grand Shaikh Zayed Mosque and flanks the historical Al-Maqta Bridge, the project is capital's most magnificent waterfront project with impressive architectural designs.
Spread over 150,000 square meters, the Dh850 million project is expected to attract a footfall of up to 6 million per year. Commercial Bank of Dubai has provided funding to the project which will be completed in two years. The leisure project will contribute to the comprehensive development plans being undertaken by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City in terms of meeting the growth demands of the local tourism industry.The project also complements the Abu Dhabi Government's 2030 Vision which calls for the combination of tradition with contemporary design in all of its infrastructural works.
The strategic vision of the project is to become one of the premier touristic and entertainment destinations in the UAE with a focus on catering to the unique leisure and lifestyle needs of Abu Dhabi's residents and visitors.
No high-rise buildings or towers block the impressive views of nearby scenery and landmarks such as the majestic Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque as 'Al Qana' is strategically located near a natural canal which is 1.2 kilometers long. The project will be built around the canal. The site is also easily accessible to tenants, locals and tourists as it lies alongside the historic Al-Maqta Bridge, an arterial thoroughfare into the capital city.
Among the differentiating elements of the project are a 5,000 square meter aquarium - the biggest in Abu Dhabi - and Abu Dhabi's first standalone cinema.
Besides the unique facilities mentioned earlier, Al Qana will also include a unique Family Entertainment Center; a marina with 90 berths; a huge dedicated area for indoor and outdoor sports; a large number of restaurants, picnic areas and high end retail stores; a walk path connected by four bridges; and running and cycling tracks, among other amenities.
- haseeb@khaleejtimes.com