Manama: Ithmaar Development Company (IDC), the Development Manager for Dilmunia at Bahrain announced the completion of the foundations and soil preparatory works for the Dilmunia Grand Canal and Marina marking a significant milestone in the development of Dilmunia.
The completion of these foundations and soil preparatory works will enable the Development Managers to now proceed with the final step of the construction of the Dilmunia Grand Canal.
The US$ 1.6 billion Dilmunia Project is a mixed-use development built on a man-made island, off the coast of Muharraq with a unique health and wellness anchor comprising residences, hospitality & leisure, F&B strips and shopping districts. The development of the ambitious 125-hectare man-made island is being managed by IDC, which is part of the Ithmaar Banking group. Ithmaar Bank is also the Investment Manager of the Dilmunia Development Fund I LP.
In December 2018, NSCC International, an Abu Dhabi based contractor was awarded the foundations and soil preparatory works package for $4.5 million and the tendered works were successfully completed within the planned time-frame.
The scope of the foundations and soil preparatory works included 8.8 Hectares of soil improvement, soil levelling and a total of 2,897 contiguous pile construction (totaling 2 km of pile wall) in addition to soil compaction throughout the proposed length of the Dilmunia Grand Canal including the pioneering Rapid Impact Compaction (RIC) technique used for the first time in Bahrain. NSCC deployed the largest RIC machinery in the GCC for these works, along with “vibro-compaction” techniques. As part of the foundations and soil preparatory works, a retaining structure was built using 300 contiguous piles to retain the upcoming installation of the large water intake pipes that will feed the Grand Canal.
The Dilmunia Grand Canal and Marina is a major element of the Dilmunia development. The Grand Canal will feature public promenades, geysers, water fountains, water walls, water cascades, boardwalks and viewing decks. With a total length of 1.7 kms, and a width spanning 15 to 35 meters throughout the Grand Canal, it will have sea water pumped in around the mid-point of the Canal with the water flowing via gravity in two opposing directions of the Grand Canal.
The Dilmunia Grand Canal will run through the entire stretch of Dilmunia in a semi-circular route, making it Bahrain’s largest man-made water body and providing breathtaking vistas to surrounding developments within Dilmunia, and one of Bahrain’s longest continuous promenades to residents and visitors of the island.
“We are pleased to have reached another milestone in the continuing progress of Dilmunia and we are happy that the works proceeded smoothly on schedule.” He added that NSCC deserve full credit for meeting the challenging timelines,” Mohammed Khalil Alsayed, the CEO of IDC, said.
Khalil N. Khouri, the CEO of NSCC International termed the completion works for the Dilmunia Grand Canal and Marina another testament to NSCC’s capabilities not only in Bahrain but across the GCC and he looked forward to executing other projects in Bahrain.
Alsayed added that with properties in Dilmunia now being allowed for purchase by foreign nationals and the increasing number of inhabitants in the island, its attractiveness as a favored destination has gained further traction. He added that the next key step is to award the contract for the Grand Canal works before June 2019 as the works have already been tendered for this.
Dilmunia completed the second phase of its Infrastructure Works in December 2017, and awarded the third and final Phase of Infrastructure Works in early 2018, and with it ensuring the availability of all services to developers constructing on the Island and residents. The progress of the Grand Canal and Marina works, sets the tone for IDC to unveil other attractions and projects, which will make Dilmunia the destination of choice for residents and investors in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Dilmunia offers a range of residential and commercial amenities, including “The Treasure” by Bin Faqeeh Development Company, “The Essence of Dilmunia” by Ahmed Al Qaed Group, and “Seavilla” by IDC. Projects underway include, “CanalView” by Naseej B.S.C (c), “The Hanging Gardens” by Ahmed Al Qaed Group, Al Tijaria Resort Project (The Commercial Real Estate Development Co) and the “Mall of Dilmunia”, a family-centric and entertainment facility set for completion before end of 2019.
