FUJAIRAH // Construction of a Dh1.7 billion housing project that will become home to up to 10,000 people near the Hajar Mountains in Fujairah has started.
Mohammed bin Zayed City will cover 215 hectares and will offer citizens 1,100 homes, community services and high-quality infrastructure when it is completed in two and a half years.
Residents of Fujairah were excited about the prospect of the first residential development of its kind in the emirate.
“The location is very suitable as it’s not far away from the city. I believe it’s the first comprehensive project in the area and will provide more housing options,” said Ali Al Zaabi, 37, of the site that is about nine kilometres from Fujairah city, in Al Hayl. “It is a huge step, and I look forward to seeing it take shape and bloom.”
Abdullah Salem, a 49-year-old Emirati, said: “The project will definitely solve many housing issues and lack of land plots, as the area is surrounded by mountains, and I hope that they will prioritise citizens living in old areas that should be demolished [for new homes].”
Mr Salem lives in Al Mahata, which is considered one of the oldest areas in Fujairah city.
“We contacted the municipality several times to provide us with a new house, as our current house is quite old and needs regular maintenance, but they keep telling us that the area will be demolished soon but no action was taken yet.”
Despite some being pleased with the project’s location, others did not like its proximity to industry.
Maryam Qasim, a 42-year-old Emirati mother of five, said: “I may think twice before buying a house there as the city is located near factories and quarries and I don’t know if it will offer a safe environment for me and my family.”
However, Khames Al Yamahi, a 43-year-old Emirati who owns a repair shop in Al Hayl, said: “I don’t think that the nearby industrial zone would affect the surrounding area.
“The project is considered a great achievement. The area is in need of such improvements and projects. We appreciate our leaders’ efforts to provide us with high-quality housing in a modern community.”
Once completed, the city will provide a network of facilities such as schools, health facilities, commercial spaces, parks, entertainment facilities and mosques, all of which will have disabled access.
The houses will have sustainability in mind, to protect the environment, reduce water and electricity consumption.
The project is an initiative from the President, Sheikh Khalifa, under the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
It will be built by Arabtec Construction.
Fujairah Municipality was unavailable for comment.
rhaza@thenational.ae
