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28 March 2024

Abu Dhabi to build town for nationals

Mohamed Khalifa Al Fahed Al Mehairi, CEO of Musanada, surrounded by representatives from SaifBin Darwish construction, Tristar Engineering & Construction, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting Establishment, and China State Construction Engineering Corporation in front of the South Shamkha model at Cityscape 2011 (SUPPLIED)

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By Staff

The Abu Dhabi government has launched a mega project to build a 45-square-km town that will house nearly 130,000 nationals when it is completed within a few years, the project managers announced on Monday.

The South Shamkha town, costing around Dhseven billion, will provide houses for nationals at reduced prices as part of the emirate’s drive to ensure all Emiratis have decent homes within its long-term strategy Vision 2030.

The Abu Dhabi General Services Company Musanada, a government-backed venture, said it had been awarded the contract to manage the delivery of the houses to nationals, adding that work has already started on the project.

The project which is the  largest of its kind in Abu Dhabi, will be located approximately 45km south of Abu Dhabi city.

Approved earlier this year through a royal Decree that was issued by the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the South Shamkha project is being developed under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of Emirate of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Commenting on the project Mohamed Khalifa Al Fahed Al Mehairi, CEO of Musanada said: “Musanada is extremely proud and honoured to have been tasked with the development of the South Shamkha mega project, which will provide plots for housing for over 130,000 UAE nationals. Working on such a significant and key national project shows our commitment to support the government in providing the people of Abu Dhabi with the best quality of life in line with its aim to become of the top five governments of the world.”

He added: “Since its inception, Musanada has aligned and committed itself to Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030. We strongly believe in all of the vision’s components, especially in its determination to improve the lives of its citizens and residents. Musanada will continue to fulfill its main role in supporting Abu Dhabi Government in achieving its strategic and imperative vision.”

The development will include 12, 460 plots have been allocated for Emirati local housing. The South Shamkha project will include plots for shopping centers, health, educational, commercial and recreational facilities to serve an expected total population of 200,000 people. The masterplan encompasses all aspects of a self sufficient community including an extensive public transportation system including a metro system which will be connected to the capital.

To ensure that international best practices and safety standards are being implemented, Musanada has carefully chosen the partners and contracts who will be working on this massive development.

The contracts have been awarded to four companies, three of which are local companies, SaifBin Darwish construction, Tristar Engineering & Construction, Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting Establishment. Also a joint venture with the Beijing-based China State Construction Engineering Corporation and ARC Abu Dhabi Contracting , being awarded the fourth contract.

“Musanada’s Building Services department will be working very closely with the contractors to oversee and assess the planned progress over the four phases of development, which is expected to take three years,” it said.

The contractors will be responsible to deliver a range of services including 402 Km of road works, 430 Km of sewerage network and 460 Km of potable water network. In addition, the South Shamkha development will also  provide  a complete power distribution system that includes both primary and secondary substations ensuring constant electricity, along with a 995 Km of storm water drainage network with retaining ponds and a provision a telecommunication network.

Commenting on the undertaking of one of Musanada’s largest projects, Mahmoud Al Ramahi, the Executive Director of Building Services Head of Building Services stated :“The magnitude and scope of this project is a huge responsibility for Musanada to uphold; however, we are confident that our commitment, dedication and range of expertise that exists within our network will support the Abu Dhabi Government in providing its Nationals with more opportunities for their future.”

Abu Dhabi General Services “Musanada” was established under the Emiri Decree No 27 in December, 2007 in order to provide shared services to Abu Dhabi Government entities, where Musanada can substantially contribute to the realization of Abu Dhabi’s objective to become one of the five top governments in the world.

Musanada awards Dh180m contracts

Musanada, a government-backed general services company, announced on Monday it had awarded two contracts worth Dh180 million to Etisalat Facilities Management and EMCO to service 189 government buildings in Abu Dhabi.

The contracts will span three years and will cover all aspects of maintenance relating to mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP).

The Abu Dhabi-based Musanada will manage the both contracts to ensure that they meet the agreed service levels that support Abu Dhabi government’s goal to become one of the top five governments in the world, it said.
“Musanada has been entrusted by the Government of Abu Dhabi to ensure that its various entities will be provided with the world class services that will enable them to constantly provide excellence to the people of Abu Dhabi,” said Musanada’s CEO, Mohamed Khalifa Al Fahed Al Mehairi.

“Musanada will continue to work closely with the private sector in order to ensure that international standards are being enforced across the market ensuring Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 full realisation,” he added at Citiscape show in the capital.

He said Musanada’s decision to award the contract to Etisalat Facilities Management and EMCO was based on their specialized track record in facilities management and expertise in delivering cost effective services.

“From a broad list of contracts, Etisalat Facilities Management and EMCO have shown high diligence and profound know-how in their specialized area within the facilities management domain which best suites the MEP needs of the Emirate’s buildings being serviced,” he said.
The MEP servicing to the buildings will include a state-of-the-art computerised facility system that allows for thorough documentation and tracking of the services provided. In addition, the system will produce the highest quality of maintenance that will guarantee a well planned meticulous maintenance operation for each individual building that will be characterized with optimum safety and world class facilities.

The contractors will also focus on applying improved energy and environment sustainability technologies as well ensuing public health and safety are taken into consideration. Additionally, the involvement of contractors for ongoing maintenance will ensure proper preservation and sustainability by reducing its operating costs.

Etisalat Facilities Management is currently providing its services to several governmental entities and projects such as the Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Sheikh Zayed Mosque, while EMCO is servicing Adnoc Group companies, International Capital Trading and National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Presidential Flight, Shopping Malls, Crown Prince Court and SEHA.