UAE President reviews progress of tourism projects

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reviewed progress of two of the emirate's key tourism projects and concepts for tourism asset expansion within Abu Dhabi's western region.

The updates and concepts were presented by a senior executive management team from Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) - Abu Dhabi's leading tourism asset developer. The team was led by its chairman, Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Shaikh Khalifa reviewed development concepts aimed at energising the economy of the western region and enhancing its population's career opportunities.

TDIC's concepts focus on enhancing the local culture and identity of the western region, ensuring development is aligned to the natural landscape, promoting the use of sustainable technology and creating value-added land use.

Abu Dhabi's western region has extensive untapped resources and is noted for its coastline, natural resources, including mangrove reserves, awe-inspiring desert terrain and archaeological deposits.

Tourism in Abu Dhabi's western region is to be given a major boost this October with the planned opening for the first phase of the unique, multi-experiential desert islands destination. This comprises eight islands and an onshore gate just off the coast of Jebel Dhanna, a 250 kilometre drive from Abu Dhabi city.

Reviewing the desert island's progress, Shaikh Khalifa heard of the start of an extensive vegetation programme for the 3,500 hectare Arabian wildlife park on Sir Bani Yas Island, which is at the core of the desert island's proposition.

The programme, using special plant species, many indigenous to the Arabian Gulf, also includes the creation of water holes throughout the Arabian wildlife park - the region's largest nature reserve, which will be home to a variety of species.

The use of indigenous plants is in line with the destination's core sustainability strategy.

Shaikh Khalifa was also updated on the progress of educational facilities being created on the 33 square kilometre Dalma island - the second largest component of the desert islands destination. The educational facilities are aimed at preparing the local population for career opportunities emanating from the development of desert islands.

TDIC is developing desert islands in a phased manner until 2020 at an estimated total investment from both the government and private sector of over $3 billion (Dh11.5 billion). When fully operational, desert islands are expected to annually generate $326 million in tourism revenues and create around 6,500 jobs.

Shaikh Khalifa also reviewed progress of the Qasar Al Sarab luxury retreat, which is now rising from within the Liwa desert. He heard how a pioneering system of Tencate Geosynthetics, used for the first time in the Arabian Gulf, fast-tracked completion of the elevated retaining walls of the resort, which rise in places to 10 metres and have been positioned to deliver the ultimate sun-set experience.

Foundation works on the resort's 42 villas, which are adjacent to the main, 140-room hotel, are nearing completion, construction has begun on outdoor recreational facilities and contract awards are imminent for major infrastructure to support the building of an access road network, as well as water piping and power cabling.