Sharjah Investment Centre

I am very bullish about the future of the Middle East becoming the number one financial power of the world. No other area on earth is expanding with the same force as the UAE/Gulf region. Therefore, investing in what will be the future financial centers of the Gulf makes a great deal of sense to me. This includes: Business Bay Dubai, King Abdullah Economic City, Addax Port Office Tower, RAK Financial City and Bahrain Financial Harbor. We can add to this proud list the spectacular Sharjah Investment Centre (SIC).

SIC is a 32 million sq ft (8 block) mixed use residential-commercial-industrial Mega Project being developed by SNASCO, a leading Saudi developer. SIC will be the new business center of Sharjah and will provide more than 250,000 jobs. According to the Chairman of SNASCO, Mr. Saleh N. Al Sorayai:

"SNASCO always seeks to develop leading and world class realty projects that help in the progress and advancement of nations. The Sharjah Investment Centre meets these expectations and will provide work opportunities for thousands of people. These individuals can gain great experience from their cooperation in the successful implementation of this great development. Successful projects are not only elegantly planned and professionally implemented, but they should also meet the ambitious aims of achieving the economic benefits we are all looking for. These benefits include the promotion of the local economy, attracting investments and providing work opportunities for those people who are suitably skilled."

SIC offers the following:

- Fantastic business location: 15 minutes to Sharjah International Airport & Sharjah Airport Free Zone; 20 minutes to Dubai International Airport; 15 minutes to Hamriyah Free Zone; 6 minutes to Ajman Port; 18 minutes to Port Khalid; 30 minutes to Port Rashid; 45 minutes to Jebel Ali Port; 60 minutes to Port Khor Fakkan,

- Business/Office Park. This is the center of SIC, and will become the financial center for all of Sharjah. This area will offer numerous office choices as well as business hotels and serviced apartments, conference/expo centers, meeting halls, international banking, etc.,

- Industrial Park. This park will be the focal point for light and medium industries. According to the developer: ' A unique, all encompassing environment, the industrial park will form functional, efficient and profitable industrial areas as an integral part of primary land use of the entire development. A variety of industrial uses are proposed for the site, with areas that can be branded independently or dedicated to a series of sectors.'

- Logistic Park. This will be the storage and warehousing center of SIC. This park is perfectly located near air, sea, and land transport,

- Labor and Staff Housing. These will be high quality facilities for housing workers and will include convenient access to recreation, shops and mosques.

- Residential/Commercial Area. This part of SIC will feature a variety of upscale residences for those who choose to make their home here. There will be numerous retail shops, restaurants, educational centers, leisure offerings, gardens, parks, sporting facilities, a community center, etc.

Sharjah Investment Centre represents the Gulf's continuous and well planned push to become a leading world financial mecca. As I have already said, I believe that one day the UAE/Gulf will become the number one business and financial power of the entire world. This Mega Project will play an integral role!

Here is the link to the SIC website:

http://www.sic.ae/English/index.asp

This link takes you to the SNASCO website:

http://www.snasco.com/English/index.asp

Najmat Abu Dhabi, Reem Island

This is my fourth post about the gigantic Reem Island Mega Project...so you know I must like it a lot. I do. In fact, I think Reem Island represents one of the best investments in all of the Gulf. Reem Island, once complete, will be the centerpiece and Icon of Abu Dhabi and perhaps all of the UAE. Billions and billions of dollars are being invested in Reem Island, more than any other Abu Dhabi Mega Project. This is the place to be.

Today I will cover Najmat Abu Dhabi, a Mega Project being developed on Reem Island by developer Reem Investments. Najmat is an $8Billion master-planned 16 million square foot community that will occupy 20% of Reem Island and house 80,000 residents. Najmat should be complete by 2012.

According to the developer:

'Najmat Abu Dhabi is a world class project that not only meets the demands of successful real estate development but creates an urban framework for a community in which people live, work, shop, learn and relax in an inspiring, safe and unique environment. Najmat Abu Dhabi is a multi and mixed use development.'

The architecture of Najmat Abu Dhabi will blend traditional Arabian and contemporary, and Najmat will include: a commercial, business and retail zone (which is already 100% sold out), schools, health centers, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, parks, a marina and of course many, many residential choices.

The business district of Najmat Abu Dhabi is the highest density area of the entire project. Here, a group of 40 to 50 storey towers will wrap around one central location containing the retail and entertainment district, with two huge 80 storey towers in the center. This, in fact, is the center of the entire project, and as noted earlier has already completely sold out.

The major residential community of Najmat Abu Dhabi is Maysan. Located next to the business district, Maysan will offer luxury waterfront living including waterside promenades, fountains, waterfalls, gardens and parks....all located conveniently near shopping, entertainment, leisure and business facilities.

