A key aim was to create a real community, a place that would be vibrant and busy regardless of whether a big event was taking place. To achieve this, the masterplan called for a range of activities tightly wrapped around the stadium. A series of pedestrianised boulevards approach the stadium, culminating in a large public piazza.

A hotel and retail units bring life to this space. The wider scheme is integrated within a progressive public transportation strategy in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Department of Transport to ensure the development’s sustainability.

From the outset, the project team worked in close partnership with the client’s team to develop and test the economic feasibility and viability of different types of uses. As lead consultants, the firm also took on all other design consultants, overseeing a large and diverse team. Within a tight, 17-month programme, the team had developed designs and secured approval on the concept and detailed masterplans and full tender documentation, as well as statutory approvals for the stadium and two other plots. The full development was subsequently delivered over two phases.