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.

Top Oman Projects

Oman has a huge project pipeline estimated at  US$140.6bn. Following are some of the biggest projects currently planned and under execution in Oman:

++TOP PROJECTS IN OMAN:

USD9.1bn - BP - Khazzan & Makarem Fields

USD9.0bn - DRPIC - Duqm Petrochemical Complex

USD7.1bn - Duqm Development Company SAOG - Duqm New Town

USD3.0bn - BP - Khazzan & Makarem Fields: Early Development Phase

USD2.2bn - DRPIC - Duqm Refinery: Offsite & Utilities (EPC 2)

USD2.2bn - DRPIC - Duqm Refinery: Process Unit (EPC 1)

USD2.1bn - ORPC - Sohar Refinery Expansion Project

USD2.0bn - BP - Khazzan & Makarem Fields: GWES Facility

USD2.0bn - Supreme Council for Planning - South Al Batinah Logistics

USD1.8bn - MOTC - Muscat & Salalah International Airport Expansion

USD1.7bn - Oman National Railway: Segment 5 A: Sohar - Muscat

USD1.7bn - Oman National Railway: Segment 4 A: Haima- Amal

++PROJECTS BY SECTOR:

USD35.8bn - Transport

USD33.7bn- Construction

USD22.5bn – Gas

USD15.5bn - Chemical

USD14.7bn - Oil

USD7.0bn - Power

USD6.9bn - Water

USD4.1bn – Industrial

Gigantic 360 MALL Kuwait Commences Massive Expansion Project

>>Project includes the Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex to put Kuwait on world’s tennis map

>>Development of retail and entertainment space and multi-purpose indoor sports and entertainment facilities, as well as a 5-star hotel

The massive expansion of 360 MALL, Kuwait’s iconic shopping destination, has commenced through the development of the new state-of-the-art Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex, which will put Kuwait firmly on the world’s professional tennis map. The newly expanded mall with the tennis complex is expected to open doors by 2019.

The expansion will build on the huge success and identity of the existing 360 MALL with an added offering which includes sports, entertainment, a hotel, and additional shopping. The mall is owned by a subsidiary of Tamdeen Shopping Centers Company, one of the Tamdeen Holding Group of Companies.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at Tamdeen Group headquarters in Kuwait, addressed by Mohammed Jassim Al Marzouq, Chairman, Tamdeen Group; Sheikh Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah, President of Kuwait Tennis Federation, President of Arab Tennis Federation and Chairman of Asian Tennis Federation; and Anil Khanna, President, Asian Tennis Federation and Vice-President, International Tennis Federation.

Mohammad Al Marzouq said: “This will be the first time in the world that retail, sports and entertainment come together under one roof and on this scale. When the expansion work is complete, 360 MALL will be further enhanced and together with the tennis complex will become a landmark in Kuwait. We aim to promote the very best brands from around the world under one roof whilst simultaneously encouraging a healthier and more active lifestyle for Kuwait residents.”

Al Marzouq further added: “We believe that the synergy between the glorious game of tennis and 360 MALL, the premium lifestyle mall in Kuwait, creates an unparalleled experience. We are committed to Kuwait and to the development of tennis in Kuwait which we believe is a sport where the country excels. Through this project we will provide world class tennis facilities for the country.”

The expansion project will feature several new to the market retail brands, a signature five star hotel, in addition to outstanding restaurants, a ballroom, and a health club. The upgraded retail experience will leave shoppers with a multitude of new brands to choose from, while the hospitality and F&B facilities will create a new luxury paradigm.

The extension to the retail mall will increase the footfall by at least 30% to over 18 million discerning visitors. The tennis complex will have a combined stadium seating for over 7,600 people across two main arenas, each with the capacity to hold 4,000 and 1,600 people respectively, eight indoor courts with over 500 seats and eight outdoor courts with 1,500 seats.

Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Abdullah, said: “The Sheikh Jaber Al Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah International Tennis Complex will become one of the world’s best tennis facilities in line with ITF and ATP standards, thus putting Kuwait on the world’s tennis map. We are drawing the best of designs from similar tennis facilities globally and will provide Kuwaitis with playing conditions that will match the world’s best.”

