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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Indigo Properties 10 Tips For Buying A Villa In Dubai

Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, offering a comfortable living experience of a high quality. Constantly soaring to new heights and offering a plethora of options in all aspects from housing and education, to recreation and dining, Dubai is undoubtedly the finest place to make home. There is plenty of choice of accommodation in Dubai but villa community living is definitely a preference, offering space, privacy and comfort. Although, once you make up your mind to buy a villa, it is easy to get lost in the multitude of factors that must be considered. One of UAE’s premier property developers, Indigo Properties, helps make this process much easier by outlining 10 important features to consider when buying a villa in Dubai.

1. Location and Neighborhood

Location is key, as it will remain constant until the end of time. Consider the proximity of public transportation such as the Dubai Metro. Perhaps a Tram station is in walking distance? If you have children, research the closest nursery’s and schools. If you’re a newly married couple do the same, as a home is permanent and long-term factors should be taken into consideration. Locate the closest supermarket, pharmacy, clinic, shopping center, petrol station and all other amenities that you will require. Ideally a villa community should have its own retail center having a large spectrum of outlets. Self-contained living communities make for an ideal home. Study the neighborhood: income levels and age distribution. If it’s an off-plan development, the reputation of the developer, property prices and the quality of construction should give you a considerable idea.

2. Credentials of Developer

What is the quality of the developers’ previous projects? Do they deliver excellence? Do they meet or surpass what they have promised? Based on personal or friends’ past experiences, are they trustworthy? What is their track record for after-sale care and maintenance? A genuine property developer won’t just sell you a property and end the relationship there; they’ll cater to your needs and ensure that your decision is best for you. Do some first-hand research; attain referrals for passionate, sincere developers with quality projects.

3. Quality of Property/Construction

What sets apart a genuine property developer from others is the quality of the property offered. While some properties come as shell and core units, others, for the same price per square foot, offer wall fittings, marble flooring, state-of-the-art kitchen appliances, smart home systems and more, with the developers absorbing extra costs for your benefit. These developers work with the very best partners at every stage, from engineers to architects, from master developers to contractors, ensuring the best quality of design and construction, and develop to deliver outstanding properties, reducing any potential problems that may exist such as structural issues and damage. A high quality, well-structured property will surely prevent you from facing major expenses.

4. Size

Most people when looking for a house do not factor in the long term and how demands might change. You might be a young couple and hence you need little space, however, in a few years you might have a couple of little ones to take care of, relatives visiting often or parents living with you. Factor these possibilities in and look for a place with a minimum of three or four bedrooms. Always look for a property with all ensuite bedrooms. Large, spacious townhouses or villas contribute to a more comfortable living. Enormous windows allowing bright sunlight to flood in would accentuate the spaciousness of the rooms.

5. View

It would be hard to enjoy your morning coffee on a weekend, gazing through the window at power lines or at the fish market. Imagine instead looking out at a fresh stream of flowing water while listening to birds chirping perched on nearby trees. Imagine gazing out your window at the twinkling lights and magnificent skyline of this remarkably beautiful city as you savor your candlelit dinner. Although the view may not seem as most important, a view of water and greenery adds some sparks and wonder to one’s daily routine and melts the stress away.

6. Service Charges

Recurring monthly or yearly costs must be taken into consideration, including electricity and service charges. Keep in mind that certain reoccurring expenses will take place post-purchase for maintaining the community. Set some cash aside for these minor expenses. Contrary to popular belief, villas’ service charges are usually much lower on a per square foot basis than apartments.

7. Maintenance Standards

When contemplating buying the right house, ensure that the villa complex uses a reputable maintenance agency. Imagine how tedious it would be trying to find a suitable maintenance person to come fix a faucet that decided to burst at 5am. Find out about their availability and clean services provided; how often and well are community areas cleaned? More importantly, ensure that your safety is a priority – find out if smart home technology is offered in villas and townhouses, and what security systems are in place in apartment buildings. How much is being done to keep your community living safe and clean?

8. Amenities Available

Is the community self-contained? Does the building offer basic amenities? Having to drive 20 minutes to go to the gym each day would be quite a demotivating factor. How much easier would it be if all gym facilities, perhaps even group classes and personal trainers, were available just a street away? Get a thorough understanding of all amenities available. Is it a safely guarded gated community for children to play in? Are children’s playgrounds available? Is there a shared gym and swimming pool? These are just some amenities to consider, your list of desired amenities depends on what factors are important to you.

