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28 March 2024

Bids for souk project invited

Published
By Wam

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has invited bids from private sector developers for its proposed traditional souk destination.

The project will transform the city and help realise the Government’s 2030 Vision, by increasing the level of community services in Abu Dhabi and build a unique tourism destination in a historic location in the city.

This project will be developed in partnership with the private sector through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model, to deliver and manage the development in line with the highest international standards.

Rashed Bin Ali Al Omaira, Advisor Investments and Assets for the General Manager’s Office at Abu Dhabi Municipality, said: "The Municipality of Abu Dhabi is in discussion with a wide range of strategic partners to determine important infrastructure requirements for the project, such as electricity, water and sanitation, marine links to the souk and the surrounding environment, as well as tourism marketing, all of which are critical to delivering a successful project."

Potential investors and operators have already praised the proposed project by giving positive and supportive feedback during a meeting organised by the Municipality to discuss its feasibility. The Municipality has also engaged residents and tourists in an audit, to help determine some of the Emirati traditions and heritage elements that should be taken into consideration as part of this unique destination.

The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City is working closely with the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Emirates Heritage club to identify the appropriate activities and investment models for this project. Close coordination is also underway with the Department of Transport to minimize any impact on traffic to the area around the souk.

The visionary masterplan capitalises on reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage and values to support the Abu Dhabi community.  The traditional souk will be located at the historical gateway to Abu Dhabi Island opposite the Maqtaa Tower, between Sheikh Zayed and Al Maqtaa Bridges.

The 150,000 sq.m mixed-use destinations will comprise a modern waterfront experience; featuring a traditional retail souq, food and beverage, entertainment and leisure outlets, combined with an open air performance space and new hospitality offerings. It will link to Khalifa Park and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, two of Abu Dhabi’s biggest attractions.