Mina Plaza Towers in Abu Dhabi to be demolished

Our Correspondent

A cluster of unfinished tower blocks called Mina Plaza Towers will be razed to the ground on November 27 as part of the second phase of a major regeneration of the iconic port area in Abu Dhabi. Buildings in the Mina Zayed area, Abu Dhabi, hence will be closed from 7.00 p.m. on November 26 to 4.00 p.m. on November 27, announced the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) – Abu Dhabi City Municipality.

 

Modon Properties will carry out the demolition, in collaboration with strategic partners and in partnership with a leading demolition and dismantling company. A pilot test was carried out earlier this year. The demolition of the four towers, which comprise 144 floors, is estimated to last 10 seconds.

 

Modon and Aldar Properties will redevelop designated areas in Mina Zayed. Aldar will develop prime land into a seafront destination, with approximately 1.5 million square metres of gross floor area.

 

The project will include a new fish market, plant souk, fruit and vegetable market, meat market, carpet souk, date souk, and a wholesale souk. Existing shops and markets will remain open to public throughout the redevelopment period. Shops will be transferred upon completion of the redevelopment projects, without affecting the businesses in the current markets.

 

The expansive project in over three million square meters is set to foster trade and investment operations in the capital, as well as support the capital city’s urban development while safeguarding the nation’s authentic identity and heritage.  It will also give shoppers and visitors a chance to explore diverse shopping options, an array of F&B outlets, and enjoy leisurely walks along the promenade along the entire Fisherman’s Wharf.

 

Mina Zayed was first inaugurated in 1972, and has been the capital’s main port for more than four decades. It was named after the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and has helped fortify Abu Dhabi’s international trade.

 

The area also served as the main seafood market in Abu Dhabi for over three decades, hence the existing fish market is included within the master plan development. Dubai and Sharjah renovated their seafront markets in recent years.