#PROJECT: JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES

[Dubai-Lover]

Name: Jumeirah Golf Estates
Location: ?
Use: Leisure, Residential

Start: 2005
End: 2007

four themed courses, inspired bt the elements: earth, wind, fire, water

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel Golf unveils new design

http://www.tradearabia.com/source/2005-01/12/golf.jpg

Legendary international golfer Greg Norman has joined top Nakheel officials to unveil the logos and designs for the two Eco-Signature golf courses, 'Earth' and 'Fire', that he is designing on the revolutionary Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Greg Norman spoke live via satellite from Palm Beach, Florida to Dubai and announced together with Nakheel Golf, the world number one golf developers, his return to Dubai and participation in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Nakheel executive chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: "We are honoured that as Greg Norman enters his 50th year he should chose such an exciting European Tour Event to play at, whilst representing Nakheel.

"We have been watching Greg's game closely and can see that after his strong finishes in Australia late last year, that Greg still has the passion to be a formidable force in the game, we are looking forward very much to seeing him play in March."

Norman joined Bin Sulayem, Saeed Ahmed Saeed, managing director, projects, Nakheel and Wahid Attalla, executive director commercial and operations, Nakheel, live to also unveil the logos and designs for the two Eco-Signature golf courses, 'Earth' and 'Fire', that he is designing on the revolutionary Jumeirah Golf Estates.

This exciting new development reinforced the close partnership between Nakheel and Great White Shark Enterprises.

The Eco-Signature concept was developed by Norman and Bin Sulayem.

Soon after entering into the partnership with Nakheel Golf, Norman invited Bin Sulayem to serve on the Advisory Council of the Environmental Institute for Golf, of which Norman is the chairman.

Bin Sulayem accepted the invitation and then encouraged Norman to put the concept into practice at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Through their collaborative efforts, the term Eco-Signature was born.

Commenting on the Jumeirah Golf Estates project, Bin Sulayem confirmed that Nakheel Golf was pushing the boundaries of golf development with the advice and input from the Greg Norman Golf Course Design team.

Bin Sulayem said the challenges of creating a collection of golf courses that would be world renowned was one of the most challenging goals the company has set. When completed Jumeirah Golf Estates will feature 72 holes of tournament golf.

"These courses are designed to reflect nature and each course will embody one of the powers of the elements.

"Each course will be ecologically robust, and having just finalised each initial master plan, it is fair to say that, Greg Norman has done a fantastic job of designing, what will be for residents, the most remarkable 'back garden', with nature working to perfection".

Each course will be interlinked, as with the elements of nature. They are designed to inspire and motivate players to tee off on some of the most exhilarating fairways and greens anywhere in the world.

The design of the Earth course will enhance the already picturesque landscape and offer panoramic vistas of the entire course.

For the first time in Dubai, a course will have dramatic natural elevations and the indigenous flora and fauna will be promoted to underpin the environmental balance in the existing landscape.

The teams of golf designers and engineers have taken inspiration from the Holy Quran and will focus on planting the trees mentioned in the various 'Aayaat', including Olive, Date, Grapes and Fig trees.

Also included will be natural features such as traditional Arab 'Falaj', which will be integral to the course, and play is designed over and around these features.

The inspiration behind the Fire course comes from Greg Norman's dynamic personality. The course will utilise a least-disturbance approach, so as to maximise natural landscape. The design will incorporate rock outcroppings, which will emphasis the aesthetic qualities of the sight while at the same time placing a premium on shotmaking and course management. Fire will symbolise the spirit of youth and provide balance that is both tough and fiery. It will certainly be recognised a s a risk-reward course upon completion.

"In my mind, it is vitally important, that the golf course and leisure facilities are interwoven in the master plan," Norman said.

"We have worked to achieve a seamless integration between the pre-existing natural features of the sight, the golf course and the residential community. Earth and Fire are my first two Eco-Signature courses in the world, and I am happy with their progression so far.

The initial master plans for the Jumeirah Golf Estates were completed during the planning session held by Nakheel Golf this week.

The planning team comprised of 23 leading consultants from all corners of the globe including, EDSA, KEO, Medallist, Great White Shark Enterprises, Greg Norman Golf Course Design, Nakheel Golf and representatives from commercial and operations, and engineering from Nakheel.

