KEO presents vision of new communities combining sustainability and quality of living

10 February 2009 - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Mohammed Bin Zayed City Towers will pioneer a new model for development, as the many owners and developers will uphold the sustainability and quality standards outlined in the master plan developed by the Abu Dhabi Municipality and KEO, according to Uwe Nienstedt, Managing Director of KEO International Consultants' Urban Development Division in Abu Dhabi.

At the MEED Arabian World Construction Summit and in keeping with its theme, "achieving business sustainability", Nienstedt shared the vision and key attributes of the five commercial towers areas planned in Mohammed Bin Zayed city.

Nienstedt said, "The completed development will cater to the middle-income tenant market, which is currently highly under-served in Abu Dhabi, by adding 30,000 new apartments to house up to 85,000 people in high quality residential communities. In doing so, it will also provide a sustainable source of income to the individual owners of each tower block.

"Although preceding it, the development has been designed taking many of the principles of Estidama into account."

Estidama is Abu Dhabi's contribution to the global discussion on creating more sustainable communities, cities and global enterprises.

The development's residential towers will be surrounded by pleasant shaded pedestrian walkways and parks. District cooling and double glazing will be employed to maximize energy efficiency and underground parking will ensure that the development remains free of parking congestion.  Local facilities planned include health clubs containing spas and swimming pools, local retail, restaurants and cafes.

The AED 25 billion development is aimed at making a significant contribution to addressing apartment rental shortages in Abu Dhabi and at the same time generating long-term financial security for their owners.

Mohammed Bin Zayed Commercial City Towers is made possible by the vision of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The innovative master plan for the five new high density urban areas was developed by KEO on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Municipality and all 349 tower development plans must be approved by KEO to ensure they conform to its quality specifications.

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About Mohammed Bin Zayed City Towers
In MBZ City and on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Municipality, KEO International Consultants manages the development of 349 residential towers with its related Public, Commercial, Retail and Recreational facilities. This development, upon completion, represents a gross built area of approximately five million square meters with related infrastructure, landscaping and community amenities to house a population of about 85,000 people.

The approved Master Planning delivers five well-planned communities for residents with modern infrastructure, convenient parking, and community amenities, with a pleasant and conducive environment in which citizens and residents can reside and enjoy Abu Dhabi as a place to live, work and call their home.

The municipality assume the role of the Principal Developer and Approving Authority, com­manding the development with an organized and structured plan using KEO as their appointed Program Manager & Construction Manager.  

About KEO International Consultants
Founded in 1964, KEO delivers world-class professional design and management services.  KEO offers award winning architectural design, progressive infrastructure engineering and highly ranked project and construction management known for quality and professionalism.  

KEO International is:

• An award winning architectural & engineering design firm
• An experienced and progressive environmental engineering firm
• An experienced and highly ranked PM/CM firm

KEO strives to be recognized globally and regionally as one of the finest project consultancy firms that always contributes to its clients' success.  

For more information:
Andrea Gissdal
Account Manager
Four Communications
Mob: +971 55 985 3382
Email: andrea.gissdal@fourcommunications.com

© Press Release 2009