9. Garden Space

If you have young kids, you do not want them cooped up in a room. Lush landscaping or garden spaces allow children to run about in the fresh air and be close to nature. As for you, what is a better way to spend a weekend than to be lazing in the tranquility of your garden, reading a good book?

10. Re-sale Value

While buying a new home is a lifestyle change and usually more permanent, you may make different decisions in the future such as taking on a new job in another country or shifting elsewhere – a home with more bedrooms, a newer location. You may not wish to keep your property due to requiring finances to make the change, so upon purchase of a property it is helpful to consider what the re-sale value would be after a specific time period.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Khayyat Contracting And Trading Sees Qatar Infrastructure Spending Reaching $200 Billion Over Next Decade

A leading contractor based in Doha sees total infrastructure investments in Qatar breaching the $200bn mark in the next 10 years.

Mohamad Moataz Al Khayyat, CEO, Al Khayyat Contracting and Trading, a leading international design and build company with its main headquarters in Doha, says state spending alone has been estimated to reach $160bn. He believes, however, that additional investments will pour in from the private sector to complement what the government is doing to boost infrastructure development in the country.

"Preparations for the World Cup, though a government driven activity, will also see external investments being made outside state funding to cash in on the windfall expected from staging the world's biggest sporting event. The retail industry will open up, as will the F&B sector. Tourism and hospitality will see further activity, beyond what the government is planning," said Al Khayyat.

The infrastructure spending is expected to boost Qatar’s non-oil economy, which EFG-Hermes predicts will expand by as much as 16 percent a year from next year until 2018.

The latest Arcadis Global Infrastructure Investment Spending Index already ranks Qatar as the second most attractive infrastructure investment destination in the world, behind only Singapore. "In the Gulf region, it leads all other nations and has maintained this ranking for the past two years - an affirmation of investor confidence in the country's potential to attract investments over and above what the state will spend," added Al Khayyat.

While the future prospects for Qatar's infrastructure projects market look promising, supply and construction costs issues will eventually surface and have to be addressed. Al Khayyat is currently developing many projects, and is feeling the burden of rising construction costs. By Al Khayyat’s estimates, prices of construction materials have increased by as much as 5-10% in the last twelve months.

Qatar has set its sights beyond the staging of the World Cup, ensuring the assets it has built over the next decade will have productive use beyond the event. "The infrastructure that will be put in place over the next few years, will accommodate the expected influx of tourists and new expatriate workers as Qatar’s economy continues to grow. The stadiums are already being earmarked for use by local clubs and tournaments as well as regional sporting events,” explained Al Khayyat.

Doha certainly has the liquidity and financial might to make its ambitions happen. And the private sector will also have a role to play in contributing to the future growth of Qatar.

++ About Khayyat Contracting and Trading (KCT) - KCT is a general construction company which has prominently emerged as a key construction contractor in Qatar with visionary leadership and highly experienced management. Its primary mission is to translate its vast professional expertise into construction landmarks within the potential of Qatari emerging markets by providing the highest level of integrity, innovative solutions, and continuous client support.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Tilal City, Sharjah

Tilal Properties, the new joint venture between Sharjah Asset Management and Eskan Real Estate Development, launched Tilal City, a mixed-use community with a total cost of Dhs 2 billion and an area of 25 million square feet.

Attended by His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Tilal Properties, as well as more than 300 VIP guests, the exclusive launch event in Sharjah’s Al Jawaher Convention Center offered attendees the opportunity to view the plans for the new sustainable, mixed-use community and register their interest in purchasing land plots for development.

Speaking at the event, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said that Tilal Properties, through the launch of its new city, seeks “to keep pace with the intellectual and urban development witnessed by Sharjah.”

He clarified that “Tilal City is one of a series of projects that will be implemented by Tilal Properties” and it will allow UAE residents to buy properties on a 100-year leasehold basis, according to the laws regulating Sharjah’s property market.

The Sharjah Executive Council has recently issued Resolution No. 26 of 2014, which, for the first time, allows foreign investors the right to own properties in Sharjah for up to 100 years. This resolution is expected to stimulate investment in the Emirate.

Pointing to the remarkable development witnessed by Sharjah in the real estate market, the Chairman of Tilal Properties said: “We all realize the importance of the real estate sector, which greatly contributes to the GDP and economic growth in general.”

He added: “Through Tilal City, we aspire to serve the real estate requirements of the Emirate and benefit all segments of the society. We also aspire to add this integrated model city to Sharjah’s tourist destinations.”

