Abu Dhabi: Motorists driving along UAE highways will soon have access to a network of rest areas that provide amenities and retail options.
The project to develop these rest stops is being spearheaded by the Municipality of Abu Dhabi. It was approved by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council in March 2013, as reported by Gulf News.
A statement sent by the Municipality on Sunday added that this network of rest areas is intended to enhance travel between Abu Dhabi and the Western Region, Al Ain, the Northern Emirates and Oman.
In its first phase, the initiative will focus on establishing these rest houses in Ghantoot, along the Shaikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11). This area has been identified as one with an immediate need to address road safety concerns for commuters, especially as the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi is located nearby and sees a large volume of commuters.
The rest stops are expected to feature parking lots and dining and retail services, and they will be located near major intersections close to the road. Each development will each span about 16,343 square metres, and will be able to accommodate cars and light trucks.
According to the Municipality, the existing dining stops and stores along the highway in Ghantoot are hazardously close to the road. These facilities could be relocated as part of the project, and other services, including supermarkets, pharmacies, gyms, mosque and short-stay motels, could also be set up.
At present, private investors can submit tenders to undertake the development of the highway rest areas, the Municipality statement added. A recent survey of 400 road users also found that 95 per cent of respondents said they would use the facilities.
Abdul Wahid Othman, a 41-year-old marketing and investment manager who lives in the Western Region town of Madinat Zayed, told Gulf News that there is a great need for more rest areas along the highway to Abu Dhabi.
“The highway is two-lane in each direction, and there are very few petrol stations between Tarif and Abu Dhabi. Driving this 85-kilometre distance is tiring, and a rest stop would be very helpful,” he said.
Sharath Nellur, 30, an Indian technician who also lives in the Western Region, agreed that the drive to Abu Dhabi is very inconvenient, especially due to the lack of dining and rest options.
The Municipality statement added that future phases of the project will focus on establishing similar facilities along the Truck Road (E75) between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
