Dubai Municipality spends AED2.5 billion to develop markets

Aimed at revitalising economic activity in the emirate of Dubai, the Dubai Municipality is carrying out many development projects including construction of new markets and commercial complexes, and expansion and maintenance of existing markets at a total cost of AED2.5 billion.

Hussein Nasser Lootah, Director-General of the municipality explained that the civic body manages about 5,000 shops, warehouses and cafeterias in 14 different markets in the emirate constructed at a cost of more than AED1billion.

"These facilities are leased for economic activities, which include the Trucks and Heavy Equipment Market and Trucks and Heavy Equipment Spare Parts Market in Ruwayyah-3, Central Fruits and Vegetables Market in Warsan, Used Car Market in Al Aweer, Birds and Pets Market in Warsan-3, Camel Market in Al Lisaili, Cattle Market in Al Qusais, Textile markets in Nayef, Al Fahidi and the Traditional Market in Al Hamriya," said Lootah.

"The municipality is developing the Central Fruits and Vegetables Market at an estimated cost of AED500 million, and establishment of a multi-storey cold storage for vegetables and fruits involving 56 stores at an estimated cost of AED160 million. This project will contribute towards increasing the storage capacity of vegetables and fruits and will meet the growing demand for cold storages," he said.

Lootah said a contract has been signed on build, operate and transfer (BOT) system, with a qualified company, to build a truck and heavy equipment washing station within the truck market. The station will also provide technical inspection services and registration.

"The municipality is constructing a specialised market for building materials in Warsan-3 at a cost of AED96 million, which is 95 percent completed. Another market dealing with furniture, electrical equipment and household appliances is being built at Nadd Al Sheba at a cost of AED76.825 million and 90 percent development work has completed and we are currently communicating with furniture and construction materials companies with well-known brands to open their branches in the market," said Lootah.

Juma Al Fuqae, Director of Assets Management Department explained that the investment map of markets (2017-2021) has been prepared and they will be funded either by the municipality budget or by attracting investors from private sector.