ALDAR awards construction contract for Al Gurm Residential villas

The construction will include the supervision of the infrastructural development and its related services. ALDAR also announced that the luxury residential villas are to be developed in phases with the final phase of the resort being completed by May 2009.

"The Al Gurm Resort project is something that ALDAR is very proud of. Not only will this stunning residential development be an icon for Abu Dhabi but it will significantly add to the emirate's already expanding tourism sector through the world-class hotel that be will established," said Ahmed Al Sayegh, Chairman, ALDAR.

The luxurious Al Gurm Resort project nestles amongst the tropical mangrove forests of Abu Dhabi, offering an extraordinary residential and tourism destination. The resort stands discreetly on the edge of sapphire waters with tranquil lagoons and indigenous wildlife, including more than 60 species of birds.

The resort will comprise of 73 luxury homes and 158 five star suites to be managed by renowned hoteliers Banyan Tree Hotel Resorts. The luxury private villas will be in a variety of styles responsive to their natural habitat and setting, with a select number having their own private beach. All will have their own private pool. Each villa will have its own boat jetty and twelve of them will be situated on their own private islands.

"At ALDAR, we fully recognize the role of the mangroves in our heritage and in our environment. Therefore, our development at Al Gurm Resort will preserve and enhance this natural environment by being a well-planned eco-friendly environment in line with our stated missions and visions of preserving the environment in all our developments,"

added Ronald Stephen Barrott, Chief Executive Officer, ALDAR

The first phase of the construction work is undergoing preparatory works for the removal of unsuitable soil materials from the area's lagoon. The unsuitable material at the resort will then be replaced with higher quality soil so that construction of the development can begin.

ALDAR's assertion that the project is on target was exemplified by the preparatory works being conducted ahead of schedule. The piling and foundation works have been ongoing for some time now through a preceding construction package.

As in all ALDAR projects the preparatory dredging and reclamation works were performed in accordance with strict regulations by the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi and in harmony with the extremely sensitive eco-environment of the Mangrove and rare habitat surrounding it.

"The highest standards of care and eco-friendly construction are being enforced to safeguard the successful approach incepted from the beginning of the development and in close coordination with the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi", said ALDAR Senior Project Leader, Majdi Twal.