Valued at AED2.5bn and more than 300 metres high, Etihad Towers will comprise five towers including a high-end hotel to be managed by the Jumeirah Group.

DecoVision has been commissioned to carry out decoration works for the Jumeirah hotel comprising of 400 guest suites, and 182 serviced apartments, along with a host of public areas including the lobby, spa, gymnasium, beach bar, pool bar, the company said in a statement.

The company will also decorate 12 restaurants ranging and an observation deck that will have panoramic views in all directions.

The contract is expected to be completed in early 2011.

Youssef Farran, managing director of DecoVision, said: “We are especially proud to have won the bid for the Etihad Towers project.

“DecoVision will be working on the furniture, fit-outs, joinery and laying out marble flooring and panels. The expected date of delivery is early 2011.”

A member of the Royal Goup, DecoVision employs more than 350 staff.

Source: Arabian Business

Source: SkyScraperCity

The executive chairman of the group, Gerald Lawless said the luxury hotel management company, which is part of Dubai Holding, has “a number of leads and negotiations going on right now in Saudi.

“Saudi Arabia is very important for us. I certainly believe very strongly in Saudi Arabia as having great potential for corporate travel and for leisure travel, and of course you have religious tourism, which is a major factor as well.”

Jumeirah Group, which manages the iconic Burj al Arab in Dubai, has previously inked deals for hotels in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan, the daily adds. In Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah has a 66-storey luxury beachfront hotel, Jumeirah Etihad Towers, under development, it says.

“We will continue to look at whatever might come up in Abu Dhabi – the dynamism of Abu Dhabi and the way it is developing at the moment is obviously very exciting and very interesting for us,” Mr Lawless said.

In addition, Jumeirah Group is also pushing ahead with its extensive international expansion plans. These include projects in the US Virgin Islands, the Maldives, China and Mallorca, the National’s report states.

“I’m extremely confident that we will achieve the [international] target of 60 hotels either in operation or under development by 2012,” Mr Lawless said.

“We are well on target to achieve that at the moment in terms of the number of management agreements, which is almost 25 at this stage.”

The move is intended to limit the impact of the global turnaround on the group’s business in Dubai, the daily observed.

Source: Arabian Business

Those day-to-day concerns fuelled a more profound question: Who are we as a nation and what do we want?

One would expect this question in any nation entering only its 38th year, but there was special poignancy to the question in the UAE. When the Dubai police chief, Maj Gen Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, exclaimed in April, “We are building buildings but losing the Emirates,” he publicly voiced worries being shared by many Emiratis.

These concerns were one reason why Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, declared 2008 the “Year of National Identity”, helping make the continued allure of growth – and some of its unintended consequences – the story of the year in the UAE.

“National identity” is more complicated than it sounds. As debate raged in community forums and opinion pages, it became plain that before deciding how to preserve it, one had to first define it.

For his part, Mohammed Ahmed al Bawardi, the Undersecretary to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Secretary General of the Executive Council, argued that religion and language were essential to the idea of the Emirates, setting the stage for a renewed emphasis on the importance of Arabic for young Emiratis.

Still, arriving at any definition of national identity was no small task in a nation of more than 200 nationalities and where expatriates outnumber Emiratis.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Foreign Minister, identified the inherent dilemma facing a fledgling nation in a cosmopolitan era: “We cannot live in isolation on an island with the excuse that we are preserving national identity. On the contrary, we need to maintain our national identity while remaining open to the rest of the world.”

The discussion over national identity occurred against the background of frenetic growth.

The developer Emaar, seeking to ensure the Burj Dubai ends up as the world’s tallest building, kept adding floors, but delayed completion of the tower. By year’s end, the Burj Dubai had passed 688 metres. At its foot snaking through the city was the 47-station Dubai Metro, one line of which has neared completion.

In Abu Dhabi, public buses plied the streets for the first time in 2008, and a new public beach stretched languorously along the Corniche. More skyscrapers also crowded the skyline, from the Etihad Towers project in the southwest to the Reem Island development in the northeast.

