Abu Dhabi, Sep. 6, 2006 (WAM) -- WET Design, a specialist in the design of water features worldwide and leaderin the development of innovative water design and technologyhas been appointed by ALDAR Properties PJSC to work on the company's impressive, 54 billion AED Al Raha Beach Development.

Al Raha Beach, the extensive new Arabian waterfront city thatis being built east of Abu Dhabi island, will house a populationof some 120,000 - the majority of whom are expected to live,work and relax in and around this iconic urban water environment.

"Water will be a key motivating theme for each element of AlRaha Beach," emphasized Michael Cox, ALDAR's Project Leader.

"We require original and inspirational water features, that willlink our entire series of 'Arabian water villages' with uniquefountains, pools and waterfalls highlighting the individual characterand style of Al Raha. We are confident that WET Design will deliverthis, based on the company's initial concepts and consideringits impressive international portfolio of water feature designs."WET Design was founded in 1983 and has now some 150 professionals in its team. It is best known for creating 'TheFountains of Bellagio' at the famous Las Vegas hotel - turningthe owner's basic concept into a prominent 2.5 hectare lake featuring 1,000 different expressions of water movement, withmore than 4,000 white lights as illumination.

The company has also carried out many other major water designprojects across the United States and worldwide, including threewater elements and the entrance fire towers at the Burj Al Araband the design of the 2002 Olympic cauldron in Salt Lake City,Utah.

WET Design has been appointed to join the Al Raha Beach designteam, with the brief to develop cutting-edge water design featuresthat will be complementary to each of Al Raha Beach's very differentconstruction themes.

Teresa Powell, WET Design's Vice President, commented: "It isour vision to present water features at Al Raha Beach that expressthe value and preciousness of water in Arab culture, as wellas presenting moments of surprise and sublimity.

"We look forward to the challenge of creating vibrant scenicattractions that offer expressions of public art as well asnourishment for the individual spirit."Construction of the Al Raha Beach water features is scheduledfor completion in July 2009.

Overall master planners for the Al Raha Beach Development areEsquisse Australia, with infrastructure designed by AECOM/MaunsellsMiddle East.