Nakheel is the uniquely focused property development company behind a variety of new landmark developments in Dubai.

Nakheel aims to redefine the concept of property development whether residential, tourist, commercial or retail.

Nakheel's portfolio currently includes The Palm, The World, Jumeirah Islands, The Gardens, Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Lake Towers, International City and Discovery Gardens. Further information can be found at www.nakheel.ae

First established in 1987 in Sydney, Australia, Greg Norman Golf Course Design is today recognized as one of the premier signature golf course design firms.

[fahed]

HEHE This one is entirely for golf ... Isn't there anything else!
No more comments about golf, Dubai_Lover (Golf Lover) will get offended then. :P

The ideas of Greg Norman sounds creative and attractive.

Question: Where is it going to be located?

[Krazy]

Dubai.... the city of golf courses and shopping malls.

[juiced]

it's going to be between the Al Khail Road and the Emirates Road, just behind Jumeirah Islands

[ahmedr]

This one I like because it has a really cool theme: fire. I think these golf courses are built because they're the best thing the government can do to make Dubai greener on a large scale and make lots of money out of it too.

[Dubai-Lover]

it's going to be between the Al Khail Road and the Emirates Road, just behind Jumeirah Islands


so, it might become part of jumeirah horizon, which will be the third part of the jumeirah islands and jumeirah village project?
jumeirah horizon has not yet been launched

[Insane alex]

Another golf course!! :O

[Dubai-Lover]

Jumeirah Golf Estates plan to be ready in two months


Dubai: The masterplan for Nakheel's latest multi-billion dirham development, Jumeirah Golf Estates, is in the final stages of development, company officials said.

"We are currently finalising the project with Greg Norman on the overall development of Jumeirah Golf Estates. We hope it will be completed in the next two months," Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel, told Gulf News yesterday.

"We will then launch our sales campaign. We still do not know the overall value of the development. Between 6,000 and 10,000 households, however, will be located in the area."

The project will have four golf courses, gated residential clusters, commercial and retail facilities as well as resorts.

Greg Norman, the Australian golfing legend, is personally involved in the creation of two signature courses.

These two courses, called Earth and Fire, by Greg Norman, will be the first two eco-signature courses designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design especially for Nakheel.

The construction of the four golf courses and the surrounding facilities is expected to cost Dh500 million and will be completed by the first quarter of 2007.

Nakheel is planning and designing the project. Bids will be invited at a later stage on a number of construction packages.

Nakheel earlier formed a wholly-owned subsidiary, Nakheel Golf, which will build six golf courses in Dubai. It is the first company in the Middle East to direct not only the development and construction of each residential and leisure community, but to also manage and operate each complex once completed.

"Nakheel Golf is one of the four pillars of business revenue within the overall umbrella of Nakheel. We have been pursing the tourism and leisure property market aggressively for several years. Nakheel Golf is the natural progression as a business stream within our overall development plans," Bin Sulayem said.

"What has made us uniquely different compared to the other golf developers in this region is our unparalleled experience. From the very beginning, we have employed the greatest modern golf course architects, as well as the very best team of golf course developers and managers.

"The experience that has been brought to Nakheel by these experts ensures we will be the dominating force within the golf industry in the UAE for the foreseeable future," he said.

In the UAE, a golf course can typically consume up to 2.2 million gallons of water per day.

"To reduce this high consumption rate, each course within Nakheel Golf's portfolio will use the latest in eco-friendly technology. This includes soil amendments, reverse osmosis and treated sewage water," Norman said.

"This will reduce the consumption by up to 30 per cent, creating some of the world's most ecologically sound leisure developments," he said.

[Krazy]

Greg Norman to hold stake in new golf development

Dubai: Australian golfing legend Greg Norman is planning to launch his business in Dubai.

His company, Greg Norman Golf Course Development, will hold a stake in Nakheel's latest multi-billion dirham development, Jumeirah Golf Estates, in addition to a joint management contract.

Norman, however, did not disclose the size of his company's possible stake in the venture.

"We are looking into various possibilities. Our investment and banking arm is currently in negotiations with Nakheel Golf on the size of our stake. However, my involvement with Nakheel is a long-term one.

