Aecom has been selected as the primary consultant for the review of infrastructure design and oversight of construction for Phase I of the Al Dhaher Development in Al Ain, a significant housing initiative for citizens.
This will establish a cohesive residential community featuring 2,394 villas, as well as educational institutions, community amenities, retail outlets, sports and religious facilities, public areas, and necessary infrastructure.
Situated roughly 15 km south of Al Ain City Centre and near the UAE-Oman border, the project covers approximately 528 hectares. According to a statement from Aecom, it aims to create a high-quality, sustainable, and culturally embedded community for UAE nationals while fostering the ongoing development of Al Ain.
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In the initial phase, Aecom will undertake design peer review and oversee the construction of essential infrastructure and related projects throughout the development. This comprises approximately 1,000 villas covering 198 hectares, utility networks and infrastructure, roads and related structures, landscaping and public spaces, service buildings and community amenities, as well as flood mitigation and drainage systems, it mentioned.
On the contract win, Adeeb Sami, Vice President – Al Ain at Aecom says, "Al Dhaher is an ambitious development that brings together residential, community and infrastructure elements at significant scale,” says . From roads and utilities to drainage, flood mitigation, public realm and community facilities, the infrastructure will provide the foundation for the development’s long-term performance."
The Al Dhaher Development will be executed in three stages and signifies an additional contribution to the ongoing advancement of Al Ain as a sustainable, interconnected, and high-quality residential area while aligning with the UAE's wider vision for lively communities and quality housing for families.
"The Al Dhaher Development reflects the kind of investment that can make a lasting difference to the communities in which we operate," remarks Asif Shafi, Managing Director, Civil Infrastructure and Program Management at Aecom. “We are proud to support our valued client on a project that will contribute to the continued development of Al Ain and provide a high-quality, sustainable environment for local families,” he adds.
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Aecom stated that its selection is based on its established presence and history of success in Al Ain and throughout the UAE. The organization will combine its diverse engineering, infrastructure, construction management, and project execution skills to ensure the successful completion of the project. Its local insights will be enhanced by worldwide technical skills and global best practices in infrastructure, sustainability, resilience, and digital implementation.
Sami stated that resilience is a crucial factor during development, incorporating flood mitigation strategies, drainage systems, stormwater basins, and hydraulic systems to ensure the community's enduring safety and dependability.
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"We look forward to applying our multidisciplinary expertise, local knowledge and global best practice to help deliver infrastructure that supports the needs of the community today while contributing to Al Ain’s resilience and continued growth," he adds.