Name: Mag 218 Tower
Location: Dubai Marina
Floors: 55
Height: ?
Use: Residential

i found this one on my trip today
it will be located behind the unknown 66f residential tower, which is behind le reve
there is no sign board yet, but they have put the fences with map property development signs around

http://207.44.228.232/photopost/data//500/2Mag_218_Tower.jpg

Another mag tower!! Isn't there one in Dubailand and another in Jumeriah lake?

correct
this one was already announced in the press release of the mag dubailand tower
we just didn't create a thread because we had no info at all

ohh. ok.

Damn insane alex , you know more than i do when it comes to towers in Dubai :) keep it up

Damn insane alex , you know more than i do when it comes to towers in Dubai :) keep it up

Hehe, well again it is one of my highest intressts to check the status of buildings that are U/C. :) Sounds pretty lame, but i love it! ;D

it was impossible to get a shot, because the plots have been fenced in completely
you can't see nothing at all!!!! :(

here we go with the render! but just a tiny one

and it has 66 floors of which 55 are residential

http://207.44.228.232/photopost/data//500/2Mag_218_Tower.jpg

what are the other 11 floors?? G+M+4 service floors???

i don't know
maybe a recreation deck, health club, shopping aracde level/s in there?

aprking decks , looks like about 5-6 there

looks very similar to Marina Pinnacle which is right next to it, but its simple, and I like simple.

marina pinnacle looks different in my opinion, exspecially this model, markmywords took a picture from....

what is that for a weird spire, this circle over the top?

loooks LIKE SOMETHING marina pinnacle, but it doesnt matter, the tower is ugly, i will like it only coz its tall:P

guess we need a better render first of all...

indeed
but i can't find anything :(
no replies to emails either by mag property development

saw a picture of it last night in a mag and it has 2 huge spires , simmilar to CITIC in Shenzen, dident look half bad from the render

two spires? cool

i just don't understand why they put the tiniest render ever on their homepage :ohno:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid160/p478499b7d66797f10f033afee549fb52/f4e569f5.jpg


It says that MAG group is building the following:

One tower in Jumeirah Lake Towers / Al Nakheel / MAG 214
One tower in Dubai Marina / MAG 218
Two - Towers Residential & Commercial / DIFC
One tower in Khan Lakes in Sharjah / MAG 224
Two buildings in Barsha
One building in Naif - Musallah Road
One building in Jebel Ali - Palm Island / Al Nakheel / MAG 222
One tower in Downtown - Dubailand / MAG 220
Warehouses & shops in Industrial Aerea 18 - Sharjah

only one of those many towers on palm JA ? ;) , not much i would say.
why the f*** are they all called mag and a figure, hate that...
emaar doesn't call their towers emaar 1-303949 too...
imagine burj dubai's name would be emaar 345...

maybe we will see the name change some time, when the owner takes over the tower :dunno:

This tower has 66 floors.

MAG Group unveils new project at Dubai Marina

Dubai : Moafaq Al Gaddah Group launched its latest project, MAG 218 Tower at the Dubai Marina recently.

Officials said the value of the 66-storey luxury residential project is estimated at more than Dh350 million.

Dar Al Handasah, who designed the project, has been appointed project management consultant. Asteco has been named sales and marketing agents and Amlak will support the buyers with mortgage finance.

Mohammad Nimer, director of MAG Group's property development department, told Gulf News that construction will begin in July.

"We expect to choose the main contractor by July after a tendering process. The project is scheduled for completion in 32 months," he said.

About 55 floors of the 66-storey MAG 218 Tower comprise 1- and 2-bedroom apartments. The project has seven floors for parking, three technical floors and a community area and a health club floor.

There is also a swimming pool and jacuzzi on the podium roof.

With this project, the number of properties currently being developed by MAG Group would be 12. They include the MAG 214 Tower in the Jumeirah Lake Towers and two towers at the Dubai International Financial Centre, MAG 224 tower in the Al Khan area in Sharjah, one building in Al Barsha, one office building in Naif-Mussallah area in downtown Dubai, MAG 222 in the Palm Jebel Ali, MAG 220 in Dubailand and the latest MAG 218 at Dubai Marina.

Among these the two towers at the DIFC will be worth more than Dh400 million. The upcoming property at Dubailand willd cost the company Dh200 million, Nimer said.

"Total value of all these projects could be between Dh1.5 billion and Dh2 billion," he said.

Meanwhile the company will choose a main contractor for the MAG 214 tower, currently under development.

"We have received an excellent response from the market for our projects. MAG 214 is almost 85 per cent sold out. We hope to conclude sales soon.

"We will choose a main contractor for the project in a week's time. Tender evaluation is in its final phase. The project is scheduled for handover by 2007," Nimer said.

it has taken so long from the announcement to the launch
some details to add to emporis

7 parking floors? underground? or both?
btw no height yet?

MAG, 66-storeys in Dubai Marina

The Moafag Al Gaddah Group has launched its 66-storey MAG 218 Tower in the Dubai Marina with Asteco as marketing agents. Fifty-five storeys are devoted to one and two bedroom apartments and completion is scheduled for 32 months. Its earlier MAG 224 skyscraper in the Jumeirah Lake Towers is 85 per cent sold-out, said officials.

now, it's official, finally
the one opposte marina heights

mag 224 at jlt? a shame, they don't even know the names of their towers :ohno:

"now, it's official, finally
the one opposte marina heights"

Would that be E7 then?

where do the numbers come from?

from dazz plot map?!?
it would be E7 yes..
but i thought we already knew that?

officially launched today
it's looking good i think



MAG Property Development Department launch their latest project, MAG 218 Tower in Dubai Marina

MAG Property Development Department which is a part of MAG Group of Companies held a dinner party at Burj Al Arab to launch their latest project: MAG 218 Tower in Dubai Marina.


http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/1/12861-mag-tower.jpg
Mag 218 Tower
Mohammed Nimer, Director, MAG Group PDD said "MAG 218 can be best described as functional in all aspects. Its buzzing location, which is walking distance from neighboring Internet and Media cities and major upcoming shopping centers in the area. In addition, it is just minutes away from the most serene waterfront in the area, the Dubai Marina. Functionality includes its design and finishing material as well, where MAG 218 is composed of 66 floors, 55 of which are 1 & 2 bedroom-apartments, while other 11 floors include parking, technical floors and one community floor.No doubt that perfection in performance requires the right partners who are experts in their relevant fields. That's why we've chosen Dar-Al-Handasah as our consultant, Asteco as our sales & marketing agent, Amlak as our financier.

A 66-storey residential Tower, 55 of which are comprised of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, houses 7 floors for parking, 3 technical floors and a Community Area and Health Club Floor. There is a swimming pool and Jacuzzi on the Podium Roof.

The Tower is conveniently located minutes away from the most serene waterfront in the area - the Dubai Marina. It is also within a short distance of the most attractive shopping facilities, and other amenities such as Internet and Media Cities.

All the flats are spaciously designed with first-class finishings and fully equipped European standard kitchens.

The event was attended by high-profile businessmen specialized in the real estate business.

The Consultants for this project are Dar Al Handasah and the Sales & Marketing agent is Asteco. Payment facilities to buyers are offered by Amlak.

MAG 218 is the second of 12 projects in progress by MAG PDD who has developed a structured formula that combines design distinction with real estate basic principles based on quality and commitment in execution.

we need heights badly

when i'm up to date with emporis i will start the ultimative "contact all the lazy companies" campaign :D

we've collected some valuable info on companies on emporis and i will flood them with mails over the next weeks, using the emporis email domain, which i will order today

how about 218 metres, unless somone else can work out why somone would call there buildings such stupid names.

because it might be the 218th mag buliding in the world, for example.
guess it will be a little bit higher.
again only 1/2 bedroom apartments...

the numbers don't have anything to do with the height :lol:
maybe a building permit number? :dunno:
but i'm not willing to find it out :D

1/2 bedroom appartments?

do you have to share with a neighbour or are they just small rooms?

i wonder why nobody has told them that there buildings have stupid names... its anoying me so much im tempted to give them a pice of my mind!

