Umm Al Quwain, UAE, December 14, 2006: Emaar Middle East (EME) is undertaking an extensive environmental assessment study for its AED 12 billion (US$3.3 billion) Umm Al Quwain Marina. The results of the study will be integrated into the project’s masterplan to ensure that there is minimal interference on the natural habitat.
Dome International LLC, an agency with an impressive track-record in conducting environmental monitoring for several high-profile projects in the Gulf region, is undertaking the environmental monitoring and assessment studies for the project.
“Umm Al Quwain has a rich reserve of mangroves and natural lagoons,” said Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, UAE Managing Director, Emaar Properties and Member of the Board of Directors of Emaar Middle East, a company specifically formed earlier this year to develop Umm Al Quwain Marina. “As a developer committed to protecting and sustaining the environment, we want to ensure that the project has minimal impact on the natural habitat of Umm Al Quwain.”
Registered with the Dubai Municipality and the Environmental Agency, Abu Dhabi as an approved environmental consultant, Dome International is ascertaining several aspects of the environment at Umm Al Quwain Marina. These include the impact of build on the surroundings and a comprehensive survey of the existing flora and fauna.
“Our consultants have extensive experience in environmental consultancy services of major projects worldwide. We have particular expertise in the development/ infrastructure sector and have been responsible for a large number Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects for clients in the Gulf region,” said Jackie Daair of Dome International. “We are following international norms in assessing the environmental impact of the Umm Al Quwain Marina development.”
Emaar, the pioneer of master-planned communities in the UAE, has a successful track-record of creating environmentally conscious neighbourhoods that feature lush-green parks, gardens and waterways. Emaar recently unveiled the Earth Watch recycling initiative at its communities to support the environment.
“All our developments have been following sound environmental practices as prescribed by experts,” added Mr Al Matrooshi. “We are extending the same to Umm Al Quwain Marina too. The current topography of the project site already permits the introduction of water features such as channels and recreation basins.”
Umm Al Quwain Marina will also undertake several environmental considerations in waterfront planning. “These include the creation of coves, marinas, channels and other features. More open spaces and pedestrian areas will be provided along the water’s edge. Landscaping will be undertaken with drought-resistant plants to sustain a natural ambience. All these are so planned to minimise environmental impact,” said Mr Michael Bastow, Director – Development, Emaar Properties.
Developed as part of an agreement with the UAQ Government, Umm Al Quwain Marina will encompass 6,000 villas and 2,000 townhouses. The total navigable water area, including marina and a set of canals, at Umm Al Quwain Marina is about 450 acres. The project will also host many retail and leisure facilities including indoor gyms, tennis courts and swimming pools. Some 1,200 resort- and hotel-rooms are also being planned.
With 23 km of waterfront, Umm Al Quwain Marina has its heart a central marina basin of 450 metres diameter, big enough to berth over 600 boats. Extensive landscaping will offer pedestrians access to waterfront recreation centers, retail outlets and other amenities.
Umm Al Quwain Marina can be easily accessed from Dubai through the Emirates Ring Road and will offer attractive home options for UAE residents as well as overseas investors.
Umm Al Quwain Marina is a key development of Emaar outside Dubai. With a track-record of delivering over 14,500 homes in Dubai, Emaar has also embarked on an expansion programme with prestigious projects in Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Libya, Pakistan and India.
