http://www.altawash.net/images/amwajmasterplan_big.jpg

http://www.altawash.net/images/amwaj_bldg_big.jpg


The 30-million square feet spectacle
In the pursuit of excellence, the Amwaj Islands located on the east of Muharraq are a premium stop. The exotic Amwaj islands beckon with all their architectural splendour. The beauty of the landscape cannot be described, it has to be seen. Over 2,000 homes are on offer on this island of dreams. Don't you want to come here... and stay forever?


Master Plan
The dream The reality
The Residential and Leisure Resort is a self-contained community complete with all the amenities and conveniences of life. A commercial complex will be constructed together with a mall, amusement park, aquapark, cinemas, bowling alley, health clubs, restaurants, 5-Star & 4-Star hotels, motels, marina club and promenade all located in one serene setting.

Self-contained Community
Amwaj Islands represent a fascinating blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Surrounded by a delightful ambiance of pristine waters and cool breezes the Islands are a treasure trove of interest for all.
Amwaj Islands comprise a range of homes from villas to apartments and condominiums with a theme of traditional Arab culture.

Island of Exclusivity
The lots may be purchased outright, or through financing schemes, with ready-built high quality affordable villas. You may opt to build your own home, with locally inspired exterior designs, and traditional panorama.
Marina Club, Amusement Park, Aqua Park, Cinemas, Bowling Alley, Kids Play Areas, Health Clubs, Skating Rink, Restaurants, Cafes, Hotels, Shopping Mall, Resorts, Tennis & Squash Courts, Swimming Pools, Golf Course, Private Jetties and Business Centre, etc.

now this is crazy

read this

Al Marsa Floating Island
The romance and beauty of Venice is also being replicated in Bahrain with the construction of the ‘Al Marsa Floating Island’ at an approximate cost of US$40 million, replete with canals and gondolas. The artificial island, which is part of the Amwaj Islands project, will measure approximately 28,000 square metres and includes 325 chalets.

The Floating City is designed to have a series of canals where boats can cruise and even park beside their own back garden where the level of water is maintained within 50 centimetres 'rise and fall' by a sector-lock gate located at the south entrance of the island adjacent to the proposed Yacht Club.

Al Marsa Islands will be more exclusive than the main resort with stringent, gated security. The compound-style development will include its own swimming pools, tennis courts and a small supermarket. The design of the residences will put a modern slant on a traditional theme – fusing the contemporary with elements from local Bahraini architecture. The front elevations incorporate Bahraini style with narrow windows and elaborate feature doorways.

WHY ISNT THIS STUFF ADVERTISED HERE IN THE UAE , JEEEEEZ

btw great project :) crazy

Bahrain, 56 flats on Amwaj Island
Bahrain Amwaj Island's tallest project, Amwaj Plaza 1, is to be launched at the International Property Exhibition at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel from Thursday to Saturday. Locals and expatriates will be able to buy the 56 apartments in the 10-storey building. Al Shamil Bank has agreed to provide mortgage facilities. Completion is expected within the next 18 months.

again ill post stuff tomorrow cause am busy.

Al fanar beach (one section of the amwaj project), no idea when it'll be u/c cause they said they'll break ground and i never heard about it, maybe they meant a year later.

http://www.newarabia.net/Images/Al_Fanar.jpg

check out this url http://www.npcbahrain.com they are the same consultants for the JBR in dubai and various other projects.

Apartments for sale on Amwaj Island’s first ever 10 Storey Tower!

Norwich International Consultants is proud to present Amwaj Plaza 1 project, a magnificent 10 storey building consisting of 56 luxurious apartments and the first ever private residential tower to be built within the three million sqm man-made island (Amwaj Islands) in Bahrain. Only a few meters away from the first residential tower, will be the second residential tower, Amwaj Plaza 2, which is still in the design stage.

Located in the center of Amwaj Islands' commercial lagoon district, this unique project offers spectacular views overlooking the sea, all the lagoons, residential and commercial developments.

The building area for Amwaj Plaza 1 has been strategically chosen from thousands of other plots due to its exceptional location, which facilitates spectacular views of the Al Marsa Floating City, Tala Islands, Mirage Town Houses, Saraya Al Bahar Beach Front Houses and Zawya Compound, whether from the balconies, bedrooms or living rooms of the apartments.

The building will consist of common area facilities such as two guest lifts and one service lift, under ground car parking and ground level covered car park, lift lobby, reception area, 24 hour security, ground level management office, ADSL connections, high-tech multi system satellite channels, public area light fittings and regular general cleaning in public areas, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and state-of-the-art health club.

There are 8 different types of apartments ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms, duplex and penthouse apartments designed by famous architect Michael Makhloof. The apartments feature top of the range modern open kitchens to include; counters, cabinets, double sinks, and Spanish bathrooms, tiles and fittings, finished balconies, quality assured parquet wood flooring throughout the apartments and walk ways, floor to ceiling double glazed windows, teak wood heavy doors, central split air-condition with separate temperature controls, two smoke detectors and a fire extinguisher, ADSL Internet and telephone connections in all apartments, high-tech intercom facility, ISO recognized plumbing system, electrical wiring, interior color card to choose the paint of your preference and all other modern state-of-the-art amenities.

Please note that for all furniture, electrical items, curtains and light fittings trade discounts are arranged. Completion date of the project is due May 2006.

http://www.npcbahrain.com/images/amwajplaza.gif

http://www.npcbahrain.com/images/amwaj_plaza_roof-deck.jpg

http://www.npcbahrain.com/images/amwaj_plaza_surroundings2.jpg

http://www.npcbahrain.com/images/amwaj_plaza_surroundings.jpg

Main developer's website: http://www.ossisonline.com/

great updates! :)

wow, already the first building on sale
the homepage of the constructor ossis is great

al fanar beach looks very dense

Newsletter 1: http://www.ossisonline.com/newsletter1.htm

Newsletter 2: http://www.ossisonline.com/newsletter.html

i especially love the floating island
very creative
will give it some venician touch! :)

unfortunately the tallest buildings on these will be 20 floors high :(

another map

http://www.ossisonline.com/images/ossismap.gif

ya it think to be honest with you, the height is good, cause if you have one really tall tower, it will look awkward. After all, this is good for the area near muharraq, as everythin else is in manama.

i don't want to have a really tall tower, but a landmark 200+ should be built
many people don't like the idea, like the pinnacle on palm island. ok the pinnacle is exaggerated as hell, but i like the idea. if they call it the 8th wonder of the world, there has to be another icon on this project. so a 200+ tower is justified and would be the right thing for such a massive project

the same about the pearl

A view of the whole development from the top (pic courtesy of brian)
http://mk23.image.pbase.com/u40/bmcmorrow/upload/25931627.aerials017.JPG

seems like land reclamation has been completed?

ya it has been completed, work is already underway on some of the infrastructure. It's goin smoothly.

major problem of bahrain projects is they don't get publicity :(
such amazing projects, which are comparable to dubai's deserve to be mentioned at least in the local newspapers

well the harbour is being marketed properly, this one had it's share of media promotions, less than the financial harbour, but you know, the good new is that it's 60% sold.

The Physical Planning Directorate has finalized the master plan of Al Amwaj Islands, a real-estate project at the northeastern tip of Muharraq Island , paving the way for investors to start the construction of the diverse projects."The final plan includes zones for 5-20 storey investment towers and 3-storey waterfront villas. Other zones include hotels, shopping centers, a special area for restaurants and cafés and other touristic activities. The Tala Island will have villas, chalets and apartments of varied floor areas," said the acting head of the directorate, Khalid Ahmed Al Ansari.

wow, master plan finalized
so i think the construction will go on rapidly
am so excited to see some renders of the villas, which should be out soon
not too many renders published yet

OVER half the flats in the upcoming Amwaj Plaza 1 have been sold since the marketing campaign for the product was launched last month.

Construction work on the luxury apartment building, located at Amwaj Island, is set to begin in November and it is expected to be ready in July 2006.

The 10-storey building consisting of 56 luxury apartments and is one of the first private residential towers to be built within the three million square metre man-made Amwaj Islands in Bahrain.

Norwich International Consultants chief executive officer Neil D'Silva said around 25 per cent of the building was sold during the three-day International Property Exhibition, which was held at the Diplomat Radisson SAS Hotel.

"But interest continued after the event was over and we have now sold 60pc of it," he said.

"Demand is so high that prices will be going up by around 10pc by the end of the year."

Both locals and expats are eligible to buy the new property, prices for which range from BD42,500 to BD135,000.

"Most of the buyers have been Saudi-based expatriates who want to live in their new properties rather than investors," Mr D'Silva continued.

Building

He said with the completion of the new Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Causeway, drivers from the recently torn down Mina Salman gate will be able to reach Amwaj Islands in about five minutes.

The building will include two guest lifts and one service lift, underground car parking and a ground level covered car park, lift lobby, reception area, 24 hours security, ground level management office, ADSL connections, high-tech multi system satellite channels, a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and a state-of-the-art health club.

There are eight different types of apartments, ranging from one bedroom to three bedrooms, duplex and penthouse apartments, designed by internationally known architect Michael Makhloof and supervised by United Engineering - Bahrain.

Only a few metres away from the first residential tower, will be the second residential tower, Amwaj Plaza 2, which is still in the design stage.

Meanwhile, developments continue at other nearby projects - Al Marsa Floating City, Tala Islands, Mirage Town Houses, Saraya Al Bahar Beach Front Houses and Zawya Compound.

ONE of Bahrain's leading business groups is to invest BD19 million in the construction of a twin tower at Amwaj Island.

Al Damur Investment Real Estate Company has appointed Syrconsult Consultant Engineers to present the concept designs.

Al Damur Group chairman Abdul Hussain Dawani signed the agreement with Syrconsult Bahrain chief executive officer Mohamed Al Tawil.

Each tower will cost BD9.5 million, with a total area of 2,890 square metres, said Mr Dawani.

"Our company is aiming to secure huge investment in Amwaj Island because of heavy demand for apartments there," he told the GDN.

"We are proud to be involved in Bahrain's real estate development process.

"The Kingdom is now in the stage of great development, where foreign investment is needed in all areas of activities, mainly in real estate business."

The luxurious residential towers, the Al Damur Towers, will be 90 metres high, said Mr Al Tawil.

"The 23-storey towers will be the first to be built facing the charming lagoon of the island."

"Each tower will house 80 apartments of four different types and sizes. It will also have a lobby hall, reception area, two guest elevators, one service lift, and three-level car parking.

"Other features include a swimming pool, a fully equipped health club, multi system satellite channels, and hi-tech safety control and security systems."

Syrconsult, which is specialised in designing high rise buildings, has its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

"We create places, which provide lasting value for clients through distinctive imaginative solutions," said Mr Al Tawil

"Bahrain's growth is demanding an increasingly robust design approach, which would attract foreign investors to the country."

nice article
90m? that's ok
maybe it's just the beginning
just hope that qatar and bahrain will soon build some taller ones

here is a pic, i love these twins:

http://tradearabia.com/source/2004-10/20/amwaj.jpg

nice twins indeed
will create own thread

http://gulfconstructionworldwide.com/source/xxvi/01/images/b3a-amw231203a.jpg


Work is continuing at a rapid pace on the Amwaj Islands project, a group of man-made islands less than 2 km off the coast of Muharraq which – once complete – promises to offer a combination of world-class residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and spectacular resorts.

The $1 billion project, which will have a unifying architectural theme, smart city environment, a fast new road network, medical and educational facilities, and all the sports and entertainment amenities required in today’s hi-tech lifestyle, will usher in a new standard of living in Bahrain, says a spokesman for the developer.
“Almost all of the major infrastructure contracts are in full swing now or nearing completion, and the buildings are well under way in a number of locations around the island,” says Kareem M Shamma, project manager with Ossis Property Developers, the developer. “We are proud to say that we are delivering this formidable project on time, and we look forward to receiving our first residents this year.”
The commercial heart of the islands is centered on a lagoon, work on the wall of which is nearing completion, with the casting of concrete bollards to the top of the quay wall, as the final touch. The area immediately behind the wall will accommodate a landscaped promenade that will offer panoramic views across the lagoon, which will be ringed by stylish waterfront cafes and restaurants.
Design work is also under way on a marina and construction is expected to start in the third quarter of this year. Ossis is in the final stages of negotiating with investors regarding the development of the islands’ first exclusive shopping centre and food court which will be located on the marina.
The masterplan for the Theme Island is also complete with the work expected to commence early this year.
The company has also developed an Education Island and construction of the first school, Chwaifat School, with a capacity to accommodate more than 2,000 students has commenced. The school is to be completed in time to received students for the next academic year.
The construction of a breezy 17 km landscaped walkway boulevard facing the sea has already commenced and is expected to be complete by mid-2005.
Artificial reef domes have been installed around the project to provide alternative breeding grounds for marine life.

Components
The 30 million sq ft Amwaj Islands will include the following components:
• Al Marsa: ready-built canal-front villas;
• Zawaya: Beautiful houses perched over the water’s edge;
• Gateway: Spectacular apartments at the doorstep of the project;
• Saraya Al Bahar: Designer villas on common or private beach;
• Tala: Town-houses, villas and apartments in an exclusive gated neighbourhood setting, overlooking the tranquil Amwaj lagoon; and
• Meena 7: Stylish apartments on the seafront in the heart of the trendy Al Marsa village.
• Al Fanar Resort: hotel and recreational area to the west of the islands, which includes a 100-berth marina and retail centre.
The islands also includes a number of developments such as the Amwaj Plaza which are being developed by private investors.
“The infrastructure and other services for these units is expected to be ready by April,” says Shamma.
Al Marsa Floating City: The project – designed by Bernard Spoerry – includes around 215 waterfront villas/chalets and flats covering an area of 53,430 sq m located in the Floating City, which is designed to have a series of canals.
Work is currently under progress on the capping beams to the top of the sheet piling which form the canal walls. The excavation of navigable canals has also commenced.
The project is being developed by a joint venture of YBA Kanoo, Shamil Bank and Al Saraya Properties.
There are 13 villa and flat-type designs to choose from, having varied floor areas and bedrooms, ranging from a studio flat to a five-bedroom villa with garden, swimming pool, and boat shelter.
Tala Island: Located at the heart of Amwaj Islands and shaped in an elongated curve, Tala Island will stretch over an area of around 110,000 sq m. It will be strategically located close to all other aspects of the total development inclusive of marina, hotels and theme islands.
It will include 88 villas and townhouses on the beach.
Construction work on the project started with the award of the piling contract to international geo-technical contractor Keller Grundbau last July.
The project is being developed by Tala Island Development Company, a joint venture between Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer) and Ossis Property Developers. Overall completion of Tala is scheduled for 2007.
Architectural consultant for the apartment blocks and villas is Davenport Campbell.
Meena 7: The Meena Towers are condominium apartments consisting of seven towers, housing 230 apartments offering one to four bedrooms and penthouse suites.
These condominium buildings boast a Middle Eastern touch and provide a picturesque view of the open sea on one side and Al Marsa Floating City on the other.
Designed for people looking to reside beside the sea, Meena 7 offers the latest amenities and facilities – including a state-of-the-art health club, spa, swimming pools, landscaping and all other amenities required for a comfortable lifestyle. It also includes a floating restaurant, fast food restaurants, banks, suq, and a shopping mall.
Al Fanar: In the next few months a host of new building projects will be commencing at Amwaj Islands. “Most of these will be privately owned developments, but one or two will be developed directly by Ossis. In particular, we expect to be commencing the construction of the first of the four and five-star hotels at the Fanar Resort within the next six months,” says Shamma.
The architect/engineer, international hotel operator, and contractor have all been appointed, and design work is now under way, he says.
The first four-plus star beach hotel will have 300 rooms and a spacious banquet hall
Ossis Property Developers has awarded Davenport Campbell the contract to design two hotels on the Fanar Beach. Construction of the BD25 million project is expected to start shortly for completion within two years.

Access
The opening of the new Shaikh Khalifa Bridge connecting Amwaj Islands to Manama has made the islands easily accessible for visitors. “In addition, local contractor AA Nass has been working at a commendable pace to complete the Amwaj Islands bridges on target, in the first quarter of this year,” he says.
AA Nass was awarded the contract for the construction of the nine bridges early last year. The main islands will be linked with four pre-stressed concrete road bridges, spanning the lagoon openings, and a further bridge will take traffic across the entrance to the central lagoon in the commercial district.
Four more humpback bridges will be erected in the Al Marsa, to carry vehicles over the canal network there. Work on the contract, which was awarded last June, is scheduled for completion by March.
Ismail ****** and Associates provided the designs for the bridges, while Parsons is providing technical office back-up and site supervision.