1 or 2 bedrooms. but i guess you know that and just tried to fool me.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid161/p269aa7a23049516c80650605d99733d3/f4cd9b96.jpg

2/3 page ad on today's Gulf News. The cool blue glass colour is, well, cool. The top part of the building looks nice, but the tower is very tall.

who the hell designed this tower
the roof structure looks so cool, but very strange somehow

are there any contractors listed in the ad altin?

^^ for me it's typical the architect is not the starring party at these. In Dutch projects, the first person listed is alsways the architect.

who the hell designed this tower
the roof structure looks so cool, but very strange somehow

are there any contractors listed in the ad altin?

Not that I remember.

oh this tower seemed so ugly in the beginning , but now, mmm hot hot!!!:)

who the hell designed this tower
the roof structure looks so cool, but very strange somehow


From Gulfnews (11/3/2005)

MAG Group unveils new project at Dubai Marina

By Saifur Rahman, Staff Reporter

Dubai : Moafaq Al Gaddah Group launched its latest project, MAG 218 Tower at the Dubai Marina recently. Officials said the value of the 66-storey luxury residential project is estimated at more than Dh350 million.

Dar Al Handasah, who designed the project, has been appointed project management consultant. Asteco has been named sales and marketing agents and Amlak will support the buyers with mortgage finance.

:doh: i didn't read carefully enough
thanks for the hint michiel

dar al handasah is also building abraj al bait in makkah! will link it on emporis

As I understand from reading thread, the construction of MAG 218 TOWER will start in July.
Anyone knows when the off-plans will become available for sale to public. Is there any specific info abt this.
ty

construction is to begin in the next days
the fence is already there, advertising the developer's company (MAG property development)

nobody is selling this tower yet, but the only bits of info you can find here www.magpd.com

little bit weird nobody is selling already, ususally they sell their apartments at the moment when they're approved...

http://www.key2dubai.co.uk/images/locations/MAG%202181.jpg

wow and siganage at the top

it looks amazing in that render...
so white and shiny..!!

great you found a nice render
finally

what a massive spire :eek:

great you found a nice render
finally

what a massive spire :eek:

You do get a run around. :)

http://www.key2dubai.co.uk/images/locations/MAG%202185.jpg

http://www.key2dubai.co.uk/images/locations/MAG%202184.jpg

I wonder when they will announce those towers behind MAG218 (towards to JLT) there's seem to be about 15plots, imagine another 15 +200m towers rising there :)

krazy, r u sure you are not a CIA aganet or something. You always seem to be able to find info and great renders. Excellent plot plan showing all the site and there are still loads of plots not yet taken or announced. What this also shows is the plots around Marina Heights, check them out

one of the best plans ever

will these new plots next to szr be part of the marins or media city?

there is nothing going on right now, at least it was barren land this winter

this map is great...
you can clearly see where the mall will be...
and there are still a lot of nice plots...
though i don't think those plots next to szr will be res towers.?!?

what are all those roads on the map? i guess its the new plan for interchange 5??

Asteco is set to present model for MAG218

30 April 2005

DUBAI — Asteco, real estate and property management company will present a model for the MAG218 project, the 55-storey tower with 550-apartments to be built within the Dubai Marina on April 30 and May 1 at its head office in Capricorn Tower, Shaikh Zayed Road.

The potential buyers of apartments at the MAG218 project are invited for a viewing of what the new tower will look like. MAG218 will have one and two-bedroom apartments, swimming pool , a fully-equipped gym and a community area.

Asteco consultants will be available to introduce the new project, which takes its name from the 27-year-old Moafaq Gaddah Group (MAG) and buyers can visit from 10 am to 8 pm on both days. MAG Group of Companies is a multinational trading company with 18 offices in eight countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Elaine Jones, managing director, Asteco, said: “MAG 218 is designed for those looking for contemporary style, functionality and a convenient home base within walking distance of business hubs such as the Internet and Media Cities, and Dubai Knowledge Village. We have already seen an encouraging response to the project thanks to its competitive prices, and there are attractive finance options from AMLAK.’’ MAG218 will be completed by the first quarter of 2008, and the consultancy Dar Al Handash is already working on the building's design plans. MAG Group's, MAG214 in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, is the group's first tower project.

Asteco invites buyers to view new tower project
Potential buyers of apartments at the MAG218 project within the Dubai Marina community are invited for a viewing of what the new tower will look like.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/0/14090-mag218.jpg
MAG218
Real estate and property management specialist Asteco will present a model for the 550-apartment, 55-storey tower on two open days - April 30 and May 1 - at its head office in Capricorn Tower, 6th floor, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

MAG218 will have one and two-bedroom apartments, an outdoor swimming pool with surrounding wooden deck, a fully-equipped gym, and a community area.

Buyers can visit from 10:00am to 8:00pm on both days, and Asteco consultants will be available to introduce the new project, which takes its name from the 27-year-old Moafaq Gaddah Group (MAG). No appointments are required.

'The model will provide prospective MAG 218 homeowners with the most comprehensive understanding of the fittings, finishes and unique facilities,' said Elaine Jones, Managing Director, Asteco. 'MAG 218 is designed for those looking for contemporary style, functionality and a convenient home base within walking distance of business hubs such as the Internet and Media Cities, and Dubai Knowledge Village.'

'We have already seen an encouraging response to the project thanks to its competitive prices, and there are attractive finance options from AMLAK.'

MAG218 will be finished by the first quarter of 2008, and the consultancy Dar Al Handash is already working on the building's design plans.

MAG Group's Property Development Department is increasingly active, with twin towers planned for DIFC, and other properties on the drawing board for Dubai and Sharjah. MAG214 in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai, is the group's first tower project and is 95 per cent sold since launching last summer.

Founded in Dubai in 1985, Asteco is the UAE's largest property management company. Its services include retail, commercial and residential sales and leasing; strategic consultancy; property marketing; feasibility studies and evaluations; and research and investment.

Established in 1978, MAG Group of Companies is a multinational trading company with 18 offices in eight countries in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

great opportunity to get a height
will somebody go there?

we don't have a height yet?!?
hopefully somebody finds time...
i estimate 270m with this spire...

did somebody contact dar al handasah for a height?

Those interested in the MAG 218, check out the MAG 218 Community site, with news, info and links related to the project. This is basically a forum for future residents but all are welcome to participate. MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com). I'll check with the developer on the building height and let you guys know.

that's cool! :)

would be great if you could find out the official height for us and emporis.com

i've been to the site 2 days ago and there still is nothing happening
just a fenced in site

do you know when construction is set to start?

ask the developer please, and don't forget to get a height!
thanks!!
D-l whats your estimate,
i would say it could be 280 with those spires on top.

i stick to 260, just like marina pinnacle next door :D

They have stick the MAG logo and insignia on the boards around their site so they might start soon.

sorry altin, the mag pd signs are all over the blue fence since more than half a year!!!

I have got some specific information regarding the number of floors and floor heights in the MAG 218 but not yet the total height of the tower. See the details at MAG 218 Facts & Figures (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/06/mag-218-facts-figures.html). By my calculation the total height counting "clearance height" on each level comes to 194.6 meters. If any one has an architectual background perhaps they can elaborate on whether "clearance height" includes only interior space or the slab between floors as well. I presume that it does not include slab width therefore the total height should be 194.6 meters + about 63 floors of slab and the rooftop structure.

Construction on the tower is due to begin in late August or ealry September.

thanks for clearing this up
but the slab between floors has to be counted as well
and don't forget about the roof feature and spire

the structure must be 250m or even taller

let's put it this way:
how thick is one slab? 20cm?
63x20 = 12.6m
+
roof feature and spire ~ 50m

I forgot to mention that the data sheet I have indicates 126.15 meters at the 36th floor. Adding to this 25 residential floors at 3 meters each, a community floor and two technical floors at 4.7 meters each (again not counting slabs) that brings the height up to the roof at 215.25 meters. So with the remaining slabs and rooftop elements added I would also guess something near 250 or 260 meters.

late august... i wonder why they haven't already started??

site testing going on today

I dont know why somehow this building has somethign incommon with the Marina Pinnacle.

Word from the developer is that construction won't begin unitl after Ramadan, and no tenders have yet been accepted for the project. Don't know if they have even opened the bidding yet.

so, still no official height for the tower?

seems so.
maybe in the press release where they announce the contracts etc have been awarded.

