ABU DHABI The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has approved a new tourism project in Al Ain covering an ambitious African safari, a sprawling botanical garden and a one-of-its kind amphitheatre.
Called the World Desert Oasis, the project is among the council’s 76 new master plans, covering a total gross floor area (GFA) of 10,937,398 square metres.
Making the announcement this week, Mohammad Al Khadar, executive director of the Urban Development & Estidama Sector, UPC, said: “These approved projects bring us closer to achieving the goals of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and are very exciting for residents and tourists alike, as we look to develop and showcase Abu Dhabi not only as a great place to visit, but as an attractive place to live.”
Main attractions
Designed to showcase wildlife in its natural environment, World Desert Oasis will be part of the Zoo and Aquarium Public Institution of Al Ain (ZAPIA) Park. Its main attractions will include an oasis garden, botanical garden, children’s discovery area and an African World Desert.
The UPC has also approved a master plan for the use of industrial land around Al Ain International Airport for aerospace development. Also in the pipeline is Al Maryah Central, a world-class shopping, dining and family entertainment destination at the heart of Al Maryah Island in the Capital region of Abu Dhabi. Linked to The Galleria Mall, it will boast high-profile international department stores, including Macy’s first international outlet outside the US and Abu Dhabi’s first Bloomingdale’s store.
Other projects include Farglory’s EW11 (Maryah Plaza) luxury development on Al Maryah Island, construction of which is expected to begin in the near future. The Yas Beach Club on Yas Island is also set to be extended. The venue will be split into two, with the left side set to become a high-end beach club with restaurants, VIP cabanas, a lap pool and infinity pool. The existing beach club on the right will be a more informal destination with the addition of a swimming pool and children’s pool.
New plans have also been approved for Aldar Properties’ Al Raha Beach East (the first phase of the overall Al Raha Beach development), a secondary technical school in Al Ain and an extension to Khalifa University which will include Abu Dhabi’s first medical school.