The year augured change for the skies above, too. Etihad Airways in July ordered up to 205 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus at a cost of some $43 billion (Dh158bn), and the finishing touches were put on Abu Dhabi International Airport’s new Terminal 3.

Meanwhile, the airline’s rival to the east, Emirates Airline, ordered another 60 wide-bodied airplanes from Airbus in a deal worth $11.8 billion.

While growth continued apace, so did efforts to renovate and modernise municipal services. Some 24,000 state school principals and teachers were to be certified or recertified. The Dubai Health Authority also announced plans to recertify 15,000 medical personnel.

To better meet its future energy needs, the UAE pressed ahead with plans to develop nuclear power, signing co-operation agreements with France, Britain and the US. To meet its future food needs, it stepped up public-private efforts to buy farmland abroad.

Authorities appeared far less adept at rectifying an ATM scandal and identifying who stole PIN numbers from consumers and continued running up millions of dirhams in illicit purchases.

In foreign affairs, tensions between Abu Dhabi and Tehran ebbed and flowed, driven by a long-standing dispute over Iran’s occupation of three islands in the Arabian Gulf and the Islamic republic’s nuclear programme.

With disquiet about Tehran’s intentions persisting, the Government announced plans to develop a missile defense system, in co-operation with the US and other members of the GCC. In another defense-related development, France broke ground for a new military base on UAE soil.

Diplomatically, the UAE emerged as an even more visible player on the international stage. It defended its human rights record at a UN meeting in Geneva, and appointed its first female ambassadors – one to Spain, the other to Sweden. Sheikh Abdullah capped a year of more assertive UAE diplomacy by attending Christmas mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.

Finally, on a more down-to-earth note, at least 10,831 babies entered the world at the Corniche Hospital, the government-run maternity hospital in Abu Dhabi. Another baby of a different sort also entered the world on 15th Street. On April 17, the first edition of this newspaper rolled off the presses.

* Hugh Naylor, Alison McMeans, Mitya Underwood, Mahmoud Habboush, Daniel Bardsley and Matt Bradley contributed to this report.

Source: The National

The Urban Development Council claims a population of 3.1 million in Abu Dhabi by 2030 (compared to the current 930,000). But where will these residents live?

Al Lulu Island

Developed in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, Al Lulu Island caught the public attention when it was unveiled at Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

The man-made island covers an area of 1,400 acres and consists of residential, resort and retail areas. The island is said to host a Disney theme park, this, however, hasn’t been confirmed by the developer, Sorouh Real Estate.

Al Lulu is located 500 metres offshore from Abu Dhabi Corniche, and will be home to around 200,000 people. Transportation to the island would be free of charge, led by four boats, designed to transport 25 people, along with a sea bus that is capable of transporting 60.

The boats would go from Abu Dhabi Breakwater next to the Heritage Village. Once in the island, the public can make use of a train or a bus tour.

At this time, no further information is revealed on the cost and phases of the project.

Al Reem Island developments

Developments on Al Reem Island are scheduled for completion in 2012, by which time the island will host 280,000 residents.

The project is located on the northern coast of Abu Dhabi and has four sub-projects; Shams Abu Dhabi, Najmat Abu Dhabi, Marina Square, and Addax port. Early phases of the four sub-projects are expected to be completed by 2009.

Shams Abu Dhabi, developed by Sorouh, is the biggest of the projects occupying 25% of the island. And while Addax Port is made up of only five towers, Shams Abu Dhabi will have a total of 100 towers and 22,000 residential units, expected to be available between 2009 and 2011.

Two outstanding tower projects on Shams include the 74-storey Sky Tower, which has reached its 40th level, and the 65-storey Sun Tower, at its 36th level today. The first phase of Shams Abu Dhabi will be completed by 2010, while the full completion of the project is scheduled for 2013.

