Simply Abu Dhabi IV

Amidst the Mangrove Forests of Abu Dhabi Something magical is occurring amongst the mangroves. Within this precious natural environment, the utmost respect has been paid to nature and wildlife in order to create an enchanting forest by the sea. There are approx 3000 hectares of mangrove forest within the UAE of which 2300 hectares can be discovered in Abu Dhabi. Mangroves are an ideal habitat and safe breeding ground for some fish species, turtles and even commercially significant shrimp, snapper and sea bream. They offer a safe haven for birds nesting, migrating and egg lying. Found in intertidal areas mangrove forests play a significant role in the prevention of coastline erosion caused by wave action and ocean currents. Historically the wood was used in construction as with its high resistance to rot and termites its hard quality provided the perfect durable material for ships and homes. The trees are also a fertile source of food and fuel. Therefore, mangroves need to be protected. All Aldar’s developments are executed with the utmost respect to the environment. No exception, the preliminary dredging and renovation works at Al Gurm were carried out in strict accordance with the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi’s stringent guidelines in order to create a resort working in harmony with the extremely sensitive eco-environment of the mangrove and the rare habitat surrounding it. When work commenced on the site, Majdi Twal, Aldar’s Senior Project Leader reaffirmed their commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation; “The highest standards of care and eco-friendly construction are being enforced to safeguard the successful approach incepted from the beginning of the development and in close coordination with the Environmental Agency of Abu Dhabi.” Al Gurm is a stunning authentic resort planned to absolute perfection to offer the ultimate peaceful atmosphere in a gated community with 24-hour security. This has not been a simple undertaking for Aldar. To create such a meticulous high-end resort in adherence with the Government’s plans for housing in Abu Dhabi whilst also focusing on the sustainable development and maintenance of the health sensitive natural environment has presented many different challenges. The goal was to create a beautiful and sustainable environment that would perfectly complement the existing appeal of the ecosystem whilst also supporting the economic and social growth of Abu Dhabi. Aldar have risen to every challenge and in a true reflection of their dedication to the natural habitat, have planted two mangrove trees to replace every one removed during the construction process. As Al Mubarak has commented; “As with all our developments, we worked closely with the Urban Planning Council to ensure that Al Gurm adhered closely to the 2030 development plan. Most relevant to Al Gurm is the plan’s focus on respecting the natural resources – planning for careful, sensitive growth in order to preserve the critical natural environment that makes Abu Dhabi unique. Clearly, a home at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s natural ecosystem is extremely attractive but only if this natural environment can be preserved. As well as the work carried out to maintain those mangroves already in place, we have also restored planting soil and extended the area of the mangrove forest beyond its original boundaries by 31,000 square metres.” Living the Dream If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping your worries and taking it easy at an exclusive tropical island retreat then on this 1.8 million sq m natural mangrove reserve you, like us, could be about to realise that dream. Divine crystal clear azure waters surround this lavish resort which offers high-class living in a residential commune in Abu Dhabi with a very special difference. When you step into the peaceful resort and feel the serenity surrounding you it’s difficult to believe you are in Abu Dhabi city, just a stone’s throw from Khaleej al Arabi, in close proximity to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) and a mere ten minute drive from the Corniche. Interlinked by ‘concealed roads’ the Al Gurm Resort community is managed and operated by the multiple award-winning Banyan Tree Group. Aldar proudly describes the recently finished Al Gurm resort as ‘a new benchmark for high-end residential housing in the capital’. Like a picture-perfect postcard, this serenely scenic resort should be seen to be believed. A mere glimpse of the resorts’ buildings from Al Gurm eoc-friendly 62 SIMPLY ABU DHABI the road is sufficient to tell you this is no ordinary district, but rather something very spectacular. Mohammed al Mubarak, Aldar’s deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer defined the vision for Al Gurm as; “a high-quality waterfront development within an outstanding eco-friendly environment with good access into the city while also providing residents with a hideaway from the stresses of daily life”. An extraordinary residential and tourist destination, Al Gurm will take you on a journey where you experience levels of luxury you would never have believed could truly exist. Blissful Beauty Al Gurm Resort, is a stunning eco-friendly development comprising of 73 private luxury homes and a 163 suite 5 Star resort with a comprehensive range of retail, financial and business outlets as well as a lavish spa and health club perfect for that much-needed pampering (as we discovered to our delight!) The resort is operated by the internationally renowned Banyan Tree Group, developers of sophisticated spas and resorts that also support ecological initiatives and benefit their local environment and it perfectly encapsulates luxurious contemporary living. As we ventured in awe around this breathtakingly beautiful haven we discovered suites and facilities arranged around a circular lagoon and dotted across outlying islands, with swimming pools, bars, restaurants, shops, business and meeting rooms. The large sports centre in the middle of the resort connects each side of the lagoon by walkways, while the tranquil spa provides a splendid sanctuary on a sandbar close by. We spent our time relaxing in our hugely comfortable and sumptuous suite and admiring the exquisite views from our secluded terrace before taking a peaceful evening stroll on the beach. If we could sum our experience up in just one word, it would be ‘blissful’. Fabulous Villas There are 61 waterfront villas on the mainland varying in size from three-bedroom to five bedrooms. The remaining 12 are five bedroom Island Villas each of which inhabits its own small island accessed by a road bridge, and has lush