"We are working on the business plan to develop and market the golf courses under Nakheel Golf."

Nakheel Golf, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nakheel, will launch six golf courses in Dubai.

Norman is currently designing two eco-signature courses, part of the four courses to be built at the Jumeirah Golf Estates at a cost of Dh500 million, and will be completed by the first quarter of 2007.

[dubaiflo]

of course this thread was opened by D-L...
;)
why do they launch the golf course before the actual project, if it really is in J horizon as you guessed?

[Dubai-Lover]

the website is online but not too much info yet

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

[Bahraini Spirit]

I honestly don't see the point in building a golf course in each development. How many people are actually going to use them realistically.

[Dubai-Lover]

there will be enough people playing

[dubaiflo]

like you will do...

[BinDubai]

I honestly don't see the point in building a golf course in each development. How many people are actually going to use them realistically.

Dubai creek golf and yatch club has many members in it u can c them while passing by al Garhoud bridge dispite the high fees..

in addition there was an Advertisment campaign done by the Malaysian Authorities in Malaysia about Dubai being a great golf destination
so i guess it's not a bad idea after all :)

[Dubai-Lover]

yes, golf is extremely popular in dubai and the interest is growing steadily
summer is not the best time to play so ther courses are 30% booked or so, but in winter you have to fight for a tee-time

[juiced]

I agree with what DubaiLover says, playing golf during the winter is great but hard to book a slot, but in the summer it is nearly impossible with all the humidity and heat, that's why we only have one golf club membership and not several.

[Krazy]

Golf is still not that bad a sport to play in the summer, compared to other sports.

[Dubai-Lover]

i love to play in the summer
even when going by club cart it's exhausting but fun

i don't know why but i always play better in dubai that here at home, must be the great layouts of the courses

i can't wait for another 4 themed courses!

[Dubai-Lover]

website update with more info

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

[DXB]

enough golf courses, we want open parks and gardens instead.

[smussuw]

enough golf courses, we want open parks and gardens instead.

That what I was saying.

[DUBAI]

Stupid Stupid people. perhaps i should open a golf discount store in Dubai

more cricket. Less Golf.

[fahed]

I've been saying enough of golf since January. At that time, I had ZERO support. Now, thanks to UAQ, people are moving forward to the idea of LESS GOLF.

[Dubai_Steve]

We need more golf corses in Dubai, great for the economy.

ps. Ive never played golf before :)

[Dubai-Lover]

what is it with you guys
i support your idea of more parks, but i can't accept your golf course statement!

[dubaiflo]

because you are a golfer.

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel Cityscape golf tournament tees off - Jumeirah Golf Estates launch

Jumeirah Golf Estates officially launches at Cityscape 2005, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from September 17-19.

An exclusive group of VIPs, CEOs, Directors and key industry players were invited for the 18-hole competition at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club in Dubai. Following the tournament a cocktail reception and prize ceremony was hosted by Nakheel at the sparkling new Park Hyatt.

To mark the launch, Nakheel Golf will host a press conference on the second day (September 18th) of Cityscape at 10am.

Ms. Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: 'The Nakheel Cityscape Golf Tournament was an enormous success and the perfect way to begin the launch to Jumeirah Golf Estates. We invited many of our important and valued clients to take part in the competition and despite some finding there way into the rough on numerous occasions - I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day!'

'The masterplan for Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates will be officially unveiled throughout Cityscape; visitors to our stand will be able to see an elaborate and specially constructed topographical model of the development, which details the release of land for sale around the Greg Norman-designed Fire and Earth golf courses. Dubai's premier residential golfing community will officially launch during a press conference on the second day of Cityscape and we invite all members of the press to attend and see for themselves the exciting plans we have.'

Inspired by the elements of Fire, Earth, Water and Wind, Jumeirah Golf Estates draws on the remarkable talents of some of the game's most famous names - among them, the legendary 'Great White Shark', Greg Norman. Jumeirah Golf Estates will offer homeowners the rare opportunity to live in a community that has been carefully planned to meet the needs of the modern family, featuring a variety of housing opportunities, world-class amenities and premier services. Beautifully landscaped, the estates will feature abundant parkland, nature strips, lakes and ponds - surrounded by some of the world's most scenic golf courses.

