Gulf Construction Online - Marjan stays on track

Northern Emirates

An artist’s impression of the Al Marjan island ... man-made marvel.

Marjan stays on track

01 November 2009

INFRASTRUCTURE work on Phase Two of Al Marjan Island will commence this month as similar work is ongoing on the first phase, according to Rakeen, developer and planner of the first-of-its-kind man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah.

Work on the second phase will cover Island Three and Island Four of Al Marjan and will be carried out by Rizzani of Italy under a Dh365-million ($99.3-million) infrastructure contract. Kunho Industrial Company started work on the infrastructure work on Phase One in July under a Dh366-million ($99.6-million) deal which covering the Peninsula, Island One and Island Two. Both phases are scheduled for completion in 2012.
The scope of work on these contracts covers electricity, water, drainage and telecommunications networks, soft and hard landscaping, channel crossings, streetlighting and fire-fighting installations.
Dr Fawzi Shadid, infrastructure manager, Rakeen, says: “Our top priority is to fast-track the completion of infrastructure work as various projects that are being built on Al Marjan are dependant on these facilities. With the first phase of the infrastructure work progressing well on schedule, we are now fully prepared to commence work on the second phase. We have thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the infrastructure work to ensure that all elements comply with our strict quality standards, particularly with regards to sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Rakeen has addressed all relevant construction issues to ensure that Al Marjan Island will be a true lifestyle haven for citizens and residents of Ras Al Khaimah.”
Herbert Krause, director of development, Rakeen, comments: “This project means a lot to everyone at Rakeen and in Ras Al Khaimah, as it is pioneering in so many ways: building technology, environment and marine ecology, tourism and hospitality, residential exclusivity, leisure and sports facilities, and also because it enhances the skyline and the international image of the emirate.”
Located 27 km southwest of Ras Al Khaimah, Al Marjan Island is a pioneering development project that effectively extends the emirate’s coastline by an additional 21 km. Reaching some 4.5 km into the sea, Al Marjan Island comprises a cluster of five coral-shaped islands featuring a range of residential developments, hotels, resorts, recreational facilities and commercial and retail amenities.

Bab Al Bahr
Meanwhile, construction work on the Dh1-billion ($272 million) Bab Al Bahr project is on schedule and Rakeen recently unveiled mock-up units within the development, which forms the centrepiece of Al Marjan Island.
The model one- and two-bedroom units are equipped with the same state-of-the-art facilities of the actual apartments and have been built overlooking the coastline of the Arabian Gulf, giving a realistic foretaste of the views of the Bab Al Bahr residences.
The mock-up units feature a contemporary design with traces of Arab culture and tradition. They have warm and bright interiors with elegant and aesthetically-appealing furnishings that blend tastefully with the finishing of the units.
Bab Al Bahr is the inaugural development project within Al Marjan Island and – as its Arabic translation implies – serves as a gateway to the integrated island community.
Upon completion late next year, Bab Al Bahr will comprise 136 studio apartments, 356 one-bedroom apartments, 236 two-bedroom apartments and 104 three-bedroom apartments. Among the luxurious amenities being offered by the integrated development are 180-degree sea views, a 560-m-long private beach, gymnasium facilities, underground car-parking facilities, themed swimming pool, ample children’s play areas, and hotel and club privileges.

Other developments
Meanwhile, leading regional and international developers have awarded contracts for other prestigious projects on Al Marjan Island.
These include Pacific, a prime residential development by Select Group and Select Property. Piling work has been completed on the Pacific, which is scheduled for completion in June 2011.
Pacific is located at the top isle of Al Marjan Island and offers exclusive private beaches. The residential complex also features 24-hour security, rooftop infinity pools and health clubs, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis. The development is equipped with a full range of complementary facilities and amenities, including several dining and shopping outlets.
Pacific consists of six contemporary-designed residences: Samoa, Bora Bora, Tonga, Polynesia, Fiji and Tahiti, each offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the natural surroundings of Ras Al Khaimah.
The residential complex comprises a range of spacious studios, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom beach duplexes, Gulf suites and Pacific suites.
Each beach duplex benefits from Pacific’s beachfront location and features a private garden area. While the Pacific Suites offer views from a private balcony, the Gulf Suites are located at the top of each residence.
Also under construction is the Dh400- million ($109-million) Marbella Bay. The project’s developers Manazil Real Estate has announced the completion of piling works, load tests, foundations and basement of the luxury resort.
Marbella Bay comprises luxurious waterfront apartments and a range of leisure facilities in a verdantly landscaped community inspired by the architectural style of the historic Spanish region of Andalusia. Nasria Construction Company is the contractor on the project.
Marbella Bay will encompass a total area of around 500,000 sq ft. Only about 60 per cent of the project site’s total land area has been used for the buildings, with the remaining space dedicated to communal parks, swimming pools and lakes. The project consists of a ground floor, two floors dedicated for car parking, and seven upper floors with a total of 430 residential and commercial units.
Marbella Bay will feature cafes, retail shopping and seafood restaurants overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and will also be equipped with separate health club facilities for men and women, outdoor and indoor swimming pools with temperature-control facilities, multi-purpose halls, free internet access, billiard and snooker tables; children’s play areas equipped with TV monitoring systems with full parental access in the apartments; a fully-serviced mosque; a range of water activities such as fishing, scuba diving, jet skiing and boat trips; and 24-hour security and maintenance services.