Word from the developer is that a piling contractor will be chosen in November and the main building contractor in January. Therefore the empty plot should start to see some activity soon.

Don't know about a signboard for the tower. I haven't been at the site for a few weeks. Part of the reason for the construction delay was apparently design changes. There will be balconies for 2-bedroom units, up to the 50th residential floor. (Formerly there were no balconies). Haven't seen any renders yet.

If anyone on the forum is a buyer in the tower, please visit MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com) homepage. There's a lot of specific and general information there which would be of use to buyers and those considering.

I know the readers of the forum want to know the official height. Sorry, I don't have it yet.

Good news.

Maybe soon you have it and you can tell us!

If anyone on the forum is a buyer in the tower, please visit MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com) homepage. There's a lot of specific and general information there which would be of use to buyers and those considering.


Yes, that is a good starting point. I suggest you also have a look at www.DubaiPropertyForum.com and open a Mag218 thread there. It is also nice to have a seperate forum for owners only. :-)

there is no signboard yet
just mag pd signs on the fence around the plot
hopefully they just added balconies and not the whole design!

i liked it the way it is.
nevertheless a res tower should have balconies.
oh i love this, mag, the torch, princess , 23 marina, all rising at the same time with EC a little bit ahead.
and OH still to come :D

I have requested an interview with the GM of MAG PDD, the MAG 218 developer. The response was favorable--just waiting for a date and time. Of course I'll ask about the building's height. That'll be one of my first questions. Other than that I'll ask about matters relevant to buyers. All we be posted on the MAG 218 Community website. Stay tuned!

You GOD!! Hope it will be soon and you can tell us!

that's excellent :okay:

maybe you can also ask them what further properties they will launch apart from mag 214 in jlt and the emirates financial towers in difc

would be great if you could find out the height to spire and height to roof

Regarding earlier mentioned interview with MAG PDD GM, it will take place on 12 Nov and be posted on the MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com) website on the 13th or soon thereafter. I will ask questions regarding building design, assurances to purchasers about quality, estimates on construction work, etc.

don't forget to ask for the height.. :)

Yeah, that's right.

Stay tuned here and visit MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com) within the next couple of days for new renders on the MAG 218 tower, extensive detail on the project and a preview of the 12 November interview. Just one tidbit, it seems there is some confirmation that Emaar will build a shopping mall in the t-shaped area between the MAG 218 tower and the Pinnacle, running back the length of the block. (Don't know whether it will continue over the road to the space between Marina Heights and the Torch as an early render has shown. Besides that render which appeared earlier this year or last year on one of these forums, this is the first confirmation I have heard of the project. For MAG 218 fans there is a lot to come within the coming days and weeks.

we already heard abt that mall,
but thought it was cancelled since we did not hear anything new and couldn't expect a mall between the towers.
also i ask myself again how they want to provide parking spaces there..

Perhaps they will connect the mall to a car park between the Torch and Marina Heights? I hope not - a multi story car park there would be ugly and could block my last remaining few inches of view of the sea between the main road. Other place a multi story car park could go is in front of marina heights or instead of the Emaar sales office, which would really annoy marina facing owners.

doubt they will use that plot for cars.
and underground car park would be the best but don't know if it possible.
they could also use the huge sandy area between 23marina/marina access road coming from SZR and SZR itself.

hmm, so the mall is still alive
hope to get some news regarding this

thanks for your efforts godubai!

Stay tuned here and visit MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com) within the next couple of days for new renders on the MAG 218 tower, extensive detail on the project and a preview of the 12 November interview. Just one tidbit, it seems there is some confirmation that Emaar will build a shopping mall in the t-shaped area between the MAG 218 tower and the Pinnacle, running back the length of the block. (Don't know whether it will continue over the road to the space between Marina Heights and the Torch as an early render has shown. Besides that render which appeared earlier this year or last year on one of these forums, this is the first confirmation I have heard of the project. For MAG 218 fans there is a lot to come within the coming days and weeks.
I remember a largeish mall being touted just down from Marina walk and it was 45 000m2. Also remebre that Karama beach residences will have a massive mall in its base.
retail overkill in this party of dubai if you add MOE and ibnbatuta

retail overkill in this party of dubai if you add MOE and ibnbatuta

Very true. Do not forget that the entire Jumeirah beach residence is interconnected by a multi story shopping arcade.....

Considering that only 15% of the lights are on at night in Dubai Marina 'retail overkill' is an understatement IMO.

I guess that in the near future, when most of the residents in Dubai Marina are holiday makers, the shops will run a better business too...

In my opinion they should change all of Dubai Marina in a free-zone area with bars, clubs, etc. THAT will work to get tourists in. Not another coffee corner but NIGHTlife!
:cheers:

Considering that only 15% of the lights are on at night in Dubai Marina 'retail overkill' is an understatement IMO.


In my opinion they should change all of Dubai Marina in a free-zone area with bars, clubs, etc. THAT will work to get tourists in. Not another coffee corner but NIGHTlife!
:cheers:

wait until it is done.

they are willing to do this but i think dubai marina should remain an exclusive place and not a place for british to get drunk and dive in the marina waters.. ;)


...Also remebre that Karama beach residences ...



:hahaha: :lol: :yes: :crazy: :hilarious :D :applause: :rofl: :rofl: :colgate:

karama beach residences :hilarious
best name of the month! :D

they are willing to do this but i think dubai marina should remain an exclusive place and not a place for british to get drunk and dive in the marina waters.. ;)
Hmm.... Having having clubs, bars and cafés does not immediately attract a party-until-you-puke crowd but I can not beleive that a lot of westeners will be willing to spend their holiday at a 'betty ford clinic' without any drink or smoke whatsoever.... It would make Dubai a very :sleepy: dull place....

We need cafés, and not just obnoxious hotel bars... :cheers:

karama beach residences :hilarious
best name of the month! :D

he he he. It took me a while to figure out what you meant because I am not at all familiar with Dubai places yet. Karama is the Dubai 'ghetto' right? Referring to Karama Beach Residences is like saying you really do not like the Jumeirah Beach Residences at all. :-)

I think the JBR or Karama Beach Resort will turn really ugly if it is not maintained properly. I am not sure what the quality of the JBR fixtures will be. If it is as bad as Nakheel's Jumeirah Islands Villas (http://m.rtijn.info/dubai/marina/2005/11/nakheel-jumeirah-islands-villas.html) it is just a matter of time before the shit hits the fan.

^ I heard recently that it has just started to hit the fan ... Aparently they're sold very cheap at the begining and now ... :runaway:

^ I heard recently that it has just started to hit the fan ... Aparently they're sold very cheap at the begining and now ... :runaway:

When I looked they where rather expensive already. It does not really matter. If they sell it as a 'luxury destination of a lifetime' they need to at least provide something reasonable.

The problem here is quality control, or the lack thereoff. There is none in Dubai so if they start employing people that are not very experienced and start cutting corners it is a disaster waiting to happen.

Also, quality needs to be checked constantly. If you read the article about Nakheel's scandalous building practices (http://m.rtijn.info/dubai/marina/2005/11/nakheel-jumeirah-islands-villas.html) in the Jumeirah Islands project even a kid will know that it is not just the finishings that are bad and that very likely all of the building will be of sub-standard construction.

We have seen this happen to spain, years ago and the results where that in the end...... Tourists go elsewhere... After all....

You can fool some of the people all of the time or you can fool all of the people some of the time... I think they went for the latter.

Anyway, I just noticed I am way off-topic here and this should belong in another thread. :runaway:

Hmm.... Having having clubs, bars and cafés does not immediately attract a party-until-you-puke crowd but I can not beleive that a lot of westeners will be willing to spend their holiday at a 'betty ford clinic' without any drink or smoke whatsoever.... It would make Dubai a very :sleepy: dull place....

We need cafés, and not just obnoxious hotel bars... :cheers:

this is what they are doing and what is already there in some parts and developments of course.