MEP services
The installation of electricity networks within the island network has made good progress and Alkomed is on target to meet the schedule. A large number of the secondary substations are now constructed, and cable laying is in progress throughout the islands. The Ministry of Electricity and Water has connected 66 kV cables up to the Amwaj primary station.
The installation of transformers in the 66 kV primary sub-station at the Theme Island was completed last June. Habib Ali Awachi completed the civil works for the primary electricity sub-station.
Delta is well on target with the civil works (chambers, ducting, distribution enclosures, etc.) for the islands ‘fibre optic telecommunications network. The contract for the associated fibre supply and installation contract to allow the provision of the basic voice, video and data services is to be awarded shortly.
Tabet is currently installing an innovative vacuum sewerage collection system at Amwaj. The system includes a vacuum interface chamber that draws off the collected sewage through a network of vacuum lines to one of small number of vacuum stations, where the sewage is then pumped on to the main treatment plant, which will have an initial capacity of 2,500 cu m per day. Zohal is currently installation the sewage treatment plant.

Chapo wins Al Marsa tower contract


The construction contract for the Meena 7 Towers, part of the Al Marsa Floating City in Bahrain, was awarded to Charilaos Apostolides (Bahrain) (Chapo), here today.

Work on the BD13-million ($34.5 million) project, which will officially commence tomorrow, will be completed within a two-year period, said Adel Al Sada, general manager of Al Saraya Properties.

Al Marsa Floating City is located off the coast of Muharraq and is part of the Amwaj Islands.

Al Saraya Properties, the project developers, also announced that they would begin selling the property starting from tomorrow.

Meena 7 Towers, which comprises seven stunning condominiums spanning an area of 22,722 sq m with 213 apartments, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, business centre, children's playground and private beach. Every tower blends traditional architecture with all the modern amenities and facilities to assure you a comfortable and safe lifestyle.

"Conceptualised by the world-renowned residential resort architect, Bernard Spoerry, Meena 7's design spells an Arabic touch and has been themed as a heritage development. The Al Marsa Floating City with Meena 7 Towers at the Town Centre is the first-of-its-kind in the Gulf region and located in the vicinity of Muharraq," says Jamal Darkan, managing director of ARC International.

"Meena 7 Towers welcomes you to a whole new world of exciting lifestyle," he says.

"The splendid lobbies in each building open up new dimensions in comfort and luxury. The apartments ranging from single bedroom to triple bedroom options, are airy and spacious offering an awesome view of the spectacular Al Marsa Floating City on one side and the crystal clear waters of the sea on the other side. Ample private parking space saves the residents from the hassles of parking," he adds.

Every tower at Meena 7 is well-equipped and serviced with all the facilities necessary to assure you a lifestyle of luxury, comfort and security such as well maintained swimming pool, advanced health club & spa with jacuzzi, steam and sauna, two elevators per building, reliable building maintenance system, round-the-clock security and effective garbage and sewerage system.

Amwaj Islands has been granted special permission by the Government of Bahrain to sell freehold property not only to Bahraini nationals but also to foreign expatriates. The law has been changed in favour of buyers belonging to any nationality allowing them to own property provided they conform to the rules and regulations of the feature, he adds.

BD13 million construction contract awarded

3 February 2005

DUBAI - The project of Meena 7 Towers, located towards the south of the Al Marsa Floating City on Amwaj Islands in Bahrain, has been awarded to Charilaos Apostolides (Bahrain) WLL, (CHAPO). The work on the BD 13 million-project commenced on 31st January, 2005, and is expected to be completed within a period of 2 years.

Meena 7 Towers comprises of seven condominiums spanning an area of 22,722 sq.m. with 213 apartments, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa, business centre, children's playground and private beach.

Amwaj Islands was granted special permission by the Government of Bahrain to sell freehold property not only to Bahraini nationals but also to expatriates. The law has been changed in favour of buyers belonging to any nationality.

Heh, one of my friends moved from Bahrain to Toronto last night for university. She was telling me about this... it sounded like she was about to cry!

I am pretty amazed at the floating island concept!

about to cry, why? This thing apparently is goin on quite rapidly, bahrain is implementing important projects at a rapid pace, as many projects took a while before.

View of Muharraq with some details (courtesy of intelligenttbuildingsanddesign:
http://www.intelligentbuildanddesign.com/projects/amwaj/images/AMWAJ-ISLANDS--1.jpg

Marsa floating city plots (phase 1,2 and 3 respectively):
http://www.intelligentbuildanddesign.com/projects/amwaj/images/AMWAJ-ISLANDS--3.jpg

http://www.intelligentbuildanddesign.com/projects/amwaj/images/AMWAJ-ISLANDS--4.jpg

http://www.intelligentbuildanddesign.com/projects/amwaj/images/AMWAJ-ISLANDS--5.jpg

House plot:
http://www.intelligentbuildanddesign.com/projects/amwaj/images/AMWAJ-ISLANDS--6.jpg

about to cry, why? This thing apparently is goin on quite rapidly, bahrain is implementing important projects at a rapid pace, as many projects took a while before.

Oh cry as in she will be missing out the new developments, although Toronto has some.. they are not that great. :D

The 7 'Meena' towers are supposed to be really well designed. :)

^ Oh hehe well she can always come back and she'll see the change ;)

Bahraini Spirit, What about the airport Plan within that map????

^ Well it just shows details of roads and different sections of Muharraq, nothin else really.

I can see a new parallel runway and huge terminal on that map (northwest). what's going on !!

they are on fast track ....................... :cheers:

Moody, I think that's the new emergency runway that they built, nothing else.

No,

Emergency runway is to the south of existing runway, and.. its already built and in use, but as taxiway to main runway.

C:\Documents and Settings\Mohammed\My Documents\My Pictures\iss3_4

^ You'll need to upload that pic to a website and then link it from there. There are many, you can use for example www.imagestation.com.

Btw about the airport, here's the latest:

A new parallel runway is to be opened at Bahrain International Airport today.

Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa will host a reception this morning at the airport, marking the occasion.

yeah, cuz the existing runway is in need for major resurfacing ..and no other alternative to be used while doing so.. specially with 24 hrs operating airport..

i so a documentary once about Frankfurt apt. they used to excavate, lay new faoundation, compact, surface and with cold water reduce heat of the floor within 6 hours only every night for one peace of the runway... will never happen here in bahrain's 24 hrs open apt.

Work on BD2.8m tower gets underway

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/001/images/bbb.jpg

WORK on a BD2.8 million residential tower has started in Amwaj Islands. A turnkey contract for the construction of the multi-storey apartment building was awarded to property developers and civil engineering contractors, AAA Homes. The contract was signed at Mohammed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau (MSCEB) office in Adliya by AAA Homes managing director Ajay Jinsi, in the presence of MSCEB projects director Sushil Kher and projects manager G N Balasubramanian.

The 10-storey tower will be called Amwaj Plaza II.

The project, with a land area of 1,587 square metres, comprises of 55, one, two and three-bedroom luxury apartments, including two penthouse apartments on the top floor, said Mr Kher.

"All apartments shall have fully fitted kitchens with appliances," he told the GDN.

"The building has an approximate gross built-up area of 12,000 square metres, including utility areas.

"The building provides 55 parking spaces at basement and ground level for the residents."

A terrace level swimming pool with adjoining state-of-the-art health club facilities complements the other facilities provided in the building, said Mr Kher.

The building will be fitted with modern electro-mechanical services including fire fighting and garbage disposal system.

The project is to be completed by end-July 2006 with a 16-month construction period.

"Some of the apartments have already been sold to both Bahraini and non-Bahraini investors," said Mr Kher.

MSCEB is the supervising consultant and United Engineering was the design consultant for the project.

so much news about such a small building :D

what surprises me a bit, is that there is no info on other buildings on amwaj islands :dunno:

have not yet added it to emporis, will do that now

Small and even ugly, I really hate it.

and about Amwaj Island.. as you said no news at all

It's not ugly, it's ok. Should be fine in Amwaj, but it wouldn't fit in Manama even Juffair.

BD13m Meena 7 Towers sales campaign launched

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/012/images/25mil.jpg

A campaign to market apartments at the BD13 million residential project Meena 7 Towers got under way at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa yesterday.

One, two and three-bedroom units are available in blocks A, B and C, while bookings for blocks D through G will begin in about two weeks, said Norwich International Consultants (NIC) managing director Neil D'Silva.

Construction work on the towers began on January 31 following the appointment of main contractor Charilaos Apostolides (Bahrain) (CHAPO).

The towers will be built towards the south of Al Marsa Floating City, on Amwaj Islands.

They are a project of Al Saraya Properties Company, businessman Saud Kanoo and other investors.

Meena 7 comprises seven condominiums built on an area of 22,722 square metres, with a total built-up area of 44,000 square metres, that house 213 apartments.

Around 90pc of towers A, B and C have been sold, NIC operations manager Patricia Assaad said.

The marketing launch was attended by Meena Towers Company chairman Wissam Al Khaja, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Khalid Kanoo and Commerce and Industry Ministry Under-Secretary Dr Abdulla Mansour.

Mr D'Silva said the Bahrain property market can expect to experience a lot of demand from international investors in the next six months as they respond to the country's decision to allow foreigners to purchase property.

Meena 7 includes indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa, a business centre, a children's playground and a private beach.

The towers, which have a traditional design, include modern amenities and are connected to each other on the ground floor. The project is expected to be completed in September 2007.

Amwaj Islands was granted special permission by Bahrain's government to sell freehold property not only to Bahrainis, but also to expats.

they always talk about towers, but never mention the number of floors
in the model it doesn't look like a tower, it's more a low-rise building :bash:

It's the fashion now, towers even if it's not, sounds nice. I'd probably guess, since it's called Meena 7, it'll be 7 stories. Well Amwaj doesn't release number of floors for some reason except 2 projects.

i checked the developers homepage
they range from 5 to 9 floors
no detailed info there though

I suppose we'll have to wait for the newpaper from Amwaj. The first one should be released next month or so, cause they do it 2 times a year.

A Tower ! yes, why not. they didn't say its a skyscraper :):):)

Amwaj latest pic !! (http://photos.airliners.net/middle/8/7/4/802478.jpg)

Nice pic, since you see a red x, copy the url and paste it and you should see the pic.

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/057/images/Bpic1.jpg

Phases three and four of the new Tala Island residential development went on sale from yesterday. The Al Khaleej Development Company (Tameer) property development is being marketed through its partner Coldwell Banker.

It includes 46 two-storey villas, 42 two-storey terrace houses, 17 three-storey blocks of bridge view apartments, six four-storey marine apartment blocks and 31 five-storey typical apartment blocks.

The entire project includes 649 homes, around half of which have already been sold following the launch of phases one and two.

Yesterday's launch at the Gulf Hotel's Gulf International Convention and Exhibition Centre was attended by potential buyers, who discussed terms with real estate agents.

Coldwell Banker general manager Elie Habib said the project is expected to do well because it will attract a lot of interest from expatriates.

"It is one of the areas where foreigners are allowed to own property," he said.

Home owners will be granted five-year renewable residencies.

Mr Habib said the project will give residents the seclusion of living on a separate island while still being close to town.

"They won't have to change their lifestyles. Work will still only be 15 minutes away," he noted.

The BD40 million, 110-square-metre project, which includes four phases in total, is still under development and is expected to be completed by 2007.

The price for villas ranges from BD201,000 to BD252,000 while the price for terrace houses are from BD90,000 to BD164,000.

Apartments range from BD37,000 to BD150,000 for penthouses.

Facilities include a sports centre, a mini aqua park, retail areas and cafes, tennis courts, different kinds of swimming pools and beaches.

I want a home there... but maybe to early for me. hehe think of it later,

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxviii/074/images/bpic3.jpg

Over 50 per cent of the upcoming Meena 7 Towers development at Amwaj Islands has been sold, it was announced yesterday. The original plan was to initially only market three of the project's seven buildings, but demand was so great that the owners decided to sell the rest off too, said Kuwait Finance House (KFH) corporate finance manager Osama Al Khajah.

"The project is one of the few places where expatriates are allowed to own property, which is why there has been demand from both GCC nationals and people of other nationalities," he said.

Construction work on the project, which includes structures five to 10 storeys high, began on January 31.

So far, four storeys of towers A and B have been completed with B and C up to the first floor, said Meena 7 Towers Company deputy chairman Saud Kanoo.

"The rest are in the foundation stages," he said.

The project, which consists of 213 apartments, will be completed next year.

The developments were announced at a Press conference at Kuwait Finance House's (KFH) offices in the Delmon Towers, Manama, yesterday.

The cost of the project is $34 million with KFH owning 60pc, Asdaf Real Estate Company 32pc and Saraya Properties Company 8pc.

Prices range from $44,000 to $150,000. It is being built on a 253,000-square-metre site.

Mr Al Khajah said a marketing campaign is due to be launched in Saudi Arabia shortly.

Facilities include swimming pools, health clubs and spas, two elevators per building and round-the-clock security.

Amwaj Islands, covering an area of 2,798,064-square-metres, is a development located on the north-eastern tip of Muharraq.

It includes a variety of projects with over 2,000 homes in total.

Meena 7 looks very classy :cool:

An agreement was signed yesterday between real estate agent Coldwell Banker Bahrain and Falcon Properties for the marketing of the upcoming Zawye Residential Towers, located on Amwaj Islands.

It was signed between Coldwell Banker general manager Elie Habib and project developers Falcon Properties board member Mohammed Al Abbas in a ceremony at Al Sawani Restaurant.

The two 19-storey towers are located just above the project's central lagoon, giving the apartments a sea view.

The residential project includes three types of units - penthouses, duplexes and apartments - with varying numbers of bedrooms. It includes a gym, jacuzzi and swimming pool.

"The projects announced so far are all villas and low-rise buildings. This is the first high-rise, which means that it is higher than 35 metres," Mr Habib said.

The piling contract is expected to be awarded in about a week's time and tendering will begin in around two weeks.

Each tower includes 131 units, with prices ranging from BD45,000 to BD280,000. It is expected to be completed in early 2007.

There is a lot goin on at the moment in Amwaj. I read their newsletter the other day and it shows a great deal (construction pics), worth reading:

http://www.ossisonline.com/newsletter.html

nice but still thier very slow, almost 6 years since they started on this project

Probably 6 years since announcing it. Ya when Bahrain first embarked on such projects, it was very slow but things seem to have improved now thank God.

This was very nice, thanks B.S for the updates, Amwaj multipal projects look diverse yet very successful.

Work to start on Marriott hotel
WORK on a new Marriott Hotel will get underway at the Amwaj Islands development this week, it was revealed yesterday.

A ceremony to launch the project will take place on Wednesday.

Government officials, dignitaries and Amwaj Island plot owners will be attending the ceremony, which will also be attended by Marriott International's international hotel development executive vice-president Kevin Kearney and Amwaj chairman Saud Abdulaziz Kanoo.

yeah I just read that too, so did they move to Amwaj? Or is the Juffair Marriott apartments still being built?

yeah I just read that too, so did they move to Amwaj? Or is the Juffair Marriott apartments still being built?

I doubt it. Cuz the two projects are two totally different concepts.

Hey b.spirit where did you read about this?

GDN. This one is different, the others are apartments, this is a hotel.

guyz check this out...ppl in this side of the world are soo ignorant...i checkd out a thread calld '10 most important countries in ur continent'...they put bangladesh and not bahrain...people really dnt knw much about ME...it annoys me

3di man don't worry about them, it happens a lot, don't worry about that or take it personally.

Renaissance Hotel to come up in Bahrain’s Amwaj

Posted: Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Washington

http://www.tradearabia.com/source/2005-11/29/amwaj.jpg

Marriott International will manage a new 323-room, beachfront Renaissance hotel in Bahrain, under an agreement reached with Ossis Property Developers, the owner/developer of the luxurious $1 billion Amwaj Islands Project.

The new Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Islands Hotel will be located on the series of man-made islands, reclaimed off the north coast of Muharraq Island, approximately 5km from the Bahrain International Airport, with easy access to central Manama.

It will be part of a 3 million sq m, mixed use development consisting of residential apartments and villas, offices, a large waterfront shopping mall, an entertainment island, additional hotels, serviced apartment buildings and a 140-berth, 240 meter diameter circular marina.

The Renaissance hotel will open in 2008 as part of the project’s second phase. The marina, shopping mall, entertainment and commercial centers and schools are also scheduled to be open by then. When completed, the hotel will boast 323 sea-facing rooms on seven floors, five restaurants and lounges and a 1,500 sq m conference centre.

For dining and recreation, the Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Islands Hotel will have a casual restaurant serving three meals daily, a specialty destination restaurant serving lunch and dinner, a beach restaurant, a lobby lounge and a poolside grill and bar. Recreational amenities will include a health club with separate male and female steam and sauna, fitness/aerobic room, an outdoor pool, and private beach.

Business related amenities will include an executive floor and lounge and a business center. Other amenities include 24-hour room service, in-room mini-bars, laundry/valet service, lobby gift shop, and on-site parking.

The conference facilities will comprise a 1,000 sq m ballroom that is divisible into three sections and 10 meeting rooms in varying configurations, including four boardrooms, each of which are 40 sq m.

The architect and interior designer of the project is the international firm of Davenport Campbell. With established offices in Bahrain, Davenport Campbell has designed and integrated the hotel to maximise its waterfront and marina location and enabled the dramatic views that will be captured throughout the hotel interiors, a statement said.

Louis Taurian, managing director of Davenport Campbell, said: “In working closely with the developer and owner, Ossis Property Developers, and the manager, Marriott International, we have designed a distinctive signature hotel property for both the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Renaissance Hotel brand.”