Hosted in Dubai for the fourth consecutive year, the Middle East's premier international property investment and development event attracts the world's most significant investors, lenders, owners and developers together with world-class architects and designers.

[dubaiflo]

hope this will be really special..

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel unveils Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates

Nakheel - the UAE's leading property developer - has joined forces with golfing superstar Greg Norman to launch the first phase of Dubai's premier residential golfing community - Jumeirah Golf Estates.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/6/17596-greg.jpg
Greg Norman and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem and the Jumeriah Golf Estates Masterplan.

Nakheel, famed for its iconic landmarks such as The Palm, and The World, is bringing the same pioneering ingenuity to the game of golf. Launched in September 2004, Nakheel Golf aims to raise awareness of golf in Dubai on a global platform by developing unique and unforgettable courses.

Inspired by the elements of Fire, Earth, Water and Wind, Jumeirah Golf Estates draws on the remarkable talents of some of the game's most famous names - among them, the legendary 'Great White Shark', Greg Norman. Jumeirah Golf Estates will offer homeowners the rare opportunity to live in a community that has been carefully planned to meet the needs of the modern family, featuring a variety of housing opportunities, world-class amenities and premier services. Beautifully landscaped, the estates will feature abundant parkland, nature strips, lakes and ponds - surrounded by some of the world's most scenic golf courses.

Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the total 1,119 land parcel and includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by golfing legend Greg Norman. Phase A will incorporate 10 planned residential communities, comprising more than 1,000 individual properties, each set in beautifully landscaped surroundings with estates ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet. Approximately 75% of all properties will have absolute golf course frontage, with the balance facing lakes, nature strips and parks.

Norman, a World Golf Hall of Famer and an Australian legend, is personally involved in the creation of the first Eco-Signature courses designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design. Both courses are being created exclusively for Nakheel and will focus on eco-friendly principles and practices, featuring flora and fauna that are indigenous to the region.

Norman said: 'Earth and Fire are interlinked with the elements of nature. They are designed to inspire and motivate players on some of the most exhilarating fairways and greens anywhere in the world. We have worked to achieve a seamless integration between the natural features of the site, the golf course and the residential community. It is our hope that these two Eco-Signature courses will help educate the region on the environmental advantages inherent in modern design and construction.

'Earth will enhance the surrounding scenery, providing players with sweeping views of the development and beyond. For the first time in Dubai, a course will have dramatic natural elevations, and native plants will provide environmental balance to the existing landscape. Fire is designed to be tough and fiery, and it will certainly challenge those who play it from the back tees. It will be a unique golfing experience created with minimal land disturbance and enhancement of the environment.

"I will be working very closely with the Nakheel Golf team to make their grand vision become a stunning reality, and in a few years time it will be possible to label Dubai as one of the golfing capitals of the world."

Jumeirah Golf Estates will also feature a world-class learning and training academy inspired by Norman; his work ethic along with his approach and dedication to practice are legendary. The academy will be available to all ages and abilities, a place of learning where instructors will be dedicated to the development of each person's own game.

David Spencer, Director for Nakheel Golf, said: 'Nakheel aims to create an unparalleled collection of courses in Dubai that are developed with premier superstars, meticulous planning, comprehensive research and a passion toward protecting the environment. Jumeirah Golf Estates is a product that Dubai has been crying out for; there were 260,000 rounds of golf being played in Dubai in 2004, but the demand is much more than this. The appetite for the game is growing dramatically and our courses will be purpose-built to satisfy the demand from Nakheel's property owners, hoteliers on The Palm, and as a much wider-based tourism attraction for Dubai.'

Dina Al Jaflah, Jumeirah Golf Estates, General Manager, said: 'Aside from the overwhelming demand for genuinely world-class courses in Dubai, there is a strong market for properties within residential golf developments and this is rapidly increasing. This trend follows global patterns where consumers want to live in a community that is not only secure but also provides world-class amenities and encourages indigenous flora and fauna. Perhaps more importantly, properties within golf course communities have proved to be very sound investments in all parts of the world - we expect demand to be overwhelming.'

[Krazy]

Nakheel to build golf community

Dubai: Nakheel, the Dubai-based master developer, will invest Dh2 billion in a new residential golf community, Jumeirah Golf Estates, designed by golf legend Greg Norman.