The Dhs30bn Najmat Abu Dhabi covers the space of 20 million sqf and will have 16,000 residential units, and more than 3,000 commercial units. Three marinas – Bay Centre, Residential Marina and Resort Marina – linked by a canal will also be built on Najmat Abu Dhabi. These should allow future use of boats and water taxis in the project.

Made up of 14 high-rise towers, the Marina square will incorporate a shopping arcade, eight Cineplex, retail outlets, restaurants, a marina, a five-star hotel facing the marina, private beach access, and sports facilities. Marina square is scheduled for completion in 2009 and developer Tamouh Investments has said that work is going on schedule.

Al Raha Beach

Aldar Properties is creating its beachfront development along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway. Al Raha Beach Development is a Dhs54bn project covering an area of 12 million sqm. Accommodating 120,000 residents, the project will be divided into eight residential and commercial districts, each with a special theme.

Khor Al Raha district will be dedicated to freehold luxurious apartments, townhouses and villas, while more contemporary apartments, family townhouses, and villas can be found in Al Seef. Residential peninsulas very close to the waterfront make up the Al Rumaila district, designed to have a traditional feel, with private marinas and waterways.

The premium residential area in the whole development will be Al Lissaily, designed with a series of heritage waterside homes, in a way that makes the area accessible from all the other districts. Residents from all the districts will have their entertainment and leisure facilities in Al Bandar.

Developed exclusively for commercial use, Al Wateed district is described as the civic heart of the project. However, exhibition buildings and centres are built in another district, Al Nakhl, also dedicated for walkways and landscapes.

And for those with a creative nature who are looking for an inspiring environment, Aldar has introduced the Al Razeen district, the site of an existing theatre, where homes are built around a central marina hosting eight-to-14 storey waterfront apartment towers.

In addition to that, Aldar has announced the development of Al Dana, meaning ‘the mother pearl’ in Arabic, at the centre of Al Raha Beach development.

Like most of the other developments, this is a mixture of commercial and residential complexes complemented by a variety of entertainment, dining, leisure and yachting facilities.

Yas Island

Also developed by Aldar, the Yas Island covers an area of 6,000 acres – almost one third of the size of Abu Dhabi Island. Designed to boost Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry, the $40bn project will host the Ferrari theme park, a world-class motor sports racetrack, and a retail space of 356,000msq.

The theme park, five-star and boutique hotels, a water park, links golf course, three marinas, restaurants, various entertainment facilities and luxurious residential property will also be key attractions on the island.

Recently, Aldar has announced completion of over 30% of the infrastructure of phase 1. The company said the remaining part will be completed before the 2009 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Khalifa City expansion

Abu Dhabi Municipality has announced another enormous development in May that will expand Khalifa City and its community of 5,000 villas. This also comes in line with Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 and will divide the city into two districts – A and B.

With the spotlight being on Khalifa City A currently, the municipality is expected to spend some Dhs6m on developing the district that is located on the main highway adjacent to the Al Raha Beach development. Seven hundred residential apartments designed for middle and high income groups is already under construction.

The plan also involves developing a new ministries complex in the city, along with a shopping complex, social facilities, a multipurpose recreational area, and of course a business district. Development of the whole city is set to be accomplished within the next five years.

Saadiyat Island
One more major development in Abu Dhabi is the Dhs100bn Saadiyat Island, located 500 metres offshore.

Scheduled for 2009-2018, this 2,700 hectares natural island will host seven districts integrating high art through the Guggenheim and Louvre museums, waterfront resorts, regional corporate headquarters, extensive residential development of 38,000 apartments and 8,000 luxury villas, and a vibrant Marina district including a retail and commercial spaces.

With a budget of $27bn, Saadiyat is said to be one of the most expensive projects in the emirate and will be targeting high-income groups, with 150,000 residents.

