Gulf Construction Online - Atkins to design North Wathba infrastructure

UAE Focus

Atkins to design North Wathba infrastructure

01 October 2012

ABU DHABI General Services (Musanada) has awarded Atkins a contract to design the infrastructure for a new $2.06 billion, 42-sq-km Emirati community in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Known as North Wathba Urban Development, this vital social infrastructure scheme will eventually house a community of 130,000 people, combining world-class international design standards with the cultural heritage and needs of local residents.

Situated north of Baniyas and south of Shamkhah on Abu Dhabi mainland, the project is being led by Musanada, which is responsible for delivering shared services for Abu Dhabi government entities, including design, procurement and construction management.

Atkins is one of the world’s leading engineering and design consultancies with expertise to execute the world’s most technically challenging and time critical infrastructure projects.

Dr Ghassan Ziadat, director of infrastructure and regional head of bridges for Atkins, said: “This is an important and far-reaching project for Abu Dhabi which will provide an excellent quality Emirati neighbourhood, including links to public transport networks and high levels of sustainable design.

“Our role will involve the design and tender documentation for the enabling works and permanent infrastructure including primary and local roads, streetscape, public realm landscaping and amenities as well as all the utility transmission and distribution networks comprising drainage, sewerage, potable water, power, gas and district cooling.

“The North Wathba masterplan was completed by Abu Dhabi’s Urban Development Council (UPC) and includes housing, civic, institutional and commercial buildings, as well as parks.”