Al Dhannah
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Al Dhannah
الظنة (in Arabic) | |
|---|---|
 Ariel View of Al Dhannah | |
 Logo | |
| Motto(s): A city of life, leisure, and opportunities. | |
  Al Dhannah Location in United Arab Emirates | |
| Coordinates: 24°6′12″N 52°35′1″E / 24.10333°N 52.58361°E | |
| Country |  United Arab Emirates |
| Emirate | Emirate of Abu Dhabi |
| Municipal Region | Al Dhafra |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Islamic absolute monarchy within a federation |
| • Ruler | Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan |
| • Crown Prince | Khaled bin Mohamed Al Nahyan |
| • Regional Representative | Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan |
| Population (2020)[2] | 38,740[1] |
| Time zone | UTC+4 |
Al Dhannah (Arabic: الظنة) is a city located some 240 km (150 mi) west of Abu Dhabi City, in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The city’s former name, "Al Ruwais", is largely dropped in relation to the Ruwais Refinery and other industrial development.
The Al Dhannah/Ruwais industrial and housing complex has been developed by ADNOC as a major contributor to the national economy and represents a series of multimillion-dollar investments by the company. Once a small fishing headland from which a handful of people scratched a seasonal living, Al Dhannah today is one of the most modern industrial complexes in the Middle East.[3]
History[edit]
In the 1970s, plans were laid to transform a remote desert site into a self-contained industrial town, geared to fulfilling the downstream requirements of Abu Dhabi's booming oil and gas industry. Centered on Takreer's Ruwais Refinery, the complex was officially inaugurated in 1982 by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the late President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the visionary behind Abu Dhabi's remarkable development and prosperity. [4]
In addition to the original 120,000 barrels (19,000 m3)-per-day refinery, which was expanded in 1985 with the commissioning of a 27,000 bbl/d (4,300 m3/d) hydro cracker complex, major facilities at Ruwais include a natural gas liquids fractionation plant operated by Abu Dhabi Gas Industries Ltd (GASCO), a fertilizer plant run by Ruwais Fertilizer Industries (FERTIL), a Petrochemical Complex by Abu Dhabi National Polymers Company (Borouge), a marine terminal and a sulfur handling terminal.
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Ruwais has also been developed into a model 'new town' with an evolving population. The Ruwais Housing Complex, covering an area of 6 square kilometres (2.3 square miles), is located 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) away from the industrial plants. The complex has its own shops, schools, banks, mosques, clinic and hospital, and a wide range of sporting and leisure amenities including a beach club and an 'in-house' TV station. Although originally designed to house the workers who support the oil and gas industry, Ruwais has grown to include other government workers of nearby projects, such as Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
Infrastructure[edit]
The Infrastructure of Al Dhannah is largely designed by Stantec. ADNOC, in 2018, initially planned to double the population of the city by investing Dh165 billion to develop the world’s largest integrated refining and petrochemicals complex in Al Dhannah. [5]
Then, as part of its 2030 Al Gharbia Plan, Stantec planned to accommodate an additional 115,000 people on the region. The planning process included “expert input on desert ecology, coastal geomorphology, local and regional natural history and culture, desert landscape architecture and sustainability as well as climate and microclimatic design.”
The masterplan will also create a complete city that offers tourist-based leisure facilities, and a range of residential options—with a variety of price points that will attract a diverse population. The goal is to have residents having access to all modern amenities (schools, banks, retail, and recreation) without having to travel all the way to Abu Dhabi.[6]
Al Dhannah Hospital[edit]
A purpose-built local, modern general hospital opened in 2012 to cater for medical, clinical and dental needs of residents. The hospital is administered by the Medical Services Division of the Administration Directorate.
According to the city’s website, Al Dhannah Hospital “is one of the largest multi-specialty hospitals in Al Dhafra region, with a capacity of 122 beds, accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and Emergency Department accredited by DOH. ADNOC appointed NMC Health to operate the hospital, bringing best-in-class medical services and experience to the region. The hospital provides a full range of general and emergency medical services with its team of more than 50 physicians covering more than 25 specialties.” [7]
The emergency department, staffed by highly skilled medical officers and well-trained nurses, is open 24 hours a day and operates a round-the-clock ambulance service, not only for ADNOC employees and their families but the whole of the Al Dhafra Region. The Al Dhannah Hospital is now fully integrated with the former Ruwais Hospital, and provides a comprehensive health-care programme to all residents of the housing complex. The hospital provides a full range of general and emergency medical services with a team of more than 55 physicians covering more than 25 specialties, including nursing and child welfare, immunization and vaccination, school health, dental and physiotherapy services. For specialist medical services, many residents are often obliged to travel the 240 km (150 mi) for an appointment with other health professionals. [8]
Al Dhannah Mall[edit]
Th former Ruwais Mall was inaugurated in 2014, and features a hypermarket, several well-known family fashion brands and accessories outlets, alongside specialized stores, a food court, and numerous banks. [9]
In 2024, academics at Teesside University took part in an international collaboration between ADNOC and Singapore with initial eighteen-month pilot project involving Singaporean companies Cutech Green Ventures and TWI Global Technology Centre to research solutions to accelerate smart city development in Al Dhannah. The project is financially supported by Enterprise Singapore and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office and will develop and test a high-tech energy management system to improve energy efficiency of buildings.[10]
Parks[edit]
There are two major parks in the city: the Ruwais Central Park (which won the Green Flag Award) and the Al Dhannah 2 Park. Both locations are equipped with playgrounds, community fountains, mosques, bbq pits, sports courts, and gathering spaces. [11]
Health Clubs & Sports[edit]
Al Dhannah offers a wide array of health, sports, and recreational services aimed at their residents, with female only designated spaces also available.
