Traders will 'not be disrupted' during Abu Dhabi's port regeneration, company behind project says

Mina Plaza’s four towers demolished in seconds to make way for the new vision for the site

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi. All photos by Charlotte Mayhew / The National

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi.

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi.

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi.

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi.

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi.

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  Mina Zayed Plaza demolition Friday morning, Abu Dhabi.

The markets in Abu Dhabi’s port area will not be affected during works to regenerate the area, the company behind the project has said.

On Friday, Mina Plaza's four towers were brought tumbling to the ground in seconds to make way for the new vision for the site, transforming it into a bustling market, entertainment and shopping destination.

The surrounding area has long attracted shoppers in search of bargains at the capital’s main markets, where rugs, carpets and other items sell at a fraction of the price they fetch in stores.

The traders were initially told they must vacate the site while the redevelopment took place.

But many were given a reprieve and will be able to stay open, where possible, as the work progresses.

“All the markets will be accommodated, none of those markets will be impacted until their new location is ready, and they just have to migrate,” said Bill O'Regan, acting chief executive of Modon Properties, the company handling the project.

“We are developing the area from where Mina Plaza Towers used to be, forward towards the pier.”

On Saturday, Abu Dhabi Media Office said the Mina port area was again accessible to the public following Friday's demolition.

Traffic restrictions were removed and the shops and markets resumed normal operations.

Work to regenerate the area will be carried out in phases, starting with the fish market, which is due for completion in late 2021.

“The structure is up and we started sealing the building of the façade; the next market most likely to move is the plant.”

He said the new development will also include a new plant, furnishing, fruit and vegetable markets to replace the existing ones.

Other markets could also be added, such as antiques, spices, and seasonal local produce.

“So it will become a destination where people can spend their day; you will come for fruits and veggies, but stay for hours,” said Mr O'Regan.

“We don’t want any downtime for any of the souks there, they play an important role both for the individuals employed there, the people running them, and citizens.

“It is a commercial hub, and in any capital city of the world visiting its markets is an experience; it is how you discover a bit of its DNA.”

Traders like the Afghan carpet salesman, Amir Khan at the New Mina Port Souk, will not be impacted during the area's regeneration works. Victor Besa / The National

He said all tenants in the current souks will be given the opportunity to relocate to the new souks once they are ready.

Their business should not be disrupted, he said, except during their move; or not, if they transfer in phases when the time comes, "it could have no impact on them at all”.

Residents and visitors should not be concerned that “the vibrancy and heritage of Mina Is lost in the new developments,” said Mr O'Regan.

“It is very important to us, and the leadership of Abu Dhabi, and the people to preserve it,” he said.

“This project is about the markets and the place, and not about the buildings that we are developing.”

The other side of Mina Zayed, which includes the co-op, warehouses and rugs' market will remain intact and are not included in the development project.

Khalil Al Rahman, who rents jet-skis behind the fish market, said when the regeneration construction started he had to move out of the camp that used to be right next to the boats area.

“Camping area was closed for the new project since one year,” said the 30-year-old Bangladeshi.

“Campers used to come to rent jet ski and boats; but now fewer customers come here.”

Mr Al Rahman has been working in the area for eight years.

He said he “feels good” about the new project.

“Maybe there will be a new beach and we will have more business.”