Abdulhamid Saeed, Chairman of Reem Investments had this to say about the entire project:

"Najmat Abu Dhabi signifies tomorrow's lifestyle today as it sets new world standards of community development within a natural, waterside setting; the blueprint for progressive urban island living. This development has been guided by a masterplan, conceptualized by best of breed world-class talent, and underpinned by an overriding commitment to deliver quality."

Najmat Abu Dhabi is truly a world class development: it, along with the two other Mega Developments of Reem Island - Addax Port and Shams Abu Dhabi - make Reem Island one of the most desirable and best investments in all of the UAE/Gulf region, in my opinion.

Here is the link to the Najmat Abu Dhabi website:

http://www.najmatabudhabi.com/

The Mega Developers: Nakheel

Nakheel, located in Dubai, is not only one of the largest real estate developers in the world, they are also the creators of some of the most astounding projects in world history! Nakheel is best known for the Palm Jumeirah-- the palm shaped man made Dubai island that has become an Icon for Dubai and all of the UAE. The Palm Jumeirah, however, is only one of many incredible Nakheel Mega Projects.

What follows is the complete list of Nakheel Mega Projects being developed:

- Discovery Gardens
- Dragon Mart
- Dubai Design Center
- International City
- Al Burj
- Jumeirah Group Golf Estates
- Jumeirah Group Islands
- Jumeirah Group Village
- Jumeirah Horizons
- Palm Jumeirah
- Palm Deira
- Palm Jebel Ali
- The World Islands
- The Lost City
- The Palm Gateway Towers
- Palm Trump International Hotel & Tower
- Trump Marina Residences
- Trump Plaza
- Dubai Waterfront
- Madinat Al Arab
- Al Warsan Lake
- Anchor Marina
- Al Furjan
- Arabian Canal
- Djibouti Palace Kempinski, Phase 1
- Dubai Promenade
- The Palm Golden Mile
- Sugar Land City
- Shoreline Apartments Clubhouse
- Marina Residences
- Jumeirah Heights
- Jumeirah Group Park
- Jumeirah Group Lakes Towers
- Jebel Ali Village
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- The Universe

...WOW! And Nakheel has said they would announce a new Mega Project each month in 2008! Most large scale developers could not even handle one of the Massive projects listed above, but not only is Nakheel developing all of them-- they continue to announce the development of even more Mega Projects for their incredible portfolio!

Nakheel is run by Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman and Chris O'Donnell, CEO. These men truly have vision and the "limitless" attitude that is making Dubai and all of the UAE a world phenomenon!

Nakheel subsidiaries and associates include:

- Palm Monorail Company
- Nakheel International Realty
- Dubai Waterfront Company
- Nakheel Saudi Arabia
- Spice Jet
- Community Corp.
- Nakheel Hotels and Resorts
- The Gardens
- Simsari
- Property Corp.

I continue to be amazed by what Nakheel is doing. Through their landmark Mega Projects, Nakheel has become one of the greatest real estate developers in the world and has earned a place in history as one of the greatest builders of all time.

Contact:

Nakheel Properties,
Nakheel Center
Al Sufouh Road
P.O. Box 17777
Dubai, UAE
tel: +971 4-390-3333
fax: +971 4-390-3314
email: info@nakheel.com
website: http://www.nakheel.com/

Wild Wadi, Dubai: Let's Have Some Fun!!

If you're looking to go out and have a good time and a lot of fun...look no further-- Wild Wadi is here! Part of the magnificent Jumeirah Beach Hotel complex in Dubai, Wild Wadi is a huge water theme park designed like an Arabian Oasis(wadi) and spread over 12 acres. Wild Wadi features 30 action packed rides and attractions, most linked to one another, allowing riders to move from one to the other without ever leaving the water. Water parks are becoming very popular in the Gulf, with one being built in Ras Al Khaimah and another in Bahrain.

Here are some of the rides you will find at Wild Wadi:

- Master Blaster. An "uphill" water roller coaster where you sit on an inflatable ring and get "blasted" uphill by high powered water jets,

- Flowriders. Wave generating machines that allow you to surf and bodyboard as if you were at a real beach. This same kind of attraction has become very popular at Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas,

- Breakers Bay. This is a gigantic pool that produces waves in 5 different configurations. The waves are not as intense as those produced in Flowriders. Breakers Bay is for swimming, not surfing or bodyboarding,

- Flood River. Another ring ride where you are on an inflatable ring being propelled through a man made river by unannounced surges of water,

- Juha's Dhow. An interactive play structure featuring over 100 water games: racing slides, water guns, 5 downhill slides, a massive dumping bucket that pours water all over you, and lots more. Juha's Dhow was added to Wild Wadi in 2005 for one reason-- to make the park even more fun!