Al Dhannah Golf Course[edit]
The Al Dhannah Golf Course opened in 2021 as a par-36, 9-hole course designed by UK course designer Jon Hunt and includes a 300 yard grass driving range, Golf carts with GPS functionality, and an on-course Food & Beverage service.[12]
Education[edit]
Schools in Al Dhannah consists of 2 main types of schools, those are Public and Private School, including one university.
Early Years[edit]
- Al Dana Nursery.[13]
Schools[edit]
The Main Private Schools are:
- Adnoc Schools (formerly known as The Glenelg School of Abu Dhabi)
- SABIS International Private School - Ruwais (formerly known as Ruwais Private School or The International School of Choueifat - Ruwais)
- The Asian International School (AIS)
The Main Public Schools are:
- Al Abbas Bin Abdul Muttalib Primary And Secondary School for Boys (AABAMPSSB)
- Amrah Bint Abd Al Rahman Secondary School for Girls (ABAARSSG)
- Nahrawan Primary School for both boys and girls.[13]
Higher Education[edit]
- The Higher Colleges of Technology for Girls and Boys, or HCTGB.[13]
Demographics[edit]
Al Dhannah is estimated to be 89% expatriates, with rest being local Emiratis. Over 70 nationalities are represented within the population. The most common languages spoken are English, Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, Tagalog, and Tamil/Malayalam.[14]
Al Dhannah, like the rest of the UAE, has a Muslim majority alongside various minority religions practiced by the non-nationals. Christianity is estimated to be 13% of the population. [14]
Culture[edit]
Climate[edit]
The climate of Ruwais is similar to Abu Dhabi, which is a hot desert climate (Köppen climate classification BWh). July is the hottest month, with average maximum temperatures above 40°C. Sandstorms occur intermittently, in some cases reducing visibility to a few meters.[15]
On average, January is the coolest month in the year. Since the Tropic of Cancer passes through the emirate, the southern part falls within the Tropics. However, despite the coolest month having a 22.0 °C (71.6 °F) average, its climate is far too dry to be classed as tropical.
| Climate data for Ruwais | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 33.7 (92.7) |
34.4 (93.9) |
39.8 (103.6) |
44.5 (112.1) |
46.2 (115.2) |
47.3 (117.1) |
48.0 (118.4) |
46.1 (115.0) |
44.6 (112.3) |
41.6 (106.9) |
36.7 (98.1) |
32.3 (90.1) |
48.0 (118.4) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 23.7 (74.7) |
24.8 (76.6) |
28.4 (83.1) |
32.9 (91.2) |
37.5 (99.5) |
38.8 (101.8) |
40.4 (104.7) |
40.4 (104.7) |
39.0 (102.2) |
35.0 (95.0) |
30.1 (86.2) |
25.7 (78.3) |
33.1 (91.5) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 18.7 (65.7) |
19.6 (67.3) |
22.8 (73.0) |
26.8 (80.2) |
31.0 (87.8) |
32.8 (91.0) |
34.7 (94.5) |
34.9 (94.8) |
32.9 (91.2) |
29.1 (84.4) |
24.5 (76.1) |
20.7 (69.3) |
27.4 (81.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 13.8 (56.8) |
14.5 (58.1) |
17.3 (63.1) |
20.8 (69.4) |
24.6 (76.3) |
26.8 (80.2) |
29.0 (84.2) |
29.4 (84.9) |
26.8 (80.2) |
23.2 (73.8) |
19.0 (66.2) |
15.8 (60.4) |
21.8 (71.1) |
| Record low °C (°F) | 7.9 (46.2) |
7.5 (45.5) |
10.2 (50.4) |
13.3 (55.9) |
16.0 (60.8) |
21.7 (71.1) |
22.7 (72.9) |
25.6 (78.1) |
20.4 (68.7) |
15.4 (59.7) |
12.3 (54.1) |
7.5 (45.5) |
7.5 (45.5) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 7.0 (0.28) |
21.2 (0.83) |
14.5 (0.57) |
6.1 (0.24) |
1.3 (0.05) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
1.5 (0.06) |
0 (0) |
0 (0) |
0.3 (0.01) |
5.2 (0.20) |
57.1 (2.24) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm) | 1.2 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 9.9 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 68 | 67 | 63 | 58 | 55 | 60 | 61 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 68 | 63 |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 246.1 | 232.6 | 251.1 | 280.5 | 342.2 | 336.9 | 314.2 | 307.5 | 302.4 | 304.7 | 286.6 | 257.6 | 3,462.4 |
| Source: NOAA (1971–1991)[16] | |||||||||||||
References[edit]
- ^ "City Facts - Al Ruwais".
- ^ "Adnoc to build 3,000 new homes, cricket field in Ruwais city". gulfnews.com. Retrieved 30 November 2019.
- ^ "Ruwais". Great Expeditions. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Ruwais City Unit". My Community. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Adnoc to build 3,000 new homes, cricket field in Ruwais city". Gulf News. 2018-09-10. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Ruwais Physical Framework and Master Plan". Stantec. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Al Dhannah Hospital". Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Al Dhannah Hospital: About Us". Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Al Dhannah Mall". Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Helping create the cities of the future in Abu Dhabi". Teesside University. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Parks". Al Dhannah. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Al Dhannah Golf Course". Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ a b c "Al Dhannah, Our Community: Education". Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Ruwais,United Arab Emirates". Reaching & Teaching. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ McClenaghan, Gregor (13 February 2009). "Sandstorms sweep across region". The National. Abu Dhabi, UAE.
- ^ "Climate Normals for Ruwais". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 2016-10-12.
External links[edit]
- Ruwais Housing Complex - News and ads for the Ruwais community
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