Abu Dhabi government has approved a series of development projects valued at over Dh3.86 billion ($1.05 billion) in the Al Dhafra Region of the emirate in a bid to improve local housing, education and health services and provide work opportunities for the residents of Al Dhafra.

This is in line with the vision of President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said Emirati news agency Wam.

Road infrastructure projects worth Dh1.2 billion have already been approved for the region including the road parallel to the E45 Road in Madinat Zayed, as well as a project to develop Hamim Maqtara Road. Another project will expand the road that connects Al Helio to Abu Al Abyad Island, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region.

Sheikh Hamdan said infrastructure projects valued at Dh2.6 billion will be also launched to develop the emirate’s infrastructure, including for re-development of ports and residential lands, as well as future residential projects.

The projects will provide opportunities for the private sector to participate in developing the Al Dhafra region that is a major part of Abu Dhabi’s economy and its largest region in terms of area and population, which is over 334,000 people, said the Wam report.

The upcoming projects include the readying of infrastructure for the eastern and southern marinas in Ghayathi and residential land in Marina 21 in Madinat Zayed, as well as rehabilitating the ‘3 West Marina’ in Madinat Zayed, it added.