For his part, Khalifa Al Shaibani, Director General of Tilal Properties, said: “This development really sets Sharjah up as a destination for investors and prospective residents. We are building a new community that is of high-quality and of a modern design.”

He indicated that Tilal City would occupy a total area of 25 million square feet, including 13 million square feet for sale and 12 million square feet for public facilities, roads and parks.

The project, according to Al Shaibani, will comprise 1800 land plots. Split into five zones, it will provide high-quality, affordable housing for 65,000 residents in apartments, villas and townhouses. The construction of the infrastructure is well under way and will be complete in the first three zones by December 2016. Tilal City will also include commercial, office and retail space as well as multi-use community facilities, schools, mosques and landscaped open areas.

The brand new city is strategically located on Emirates Road, close to the Al Dhaid interchange, just 10 kilometers from Sharjah’s International Airport and within convenient commuting distance to nearby Emirates.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Select Group's Marina Gate II Achieves Record Sales

Following the grand success of the residences at the Marina Gate Tower I earlier this year, Select Group’s launch of Marina Gate II reflected the Dubai property market’s positive sentiment following a sellout within the first four hours of its sales launch.

The first phase of the Marina Gate II sales roll-out consisted of 180 units. The remaining units are scheduled for release during a series of planned roadshows across the GCC, North Africa, Europe and the Far East.

Located in the city’s most prized master development, Dubai Marina, Marina Gate II is one of three luxury residence towers within the master project. Offering breathtaking views of the Dubai Marina from across its 64 floors, Marina Gate II features 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments along with a signature collection of Marina Villas and Penthouses.

“Following the phenomenal reception of Tower I, we did have an extensive waiting list of pre-registered buyers anticipating this launch. However the on ground response that we experienced exceeded our projections. A very large percentage of our Tower I client base comes from across the GCC, North Africa, Europe and the Far East, which is where we intend to hold our international sales events for the remaining units from Marina Gate II to cater to their respective interests,” said Rahail Aslam, CEO of Select Group

“This is an interesting time for the Dubai real estate market wherein customers are more discerning about quality, location and developer reputation. And the launch response to Marina Gate II demonstrates how there is always a strong market demand for quality and reliability.” He added.

++ Select Group is one of the largest private developers in the UAE that has lived up to a reputation of quality, reliability and consistency since 2002. The group has delivered eight projects with an additional four underway within  Dubai Marina and boasts an impeccable track record of delivery across all its developments. The Group has recently completed an award winning development in the United Kingdom and holds an unwavering reputation across the region for successful projects like 'No.9', 'West Avenue' and 'Marina Gate.'

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Ventures Middle East Report Forecasts $45 Billion GCC Infrastructure Contracts In 2014

A new report forecasts that a more than USD 45 billion of infrastructure contracts will be awarded by the end of 2014 - double the USD 22.6 billion awarded in 2012.

The report 'GCC Infrastructure Market 2014,' prepared by Ventures Middle East, gives a snapshot of the billions of dollars being spent across the region with a focus on five areas: rail, roads, airports, ports and free trade zones.

The report also calculates that USD 97 billion of rail contracts are already underway as all six countries work towards the planned 2,117km GCC-wide rail network by 2018.

The Ventures report says almost USD 300 billion will be spent on airports in the Middle East over the next five years with passenger numbers in the GCC expected to reach almost 4 billion by 2017. And every GCC country is involved in expanding its seaports with an estimated USD 25 billion of ports expansion and investment planned.

Qatar has invested USD 8.2 billion on a state-of-the-art industrial port, Doha’s New Port Project, which is set to be completed ten years ahead of schedule in 2020.

Alongside its analysis of the current infrastructure market, the report prepared by Ventures Middle East in association with The Big 5 construction exhibition taking place in Dubai in November, gives guidance on licensing and registering your product or service in the region.

A vital part of a country’s infrastructure development is free trade zones and all countries in the GCC except Saudi Arabia offer them, though the UAE has the vast majority with 38.

The report says: “Free Trade Zones, or Special Economic Zones, are designated areas where governments allow businesses to set up. The UAE has the highest number of Free Zones in the GCC at 38, 20 of which are in the Emirate of Dubai.”

The report explains how they benefit foreign companies and suppliers and offers a checklist for any company looking to do business in the lucrative infrastructure sector.

