Sorouh announces design competition for 'Waterside Residences' on Shams Abu Dhabi

The Waterside residences will be unique because they will face a stream of water beyond which will be the lush green mangrove preserve of the island.

These low-rise residential buildings offer multiple unit type flats of various sizes that will cater to the high-end market. Units range from one to four bedroom flats and penthouses, with every unit providing premier views of the mangroves on one side and the Shams city landscape on the other. The Waterside residences will provide an exceptional choice for high-standard living.

Prospective design firms will have to incorporate the uniqueness of the natural mangrove forest into their plans. The residences are positioned on each site to maximise the view of the water-and-forest environment, and each residential plot includes a private pool with easy access to the boardwalk and sandy shores. All WaterSide flats are a short walk from the Central Park, which will be a major landmark on Shams Abu Dhabi. Some flats even offer stunning views into the park.

'This competition is open to a large number of international companies, and is part of Sorouh's strategy to attract interest from the most renowned design firms,' said Saeed Al Ghafli, Chairman of Sorouh Real Estate.

'The competition will also provide Sorouh with the latest ideas and innovations from leading international design firms that will enhance the quality and standards of the project, while enabling us to choose from the most contemporary trends in architecture,'

he added.

Al Ghafli said that the Waterside residences will be an essential part of the Shams Abu Dhabi community. The Waterside section of Shams will also have top quality recreational facilities and innovative transportation networks as part of its infrastructure.

Sorouh's Chairman noted the importance placed by management on the preservation of the delicate environmental balance on Al Reem Island.

'Sorouh is committed to implementing the highest global standards in creating the perfect balance between the requirements of modern property development and preserving the rich environmental aspects of the island,' the chairman said.

Shams Abu Dhabi is the largest development that Sorouh Real Estate has announced so far. It occupies approximately 25% of Al Reem Island, which lies 300 metres off the northern shore of Abu Dhabi. The development will consist of residential and commercial units as well as hotels, schools, mosques, health and recreational facilities for the more than 80,000 residents expected to live at Shams Abu Dhabi.