There are many, many other rides as well. Rides are not the only thing offered at Wild Wadi. The theme park contains a shopping area called Souq Al Wadi that offers all kinds of Arabian themed gifts. There are two fast food restaurants at Wild Wadi, Sinbad's Galley and Julshan's Kitchen. Both are quite popular.

Wild Wadi is a Mega Entertainment Project built for one reason-- to allow visitors to have FUN....and Wild Wadi has succeeded in doing this!

Here are two YouTube Wild Wadi videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeuDBfTwi8A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqB7v4Nv_6U&feature=related

This link takes you to the Wild Wadi website:

http://www.wildwadi.com/

...and this link takes you to Jumeirah Beach Hotel:

http://www.jumeirahbeachhotel.com/

White Bay, Umm Al Quwain

Umm Al Quwain is following in the footsteps of the other more developed Emirates with its own group of Mega Projects. White Bay is a resort style masterplanned community located on the shores of Umm Al Quwain, and being developed by Emirates Sunland Group at a cost of $2.2Billion.

Mr. Raza Jafar, of Emirates Sunland Group, had this to say about White Bay:

"White Bay will be a destination for those who would like to experience the facilities and services of a world-class resort, all in the beautiful natural environment of Umm Al Quwain. All buildings will be built at a human scale with no building exceeding 15 storeys and all will have full access to the water and green-belts areas."

White Bay will feature:

- 8000 luxury residences including upscale terraced condominiums, waterfront villas with direct beach access, garden view villas overlooking public gardens and parks, and a wide variety of town homes,

- A central marina with 190 berths, and easy access to beaches and a waterfront promenade,

- Town Center and Harbor. Here you will find an artist colony, hotels, a boutique shopping strip, restaurants, cafes, water activities and entertainment, day spa and health center,

- Landscaped parks, a boardwalk, public gardens and walkways,

- Beautiful beaches on the Arabian Gulf.

From the Managing Director of Emirates Sunland Group, Mr. Soheil Abedian:

"Most importantly, White Bay will provide a rare coastal destination for weekend retreats that is only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the city of Dubai. Imagine waking everyday in a resort precinct, with either a short drive to your place of work, or to enjoy the water activities and the marina precinct complete with the boardwalk and beach."

White Bay will be a great place to live in the UAE! Some may use it as a full time residence, while others may use it as a second home, visiting on the weekends to get away from their fast paced busy lives. Either way White Bay is a winner!

Here is the link to the White Bay website:

http://www.white-bay.com/home.htm

This link takes you to Emirates Sunland Group, developers of the project:

http://www.emiratessunland.com/

The Burj Dubai: Tall. Taller! Tallest!!

Dubai, the UAE, and the entire world will soon have a new Icon--- The Burj Dubai! This Emaar Mega Project, when complete, will be the tallest building in the world. The exact height is still a secret and ever changing. The reason for this is that Dubai does not want other developers to build a taller skyscraper. As usual, Dubai wants another world's greatest with The Burj, and according to Emaar: "The goal of Burj Dubai is not simply to be the world's highest building. It's to embody the world's highest aspirations." Bravo, I say!

The Burj features the world's first Armani Hotel - a joint venture between Emaar and Giorgio Armani - located at the base of the tower, and a group of 144 ultra luxury condos also designed by Armani. The Burj will offer a wide selection of of offices and other residential options -- called Sky Living -- including one, two, three and four bedroom apartments. The Burj is part of an entire complex that features: Dubai Mall, which will be the largest mall in the world with the finest worldwide brands; fine restaurants; a wide variety of entertainment and leisure offerings; fitness center; an observation deck; gardens, artificial lakes and waterways. In fact, The Burj will be the centerpiece and focal point of the Emaar Mega Development, Old Town-- an entire Arabian themed community!

"Burj Dubai goes beyond its imposing physical specifications. It is a source of inspiration for everyone of us at Emaar. In Burj Dubai we see the triumph of Dubai's vision- of attaining the seemingly impossible and setting new benchmarks. The project is a declaration of the Emirate's capabilities and of the resolve of its leaders and people to work hand in hand on truly awe-inspiring projects," according to Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar.

This all sounds great to me! But....in the true "limitless" spirit of Dubai and all the UAE....Nakheel, another great Mega Project developer....has begun work on the Al Burj, yet another Dubai Mega Skyscraper....that promises to be EVEN TALLER than The Burj! Stay tuned!!

Here are two YouTube videos of The Burj Dubai, more are located in the sidebar of this site:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITxn_mrPLdQ&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITxn_mrPLdQ&feature=related

This link takes you to The Burj Dubai website:

http://www.burjdubai.com/

Emirates City, Ajman

Ajman is coming on STRONG! This Emirate is undergoing a huge real estate boom and investors from all parts of the world are taking notice! One of the Icon Ajman Mega Projects is Emirates City. This $4.1Billion project, being developed by R Holding, is perfectly located on Emirates Road, which is strategically linked to the other Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. In addition, Emirates City is only a short 20 minute drive from Dubai International Airport.

Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department had this to say:

"Emirates City is one of several significant developments that are part of the ongoing maturity of the property sector in the UAE, which is enabling for us to provide a world class standard of living that is unbeatable anywhere. We envisage that this development like all the major projects currently under development across the entire UAE, will continue to draw a large amount of international investors from across the world to this country and Ajman in particular."

Emirates City will offer:

- At least 92 commercial and residential towers, being built in multiple phases,

- A variety of 5-Star Hotels,

- Numerous shopping malls with all major worldwide brands being represented,

- Medical, educational, sports and fitness facilities,

- Beautiful landscapes with parks, gardens and walkways to make life more enjoyable for residents and visitors.

Emirates City will create vast social and economic benefit not only to Ajman, but to all the Emirates. This Mega Project is literally a city unto itself that all people from a variety of classes and walks of life will benefit from. At Emirates City they will be able to take advantage of a standard of living in a residential environment, which provides a first class lifestyle that will include business, leisure, medical and educational opportunities all of the highest caliber!

"Here, people will be able to live in a place that provides good security and welfare, which comes at an affordable price with no compromise in quality. For this project we have worked with the biggest and the best developers. People are looking for affordable prices away from the traffic and the noise, while having easy access to their work; all those elements and more will be available in the Emirates City," according to Dr. Ahmed Al Samerai, board member of R Holding.

Some of the Magnificent Towers being developed at Emirates City include:

- Goldcrest Dreams

- Goldcrest Dreams II

- Goldcrest Dreams III

- Orbit Tower

- Lilies Tower

- Lavender Tower

- Golf Tower

- Lake Tower

- Rainbow Tower

- Venice Tower

- Shami Twin Towers

Emirates City is a premier UAE Mega Project and a great way to capitalize on the booming Gulf real estate market!

Here are two YouTube videos featuring the spectacular Goldcrest Dreams developments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUWBe2uJgzY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGlW4oA1zkg&feature=related

This link takes you to the Emirates City section of the R Holding website:

http://www.rholding.com/holding/property/emiratescity/

Business Bay Dubai: The Future Of Global Business

Look out Manhattan! Look out Ginza! Business Bay is here! The great planners of Dubai decided to create what will be the financial center of the Middle East-- and perhaps one day the world, and this is what we today call Business Bay. This enormous Mega Project is a free-zone business, commercial and residential district that encompasses an area of 64 million square feet. It is conveniently located next to Downtown Dubai and is expected to be fully completed sometime between 2010 and 2012.

Business Bay, which has been developed by Dubai Properties, will make Dubai the focal point for global business and finance. Multi-national corporations and regional companies can establish their headquarters on a freehold basis in this huge business district. Business Bay, when complete, will feature facilities including at least 230 towers for offices and accommodation, a wide variety of hotels, and a network of roads to meet the busiest commuter needs. It will also feature beautiful canals, parks and gardens to add to the magnificence of the project.

According to Shaikh Mohammed:

"We wanted to build a project that will be the cornerstone of a new economic push and to extend the international role of the UAE. Extensive studies that were done by some of the top international consultancies stated that 'Business Bay' is a project that will surely make the desired change."

...and according to Dubai Holding CEO, Mohammed Al Gergawi:

"Business Bay reflects the ambitious vision of Dubai and the role that the UAE is looking forward to playing as a leading international commercial and business center. We look forward to the role the Business Bay will play in making this country one of the best business centers in the world. His Highness' vision is to build a magnificent business and commercial capital in the region to be the headquarters for leading regional and international firms."

Here is a partial list of what is now being developed at Business Bay:

- Burj Al Alam (which I have covered in a previous post)
- The Citadel
- Westbay Tower
- Iris Bay
- Vision Tower
- Al Argan Tower
- Silver Towers
- Hydra Towers
- The Binary
- Dancing Towers
- Ubora Towers
- West Wharf
- Fortune Bay
- Singapore Tower
- Empire Heights
- The Sanctuary
- Sobha Ivory Tower
- The Oval Tower
- Al Manara
- Nadra Tower
- Sami Business Tower
- Haz Tower
- The Sky Villa
- Stratos Plaza
- Hamilton Residency
- The Metropolis
- The Bay Residences

...and many, many more! What a phenomenal Mega Project this is! I think the Middle East will one day be the business and financial capital of the entire world. Business Bay will no doubt play a central role!

Here are two excellent YouTube Business Bay Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGj8ykIhDnA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocIdZiBEHAk

Here is the link to the Business Bay website:

http://www.businessbay.ae/