Also, quality needs to be checked constantly. If you read the article about Nakheel's scandalous building practices (http://m.rtijn.info/dubai/marina/2005/11/nakheel-jumeirah-islands-villas.html) in the Jumeirah Islands project even a kid will know that it is not just the finishings that are bad and that very likely all of the building will be of sub-standard construction.



you do not have to put this article everywhere, we know it already.
also there has been still no answer from nakheel which i am really curious to read :D
also you don't know if the quality of your beloved marina diamond is that much better. ;)
if you have a look at architecture and designs nakheel is a lot better in this fied :cheers:

Ok guys, getting this thread back on track, the following excerpt is from a detailed description I try to provide on my website of the merits (and a few demerits) of the MAG 218 location. For those far, far away from Dubai, I recommend you follow the link and read on to get some perspective--not only on this tower's placement but about Marina locations in general.

"Despite the fact that some desired views will be partially or largely obstructed, what one is likely to be able to appreciate, especially from higher floors, are the views of other towers. Some of the towers surrounding the MAG 218 will be simply spectacular, including up to two 100+ storey towers, a 90+ storey tower, an 80+ storey tower and a 70+ storey tower. Not only in their heights, but some of these towers will be of quite incredible design.

The full write up at: The MAG 218 Environment (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/11/mag-218-environment.html)

By the way, regarding the mall, if I can roughly quote my source, his words were something like, "I just received a letter from Emaar confirming that they will be building a mall..." in the t-shaped area in the MAG 218 block. This is a rough quote, but the words were certainly to that effect.

I have to say what is needed in the Marina is a mall with supermarkets so residents can go downstairs anytime and pick up what they need. I don't think the expensive, boutique style shops at the JBR shopping center will be of much use to residents.

^ There's a supermarket, just 100 meters from Mag 218 tower.

Me: Ok, Mr. Nimer, I appreciate you giving me this time.

GM: Thank you for your coming and your time also.

Me: One of the first questions I want to ask you about the building is the height. There's one website called SkyscraperCity.com and everybody's wondering about the height of the tower.

GM: The height of the tower is around 275 meters. This is up to the top of the building. Of course this is including the cooling tower--without the antenna...

That is how the interview started and went on for 30 minutes on camera and another 15 minutes off. A full write-up will appear at the MAG 218 Community website in 2 or 3 days.

cool
so with spire it could break the 300m
well yes, one more :D

at least he could give us an idea

thanks!!!!! :)

Although it came from the GM himself, I'm a little skeptical about the figure. Perhaps it is the height of the tower from foundation (3 levels underground) to the top of the cooling tank. I say so because I received some AutoCAD drawings which indicate the ceiling height of the top residential floor at 220 meters from ground level. From all the diagrams I can't see how a technical floor or two at the roof and the cooling tank would add another 55 meters. At best I would guess only 25-30 meters more. Anyway, I anticipate being in touch with the project manager, so perhaps I can clarify this point once more.

Is this enough info to change it in emporis?

I think I should get confirmation from the Project Manager about the 275 meters, just to be sure. I think it serves everybody better to remove any doubt. I won't be in contact with the project manager until construction work begins, probably in January. Anyway, let's keep it at 275 meters in skyscraper city but wait for further confirmation before updating Emporis.

As promised, the full scoop--a lot of detail on the MAG 218 project by topic (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/11/mag-pdd-general-manager-interview.html) and full transcript (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/11/mag-pdd-general-manager-interview_25.html).

where did you get the drawing for the mall, is that someting sketched out or a proper plan. Its showing a hotel near waterfront!

That must be the planned hotel in front of the Torch that we talked about - max 12 stories planning permission. But it shows 2 plots either side of it? What are or will these be?

the area is not big enough to have a hotel and two other plots either sides of it! I am confused......

The hotel is supposed to be a small one where the Emaar sales office currently is.

nice work there
was interesting to read it
thanks for your efforts godubai!!! :)

About the shopping mall map, sorry to say that it isn't anything new. I found it somewhere here at skyscraper city a few months ago. In the interview when I tried to get more info from the GM about other buildings coming up, he really didn't know. He didn't even know about the Marina Heights tower. The only info he had about the shopping mall was in reference to a letter he had just received directly from Emaar. Once construction eventually starts on the MAG 218 I should have contact with the project manager and may be able to get further details from him.

Has anyone seen the new MAG 218 sales ads (http://www.magpd.com/Popup.asp), where a "warranty" of Dh 50,000 is offered if the buyer isn't getting "the best price in the area--based on today's applied rates" or the "the best finishing vs price ratio"?

Anyone out there in the real estate industry believe such criteria can be objectively measured? How does one compare the finishing in say one building with that of another and determine what percent of the price goes toward that finishing as oppossed to the other aspects of the property? Would "best price in the area" be a simple price/sqaure ft ratio, or does it consider all the other variables like location, quality of building, etc?

I suppose the ad is just sales gimmickery, but does anyone out there have some expertise that would say these things can be objectively measured?

well i am no expert in this issue and my purchase (Infinity tower) was impulse buy without much thought as i knew it is what i had been looking for.

But maybe the way i look at it and the reasoning behind my purchase and i could be wrong is. The number of average standard towers in teh Marina and all of dubai will be massive , so they must do this to try and sell them and to make them stand out, so they must put these offers on.

I agree very hard to measure anything finish etc unless you get to see something in its actual form (ie show apratment) and you get a written gurantee it will be 100% the same. Also how will this company know what everyone else is using in terms of materials, a gurantee today of the best materials can quickly become useless if some other company starts using better ones in a months time etc...

I would be careful personally of these types of things and it should not be the sole basis for you to choose an apartment maybe it could help you make your mind up between two choices.

Marina Diamond had a similar promotion where they guarantee 1% cashback for every month that they deliver too late... I notided in my second MD property this line was removed so I think they just did it to get people to buy.

I think it makes sense but more in a way that the developer will make an effort to deliver on time or in case of MAg 218, a quality product.

I really like the Mag 218 tower and hope Bruce will invite me over for a coffee once it is finished! he he he.

...my purchase (Infinity tower) was impulse buy without much thought as i knew it is what i had been looking for.
I can relate totally to this setiment. We want to be thoughtful and logical when it comes to making a decision as big as what property to buy. We want to do all the research, but in the end a lot of our decision seems to boil down to emotion and impulse.

But as I think Minime said, we do need to make a few comparisons. It isn't really practical to go beyond that.

BTW, sure, Minime, I'll have you over for coffee, and expect the same!

Regarding those warranties, I was actually with the developer when he showed me the new ads pre-launch. My tirst thought was "really, how much can any of these offers be challenged?" I didn't comment as such, however, because I was more concerned about starting my interview with him on a positive note.

But I agree now with Minime that at the least such statements should hold the developer to meeting some reasonable standards of quality or expediency. They may not truely offer the best, but at least it ought not to be of questionable worth.

ahh we can start a marina coffee morning , lol

Pity i live so far away at the moment, maybe will never "live" there for good but you never know , anyone got any jobs for a very exp PHP developer lol

Anyway i think the website / blog and about mag tower is good and shows what power the internet can have... i mean the way you got an interview from this guy. it was good.

It springs to mind many ideas of how someone could tackle the various problems assoicated with buying in Dubai..

I will get back to you lot with some ideas i might have, as i think everyone should get value for their money as we are often buying something we know little about apart from a picture on the net ...

Dont want to go on too long here.

You reckon we could start a thread listing the concerns or problems people face when buying or is that beyond the scope of this forum / site?

You reckon we could start a thread listing the concerns or problems people face when buying or is that beyond the scope of this forum / site?No, I don't think it is at all beyond the scope of Skyscraper.com's forums, and it probably already exists somewhere. But to find it? This site is so huge.

Regarding the MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com) site, it has been an evolving work. A month or so ago I got frustrated trying to search out news and info from the web and figured I should instead try to "make" some news. That's when the idea of doing an interview hit me. Then in the process of working that through the thought struck me that one way toward ensuring that my huge investment as a buyer was going to pay off in the end was to engage the developer as much as possible--and bring along as many other buyers as I could in the process. This way, the developer knows that people are watching--very closely--everything that's going on with the project.

I have to say my efforts seem to be paying off in that among other things the GM has assured me that I may have complete access to the building site and the financial records of the company that pertain to this project. I intend to put this assurance to the test--and as a humble buyer that is almost more than I could ask for.

I also realize that I have an advantage being in country that perhaps a lot of buyers don't. So, I hope to use this not only to my own benefit but for the benefit of other buyers as well--thus the very busy website.