“We are thrilled to be a part of this impressive development,” said Ed Fuller, president and managing director of international lodging at Marriott International. “The Amwaj Islands project is magnificent in scope and scale and we fully expect our Renaissance hotel there to become our flagship Renaissance property in the Middle East.”

Saud Kanoo, chairman of the owning company, was equally enthusiastic about the association. “The Amwaj Islands project is a pioneering development in the region. With some 10 km of prime waterfront property, fully serviced with newly installed roads and utility networks, and a host of residential, commercial and leisure projects already well into their construction phase, Marriott’s Renaissance brand will be the perfect complement to our beachside hotels and leisure area at Amwaj, collectively known as Fanar Resort.”

He added that Amwaj Islands would be a Smart environment utilising a fibre optic telecommunications and IT network that will deliver IP telephony, video services and high-speed internet to each home, office and hotel room in Amwaj. “Ossis is delighted to welcome Marriott International to Amwaj Islands, and are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with this world renowned hotel operator.”

this one kinda reminds me of Duabai's jumeirah beach hotel :cheers:

^^ yes, there are so many hotels in the world that look just like this one. cant people be creative anymore??? i think marriot should change the design, make it look more unique.

i guess its unique for bahrain because we dont have a hotel like this yet. also in this particular development, the other big hotel (meena 7) has adapted more of a traditional theme so i guess this would add more variety to amwaj.

i guess its unique for bahrain because we dont have a hotel like this yet. also in this particular development, the other big hotel (meena 7) has adapted more of a traditional theme so i guess this would add more variety to amwaj.
I agree

See Marriott likes their blue glass. The hotel is good for Bahrain and as the guys said, we don't have any other hotels that look like it so it's ok. It was designed by an aussie company btw not bahraini ones.

Oh ya, Davenport Campbell, the designing company will also design another hotel besides this one in Fanar Beach (Amwaj), read that somewhere.

A NEW BD45 million beachfront five-star hotel will be up and running in 2008 at the $1 billion (BD378m) Amwaj Islands, it was revealed yesterday. Ossis Property Developers, which is developing the Amwaj Islands project, signed the agreement with Marriott International to manage the new Renaissance Bahrain Amwaj Islands Hotel.

It was co-signed between Ossis chairman Saud Kanoo and Marriott's hotel development for Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America executive vice president Kevin Kearney.

Construction for the 323-seaview-room hotel will begin later this month, said Mr Kanoo.

He said the project would bring a new understanding of the hotel industry to Bahrain, which it has been lacking for a long time.

"It will be located in a beautiful site and will put the country on the map of tourism," he said.

"The Amwaj Islands project is a pioneering development in the region and the Marriott's Renaissance brand will be the perfect complement to our beachside hotels and leisure area, collectively known as Fanar Resort."

Mr Kanoo said the development has some 10km of prime waterfront property, fully services with newly installed roads and utility networks.

It will also include a host of residential, commercial and leisure projects already well into their construction phase.

"Amwaj will be a high-tech environment utilising fibre optic telecommunications and information technology network that will deliver video services and high-speed Internet access to each home, office and hotel room," he said.

Marriott International Middle East and Africa area vice president Anton Najjar said the hotel would be the fifth Renaissance in the Middle East.

"It will add a lot to the tourism infrastructure of Bahrain and will help accommodate the continuous increase of visitors expected in the country thanks to ongoing and future projects such as the Bahrain International Circuit and the expansion of the Bahrain International Airport," he said.

"The hotel brand caters to both business and leisure travellers and fits so well with this development."

The hotel will open in 2008 as part of the project's second phase, which includes a 280-boat marina, shopping mall, entertainment and commercial centres and schools. When completed, it will offer 323 sea-facing rooms on seven floors, five restaurants and lounges as well as a 1,500sqm conference centre.

Meanwhile, Ossis managing director Jameel Almatrook said the infrastructure of the Amwaj Islands is 95 per cent complete and will be open to the access of the public in two months.

"There are quite a number of projects undergoing construction at the moment including the Al Marsa Floating City and Tala Island projects," he said.

"So far, BD300m has been spent for the investment and we expect to spend another BD600m within the next 10 years."

wow this is intresting...they should think of making couple of more hotels down that 10km of waterfront!

wat every happened to sum tower calld 'tower of bahrain' it was sumthing liek that...it looked pretty futuristic!

http://www.npcbahrain.com/images/almarsa_main.jpg

What a pic nice, MJ should see this! hehehe

As I was readin yesterday, seems the price tage of this project went up by $500 million:


$86m Amwaj project on way

A NEW development project will be built in Amwaj Islands by Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH) at a cost of $86 million (BD32.5m), it was announced yesterday.

ADIH has acquired 600,000 square feet of land surrounding the lagoon on Amwaj Islands from Bahrain-based Ossis Property Developers.

The $1.5 billion (BD567m) Amwaj Islands property comprises a string of artificial islands.

"Amwaj Islands is an iconic project and we are convinced that it is a unique investment opportunity," said ADIH chief executive officer Rashas Janahi.

"As a sophisticated financial institution, ADIH closely monitors for investments that maximise returns for our clients and our partnership with Ossis Properties in their flagship project is in line with our strategic growth plan."

The development, which will come up at the acquired land, has been branded as The Lagoon. It will comprise eight low-rise buildings, which will house restaurants, cafes and various retail outlets.

The plots overlook the lagoon and have a one-kilometre walkway encircling it.

The project is scheduled for completion by September next year.

"The uniqueness about The Lagoon is that it is the first development in Bahrain which allows Bahraini and foreign retailers to own their units on leasehold basis," said Mr Janahi.

"In a little over a year, ADIH has carved a niche for itself in providing innovative investment avenues that stand out in the long-term.

"Amwaj Islands is another such opportunity which we believe will add value to our growing portfolio of infrastructure and property investments.

"Earlier we had taken a substantial stake in the Islamic equipment leasing entity, First Leasing Bank (FLB) based in Bahrain through our first investment instrument, the Al Arabi private Equity Fund. Ossis Property Developers chairman Saud Kanoo said the partnership with ADIH reflected the regional enthusiasm towards Amwaj Islands and endorses the potential of the project to generate and sustain returns.

"The project will certainly contribute to the increase in the contribution of Bahrain's tourism sector to the national GDP and help catalyse regional economic growth in the long run," said Mr Kanoo.

"Amwaj Islands is being developed in three phases and the project has attracted overwhelming response from investors across the region and international markets. "The Lagoon will be located at a strategic location on Amwaj Islands with magnificent views of the lagoon, easy car access and plentiful parking."

Abu Dhabi Investment House announces US$86 million investment in Amwaj Islands in Kingdom of Bahrain

The Abu Dhabi-based financial institution, Abu Dhabi Investment House P.J.S.C. (ADIH) with increasing regional investment presence today announced investing US$86 million in Amwaj Islands, the artificial island off the coast of Muharraq in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as part of expanding its infrastructure development portfolio.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/5/22085-rashad.jpg
Mr. Rashad Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of ADIH

Announcing the details of the investment at a press conference, senior officials of ADIH said that the financial institution has acquired 600,000 square feet of land surrounding the lagoon on Amwaj Islands from Bahrain-based Ossis Property Developers, master developers of the US$1.5 billion property which will comprise a string of artificial islands.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr. Rashad Janahi, Chief Executive Officer of ADIH said: 'Amwaj Islands is an iconic project and we are convinced that it is a unique investment opportunity for ADIH. As a sophisticated financial institution, ADIH closely monitors for investments that maximize returns for our clients and our partnership with Ossis Properties in their flag ship project is in line with our strategic growth plan.'

The development which will come up at the acquired land has been branded as 'The Lagoon.' 'The Lagoon' will comprise eight low-rise buildings which will house restaurants, cafes and various other retail outlets. The plots overlook the lagoon and have a one kilometre walk-way encircling the lagoon.

The project is scheduled for completion by September 2007.

'The uniqueness about 'The Lagoon' is that it is the first development in the Kingdom of Bahrain which allows Bahraini and foreign retailers to own their units on a leasehold basis,' Mr. Janahi said.

'In a little over a year, ADIH has carved a niche for itself in providing innovative investment avenues that stand out in the long-term. Amwaj Islands is another such opportunity which we believe will add value to our growing portfolio of infrastructure and property investments,' he said.

ADIH had recently unveiled their first project in Lebanon, Beirut Gate, which will be developed at an investment of US$600 million in the Beirut Central District, commonly known as Solidere. A US$160 private placement for Beirut Gate has been received by regional investors with enthusiasm. ADIH was also involved in the private placement for the multi-billion dollar Energy City Qatar, closing a US$100 million offer successfully in the UAE market. It had also announced a Euro 144 million German property fund.

'The investment in Amwaj Islands will strengthen our foothold in Bahrain. Earlier, we had taken a substantial stake in the Islamic equipment leasing entity, First Leasing Bank (FLB) based in Bahrain through our first investment instrument, the Al Arabi Private Equity Fund,' Mr. Janahi added.

Commenting on ADIH's investment, Mr. Saud Kanoo, Chairman of Ossis Property Developers said: 'The partnership with ADIH reflects the regional enthusiasm towards Amwaj Islands and also endorses the potential of the project to generate and sustain returns. The project will certainly contribute to the increase in the contribution of Bahrain's tourism sector to the national GDP and help catalyse regional economic growth in the long-run.'

'Amwaj Islands is being developed in three phases and the project has attracted overwhelming response from investors across the region and international markets. 'The Lagoon' will be located at a strategic location on Amwaj Islands with magnificent views of the lagoon, easy car access and plentiful parking,' he added.

happened to find this website yesterday and noticed alot of interest in Amwaj. I am new to this so please bear with me. I will be happy to share any info on this project as I was the project manager from nearly the start and have recently moved on to become the marketing director.

happened to find this website yesterday and noticed alot of interest in Amwaj. I am new to this so please bear with me. I will be happy to share any info on this project as I was the project manager from nearly the start and have recently moved on to become the marketing director.

Welcome to the Forum Kareem, very nice to have you with us.

Welcome Kareem, I've seen you a lot in the papers and the media.

Am sure most of the people here have seen you somewhere:

http://www.ossisonline.com/images/newsletter_2004_02.gif

Again, great to have you :).

thank you for the warm welcome. I am a structural engineer by training and media was always a hobby for me but there you go - life's little twists and turns! Its a very exciting time for building and architecture in Bahrain. I think this is a terrific forum to share opinions on what's going on here. what is generally the favourite development these days, or is that discussed in a different forum?

I do agree, life has its twists. I did IT and electronics for my bachelors, decided to do management for my masters and investment mgt. will be my career path. I'd have to say though that architecture/projects is one of my hobbies, but I never saw myself as being one.

If we're talking about Bahrain, I think the big projects such as this one, Durrat Al Bahrain, BWTC, BFH and Bahrain Bay take the lion's share of interest here.

If we're talking about the whole forum, then there are loads of projects of interest. By the way, you can create any thread about any nearly any topic you want here so that we can discuss stuff in it.

Am actually waiting for the new Amwaj newsletter, last one I saw last year. I know there are 2 produced yearly, so it could still be a few months wait I suppose.

Am not in Bahrain at the moment, or else I would've driven up and discovered the island, I think am allowed to do that now with the new road, or are we not? The islands will be great to go to for a nice walk at night.

Anyways, gotta go back to study :).

Actually i had the chance to visit Amwaj islands last month, as I’m the account manager of Chariloas Apostolides one of the main contractor for some buildings in Amwaj. I really liked what I’ve seen there. The floating city is ready and some buildings were rising up.
Kareem, As i have been told that the project was suppose to be completed by 2005, is ther any reason for the delay?

The definition of 'completion' on a project of this size is a vague one. Yes we have had delays, in terms of when we could supply water and electricity, which is of course a critical milestone when receiving the first residents. These utilities are on line now and first residents can now move in, so we have by one definition at least "completed". I work in an office on Amwaj Islands which runs on mains electricity so we are living proof.

So if i may ask, when will all the residents be able to move in? And have street lights etc. gone up?

Found this stiched aerial pic taken by Blewyn (looks like a few days old):

http://static.flickr.com/49/130649809_88aef52b21_b.jpg

WoW! not much is done at all..i thought the infrastructure would be finshd by now..

WoW! not much is done at all..i thought the infrastructure would be finshd by now..

Actually there is alot done..I wish I could upload the pics I have of Tala.The Apartment Buildings there are up along with the chalets..

I am new here and if someone can help me upload them I would happy to show you the pics i got...The sea there looks great.

I great new air pics of Durrat as well but amwaj is way ahead development wise.

Actually there is alot done..I wish I could upload the pics I have of Tala.The Apartment Buildings there are up along with the chalets..

I am new here and if someone can help me upload them I would happy to show you the pics i got...The sea there looks great.

I great new air pics of Durrat as well but amwaj is way ahead development wise.

Hey Welcome, great to have another forumer :).

To upload, go here: http://tinypic.com/

It's easy and quick.

yeh the pix would be much appriciated! welcome again!

Inshalla as soon as i get to work where i have them they will be posted.

These are the last pics I've seen from Amwaj before this aerial:

http://www.ossisonline.com/newsletter.html

http://tinypic.com/vzd1k8_th.jpg
http://tinypic.com/vzd3rl_th.jpg
http://tinypic.com/vzd3zk_th.jpg

following pics have been taken in feb.

http://i3.tinypic.com/vzdgt3.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/vzdh04.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/vzdh6u.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/vzdh8o.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/vzdhdz.jpg

the 2nd and 3rd pic is the floating

The water is crystal Clear! great stuff

I hope the water doesn't get stagnant in the lagoons and start smelling. I saw a documentary last week about Nakhlat Jumeera when they found out that the water will not flush through the Nakhla efficiently, so they changed the design and made two extra openings in the wave barrier. Does anybody know someone at Amwaj to remind them to make a water flow study if they haven't done so already, cos I've seen a program about Amwaj last week and the water in the Marsa area was still and dirty.I'm thinking of buying something there what do you guy's recommend.

I hope the water doesn't get stagnant in the lagoons and start smelling. I saw a documentary last week about Nakhlat Jumeera when they found out that the water will not flush through the Nakhla efficiently, so they changed the design and made two extra openings in the wave barrier. Does anybody know someone at Amwaj to remind them to make a water flow study if they haven't done so already, cos I've seen a program about Amwaj last week and the water in the Marsa area was still and dirty.I'm thinking of buying something there what do you guy's recommend.

Adel, there are 2 pictures above of Al Marsa I've taken in my last visit to Amwaj. The water is clean no smell and the houses are nice. If you want my recommendation, just take it man

Adel, Mr Kareem Shamma one of the forummers who we're glad to have him in the forum is the project manager of Amwaj, you can ask him about your water concerns

Ok if Mr Kareem could ease my concerns i'll be gratefull, hope he still lurks here.

This was pretty intresting on wikipedia:
Amwaj Islands (Arabic: جزر أمواج; transliterated: Juzur Amwaj) is a group of islands located in the north-east of Bahrain, near the coast of Muharraq island. It covers 30 million square feet.

Amwaj Islands is a pioneering project in Bahrain. It is the first to offer 100% freehold land ownership to expatriates living in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is also filling the niche market for waterfront property which is in surprisingly low supply for an Island nation. Almost complete with regard to the provision of infrastructure such as electricity, roads, water, sewerage and telecoms, Amwaj is now ready to welcome its first residents.

From an engineering perspective Amwaj introduced a number of new technologies to the region including geotubes for the reclamation phase of these man-made islands, vacuum sewerage, fibre optic "Smart City" technology, and many other innovative applications.

The Amwaj Islands were reclaimed from the relatively shallow seas to the North East of Muharraq Island, which is the northenmost island in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The overall size of Amwaj is just under 30 million square feet, or 3 million square meters approximately. The Islands contain residential, commercial (high rise) and hotel and retail components, as well as a 240m diameter circular marina with over 140 berths, designed by M/s Maunsell, out of their Sydney office.

The project is connected to the mainland by a causeway, approximately 1.8 km in length. Other facilities include a school and university, a hospital, fuel station, theme parks, a lagoon-side dining and cafe precinct, and so on.

http://www.alwaqt.com/adminfiles/24-05-2006/photo/ec3.jpg

الوقت - مازن النسور: قال مدير المبيعات والتسويق في شركة أسس لتطوير العقار محمد عبد الكريم انه «تم بيع معظم الوحدات السكنية والاستثمارية في جزر أمواج، مؤكدا ان أول دفعة من السكان استلموا مفاتيح بيوتهم في مشروع «المدينة العائمة»، ليكونوا بذلك أول سكان الجزيرة».