When completed, the four-phase Jumeirah Golf Estates will have four golf courses - Fire, Earth, Water and Wind - that will add to Dubai’s attraction as a golf destination and help boost the UAE’s tourism sector, officials said.

The project is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2007.

“Earth and Fire are designed to inspire and motivate players on some of the most exhilarating fairways and greens anywhere in the world.

"We have worked to achieve a seamless integration between the natural features of the site, the golf course and the residential community.

"It is our hope that these two Eco-Signature courses will help educate the region on the environmental advantages inherent in modern design and construction,” Norman said.

“I will be working very closely with the Nakheel golf team to make their grand vision become a stunning reality, and in a few years time it will be possible to label Dubai as one of the golfing capitals of the world.”

Nakheel yesterday unveiled the project’s Phase A, which will occupy 375 hectares of the total 1,119 hectares and include the first two golf courses - Fire and Earth.

Phase A will incorporate 10 residential communities comprising more than 1,000 individual properties, each set in landscaped surroundings with estates ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet.

Approximately 75 per cent of the properties will have golf course frontage, with the balance facing lakes, nature strips and parks.

David Spencer, director of Nakheel Golf, said, “The investment in the first phase, including infrastructure and villas will be between Dh8 billion and Dh10 billion.

“There were 260,000 rounds of golf being played in Dubai in 2004, but the demand is much more than this.

"The appetite for the game is growing dramatically and our courses will be purpose-built to satisfy the demand from Nakheel’s property owners, hoteliers on The Palm, and as a much wider-based tourism attraction for Dubai.”

Jumeirah Golf Estates will also feature a learning and training academy inspired by Norman.

Spencer said he expects Dubai to have between 15 and 25 golf courses within the next 10 to 12 years, that will attract more visitors to the emirate.

Dina Al Jaflah, general manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said sales of the residential units will be open to pre-selected buyers through an open auction.

“We will take online bookings from now on and send out the strict development guidelines for the bidding that will take place in November this year.”

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel to host prestigious auction at the Burj Al Arab

Nakheel, the UAE's leading property developer, will host its ground-breaking auction to sell land for Jumeirah Golf Estates at the world-famous Burj al Arab.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/9/19719-JGE.jpg
Jumeirah Golf Estates, Phase A masterplan

Following the successful launch of Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates at Cityscape 2005 last month, the project has attracted unprecedented interest from local and international markets. To meet demand and to ensure that the most reputable of sub-developers will be invited to work on the project, an innovative and pioneering concept has been devised.

The auction, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the region, will take place at the iconic hotel's Al Falak ballroom on November 29th. During the auction, land will be on offer to pre-qualified sub-developers who have met Nakheel's vigorous criteria relating to financial, developmental and sales capabilities. All parties who have registered their interest have been asked to apply and provide documentation in order to be considered for bidding rights.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel, said:
'Nakheel took the decision to adopt an auction process in the interests of transparency and fairness to all those who have expressed interest in Jumeirah Golf Estates. Through our meticulous pre-qualification process we have been able to scrutinise each and every developer who has expressed an interest in Jumeirah Golf Estates so that we can ensure that only the most reputable of companies will assist us in our development of the project. This process will make certain the rapid and efficient progress of Jumeirah Golf Estates and will also guarantee that build quality is of the highest possible standard.'



The auction relates to Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the total 1,119 land parcel and includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by golfing legend Greg Norman. Phase A will incorporate 14 planned residential communities, comprising around 1,000 individual properties, each set in beautifully landscaped surroundings with estates ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet. 75% of all properties will have absolute golf course frontage, with the balance facing lakes, nature strips and parks.

James Wilson, CEO Nakheel, said, 'Due to the demand for golf course residential lots in Dubai the auction route was a natural choice to enable us to market and sell properties on this project and to set the bench mark on pricing in a competitive environment.'

Ms. Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: 'The auction will be the first of its kind to be held anywhere in the region and it is therefore necessary to select a venue fitting for such a prestigious event. The Burj al Arab is a truly iconic symbol of this great city and it is our aim for Jumeirah Golf Estates to achieve similar standards in excellence.

