Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, has commenced the construction of the Dh5 billion ($1.4 billion) infrastructure works for ‘The Lagoons’, its 70 million sq ft Dubai Creek waterfront project located near the heart of Dubai.

The investment will cover the cost of marine works, bridges, roads, elevated roads and water treatment facilities. Water edge treatment is in its early stages, while road works are nearing completion.
“Sama Dubai is investing significant effort and energy to ensure the infrastructure of ‘The Lagoons’ project is best of breed,” says Farhan Faraidooni, CEO, Sama Dubai. “Not only are we driven by our competitive spirit, but with the responsibility that comes with being an environmentally and socially aware corporation.”
Work on the development is being carried out in partnership with some of the region’s leading contractors, including Dutco Balfour Beatty for water edge treatment, Wade Adams (Middle East) Limited for roads and services, and Ghantoot Transport and General Contracting Establishment for grading works, hoarding, geotechnical surveys and other elements. The companies were selected based on their record for quality, meeting the most stringent international standards, and timely delivery.
‘The Lagoons’ is one of the biggest real estate developments being undertaken in Dubai. It is one of the first projects in the emirate to conduct a comprehensive Integrated Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) following international standards across all phases of the project. ‘The Lagoons’ will offer freehold property with 100 per cent ownership to all nationalities.
The Lagoons will have seven beautifully landscaped islands incorporating parkland and open spaces. It will include a comprehensive range of facilities and conveniences and will comprise of residential units, shopping centres, office buildings, and marinas. These detached islands will be interlinked with bridges. The project will also incorporate a unique work environment with its own Central Business District (CBD), where multi-nationals and regional corporations can establish their headquarters.
Meanwhile, Ramsar Convention environmental experts visited Dubai last month (June) as a prelude to designating The Lagoons’ Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (RAKWS) an official Ramsar site.
In conjunction with Dubai Municipality’s Environment Department, the 70 million sq ft Dubai Creek waterfront project is helping to drive efforts to recognise and preserve the ecological functions of the UAE’s wetlands and their environmental, cultural, scientific and recreational value.
The experts met with UAE environmental authorities to discuss UAE’s accession to the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wetlands that aims to stem the progressive encroachment on and loss of wetlands.