To encourage international manufacturers and suppliers to set up their business in the UAE, The Big 5 organizes a free seminar on 'How to Trade in the UAE,' providing detailed information about free zones, legal framework and a step by step guide on how to do business in the country.

Adil Al Zarooni, senior vice president of sales at the Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) and Economic Zone will be one of the keynote speakers at the How to Trade Seminar.

He will offer an insight into the way free zones operate across the GCC. Mr. Al Zarooni states: “I will be speaking about the types of businesses and industries that will be attracted and I will highlight some of the success stories from Jafza.”

The Big 5 runs from 17 – 20 November at the Dubai World Trade Center and will be open from 11:00am to 7:00pm daily.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

DAMAC Sees Most Successful Cityscape Ever

Senior executives at DAMAC Properties, one of Dubai's leading luxury real estate developers, has hailed this year's Cityscape Global as its most productive to date.

The DAMAC Properties stand was packed throughout the three day event, with investors from all over the world looking to learn more about the company's latest luxury master development, AKOYA Oxygen.

The 55 million sqft project in Dubailand was the highlight of a high quality show which reaffirmed the global belief in the Dubai real estate market.

“The last three days has shown investors belief in Dubai's fundamentals; this year's Cityscape Global has been the busiest ever for DAMAC Properties,” said Ziad El Chaar, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties. “Dubai is set on a stable growth pattern and the response to AKOYA Oxygen and our full luxury portfolio is testament to that.”

DAMAC Properties had a number of important announcements at the show: revealing that The Trump Organization will manage its 18-hole, championship-standard golf course in AKOYA Oxygen and that it has broken ground on a 1,250 key hotel in Business Bay, in collaboration with Paramount Hotels & Resorts - a project which will create the third largest hotel in Dubai.

‘The Paramount Hotel Dubai, Downtown’ will showcase timeless Hollywood elegance with contemporary styling and a polished integration of elements of Paramount Pictures movies through high tech media mapping and digital signage. As a complement, the property will honor its own identity influenced by the local creative communities, becoming a living showcase of contemporary arts reflected in every facet of the hotel.

“Dubai remains the strongest real estate market in the world. The right product at the right time with the right luxury developer is still a huge draw to savvy investors looking to capitalize on the emirate's safe-haven status,” added El Chaar. “We remain steadfast in our belief in Dubai and the core fundamentals that support its strong growth.”

Established in 2002, DAMAC has delivered almost 11,000 units to date and currently has a development portfolio of over 26,000 units at various stages of progress and planning as of June 30th 2014, which includes over 10,000 hotel rooms and serviced hotel apartments.

Monday, September 22, 2014

TECOM Investments Outlines Expansion At Cityscape Global

TECOM Investments, the master developer of Dubai’s leading industry-focused business parks, today invited investors to explore the many exciting opportunities across the retail, residential and hospitality sectors within its portfolio. TECOM Investments also outlined the enhancements planned for its existing business parks, provided a progress update on the key developments scheduled for release in 2015, and reaffirmed its commitment to support Dubai’s ongoing economic growth and development.

Badr Al Gargawi, CEO Development & Planning at TECOM Investments, said: “TECOM Investments was born from the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to turn the Emirate into a knowledge economy with the announcement of Dubai Internet City in 1999. 15 years and 11 thriving business parks later, we remain fully committed to this vision and focused on developing it further by continuing to master plan and deliver a portfolio of successful business parks.”

To support the drive for investment across retail, residential and hospitality, new land plots will be released within and adjacent to TECOM Investments’ business parks in 2015, offering opportunities for local, regional and global investors in prime locations.

The strategic focus for TECOM Investments’ business parks in 2015 is to both enhance the existing offering for its business partners, and to release more office space onto the market, particularly in well connected, growth locations. Overall, TECOM Investments is developing 1 million sqft of additional office space, spread out across its business parks. These initiatives represent an overall investment of AED 1.5 billion.

TECOM Investments has pioneered the concept of community development to support its thriving free zone business parks. The company’s prime locations of Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and Dubai Knowledge Village are examples of this, with a 37,000 strong workforce benefiting from a mix of hospitality, retail, and commercial products. TECOM Investments plans to replicate this approach across its other business parks.

In addition, Dubai Industrial City, which is a strategic location for TECOM Investments due to its close proximity to Dubai World Central and the planned Expo 2020 site, will see additional infrastructure development and the diversification of its product offering within the site.