In order to enhance the “event experience”, spectators will have direct access to the tennis arena from 360 MALL, the 2,000 car multi-storey parking, and from the 6th Ring Road. There will be a seamless relationship between the mall, the tennis facility and the hotel.

Al Marzouq added: “The main tennis arena when not being utilized for tournaments will serve as an entertainment anchor for 360 MALL and provide a venue for leisure and recreation with a year long calendar of events and activities.”

Sheikh Ahmad explained: “Kuwaitis have a long history of tennis and we produce some of the top players in the GCC. It is time we showcased to the world our sporting prowess and infrastructure. Few facilities in the world offer such indoor tennis facilities adjacent to a fine range of outdoor courts. This is unprecedented except for the Grand Slam grounds.”

Additionally, the facilities will provide a base for a tennis club which will cater to the young aspiring sportsmen in Kuwait and give them a venue like no other. For young people, the location will have greater attraction because of the retail, entertainment and leisure opportunities in the immediate 360 MALL vicinity.

Al Habtoor Group Will Showcase New Neighborhood at Cityscape Global

As Al Habtoor Group is about to open the St. Regis Dubai, the first of the three super luxury hotels at Al Habtoor City this October, the Group will unveil its ultra luxury residential project, The Residence Collection, Al Habtoor City at Cityscape Global this week.

Al Habtoor City, a vibrant new neighborhood in the heart of Dubai, will be on show at the region’s most influential real estate exhibition taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 8-10 September 2015.

Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, founder and Chairman of the Group, will personally welcome visitors to the Al Habtoor City stand (B10, Hall 5) from 10am on the first two days of the exhibition.

Al Habtoor said, “I am proud to state that The Residence Collection, Al Habtoor City is the epitome of luxury unmatched with any other project in the world. We are extremely delighted to present this unique, new luxury landmark in the heart of Dubai. Al Habtoor City will be an all-encompassing hospitality, residential and leisure destination in Dubai with unparalleled amenities.”

On display at Cityscape, visitors will be able to meet Chairman Al Habtoor and see details of the entire project, which covers a total built up area of 8.5 million square feet of hospitality, residential and retail space. It marks the Group’s first appearance at Cityscape Global as it establishes a strong position among the UAE’s leading developers.

The world-class development sits in an iconic location on Sheikh Zayed Road and the newly developed Dubai Water Canal. The City is integrated into the RTA network, which includes major roads, rail, as well as water taxis.

Al Habtoor said, “Al Habtoor City is situated in a prime location on Sheikh Zayed Road, within easy reach of the main landmarks in Dubai. It is close to Business Bay, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, Downtown, as well as the city’s major malls.”

The exclusive Al Habtoor City comprises three 5-star Starwood branded hotels (The St. Regis Dubai, W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, and Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City), three luxury residential towers, and permanent Las Vegas-style theatrical production by Dragone - the leading cultural creation company in the world. In addition, there is an array of retail and leisure facilities lining The Boulevard and the Marina Promenade, including boutiques, stylish cafés, signature restaurants, and a tennis academy with four courts, including an air-conditioned court for year-round play. The new community will also incorporate a supermarket chain, a clinic and pharmacy, and 5,000+ secure parking spaces.

Al Habtoor added, “The demand is rising for high-end mixed-use living. Today’s modern families are seeking integrated communities with everything under one roof. We have taken it one step further by incorporating three luxury residential towers with world-class hotels - each with a unique offering. Al Habtoor City is a one-stop destination. It is the first integrated residential, hospitality and entertainment complex built on Sheikh Zayed Road and the Dubai Water Canal.”

Residents will have access to Al Habtoor City’s world-class amenities, which include the largest swimming pool podium in the UAE, a state-of-the-art gym and access to the unparalleled amenities within the hotel complex.

++About Al Habtoor Group

The Al Habtoor Group is a UAE-based conglomerate. While best known for construction, it is globally recognized through its involvement in the hotel, automotive, real estate, education and publishing sectors.

