ABU DHABI -- The Dh750 million new Abu Dhabi Corniche Road, a major project slated to further boost tourism in the capital city, is nearing completion.
The project is aimed at providing state-of-the-art recreational facilities for residents of the capital city to socialise, relax and enjoy themselves as well as to lure tourists to the city.
One of the main features of the project is the Corniche Park, the largest recreational facility in the capital, which has many characteristics that will further boost the city's attraction as a world-class tourist destination.
The park possesses a contemporary Arab character and will be a natural extension of the island.
According to officials of Abu Dhabi Municipality, which undertakes the project, the Corniche Park will respond to the social and physical needs of a growing, modern city, while expressing and celebrating the culture and vitality of Abu Dhabi.
The park will represent local culture in two ways: firstly, its architectural features will reflect Arab and Islamic tradition; secondly, by its very existence, the park will be testimony to the dedication and generosity of Abu Dhabi's leaders to the capital's citizenry and their quality of life, the officials said.
The park will be divided into three zones, each with a distinct theme and linked by several alternative pedestrian paths. The Family Zone will run 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, will extend from Sheraton Hotel to Mina Zayed.
Each of these three zones will provide a variety of general public facilities including food outlets, seating areas, gazebos, toilets and play areas, but will also contain major features specific to that area. The Family Zone will include many specialised playing grounds and open spaces suitable for children; the Central Zone will contain a lakeside part next to the existing coffee house, formal gardens, refurbishment of the Shallal Fountain, and large plazas; and the Heritage Zone will feature indigenous cultural elements.
Journeying the length of the park will take a visitor through a sequence of experiences designed to stimulate the body, the mind, and the imagination.
Incorporated into the park are approximately 50 water features, including fountains, waterfalls, and ornamental falaj. A freshwater, man-made lake, approximately 10,000 square metres in size, will be a prominent feature of the park and, with integrated fountains and lights, one of its most popular attractions. Around 20 new buildings will be constructed as part of 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 up to 120 worshippers. A large mosque, accommodating up to 650 people will be constructed near the Shallal Fountain. An amphitheatre, courtyards, pavilions, festival and exhibition spaces, and picnic areas will also be part of the park.
An optional part feature would be to replace the existing Clock Tower with a new, larger structure, surrounded by a formal plaza, and located in the same general areas. The new structure, which may be as tall as 70 metres, would have the form of a traditional wind tower or another classical form and incorporate an information centre, cafes, viewing platforms, and retail facilities.
The seaside Corniche promenade, 16 metres wide and in some areas split level, will extend the entire length of the project. A four-metre cycling path will run parallel to the promenade. On the city side of the New Corniche Road East, where the bulk of the park will be, a four-metre-wide walkway will run adjacent to landscaped areas. Several kilometres of paved walkways will run through the landscaped areas themselves, winding from one attraction to another. Eleven conveniently located pedestrian underpasses will link the seaside promenade with the city of the park and also link the different areas of the park under crossroads, eliminating the risks of persons crossing the roads.
The entire six-kilometre length of the park will be landscaped and planted with mature trees and shrubs, and an extensive automatic irrigation system will be installed. Several decorative lighting systems will highlight the park's different attractions at night.
The parks and recreation areas included in the New Corniche Road East will be unrivalled as public recreation areas, the officials said, adding that green space will be dramatically increased, and the park, providing attractions for all ages, will enhance the city's quality of life by providing a natural gathering point for residents to socialise, relax and enjoy themselves.
The Corniche will enhance Abu Dhabi's prestigious reputation as a model city and further boost its attraction as a world-class tourist destination, the officials noted.
By Muawia E. Ibrahim
© Khaleej Times 2004
