Gulf Construction Online - Al Qana on track for launch this year

Real Estate

Al Qana ... set to be a new social dining and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi.

Al Qana on track for launch this year

01 February 2021

UAE-based Al Barakah International Investment says more than 90 per cent of the overall work has been completed on Al Qana, its new social dining and entertainment destination spread over a 2.4-km area in Abu Dhabi, and is due to open this year.

A premium waterfront project, Al Qana will offer visitors access to state-of-the-art facilities including The National Aquarium, The Bridge Wellness and Lifestyle Hub, Cinemacity Al Qana, Pixel (E-Sports and gaming hub) and exciting dining and entertainment activities for families and children, says Al Barakah International Investment.

Other key anchors and areas of the destination including the marina, landscaping, connecting bridges and utilities are set to be ready and operational soon, states the company.

Commenting on the progress, CEO Fouad Mashal says: “Al Qana is our ultimate touristic project that will provide a very unique experience we all envision for the entertainment and tourism sectors in the UAE. As the tourism sector recovers from the travel restrictions due to the pandemic, Al Qana would be ready to receive visitors in 2021.

“We are almost there, and it will be worth the wait! 2021 is the year we and the UAE celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary.”

“Our top priority is to adapt to the new social norms in place to ensure the safety of visitors coming to this special social destination. Our team is working on new protocols and procedures with the relevant authorities to ensure the required guidelines are applied fully at our premises. There are exciting times ahead of us and Al Qana will be a unique contribution to this,” he adds.

Despite the unexpected market conditions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Al Qana team has been working around the clock to deliver this world-class project to the UAE’s capital.

Al Qana also reports new milestones achieved for a number of different areas of the project: The marina and its 100 berths are 100 per cent installed. Around 95 per cent of The National Aquarium, Middle East’s largest aquarium is completed; while the construction work on Al Qana Cinema, the Bridge Wellness hub and the landscaping is around 85 per cent completed. The food and beverage outlets are gearing up to take handover of their units.

General Manager Stuart Gissing points out that there are high expectations for Al Qana. “It’s the realisation of a seven-year vision from Al Barakah International Investment that will positively enhance Abu Dhabi’s reputation. We are committed to bring to the market a new way of experiencing entertainment. We are not a mall but a vibrant lifestyle destination of entertainment for all age brackets,” he adds.