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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Al Burj Business Bay, Dubai

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MHR) has signed a management agreement with Richreit Real Estate Development LLC for one of its most high-profile projects yet – Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Al Burj Business Bay, located in Dubai’s sought-after Business Bay district.

This striking 40-floor property with a modern yet elegant façade, will command a prime position on Burj Khalifa Boulevard overlooking the world’s tallest building, and is expected to open in 2017.

Major infrastructure projects and attractions are within a stone’s throw of the 299-room hotel apartment including Old Town Island, the Opera District in Downtown, Dubai Mall and the Dubai Canal Project, while the city’s financial and commercial hubs are on its doorstep too.

“With Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Al Burj Business Bay we are introducing a new upscale concept that delivers sophisticated living in a district that is rapidly emerging as Dubai’s new business and leisure hub,” said Mr. Andreas Mattmüller, Chief Operating Officer, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Middle East and South Asia, speaking at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

The hotel will feature well-appointed and spacious studios as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Stand-out amenities include a three-tiered podium area with six meeting spaces; a destination spa, gym, beauty clinic and swimming pool; a children’s area with pool; an all-day-dining outlet, café and lobby lounge; and a business center. The building has been designed keeping the acoustics in mind by using triple glazed glass to ensure maximum comfort level for guests.

Richreit Real Estate Development LLC Chairman Ahmed Butti Ahmed Al Muhairi said: “This property, which is already 55% complete, will not only add a new dimension to Dubai’s impressive skyline, but provide guests with a true immersive destination experience given its prime location at the crossroads of multiple districts and attractions.”

MHR already operates six hotels in Dubai and has two more properties planned for the city - the 244-key Mövenpick Hotel Apartments Downtown Dubai opening in 2017 and the Mövenpick Hotel Dubai Media City opening in 2018.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Ellington Properties Announces 14 New Dubai Projects

* First project in Jumeirah Village Circle is among four developments that have already broken ground

* Organization led by Dubai property industry veterans Robert Booth and Joseph Thomas

Ellington Properties – a Dubai-born design-led boutique property development company that develops bespoke and beautiful high-quality homes – announced its project pipeline of 14 developments in Dubai. The new projects will add over 2,200 residential units including apartments, townhouses and villas.

The company, jointly set up by industry veterans and joint managing directors Robert Booth and Joseph Thomas, already has over 3.6 million square feet in gross floor area under design and construction. The firm undertakes the full spectrum of development services from design to construction, advisory and rental unit development.

At a media roundtable, Booth said: “Dubai has evolved as a new global city all within the space of 10 years during which over US$85 billion was invested in infrastructure projects. Simultaneously, the Emirate’s population grew from 1 million in 2000 to over 2.5 million in 2015.

“The city will be home to over 3.2 million people by the time Dubai hosts the Expo 2020. The next four years will also witness an increase in the number of discerning customers who appreciate design and quality over price points. Ellington fills that space.”

Booth, who has been involved with the development of several iconic projects such as Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, Arabian Ranches and Downtown Dubai, said that Ellington was set up to develop residential projects for discerning customers who appreciate design – from first principles to last detail. Benchmarked against the world’s best, the firm has drawn the best international professionals to create a company that has design in its DNA.

“The visionary foresight of the leadership will continue to drive the growth of Dubai, which will continue to flourish in every aspect,” explained Booth.

He added: “According to the recent Knight Frank survey, Dubai is now ranked at number 5, up from number 7 in 2014, on the list of the most visited cities in the world. Knight Frank also ranks the city number 1 in terms of a global lifestyle review while Forbes ranks it the 7th most influential city in the world. These reflect the positive sentiment shared by people around the world about the city. Dubai will continue to attract investment in its infrastructure and real estate, and Ellington will contribute to that space through highly desired but affordably priced projects.”

Ellington Properties unveiled its first project, Belgravia, in Jumeirah Village Circle which is a G+4 residential building with 181 modern one, two, and three bedroom units. The homes sit on a beautifully landscaped 100,000 square feet of land, with amenities including a swimming pool, gym and indoor and outdoor kids play area. Construction will be completed in December 2016.