Eventually I hope to see or play a part in a good Marina-wide community website. But with all the towers going up it will take a lot of work and cooperation with others to get something like that going.

Again, regarding Dubaiquote's suggestion of a thread to deal with issues/concerns buyers have, I think dubaipropertyforum.com has or is set up to have that kind of discussion. I think Minime may be involved with this--and could shed more light. I don't, however, think that website has so large a viewership as this one, so this may be a better site to do that at.

Visit New Gallery (http://mag218gallery.blogspot.com/2005/12/exterior-views.html) highlighting the tower's exterior design.

awesome renderings there
hope it will start soon
with these spires it looks like it's gonna be taller than 275

Great renderings there :D

Certainly would be nice to have real photos, but that will have to wait some years I guess.

What I do have is a second gallery, this time of MAG 218 Interior Views (http://mag218gallery.blogspot.com/2005/12/interior-views-p1.html).

Given the disappointment some posters on the Marina Heights forum have expressed regarding photos of interiors, one can only wonder what good renders and illustrations serve. The MAG PDD general manager insists the renders are 95% accurate (http://mag218.blogspot.com/2005/12/within-95-accuracy.html). To back up his claim he says that model room displays for the MAG 214 tower (in JLT) will be ready by mid-2006 and these should offer proof that MAG delivers.We shall see!

Meanwhile has anyone on the forum already moved in or seen actual interiors (model displays included) of any of the tower projects. If so, can you talk about your experience?

I won't take credit but I have to say that I suspect the developer (MAG PDD) was prodded to design a more informative website partly in response to the work I've been doing at the MAG 218 Community site.

Actually, I believe their new website (http://www.magpd.com/newmag/) is still a work in progress as the old website is still up at their main URL address, http://www.magpd.com.

Now there are some very interesting developments at the new site. One is an unusually detailed FAQ--unusual in that they actually pose about 50 questions the buyer might ask, and answer them! As hard as it sometimes is to get responses and info from developers this represents a nice change.

One example on management and service fees:

What is the additional cost the owner will pay after receiving the apartment?

There is the property management fees which will be approximately Dhs 1000 to Dhs 3000/annum/apartment, and the service charge is zero as advised verbally by Emaar, since our tower has no direct water front view.

I point out this question because I wonder, for one, is Dhs 1000 - 3000 enough? On the other hand with Emaar and the marina promenade out of the picture this just might be enough to maintain the buiilding alone and its common facilities.

Another outstanding thing is that the developer has linked my own MAG 218 Community website to their webpage. They had informed me of this, but I was waiting to see if it would really happen. I think this is an excellent example of cooperation between developer and buyer. Of course, I support the MAG PDD in the sense that they are the primary force behind the property I've invested in. However, I do so as a non-affiliated party. I am willing to take both a supportive and critical look at the project through the website in that I feel criticism, especially at the early stages, is one way to bring about correction. This is one way to prod the developer to fulfill his commitments.

So, guys, have a look at the developer's site, particularly the FAQ page (http://www.magpd.com/newmag/faq.asp). I don't know if this link will remain the correct link once they've completed the redesign of the site. To other project investors, I encourage you to engage the developer as much as possible. It's nice to know that as a buyer you can have some input in the project.

Hi,
Today i was in the process of discussing the selling of my parent's hotel in the Alps. the Company interested is the exclusive seller of MAG 218 for Italy.
They proposed me a 60% in cash and 40% equalling to 4 x $260.000 flats in the tower under development, with projected growth of 300% over the next 36-42 months.

Do any of you reckon this an attendible figure?
Thank you

Don't know how well I can answer your question. First of all the 4 X $260,000 appears to be a fair value--but it depends on the mix of flats you would be getting--one or two bedroom. Have a look at MAG 218 Tower Sales (http://mag218sales.blogspot.com/) where you'll get some exact range of prices to calculate from.

Regarding the growth of the investment--I think it depends more on the general real estate environment in Dubai than the particular property. In 3-4 years will there continue to be an over-supply of units or an under-supply? But is the MAG 218 itself a good property? Well, the location is good, the developer seems sincere and committed, and you can decide for yourself how good the design and layout of the property is. I've done a lot of research and I can tell you that I have very high confidence in this project.

But 300% growth in 36-42 months--do you mean you will get 3 X $260.000 for one of the properties in that amount of time. I have to say I've never heard anyone talking about figures this high, except with regard to when the property market first opened here in 2002.

Anyone know anything or have any comments about the following companies: Zetas (Turkish) (http://www.zetas.com.tr/english/tesisler.asp?id=8) & Forasol (Swiss) (http://www.forasol.com/home.htm)? Both are short-listed to do the piling work on the MAG 218. I know Zetas is already doing some work in Dubai Marina. Does anyone have any comments on either firm?

Just want to share one of the renders directly on the board. :)

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7780/1220/1600/d.jpg
Not the fanciest or most impressive tower in the Marina, but it does have style!

Hi,
Today i was in the process of discussing the selling of my parent's hotel in the Alps. the Company interested is the exclusive seller of MAG 218 for Italy.
They proposed me a 60% in cash and 40% equalling to 4 x $260.000 flats in the tower under development, with projected growth of 300% over the next 36-42 months.

Do any of you reckon this an attendible figure?
Thank youYou might find this helpful from AME Info:Democracy, Property laws... (http://www.ameinfo.com/73116.html) "The rental yield obtained on property in the UAE is still high by international standards. For example, a typical rental yield on a Dubai villa is 7.5-8%; in London or New York 3.5-4% would be quite acceptable."

So, 24% in three years on rental returns. On selling--don't know. At one time premiums on re-sales were going up at 50-100% per year, but now I think it's closer to 10%. But if you buy now, you may be able to benefit from an expected greater increase to come shortly after the new property law is announced.

But if you buy now, you may be able to benefit from an expected greater increase to come shortly after the new property law is announced.
If the new property law is announed.... And then.... IF it is favourable... I have a strong feeling there will be no freehold in the Marina and everything in towers is on a 99 yrs lease.... If this turns out to be the case, expect a lot of current investers to dump their properties after only a couple of years...

I just hope the property law will allow freehold towers, that would mean a second boom.

That's a pessimistic veiwpoint. Any reason why? Anything you've heard? Sure, the law which came out of Abu Dhabi earlier this year didn't seem to offer real freehold, but isn't Dubai the pace-setter? Wouldn't the rulers know the adverse effect not giving freehold would have, and don't they have the authority to decide which way they want to go? (So many questions!) I for one am optimistic about what the new law will be.

That's a pessimistic veiwpoint. Any reason why? Anything you've heard? Sure, the law which came out of Abu Dhabi earlier this year didn't seem to offer real freehold, but isn't Dubai the pace-setter? Wouldn't the rulers know the adverse effect not giving freehold would have, and don't they have the authority to decide which way they want to go? (So many questions!) I for one am optimistic about what the new law will be.
I've heard rumours that towers will be leasehold and villas will be freehold.... This would mean no freehold in Dubai Marina as there are only towers.

Time will tell but I have the feeling that in the end it will be something like this.... Partly freehold to not piss off investors but not really freehold because most people bought an appartment. If this turns out to be the case I will drop the Dubai properties like a rock and I think so will 100.000's of others....

I like to take a realistic look. Esp. with high risk investments it keeps my feet on the ground. In the case of the property law it is simple. If the government decides against proper freehold status then they effectively lied and are not to be trusted. As such this will really undermine the Dubai expansion plans.

It would have been different if they would never have promised freehold as they would not have to break their promise but in that case I would not have been interested at all...

i doubt only villas will be freehold.

If the government decides against proper freehold status then they effectively lied and are not to be trusted. As such this will really undermine the Dubai expansion plans.Exactly! You know this, I know this... So wouldn't they know this? Actually "freehold," "leasehold" in a practical sense, when it comes to units within a building as opposed to land it will amount to more or less the same thing. No one is really expecting to have a piece of a building to hand down generation after generation. 99 years will be plenty long enough to buy, sell, re-sell and sell again. What does make a difference is the perception either gives. Obviously, "freehold" is perceived as having more value. And more than with villas, the government has little to lose by offering freehold in apartments. The title to a relatively small piece of land is held jointly by hundreds of people, whereas an identical plot of land upon which villas are built will provide title to only a few. So, if the government wants to lure people with freehold why sacrafice a lot of land to satisfy a few thousand villa owners when they can sell titles to hundreds of thousands of apartment owners while sacraficing very little land. So, to me, there's no reason at all for the goverment to not offer freehold to apartment owners.