Mr Al Gargawi also provided an update on the recent launch of Villa Lantana, a freehold community of 440 contemporary family villas in Dubai’s new growth corridor of Al Barsha South. He commented:

“The construction of Villa Lantana, due for completion in the last quarter of 2015, is on track. Sales since the launch have been robust and exceeded our expectations. They have largely been driven by local and regional investors, with a key driver being TECOM Investments’ reputation for robust planning, quality construction, timely project delivery, and most importantly, knowing the needs of the end user.”

TECOM Investments also confirmed that construction of Dubai Design District, D3, the region’s first master planned hub for design and fashion excellence, which covers a total area of 21 million sqft in the heart of Dubai, is on track and set to be delivered on schedule. D3’s first project of 11 buildings of innovative office and retail space, located just minutes from Dubai’s Downtown area, will be released in the first quarter of 2015. TECOM Investments reported that the development cost of this first phase is AED 4 billion. 

Mr Al Gargawi, in discussing delivery of D3’s master plan, which was revealed ahead of Cityscape, said: “Key to the design of D3’s master plan was accommodating a broad spectrum of end users. We have achieved this by providing a real mix of land uses with a range of plot sizes. Another essential component was to optimize the utilization of existing and planned infrastructure, to ensure full integration with the surrounding areas, and to create a low-rise, pedestrian friendly scaled environment, which is unusual for Dubai, and adds another point of differentiation to the project. We have also included an abundance of public facilities and open spaces, to ensure a positive experience and a high quality of life for all those who will live, work and play there, including visitors and tourists.”

D3 will include a 1.8km Waterfront featuring design-led, luxury and boutique hotels, unique retail outlets, and stylish dining and entertainment venues. The site will provide capacity for 10,000 office workers, a creative community for up to 4,000 designers and innovators, as well as over 4,000 luxury and boutique hotel rooms. D3 has been designed to offer an environment built for creative people, by creative people.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Nakheel Announces Palm Gateway Mega Project At Cityscape Global

Dubai developer Nakheel kicked off Cityscape Global  2014 with the launch today (Sunday) of The Palm Gateway – a three-tower waterfront living and leisure complex with more than 1,300 homes, a beach club, retail, dining and health and fitness facilities.

Located at the entrance to Palm Jumeirah with convenient transport links to other parts of the island and the rest of Dubai, The Palm Gateway comprises three individually designed high-rise residential buildings the tallest topping 260 meters – with one, two and three bedroom apartments available for lease.

The trio of towers will be constructed on the existing Palm Monorail Gateway terminal, the roof of which will be transformed into a 15th floor podium with infinity pool, shops and sports facilities set in extensively landscaped grounds. The Monorail is linked to the Dubai Tram and the Dubai Metro, offering convenient travel for residents and visitors at The Palm Gateway.

The Palm Gateway will also have its own beach club and park – a shaded, landscaped complex with a diverse range of waterfront dining and shopping options, pool, barbecue areas and fitness facilities, including a jogging track.

Unveiling the project at the Nakheel stand at Cityscape Global, Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah, said: “The Palm Gateway brings yet another iconic, landmark project to our flagship, world-famous development of Palm Jumeirah, and adds hundreds more residential and retail units to our leasing portfolio.

“The project combines luxury beachfront living, exciting shopping, dining and entertainment and some of the best water and city views in the Middle East, and promotes sustainability, with its extensive health, wellbeing and fitness facilities and convenient transport links for travel within the surrounding areas and across Dubai.”

The Palm Gateway at a glance:

> Three towers comprising 1,313 apartments and duplexes for lease

> 5.5 million sq ft gross floor area

> Tubular Tower (261 meters, 61 floors including 46 above podium level, 520 apartments), Central Tower (211 meters, 49 floors including 32 above podium, 429 apartments); Beach Tower (205 meters, 48 floors including 34 above podium, 313 apartments)

> Additional 57 terrace apartments and duplexes within existing 14 storey Gateway building

> 4,000 parking spaces

> 15th floor landscaped podium deck with pool, sports courts and 8,600 sq ft of retail space

> Beach club with kiosks and restaurants

> Gym, spa, pools, sports courts and jogging track

> Supermarket and food court within podium building

> Onsite Palm Monorail, linked to the Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro

> Extensive views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline

The Palm Gateway will join a range of other communities in Nakheel’s leasing portfolio, which now comprises around 18,500 units at developments such as The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, International City, Nad Al Sheba and Palm Jumeirah.  Nakheel’s current retail leasing offering spans more than 2.4 million sq ft, with another 6.1 million sq ft under development.

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