EMAAR completes construction of one of the world's longest man-made marine walls

The waterfront channel, which stretches for 10kms, forms a boundary for what has already been recognised as one of the world's largest and most stunning master planned waterfront developments.

Commenting on the landmark achievement, Mr. Issam Galadari, Executive Director, Projects, EMAAR Properties said: "We are extremely proud to announce the completion of this project and I would like to congratulate our partners in helping to create this wonderful waterway. The Marina is truly beautiful and will become the focal point of the new community that will live here."

The marine wall project started in December 1998 with what became a 3.5 kilometre long, 5.7 million cubic metre excavation site. EMAAR employed Halcrow International Partnership as consultants to complete the design and supervision of the development.

In ensuring dry construction conditions, more than 2 million gallons of water a day, 3.5 billion gallons in total, was pumped back into the sea to build the quay wall. The excavation's average depth is 3.5 metres below sea level, with the deepest sections at each end of the Marina where it meets the Arabian Gulf.

The Marina wall comprises about 15,000 concrete individual blocks weighing up to 42 tonnes each. All blocks were prepared on site and at the height of manufacture, 50 blocks a day were cast in a round-the-clock operation. Each block was produced by Al Futtaim Tarmac to the highest standards and under rigorous quality control procedures.

Construction of the wall was completed using a detailed numbering system for each block. "To enable completion of complex curved sections of the Marina wall, different convex and concave blocks had to be individually designed. Every block has its own serial number and a record has been kept showing all of the details of its construction and its final position in the wall," explained Mr. Galadari.

The first phase of the Dubai Marina project - Marina 1 - which comprises six towers and houses more than 1,090 residential units was nearly completely sold out days after it opened for sale last year. Demand for property at the five-building Marina 4 development saw apartments in the first two towers snapped up in just a matter of weeks.

Dubai Marina will eventually house people in luxurious residential apartment towers and villas. The most advanced information technology systems will be available in every home as standard.

A Super Resort Spa & Fitness Club, outdoor terraces with swimming pools, gymnasiums with advanced fitness equipment, saunas and spa facilities, Hollywood style movie theatres, games room, business centres, lounge facilities and guest suites are some of the facilities offered in many of the EMAAR Marina developments.

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