“We have crafted each home with great attention to details, striking a tasteful balance between classic elegance and cutting-edge design and integration,” said Joseph Thomas. “These homes will set a benchmark in property development and the home warranty we offer will redefine the after-sales market.

“We are a customer-focused organization with an eye for detail. We launch our projects for sale only after we attain significant construction milestones. This ensures complete transparency in all our operations, adding to investor confidence,” added Thomas.

Ellington has three other projects that have commenced construction activity – DT1, a 17-storey tower with 130 studio, one to four bedroom apartments in Downtown Dubai; The Ellington Collection, a set of high-end luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah, and Belgravia II, a G+4 residential building with 188 modern studio, one, two and three bedroom units in Jumeirah Village Circle. All projects have broken ground with Belgravia having topped out and ready to welcome its first residents in the fourth quarter of this year.

The company has also won industry recognition with DT1 bagging the ‘Best Residential High Rise’ honor at the 2015 Arabian Property Awards.

Ellington has also finalized its plan for affordable rental units development program which will see over 10,000 units being developed by 2020.

About Ellington Properties:

Founded in 2014, Ellington Properties endeavors to craft beautiful environments for exceptionally high-quality lifestyles. Inspired by art and reflective of their owners’ aspirations, Ellington residences are classic in feel but contemporary of vision. Ellington’s current projects include high-rise luxury residences and multi-family communities in Dubai, located in the prestigious Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah or the upcoming Jumeirah Village Circle.

Sunday, April 17, 2016

Sobha Group Launches New Luxury Residential Building

*Eight-storey tower offers unrivaled cityside living with spacious apartments

*Sobha Hartland is located in the heart of Dubai within close proximity to the city’s main attractions

*Handover of units will start December 2017

Sobha Group, the leading luxury real estate developer, has announced the launch of Sobha Hartland Greens, a luxury building with unrivaled cityside living in its urban mixed-use waterfront development in the epicenter of Dubai.

The eight-storey residential project at Sobha Hartland in Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, is beautifully set within a 3km radius to the city’s main attractions. Residents will also have easy access to restaurants and entertainment facilities within the community.

Sobha Hartland Greens includes eight floors of residential apartments varying from studios, to one, two and three bedrooms. The luxury apartments start with an attractive price from AED 804,000 with exceptional payment plans on offer. The handover of units will start December 2017.

Mr. PNC Menon, Founder and Chairman, Sobha Group said: “The launch of Sobha Hartland Greens comes in line with the huge demand we are witnessing for luxury living in Dubai. The apartments have been designed to enhance the lifestyle of residents with an abundance of living space and expansive layouts. The tower is strategically located at the heart of the community and will have all the amenities a resident needs.”

Encompassed in the development will be two international schools, one currently in operation, nurseries, malls, cafes, tennis courts, yoga center, swimming pool, clubhouses and spas, mosques and healthcare facilities.

Residents will also be 3kms to various attractions across Dubai such as: the tallest tower in the world, the largest mall in Dubai, Meydan Racecourse; home to the world’s richest horse race, District One 8.4km cycling and jogging track, Dubai International Financial Centre, water fountains, world’s longest indoor ski slope, Dubai Country Club, Dubai Equestrian Centre, Dubai One Tower; world’s tallest residential tower and Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. They will also have easy access to the Dubai Canal and Metro, both of which will envelope Hartland’s low density environment.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Emaar Designs A Glittering New Skyline For Dubai

* Architectural features of a new iconic destination, designed by Santiago Calatrava Valls, unveiled at an exclusive preview in Dubai

* With design influenced by the natural contours of the lily and the region’s Islamic culture, The Tower will be crowned by The Pinnacle Room

* The Tower to establish Dubai Creek Harbour as one of the most desired residential and leisure destinations in the city

A glittering new icon will define Dubai’s skyline with Emaar Properties today unveiling the design elements and architectural features of a magnificent tower in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, chose the design by renowned Spanish/Swiss neo-futuristic architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter Santiago Calatrava Valls, from a competitive international design pitch for this new landmark.

