Al Maabar said it has launched a $9.9 billion mixed-use development in Baghdad comprising clusters of residential units, a commercial district, a golf course a technology center and a hospitality district.

Al Maabar, is a joint venture between real estate giants Al Qudra, Sorouh, Aldar Properties, Reem International and Reem Investments.

The project will include public recreational parks, a golf course, museums and facilities such as theatres and cinemas, said a company official.

'A great part of the site will be devoted to undertaking some of the largest entertainment centres in Baghdad. The move to develop this project complements the growing levels of support that the UAE is providing to the government of Iraq,' Al Maabar managing director Yousef Al Nowais was quoted as saying in Emirates Business.

'Through the direction of the Abu Dhabi leadership, Al Maabar will add real value to the countries that it invests in,' he said.

'Al Maabar plans to achieve this through job creation and talent development, knowledge transfer and economic stimulus and will be working very closely with the relevant ministries in Iraq to insure that this project meets the specific needs of the Iraqi people,' he noted.

Consultants Dar Al Handasah has been awarded the contract for creating the conceptual master plan along the guidelines set by the urban planning and municipal authorities in Baghdad.

'The conceptual master plan is intended to illustrate development opportunities, which will guide subsequent detailed design and investment analysis of the project. Having the master plan created at this stage will help establish a vision for the overall development, while taking into consideration the topography and the water front aspects.'

'The master plan will also help develop planning-level construction cost estimates and a program of infrastructure facilities,' Al Nowais added.