DUBAI’S Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is calling on private firms to develop its Union Oasis Project under a public private partnership (PPP) model.

The development comprises the construction of towers above the metro station at Union Square and will span an area of 19,000 sq m that will be dedicated to business outlets, restaurants, offices, residences and other uses.

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board and executive director of the RTA, said: “The project is aimed to raise the efficiency and users of mass transit systems through re-planning of districts around the metro stations. It will contribute to augmenting the ridership of the Dubai Metro and develop as well as landscape the urban environment in the vicinity of Al Ittihad Station.”

The private developer of the public transport oriented development (TOD) at Al Ittihad Square will be selected in a public tender as per the contractual principles of the PPP.

“The Union Square Project will be first transit oriented development destination in the region and a landmark destination for Dubai’s residents and visitors. The TOD concept has many success stories in Europe, Asia and America, bringing benefits to the communities, regenerating areas and creating positive commercial impact for those districts,” said Al Tayer.

In developing the project around the Union Square, the RTA will take into consideration international best practices with regards to design of transit-oriented communities and will enhance them with a view to local and regional context and requirements, while establishing a multi-modal transit centre which will boost the business of Deira area.

“The TOD provides low-cost transit networks and services which will enable the residents to move around smoothly in various Dubai districts besides raising the return on investment from transit projects undertaken by the government.

“The project focuses on providing a high-class residential and office environment characterised by pedestrian-friendly roads, green areas, vital utilities, and retail outlets among others. The high population density in the project will contribute to supporting RTA’s drive towards encouraging the residents to use public transport means,” he added.

In two other developments, RTA has inaugurated the Zaabeel Trade Centre Bridges project, which was completed at the cost of Dh719.37 million ($195.84 million).

RTA has also recently awarded a contract for the New Lihbab Road project (Al Yalayes) linking the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (at Al Houdh roundabout) with Emirates Road, at a cost of Dh164 million ($44.65 million).

Construction works on the project will begin soon and continue for 18 months.