Project Description
LEA India has been retained by the Public Authority of Special Economic Zones and Free Zones for master planning, infrastructure planning, and design for 57 sq. km. Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone (SEZ), located along the border of the UAE and Oman. The project cost is estimated at OMR 225 million (C$ 790 million).
The study has three phases:
- Phase 1: Detailed master planning including market & feasibility study.
- Phase 2: Preliminary engineering design for whole site & detailed design for initial phase.
- Phase 3: Preparation of tender documents.
Phase 1, completed in May 2023, entailed surmounting several challenges that included delays in data acquisition, extensive stakeholder engagements with multiple agencies for interim approvals, and inherent site challenges since it fell in high-risk flood plain.
The proposed Site Master Plan integrates the principles of:
- Economic & operational efficiency,
- Land suitability considerations,
- Market demand considerations,
- Applicable planning frameworks,
- Social ecosystem inclusiveness, and
- Environmental sustainability & climate resilience.
The key master plan features include modular development pattern for industries, layering strategy for various industrial segments to avoid sensitive receptors in downwind areas, interconnected greens, walkability, integration of non-motorized transportation and spatial strategy to accommodate varied economic sectors (industry, logistics, tourism, agriculture, solar farm, allied support systems etc.) leveraging local geography.
The services provided include: Technical Studies, Market Analysis, Strategies for Industry-Tourism-Agriculture, Detailed Master Planning, Financial Feasibility, Design & Engineering for Roads & Utilities, Flood Resilience Planning & Design, Implementation Schedule, Environmental Impact Assessment, Tender Documents, Marketing Tools.