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With the rapidly developing demand for new golf facilities across the region, the new course designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world's leading golf course designers; will be built on the west shore of the island. The area is of immense ecological significance and importance to wildlife and sealife. Birds use the marshlands for their migratory routes, and the shoreline contains mature coral reefs housing teeming hoards of sea life; including some species that are unique to the region.
Zabeel Investments is fast emerging as a responsible developer that retains a passion for preserving, protecting, and enhancing the environment in its construction projects. Together with Aldar, it will work to ensure the ecological importance of YAS Island, which will be maintained and where possible, enhanced during this development.
"Aldar's projects reflect our aim to create meaningful developments that not only enhance the community, but also respect and maintain what the land has to offer naturally. We take great measure in ensuring that our projects are 'green,' because we are aware of what a vital role it plays to the beauty and health of our land and understand that it is our responsibility to do our part in protecting it,"
concluded Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, Aldar Properties.
The links golf course, expected to break ground in May of 2008 will cover a total land area of approximately 910,000 square meters. The links golf course will only be a few hundred meters from the Ferrari Theme Park.
On the inland perimeter of the golf course luxurious villas with exquisite views of the golf greens will be integrated into the natural landscape. A clubhouse will be situated at the entrance to the championship quality course, offering visitors and residents alike an amazing golf experience. The approximate development value is at Dhs3.5bn.
"Zabeel Investments is delighted to enter into this agreement with Aldar Properties. The development, in the capital city of the UAE, on YAS Island is an exciting endeavour, one that we look forward to seeing come to fruition," commented Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman, Zabeel Investments. "We are proud to tie up with a prestigious developer such as Aldar Properties, this project represents Zabeel Investments first of many forays into the Abu Dhabi market and is inline with our strategy to partner with renowned developers for future projects."
"Aldar takes our responsibility to the environment and surroundings very seriously, and when we looked at developing this site it was immediately clear that although there may be commercial benefits in developing on the west shore, there were important ecological factors to take into consideration," commented Ronald Barrott, CEO Aldar Properties. "Dedicating this area to a golf course enables the migratory birds to continue on their time-honoured routes, and minimizes disruption to the coral reef and shoreline."
YAS Island will feature acres of green landscape dedicated to leisure activities, along with residential properties in many different settings, and several hotels and resorts. The first phase of YAS Island is set to be completed by 2009 with the final phase finished by 2014, at a development cost of around $40bn.
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
