Changing the face of Dubai: 10 major construction projects

The Al Fahidi Market. Photo Courtesy Dubai Municipality

DUBAI // Ten major construction projects under way in Dubai were inspected by the director general of the civic body this week.

Hussain Lootah visited two tourist attractions, seven markets and a shopping complex and said he was confident that two of the most anticipated projects - Dubai Safari and Dubai Frame - would be completed by the end of 2014.

Here is a round-up of all 10 projects that will be changing the face of the emirate over the next 24 months:

Dubai Safari

The Dh150 million Dubai Safari project will provide a new home to the animals in the currently over-crowded Dubai Zoo. The new 396 hectare zoo is under construction in Al Warqa 5 on Al Aweer Road, built atop an old landfill.

The park, spread across 60 hectares, will include an Arabian Village, Asian Village and African Village to accommodate animals from different continents, in addition to a Butterfly Park, golf courses, entertainment and recreational areas.

Mr Lootah said he expected the park to be completed by the end of 2014.

The Dubai Frame

A structure resembling a huge window frame is being constructed inside Zabeel Park. It will also be completed by the end of next year.

The Dubai Frame will be 150 metres in height and 100 metres wide. Multiple lifts will help visitors move through its facilities.

The Dubai Frame will afford visitors a view of New Dubai on one side and old landmarks such as Deira, Umm Hurair and Karama on the other. The base of the frame will house a museum detailing the emirate's history.

The Dh120 million project covers an area of 697 square metres.

Boat and fishing market

A boat and fishing market in Al Barsha, designed in accordance with the strictest sustainability guidelines, should be ready for operation by September. The civic body hopes that the Dh80 million project will become a global destination for everything to do with fishing boats, tools and other marine equipment.

Al Ayas Shopping Complex

The Dh8.5 million Al Ayas Shopping Complex on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road will be completed by the middle of 2014. Forty studio apartments have also been planned as part of the complex.

Bird and Animal Market

A new market for the trading of live birds and animals is under construction in Al Warsan 3 at a cost of Dh54.5 million. It should be completed by June 2014.

Al Fahidi Market

The construction of the Dh50.5 million Al Fahidi Market is nearly three-quarters complete. The souq, built to sustainable standards, will provide 27,000 square metres of market space for small businesses. It was initially scheduled for completion by March 2013 but no new date has been set.

Hatta Traditional Market

Dubai Municipality has also finished the initial stages of Hatta traditional market, a prominent tourist location blended with entertainment and commercial activities in the natural mountain setting of Hatta.  The Dh30 million project is expected to showcase the deep-rooted traditions allowing tourists to enjoy the Hatta countryside. The 5,000 square metre market will also include hotel apartments overlooking the scenic green valleys. The project is likely to be completed by the end of 2014.

Deira Fish Market

The current Deira fish market, which is now several decades old, will be replaced with a double sized eco-friendly fish market aimed at meeting the increased demands of a rapidly growing community. The  fully air conditioned market directly overlooking the sea will be built at a cost of Dh250 million, in line with green building standards.

The market is intended to bridge the past with the future. With 120,000 square metres of space, it will also include markets for meat and vegetables, as well as restaurants, coffee shops and other general trading stores. It will have its own extensive internal and external parking lot and is expected to be completed by the middle of 2015.

Truck Market

The pavement and levelling works at Dubai's new truck market are complete and the entire project should be finished by the end of 2014. The Dh90 million market project in Al Ruwaya will house 88 showrooms for trucks, 60 showrooms for spare parts, related offices, facilities, government service units, labour accommodation and auction areas.

Used Furniture Market

A market for used furniture and antiques is under construction in Nad Al Sheba 3. The Dh50 million project will include 140 shops and should be completed by the middle of 2015.