'When complete, Jumeirah Golf Estates will be the finest golfing and residential community in the region. From day one we have approached the concept with painstaking planning and careful research, and I am delighted with the finalised masterplan; however, to help achieve our end goal we must work with partners who share our vision and can deliver the highest level of residences to future owners.'

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel hammers land price record at pioneering auction

Nakheel's ground-breaking auction to sell land at Jumeirah Golf Estates has set a new benchmark for the price of undeveloped land in Dubai - smashing previous records.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/6/19866-Auctionerwiththehammer.jpg
Increased demand for 'amenitized' developments establishes market price for Jumeirah Golf Estates

During the auction, which took place at the Burj Al Arab on November 29th, Nakheel sold the first three planned residential developments of the 13 that form Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates. The auction raised a staggering AED 160 million in revenue for the 850,000 square feet of land on offer - nearly AED 11 million over the reserve base price. The average price per square foot was set at a record-breaking AED 188.

Land was on offer to pre-qualified sub-developers who had met Nakheel's vigorous criteria relating to financial, developmental and sales capabilities. The Sundials proved the most sought after plot raising AED 67.5 million at an average cost of AED 192 per square foot; this broke the previous record for undeveloped land price in Dubai which was previously set at AED 175 per square foot. Sienna Views also proved popular with bidders, fetching AED 55.3 million, while the smaller area of Orange Grove took an impressive AED 37 million.

Ms. Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: 'We are delighted with the success of the auction. The demand for land at Jumeirah Golf Estates was extraordinary and we wanted to find a way of establishing the correct market value, while remaining transparent and open to all parties who had expressed an interest in the project. Due to the uniqueness of Jumeirah Golf Estates it was a very difficult product to determine market price; 75% of all properties will have absolute golf course frontage, with the balance facing lakes, nature strips and parks. The residential yield is also much lighter than anything currently on offer in Dubai at the moment and there are also no back-to-back plots.

'There is no comparable development in Dubai right now and because of the keen interest, an auction was the best possible way of determining a fair market price that developers were willing to work at. We had a good idea of what our top and bottom prices should be per square foot and it's fascinating to note that the market has set the price exactly in the middle at an average of AED 188 per square foot - we were absolutely accurate with our assessment of the market.'

Statistically a large proportion of people wanting to buy property in a golf community are non-golfers; therefore, it is essential to have a range of other sporting and recreational facilities on offer for all residents. With this in mind, planning for Jumeirah Golf Estates has incorporated tennis facilities, swimming pools, gyms, wellness centre, commercial and retail centre, schools, medical centres, food and beverage outlets, and many more amenities.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Nakheel Executive Chairman, said:

"Jumeirah Golf Estates will truly be an 'amenitized' community. Although the focus is obviously on the golf courses and the glorious open space that this provides for residents, provision has also been made for 'open space corridors' such as parks and public areas, as well as facilities and amenities for a diverse set of residents."



'During the planning process we discovered that the market is demanding far more from residential developments, and we firmly believe that our increased focus on facilities, in an evolving marketplace, is the true reason why the records were broken so easily. This is an important step for Nakheel and developers throughout the region.'

The auction was expertly hosted by representatives from world-renowned commercial and industrial property consultants Alliance Property Group who travelled from South Africa specifically for the event.

Roy Alderdice, Auctioneer and Managing Director, said: 'It was indeed a great honour and a great privilege to conduct this very exciting and prestigious property auction here in Dubai. We are mindful of the fact that Nakheel could have chosen any one of the internationally recognised auction houses, and we are therefore most grateful for this appointment.

'The turnout today by such a large number of bidders bears testimony to the decision to sell by auction. For an auction to be truly successful it requires the following ingredients; all of which we had: quality properties, high demand, a unique property, a good price, and professional promotion and marketing. A new benchmark of land value has now been set by Nakheel for Jumeirah Golf Estates and we believe that this will be the beginning of many great things to come.'

The auction related to Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the total 1,119 land parcel and includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by golfing legend Greg Norman. Phase A will incorporate 13 planned residential communities, comprising around 1,000 individual properties, each set in beautifully landscaped surroundings with the average size of estates ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet.

[dubaiflo]

i wonder why these plots are sold for that much money...

anyway shows there is still huuuge demand.

