July 1 2009 (WAM) - KEO International Consultants has announced that it has won a six month Program Management contract from Al Maabar, the Abu Dhabi- based International real estate development investment company, to work on Aqaba's $10 billion Marsa Zayed development. Al Maabar's landmark project, which is the largest development to take place in the history of the region, stretches over a 3.2 sqm of prime real estate in the port's city of Aqaba, Jordan's sole maritime gateway. Groundbreaking for this historic project is scheduled in early 2010 and with over 6 million sqm of built-up area, making it the largest tourism project in Jordan's history.

Named in memory of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates, the iconic development will include high-rise residential towers, retail, recreational, entertainment, business and financial districts and several branded hotels. Several marinas will significantly add to the current berthing capacity and will help transform Aqaba into a premier yachting destination. There are also plans for a state-of-the-art cruise ship terminal, which will be designed as a contemporary tourist landmark and a welcoming gateway to Aqaba.

Commenting on the contract award, Al Maabar's CEO, Mr Abdallah Hageali, said: "Our Marsa Zayed project is one of the most significant projects under development in the region. A project of this scale will act as a major economic stimulus and its impact will not only be felt in Aqaba but also throughout Jordan and the wider region.

"We have awarded this contract to KEO International Consultants because their vast experience and professionalism will help guarantee the success of this iconic development," he added.

In addition to providing program management for the Marsa Zayed project, KEO will also be responsible for master planning, landscape design, infrastructure design, marketing, promotion and validation, feasibility studies, traffic and environmental impact assessments, design reviews and cost related services.

KEO will also be responsible for identifying, tracking, managing and reporting on project risks and opportunities throughout the period of the contract. Preliminary assessments will be conducted on critical issues including port relocation, variations of construction costs, land reclamation, cruise ship access, feasibility and market conditions.

Donna Sultan, CEO of KEO International Consultants, said: "KEO will be there every step of the way to ensure time, cost and quality are maintained.

This project occurs at a critical time in the global economic downturn, as developers seek best value and returns. We appreciate the confidence Al Maabar has placed in us and look forward to this challenge."