Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi’s leading integrated real estate developer, has announced the successful completion of the first phase of their residential community, Al Raha Gardens in Abu Dhabi.

The first phase consisting of 280 villas was entirely pre-sold and is now partially occupied. The company has also achieved 15 million safe hours at the site, with no reportable accidents occurring, a company official said.

“Al Raha Gardens is one of Aldar’s most prestigious residential developments, offering the first freehold properties to UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi,” said Ronald Barrott, CEO, Aldar. “We are a developer who respects our Emirati heritage, and have also included two schools and a kindergarten ensuring our Emirati customers enjoy a premium integrated lifestyle.”

The villas and town houses are available on a freehold basis to UAE nationals. Handing over the keys to these spacious family dwellings began in August 2007 and 37 are now occupied with 121 handed over to purchasers.

Construction of the remaining 1,100 villas is ongoing and the expected completion date is 2009.  Handover of phase two is scheduled to commence in February 2008.

Commenting on the announcement, Andrew Broderick, head of health and safety at Aldar said: “Achieving these milestones has been a joint effort from all involved in the project, from senior management to site operatives improving standards through education at all stages of construction.'

“The development of a positive health and safety culture takes time but our record at Al Raha Gardens is a testament to the high esteem that this company attributes to it. I congratulate the team on paying excellent attention to detail when it comes to safety in order to deliver this significant accomplishment,” he added.

Aldar Properties’ land bank is the largest in Abu Dhabi and the company has over $60 billion developments including Central Market, Al Raha Beach, Coconut Island, Noor Al Ain, Al Gurm Resort, as well as the YAS Island project which includes a Warner Bros and a Ferrari theme park.-TradeArabia News Service