Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) said it has begun construction of the first phase of Dh3.5 billion ($953 million) Al Ain Convention Centre district, located near Al Jimi area of the city.

A first-of-its-kind development for Al Ain, the convention centre district comprises a state-of-the-art convention centre, a cultural centre, hotels, a serviced apartment complex, and a multi-storey car park.

It also includes a cluster of residential and commercial low-rise buildings within an integrated micro-city that places the convention centre at the very heart of the development.

A significant development for Al Ain, the convention centre district project underlines Adnec's commitment to the city, said a senior official.

“Al Ain Convention Centre district is a pioneering and highly strategic initiative for Al Ain city and its people,' remarked Ali Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri, managing director of Adnec.

'It aims to create a vibrant business and lifestyle destination in Al Ain which will further boost the allure of the city by drawing the spotlight onto Al Ain’s tremendous potential,' he added.

Al Ain, Dhaheri pointed out, held a special place in the hearts of the UAE people and carefully managing the city’s growth and development was a priority for the emirate’s leadership.

'Adnec is therefore honoured to have been entrusted with this key project which will augment the Abu Dhabi government’s plans for Al Ain city. I would like to gratefully acknowledge and thank our leaders for their trust in ADNEC and emphasise our deep commitment to the project,” he added.

The creation of a natural and sustainable environment will be emphasised throughout the development, with open spaces connected by walkways and several areas designed to be free of cars, key elements in the project design.

'Also, among the several noteworthy components of the project is a Wadi (waterway) that runs adjacent to the Wadi Hotel, which is part of the development. The Wadi is being reinvigorated with the assistance of the Al Ain Municipality landscape department,' Dhaheri said.

Simon Horgan, Adnec Group CEO said hosting a world-standard convention centre as well as infrastructure and facilities that support the conventions business can be a key ingredient in activating a city’s commercial prospects.

'We have done this successfully with the Capital Centre development that surrounds the thriving Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and, we are confident we can replicate this model in Al Ain with the Convention Centre district,' he observed.

This project will ensure the Al Ain Convention Centre acts as a pivot to attracting significant business, drawing event organisers, delegates and tourists to the city from all over the world, Horgan stated.

Philip Logan, CEO of Shankland Cox, the architects of the project, said: “Having been involved in many important projects for more than two decades in the region, including Al Ain, Shankland Cox consider the Adnec development to be one of the most significant recent contributions to the urban fabric of the city of Al Ain.

Adnec has appointed Al Fara’a General Contracting, one of ten wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Al Fara’a Integrated Construction Group, as the contractor for the first phase of the project involving extension of the existing hall located onsite.

Dr. JR Gangaramani, president and executive chairman of Al Fara’a Integrated Construction Group, commended Adnec for the efficient manner in which they had co-ordinated the project tender and initiation phases.

“We are very pleased to have commenced with the turnkey delivery of this extension after having completed the initial celebration hall in 2002. This installment is already ahead of its scheduled handover in September 2010,” he added.

According to Adnec, the contractors for the remaining elements of the development will be appointed over the coming months.-TradeArabia News Service