Abu Dhabi: Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), a master developer of major cultural, residential and tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, said it has completed the first phase in the renovation of Al Bateen Wharf's Fishermen Marina, situated in Abu Dhabi's oldest occupied area.
"We started the project in early 2009. The project will have three phases the last one being completed in 2013," Bassem Terkawi, TDIC's Director for PR and Events, told Gulf News by telephone on Monday.
Terkawi declined to discuss financial details of the project.
He said the Al Bateen Wharf has existed for decades and the first phase of the renovation of the marina will provide enhanced mooring facilities for fishermen.
"We are very proud of this project as it highlights Abu Dhabi's rich seafaring history, a cherished part of our Emirati heritage.
"We want visitors and residents to experience this heritage which will provide a natural gateway to our capital," said Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Managing Director of TDIC, commenting on the completion of the Fishermen Marina project's first phase.
The first phase featured the completion of the marina's mooring berths that will accommodate 323 fishing vessels, varying in length from 10 to 18 metres. Each berth is equipped with running water, electrical power, firefighting equipment and standard amenities.
A 192-metre underground culvert has been built to connect the water bodies of the east and west bays to improve the circulation and quality of water in the marina. TDIC said that by the second quarter of 2012 and upon completion of Fishermen Marina's second phase, the project will see the area become a signature waterfront destination.
The second phase will consist of a fishermen's community club, food and beverage outlets, a luxury yacht marina, a yacht club, retail outlets, underground parking structures, a boardwalk, landscaping, vessel maintenance facility and a coffee shop.
TDIC will be the sole operator of Al Bateen Fishermen's Marina, as it will provide the necessary amenities and ensure that safety procedures and sanitation regulations are introduced and implemented for the benefit of all fishermen.
Joint venture
The entire redevelopment of the Al Bateen Wharf will also include the luxury five-star Al Bateen Wharf Hotel complex, which is being developed as a joint venture between TDIC and the UAE's Belbadi Enterprises.
TDIC is spearheading the developments on Sa'adiyat Island which will house the world's largest single concentration of premier cultural institutions including the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
By creating investment partnerships and joint ventures, TDIC's developments are helping to support Abu Dhabi's evolution as a world class destination for tourists, businesses and residents and helping realise the emirate's considerable tourism potential and strategic goal of delivering 2.3 million hotel guests a year by 2012.
Separately, Terkawi said all the announced projects of TDIC remain on track.Asked whether any have been delayed due to the global financial crisis, he replied: "There's no delay or change in plan in any of our announced projects."
