Fujairah develops major infrastructure projects for economic diversification
A wide range of development projects are underway on the UAE’s East Coast, with the Emirate of Fujairah seeking to diversify it economy.
With the Port of Fujairah, its adjacent anchorage and the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone already well established as the second-largest oil bunkering centre in the world, a new 250,000 barrels per day oil refinery project has been announced, a WAM report said.
It added that a number of new projects are also underway, particularly in the downstream petrochemicals sector, and the urban development, tourism and infrastructure sectors. These are expected to enhance the Emirate’s attractiveness to both local and overseas investors.
The report added that the projects are being carried out in line with the directives from HH Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, with supervision by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
The WAM report listed some of the major projects as:
Underground Oil Storage:
In early 2019, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) signed an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract with South Korea’s SK Engineering and Construction (SKEC) to build the world’s largest crude oil storage facility in Fujairah.
Three underground storage caverns will be excavated, each with a capacity of 14 million barrels, deep below ground level.
The EPC contract is the largest for a single project award for underground crude oil storage in the world and is valued at Dh4.4 billion ($1.21 billion).
The underground storage facility, when completed, will strengthen the UAE’s position as a reliable supplier of crude oil as well as giving Adnoc greater flexibility in the management of its delivery schedule and support its broader move into trading.
It will also enhance Adnoc’s position as a key trading and supply partner in Fujairah’s growth as a global oil and products storage and trading hub Expansion of Fujairah Airport: Fujairah Airport expansion project, being implemented by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company, includes the construction of a new runway, expanding the existing runway and terminal, and constructing new terminal lounges.
Hamad bin Abdullah Road:
Work on the 4-km Hamad bin Abdullah Road in Fujairah City, will facilitate traffic flow into and inside the city.
Due to be completed in August, at a cost of Dh250 million, the work involves expansion of the road to three lanes on each side, as well as bridges, tunnels, traffic signals, parking lots, service roads, and pedestrian walkways and crossings, said the Wam report.
The speed limit on the road will be increased to 100 kilometres per hour, and three sets of roundabouts and three traffic lights will be replaced to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic jams caused by vehicles entering from service roads.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed City:
Located on the southern outskirts of Fujairah City, the project boasts construction of 1,100 luxury villas and new roads, as well as associated sanitation and sewage. Once completed, it will help solve the emirate’s housing shortage.
Sheikh Khalifa Central Hospital:
This medical facility in Fujairah City, which has a capacity of 205 beds to an optimal number of 300 beds, is due to be inaugurated soon.
It will have 11 specialised departments, outpatient clinics, a 32-bed emergency ward, and a three-storey rehabilitation centre, as well as parking for nearly 700 cars.
Fujairah Business Centre Project:
Fujairah Business Centre project will be completed during the last quarter of 2020. It will have a total built-up area of 96,400 sq m and will comprise two towers, including a 19-level plus roof Office Tower and a 19-level plus roof hotel with 228 rooms and suites as well as 79 furnished apartments, to be operated by a leading hotel group.
The business centre will also include a shopping mall and retail area with parking for over 670 cars.
Fujairah Beach project:
This mixed-use 84-villa project boasts distinctive views, and a luxurious five-star ”The Palace Hotel.”