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel and Al Naboodah pair up for Jumeirah Golf Estates

Nakheel has confirmed the award of the first construction package on their prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates development to Al Naboodah Contracting with work set to begin at the 1,119 hectare site at the end of this month.
United Arab Emirates: 4 hours, 32 minutes ago

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/2/21642-JumeirahGolf.jpg
Greg Norman on site

This Enabling Works package comprises initial earthworks to rough grade the first section of the site and the Greg Norman designed Fire and Earth golf courses, together with provision of site office accommodation and associated utilities.

Located off the Emirates Road between Dubai Sports City and the Green Community, the golf and residential community will boast four environmentally themed 18-hole courses - Earth, Fire, Water, and Wind - that mirror the elements of nature and integrate with distinct gated communities, featuring a variety of investment opportunities, amenities and services.

The development will be built in phases, with the Earth and Fire courses and their surrounding residences being built first, followed by Vijay Singh's Water course and then the Wind course. Earth and Fire are expected to open in late 2007 with the first residents moving in mid 2008. The long term build out strategy will see construction being completed in 2012 in four phases.

Ms. Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: 'This award relates to Phase A of the development, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the site. Phase A will ultimately contain the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, which are designed by Greg Norman; golf clubhouse and country club; approximately 946 serviced villa lots; and all associated infrastructure. The total construction budget for all Phase A works is around AED 1 billion.

'We are delighted to have a firm of the calibre and reputation of Al Naboodah working with us on this project, and are very reassured that these crucial first steps are in safe hands.'

Steve Lever, Group Assistant Managing Director for Al Naboodah, said: 'Al Naboodah has been involved in golf course construction in the UAE for nearly 20 years and is proud to be associated with Nakheel and their team on this prestigious new development.'

Established in 1975, Al Naboodah Contracting Company has achieved a notable record in the field of civil construction. From a modest beginning Al Naboodah has developed and expanded its activities to the point where it now has considerable expertise and experience in a wide variety of specialist and general civil engineering fields. Al Naboodah has successfully completed more than 650 multi discipline contracts embracing airport development, golf course design and construction, marinas, dams and major earthworks projects. These are in addition to its core field of activities, which include roadworks, bridgeworks, drainage and utility works.

[Dubai-Lover]

Al Naboodah tees off on Jumeirah Golf contract

http://www.itp.net/pictures/news/109p4200.gif
Vijay Singh is designing Nakheel’s Water course while Greg Norman takes the lead on the Fire and Earth courses.

Al Naboodah Contracting has won the first construction package on Nakheel’s Jumeirah Golf Estates development
in Dubai.

The works contract involves the initial earthworks to rough grade 375 ha of the northern section of the site, which includes the Greg Norman-designed Fire and Earth courses.

The deal, which covers the first of the four-phase development, also includes the provision of site office accommodation and associated utilities.

The total construction package for the first phase is worth US $200 million (AED one billion) and will contain a golf clubhouse and country club along with 946 serviced villas.

Work on the 1119 ha golf and residential project, which is located off the Emirates Road between Dubai Sports City and the Green Community, is expected to begin at the end of February.

The project will include four environmentally themed 18-hole courses — Earth, Fire, Wind and Water. The Earth and Fire courses and their surrounding residences will be built first, followed by Vijay Singh’s Water course; then the Wind course.

Earth and Fire are expected to open later in 2007, with the first residents moving in by mid-2008. The long-term build out strategy will see construction being completed in 2012.
Al Naboodah has been involved in the construction of golf courses for almost 20 years.

“We are delighted to have a firm of the calibre and reputation of Al Naboodah working with us on this project, and
are very reassured that these crucial first steps are in safe hands,” said Dina Al Jaflah, general manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

bigger version of the masterplan
http://i2.tinypic.com/ouo5qb.jpg

R

[dubaiflo]

thius could really turn out to be an amazing project.

i really like it.

[Dubai-Lover]

first time i read the names of the residences
sounds good :)

and this is only 50% of the project

now let's hope the power lines won't bother too much
they're running behind the meadows of emirates living
could indeed be a great project with a view of the small skyline of international media & production zone

let nakheel learn from its mistakes in jumeirah islands and it will be perfect!

[DUBAI]

Whats happening about wind and water?