The Tower serves as the vibrant core of Dubai Creek Harbour, a 6 sqkm world-class masterplannned development that is two times the size of Downtown Dubai and located 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport. The waterfront development is centered off the Dubai Creek, the cradle of Dubai’s history and culture, and in close proximity to the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, protected under the UNESCO Ramsar Convention and home to over 67 species of water birds.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour is our tribute to the positivity, energy and optimism that Dubai and the UAE celebrate, led by a leadership committed to all-round progress. A shining beacon of hope for the world, celebrating diversity and human achievements, this new iconic landmark further highlights the country’s ambition and futuristic vision and enhance our nation’s pride. It will be the destination for the world to visit, enjoy and celebrate life, as Dubai prepares to host the Expo 2020.

He added: “The design by Santiago Calatrava, chosen after a competitive pitch from the world’s top architects, was a perfect fit to our requirement for a landmark that defined our urban core for Dubai Creek Harbour. It integrates not just design excellence but also strong environmental and smart-tech considerations. With The Tower, we are delivering a compelling destination that will add long-term economic value to Dubai and the UAE. It will also position Dubai Creek Harbour as one of the most desired residential, leisure and touristic attractions, providing visitors and residents with a modern, luxurious and sustainable environment in which to live, work, learn and entertain.”

Fadel Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “We are extremely proud that our joint venture partnership with Emaar will deliver a new landmark in Dubai; a distinctive addition to the city’s skyline and a symbol of architectural excellence. Unveiling The Tower design is an important step for the Dubai Creek Harbour project. This development will offer a lifestyle choice that is unprecedented in Dubai, in what will be one of the most sought after residential and tourist areas of the city. Our partnership with Emaar is progressing well and we are extremely excited by the way this project is coming to life.”

Santiago Calatrava Valls said: “From the beginning, my team and I have tried to put the best of ourselves into this project, since it is very special and is a great honor to participate. The collaboration with such a prestigious firm as Emaar Properties makes it even more exciting and demanding. The design has clear reference to the classic art from the past and the culture of the place while serving as a great technological achievement. In my whole career, I have perceived technology as a vehicle to beauty and to art. This project envisages an artistic achievement in itself, inspired by the idea of welcoming people, not only from Dubai and the UAE, but from the entire world. It is a symbol of an abiding belief in progress.”

Calatrava’s accomplished works include the World Trade Centre Transportation Hub in New York, Calgary Peace Bridge, the Olympic Sports Complex in Athens and the Turning Torso Tower in Malmö, which was recently awarded with the Ten Year Award from the Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat (CTBUH), among others.

His design philosophy is to fuse architectural expression, structural innovation, functional efficiency and environmental benefits into one single imaginatively bold gesture that responds to, and transcends, the challenges of each unique site. Each project therefore creates a sense of place that enhances the setting – functionally, environmentally and communally.

Design Palette

The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour draws design inspiration from the lily and evokes the image of a minaret, which is a common feature and distinctive aspect of Islamic culture. The elongated oval-shaped bud and geometric texture set the template for the observation decks. The slender stem serves as the analogy for the structure, which is engineered to its most efficient diameter. It is linked to the ground with sturdy cables, in turn, inspired by the delicate ribbing of the lily leaves. The cable array gives the structure its strength, anchoring the ‘bud’ securely to the ground with technical precision using modern engineering materials.

The Experiences

Offering unprecedented experiences for 360 degree views of the city and beyond, the crowning glory of The Tower will be The Pinnacle Room opening to grand views of the sky. The VIP Observation Garden Decks recreate the splendor of the ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon,’ one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. An engineering marvel awaits visitors, the piece-de-resistance being the fully glazed rotating balconies that extend outward, rotating outside the skin of the tower. The tower will also have a world-class boutique hotel for visitors.