Al Reem Island Continues To Grow

The approval of an overarching concept master plan, which brings together the individual existing approved master plans and sets out the developments and community facilities for Al Reem Island over the coming years was announced by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC).

The UPC announced its approval of the Integrated Concept Master Plan (ICMP) for Al Reem Island at a special briefing attended by representatives of all major developers on the Island.

Among the major facilities detailed in the ICMP are plans for 11 new private schools accommodating a minimum of approximately 22,000 students, six dedicated nursery/kindergarten centers, one university (Paris Sorbonne), three new private hospitals and a number of clinics, nine mosques, Civil Defense and Police facilities, a major transit hub, and 500,000 sqm of parks and open space, including pedestrian promenades for much of the Island’s coastline.

The ICMP will enable the Island’s developers to complete their own master plans, which will help the UPC and other agencies better manage existing development on Al Reem Island and ensure that future development is of the highest quality and meets current regulations and standards.

The ICMP is in line with Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision, providing for managed growth of market housing, commercial offices and retail space in close proximity to the existing central business district on Al Maryah Island.

It was submitted by Bunya LLC in December 2014, after working closely with the UPC and Al Reem Island’s key developers over the past seven years to create a plan that incorporates the objectives of the developers with the requirements of the UPC.

Bunya LLC, responsible for planning, executing and managing infrastructure and operations on Al Reem Island, was incorporated by the Island’s three key master developers – Tamouh, Aldar Properties and Reem Developers – to ensure delivery is well-phased and comprehensively delivered. Tamouh’s developments account for approximately 57% of the Al Reem Island area, Aldar Properties 20%, and Reem Developers 20%.

Al Reem Island will eventually be home to some 210,000 residents, up from the almost 20,000 that reside there now.

The ICMP covers the total land area of Al Reem Island of 8.869 million sqm, with a total gross floor area (GFA) of almost 20 million sqm.  Of that, 1.442 million sqm GFA will be office space, 873,576 sqm will be allocated to retail (which includes the upcoming Reem Mall), and up to 10,000 hotel and serviced apartment rooms will be available, along with schools, hospitals and other community facilities.

The benefits to Abu Dhabi are numerous.  In addition to providing for the managed and orderly growth of such a large area, the ICMP provides for the protection and enhancement of the North Bay mangroves and it facilitates a number of new transport links connecting Abu Dhabi island to other areas via Al Reem Island.

H.E. Falah Al Ahbabi, the UPC’s Director General, said: “The integrated master plan for Al Reem Island forms an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s path toward sustainable urban growth in line with Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and is a core component of Plan Capital 2030. The approval of the Integrated Concept Master Plan for Al Reem Island is a tremendous achievement and a major milestone for Abu Dhabi City.”

Mohamed Al Khadar, Executive Director, Urban Development & Estidama Sector, UPC, said: “We worked very closely with Bunya to get this over the line, and we’re very excited about what this means for the future of Abu Dhabi.

“Not only will the growth of Al Reem Island, one of the key areas of expansion for Abu Dhabi, be carefully managed, we are also ensuring that all future developments meet our Complete Sustainable Communities directives, to support the creation of more comfortable, liveable and sustainable communities on the Island; this is central to our mandate.”

Mall Of Qatar

Dubai based McARTHUR + COMPANY, an international shopping center development and leasing firm, is proud to announce that its latest project Mall of Qatar is setting new customer service standards for Qatar’s malls as the nation’s first super regional shopping center.

The mall, which is owned and developed by Mall of Qatar W.L.L in collaboration with turnkey contractors UrbaCon Trading & Contracting (UCC), is estimating, based on research conducted by T&L Associates, to attract in excess of 20 million visitors in 2016 with a steady 5% annual increase, and a 10% increase in 2022 with FIFA being hosted in Qatar.