I've heard rumours that towers will be leasehold and villas will be freehold.... This would mean no freehold in Dubai Marina as there are only towers.


apart from the fact that their are villas. one of which is owned by a good friend of mine ;)

where did he buy? timeplace? marina scape? phase 1?

anyway why should only villas become freehold..

phase 1, but its rented out because he's been moved to holland for a while.

If the new property law is announed.... And then.... IF it is favourable... I have a strong feeling there will be no freehold in the Marina and everything in towers is on a 99 yrs lease.... If this turns out to be the case, expect a lot of current investers to dump their properties after only a couple of years...

I just hope the property law will allow freehold towers, that would mean a second boom.

Well, I am only 28 years old, and just started to expand my property portfolio outside Italy. In particular, I have just defined a second acquisition in London/Gravesend and the lease is the usual 125yrs.
For UK standard, if I am not mistaken, that is a pretty good time (avrg 88years) for a lease term.

Therefore I don't see why such a fast growing place as it is Dubay should see "terrified" investors running away a 99yrs lease on a brand new property...
I mean, this is only my personal point of view and perhaps any of you could kindly explain if this is right or wrong.
regards

phase 1, but its rented out because he's been moved to holland for a while.

how many bdr and how much do you get for this at the moment?

ive never been, but i think its 3 b/r

and i wouldnt have a clue as to how much he gets.

oh dear "Dubai" discussing rental and non-architectural issues ;)

thats ok its interesting and I would like to know how much they go for, just lighten up a little bit on the Torch thread.... :okay:

i was informing the world on the size of villas at the marina.

the torch and marina heights have begun new threads, so we can have a fresh start. this is an old thread, so there is no purpose to try and change it now.

I agree that people shouldn't worry if these threads stray a bit here and there. Some of us are looking for tidbits of information about these towers, whatever form that info might take. Of course the investors are also crazy about the design of the given tower or they wouldn't have chosen to invest in it in the first place--well, maybe not as crazy about it as true buiding enthusiasts, but they are definitely interested.

So what--if we get into talking about prices, risks and other not strictly building related matters. The readers of the forum can easily skim over whatever they're not interested in. Whatever other forums might be out there, somehow these skyscrapercity.com building forums seem quite unique in being able to offer little tidbits that you just can't get anywhere else. I say to everrbody, "Keep it up--every part of it." The more the merrier!

also i did ask him and so it was not he who started to talk off topic anyway.

Nothing much in the way of "news"--but I will be at Dubai Marina taking photos tomorrow around the MAG 218. I don't expect to find anything at the MAG site itself but I'll be getting images for my updated Dubai Marina Communities (http://marinacomm.blogspot.com) page.

What is new is the latest and final gallery of concept images on the MAG 218--Interior Gallery, p2 (http://mag218gallery.blogspot.com/2005/12/community-floor-pool-deckinterior.html).

MAG PDD seems to have completed its website (http://www.magpd.com) update. Looks and works better. They have revised earlier statements about piling contract being awarded, from November to December. The contract for main contractor is to be signed in January.

To quote one of this forum's posters: "Let's have more towers!" News out of MAG PDD finally is that a piling contractor has been selected (http://mag218.blogspot.com/2005/12/arabian-forasol-foundations-llc.html). The company is called Arabian-Forasol, who have also been named in an unnamed ETA Star project (not in the Marina).

But I can't find anything on this company at all on the web, other than mention of the ETA Star project. Do any of you out there know anything about this company--other projects, bio, etc.? I'd appreciate any tidbits.

^ I was in the marina yesterday, and i can confirm that the piling contractor is ARABIAN-FORASOL.

But I can't find anything on this company at all on the web, other than mention of the ETA Star project. Do any of you out there know anything about this company--other projects, bio, etc.? I'd appreciate any tidbits.
23 Marina

I just checked (on 23 Marina forum) a photo taken on 23 Sept. at the site. The signboard shows Swissboring as the piling contractor. Has this changed since September?

I've no idea.

Aren't Eta Star properties the developers of 23 marina?

They are the developers but a website news article mentions a different location for a piling contract which they have awarded to Arabian Forasol--for unnamed project on Salahueen Rd. Don't know where that is but don't think its in the Marina. BTW, the 23 Marina site is reported to have piling at 58 meters deep. That seems really deep to me.

no that is ok actually. it is always different there are even 10 storey buildings which require 30m deep piling ;)

eta star is also doing the belvedere in dubai marina.

and swissboring is doing the geotechnical works for 23 marina
just next door
so you might have seen these

Those interested in the MAG 218 project may wish to take part in activities scheduled for 27 January in connection with the Home Owners Dubai 2006 show. The event will include a 1-hour boat tour on the Marina, lunch, visit to MAG 218 site with project manager and attendance at the Home Owners Dubai show at Madinat Jumeirah. View complete details (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/12/27-january-2006-mag-218-community.html).

28.12.2005
http://tinypic.com/j991zr.jpg

finally something is happening on the site

Thanks for that shot Beikopla. Looks like they're starting to put up the site office. Did you happen to notice if there was any sign board?

This one is only for you guys who are really interested in the MAG 218 tower: The MAG 218--A Brief History (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/12/mag-218-brief-history.html). This forum provided some of the source material. It's an incisive look :speech: at the MAG 218 project, from word of its initial launch to the recent awarding of a piling contract. (Not for the faint at heart!)

http://foxtrotters.tripod.com/hapny3.gif

Thanks for that shot Beikopla. Looks like they're starting to put up the site office. Did you happen to notice if there was any sign board?
no there was none.:)happy new year!

Question to any of you wonderful guys (or gals) who have been around the Marina photagraphing. Have you noticed if there are any signs that piling contractor Arabian Forasol have put up shop on the MAG 218 site. I've planned to check it out myself but haven't been in the area in a while.

^ Last friday, the white/blue machine that can you see on the last picture had his "arm" (visibly standing in the ground, near the office-container) installed and ready for work.

yup
when i passed by yesterday they have put huge posters of arabian forasol around the plot (on the fence)
machinery is on site

basically same status as the torch

but approved 1 year eariler :bash:

that's normal in most cases

towers get approved and within 1 year construction starts

The developer expects the piling work to be finished within 6 months, but I wouldn't think it should take even that long. I suppose they are factoring in possible delays for this or that reason. Besides delays for reason of finances, why else would the piling be delayed or interupted once started? I can only guess lack of proper equipment.

but u said this is about the same status as the torch dennis, even though mag 218 was approved and for sale 1 year earlier ;)

The MAG 218 was launched in March 2005. When was the Torch first launched--wouldn't it have been around the same time?

well the signboard was there for more then 1 year now, but you are correct it was launched in march , so not 1 year before the torch.

the torch was announced end of may, went for sale in june i think.

today

http://tinypic.com/k4be3l.jpg

nothing :bash:

is that machinery for marina pinnacle or the mag tower?

Thanks Dubai-Lover, for keeping MAG interested folks updated. What in the world is that bright yellow box? The white machinery with the arms--whatever it is--is definately on the MAG 218 site. My guess is that at this point they have to stick stuff in the ground to determine soil composition and stuff. :dunno:

Arabian Forasol has started work at the MAG 218 site, but at a go-slow pace. Apparently they are awaiting equipment to get freed-up from a JLT site they are also working at. I guess that's why things seem to take forever. It has been over 3 weeks with some intermittent holidays since the company was announced as the piling contractor, but as photos will show (http://mag218photos.blogspot.com) little seems to have been done: some smoothing out of the surface, which I assume will get excavated; some rods placed in the soil, I suppose for testing--in 3 weeks! :bash:

Suppose the consenquence of building everything at the same time are starting to show :cheers:

Bruce, do you have an availability list for this tower?

