A wide range of development projects are underway in the UAE’s east coast emirate of Fujairah as it seeks to diversify its economy. The Port of Fujairah, its adjacent anchorage and the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, FOIZ, are already well-established as the second largest oil bunkering centre in the world, with a new 250,000 barrels per day oil refinery project being announced earlier this week. A number of other new projects are underway in downstream petrochemicals, urban development, tourism and infrastructure which are expected to enhance the emirate’s attractiveness to local and overseas investors.

The projects are being carried out in accordance with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, with supervision by the Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi.

This report summaries some of the key projects in Fujairah City.

Underground Oil Storage: In early 2019, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) signed an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract with South Korea’s SK Engineering and Construction (SKEC) to build the world’s largest crude oil storage facility in Fujairah.

Three underground storage caverns will be excavated, each with a capacity of 14 million barrels, deep below ground level. The EPC contract is the largest for a single project award for underground crude oil storage in the world and is valued at Dhs4.4 billion ($1.21 billion).

The underground storage facility, when completed, will strengthen the UAE’s position as a reliable supplier of crude oil as well as giving Adnoc greater flexibility in the management of its delivery schedule and support its broader move into trading. It will also enhance Adnoc’s position as a key trading and supply partner in Fujairah’s growth as a global oil and products storage and trading hub.

Expansion of Fujairah Airport: Fujairah Airport expansion project, being implemented by the Abu Dhabi Airports Company, includes the construction of a new runway, expanding the existing runway and terminal, and constructing new terminal lounges.

Hamad bin Abdullah Road: Work on the 4- kilometre Hamad bin Abdullah Road in Fujairah City, will facilitate traffic flow into and inside the city. Due to be completed in August 2019, at a cost of Dhs250 million, the work involves expansion of the road to three lanes on each side, as well as bridges, tunnels, traffic signals, parking lots, service roads, and pedestrian walkways and crossings.

The speed limit on the road will be increased to 100 kilometres per hour, and three sets of roundabouts and three traffic lights will be replaced to improve traffic safety and reduce traffic jams caused by vehicles entering from service roads.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed City: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed City, on the southern outskirts of Fujairah City, is the location for the construction of 1,100 luxury villas and new roads, as well as associated sanitation and sewage. Once completed, it will help solve the emirate’s housing shortage.

Sheikh Khalifa Central Hospital: Sheikh Khalifa Central Hospital, due to be inaugurated soon in Fujairah City, will have a capacity of 205 beds to an optimal number of 300 beds, offering round-the-clock services. It will have 11 specialised departments, outpatient clinics, a 32-bed emergency ward, and a three-storey rehabilitation centre, as well as parking for nearly 700 cars.

The departments include a Trauma and Accident Department, Inpatient Wards, Intensive Care Units, a Maternity and Premature Delivery section, a Burns Unit, a Department of Surgical and Internal Medicine, Radiology, a Laboratory and Blood Bank, a Department of Anesthesiology and Recovery Department, an Operations Theatre Department, Cardiac Catheter Department and an Endoscopy / Cystoscopy Department.

Fujairah Business Centre Project: Fujairah Business Centre project will be completed during the last quarter of 2020.

It will have a total built-up area of 96,400 square metres and will comprise two towers, including a 19-level plus roof Office Tower and a 19-level plus roof hotel with 228 rooms and suites as well as 79 furnished apartments, to be operated by a leading hotel group.

The business centre will also include a shopping mall and retail area with parking for over 670 cars.

Fujairah Beach project: In the same context, Fujairah Beach project, a mixed-use 84-villa project with distinctive views, and the luxurious five-star ‘’The Palace Hotel’’, is being implemented.

Fujairah is an emirate on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, lying along the Gulf of Oman. It’s known for its beaches and the Hajar Mountains, which run through much of the emirate. Overlooking the city is Fujairah Fort, a reconstructed 17th-century fortress featuring round and square towers.

WAM/Agencies