Residents of Qatar will be the front-runners of this new age of mega-mall shopping with the highly anticipated opening of Mall of Qatar. Scheduled for the Q1 2016, providing 5-star service in the management mandate, Phil McArthur, Managing Director and Founder of McARTHUR + COMPANY said “There’s a significant demand for quality integrated shopping, dining and entertainment facilities in the retail sector in Qatar. Spend and dwell time increases dramatically in malls that provide excellent guest services including spotless public restrooms, convenience, entertainment and a wide array of dining options, all of which is among Mall of Qatar’s many advantages.”

With the increasing attraction of ecommerce, developers around the world are forced to reevaluate and revisit their strategy for malls. McArthur says, “It’s no longer simply about shopping; it’s about what a mall can offer aside from shopping. People like to see people, and you can only get that desired social experience at the mall, not online. This being said, a mall needs to be conducive for shoppers to return.”

Mall of Qatar is steering this trend of mall development by listening to their customers’ demands. The mall has been carefully designed to cater to a wide demographic and all age groups. Not only will Mall of Qatar possess one of the best live and dedicated entertainment venues in the world with different performances each evening, but will also boast an unrivaled and endless food offering. It is a truly wonderful evolution that is representative of market aspirations.

On top of this, the mall will house some of the most sought-after international brands that have not yet been glimpsed in the city before. Mall of Qatar’s bravado and aspiration to create the finest customer experience in the country has not gone amiss. The mall has already signed commitments for over 75 percent of its retail space and has a large number of eager retailers on a waiting list.

Having worked with some of the leading developers worldwide, McArthur comments “Mall of Qatar is by far the most passionate; they are true believers in excellence, quality and setting new standards. The customer comes first and this is reflected in their pace of construction, the entire flow and layout of the mall which is both functional yet beautiful, and ultimately the caliber of architects and consultants Mall of Qatar works alongside. It is a truly wonderful evolution that is representative of market aspirations.”

The rigorous team at Mall of Qatar endlessly strives to be the best in every category. Their meticulous attention to detail is unique not just in the GCC region, but also in international markets. Mall of Qatar boasts one of the world’s best infrastructures and road networks. The mall will provide the most user-friendly access and the best parking experience in Qatar, as well as being directly linked to the Doha Metro and adjacent to Al Rayyan international station.

The mall will be an entertainment district that compliments the national greater vision to attract entertainment and cultural initiatives, as well as health efforts. This is not just a mall for 2016; this is the centerpiece of a master planned community that will soon welcome neighboring residential developments, schools and the FIFA World Cup Stadium. Mall of Qatar will be humming with excitement and success.

Qatar presently may have one of the lowest penetrations of mall space per capita in the GCC at .30 meters per capita, however the nation’s major initiatives including the development of shopping malls such as the prestigious Mall of Qatar, Doha Metro, the new Hamad International Airport as well as numerous international sporting events such as FIFA, will herald in a new era for the country.

MEED Names GCC’s Projects Of The Year

Ten of the GCC’s flagship projects have been named the region’s projects of the year by the Middle East's leading supplier of business intelligence services, MEED.

Qatar Foundation’s Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies Building Project (entered by ASTAD Project Management) has been named as the region’s project of the year at the MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2015, in association with Mashreq. The project was also named the GCC’s UCC UrbaCon Trading & Contracting Social Infrastructure Project of the Year.

Qatar’s other regional winner was The New Doha International Airport Passenger Terminal Complex - CP 18 Project by the New Doha International Airport Steering Committee (entered by Sky Oryx Joint Venture: Taisei – TAV JV) which won the GCC’s Transport Project of the Year, sponsored by Hyder, an Arcadis Company.

John Iossifidis, Executive Vice President, Group Head – Corporate & Investment Banking, Mashreq Bank, psc., headline sponsor of the awards, praised the winners for their unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality. “Adherence to quality standards ensures optimum delivery of a project’s intended benefits, and for this we congratulate the winners for their resolute commitment to project excellence that continues to set the benchmark not just for the region, but also for the rest of the world.”

Saudi Arabia-based projects scooped a trio of awards: the Siemens Energy Hub Project by Siemens Energy (nominated by Hyder, an Arcadis Company) was named the GCC’s Daman Industrial Project of the Year; the Jabal Omar Project Phase 1 by Jabal Omar Development Company (nominated by Schneider Electric) was named the GCC’s Building Project of the Year; and the Qurayyah Independent Power Plant Project by Hajr Electricity Production Co. was named the GCC’s Power & Water Project of the Year.