ويضم مشروع أمواج الذي يقع شمالي المحرق ووصلت تكلفته الإجمالية نحو مليار دولار الى الآن، أربع جزر ترتبط بجسور، واحدة منها رئيسة تقع في المنتصف وهي تتكون من منطقة تجارية تشتمل إضافة الى الفلل السكنية الواقعة بمحاذاة الشاطئ على عمارات ومطاعم ومحلات تجارية، في حين تقتصر الجزر الأخرى على السكن فقط. وكانت شركة أسس صاحبة المشروع قامت بتطوير المنطقة البالغة مساحتها نحو 30 مليون قدم مربع، من خلال دفانها بفترة قياسية لم تتجاوز الـ9 شهور، حيث انتهت منها في شهر سبتمبر/ أيلول من عام 2001. وأوضح عبد الكريم انه «بدأ البيع في المشروع كقسائم سكنية في العام 2002 في حين تقدم مصرف الشامل لشراء مخطط كامل (منطقة خام ) وتم الاتفاق على ذلك، كما قامت شركة الخليج للتطوير (تعمير) هي الأخرى بالدخول مع «أسس» بالحصول على مساحات من المشروع ليقوما بالبناء عليها بحسب مخططاتهم». وبين ان «شركة أوسس نفذت أعمال الدفان والبنية التحتية فقط،، في حين قام كل من مصرف الشامل وشركة الخليج للتطوير بتنفيذ المباني على مختلف أنواعها، فضلا عن قيام بعض المستثمرين الآخرين بشراء الأرض وإقامة المبنى السكني عليها بحسب الشروط التي تم وضعها عند إطلاق المشروع». وتراوحت الأسعار في المواقع السكنية بحسب عبد الكريم من 10 دنانير للقدم الواحد في بداية المشروع لتصل الى حوالي 40 دينارا، وذلك جراء الطلب المتزايد والانتهاء من أعمال الخدمات والبنية التحتية، في حين تراوحت بين 12 دينارا و45 دينارا في المواقع الاستثمارية (التجاري). وأوضح ان «شركة الخليج للتطوير استثمرت في الموقع من خلال الدخول بشراكة مع أوسس حيث تم إنشاء مشروع مشترك حمل أسهم (تالا) بواقع 40 % لأسس و60 % لتعمير على مساحة 110 آلاف متر مربع»، مشيرا الى انه ستنتهي المرحلة الأولى في شهر مايو/ أيار المقبل. ويضم المشروع نحو 70 فيلا مطلة على البحيرات الداخلية و600 شقة سكنية (عمارات) تم بيع 60 % منها الى الآن. اما مصرف الشامل فقام ببناء وحدات سكنية على نظام «الشاليهات» في الجزيرة الوسطى أيضا بواقع 315 شاليها على مساحة 200 ألف متر مربع. وأشار عبد الكريم انه «بحسب المعلومات المتوافرة فإن الشامل باع شاليهات المشروع كاملة الذي اسماه (المدينة العائمة)، كانت الغالبية العظمى للأجانب كون البحرينيين والخليجيين لا يفضلون هذا النوع من السكن»، متوقعا ان يستلم أصحابها مفاتيحها خلال أسابيع ليكونوا أول ساكني جزر أمواج. وحول الأسعار قال ان «الأسعار في المدينة العائمة وصلت الى 64 ألف دينار للمساكن التي تضم غرفتين في المرحلة الأولى، ارتفعت الى حوالي 82 ألف دينار خلال المرحلة الرابعة بحسب العرض والطلب». أما الفلل في مشروع (تالا) فقد وصلت أسعارها في البداية من ذات الثلاث غرف نوم الى 110 الاف دينار، في بدأت أسعار الشقق في العمارات التجارية من 37 ألف دينار للغرفتين ثم ارتفعت بعد مدة الى 50 و70 ألف، الى ان وصلت الى نحو 170 الفا بحسب المساحة والموقع. وفيما يتعلق ببيع الأراضي قال عبد الكريم ان «نسبة البحرينيين وصلت الى 55 % جاء بعدهم الخليجيون بنسبة 40 % ثم الجنسيات الأخرى، في حين شكل السعوديون النسبة الأكبر من بين الخليجيين بواقع 15 % ليأتي بعدهم الكويتيون». وحول مشروع (تالا) قال عبد الكريم ان «البحرينيين هم أكثر المالكين بواقع 50 % يأتي بعدهم الخليجيون من مختلف الجنسيات». ويقدر عدد ساكنو الجزر كاملة في العام 2010 بحوالي 20 ألف نسمة. وذكر عبد الكريم ان «هناك جزيرتين تقعان على مدخل مشروع أمواج تابعتين للمشروع، ستخصص واحدة لإقامة مدرسة ومستشفى، حيث تم الاتفاق مع مجموعة مدارس الشويفات اللبنانية لتبدأ بتدريس المرحلة الابتدائية الأولى خلال السنة الدراسية الحالية، في حين هناك مباحثات تتم مع العديد من المستشفيات العالمية. اما الجزيرة الأخرى فستكون ترفيهية، بحيث تضم مدينة تسلية للأطفال وشاليهات ومطاعم ومرافق عامة. واكد عبد الكريم ان «أمواج تتميز بوقوعها على الشاطئ الشمالي للمملكة حيث تبعد عن المنامة حوالي 10 دقائق في حين تبعد عن المطار نحو 7 دقائق، إضافة الى ان لها ثلاثة مداخل». ومن المعروف ان البحر الشمالي يعتبر الأنظف من بين شواطئ المملكة من حيث البيئة حيث تبتعد عن المواقع الصناعية، فضلا عن انها تقع في آخر البحرين من الجهة الشمالية بما يعني انه لا يوجد بعدها أي صناعات وهو ما يعطي أجواء نقية وصحية. وتنوي شركة أوسس بحسب مدير المبيعات والتسويق إقامة فندقا من 20 طابقا في منطقة الفنادق في الجزيرة الوسطى للمشروع، بواقع 323 غرفة، ومن المتوقع ان يبدأ باستقبال الزبائن مع نهاية العام 2007، تحت إدارة مجموعة ماريوت العالمية. يذكر ان مشروع جزر أمواج يضم عددا من المشروعات على الجزيرة نفسها هي مشروع المرسى «المدينة العائمة» تقع شرق المشروع على مساحة 208 آلاف متر مربع وتشتمل على 315 وحدة سكنية تتراوح ما بين غرفة واحدة وأربع غرف بتكلفة تصل حوالي 40 مليون دولار، ويمتلك المشروع كل من مصرف شامل وشركة يوسف بن احمد كانو وعقارات السرايا، وتم بيعها بالكامل على عدد من الأجانب والخليجين والبحرينيين. أما المشروع الثاني فهو «جزيرة تالا» والتي تقع شمال جزر أمواج وعلى مساحة 110 الاف متر مربع ويضم 70 فيلا مطلة على البحر تتراوح ما بين غرفتين واربع غرف، كما تكون من 600 شقة بعدد غرف يتراوح بين 3 و5 غرف. وتعتبر (تالا) التي تم بيع حوالي 60 % منها، مجمعا سكنيا متكاملا يضم جميع المرافق، ووصلت تكلفته حوالي 40 مليون دينار ويملكه كل من شركة الخليج للتعمير بنسبة 60 % وشركة أوسس بنسبة 40 %. اما المشروعات الأخرى التي يملكها مستثمرون بحرينيون وخليجيون فهي «سرايا البحر» التي تتكون من 118 فيلا مطلة على البحيرة تتراوح عدد الغرف فيها بين 2 و5 غرف. و»مينا 7» وهي عبارة عن سبع بنايات بارتفاعات تتراوح بين 7 و 10 طوابق وعددها سبع بنايات جميعها مطلة على البحر، وتضم جميع المرافق العامة ويصل عدد الشقق فيها الى نحو 240 شقة بمساحة بين غرفة واحدة و3 غرف. ومشروع «سفينة» وهو مجمع سكني عائلي يتكون من 8 فلل جميعها مطلة على البحيرة بعدد غرف بين 3 و5 غرف، ومشروع «ميراج» وهو أيضا مجمع سكني يتكون من 8 فلل مطلة على البحيرة بثلاث غرف لكل فيلا. ويوجد كذلك مشروع «لجونا» وهو مجمع سكني يتكون من 8 فلل مطلة على البحيرة بعدد غرف يصل الى ثلاث غرف لكل فيلا، وكذلك مشروع «زاوية تاور» وهو بناية سكنية تتكون من 19 طابقا تضم 288 شقة بمساحات متفاوته بين غرفة واحدة وثلاث، وتقع وسط المشروع، و»امواج بلازا» وهو بناية سكنية تتكون من 10 طوابق تتكون من 55 شقة.

this is from the paper. look at the construction on tala island. :)

http://i4.tinypic.com/10ict51.jpg

Yeah from the air only Tala looks ready to go although there is one more phase there to go..

Other than Tala and one other Island developed I was abit disappointed with the sizes of some houses and apartments there.

The water however is beautiful...

On a bad note:

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxix/070/images/03House.jpg

HOMEOWNERS at a luxury property development in Bahrain, described as a mini Venice, are still waiting to move into their dream villas months after they were supposed to be ready.

Residents of the Al Marsa Floating City, which is part of the BD567 million Amwaj Islands project, say they are still waiting for the electricity and water to be connected.

They have repeatedly complained to the developers and the Electricity and Water Ministry, but say officials blame each other and nothing has been done.

Amwaj Islands, northeast of Muharraq, covers an area of three million square metres and is one of few places in the country where expatriates are able to buy property.

Among those affected is Irishman Declan Gaynor, who paid BD82,000 for a two-bedroom house and was one of the first expatriates to sign a property ownership title at the Al Marsa Floating City.

The 29-year-old braved moving into his house for a month without water and electricity because of financial constraints, but gave up and moved back out again.

"I bought the house in July 2005 and its date of completion was supposed to be around the start of December," he told the GDN.

"But due to extra work and delays it was finally completed on December 28.

"I moved in on January 2 and I was using the British Club as my water source and for toilet facilities, but I just could not take it anymore.

"I had visitors coming over (from abroad) so I had to move out, I could not let anyone else stay there.

"I have a mortgage and I have been paying it since the start of August last year, but I was paying rent to live elsewhere too and that was a huge amount off my salary.

"I moved in because I thought it was not going to be long until the water and electricity was going to be on.

"It was weird as I still managed, but as time went on it became clear that all their promises were empty."

He was eventually put up in other accommodation free of charge, but says he only stayed there for a few months because he was told his rent could no longer be paid for after the bill reached BD1,000.

Mr Gaynor, who works at the Medical University of Bahrain (MUB), is now staying at a friend's house.

"It is a rather frustrating process because there are so many different people involved and when you talk to them they are all pointing the finger at each other," he said.

"This is my first house so I am delighted to have it, but it is frustrating not being able to use it."

The project consists of one main island and three smaller ones, connected by bridges and includes a variety of luxury housing and commercial properties.

It features more than 2,000 homes and prices range from BD38,000 for a typical apartment to BD250,000 for a beachfront villa.

Another resident, who paid BD117,000 for a three-bedroom villa, has been waiting to move in for 14 months, but his house is still not finished.

"It is way behind schedule," said the 47-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous.

"We initially paid a deposit three years ago and were given a completion date of March 25, 2005.

"My house is still in phase one, but all the other houses in the area are ready.

"It has taken so long now we are not going to bother moving in and as soon as the place is ready we will try to rent it out.

"Something needs to be done now. There are too many different people telling too many different stories.

"There has just been delay after delay with no reasonable explanation.

"It has not affected me too much as I have a mortgage and the bank is not charging me anything because I have not moved in yet.

"Some people though have had the money come out of their pockets for over a year now.

"The developers themselves are all very pleasant to talk to, but they need to get their act together.

"I do not think it is the developers - it is fairly and squarely with the Ministry of Electricity and Water.

Bahrain-based Ossis Property Developers is behind the Al Marsa Floating City project.

However, chairman Saud Abdulaziz Kanoo denied his company was at fault for the delay.

"Yes it is late, but it is not our doing - it is the government," he said.

"We have finished our infrastructure and distribution system.

"The government has not been able to deliver according to the programme they gave us.

"They have written to us officially saying they will not be able to do this due to budget constraints and a shortage of technical officials."

Mr Kanoo suggested one of the reasons for the delay was that the government was still getting used to dealing with major projects involving building developments based on islands.

"Hopefully, in the future this will be a good lesson to learn from," he said.

Mr Kanoo said any compensation claims should be directed to the government.

However, he added that property owners should not be surprised about delays of up to 12 months.

"In Bahrain you should expect a delay of six months or a year," he claimed.

"Mainly because of the high demand for construction."

He also claimed the electricity and water supply had been connected to some properties and people were starting to move in, but homeowners have contested this.

Attempts by the GDN to contact the Electricity and Water Ministry on Saturday and yesterday proved unsuccessful.

owch, that's not good :(

http://static.flickr.com/52/159183428_018d8ef31a_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/55/159183424_8da852d998_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/58/159183429_919b7e8117_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/76/159183425_bf72495d77_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/74/159183430_4a79d97f2d_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/59/159183427_6fe8b079f6_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/76/159183827_17005022b4_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/50/159183826_fb52da9f7c_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/45/159183828_dda3515018_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/50/159183829_bef4155042_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/73/159183830_209e0d5f7f_o.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/44/159183832_05cb63c9ab_o.jpg

Great, it's good to see what they were talking about in the articles. Some really nice progress there.

So anybody is allowed in then???

Yes went there to see Tala it's the best project there at the monent in my opinion, I hoped Amwaj would be bigger. Just tell them at the gate you are an interested buyer or Tala told you to go check the flats or any other reason.

Oh nice things look like theyb are taking shape.....Has construction of the Zawya residential towers started on Amwaj yet?

to be honest guys these pictures don’t show what it really feels like right now in amwaj, its very much still a construction site. can’t see anyone living there comfortably while huge amount of work happening in the region. there are acres of empty land, suggesting that construction is going to continue for quite a while.

Skyline-brn take a look at the second photo i posted, you’ll see the Zawya residential towers to the very left of the pic. :)

Skyline-brn take a look at the second photo i posted, you’ll see the Zawya residential towers to the very left of the pic. :)

good to hear, the height of zawye will complement meena7 width very well....I actually tought that building on the left was Amwaj Plaza (http://www.npcbahrain.com/amwajplaza_main.asp)

oh and guys check this out...residential marina (http://www.amcme.com/real_project.php?loc=bahrain&no=03)....im not actually sure if this is actually part of meena 7 development or a separate project.

i don’t think they actually know either. lol.. that’s the exact problem with anwaj too many developers, each moving at their own pace, creating chaos.

The definition of 'completion' on a project of this size is a vague one. Yes we have had delays, in terms of when we could supply water and electricity, which is of course a critical milestone when receiving the first residents. These utilities are on line now and first residents can now move in, so we have by one definition at least "completed". I work in an office on Amwaj Islands which runs on mains electricity so we are living proof.
I don't believe the utilities have been connected at Saraya Al Bahar. I have been patiently waiting to move into my house since January. Everything is ready ... except the water and electricity!
Incidentally, can you tell us anything about the Safina development. I took a look around last time I was over there, and it looks stunning. I haven't read anything about it anywhere .....
Thanks!

I don't believe the utilities have been connected at Saraya Al Bahar. I have been patiently waiting to move into my house since January. Everything is ready ... except the water and electricity!
Incidentally, can you tell us anything about the Safina development. I took a look around last time I was over there, and it looks stunning. I haven't read anything about it anywhere .....
Thanks!
Safina development !

Is this part of Amwaj?

Hi ElMahri: yes, if you look at the Ossis website, you will see the Safina development there. However, it seems to be very low key as I have not read about it anywhere else - but I looked around it last time I was over on Amwaj, and it looks complete (and empty!).
If anyone knows anything about this "mystery" project, do let me know!
Cheers

GUYS...What would u suggest as names for some of these blocks???

You never know maybe a name you suggest will actually be picked.

Buy-back offer on 'mini-Venice' villas
11/06/06

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxix/083/images/Lpic3.jpg

MANAMA
A COMPANY in charge of the delayed Al Marsa Floating City project has offered to buy back the properties of homeowners who are unhappy with their investment.

Chairman of Bahrain-based Ossis Property Developers, Saud Abdulaziz Kanoo, has pledged to return what homeowners paid for their properties if they wished to quit the project - despite the fact that residents claim the value of some homes has increased by as much as BD75,000.

Expatriates who rushed to snap up villas at the development, which is part of the BD567million Amwaj Islands project, are still waiting to move into their dream villas several months after they were supposed to be ready.

Sources said that 275 properties in phases one, two and three of Al Marsa Floating City have been sold and all should have been completed by December at the latest.

But people who bought homes at the development, described as a mini-Venice, are still waiting for the electricity and water to be connected.

However, sales agent Al Saraya Properties - also headed by Mr Kanoo - claims the company is not responsible for compensating homeowners for late delivery.

"All compensation will have to be directed through the government," Mr Kanoo told the GDN.

Contracts signed by expatriates who bought flats and villas in the development, state each homeowner is entitled to daily compensation for late delivery.

The GDN has seen a copy of the contract and rule 1.1.9, titled Liquidated Damages, states the seller must pay BD10 per day to the buyer for every day past the completion date that the property is not ready - up to a maximum of BD1,000.

If BD1,000 in compensation is owed to each buyer, it means that compensation totalling BD275,000 could be paid out.

But residents told the GDN no compensation had so far been paid or offered.

"I spent BD134,000 on my house and it was supposed to have been delivered in December and then they put it back to March and then May," said one owner, who asked to remain anonymous.