By availability list do you mean with regard to which units are available on which floor? I don't have one at present, but when I last saw this list (in October last year) there were units still available on every floor. (There are six 1-bed and four 2-bed on each of the 55 floors.) The 2-bedroom units especially were slow movers. The situation, however, may have changed since November as MAG PDD initiated a big sales campaign at that point and added balconies to second floor units.

I mean the list of properties that are for sale today... With prices.

The 2 bedrooms are the last ones to go in the Marina Diamond series as well.

Thanks Minime, I'll have to get to putting that info on my site. In the meantime all I can offer is the range:

1-bedroom units from 634,477 (AED) to 891,223 (AED),
2-bedroom units from 1,216,380 (AED) to 1,562,534 (AED)

All 1 and 2 bedroom units respectively offer approximately the same size and layout--so the price difference is mainly a question of the floor. Prices increase dramatically every 10 floors.

A request to the developer may get you the full list as an Excel file. I have this (although dated) but haven't added to my site yet. I don't think the prices will have changed at all but availability of course will have.

I wonder if the 2-bedroom and larger units are moving slowly in other developments too. Does anyone have any insight on this?

OOOOOOOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPPPPPSSSSSSSSS ....

http://tinypic.com/mc52qu.jpg

:runaway:

?????

^ It used to be an Arabian Forasol in there and not only other machines joined it, but that one went away as well.

they better start construction soon...

Boring, boring, boring

Any buyer of an apartment at the MAG 218 tower in the Dubai Marina will recieve MashreqMillionaire certificates with the opportunity to win Dhs1m. There is also up to 90% finance available from Amlak Finance during the Home Owner Dubai show.

http://www.ameinfo.com/76206.html

^^ Compared to Damac giving out Jaguars this may not seem like much of an offer. It amounts to Dh 10,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment and Dh5,000 for a one bed. But I would assume that prices are the same as before the offer, so in that sense it is something. With prices starting at about Dhs 634,000 it represents a discount up to around 0.8%. (With the Damac offer I would say you're clearly paying for the car and some.)

maybe a shovel to help start construction??

A few answers: Start on foundations work was delayed due to some issues that had to be worked out with Emaar. Specifically, Emaar is to start it's own foundations work for the Mall and there were questions about how the two would proceed at the same time. That has been worked out, so as of at least yesterday the first piece of heavy equipment was moved onsite and presumably excavation will have started today. This was the explanation given by the GM who I met at the Home Owner Dubai show.

He added that there were also issues related to the work at no. 5 interchange--that these are or will have some inpact on work at the MAG 218 site. I'm not really clear on what that impact is.

Finally, a new tower will be coming up in the plot adjacent to the MAG 218. Now, the MAG tower is surrounded on two sides by roads and on one side by the upcoming shopping mall. That leaves only the plot to the NE or Media City side of the tower. What and whose tower I don't know, but Emaar assured the GM that the main tower structure would be no less than 20 meters away from the MAG 218 tower, although the two towers' podiums will be against each other.

See photos and the write up on this at the website link: MAG 218 Events Update, 27 January 2006 (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2006/01/mag-218-events-update-27-january-2006.html)

:gossip: Most should find this quite interesting if it wasn't already known. The GM mentioned that all construction is to be completed within the Dubai Marina by 2009--the end I presume. I don't recall whether this pronouncement was attributed to Emaar, someone else in Dubai govt. or Sheikh Moh'd himself, but it seems to have come from high up.

Marina Garden Tower, what else can be.

As for the effect of the I/C 5 on the work on the MAG 218 site, it doesn't surprise me, having seen the contractor have a pile just opposite 23 Marina site. This I/C must be massive.

must be the marina gardens...

and this IC better affects mag218 because this shows it is massive, and a massive interchange is exactly what we need.

i guess they will use all the barren land next to SZR and the Mag/23 marina area, they removed all the stuff which was on there a while ago.

but where they heck does emaar want to build the mall?

imagine the mag tower , marina gardens and 23 marina, the mall won't be that big if they squeeze it in between those three, and then extend it to the torch area.. :weird:

it should be the T shaped structure which was in that old masterplan we got.. where the heck is it .. :bash:

edit: here http://www.tp.spt.fi/~jukarkil/uae/marina/numbers_e_s.gif the green area, and the 3rd plot in the torch/marina heights area?

btw if they build the MG next to Mag218, then there is another plot left to build up in the tallest block.

...although the piling contractor had been selected (a month earlier) certain approvals were still being awaited. The municipality representative's visit today (31 Jan 06) was in connection with that. Furthermore, there are still issues to work out with Emaar. As he explained, Emaar is a large bureaucratic entity. Even the developer does not have a direct channel with the people at the top, so negotiations take time.

In the meantime Arabian Forasol has put into place one pile driver to perform some test piling. Some amount of surface excavation has already been completed. The site office and other equipment and facilities were being put in place. Rather than stand idly by, it would appear that a certain amount of filler work is being done until all issues have been worked out with Emaar and the municipality. Once that happens major excavation work can begin.

Foundation Works Schedule

Early March: Start of excavation and shoring work, to continue 2-3 months. Shoring to a thickness of 800mm and excavation to a depth of 22 meters anticipated. Dewatering will be carried out at required depths.
May or June: Installaton of ground anchors which limit latteral building movement.
June or July: Piling, bored-type. This is when most of the piling work will be carried out, however, some piling will be performed at intermediate stages as well.
July onwards: Construction of raft foundation. Allowing for an overlap of 2 or more weeks, the main contractor (yet to be appointed) will begin work on the foundation. At this stage of construction, plumbing, electrical and mechanical works will also commence. This explains in some detail the current state of inactivity at the MAG 218 site. More about this is posted at a MAG 218 Community link (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2006/02/onsite-with-project-manager.html).

so this one won't be topped out before end of 2007.

today

http://i1.tinypic.com/ngvekp.jpg

MAG 218 piling contract

The contract for piling works at the 66-storey MAG 218 tower at Dubai Marina has been awarded to Al Ghurair Group subsidiary Arabian-Forasol Foundations. The works are due to be completed by June 2006, with the whole construction expected to be finished by mid-2008.

Finally the site looks active... :banana: MAG 218 (Construction) Photos (http://mag218photos.blogspot.com/2006/02/arabian-forasol-showcases-mag-218-work.html), until the rain came down!

:happy: oh that is great news, but i guess we will have to wait for soil test before sth happens?

same as for the torch
machinery on site and a few people walking around pretending to do something :D

it might take another 2 or 3 months till they start digging

The Arabian-Forasol signs look like they could be lit up at night. Has anyone in the neighborhood seen this? Just curious.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/MAG218Forum.jpg
Not to take anything away from this forum, (really, Skyscrapercity.com forums are great!) I've set up a group on .Mac for MAG 218 enthusiasts. It's just something I want to try. I don't get many commenters on Blogger.com and no one has signed up as a poster at the M218 Blog. So, this is another attempt to get some involvement.

But there's a catch. One needs a .Mac account--a trial membership is available which can be used to access groups even after the trial period has expired. Visit MAG 218 Community (http://mag218.blogspot.com/2006/02/mag-218-forum-at-mac.html) for details or for those who already have a .Mac, go directly to MAG 218 Forum (http://groups.mac.com/m218forum&lang=en).

today

http://i1.tinypic.com/ngvekp.jpg


In another era... i used to paintball here...

...ahh the good old days.

r u serious? you played paintball there? :rofl:

Yes, and rode around on quad bikes.

actualy where Phase 1 is now, used to be a proper paintball park; but my friend had 2 guns so we played for free. [almost]

Work has started and in full swing. Pictures comming tomorrow. it's to late now.

:) That's great news AltinD. I look forward to your pictures! :cheers: My friend will also be around there taking photos--maybe you'll run into him. But I'm a bit surprised work will go ahead like that so soon after the heavy rains. Perhaps the soil is nice and soft--easy to dig. Or is it wet and heavy?

So much news today. Great!!