Mussafah area developments
Going inside Abu Dhabi into the Mussaffah area, we find the $4bn residential development of Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

The city is scheduled for completion in 2012 and expected to be home to more than 50,000 people through 10,000 projected residential units. One good thing about this development is that it will address low-income groups, with around 267 mid-rise residential and commercial towers.

This would come as an answer for recent complaints that most developments target high-income groups.

Also in Mussaffah, Al Showayba City is now seeing the construction of its 11,000 residential units and the 220-room Between the Bridges hotel. Originally, the project was scheduled for completion this year.

Billions are being spent on other commercial, touristic and infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi.

Based on the announcements surrounding Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, $275bn will be spent by 2012 on infrastructure alone, comprising a road network, public transport, the airport, and a 2km long beach Corniche. Estimated investments in real estate are expected to reach Dhs600bn between now and 2030.

Source: AME Info

Jumeirah Group has unveiled two more projects under its Jumeirah Living serviced residence brand as part of its plans to capitalise on surging demand in Dubai.

Jumeirah Living expects to launch projects in Dubai Marina and with Dubai International Financial Centre in the latter part of next year as it steps up growth plans.

The company’s move is the latest response to massive demand in the serviced residence segment.

By the end of 2009, the group will have three luxury serviced residences in the emirate offering specialised services such as a lifestyle concierge team.

“Because we’re a Dubai-based company, it’s all about growth here first,” Jumeirah Living’s Group General Manager Julie Shields told Emirates Business. “We’re looking to grow first in Dubai and then we will grow and expand with Jumeirah Group as a brand globally.

“It’s all about looking at locations in Dubai, particularly business locations, because our business model is based around extended stay, long stay, and high-end corporate guests.”

Jumeirah Living opened its first project, the World Trade Centre Residence, on August 1. The property offers one to four bedroom apartments spread over 40 floors as well as business centre facilities, two executive meeting rooms, a rooftop lounge, a café and bar, a fitness centre and a rooftop pool.

“The WTC Residence is the first in what will be a worldwide portfolio of distinctive Jumeirah Living properties,” said Shields.

She said the division was on track with its regional expansion plans and expected to have 10 projects in the GCC by 2011.

“We have a number of projects coming up in Bahrain and Oman, one in Doha and another with Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi.”

In addition to the stand-alone serviced residences the division is working on launching properties alongside a number of Jumeirah hotels.

Source: Business 24/7

Pictures via Brissy_Lad @ skyscrapercity.com

Aswaq Management & Services (AMS), the Abu Dhabi-based mixed-use property consultancy, sales and leasing company, will be offering projects worth over Dhs1bn at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2008 – the leading international property investment and development event in the capital later this week.

During the exhibition – to be held from May 13 to 15 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition entre (ADNEC) – AMS will showcase in excess of 20 mixed-use projects, highlighted by the launch of residential sales at Bawabat Al Sharq in Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi.

In another first AMS will also be launching an “Expression of Interest” campaign for Towers 4 & 5 at the Etihad Towers project on the Abu Dhabi Corniche.

The company will also announce the commencement of leasing on the 46,000 square meter GLA (Gross Leasable Area) Downtown Al-Areen – a mixed-use property development in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The three-day exhibition is a unique networking event focusing on all aspects of the property and development cycle and attracts top regional and international investors, property developers, leading architects and designers.

The Dhs2.2bn Bawabat Al Sharq project, available for sale to UAE nationals on a freehold basis and to GCC nationals on a 100-year leasehold basis, encompasses modern residential, retail and community facilities, including one, two, three and four bedroom apartments as well as three, four and five (detached and attached) villas. The mixed-use development, spread across 108 hectares of land, comprises a vast array of world-class amenities, a FIFA-standard football stadium, a first-of-its-kind shopping centre and the best of retail and entertainment venues.

In his comments on the high-profile participation and launch of sales & leasing at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, H.E. Nasser Mohammed Al Nowais, Chairman of AMS, said: “Amidst the real estate and property boom in the Middle East, AMS is proud to be involved with such unique projects at Cityscape Abu Dhabi, one of the prestigious events in the global property calendar.

