Mina Al Arab infrastructure complete by end of 2008

LANDING THE JOB: RAK Properties awarded Darwish the contract for infrastructure works on its Mina Al Arab project last year.

Darwish Engineering is expected to complete its US $95.3 million (AED350 million) infrastructural contract by the end of the year, allowing construction of precinct four to begin, according to client RAK Properties.

RAK Properties awarded Darwish the contract to carry out infrastructure works on its Mina Al Arab project in Ras Al Khaimah last year.

The contract included all infrastructure work on the island including wastewater treatment and collection, drainage, high and low voltage electrical links and street lighting, potable water networks, telecommunications and the construction of roads and bridges.

Story continues below

Advertisement

FEATURED COMMENT Please click here to comment on this article

The contract had a completion schedule of 18 months.

"The contract is for the infrastructure work for the whole project including all the precincts with actual construction on the project expected to begin some time next month," said Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, managing director and CEO, RAK Properties.

Mina Al Arab, which translates as Port of Arabia in English, is a mixed-use leisure and holiday beach resort development situated on the coastline of Ras Al Khaimah.

The US $3.5 billion project will cover an area of 3.25 million m2 and be spread along 13km of a beachfront strip and a group of islands.

Mina Al Arab will feature numerous resort hotels, a theme park, a Thalasso Therapy centre, a small water park, a marina, a heritage village and two eco-friendly hotels.

The project will also contain a cluster of 3,500 residential units and 388 residential villas of various architectural styles.

Amenities at Mina Al Arab will include a harbour, pedestrian and bicycle pathway, traditional Arabian souk, 3.1 million m² of open space, ecological preserves and landscaping, traditional water taxis, parks, medical facilities, mosque, cafes and restaurants, and recreational facilities.

Mina Al Arab's first phase is expected to be completed as early as 2009.