King inaugurates Abdali Boulevard, tours New Downtown

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday launched Abdali Boulevard, a JD300 million project, which is part of the $5 billion Abdali project, the largest mixed-use urban development scheme in Amman.

The King launched the project in the presence of Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein as well as high-ranking officials, officers and local and international businesspeople.

Prior to the ceremony, Their Majesties and the Crown Prince were briefed by Baha Hariri, owner of the Horizon, an international construction conglomerate, on the project and toured several parts of the facilities.

The project, which developers call the New Downtown of Amman, spans over 384,000 square metres with a built-up area of 1,800,000 square metres that comprises residential, commercial, hospitality, retail outlets, entertainment facilities and serviced apartments.

In a speech at a ceremony to launch the project, Munther Haddadin, board chairman of Abdali Boulevard Company, stressed that the project will help attract businesses and will be a main landmark in the capital.

He stressed that the project is a true representation of partnership between the private and the public sectors, noting that the project creates jobs for the young Jordanians, which will help enhance the livelihood of citizens.

Joseph Al Helo, chairman of the Abdali Investment and Development PSC, said work is under way to develop the blueprints and infrastructure for the second phase of the project, which entails having about 800,000 square metres of built-up area.

He also reviewed the phases of the implementation of the project, adding that it was completed despite of the difficult financial conditions and challenges.

For his part, Mohammed Al Saqqaf, CEO of the Kuwaiti  United Real Estate Company, said the Abdali Mall, which is part of the project, will be opened next year. 

He added that the Kuwaiti company would continue to invest in Jordan, adding that the firm’s investments in Jordan exceed $1 billion distributed in different sectors such as banking, insurance and real estate.
The developer, Abdali Investment and Development, is a public-private partnership between the government-owned estate developer National Resources and Development Corporation (MAWARED) and Horizon. 

The Boulevard rooftop, sized 18,000 square metres, will consist of outdoor swimming pools, sports clubs, spas, lounges and restaurants.