ALDAR Properties invite international design submissions for 'Al Seef', Al Raha Beach

Work has already begun on realising the master plan for ALDAR's impressive eight million square metre development and the design for the Al Seef community will be one of the first confirmed.

Three world renowned international Architectural practices have been invited to undertake the development, they are: BENOY (UK), SMC/ALSOP (UK), and PTW (Australia). Their designs will fit into the overall master plan devised by Esquisse from Australia and accommodate the infrastructure planned by AECOM/Maunsells.

Commenting on the announcement, ALDAR's Chief Operating Officer Ronald Barrott said, "Our intention is to bring together design companies with global reputations to realise our vision for Al Raha Beach. We have invited architects that share our approach and vision to the planning of an integrated community based on international standards of excellence."

Al Seef is set around an expansive central water feature and represents the social heartbeat of ALDAR's ambitious new waterfront city. Here, a dazzling variety of contemporary apartments, condominiums, family townhouses and prestigious villas that will all converge onto a boardwalk promenade.

The canals and boulevards will create scenic pedestrian connections between the other precincts in Raha, and provide parks for public events and social gatherings. Visitors and residents can enjoy shaded, paved walk ways, cycle ways, and beautiful water features next to picnic lawns.

Al Raha Beach, Project Leader, Michael Cox, commented; "The concept for Al Seef will be reminiscent of other great waterfront and canal developments in major international cities and will create a benchmark within the UAE . Our intention is to create a lifestyle of opportunities for residents unparalleled by anything currently on offer within Abu Dhabi."

Al Seef will also be home to one of Al Raha's luxury hotels, and will feature leisure facilities, sports hub, water activities, night and day public events coupled with designer boutiques, restaurants, café's bakeries, and offices, providing optimum value for the resident.

Designs are due to be submitted by the end of July 2006 and construction is due to commence in July 2007.