Pictures from yesterday, as promissed:

http://i1.tinypic.com/okn69x.jpg

http://i1.tinypic.com/okn6s2.jpg

any idea if a full marina view will be possible on the 2 br corner units facing the marina

no, only between the phase 1 and marina heights (which should not be too bad) and between MH and the Torch.
but if it is one the very left of the tower ( seen from the marina) you might get a glimpse of sea view.

thx mr. flo

Let's establish the directions first for clarity. You have the marina facing side of the tower, the sea facing side, the Dubai Media City facing side and the SZR facing side. If you are at the corner of the marina facing and sea facing sides, I would estimate that you will get a good marina view. This position puts you well inside of the gap between the Torch and Marina Heights. There are, however, two caveats. 1) Only the bedrooms will have the marina view, not the living room, which will be directly facing Marina Pinnacle. 2) A building may come up between the Torch and Marina Heights which could then obstruct views.

There is at present no clear indication of what if anything will come up between the Torch and MH. There has been some talk that a low-rise building may come up there. So, your safest bet is to go with a higher floor.

Read The MAG 218 Environment (http://mag218topics.blogspot.com/2005/11/mag-218-environment.html) for details about expected views.

^^ much better explanation than mine.

BUT there will never be a building between the torch and marina heights, but perhaps between MarinaHeights/The Torch and the Marina itself.

this won't be taller than 20F i am almost convinced
In fact there are three plots in this area.

How do you know dubaiflo that nothing will come up between the Torch and MH? In the pictures I've seen taken from high up looking down upon that part of the Marina, the plot between MH and the Torch looks just as big as each of those plots.

r we talking about the same spot?

gimme a second..
Here:

http://i2.tinypic.com/oqk6qc.jpg

the area between the torch and the marina heights is where the small road is now, and there won't be another tower.

there is not even a plot if i am not wrong..
this is the area where the t shaped shopping mall is supposed to be. and the tshaped plot ends between The torch and MH.

look at the Mag218, Marina Pinnacle area, there won't be a tower between those two as well.

What I see in the picture below are 3 plots of roughly equal size. From left to right, the Torch, unknown, and Marina Heights. As can be seen in other photos, some of the podiums are right against each other with the tower, of smaller dimensions, rising above the podium. I can see that happening here.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/ilbmuc.jpg
I was told by MAG PDD GM that the mall would not run over the street (although I wasn't convinced that he really knew).

u r right about that one, but this is the plot for the mall, it does not have a plot number either.

I hope you're right. It would be really nice to see the mall extend over the road as in one rendering I've seen. That would really give the mall a unique character, something it would need since it probably won't be very large.

We are all hoping this plot is reserved for part of the new "rodeo drive" mall. One thing to remember, even if that emaar sale office in front is converted to a 15 story hotel (which is most likely - since construction has been ordered to completed by 2009) then being on the 20th floor would not give you much of a view when you look down. I would say you need to be above floor 25 at least for a nice marina view.

Instead of a hotel however, I would like to see more entertainment and community facilities there instead. This location will have the tallest 2 blocks on the planet in one small spot - so lots of people with money looking for something to do at night before going to bed.

Also seeing as how Le Reve is also located in this area - which are all millionaire pads - then aqua moda "rodeo drive" looks likely. Would be surprised otherwise.

However, my gut feeling is it will be a 15-20 story super luxury "big name" hotel with marina view restaurants and which will connect with a bridgeway over the road to the designer mall.

D_Steve, what is the "rodeo drive mall" reference all about? Does it relate to the name of the new mall or is it something you've coined?

Its a famous shopping area in Beverly Hills, California (US) where all the luxury brands are and supposedly all the celebrities shop.

1st pic... Anyone know what the big machine is called and what it does?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/the_equipment.jpg

2nd pic... Anyone know what company is TEC, in the grey and red uniform?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/men__equipment.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/ors4fa.jpg

check this for the mall (taken from you own website ;) ) but this is also what the original HOK map shows.
(except for the green plots which are missing in the map above.)

the brown outlines show the mall.

i doubt the plot between MH and TT will be built up with a tower.
also you can see the three plots next to the marina.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/MAG_Havoc.jpg

See the Full Set of Photos (http://mag218photos.blogspot.com/2006/02/11-am-26-february-2006-onsite-around.html) from the MAG 218 site post weekend storm.

Including a few pics from other sites around the Marina.

It's really nice the way the mall criss-crosses the towers. I hope it really turns out like that. What about the tower's names (represented by green squares), from right bottom: 23 Marina, above it Al Seef, left of it ??? and below it Marina Garden. Across the road from top left: Infinity, below it ???

green squares:
top right al seef, below 23marina, top middle unknown, top below perhaps the marina gardens,we don't know yet, top right is the Damac tower (infinity directly at the marina, in fact i thought there was only one plot), and below it is the car park at the moment.

FAR OUT. ANOTHER ENORMOUS RESI TOWER!

Looking at this map note A5C, A5D, A5E, clearly marked as saleable plots.
It appears that these are intended as development plots then ?

Also note 10D, in front of infinity and 9NN opposite!

http://dubaiproperty.ru/pic/dubai_marina/plot_9hh_9rr/9rr_9hh.jpg

http://i2.tinypic.com/orpchy.jpg

Just borrowed this pic from the Torch forum--of course we've seen versions of it all around. I've just noticed for the first time that the MAG 218 is rather misplaced. Marina Pinnacle should be coming up just beside Le Reve and MAG 218 should be further over (left) to the corner. Also I suspect that the M218 is drawn a bit higher than it should be. This render is probably using the 275m height which was given me by the developer's GM. But with most of its 64 above ground floors at just above 3 meters it really should rise to no more than 250 m. As further evidence of this the architectural drawings indicate that the top of the top residential floor (seen just below the red section in the middle of the drawing below) is at 210 meters. Not counting the spires, the remaining height consists of the cooling tank at center. My estimation is a total 250 m height. I suppose the 275 m height would be from the basement (B3 level).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/A-200b.jpg

Flo or Steve - where did you get the plot map for the marina from? I've searched everything I can think of and not managed to come up with that.

Thanks

it is is nowwhere available on the net.

i had a 5m x 1m version of the original HOK map but i can't find it anymore.

there are small parts of it available on the net, but only to give location of projects.

OK thanks.

Found that plot map at http://dubaiproperty.ru then click on marina

Notice how 4 of the plots have x marked on them - could this be height restrictions? I hope so :)

no because TGR plot also has this small x and is 45F :D

hmm i hope this does not mean they will all be Trident towers then!

Also what is going to be built on that Nakheel plot? will it be a hotel resort?

no because the Marina Scape plot does not have such a x :D

mhm i doubt that will be a hotel

it could be the jumeirah royal falcon because this one won't be on the palm probably, but this has nothing to do with nakheel...

or it will be a marina for palm residents.

http://www.krausebohne.de/projects_04_uae/11_-_jumeirah_royal_falcon/large/Jumeirah_Royal_Falcon.jpg

The MAG 218 tower in the Dubai Marina is to raise the prices on all its remaining apartments by 10% from April 2, to the delight of existing investors. The MAG group is a member of the Moafaq Al Gaddah Group of Companies and has a tie-up with Amlak Finance.

WTF is that abonomation of a building

lol Sa Boy.
i love it.
try to find out more, i want it to be build :D

With credit to Dubai-Lover for posting some great photos by Volker on the Dubai Marina Plot Map forum, I've added commentary to a few of the photos which highlight the location of the MAG 218 tower vis-a-vis the the marina canal, the sea, SZR and so on. All are aerial shots providing a more accurate perspective. Anyone interested in the MAG 218 can get an idea from this of what the surroundings might be like once the tower is complete in 2008. Go to Aerial Views of the MAG 218 Plot (http://mag218photos.blogspot.com/2006/03/aerial-views-of-mag-218-plot.html).

Construction pictures pleaseeeeeee!!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/img_1600a.jpg

Does anyone know what the bins or silos below are for?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v663/Upandhi/img_1586.jpg

See more photos at MAG 218 Photos (http://mag218photos.blogspot.com/2006/03/on-off-day.html)

Aren't these J-Lo's lunch boxes? :runaway:

Thaaaaa!!!! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

That is a very good joke!!!!

:redx: :?

Does anyone know why URLs from pictures posted to Blogger.com don't reliably show-up here, like the one below:

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7780/1220/1600/img_1651b.jpg
MAG 218 site photos, 25-March-2006 (http://mag218photos.blogspot.com/2006/03/photos-25-march-2006.html)

They work fine for me. except there is a tacky 80's shading effect.

those yellow tubes are the rubbish shoots they attach to the side of the building during construction.