Preparations underway to begin building Abu Dhabi Central Market

Preparations are on to begin construction of the new Dh350 million Central Market in Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Municipality Town Planning Department has drawn up plans to replace the Central Souq with a new landmark, reflecting traditional Arab and Islamic design in line with the country's urban development. The department has notifiied shopkeepers to vacate and move to the nearby fruit and vegetable market by March.

Department sources said the project, which will bring the old and new markets together under one design, will retain its traditional atmosphere and solve traffic and parking congestion.

The 60,000 square metre market will have 241 shops and basement parking for 1,200 cars. There will be administration offices, mosques, banks, cafeterias and play areas for children.

Construction is expected to take 18 months.