Bahrain scooped two regional awards – the GCC Oil & Gas Project of the Year for the Awali Oil Field - Tatweer Petroleum Project (nominated by New Water Corporation); and the GCC’s Ramboll Sustainable Project of the Year for the Ministry of Works’ Muharraq STP and Sewer Conveyance Project (nominated by Muharraq STP Company).

The UAE’s Emirates AquaTechnologies Caviar Factory LLC Project by Bin Salem Holding (nominated by Emirates Aqua Tech) was named winner of the GCC CH2M Award for Innovation; while Oman’s Alila Jabal Akhdar Resort Project by the Oman Tourism Development Co (OMRAN) - which was covered in my previous post - won the GCC’s Drake & Scull Leisure & Tourism Project of the Year award.

Kuwait’s Structural Renovation of the Grand Mosque Project by the Ministry of Awqaf & Islamic Affairs (nominated by PACE) was named the GCC’s Small Project of the Year.

Two special awards were also handed out during the ceremony – The MEED Editor’s Award for Leadership, given to His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); and The MEED Editor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Project Delivery, which was presented to the Al Maryah Island Project Team, Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure.

The MEED Quality Awards for Projects 2015, in association with Mashreq, is now in its 5th year and this year was the biggest year to date. “We received a record number of entries, marking yet another successful year for the awards,’’ said Richard Thompson, Editorial Director, MEED. “The growing number of entrants is a reflection of the continuing strength of the projects sector in the region, with more projects being completed year-on-year. At the same time, the interest in the awards continues to reinforce their position as the benchmark for project excellence in this part of the world.’’

ALILA Continues Oman Expansion

Alila Hotels and Resorts announced its plans to open its second luxury resort development in Oman in Mirbat east of Salalah, a coastal town in the Dhofar governate, in southwestern Oman. The development is owned by Alil Salalah, a subsidiary of the Oman Investment Fund.

“After the successful launch of Alila Jabal Akhdar, our first luxury development outside Asia located in Oman’s Al Hajjar mountain range, we are honored to expand our collection of luxury resorts in the Middle East, particularly in the Sultanate,” comments Mark Edleson, President, Alila Hotels  & Resorts. “Salalah is another unique micro-environment in Oman with its tropical monsoons, special culture and the beautiful beaches of Mirbat. We can now offer our guests the Hajjar Mountains and Mirbat beaches in one Oman holiday. Furthermore, we look forward to deepening our relationship with the Oman Investment Fund.”

Slated to launch in the second half of 2017, Alila Salalah is envisioned as a unique ecologically sensitive luxury destination resort, comprising 100 suites, 25 villas, fine dining restaurants and a Spa Alila wellness center. The resort will distinguish itself by its contemporary Dhofari architecture. The signature Alila hospitality services, are highly personalized and tailored to its clientele’s lifestyle choices and rhythm, offering unique ways to discover the destination and engage in the local culture and traditions of the Dhofar region.

Interior design work will be overseen by internationally acclaimed BLINK Design Group to bring forth the Dhofari influence preserving the extraordinary natural beauty of the region.

Frederic Simon, Alila’s Chief Executive Officer said: “The development will be one of a kind in the region and fits perfectly with our operating ethos in the integration of commerce, conservation and culture. The destination will bring forth a community of discerning travelers that will appreciate the green environment and the exclusivity of a luxury retreat to compliment the destination. Huge emphasis will be placed on creating an ecologically friendly development to compliment and enhance the surrounding landscape and environment.”

Salalah, the second largest city in Oman, continues to develop in stature as one of the Middle East’s major destinations for international and local tourists. The increased investment and development of infrastructure that includes the new international airport and the expansion of the Port of Salalah. The project will significantly enhance the product offering and attractiveness of Dhofar and Salalah as a major tourism destination, providing additional growth opportunities to the domestic market while drawing new visitors to the Dhofar governate.