WAM Abu Dhabi, Mar 21st, 2012 (WAM)--The Follow up Committee of Initiatives of UAE President headed by Ahmed Jumaa Al Zaabi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs has toured the projects being implemented in the northern emirates.

Earlier President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan had ordered the implementation of development projects at total cost of Dhs16 billion. Projects at the cost of Dhs5 billion will be completed next year.

The committee's visit complements the field visit paid earlier by H. H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs last January.

The tour in the first day covered Emirates Road, one of the most important roads that links different areas in the UAE. The committee was briefed about the second phase of development of the fifth industrial square at Emirates Road at cost Dhs850 million. It includes addition of the two lanes to reach five lanes each side. The project also includes building of three bridges to ease the increasing traffic, ensure traffic flow and safety standards. This development project will be accomplished by the second quarter of 2013.

The committee also toured the project of highway from Falaj Al Mualla/ Umm al-Qaiwain Intersection to Emirates Road at total cost of Dhs170 million.

It visited the Khalifa Specialised Hospital in Ras al -Khaimah, which was constructed at land area of 57, 000 squares metres at cost Dhs847 million upon the directives by the UAE President.

The committee also toured the housing projects.

Ahmed Jumaa Al Zaabi said the committee translates the instructions of the UAE President into action in a short period possible and in accordance with the international standards, calling on all the local and federal authorities, as well as, municipalities nationwide to cooperate with the committee to implement the directives of the President.

Sheikh Khalifa had ordered in December 2005 the development of remote areas and infrastructure, including roads, schools, residential units, hospitals, healthcare centres, power and water plants. He then allocated Dhs2 billion for the projects to be implemented in five years.

The UAE President launched another initiative by allocating Dhs16 billion to enhance services and implement development projects in different emirates till 2013.

The delegation includes Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Public Works, Mohammed Abdullah Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Presidential Affairs for Finance and Purchases Affairs Sector and other senior officials.

WAM/MN