Meena Plaza demolition: Iconic Abu Dhabi towers brought down in 10 seconds

Abu Dhabi - The process was completed following the highest international safety standard.

The second phase of the demolition work on the Meena Plaza Towers in Abu Dhabi started on Friday morning. The process which took 10 seconds to complete was implemented following the highest international safety standards.

Shops and markets in the Mina Port area (Mina Zayed) are temporarily closed until 4pm on Friday, November 27 to allow the demolition process to be completed, said authorities.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) said the abandoned unfinished tower blocks, located in Mina Zayed area was demolished to pave the way for an all-new wharf in the iconic port-side community.

The temporary closure covers the fish market, the fruits and vegetable market, the cooperative society, the carpet market, the livestock market and the slaughterhouse.

According to Abu Dhabi Police and transport authorities, routes leading towards Port Zayed area will be closed on Friday from 6 am until the end of the demolition work.

The affected roads are Sheikh Zayed Tunnel in both directions, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street and Hamdan bin Mohammed Street. Motorists should also be alert for diversions on Corniche Street.

Authorities have urged motorists to use alternative routes. Residents wishing to shop at the Mina Zayed markets during the period of the temporary closure were also advised to use other markets and shopping centres in the city.

Abu Dhabi Police earlier said it had adopted safety and security measures to ensure the demolition work is carried out in a controlled manner.

Mega redevelopment project

Bringing down the unfinished towers is part of the second phase of a mega project for the redevelopment of Mina Zayed, according to the DMT.

Authorities had last week revealed details about the master plan – the Mina Zayed Wharf, which is being redeveloped as part of a comprehensive plan to revitalise the iconic landmark and traditional markets of the Capital.

Modon Properties which was appointed by the DMT to carry out the demolition of Meena Plaza Towers earlier said that following detailed structural analysis and calculations for Meena Plaza Towers, which comprise four large and individually designed high rise structures, the demolition methodology was confirmed as complete demolition by structural explosions, a methodology known for its superior quality and high safety record. In the event of the implosion, a total of 144 floors will be demolished in 10 seconds.

Modon Properties was also been tasked with the redevelopment of designated areas in Mina Zayed.

The authorities stressed that as part of the redevelopment project, the port area’s heritage shall be kept intact. For one, the architecture of the old fish market — which has served as the Capital’s main seafood hub for over three decades — will be preserved. Its interiors will be repurposed to accommodate new shops and other facilities.