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Abu Dhabi Corniche Road begins to take shape

ABU DHABI - The new Abu Dhabi Corniche Road has started to take shape, with many features that will further boost the city's attraction as a world-class tourist destination.

The Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning Department has completed a greater part of the project, scheduled to be completed next year at an estimated cost of Dh750 million.

According to municipality officials, the project is aimed at providing state-of-the-art recreational facilities for residents of the capital city to socialise, relax and enjoy themselves, as well as to lure tourists to the city.

In the initial stage, more than 70,000 square metres have been filled with sand to pave the way for the construction of various projects, including roads and parking lots which can accommodate 3,500 cars at vantage points on the road and recreation grounds, as well as other installations and facilities.

Pavements at various points of the new Corniche Road, between Khaleej Al Arabi (Arabian Gulf) Street to the Airport road have been completed, while a bridge which will span on a lake near the Sheraton Hotel and another one near the Mina Zayed (Port Zayed), are currently under construction.

Work has also commenced on a third tunnel, and a number of subways along the six-kilometre new Corniche Road, from the Khaleej Street to Mina Zayed. Upon completion of the four-lane carriageway road project, traffic will ease by more than 30 per cent at the Khaleej-Salam portion of the road, while the bridge spanning over the Sheraton Hotel artificial lake will also contribute immensely to easing traffic on the new Corniche Road.

The infrastructure part of the project is nearing completion, while a number of works falling within the Phase I projects are also on course. The new Abu Dhabi Corniche project, which took off in December 2001, comprises various projects, including the execution of 500 square metres of planted areas with 2,500 fully grown date palm trees and more than 6,000 beautification trees and shrubs.

One of the main features of the project is the Corniche Park, the largest recreational facility in the capital, which has also started to take shape.

The park, which possesses a contemporary Arab character and will be a natural extension of the island, will respond to the social and physical needs of a growing, modern city, while expressing and celebrating the culture and vitality of Abu Dhabi.

The park will represent local culture in two ways. Its architectural features will reflect Arab and Islamic tradition.

It will be divided into three zones, each with a distinct theme and linked by several alternative pedestrian paths. The Family Zone will run along the Corniche from Khaleej Al Arabi Street to the Clock Tower.

The Central Zone will stretch from the Clock Tower to the Sheraton Hotel. Finally, the Heritage Zone, emphasising local culture and tradition, will extend from the Sheraton Hotel to Mina Zayed.

Each of these three zones will provide a variety of general public facilities, including toilets, food outlets, seating areas, gazebos, and play areas, but will also contain major features specific to that area.

The Family Zone will include many specialised playing grounds and open spaces suitable for children; the Central Zone will contain a lakeside part next to the existing coffee house, formal gardens, refurbishment of the Shallal Fountain, and large plazas; and the Heritage Zone will feature indigenous cultural elements. Journeying the length of the park will take a visitor through a sequence of experiences designed to stimulate the body, the mind, and the imagination.

Incorporated into the park are approximately 50 water features, including fountains, waterfalls, and ornamental flowers. A freshwater, man-made lake, approximately 10,000 square metres in size, will be a prominent feature of the park and, with integrated fountains and lights, one of its most popular attractions.

Around 20 new buildings will be constructed as part of the development. These include kiosks, cafes, toilets, and other amenities. Two new mosques are also planned.

The parks and recreation areas included in the New Corniche Road East will be unrivalled as public recreation areas, the officials said.