Al Rayan Investments launches Abu Dhabi's biggest worker accommodation compound

The huge labor compound to be set up in Al Mafraq area, 45 kilometers from Abu Dhabi City center, is aimed at providing temporary accommodation for around 32,000 workers, technicians and supervisors.

H.E. Fardan Hassan Al Fardan, Chairman of Al Rayan Investment Company, the developer and manufacturer of the project said, "Building labor accommodation that meet internationally recognized benchmarks has been commissioned upon directives from General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to create a safe and healthy environment for all workers across the UAE as per the 'Policy Agenda 2007-2008' of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as well as the 'Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan' which was set out for the development of the city of Abu Dhabi up to 2030."

"Securing the success of this plan mandates having a settled labor force that has access to all decent and healthy communal and living conditions. This would, in turn, encourage contributions by foreign investors to the Abu Dhabi development plan," he added.

The contract for the project, valued at Dhs418m, has been awarded to Abu Dhabi Supplies and Commercial Services in association with Britain's Panceltica, since it has previous experience in constructing similar projects in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Iraq using the latest on-site manufacturing methods.

Following the signing of the contract, studies and designs were commissioned to start the construction phase of the project.

"The project will be constructed over 9 months. It will cover an area of 202,000 square meters and consist of a total floor area of 250,000 square meters," Al Fardan added.

The project features six compounds surrounding the main building, which is designed to provide various services and amenities, from a modern hypermarket, shops, banks, medical and dental clinics to a travel agency, post office, a building for security services, mosque, food courts, playgrounds, laundry, parks and public spaces.

Each one of the six units contains a ground floor and two floors of accommodation for workers and personnel. Five compounds are planned to house workers, while the sixth one will accommodate only technicians and supervisors.

Construction of the project will proceed in two phases; the first phase is expected to finish by February 2008 and the second in April 2008.