A new port of call

It defines the guidelines in terms of usage of buildings, shapes, heights, infrastructure, and so on.

"In this area, there are no regulations, so rather than leave it up to developers to build haphazardly we wanted to limit what they can and cannot do. We hope to ensure a harmonious theme."

Nouri says that he is unaware of any other developer that has made the effort to devise regulations, with the exception of the government. To further ensure compliance, sub-developers'[ designs must be presented to Amred, who will review them and give initial approval before they go to the Ajman Municipality for final approval.

However, Ajman's influence on the overall development does not stop with the master-plan or approval; the project will include three iconic buildings - a hotel, an office, and a floating yacht club, all of which are Amred developments.

"Logistically, we anticipate that construction will pose a challenge," says TPM project manager Ammar Al Kital. "With all the layers and different stages of construction going on, project management will be complicated."

"We also have to maintain flow of traffic around the area," adds Nouri. "Though we have to fence around the site, we will be keeping essential roads open to ensure that we do not disturb the community's transportation needs."

"The other challenge is in constructing buildings to the right quality in the shortest possible duration." As project manager, Al Kital will be overseeing the development from beginning to end. "I will be here for quite a while," he laughs.

"I have not really worked on anything of this scale," he says. "But I have done many individual buildings." So how has Al Kital found dealing with a project on the scale of Ajman Marina? He is not giving much away. "Interesting," he says.

"This is the first such project in Ajman," continues Nouri. "We are aware that people can be quite sensitive when dealing with the unknown, so that is why we are liaising with the government on a regular basis."

The project is being carried out over two phases. Phase one will be complete by 2012, with phase two set for completion in 2015. The contract for construction of the second phase of infrastructure will be awarded in April.

Ajman rising

So what will attract people to Ajman Marina, as opposed to the dozens of other developments across the UAE? "The fact you are going to be living right on the waterfront is a major selling point," says Nouri. "We are creating high-end, quality units for people to use, which is lacking in the area.

"Only 26kms from Dubai International Airport, Ajman Marina will be a clear alternative to living in Dubai. It will be more affordable and Ajman's first Free Zone. If you choose to make this your home, it's an area that you can live in, work in, and even have your own berthing spot in the Marina.

Traffic has also been anticipated in an attempt to avoid much of the traffic flow problems that have affected many other new developments. "We have done a traffic impact study to ensure that we will not have any substantial traffic problems once the development is complete," he says.

"We have also carried out environmental studies to ensure the water quality is maintained."

The power demand for the entire development is 160Mw and Amred is building its own sub-station to ensure supply. District cooling is also being employed to cut down the huge power demand that would surface if each building had its own individual cooling system.

Ajman Marina has been studied, planned and tested from start to finish. All that is left to do now is build the place.

Once that task has been completed, Nouri, Al Kital and Osman may settle down for a cool refreshing drink on the marina quayside - provided, of course, they can remember where they put the bottle shop.

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