"After that, they said they would be in touch and they have stopped responding to me.

"I saw the condition when I was signing the contract and I was not happy, but I was told I could either sign it and get the property or they would sell it to someone else.

"I signed anyway as I thought if anything happened it would only be delayed for a month or so, I never expected this.

"All of us have taken mortgages and we are having to pay them.

"They should pay us all for the interest we lost from our bank accounts while the money has been sitting with them.

"They are already making money from us, but people are afraid to speak up because they fear they may lose their residence permit in Bahrain.

"The government needs to step in and do something to correct the problem."

However, Mr Kanoo denies his company is at fault for the delay and has blamed the Electricity and Water Ministry for hold-ups.

"A lot of the delays have been caused by the government connections, which has affected the completion date and we are not able to hand over any of the facilities we have," he said.

"We regret the situation, but there is nothing we can do about it.

"If I do not have the services from the government, like water and electricity, I cannot be held solely responsible.

"The services have to be there because it affects the whole programme.

The Electricity and Water Ministry said it is preparing a response to claims that it was responsible for delays, but was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Mr Kanoo said: "Whoever is not happy, we will refund their money. Whatever they paid, we will buy it back from them."

Amwaj Islands, northeast of Muharraq, covers three million square metres and is one of few places in the country where expatriates are able to buy property.

The project, which consists of one main island and three smaller ones connected by bridges, includes a variety of luxury housing and commercial properties.

It features more than 2,000 homes and prices range from BD38,000 for a typical apartment to BD250,000 for a beachfront villa. Phase four of the project is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.

link (http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=145945&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29083)

Not good news at ALL

Water row dismissed
ALLEGATIONS that the government is to blame for delays in the multi-million dinar Al Marsa Floating City were denied yesterday by the Electricity and Water Ministry.Home owners have been waiting for months to move into their new properties because there is still no water or electricity.

However, ministry Assistant Under-Secretary for Planning and Projects Nabeel Al Maskati dismissed accusations by Ossis Property Developers - the company in charge of the development - that the government is responsible for the hold-up.

for the rest click here (http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=145993&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29084)

Hehehhee the rich ppl in the Dark !

Power and water at Al Amwaj
By GEOFFREY BEW

ELECTRICITY and water is now up and running at the delayed Al Marsa Floating City project, officials said yesterday.

Phase One is complete and the first residents have already moved in, said senior executives from sales agent Al Saraya Properties and Ossis Property Developers, the company behind the luxury development.

They also launched a vigorous defence of the multi million-dinar luxury property development, described as a mini Venice, which has been hit by a series of delays.

Homeowners at the development, which is part of Amwaj Islands, complained that they were still waiting to move into their dream villas, six months after they were supposed to be ready. Sources earlier told the GDN that more than 200 properties in Phases One, Two and Three of the development, one of the Amwaj's first projects, should have been completed by last December at the latest.

There have been mistakes, but everyone has learned from them, officials said at a Press conference in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, following a media tour of Amwaj Islands yesterday.

It was organised by Ossis Property Developers to update journalists on the advancement of the BD567 million Amwaj Islands project. Al Saraya Properties general manager Yasser Ali Al Sharrah said Phases Two and Three of the Al Marsa Floating City would be complete by the end of September.

He also pledged that compensation would be paid to those whose homes had genuinely suffered unreasonable delays.

"Some of them think they are entitled to compensation and they are not," he said.

"But I can assure everybody that we will implement the contract fairly."

Ossis Property Developers director of projects and marketing Kareen Shamma admitted mistakes had been made, but said these were now resolved. "Water and electricity came some time ago, but when one of the developers applies to connect, there is a gap between that and the government approval," he said.

"We are happy with what the government has done but there are procedural and bureaucratic issues. "Everybody is learning from what is happening at Amwaj Islands, on the government side and on our side.

"It is by far the biggest and most advanced project of its kind in Bahrain and everyone is learning to cope with a project of this size.

"The public must understand that this is a pioneering project and people must appreciate what this project has brought to Bahrain.

"It has not been plane sailing but we are ready.

"It is important to tell people that we have resolved these problems and it is important to tell investors. "The roads are there, the street lighting is there and all the networks are in the ground.

"The next developer that comes along will have it much easier because the developers have established the procedures with the government."

Officials said the overall Amwaj Islands development, which officials envisage will one day house a population of up to 35,000 people, is progressing fast with eight other sub-developments, including residential apartments, a waterfront dining and retail precinct and theme island, already underway.

Mr Shamma denied the overall development would be affected by the negative publicity surrounding the Al Marsa Floating City.

"It is a unique project. We are offering beachfront property, which is lacking in Bahrain," he said.

"We do not deny there have been delays.

"I fully understand when people are spending huge amounts of money, and in some cases their life savings, they will have concerns and worries.

"The intension of the developers of Amwaj Islands as a whole is not to take people's money and run.

"The companies are run by eight Bahraini businessmen and they are all well respected in the community.

"In a project that is scheduled to be three to four years in the making a delay of six months is not a long period, but we do understand people's concerns.

"We feel their distress and when they write letters and contact us as it is not often easy to respond to all of them."

Was checking about the amwaj islands (http://realestate.theemiratesnetwork.com/developments/bahrain/amwaj_islands.php) and this link had the following towers listed.

Amwaj Plaza 1 - 10-storey building with 56 apartments
Amwaj Plaza 2 - 10-storey building with 55 apartments
Al Damur Towers - 23-storey twin towers with 80 apartments each
Zawye Residential Towers - 19-storey twin towers with 131 units each
Are there any other towers that have been announced in the project?

Does anyone know of any other residential developments in Amwaj other than Tala Island and the developments by Saraya ie floating city, Meena 7 etc?

I am really interested in purchasing a villa/townhouse in Amwaj, and I wasn't that keen on the Saraya developments nor their villas.

It seems that there is a lot of empty land there awaiting development.

edit

In Gulf News today..says that work on the bahraini project.."The Lagoon Bahrain" has started the construction process at the Amwaj Island..It also mentions that the project will house several different styles and concepts off restaurants and boutiques.

Bahrain Tribune - 26/7/06

A Gateway to development $183m project launched at Amwaj Islands


BAHRAIN-based RealCapita and Yara Investment yesterday launched the $183 million Amwaj Gateway ‘a gated community’ located at the entrance of $1.5 billion Amwaj Islands.
The new project, with a split of 80 and 20 per cent split in to Real Capita and Yara Investments, will cover the total area of 360,000 square feet within 30 months’ tentative period giving a new dimension to the overall development aimed at offering 35,000 units being developed off the Muharraq coast.
Vice-chairman and President RealCapita Mohammed Al Tawash who signed an agreement with Yara Investment Company CEO Jameel Al Matrook for the joint venture paving the way for establishing Amwaj Gateway Company with a paid up capital of BD20 million said that return on investment would be over 20 per cent a year.
Tawash told a Press conference that the overwhelming support shown by the regional and international investors is a vote of confidence in the Kingdom’s robust economic sector.
Amwaj Gateway will be developed to have six 20 storey towers that will accommodate a total of 550 different units. The development will house all the facilities and infrastructure that will come forefront of luxurious living such as condos, apartments, hotel, restaurants, commercial outlets, town houses, swimming pools, gymnasiums and private beach all within a gated community giving them the true “access to luxury”.
It’s the only plot in Amwaj Islands to contain such a unique mix of facilities with unrestricted sea view and its own private beach. The construction will start in November this year.
Tawash said: “Amwaj Gateway provides a unique opportunity for both the investors and end buyers alike, as this collaboration with Yara Investments should guarantee success considering the market demands trends.”
“The development of Amwaj Gateway will create the “Access to Luxury” much demanded by the modern life style. We are keen to show the rest of the world that Bahrain can achieve excellence when it puts its mind to it.”
Tawash added: “Considering RealCapita’s entry into the investment market as an alternative new real estate investment will help to give a new dimension to the real estate development in Bahrain. With projects such as development of gated community villas in Jassra and two 10 storey high residential towers in Mahooz in addition to major projects internationally such as the development of over 22,000 affordable housing units in Morocco, RealCapita’s true strength lies in its team of high professionals.”
Louis Taurian, Davenport Campbell Executive Director, said that the diversity of the group gathered here today is remarkable and testimony to the project. “From the outset we sought to create an example of a mixed use, luxurious, landscaped, pedestrian orientated community that reflected the demands and lifestyle of the eventual residents.”
Tony Connor, project manager said: “The prominent location of the Project will serve as a landmark to all those who visit Amwaj Islands. Meena Projects is a new company, with experienced management holding collectively over 200 years experience.”

Does anyone know of any other residential developments in Amwaj other than Tala Island and the developments by Saraya ie floating city, Meena 7 etc?

I am really interested in purchasing a villa/townhouse in Amwaj, and I wasn't that keen on the Saraya developments nor their villas.

It seems that there is a lot of empty land there awaiting development.
I believe there wull be a good number of "residential" opportunities. The Gateway Project boasts 94 sea facing townhouses and you will find that most of the beach front properties will be low rise. There are also many affordable medium rise apartments planned.

so did they start the project yet?

hey guys i’m back in bahrain for a week, i took these shots on the 14th of july; sorry about the clarity but the weather was very dusty that week.

http://img465.imageshack.us/img465/6517/amwaj1cj4.th.jpg (http://img465.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amwaj1cj4.jpg)

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/9238/amwaj3dz4.th.jpg (http://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amwaj3dz4.jpg)

http://img309.imageshack.us/img309/9499/amwaj2fz5.th.jpg (http://img309.imageshack.us/my.php?image=amwaj2fz5.jpg)

so did they start the project yet?

Fear Yemenu Guy, if you are referring to the Gateway Project the geotechnical investigation will be carried out in August with the piling starting in October.

Dear Yemeni Guy, sorry about spelling in previous post, wireless keyboards sometimes have a mind of their own! Regards, TopCat.

www.thelagoonbahrain.com

Info on the project. :)

I believe there wull be a good number of "residential" opportunities. The Gateway Project boasts 94 sea facing townhouses and you will find that most of the beach front properties will be low rise. There are also many affordable medium rise apartments planned.

Thanks TopCat, unfortunately I've got a feeling that the Gateway Project will be as densely made as the Tala Island Project. The developers will get good yield, though unfortunately, it will be way to crowded for me.

The people behind Tala Island are pretty much behind the Gateway Project, so I'm pretty sure we are going to see the same kind of overcrowding. No thanks.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxix/146/images/t_Oasis.jpg
New hotel deal for Amwaj project

MANAMA: A beach resort and spa is to be built as part of the $1 billion (BD378m) Amwaj Islands development, it was revealed yesterday.

The 350-room, five-star Hotel JAL Bahrain Resort and Spa will be constructed at the Fanar Resort on the western coast of the project owned by Ossis Property Developers.

The developer signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JAL Hotels Company Limited to manage the new resort.

Amwaj Islands is a group of manmade islands reclaimed from the sea off the northernmost coast of Muharraq.

The development covers an area of over 30 million square feet and combines residential neighbourhoods, commercial districts and leisure resorts.

JAL Hotels Company, a subsidiary of Japan Airlines, also operates as Nikko Hotels International, their five-star brand, and as Hotel JAL City, their mid-priced hotel brand for business travellers in Japan.

It currently has 63 hotels worldwide and
Full articale (http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=152342&Sn=BUSI&IssueID=29146)

location of the JAL hotel.

http://static.flickr.com/84/215931798_fa2def86d1_o.gif

A quick update for those following the Gateway Project. Geotechnical survey of the Gateway site is now complete and that kicks off the piling design which will be complete in September. Piling will start early September in the South-East corner and progress to the North-West corner by early 2007. A marketing suite and show home will be housed in the 1st two townhouses in the South East corner, hence the piling start point. The construction of the townhouses will start in November and the towers and podium by April '07. Completion will be by May 2009 and will not be phased so that all residents can move in to their homes at the same time.

If someone can give me advice on posting images/pics I will drop some images in.

upload the images from your hard drive to http://tinypic.com/ or http://imageshack.us/ then simply copy the URL to your post including before it and after it. :)

Thank you Pearl of the Gulf.....here goes for 1st image.
http://i8.tinypic.com/24za974.png

Read this in GDN..


SEVERAL homeowners at the delayed Al Marsa Floating City project are still without water and electricity, despite official assurances that homes were being connected at the beginning of last month, it was revealed yesterday.

Senior executives from sales agent Al Saraya Properties and Ossis Property Developers, the company behind the luxury development, earlier said Phase One was complete and people had already started moving in.

That announcement came as they launched a vigorous defence of the multimillion-dinar luxury property development, described as a mini Venice, which has been hit by a series of delays.

Homeowners at the development, which is part of Amwaj Islands, previously complained they were still waiting to move into their dream villas six months after they were supposed to be ready.

Sources told the GDN that more than 200 properties in Phases One, Two and Three should have been completed in December last year at the latest.

News that residents are still unable to move into their new homes comes only a week after property developers said the street lighting system for Amwaj Islands had been completed - ahead of schedule.

This prompted an angry response from homeowners, who say they are still unable to live at Al Marsa Floating City - one of the first projects in Amwaj Islands - due to unfinished buildings and the lack of water and electricity.

Among those still waiting is one homeowner who paid BD134,000 for a four-bedroom villa that was originally scheduled for completion in December 2005.

"I do not have water and electricity," said the man, who did not wish to be named.

"They have not even handed over my house yet, they are late from March.

"I paid off my house in January this year and it is mine, but there is still a bunch of items left and I cannot even move in yet.

"I talked to the manager about three weeks ago and he said they would take care of it and I have not heard from them since.

"Even the electricity meter is not installed and I have already paid for the water and electricity connection.

"It is really a joke."

Another owner, who paid BD117,000 for a three-bedroom villa in phase one of the development, has been waiting for 18 months for the property to be finished.

He paid his deposit three years ago and was originally given a completion date of March 2005.

"Our house is nowhere near ready yet and it will still be another few months before we are ready for water and electricity," the man, who also declined to be named, told the GDN.

Residents in other developments of Amwaj Islands have also been affected by the delays.

This includes Gaye Bentham, whose three-bedroom villa is located at the beachfront development Saraya Al Bahar.

The corporate communications manager for a local bank spent BD130,000 on a villa three years ago, but has yet to move into her dream home.

"It has been ready for about six months and I am waiting for the electricity and water connection," said the 58-year-old.

"I bought my house three years ago and it was supposed to be finished in February last year, according to the contract.

"I go out there periodically, but I get depressed.

"There are lots of horror stories going around.

"I know one of the buyers in the development has bought their own generator, but I don't know what they do for water.

"It is a real disappointment - it could be fabulous if it was finished."

Despite repeated attempts yesterday, no one from Al Saraya Properties or Ossis Property Developers was available for comment.

They had previously blamed the government for the hold-ups - an allegation that was denied by the Electricity and Water Ministry.

Homeowners have also been offered the chance to sell back their new properties at the same price they paid for them if they are not happy. This also prompted an angry response from people who bought into the project, who said the value of some homes had since increased by BD75,000.

taken from October Issue of Coldwell Banker's The Pointer

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It's coming along nicely, tala island is nearly done.

This project is progressing soo fast,the mock apartment they have is absolutely breathtaking.These pics posted are not entirely new.I will try to upload the latest...

masterplan
http://static.flickr.com/112/300019755_67ff445db5_o.jpg

renders
http://static.flickr.com/117/300018449_27d1fd92f3_o.jpg

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http://static.flickr.com/114/300018451_44f3e1e933_o.jpg

http://www.amwajgateway.com/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/136/340457736_6b2fb1c51e.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/339940033_eb84c3f19a.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/138/340457728_f163835646.jpg?v=0

wow its definetly worth the delay.

cool. looks like venice

It looks good! Peaceful...

I've read the news paper the other day and i heard them say that they have just welcomed over 25 families to live in their homes. Sounds good..:banana:

Greeting,

What is the current price of a land directly facing the see?

Greeting,

What is the current price of a land directly facing the see?

Forget Amwaj if you like the sea view get yourself a villa in Durrat, but hurry cos I heard prices are going to be hiked 10% .

Thank you Adel, I need to know the prices in Amwaj Cz I want to sell my land there (island B). Best Regards

Best of luck Rayan.

The other day while i was walking in Seef mall i passed by a sign that sai Amwaj Island ( Meena 7 towers ) so i stopped and went up to the women and she explained that they we're selling out the apartments left and then she showed me a short video that i have not seen on the I-net before. I then asked her when the project would complete and she answered me saying that it would be finished by 13 June 2007.:)

$1.5bn Amwaj Islands opened

http://gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxx/023/images/Lpic3.jpg

THE $1.5 billion (BD567,000,000) Amwaj Islands project was yesterday officially launched by Crown Prince and BDF Commander-in-Chief Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The ceremony was held amidst great fanfare as the Crown Prince pushed the button on monument designed as an Astrolabe to mark the occasion at the island's Beach Club.

It featured a host of entertainment, including a pipe band and a spectacular air display from the Blades in Bahrain.

More than 150 dignitaries attended the ceremony, including ministers, MPs, businessmen and dignitaries.