Precision Engineering

The design will be finalized following elaborate wind tunnel testing and all mandatory seismic testing. Every aspect of The Tower is designed and being developed to the highest international standards of safety – from the choice of materials to the technology being used. All local government codes and regulations will be adhered to with close co-ordination and guidance from the concerned authorities.

A Visual Spectacle

Celebrating the iconic status of The Tower, the lighting will emphasize the ‘flower bud’ design as a floating element at the top of the structure, serving as a beacon of light at night. The structural core and tension cables will be gently and dynamically illuminated. Movement Lighting will be used to enhance not only the visitor journey but also the view from outside.

Green Features

The Tower takes into consideration environmental and sustainability features that will serve as industry benchmarks. It starts with the thoughtful design with an environment-friendly tram service to be integrated for effortless access. On-foot visitors have a multitude of access points on to the plaza. A number of green corridors are envisaged for pedestrian access and effortless connectivity with Dubai Creek Harbour.

Emaar has unveiled high-end residences in Dubai Creek Harbour including Dubai Creek Residences, Creekside 18, and most recently, Harbour Views homes in The Island District, a vibrant lifestyle hub. All homes open to premium views of the Dubai Creek, a stylish marina with a yacht club, the adjacent Ras Al Khor natural bird sanctuary and the impressive skyline of Downtown Dubai.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

UPC To Announce Major Projects At Cityscape Abu Dhabi

The UPC(Urban Planning Commission) will mark the tenth anniversary of the Cityscape Abu Dhabi property exhibition by revealing a raft of new developments that have received detailed planning approval and launching a new and improved online street design application.

Senior executives from the UPC will announce detailed approvals for key developments that will shape the urban landscape of the entire Abu Dhabi Emirate. The UPC’s presence at Cityscape Abu Dhabi will be befitting of the tenth anniversary of the region’s largest annual real estate event, using it as a platform to promote its progress towards Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, as well as the groundbreaking Estidama sustainability program.

Visitors to the UPC stand will gain an understanding of how Abu Dhabi’s built-up space will evolve over time according to the UPC’s framework plans, polices and initiatives. A series of interactive programs, as well as the UPC’s giant scale model of the Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area, will provide a fascinating insight into the Emirate’s present and future.

H.E. Falah Al Ahbabi, Director General, UPC, said: “We are proud to have exhibited at Cityscape every year.  Each time it provides us with an essential platform from which to engage with our many stakeholders and to provide the latest news on our work and progress.

“Through Cityscape, we are able to reach a large audience in a concentrated period of time to explain our role and what we are doing as we move towards Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.”

Cityscape Abu Dhabi runs from April 12-14 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. The UPC will use the exhibition to reveal highlights of detailed approvals and Estidama Pearl Ratings it has given to key developments in the Abu Dhabi Emirate in Q4 2015, as well as provide a full re-cap for all projects granted detailed approval in 2015.

The UPC will also launch a much anticipated update to the innovative online Street Design tool, which allows designers to create well-designed, safe and walkable streets. It has the added benefit of being able to incorporate utility corridors, medians and sidewalks, hence it enables designers to create complete streets from a design and engineering perspective. At all times, the Tool ensures alignment with the UPC’s Manuals including the Abu Dhabi Urban Street Design Manual, the Abu Dhabi Utility Corridors Design Manual and the Abu Dhabi Public Realm Design Manual in one tool to make urban street design quick and efficient.

Visitors to the UPC stand will have access to interactive areas where they can find out the latest news on its framework plans, master plans, policies and initiatives. They can also try out the updated street design and Geoplanner tools that the UPC’s planners use in their day-to-day work. In addition, visitors will have access to screens that will guide them through the UPC’s suite of Complete Sustainable Communities manuals and policies that it uses to design attractive, high-quality urban environments.

Other offerings at the UPC stand will include an impressive scale model of the Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area that has proved a hit at past Cityscapes. Measuring 23 metres by 17 metres, the model shows the Abu Dhabi Metropolitan Area and includes new and existing projects, as well as famous landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Emirates Palace and Ferrari World on Yas Island.

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