Aldar has reached a major milestone on Al Raha Beach development, the Abu Dhabi-based property developer said in a statement.

The Eastern Precinct is now protected with a completed marine sea wall, from the joint venture company, Soletanche Bachy – NSCC, it added.

The Al Raha Beach project is formed of 11 precincts and has a total development area of 12 million square meters.  Each precinct or village has a unique characteristic which sets it apart from its neighbouring village in the development. 

"The Al Raha Beach development has made steady and resounding progress.  We are pleased to witness this highly anticipated waterfront development move forward to reach this milestone.  Soletanche Bachy – NSCC has performed very well and has met all the challenges created by this fast-track project," said Aldar Properties CEO Ronald S. Barrott.

The completion of this milestone has allowed basement excavation to proceed at building sites, followed by ground slab construction. Sand fill in the canals will remain in place to allow access for construction equipment throughout the development, the property developer said.

"Excavation of the canal fill material is planned to commence in the last quarter of 2009 with the sand being used in construction of the western section of the development," said Aldar Project Director Michael Cox.

“The JV was proud to have completed the 20.2 kilometres of  quay walls and 20 million cubic meters of ground treatment works on budget and within the 13-month programme.  The project is a major reference for both Joint Venture partners from a local and global perspective.  This is one of the largest diaphragm wall projects ever undertaken and in terms of productivity, surpasses anything that has been achieved previously,” said Patrick Braun, project manager for Soletanche Bachy – NSCC.

Covering over 570 hectares of land, the Al Raha Beach development will be the new gateway to Abu Dhabi located off of the main highway into the Emirate.  The estimated residential population will be 120,000 with approximately 200,000 people on the development during the day. The Al Raha Beach development is set to become a world-class mixed-use waterfront community. – TradeArabia News Service