After the ceremony, Shaikh Salman and officials from the project's sales agent Al Saraya Properties and developer Ossis Property Developers went on a guided tour of the development.

The project's spokeswoman said the development was running on schedule and will have an estimated population of more than 30,000 by 2010.

"Having completed the first two construction phases, which involved dredging and reclamation and creating the infrastructure, we are proud to announce that phase three of building development is on target," she said.

"It is one of the first major mixed-use projects in the region to go live with basic infrastructure having been completed and properties already handed over to tenants."

Amwaj Islands, a group of reclaimed man-made islands north of Muharraq, covering an area of 30m sqft, is a mixture of residential neighbourhoods with commercial districts and leisure resorts.

Its key projects are the Amwaj Gateway, the Al Marsa Floating City, Tala Island, The Lagoon, The Dragon, Safina, Lagoona, the International School of Choueifat and the Marina.

Anyone interested in this project should check out the mock up at Tala which is amazing...Whats nicer is the two floor apartment,simply stunning.

http://www.ossisonline.com/

UPDATED WEBSITE>>>

By Yonis :


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..

I took this picture weeks ago... I forgot about it... Found it now.. hehe..

So here ya go..

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/161/amwajmo5.jpg

A couple of nice aerial pics by ammar212:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/1314709822_c9244ba5fc_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1355/1314708622_ea4522afe2_o.jpg

Some nice updates by bleuaise:

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Amwaj Lagoon

From 15th Floor Zawia Tower 1

http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/34026/2005959651551044103_rs.jpg

The Lagoon appoints property manager

MANAMA: The Lagoon has appointed Cluttons Bahrain to be its property manager under a two-year contract.

The Lagoon, which is part of Abu Dhabi Investment House's (ADIH) real estate portfolio, is a commercial development that houses 59 commercial outlets, consisting of over 55,000 sq/m of commercial space available on a freehold basis.

Regional retail giants that have already purchased their units at the Lagoon include Kuwaiti strategic partner Al Shaye'a Group and Al Rashed Group. In addition, Planet Hollywood, Starbucks Coffee, Kababji, Yum Yum Tree, Pizza Express, Gaucho Grill, Le Pain Quotidian, Sarai, Sultan Center, Yateem Optician, Asghar Ali and Syed Junaid, amongst others, will also have outlets at the development.

The $90 million development, which is located at the heart of Amwaj Islands, started handing over its units to their tenants in October last year, and completed the second and third handover phases at the end of the year.

Cluttons Bahrain was chosen as the property manager for the Lagoon based on the company's long-established experience and knowledge of the local market. The company conducts services ranging from property valuations and feasibility studies at project conception stage to marketing, letting and management of completed projects, property mortgage valuation and sales services.

"The Lagoon has witnessed record-speed progress over the past few months and we are very pleased to have committed our units to international brand names that offer high-end consumer options," said Lagoon chairman Saud Hassan Al Nusuf.

"Cluttons' appointment is a critical step in our development. The selection reflects their practical experience in projects of a similar nature to the Lagoon, as well as their demonstrated commitment to Bahrain and the region."

"The Lagoon exemplifies the high-quality property developments that are being established in the region to meet the evolving tastes and expectations of consumers," said Cluttons partner Richard Botham.

"Cluttons will apply its high levels of expertise and professionalism to ensure that owners and visitors to the Lagoon will enjoy an unparalleled experience that portrays the quality of the property."

photo by bin abeeh :


http://travel.maktoob.com/photo/data/4317/110381.jpg


..

Horrbile customer service...listen up people: dont believe what they tell you before purchasing property from al saraya...they are slow with the manpower, therefore dont believe the dates they give you for completion of the property. My apartment was promised to me in January 2008...and im still waiting!! Its May 2008. So many excuses...so many empty promises. The apartment was finally complete last month, and was inspected...it needed little adjustments, like AC fixing, faucet issue..crap like that. Well guess what??? Inspection round 2 was up late April 08, and they stillll didnt finish!! Apparently they had to install the glass shower door, and they needed to order the piece!! and now that the door is in.....its still missing the handle to the door!! AMAZING!

They love their money...so watch out. Im trying to pay my last installment and get the keys for the apartment....but no, they wont hand it over...now they want the maintenance fees along with it too. They never mentioned this before....so classy!! Cant you wait till ive moved in and settled for a couple months and then send me a letter for the annual fees later?? Also, Beware... they've conveniently just now notified us that they ran out of the underground reserved parking spaces...as of june last year!!! They said that Maybeeee they'll manage to squeeze us in!! :bleep:

Hi @ all. This is my first post here in this beautifull forum.
I will move next month from europe to bahrain. I was allready 12 month long in bahrain. Now i will come to the island 4 the next few years.
I plan to buy a villa on amwaj island.

I visited allready villas (2 Rooms) on al Marsa an Tala Island (2 Room Townhouse) a few month ago.

Now i red in the GDN something about the Palm Beach Project on Amwaj Island. Have somebody any informations about this villas? Maybe pictures?

Thank u verry much for yours help :)

Sky

Horrbile customer service...listen up people: dont believe what they tell you before purchasing property from al saraya...

I know the story... many people from Al Marsa floating city, and other Al Saraya projects... are complaining. You don't want to hear my story (property owner on Al Marsa). But to give you a quick brief:
On Al Marsa there have been villas (18 in total) floating up to the first floor (water pipes broken). AMC, who takes care of maintenance, can't undertake any action untill Al Saraya approves. Their approval process takes up to 4 months to repair a water heater!

Any you think these are single cases? No, not at all, At Al Marsa we are now collecting all complaints. We reached already 1 meter of documents proving the bad management of Al Saraya. Call Mr. Kanoo directly because he has no clue about the incompetence of his management in Adliya.

And did we talk about Free Hold yet? Big joke!! Al Saraya has not even got the approval for its construction plans! So,.. at the end.. no residents permits possible and no Free Hold can be prooven for non-GCC "owners"... if you can call us "owners" LOL

^^^^

Regarding freehold, I read in the newspaper last week that the first flat deed in Amwaj was handed to Khalid Aneep a Fin national on 4th May 2008.

Thank you Doriangray for sharing your story...and here I thought it was just me! I will be complaining to the CEO for sure! thxs again.

Regarding freehold, I read in the newspaper last week that the first flat deed in Amwaj was handed to Khalid Aneep a Fin national on 4th May 2008.

Interesting. What newspaper was that? More details?

F

^^^
First title deeds
MANAMA: The first expatriate
ever to acquire real estate in
Bahrain has been officially
issued an ownership deed.
Finn Khalid Aneeb has bought
a flat at Amwaj Islands, off
Muharraq. Survey and Land
Registration Bureau directorgeneral
Shaikh Abdulrahman
bin Ali Al Khalifa gave him the
title deeds.

GDN 6/MAY/2008 first page.

look at the side bar http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/source/XXXI/047/images/page1.pdf

and according to this they weren't the first.

Deeds transferred

THIS is with reference to your news snippet regarding expatriate ownership of property (GDN, May 6).

I would just like to put on record that we completed the transfer of title deeds, for our Al Marsa villa, in June 2007. And I do not believe we were the first, as it was two years later than the contractual completion date. I would like to thank all the staff at the Public Notary's and Land Registry's offices for their help in making this process very straightforward.

Phil Walls

http://gulf-daily-news.com/arc_Articles.asp?Article=216996&Sn=LETT&IssueID=31052

Mr Khalid Aneep received a deed which is the first for a flat. Mr Phill received a deed for a villa.

I think Mr Khalid is the managing director of Novotel Hotel, give him a call Durian if you require more information.

Mr Khalid Aneep received a deed which is the first for a flat. Mr Phill received a deed for a villa.

I think Mr Khalid is the managing director of Novotel Hotel, give him a call Durian if you require more information.

Many thanks! I will contact them next week. I will inform the forum about the status :)

^^^

I would just like to put on record that we completed the transfer of title deeds, for our Al Marsa villa, in June 2007. And I do not believe we were the first, as it was two years later than the contractual completion date. I would like to thank all the staff at the Public Notary's and Land Registry's offices for their help in making this process very straightforward.

Phil Walls


Hi Phill, villas (1 property owner for 1 plot of land) is not an issue, never been. We had no trouble with a villa, but we still have (had) issues with appartments. Reason, as far as i learned, are:
- Land registration could not put 2 owners on a same plot (registration conflict)
- Al Saraya did not bother to follow legislation for many things such as nr. of parking lots, spaces (size of a lot, that is legislated), registration of architect plans (blue prints), etc... etc...

This letter in GDN today

Codswallop!


WITH reference to the first expat to acquire ownership deeds for his house (GDN, May 6). Codswallop! I have had my deeds now for eight or nine months. It's fairly straightforward as long as you have paid the full amount for the property.

Obtaining residence status, now that's a different matter. I have practically given up and can't even sort out the CPR due to a pathetic electronic booking system. John

Obtaining residence status, now that's a different matter. I have practically given up and can't even sort out the CPR due to a pathetic electronic booking system. John

Oh... optaining residence permits! hahaha. Forget it! Thats even a more complicated story. basically you have to put 15000 BD (fifteen thousand) on a bankaccount and proof every 6 months that this money is still on that account or they cancel your CPR. Also you pay 250 BD a year for renewal per person (we are 4). Owning a property with market value 145.000 BD is not enough for Bahrain :P

And also, did you know that if you buy as expat, you can only sell it to someone who pays the full amount in cash to you, just because banks don't approve the loans if you buy from an expat.

Anyway :P FREEHOLD is a joke. Why did I buy could be my next question :P Because i like Amwaj as a place to live as a second home.

Wow.. If that's true, it sucks... Ridiculous... LoL..

Wow.. If that's true, it sucks... Ridiculous... LoL..

Hi,

It is absolutely through. Al Saraya got approval for their Meena 7 plans only a couple of months ago (AFTER they have build it LOL). Al Marsa same problem.

Also interesting will be to see how "Free-hold" appartment owners will receive their tittle deeds in Amwaj. If you compair 2006 Amwaj map with 2008 Amwaj Map (as per Al Saraya Real Estate), their are 5 times more high rizes planned on places where municipality only approved villas.... (see threat JAL Hotel Amwaj, Adel and my Amwaj map comparison).

D

Even the buyers in Dubai are having problems

Breach of contract
Dubai (AGENCIES)
Freehold residence visa confusion rages

Buyers of freehold properties in Dubai are accusing developers of depriving them of ‘promised’ residence visas - a tool some developers still use to lure investors. Developers are passing the buck to master developers Nakheel, Emaar and Dubai Properties.
Residents of International City’s Riviera District are worried that there is a breach of contract since the residency visas have not been issued as contractually promised over a year ago.
One resident said, “We feel there has been a breach of contract somewhere as we have not been sold what we were told at the outset.” Registration According to residents, the developer of the Riviera Lakeview Apartments, B&M, has been involved in a dispute with master developer Nakheel over registration, and this has delayed visa proceedings.
However, an official at B&M said that residents must understand that they cannot have residency visas until their units have been officially registered with the Land Department and the title deeds produced.
“We have approached the Land Department for the registration. Nakheel says the units have to be registered first and then they will provide the residency visas,” Abdul Samad, deputy general manager of B&M, said.
Another source said that there had been internal confusion in the Land Department regarding the wording of the registration, which has delayed the entire process.
“There was an internal dispute within the Land Department over whether the units should be registered as net area or gross area,” he said.
The source said the Land Department finally chose to use the net area, meaning all investors had to be notified again and measurements redone.
There are 221 units in the Riviera Lakeview Apartments, all pending registration.
“Upon the purchase of a Nakheel property, we will provide customers the basis for sponsorship, although the grant of a residency visa is still subject to the rules, requirements and procedures of the Immigration and Naturalisation Department,” a Nakheel spokesperson said. Samad said the whole registration process should be resolved in “a matter of months”. A resident of Central Business District 21, also located in International City, is also still waiting for his title deeds and residency visa.
He said, “I don’t think they (master developers) had any idea what they were getting themselves into.
A statement from Emaar said, “Emaar Properties provides residency visas for Emaar homeowners in line with the rules and regulations of the Dubai Department of Naturalisation and Residency Department.” Officials of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department - the visa issuing authority - were unavailable for comment.
Freehold ownership in selected areas of Dubai was first introduced in May 2002, sparking the real estate boom.
The law states, “If the homeowner has no alternative means of sponsorship for a residence visa, the first owner may be sponsored by your master developer [Nakheel, Dubai Properties or Emaar] for residency in Dubai, UAE, subject to the applicable immigration laws of the country.” The purchase of a freehold property apparently does not automatically qualify for a resident visa, officials say. Mohammad Bin Braik, chief operating of Dubai Properties Group, said, “Resident visas for freehold buyers are subject to conditions which include that you cannot seek employment or run a business and one would assume the buyer has sufficient funds to support himself.”
Blair Hagkull, managing director for the Middle East at Jones Lang LaSalle, said people should not rely on the master developer for their residency visas.
“Most people in Dubai are active in the workplace and so have a residency visa through their employer. But there is a select group which is not active.”

Hi,

Does anybody have any idea how much land prices is per square foot in Amwaj for 20 floors or 10??

Thank you,

The cheapest piece of land I have on Amwaj at the moment is 495 sqm near Tala for BHD170,501.

"residents must understand that they cannot have residency visas until their units have been officially registered with the Land Department and the title deeds produced"

One of these rediculous comments you also get from Al Saraya... Logic tells me that WHEN you develop property on new land, you FIRST register the land and the plans, THAN you build and THAN you finalize at the notary and get your title deed.

And also funny is the following quote "Resident visas for freehold buyers are subject to conditions which include that you cannot seek employment or run a business and one would assume the buyer has sufficient funds to support himself."
--> Translated in Bahraini laws, you have to deposit 15.000 BD on a bank account and proof every 6 months that you still have that money on a deposit account.

So, if you thinking of buying "free-hold" property in Bahrain. Add an extra 15.000 on your budget please ;)

Check:
http://www.amwajhomes.com/

One house is ready for visit since last week. I try to make some pictures this week.

D

"residents must understand that they cannot have residency visas until their units have been officially registered with the Land Department and the title deeds produced"

One of these rediculous comments you also get from Al Saraya... Logic tells me that WHEN you develop property on new land, you FIRST register the land and the plans, THAN you build and THAN you finalize at the notary and get your title deed.

And also funny is the following quote "Resident visas for freehold buyers are subject to conditions which include that you cannot seek employment or run a business and one would assume the buyer has sufficient funds to support himself."
--> Translated in Bahraini laws, you have to deposit 15.000 BD on a bank account and proof every 6 months that you still have that money on a deposit account.

So, if you thinking of buying "free-hold" property in Bahrain. Add an extra 15.000 on your budget please ;)


wow 15,000 bd . isn't the property enough for them !. we are investing in there own countries dont they get the logic

Good news for Floating City appartment owners, the title deeds are out! For those who own an appartment, go to Al Saraya and provide copy passport, proof that you own the property (not the bank ;) and provide proof that you assured the property for a year. Those who own the house with a mortgage, will not receive the deed yet.

The bad news: in the meantime, Floating City, phase 1-2-3 start to get populated. And now the time comes to see if Al Saraya and AMC can manage the island or not, because owners:
- start to rebuild their houses, some of them without approval!
- start to claim COMMON areas, as their properties. In some cases the common gardens get rebuild as if it was private property. Owners: gardens are common for the appartment blocks, as well as the parkings
- Add more than 1 car in front of their villa, appartment. Their is not enough parking space
- Add jetski- en boat trailers all over the place on private and common areas.
- start using their boats and jetski's on the canal as it was a race track
- start to swim in the canal, although it is forbidden

And finally, Amwaj Security has forbidden any type of boat vehical to enter the bay of Amwaj. So those who thought having a jetty in front of their villa at Amwaj... you are wrong. Except within the canal of Floating City, nowhere on Amwaj boats are allowed, starting August 1st.

More to come ;)

need to rent out my 2 bedroom sea view at meena 7 ....know any good rental companies ? .

Rent it to me lol

As mentioned in previous threats their are many problems within Amwaj:

AMWAJ BOATS BAN PROTEST

More than a dozen homeowners at Amwaj Islands took to the water yesterday in breach of a ban on using motorised boats within the development.

The residents, made up of people all nationalities, staged the protest after claiming they had been robbed of the main reason they bought their waterside properties.

They took their vessels out to sea in a symbolic demonstration for around an hour to show the strength of feeling against the ban.

Residents earlier received letters from Amwaj Islands Security saying motorised vessels, including jet-skis would no longer be around in the breakwater.

Buoys bearing the warning STOP - NO BOATS were also strung across the entrance to the breakwater.

Instead of creating a set of rules to improve safety, residents say management took the easy option and simply banned all vessels from the water.

Many also suggested that closing the area off to boats would encourage swimmers to disregard safe guidelines such as keeping close to the shore.

Instead they want management to separate swimming areas from the rest of the water area and create a new set of rules for boats and maybe jet skis.

"By banning boats from the breakwater area they are instantly reducing the appeal of the islands to a large market since it is removing a fantastic resource," said one man, who regularly goes sailing, swimming wakeboarding and kite-surfing.

