- Successful demolition event marks significant step towards the revitalisation of iconic Mina Zayed -

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 28 November 2020: Modon Properties (Modon) today completed the successful demolition of Mina Plaza towers in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. This momentous project was carried out in partnership with a leading demolition company with the highest international safety measures in place. 

With a total of 144 floors, the four high rise towers were demolished in approximately 10 seconds through a controlled implosion using stable non-primary explosives of robust qualities and excellent safety record. Modon partnered with several stakeholders to carry out this project, including Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, Emergency response teams, Abu Dhabi Civil Defense, ambulances, the National Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and other committees.

Ahmed Al Shaikh Al Zaabi, Director of Delivery at Modon said, “We are proud to have successfully delivered a safe demolition. This is a milestone moment, not only for Modon, but it is a fine example of mega-projects delivered in Abu Dhabi whilst adhering to international safety measures and protocols. It is an honour for us to play a key role in the emirate’s urban development.”

Modon was appointed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to carry out the demolition of the Mina Plaza towers as well as redevelop designated areas of Mina Zayed. Spanning over three million square meters, the expansive project is set to foster trade and investment operations in the capital, as well as support the development of Abu Dhabi while safeguarding the nation’s authentic identity and heritage. This overhaul is set to create a new tourist destination in the capital that appeals to both residents and visitors. 

To ensure the safety of all residents, businesses, workers and the general public, several measures were undertaken by DMT such as advertising campaigns, media tools like press releases, articles, SMSs, posters and awareness leaflets distributed in stores at the vegetable and fruit market, Abu Dhabi slaughterhouse, plant market and fish market. 

Joint coordination and cooperation was made with all concerned parties to ensure a smooth and safe demolition event. The Mina Zayed are was evacuated in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Police. Tamouh Healthcare conducted Covid-19 tests for 750-workers who were moved to a temporary housing facility in Al Mafraq Worker City. These workers will return once the roads are reopened. 

Mina Zayed was temporarily closed off for the event to ensure the safety of all residents. Road closures are expected to be lifted by 4pm today.
Abu Dhabi Police facilitated various aspects of the demolition including enhanced security and safety, providing support to all teams and key partners that participated in the project. Necessary measures were taken by the police to secure the demolition site with traffic patrols, ensuring the flow of traffic in the areas adjacent to the site and proper road diversions.

The Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Authority supported by securing the site in accordance with safety and prevention requirements including evacuating the area around the towers and providing ambulances, emergency, fire and rescue vehicles.

With the support of the demolition committee, a comprehensive field security plan was developed to implement the demolition process. This focused on the status of the site’s infrastructure of government, commercial and residential buildings, and direct supervision of the evacuation of neighbouring areas, ensuring it was isolated before the demolition process.

The media committee was comprised of the Security Media Department in the Command Affairs Sector of Abu Dhabi Police, Abu Dhabi Media Office, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, and Modon Properties. The committee worked according to the Abu Dhabi Police media response plan to manage media and inform them, residents, store owners and marketgoers of the event. They worked to raise awareness about the precautionary measures to be followed, supported with documenting the event and distributing informational material across various channels.