https://arab.news/6gk4a
Al-Qana — Abu Dhabi’s upcoming waterfront destination — is on track for completion by the year-end. Developed by Al-Barakah International Investment, the UAE’s major social dining, entertainment and wellness space, is being built for citizens, residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi.
The location has revealed some of its progress milestones, highlighting the realization of this addition to the emirate’s architectural and social fabric:
• Ninety percent of the Middle East’s largest aquarium is completed.
• Eighty percent of the cinema is completed.
• All four pedestrian bridges, connecting both sides of the canal, (using 2,200 tons of steel) are installed.
• All basement parking facilities have been completed.
• All major entertainment attractions have been leased to world-class operators.
• A key operations management team of international experts has been hired.
Al-Qana will feature the following state-of-the art facilities:
• The region’s largest aquarium (The National Aquarium).
• The first-of-its-kind lifestyle and wellness hub (The Bridge).
• The largest standalone cinema in Abu Dhabi (Al-Qana Cinema).
• A first-to-the-UAE high-tech multiple-level virtual reality (VR) zone
• An e-sports arena.
• A 4,000-square-meter entertainment and activity center for children.
• A number of waterside eateries and a marina with more than 90 berths.
• Two-and-a-half kilometers of lush, landscaped community spaces along a waterfront destination.
Al-Qana’s construction cost has so far been over 1 billion dirhams ($272 million).
Fouad Mashal, CEO of Al-Barakah International Investment, and the leader behind Al-Qana, said: “Al-Qana will support the transformation of Abu Dhabi’s landscape. It’s a destination for the whole family where the great diversity of the capital will be celebrated.”
He added: “The project has a clear plan and timeline in place despite the pandemic. By following guidelines from the relevant authorities, we have also successfully maintained very high health and safety measures for our office and construction site workers.”
Stuart Gissing, general manager at Al-Qana, said: “We have managed to adapt to the situation and found new modes of working to ensure that there is continuity for the project’s construction and operations management. Now, more than ever before, Al-Qana will be more relevant to the post-COVID 19 situation as people seek safe outdoor spaces and healthier lifestyle choices.”
Al-Qana aims to redefine social dining and entertainment. The development is a key anticipated touristic landmark, featuring seven anchor destinations spanning over 2.4 km of scenic and picturesque waterfront walkways.
Al-Qana is the first-ever build-operate-transfer model implemented by the Abu Dhabi Municipality and is jointly developed by Al-Barakah International Investment.