Development that are transforming Abu Dhabi into an inconic tourist destinationSaádiyat Island
Saádiyat Island is a large, low lying island 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi, currently under development.  The DHS100 billion (US$ 27 billion) commercial, residential, and leisure project, to be completed in 2018, will represent the cultural heart of the capital.  Set to feature some of the world’s most recognised contemporary art museums such as Guggenheim and Louvre, Saádiyat Island will enrich the souls and minds of Abu Dhabi’s inhabitants and visitors.  Designed with the high-income group and holiday makers in mind, Saádiyat Island - upon completion - will be able to accommodate 150,000 residents through some 38,000 apartment units and 8,000 luxury villas.  This makes Saádiyat the second biggest “new community project” in Abu Dhabi next to Al Reem, in terms of prospective resident population.
www.saadiyat.ae
Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island, located on the north eastern coast of Abu Dhabi, will be home to an estimated 280,000 residents upon completion (in 2012) and will be connected to the main island by two or three bridges.  Besides residential, commercial and retail or mall spaces, the 633-heactare development will also feature hotels, spas, schools, clinics and a golf course.  Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 residential units and over 5,000 retail and office spaces, as well as several hundred hotel rooms and suites will be available at Al Reem upon its completion in 2012 (although early phases of the various sub-projects are forecasted to be available sometime in 2009). 
www.reemisland.com
Corniche and City Centre
Abu Dhabi’s bustling Corniche Road will continue to be developed in the intermediate future, with luxury hotels and resorts as well as private residences targeted towards the high-income group, and commercial towers, being built within its vicinity.
The Khalidiya Rotana Hotel and Residences is an expected addition to the strip of establishments along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche.  The multi-purpose establishment would offer some 117 upscale residential units, 108 office suites, and 436 hotel rooms, which are expected to be available for occupancy in 2009.
www.rotana.com
The Gate Development
Scheduled for completion in 2008, the Gate Development features a major resort hotel that offers 265 rooms and 225 serviced apartments, as well as retail and office spaces (215 and 205 units, respectively).  The Gate is located on Al Khaleej Street next to the Zayed Sports City.
Another hotel (The Gulf Hotel Waterfront Resort) is due to open in 2008 from about 20 kilometres away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport.  The hotel is to offer 250 rooms and 105 chalets.
Danet Abu Dhabi
Another key mixed use development in Abu Dhabi mainland (along Airport Road) is the Danet Abu Dhabi, which comprises five districts with 34 commercial and residential towers rising 15 to 23 storeys each.  This development will produce approximately 2,000 residential units for middle to high-income residents and about 1,200 commercial units, and is due for completion in 2009.
Al Raha Beach/Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway
The $14.7 billion Al Raha Beach Development, which is built on a reclaimed area along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway facing the coast, is due for completion this year.  Its forecast residents of 120,000 upon completion would require building up to 24,500 residential units, which target both the upper middle income and high income groups. 
www.alrahabeach.com
Khalifa A & B, Khalifa City
An enormous development stretching from Abu Dhabi’s inland area of Bani Yas and Shawamikh all the way to some 30 kilometres off the main city and close to the Abu Dhabi International Airport is currently being developed as the new ““residential suburb” in Abu Dhabi.  Khalifa A is on the main highway to Dubai adjacent to the Al Raha beach project while Khalifa B, is located farther inland.  The new Khalifa City is situated between these two projects.
Khalifa City is envisioned as Abu Dhabi’s response to Dubai’s prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road, and will house not only residential and commercial establishments but an undisclosed number of international hotel chains as well.
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
Another new development whose completion date stretches until 2012 is underway in Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah district.  The Mohammed Bin Zayed City, which is believed to accommodate an estimated 50,000 residents upon completion, is now undergoing construction, with budget for the project pegged at a whopping $4 billion.  Some 267 mid-rise residential and commercial towers targeted at low-income earners are being built in the area.  With an average household numbering 4.9, the number of residential units once this development is complete could reach up to 10,000.
www.dwpltd.com
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