"The Amwaj Islands is a fantastic development that should be allowed to reach its full potential.

"However, it will not get there with poor prohibitive management that takes the easy or lazy solution to every problem that it encounters."

Problem

A British resident, who did not wish to be named, said the protest was sparked by a wider dissatisfaction.

"There is a lack of consultation and that is the general view of everybody within the development," he told the GDN.

"The management change the goal posts whenever they want.

"There are issues with ownership, the management and service and it is getting worse."

Amwaj Islands management were unavailable for comment.

Royal Tulip at Amwaj

http://corporate.goldentulip.com/com...ourbrands.aspx

THE Golden Tulip Hospitality Group is to open its second hotel in Bahrain, at Amwaj Islands, it was announced yesterday.

The Amwaj Gateway Development Company (AGDC), a subsidiary of RealCapita, has signed a contract with the group for the Royal Tulip Hotel to open in the project's central tower.

It will consist of 20 floors, in addition to adjacent townhouses.

"The hotel will provide a wide range of facilities and services to guests of the main tower and the townhouses," said AGDC board chairman Mohammed Al Tawash.

"Guests will have the option to choose between views overlooking the sea from the hotel or enjoy direct access to the sea from the townhouses."

The selection of Golden Tulip followed a study of its services and features, said company managing director Qais Al Maskati.

"The group has extensive experience in hospitality, whether in Bahrain, the Middle East or across the globe, it is one of the first hotels that established the concept of hotel hospitality," he said.

"Our co-operation with the group is the beginning of strategic relationship, which may include other projects in the future."

Mr Al Maskati added that RealCapita was currently considering establishing a private company to manage the hotel as its first project, followed by other hotels on other projects in Bahrain.

"The long-term plan is to place the project on the Bahrain Stock Exchange Market in the future."

Also present at the signing ceremony were Golden Tulip Hospitality Group vice-president Abbas Al Haj and senior vice-president and Middle East-South Africa managing director Amine Moukarzel.

The Sea Loft Boutique Chalets is currently open at Amwaj

http://www.thesealoft.com/

only question on the Sea Loft Boutique:
What is the price for 1 night ? :)

Did you rent out your apartment m class?

Amwaj Waves goes public!

Lona Real Estate revealed its flagship multi million-dollar development, Amwaj Waves, the single largest residential development on Amwaj Islands, offering over 1000 freehold apartments with luxurious recreational facilities.
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Nope, I was looking for it as well yesterday but couldn't find it anywhere.
Did you see who the developers are? I will take a look at the boards tomorrow and see what I can get out of them.

as far as I know, Amwaj Waves is the building they are putting in front of the Dragon, at the entrance of Floating City. They have started the works 2 months ago. Seems the Dragon will be hidden behind the Wave. Hopefully less ugly than the Dragon :P

F

Nope, I was looking for it as well yesterday but couldn't find it anywhere.
Did you see who the developers are? I will take a look at the boards tomorrow and see what I can get out of them.


They started putting advertisement on the light poles on the one way road to Amwaj.. I will try to get information as well.

Mabrook to Amwaj residents, the road lights are working now.

Attached are pictures of the land and the different phases

http://i35.tinypic.com/1f7r87.jpg

Nope, I was looking for it as well yesterday but couldn't find it anywhere.
Did you see who the developers are? I will take a look at the boards tomorrow and see what I can get out of them.

I believe the company is called "Lona"

Very low key huh. Hard to find out anything about this project. I guess I can always go out to Amwaj and look where Dorian mentioned.

Go to Amwaj, second roundabout to your right (on your way to Floating City). On your left you can see the almost completed Dragon project... in front of Dragon a new big project on its way... my calculated guess: Waves Amwaj.

Lona Real Estate reveals its USD396 Million flagship development

26 October 2008
Lona Real Estate revealed its flagship multi million-dollar development, Amwaj Waves, the single largest residential development on Amwaj Islands, offering over 1000 freehold apartments with luxurious recreational facilities.


Amwaj Waves is located on Amwaj Islands, a USD1.5 billion reclaimed island development situated just off the northern tip of the island of Muharraq.


Amwaj Waves, a USD396 million development, will span a total area of over 287,083 square meters. Amwaj Waves will feature a wide range of freehold apartments offering residents a new cosmopolitan lifestyle and significant investment returns.


The First Wave, phase one of Amwaj Waves development and the first to be launched, will feature four stunning contemporary residential buildings consisting of two 13-floor and two 7-floor buildings, giving rise to 299 apartments with scenic views of the sea, the city, and an exquisitely landscaped pool area. The First Wave also includes over 1,661 square meters of commercial space.


Amwaj Waves development will be launched at the Property Arabia Show 2008, from the 29th of October til 1st of November at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.


''Amwaj Waves, the single largest residential development on Amwaj Islands, will be the essence of modern urban living with stunning contemporary architecture and a wide range of recreational facilities. Amwaj Waves' tall buildings and strategic position within the island will afford residents amazing views of the city or the sea depending upon the position of the apartment.'', said Mr. Ali Birch, Director of Lona Real Estate Development.


''Amwaj Waves will be distinctive from all other real estate projects as it offers exceptionally high standards to complement the development's distinction as a prime development on Amwaj Islands... Strategically located, Amwaj Waves combines a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle with the modernism of the city, the development ensures accessibility to a range of divine commercial and recreational facilities, including a range internationally renowned hotel chains, retail and shopping centers, and various other recreational facilities all within Amwaj Islands," said Ms. Nouf Jamsheer, Business Development Manager of Lona Real Estate Development.


Designed by the internationally renowned and awarded firm of Davenport Campbell, Amwaj Waves is strategically positioned so that from an aerial perspective they evoke the formation of undulating waves, complementing the name of the development. Each wave represents a different phase of the project, creating a total of four Waves or four plots. Amwaj Waves will feature stunning contemporary architectural design with sixteen buildings that give rise to 1,106 apartments with scenic views of the sea, the city, and exquisitely landscaped pool areas central to each Wave. Each Wave will feature its own recreational facility.

''By utilising a design theme based on interlocking threads, we have been able to not only create variety in building form and strength in architectural expression, but we have also been able to generate landscaped courtyards of individual character that are integral, yet uniquely defining components to each phase of the development.'' Said Mr. Pieter Dekock, Senior Architect from Davenport Campbell Middle East.


''We are delighted to have one of the most desirable residential locations in the Kingdom which will enhance Amwaj Islands' reputation as a superb location," said Mr. Martin Kay, Chief Executive Officer of Amwaj Islands.


"Buyers will get the convenience of a quality city residence close to the office as well as a great investment." added Ms. Nouf Saleh Al Pachachi, Marketing Manager of Amwaj Islands.


Keeping the focus firmly on quality, the multi-million development will include integrated landscaped pools, courtyard, children play areas, tennis court, and commercial space. Furthermore, Amwaj Islands will offer a generous layout retail area of 5,855 square meters and will be a destination in its own right, featuring a choice of quality restaurants and shops.


''Expected to be completed in the second half of 2011, the stunning development will have state of the art architecture and facilities arranged to enhance the communal and social highlights of the project, combining seamlessly with the Amwaj lifestyle and enhanced by the world class facilities that are the signature elements of Amwaj Islands," said Mr. Jeff Myring, Senior Project Development Manager of Meena Projects.



- Ends -

For more information, please contact:
Nouf Jamsheer
Business Development Manager
Lona Real Estate
Email: nouf@amwajwaves.com

Mahmood Ali
Public Relations Manager
O2MARKETINGCOMMUNICATIONS
Tel:+973 363 888 52
Email: Mahmood.a@o2mc.net

www.amwajwaves.com

Website still under construction

"Amwaj Waves is an ultramodern residential development that will be situated right in the middle of Amwaj Islands. Because of its strategic location, residents of Amwaj Waves will be surrounded by the Islands’ wide variety of facilities and attractions while being able to access the waterfront by foot.

From an aerial perspective, the development is designed to resemble waves, in accordance with the name Amwaj Waves. Each ‘Wave’ represents a different phase of the project, creating a total of four ‘Waves’.

Amwaj Waves will feature stunning contemporary architectural design by the renowned architectural firm Davenport Campbell. Its sixteen buildings will give rise to eleven-hundred apartments with scenic views of the sea, Amwaj Islands, and exquisitely landscaped pool areas central to each ‘Wave’ community. These affordable, stylish apartments will offer residents and investors great value for their money, and they are now available for sale. The entire Waves development will be finalised by late 2011.

The developer of this major project is Lona Real Estate, a closed joint stock company based in Bahrain. Lona was incorporated with an authorised capital of 25 million Bahraini Dinars with paid up capital of 15 million Dinars in December 2007. Lona Real Estate Shareholders are made up of a distinguished team of business leaders with extensive experience in commercial and international property development.

Lona Real Estate intends to be at the forefront of real estate and commercial development companies, at a local and regional level."

"We are very pleased to advise that piling work has now commenced and that, together with the developer, we are close to awarding the main contract for the first phase with a view to commence construction in November. As a result of close cooperation between all parties we are confident that the first phase of the project will be handed over by February 2011.

The other three phases of construction will be commencing during the next four months and it is expected that construction of the complete development will be completed well before the end of 2011

As contract administrators we are the central hub through which all information is passed through the developer, the architect and other consultants and the contractors and as such it is clear that there are many challenging months ahead of us. By encouraging all concerned parties to proactively embrace the concept of belonging to a single team, it is hoped that these challenges will be eased.

It is our avowed aim, as on previous successful projects, to coordinate all the stakeholders in the project so that the individual client who makes a purchase can expect an apartment of their dreams without any concern as to the quality of materials used or the workmanship at a truly affordable price, and to be assured that the promised date for occupation of their selected apartment is adhered to.

Amwaj Waves is the single largest construction project on Amwaj Islands and is unique in that major provision has been allowed at the podium level for retail outlets, to include cafes, restaurants and a wide variety of shopping for residents and visitors alike. Together with this fact, the exceptional level of finishes for all apartments and the wonderful views available of both Amwaj Islands and the sea for once the marketing phrase is actually relevant. To live at Amwaj Waves truly will be “Living in the city by the sea”

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New Amwaj plan making waves...

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxxi/221/images/Lpic3.jpg

By MANDEEP SINGH

MANAMA

A MAJOR $396 million (BD149.6m) real estate project, believed to be one of the biggest of its kind in Bahrain, will be built within Amwaj Islands, it was announced yesterday. Amwaj Waves, which will be ready by late 2011, will offer 1,106 freehold apartments with luxurious recreational facilities spread over 287,083sqm.

"Amwaj Waves will feature a wide range of freehold apartments offering residents a new cosmopolitan lifestyle and significant investment returns," said Lona Real Estate Development director Ali Birch.

"The 'First Wave', as phase one of Amwaj Waves is called, will be the first to be launched and will feature four contemporary residential buildings consisting of two 13-floor and two seven-floor buildings, giving rise to 299 apartments with scenic views of the sea, the city, and a landscaped pool area," he said.

"The First Wave also includes over 1,661sqm of commercial space."

Mr Birch said Amwaj Waves would be the essence of modern urban living with contemporary architecture and a wide range of recreational facilities.

"The tall buildings and strategic position within the island will afford residents amazing views of the city or the sea depending upon the position of the apartment,'' he said.

Mr Birch said the development would be distinctive from all other real estate projects since it would offer exceptionally high standards to complement the development's distinction as a prime development on the islands.

The project was unveiled during a Press conference at the Gulf Hotel.

Lona Real Estate Development business development manager Nouf Jamsheer said the strategically located Amwaj Waves would combine a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle with the modernism of the city.

"The development ensures accessibility to a range of divine, commercial and recreational facilities, including a range of internationally renowned hotel chains, retail and shopping centres and various other recreational facilities all within Amwaj Islands," she said.

Designed by the renowned firm, Davenport Campbell, Amwaj Waves is strategically positioned so that from an aerial perspective they evoke the formation of undulating waves, complementing the name of the development, said Ms Jamsheer.

"Each wave represents a different phase of the project, creating a total of four waves or four plots," she said.

Ms Jamsheer added each wave would feature its own recreational facility.

Davenport Campbell Middle East senior architect Pieter Dekock said by utilising a design theme based on interlocking threads, the developers had been able to not only create variety in building form and strength in architectural expression, but also generate landscaped courtyards of individual character that were integral, yet uniquely defining components to each phase of the development.

Amwaj Islands' chief executive officer Martin Kay said officials were delighted to have one of the most desirable residential locations in Bahrain, which would enhance the development's reputation as a superb location.

Marketing manager Nouf Saleh Al Pachachi said buyers would get the convenience of a quality city residence close to the office and a great investment.

Consultants Meena Projects senior project development manager Jeff Myring said the development would have state-of-the-art architecture and facilities arranged to enhance the communal and social highlights of the project, combining seamlessly with the Amwaj lifestyle.

mandeep@gdn.com.bh

New Amwaj plan making waves...

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxxi/221/images/Lpic3.jpg

http://www.alayam.com/Archive/Pictures/27-10-2008_e1-1.jpg

By MANDEEP SINGH

MANAMA

A MAJOR $396 million (BD149.6m) real estate project, believed to be one of the biggest of its kind in Bahrain, will be built within Amwaj Islands, it was announced yesterday. Amwaj Waves, which will be ready by late 2011, will offer 1,106 freehold apartments with luxurious recreational facilities spread over 287,083sqm.

"Amwaj Waves will feature a wide range of freehold apartments offering residents a new cosmopolitan lifestyle and significant investment returns," said Lona Real Estate Development director Ali Birch.

"The 'First Wave', as phase one of Amwaj Waves is called, will be the first to be launched and will feature four contemporary residential buildings consisting of two 13-floor and two seven-floor buildings, giving rise to 299 apartments with scenic views of the sea, the city, and a landscaped pool area," he said.

"The First Wave also includes over 1,661sqm of commercial space."

Mr Birch said Amwaj Waves would be the essence of modern urban living with contemporary architecture and a wide range of recreational facilities.

"The tall buildings and strategic position within the island will afford residents amazing views of the city or the sea depending upon the position of the apartment,'' he said.

Mr Birch said the development would be distinctive from all other real estate projects since it would offer exceptionally high standards to complement the development's distinction as a prime development on the islands.

The project was unveiled during a Press conference at the Gulf Hotel.

Lona Real Estate Development business development manager Nouf Jamsheer said the strategically located Amwaj Waves would combine a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle with the modernism of the city.

"The development ensures accessibility to a range of divine, commercial and recreational facilities, including a range of internationally renowned hotel chains, retail and shopping centres and various other recreational facilities all within Amwaj Islands," she said.

Designed by the renowned firm, Davenport Campbell, Amwaj Waves is strategically positioned so that from an aerial perspective they evoke the formation of undulating waves, complementing the name of the development, said Ms Jamsheer.

"Each wave represents a different phase of the project, creating a total of four waves or four plots," she said.

Ms Jamsheer added each wave would feature its own recreational facility.

Davenport Campbell Middle East senior architect Pieter Dekock said by utilising a design theme based on interlocking threads, the developers had been able to not only create variety in building form and strength in architectural expression, but also generate landscaped courtyards of individual character that were integral, yet uniquely defining components to each phase of the development.

Amwaj Islands' chief executive officer Martin Kay said officials were delighted to have one of the most desirable residential locations in Bahrain, which would enhance the development's reputation as a superb location.

Marketing manager Nouf Saleh Al Pachachi said buyers would get the convenience of a quality city residence close to the office and a great investment.

Consultants Meena Projects senior project development manager Jeff Myring said the development would have state-of-the-art architecture and facilities arranged to enhance the communal and social highlights of the project, combining seamlessly with the Amwaj lifestyle.

mandeep@gdn.com.bh

^^

very interesting,, looks amazing but its being introduced in a very bad time for these types of investments/projects. It seems though that this global crises is not being felt in Bahrain as of yet .

Amwaj is finally starting to take shape!

Website is up and running

www.amwajwaves.com

^^

very interesting,, looks amazing but its being introduced in a very bad time for these types of investments/projects. It seems though that this global crises is not being felt in Bahrain as of yet .

Not really...The Gulf will only get affected if there is a liquidity freeze meaning banks not giving out loans! The majority of banks in the Gulf specifically Bahrain do not depend on foreign funds for lending purposes (As international markets for funds has come to a halt). They mostly depend on local deposits to fund loans. Without a doubt lending rates increased to reflect the new risks associated in the market and new precautionary measure will be taken but unless the crisis leads to a panic and people start withdrawing their money from banks in the Gulf; I do not think there will be a liquidity crisis. Nonetheless Bahrain Real Estate growth has been modest and sustainable compared to neighboring countries. Plus Bahrain's limited land, bridge with Qatar, growing population and few key locations are all positive factors to invest in Bahrain. Also Rentals yields have been extremely high in comparison to developed countries which means in a financial aspect sense that it is more financially sensible to buy properties than rent which means their continues to be a under supply of properties.

very re-assuring,,,,, thanks for that explanation

Thanks Bentley, I agree with you 100%

I contacted several banks in Bahrain to inquire about loans, and all of them had no problem lending me whether it was a property loan or an OD.

