Dubai: In a major drive to further improve the infrastructure of the city, Dubai Municipality has launched 10 major projects to be completed at various dates in the next couple of years.
The projects, at a cost of Dh883.5 million, include the Dubai Safari, traditional souqs, a new fish market, birds and animal market as well as various tourist attractions.
Visiting the sites where the projects are currently under way, Eng Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “The civic body is confident of accomplishing the two ambitious tourism projects, Dubai Safari and Dubai Frame, by the end of 2014, in addition to eight high-tech markets across the different areas of the emirate.”
Being built at a cost of Dh150 million, Dubai Safari — which is currently under construction in Al Warqa 5, Aweer Road, on an area of 396 hectares — is one of Dubai Municipality’s most prestigious projects.
The project includes Arabian Village, Asian Village, African Village to accommodate animals from different continents, in addition to Open Safari, Butterfly Park, golf courses, entertainment and recreational areas.
Another ambitious project that the civic body has launched is Dubai Frame. An integrated glassy and transparent frame resembling a huge window will uniquely highlight the attractions of the emirate, where the visitors can view the scenes and buildings on Shaikh Zayed Road from one side symbolising the modern Dubai, while the other side of the frame will show the landmarks of Deira, Umm Hurair and Karama, which symbolise old Dubai. The ground leg of the Frame includes a museum that tells the story of the development of the city and information on the past and present.
The height of the Dh120 million Dubai Frame will be 150 metres, with a width of 100 metres. The project will be constructed inside Zabeel Park.
Apart from these two tourism projects, the civic body is currently constructing eight markets and shopping complexes.
The list of markets includes Al Fahidi Market, which is almost ready and is among the first projects in the emirate that completely applies green building specifications along with the use of solar energy system for lights and water heating and cooling.
The market, built at a cost of Dh50.5 million on 27,000 square metres, allocates specific areas for different types of trade activities such as food, fabrics, toys, handicrafts, traditional products and gold.
Next in line is Al Ayas Shopping Complex in Al Ayas area, being built at a cost of Dh8.5 million on an area of 4,180 square metres and will be completed by the middle of 2014.
The municipality is building a major Bird and Animal Market. Being built at Al Warsan 3, the Dh54.5 million market will house all trading and entertainment activities related to birds and animals.
The Deira Fish market, which is one of the most popular markets in Dubai, will be replaced with a double sized eco-friendly fish market aiming to meet the increased demands of the society. The fully air conditioned market will be built at a cost of Dh250 million, completely in line with green building standards, directly overlooking the sea.
To be built in an area of 120,000 square metres encompassing specific sections for meat, food and vegetables, the market will have adequate underground and open parking spaces as well.
The other markets include a Truck Market in Ruwayya, a Used Furniture Market in Nad Al Sheba 3, Hatta Traditional Market and a Boat and Fishing Market in Al Barsha North.
In addition to these 10 projects there are some other unique projects like the Holy Quran Park and Maritime Museum which are still in the initial stages of design and other preparations.