Reef developer denies MP’s charges

Following the proposal by a parliamentarian, Lulu Tourism Company, the master developer of Reef Island, clarified that the classification of the island, since its inception is touristic by excellence including entertainment and business activities.

The vice chairman of the Parliament Council, Abdulhaleem Murad had submitted a parliamentary proposal on Sunday, demanding that the outlets be immediately closed as it serve alcohol in the island. He also urged to refer the people involved to the Public Prosecution as “no permission was issued to operate such businesses in the area.”

Lulu Tourism Company stated that the purpose of creation of Reef Island was “to create an integrated utilities tourism project to serve the tourist purposes. It provides the facilities that qualify to be a major centre for integrated residence and business, along with recreational and tourism activities of all kinds approved by prevailing laws.”

Murad had also alleged that residents were suffering owing to the consequences of opening bar outlets in the vicinity of their homes.

Lulu Tourism Company stated that the project includes a Five Star hotel with a huge banqueting hall, a medical well being centre, a health club, a marina and yacht club, restaurants, beaches, swimming pools, an iconic residential tower and a sandy beach lagoon.

“Different categorised geographical areas have been allocated on the island. Some of the areas are intended for housing, while others are for housing and commercial activities and some others are for business investment. All are guaranteed by the law under the zoning classification issued by the competent official departments,” it elaborated.

Murad had earlier said that the planning of the area had been changed from a residential neighborhood to an investment area, where bars, discos and cafés were opened without obtaining the necessary licenses. “Theses outlets and their customers, who are usually coming from outside the area, create a lot of nuisance to residents,” he said.

Other MPs Abdulrahman Buali, Jamal Dawood, Mohsen Al Bakry and Ali Al Muqla also demanded the immediate halt of all construction works of entertainment outlets in the area, in addition to the closure of the existing “unpermitted” ones.

Responding to this, the developer said, “Reef Island management hereby denies that it is building unlicensed buildings. All constructed or currently under construction buildings have the appropriate licenses. It has been approved and issued by competent authorities.”

“Reef Island denies what was attributed about the presence of a bar in residential areas because it is simply untrue and contradicting with existing services,” he added.