We are showcasing projects worth over Dhs1bn, which in itself is indicative of the importance of the event. AMS, which has carved a niche with world-class consultancy, sales and leasing services over the last nine years, is moving ahead with the confidence of achieving substantial success and establishing itself as a quality leader across the GCC and Levant.”

The company, which commenced operations with four employees in 1999, today boasts of an employee-strength of 75 as on date. This figure will increase to 100 by the end of this year and double be end-2009. AMS’ turnover has witnessed an impressive growth of 25 to 30% year-on-year, which proves its expertise in the entire real estate consultancy, sales and leasing value chain.

H.E. Al Nowais added: “We stress on providing quality services to our clients and tenants alike. We are thankful to all the property owners and developers who have put their trust in our expertise and professionalism.”

The launch of the ‘Expression of Interest’ campaign at Etihad Towers will be unique.

For the first time in Abu Dhabi the public will be invited to state their interest for the projects fourth and fifth residential tower, whether it be made available for sale or for lease. Etihad Towers encompasses five towers, is strategically located directly opposite the gate of the Emirates Palace Hotel and will feature stunning views in all directions.

The sales of the Downtown Al-Areen development would be done through Gulf Management & Services (GMS), AMS’ affiliate in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The project includes residential and serviced apartments, offices, hotels and outdoor shops.

Gulf Holding Company is the developers of the project, anticipated to open over five phases between October 2009 and January 2010.

As per the terms of an exclusive contract awarded by Gulf Holding Company, GMS will handle the consultancy, sales, leasing and management services for the development, spread across a massive 600,000 square metres.

AMS is also under assignment to handle consultancy, leasing and management for various projects in the region. AMS and its regional affiliates in the GCC-Levant region — AMS-Dubai, Gulf Management & Services in Bahrain, Beirut Real Estate Management & Services s.a.l. in Lebanon and Amman Real Estate & Management Services in Jordan manage 17 projects, covering a combined Gross Leasable and / or Sellable Area (GLA / GSA) of over 5 million square metres.

Among AMS’ clients are leading property owners and developers in the region including Dubai Properties, Abu Dhabi Trade Centre, Manazel Real Estate, Bani Yas Investment and Development Company, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Sultan Al Dhaheri Group, Solidere, Abdali Investment & Development PSC and Gulf Holding Company.

AMS’ first client was the Abu Dhabi Trade Centre which also hosts the Abu Dhabi Mall. Today, the company and its affiliates, through strategic alliances with corporate partners, have grown rapidly to become leading regional players and manage projects in the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan and Lebanon. AMS has also embarked on an aggressive regional expansion strategy.

Originally focused on retail commercial projects such as the management of shopping malls, AMS has in recent years expanded its services to meet the market demand for similar services for residential and commercial properties. AMS and its affiliates are targeting revenues of Dhs30m in 2008 generated by their Consultancy, Sales & Leasing and Management Services.

Source: AME Info

Shaikh Suroor Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan signed four contracts with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) as sole lender, Arabian Construction Company (ACC) as the main contractor, Tabreed for cooling, and Canadian company Cansult as construction supervision consultant.

ADCB will provide a term loan facility of Dh2.4 billion for 15 years to fin-ance the construction of Etihad Towers, while Tabreed will provide the project with 12,500 tonnes of refrigeration (TR) cooling services. Cooling services will be provided from the Baynoona plant, and the project is expected to be completed by 2010. Tabreed recently announced six major contract wins in Abu Dhabi, and will build three new cooling plants in the city to service them.

The towers will include a high-end hotel with a capacity of 600 rooms, as well as 900 residential apartments, and 65,000 square metres of office space.

The project’s theme concept has been designed by the Australian International design consultant (DBI), and will include as well eight unique restaurants, a large ballroom, as well as a private beach.

Source: Gulf News

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