Etihad staff to live in Aldar project

The Abraj Towers housing development, opposite the airline’s new headquarters, is close to completion and will open in phases, a statement said yesterday.

The first phase consists of nearly 200 one-bedroom apartments, the first of which will become available later this month. The new project has been developed as part of a joint venture between Etihad and Aldar.

James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive, said: “As Etihad’s workforce continues to grow, the need for good quality affordable staff housing is a top priority. By working with Aldar, we have been able to provide a sizeable housing development, built to the high standards and ideally located for many hundreds of our employees.”

The community around Abraj Towers will eventually house more than 1,000 staff in one, two, and three-bedroom furnished and unfurnished apartments with balconies and, when completed in 2009, will include a 2,363-square-metre supermarket and a 1,402-sq-m gym facility, as well as a swimming pool and other amenities.

Ronald Barrott, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Properties, said: “Partnering with leading Abu Dhabi companies to further develop the future of the emirate has been a core component of our success to date, and will remain a commitment for the future. Etihad shares our dedication to exceed global quality standards, and we look forward to working with the airline in future.” Etihad’s human resources department constantly reviews the suitability of new housing projects for its expanding workforce. The team is currently in discussions with developers over future plans.

Etihad currently boasts 5,700 staff worldwide, including more than 4,850 based in the UAE.