Abu Dhabi, 18 Nov 04 (WAM) -- The Dh750 million new Abu DhabiCorniche Road, a major project slated to further boost tourism in thecapital city, is nearing completion.

The project is aimed at providing state-of-the-art recreational facilitiesfor residents of the capital city to socialise, relax and enjoy themselvesas well as to lure tourists to the city.

One of the main features of the project is the Corniche Park, the largestrecreational facility in the capital, which has many characteristics thatwill further boost the city's attraction as a world-class tourist destination.

The park possesses a contemporary Arab character and will be a naturalextension of the island, according to a report in Khaleej Times.

According to officials of Abu Dhabi Municipality, which undertakes theproject, the Corniche Park will respond to the social and physical needsof a growing, modern city, while expressing and celebrating the cultureand vitality of Abu Dhabi.

The park will represent local culture in two ways: firstly, its architecturalfeatures will reflect Arab and Islamic tradition, secondly, by its veryexistence, the park will be testimony to the dedication and generosityof Abu Dhabi's leaders to the capital's citizenry and their quality oflife, the officials said.

The park will be divided into three zones, each with a distinct themeand linked by several alternative pedestrian paths. The Family Zone willrun along the Corniche from Khaleej Al Arabi Street to the Clock Tower.

The Central Zone will stretch from the Clock Tower to the Sheraton Hotel.

Finally, the Heritage Zone, emphasising local culture and tradition, willextend from Sheraton Hotel to Mina Zayed.

Each of these three zones will provide a variety of general public facilitiesincluding food outlets, seating areas, gazebos, toilets and play areas,but will also contain major features specific to that area. The FamilyZone will include many specialised playing grounds and open spaces suitablefor children, the Central Zone will contain a lakeside part next to theexisting coffee house, formal gardens, refurbishment of the Shallal Fountain,and large plazas, and the Heritage Zone will feature indigenous culturalelements.

Journeying the length of the park will take a visitor through a sequenceof experiences designed to stimulate the body, the mind, and the imagination.

Incorporated into the park are approximately 50 water features, includingfountains, waterfalls, and ornamental falaj. A freshwater, man-made lake,approximately 10,000 square metres in size, will be a prominent featureof the park and, with integrated fountains and lights, one of its mostpopular attractions. Around 20 new buildings will be constructed as partof the development. These include kiosks, cafes, toilets, and other amenities.

Two new mosques are also planned.

In the Heritage Zone, a traditionally-styled mosque will accommodate upto 120 worshippers. A large mosque, accommodating up to 650 people willbe constructed near the Shallal Fountain. An amphitheatre, courtyards,pavilions, festival and exhibition spaces, and picnic areas will alsobe part of the park.

An optional part feature would be to replace the existing Clock Towerwith a new, larger structure, surrounded by a formal plaza, and locatedin the same general areas. The new structure, which may be as tall as70 metres, would have the form of a traditional wind tower or anotherclassical form and incorporate an information centre, cafes, viewing platforms,and retail facilities.

The seaside Corniche promenade, 16 metres wide and in some areas splitlevel, will extend the entire length of the project. A four-metre cyclingpath will run parallel to the promenade. On the city side of the New CornicheRoad East, where the bulk of the park will be, a four-metre-wide walkwaywill run adjacent to landscaped areas. Several kilometres of paved walkwayswill run through the landscaped areas themselves, winding from one attractionto another. Eleven conveniently located pedestrian underpasses will linkthe seaside promenade with the city of the park and also link the differentareas of the park under crossroads, eliminating the risks of persons crossingthe roads.

The entire six-kilometre length of the park will be landscaped and plantedwith mature trees and shrubs, and an extensive automatic irrigation systemwill be installed. Several decorative lighting systems will highlightthe park's different attractions at night.

The parks and recreation areas included in the New Corniche Road Eastwill be unrivalled as public recreation areas, the officials said, addingthat green space will be dramatically increased, and the park, providingattractions for all ages, will enhance the city's quality of life by providinga natural gathering point for residents to socialise, relax and enjoythemselves.

The Corniche will enhance Abu Dhabi's prestigious reputation as a modelcity and further boost its attraction as a world-class tourist destination,the officials noted.