I know two guys, one had a BD1Mil OD approved yesterday and another a property loan on a flat in Seef.

Well, if you get loans, go and buy a house on Amwaj... ;) many houses for sale now... seems not all have enough liquidity... especially on Floating City 15% of houses for sale now.

Well, if you get loans, go and buy a house on Amwaj... ;) many houses for sale now... seems not all have enough liquidity... especially on Floating City 15% of houses for sale now.

I think the boat ban and other projects in Amwaj have hit Floating City hard.
Houses are for sale but they are still very overpriced the last time I checked.

FYI, they are currently building a rock-band around the outside shores of amwaj. Its about 25m in to protect swimmers from boats (that was the main reason for the ban - safety).

The boats will be allowed back in once the rock-band is complete...

Amwaj Islands launches Kingdom’s newest marina

Amwaj Islands launched Amwaj Marina, the group’s latest multi-million dinar realty development. Amwaj Marina will be the waterway access to Amwaj Islands and the Kingdom’s newest marina. The circular marina is located on the western seafront of Amwaj Islands and will be operational from today. It will have the capacity to rent out 145 berths and will be able to host up to four super yachts in deepwater berths. “This is one of the most important developments within Amwaj Islands. It will be the seafront entrance to Amwaj Islands. Boat owners will be able to moor to the marina and spend the day taking in a variety of other attractions located within a short distance of the marina, including the theme park, a retail centre, hotels, beaches and Amwaj Beach Club,” said Martin Kay, CEO of Amwaj Islands. Amwaj Marina, a five-star facility has advanced security systems. Additionally, the marina will host boating activities and lessons through the Sail Laser Academy, and in the future, will offer a variety of water sports like windsurfing, kayaking and pedalo. “We are excited to launch the 60,000- square metre marina after almost two years of planning and development. The marina will serve as the waterway to Amwaj Islands, providing boat owners access to attractions and residential communities by way of the sea. This will make a unique experience, not only for the residents of Amwaj, but also for visitors,” said Martin Kay. “Amwaj Marina will be the destination marina for boat owners across Bahrain. It will soon feature cafes and swimming facilities,” said Peter Jennings, Marina Manager of Amwaj Islands. “Amwaj Marina has serviced berthing for 141 boats of up to 20 metres long and four boats up to 30 metres long. It has a diameter of almost 300 metres and an area of some 70,000 square metres. The depth of the basin is 6m below chart datum with a deep water channel to the open sea. A new company is being formed to run the marina,” he said. Business Correspondent

About the rock-band on Amwaj: Safety is an issue indeed... but Al Saraya always took some time to find a "cheap solution" to solve the safety issue. Also, nobody, except Floating City, will be able to moar it's boat near the house.

Than comes Amwaj Marina you would say ;) Well... welcome to the most expensive Marina in bahrain.. you pay more than 7 BD per meter per month! So if you own f.e. an Gulf Craft Ambassador 31ft... you pay 217 BD a month, or 2600 BD a year! Dubai prices.

In bahrain yacht club i pay 7 times less!

YES, my boats in flaoting city !!! i think all the ppl at floating city with no boats might as well rent the space @ BD 3 psqm just to piss the marina ppl off.. lool... anyone wanna paerk their boat infront my neighbors house ?! hahaa

www.marblearchproperties.co.uk

Amwaj Marina is unveiled

A NEW 60,000 square metre waterway access to the $1.5 billion (BD567 million) Amwaj Islands development has been unveiled.

The circular Amwaj Marina facility has a capacity for 145 berths and will be able to host up to four super-yachts in deepwater berths.

"This is considered to be one of the most important developments within Amwaj Islands," said chief executive officer Martin Key.

"It will be the seafront entrance to the Islands and another unique attraction in itself.

"Boat owners will be able to moor in the marina and spend the day taking in a variety of other attractions located within a short distance of the marina, including the theme park, the retail centre, hotels, the beaches and Amwaj Beach Club."

Amwaj Islands marina manager Peter Jennings revealed it had been launched after almost two years of planning.

He said it would be a key destination for boat owners across Bahrain because of its efficient and convenient services, designed to provide a smooth, trouble-free marina experience.

"It will also boast of a host of entertainment services for the whole family including water sports, sailing lessons, beach club facilities and in due course it will feature cafŽs, and swimming facilities," added Mr Jennings.

Top award for Lagoon Carnival

MANAMA: The Carnival at the Lagoon event on Amwaj Islands in Bahrain was announced as a winner of the 2008 IVCA LiveCom Awards. The award was presented during a ceremony held at the London Stock Exchange.

The IVCA LiveCom awards were developed in association with the UK Trade and Industry, specifically to recognise the finest examples of live and experiential communications.

The selection of the Carnival at the Lagoon was based on the effective use of live events to engage specific external audiences for such purposes as brand building, marketing, appeal to the intended target market - using the number of the attending audience as one of the measures of success as well as the public relations and media coverage.

The Carnival at the Lagoon event was organised by international UK-based events company The Bank, where world-class acts were performed and a friendly carnival-like environment was created to appeal to Bahrain's family segment - residents and visitors. Activities included stilt shows, fire acts, acrobatic acts, international children's show, jet-ski show as well as fire works.

The three-day event was attended by more than 21,000 people, including residents of Amwaj Islands, Bahrain and neighbouring countries to celebrate the Eid break.

What is the status of the "Theme Island". From Ossis' website it is suppose to have a theme park, water park and dolphin show. Is this all hot air from the developer?

Peter

There is an Island reserved for these activities you mentioned. These things take time, probably they are waiting for a strong investor.

Lagoon landmark

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/source/xxxi/347/images/lagoo.jpg

MANAMA: Lagoon Real Estate Development has announced that all units that have been purchased at the $90 million project in Amwaj Island have already been handed over to their owners. This move, which followed the completion of construction of all buildings as well as electricity connections, has equipped the owners with all necessary means to work and finalise fit-outs of their retail units.

"We are happy to be contributing to the kingdom's efforts in encouraging family tourism throughout," said Lagoon project chairman Saud Hassan Al Nusuf.

"The Lagoon is a unique commercial development in the kingdom which will definitely attract Bahrain residents and visitors alike. The project has been completed in record time and according to international standards where we aim the first shops to be open in a month's time."

Does anyone know if the Lagoon has license to serve alcohol? i heard they were fitting out 3 or 4 restaurants already..

Al Saraya launches real estate projects

MANAMA: Bahrain-based real estate development company Al Saraya is pushing ahead with two new projects.

"In keeping with the spirit of leadership and our fundamental understanding of the current market demand, we are not going to sit and let the world go by," said general manager Redha A Halim Mukhtar.

"People still need their dream homes and we are proud to launch two new projects, Marsa 2 in Amwaj Islands and Al Murkh in Saar."

Marsa 2 is a gated community of 25 villas, situated within the Tala Lagoon, next to the Fay Beach project and within easy reach of the upcoming commercial centre, The Lagoon. Marsa 2 is a cluster of villas, with three- and four-bedroom units, many of which will have direct access to private beach.

This freehold gated community will also include a health club and a swimming pool. The three-bedroom villas start at BD165,000 with an area of 221 sq/m, and the four-bedroom villas start at BD175,000 with an area of 242 sq/m.

"Marsa 2 represents a great opportunity for those who want to live by the beach as not only are the prices affordable but also the payment plan has been designed to sit easy on the pocket," said Mr Mukhtar.

The groundbreaking ceremony of this project is slated this month.

Al Murkh is a gated community for ownership by Bahraini and other GCC nationals.

"Al Murkh brings the warmth of the Bahraini neighbourhood set amidst modern-day facilities," said deputy general manager Rashid Qamber.

"Al Murkh has nine buildings set within a leafy landscape in the Saar area and offers one and two bedroom flats.

Jawad signs Lagoon deal
Posted on » Sunday, March 29, 2009


MANAMA: Lagoon Leasing and Jawad Group have signed an agreement to lease around 3,000 sq/m space at the Lagoon commercial development on Amwaj Islands.

Lagoon Leasing chairman Saud Al Nusuf and Jawad Group chairman Faisal Jawad signed the agreement in the presence of Abu Dhabi Investment House head of sales Ahmed Habib and a representative from Cluttons, the facility manager.

"We are delighted to sign this agreement with the reputable Jawad Group, as the group is a major contributor to the Bahraini retail market. The presence of such clients is significant in further pushing quality. Despite the economic downturn internationally, demand to lease Lagoon units has increased, especially after electricity and other work has been completed," Mr Al Nusuf said.

"Being part of the Lagoon among other international brands only reinforces our leading position within the market. The Lagoon is quite a unique development that will definitely provide a new destination for Bahrain residents and visitors alike. We hope through our outlets here that customers enjoy the usual highest quality of services that Jawad Group offers," said Mr Jawad.

Outlets planned to open at the Lagoon include: Quiznos Sub, Costa Coffee, Chilies, La Fratella Italiana as well as Magic Wok. The Jawad Supermarket will occupy approximately 2,000 sq/m space.

Amwaj Marina is open and hosting the first Bahrain boat exhibition

«جزر أمواج» تفتتح مشروع أمواج مارينا
افتتحت جزر أمواج مؤخرا مشروع أمواج مارينا (المارينا) الذي تبلغ مساحته الإجمالية 60 ألف متر مربع ويقع على الشاطئ الغربي لجزر أمواج. وقال بيان لجزر أمواج أمس أن «بدأ بالفعل العمل في المارينا حالياً بقدرة استيعاب 145 مرسى للإيجار بالإضافة إلى إمكانية استضافة أربعة من يخوت السوبر في مراسي المياه العميقة, وتهدف أمواج مارينا إلى تقديم أعلى معايير المارينا في المنطقة». وقال الرئيس التنفيذي لجزر أمواج مارتن كاي «يعد هذا المشروع من أهم المشاريع التطويرية في جزر أمواج», مضيفا: «كما يمثل مدخل الواجهة البحرية الجذابة لجزر أمواج, وباستطاعة أصحاب القوارب القيام بالرحلات البحرية داخل المارينا وزيارة المرافق القريبة في جزر أمواج مثل مركز التسوق والفنادق بالإضافة إلى النادي البحري التابع للمارينا الذي سيفتح أبوابه قريباً حيث توفر هذه المرافق الخدمة المميزة والأفضل في المملكة». وشدد رئيس المرفأ الكابتن أنجوس ماكسويل على أن «أمواج مارينا الوجهة الأمثل لأصحاب القوارب في البحرين وذلك لتوفر خدمات مارينا سهلة وملائمة وذات كفاءة عالية, كما أنها توفر مجموعة من الخدمات الترفيهية لجميع أفراد الأسرة علاوة على المقاهي ومرافق السباحة وخدمات النوادي البحرية عالية الجودة». ولفت إلى أن «أمواج مارينا هي مارينا خمس نجوم تتميز بأعلى معايير الجودة في المنطقة وتمتلك أكثر الأجهزة الأمنية تطوراً مع أحدث المعدات كما توفر الخدمات ذات الكفاءة العالية», مشيراً إلى أن «المارينا ستقدم في المستقبل مجموعة متنوعة من الرياضات المائية بما فيها رياضة الإبحار والتجديف والأكثر بكثير». التفاصيل ص

Construction starts on 70,000sqm leasable area Amwaj Mall

مجمع أمواج التجاري .. تجربة تسوق لا تضاهى

شرعت شركة أوسس لتطوير العقار المطور الرئيس لجزر أمواج في أعمال الإنشاءات في مجمع أمواج التجاري المقام في منتجع الفنار الحصري بمحاذاة فندق الريناسانس ومقابل أمواج مارينا مطلع العام الجاري، ومن المقرر الانتهاء منه العام .2011
سيمتد المجمع ذو الـ 220.000 متر مربع على طابقين، وسيوفر مساحة الـ70.000 متر مربع لوحدات تجارية ومحلات من ضمنها 170 متجرا خاصا و5 محلات تسوق كبيرة وسوبر ماركت و25 مطعما، كما سيضم 4 سينمات راقية وأكثر من 2300 موقف للسيارات.
إضافة على هذا سيضم المجمع أيضاً 145 شقة فندقية بواجهة مائية عريضة مطلة على المارينا والبحر ذات أسلوب حياة مميز ومختلف يتناسب مع أسلوب الحياة في أمواج.
وفي تصريح لمحمد نوري، مدير مشروع جزر أمواج لدى شركة أوسس ش.م.ب(م) قال فيه ''لقد تم تصميم مجمع أمواج التجاري ليوفر كل الاحتياجات الأساسية لقضاء يوم ممتع سواء كنت لوحدك أو برفقة عائلتك، فدافنبورت كامبل التي صممت عددا كبيرا من المشروعات في جزر أمواج هي استشاري هذا التحفة الفنية، ونحن على يقين تام أن هذا المشروع سيفوق التوقعات''.
وأضاف نوري ''إن عملية الإنشاء بدأت في وقت مبكر هذا العام، ونحن نأمل أن ينتهي المشروع قبل نهاية العام .''2011
وسيقدم المجمع تشكيلة فريدة من المطاعم المطلة على المارينا والبحر، إلى جانب عدد من المحلات المشهورة التي توفر احتياجات ساكني أمواج وزائريها، مجمع أمواج التجاري من أجل تجربة تسوُّق لا تضاهى.
بدأ العمل في جزر أمواج العام ,2001 وأكمل المرحلة الأولى (مرحلة التجريف والدفان) العام ,2003 وتم الانتهاء بالكامل من شبكة البنية التحتية، أما مرحلة البناء، فهي جارية حالياً على قدم وساق، ويتوقع أن تستوعب الجزر ما يزيد عن 30 ألف نسمة تقريباً.

فندق رائع على مساحة 20 ألف متر مربع قريبا فندق بوتيك أمواج..الخصوصية المطلقة

http://www.alayam.com/Archive/Pictures/30-4-2009_e8-3.jpg

تبدأ شركة اوسس لتطوير العقار المطور الرئيسي لجزر أمواج قريبا في أعمال البناء في مشروع فندق بوتيك أمواج الذي يغطي مساحة 20,000 متر مربع وسيضم 134 غرفة واسعة وأجنحة, 10 فلل بطابقين حصرية لتوفير خصوصية مطلقة للعائلات. كما يضم المشروع الفريد من نوعه برك سباحة مالحة وحلوة المياه, بالإضافة إلى شاطئ لا مثيل له لنزلاء الفندق ومقهى شاطئي وتشكيلة منتقاة بعناية من المطاعم. ويقع فندق بوتيك أمواج في موقع استراتيجي في جزيرة جنة بمشروع جزر أمواج الراقية, مطلا على المياه الزرقاء الكريستالية. كما يوفر فندق بوتيك أمواج لضيوفه أسلوبين مختلفين من الحياة, الأول هادئ وعصري يناسب الحالمين بالهدوء والاستمتاع بالسكينة, والثاني مفعم بالحياة ومليء بالإثارة للمقبلين على الحياة المليئة بالروح الشبابية. وفي تصريح لنوف الباجاجي مديرة التسويق في شركة أوسس ش.م.ب (م) المطور الرئيسي لجزر أمواج قالت: «تم تأسيس فندق بوتيك أمواج بناء على فكرة خلق جو من الخصوصية في نطاق حصري للعائلات والسياح, وتوفير أكبر قدر من الراحة والفسحة للتمتع بجمال البحر والطبيعة الخلابة على الجزر». وأضافت: «لقد تم تعيين اتش سي بي أركيتكتس كاستشاريين للمشروع ويتم في الوقت الحالي عملية تصميم المشروع, فنحن نهدف من خلال التصميم الفريد إلى ضمان تعزيز المنظر المطل على الخور المائي». وأضافت متحدثةً عن الفلل العشر قائلةً: «من المقرر حسب التصميم أن تكون الفلل منفصلة عن الفندق, لضمان منتهى الخصوصية للعائلات على مدار 24 ساعة, وتوفير بيئة دافئة تشعر النزلاء وكأنهم في منازلهم». ويتضمن تصميم الفندق على العديد من المطاعم المخصصة للنزلاء وزوار الجزر على الجانب الغربي من المنتجع لضمان الخصوصية والهدوء. كما سيعمل الفندق على تعزيز دور جزر أمواج – المشروع السكني العقاري الكبير – في رفد موقع البحرين السياحي, من حيث استضافته للنزلاء على مدار العام مقدما لهم أرقى الخدمات وأعلاها جودة حسب المعايير العالمية للخدمات الفندقية. وأختتمت الباجاجي حديثها بالقول: «تسعى جزر أمواج لاستقطاب المشاريع الرائدة في المجال السكني والترفيهي والسياحي, وما فندق بوتيك أمواج إلا أحد هذه المشاريع التي ستساهم بشكل كبير في الدفع بعجلة التطوير على الجزر وانتعاشها». بدأ العمل في جزر أمواج عام 2001, وأكمل المرحلة الأولى (مرحلة التجريف والدفان) عام 2003 وتم الانتهاء بالكامل من شبكة البنية التحتية, أما مرحلة البناء فهي جارية حالياً على قدم وساق, ويتوقع أن تستوعب الجزر ما يزيد عن 30 ألف نسمة تقريباً.