[Dubai-Lover]

Mott MacDonald to engineer Jumeirah Golf Estates

Nakheel have announced the appointment of leading UK consultancy firm Mott MacDonald Ltd. to undertake the engineering consultancy services on the first phase of their prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates development.
United Arab Emirates: 7 hours, 17 minutes ago

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/4/23704-greg.jpg
The appointment relates to Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by Greg Norman.

Mott MacDonald is a wholly independent global company with more than 9,000 staff working in more than 100 countries. Notable projects worldwide include the new Wembley Stadium, Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport, Hong Kong Airport, and the Channel Tunnel. Established for over seventy years in the region, and with local staff exceeding 800, the firm has played key consultancy roles on Dubai Marina and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai as well as power, desalination projects and government related projects throughout the U.A.E.

Jumeirah Golf Estates will be one of the finest residential and golfing communities in the world, boasting four world class golf courses surrounded by the finest residential opportunities in Dubai. For its first world-class residential community, Nakheel has created an unprecedented alliance with golfing legends Greg Norman and Vijay Singh both joining.

Mott MacDonald has assigned a dedicated team to undertake the infrastructure design and project coordination services. They will be working closely with the Nakheel project development team over the coming months on planning and engineering design of the roads, utilities, landscaping and other civil works, together with a coordination role on the golf course construction.

Gordon Turley, a Mott MacDonald Regional Director, said:

'We are absolutely thrilled to be chosen by Nakheel for this project which will undoubtedly become one of the world's premier golfing developments.'



The appointment relates to Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the 1,119 site. The Phase A scope of works includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by Greg Norman; approximately 1,000 serviced villa plots; and commercial retail centre; boutique office park; golf clubhouse and country club; and all associated infrastructure.

Ms. Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager, Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: 'This appointment for design of the essential support services, roads and surrounding landscapes demonstrates our continued commitment to the highest quality of product for our residential community'.

[Krazy]

Good to see this one in the news... although the DM map still mentions it as "GULF" estates :hilarious

[Krazy]

Mott MacDonald consultants for Jumeirah Golf Estates' first phase

Dubai: Nakheel has appointed leading UK firm Mott MacDonald as consultants on the first phase of Jumeirah Golf Estates development.

The appointment relates to Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the 1,119 site. The Phase A scope of works includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by Greg Norman approximately 1,000 serviced villa plots; and a commercial retail centre.

Mott MacDonald is an independent company with about 9,000 staff working in more than 100 countries.

Notable projects worldwide include the new Wembley Stadium, Terminal Five at Heathrow Airport, Hong Kong Airport and the Channel Tunnel.

Established for over 70 years in the region, and with local staff exceeding 800, the firm has played key consultancy roles in Dubai Marina and Mall of the Emirates in Dubai as well as power, desalination projects and government related projects throughout the UAE.

Jumeirah Golf Estates will be one of the finest residential and golfing communities in the world, say developers, boasting four world class golf courses surrounded by the finest residential opportunities in Dubai. Mott MacDonald has assigned a dedicated team to undertake the infrastructure design and project coordination services.

Golf legends Greg Norman and Vijay Singh will be working closely with the Nakheel project development team over the coming months on planning and engineering design of the roads, utilities, landscaping and other civil works, together with a coordination role on the golf course construction.

Dina Al Jaflah, General Manager of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: "This appointment for design of the essential support services, roads and surrounding landscapes demonstrates our continued commitment to the highest quality product for our residential community."

[Dubai-Lover]

Nakheel's lead course designer Greg Norman visits Jumeirah Golf Estates

With construction well underway on the first phase of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Greg Norman, Nakheel's lead golf course designer, took time out of his busy schedule to inspect the progress of his Fire and Earth courses.
United Arab Emirates: 4 hours, 41 minutes ago

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/6/25296-norman.jpg
Greg Norman visiting the site.

Norman visited the site which lies approximately 22km south west of Dubai city centre to observe progress in the initial stages of grading works. The Great White Shark assessed the completed works and used the opportunity to visualise how the golf courses will be laid out and how they will ultimately relate to the planned residential communities which comprise Phase A of the project.

Greg Norman said: 'I am excited to be part of the incredible story that is Dubai. No place in the world has this kind of vision, leadership and entrepreneurial spirit. A generation from now, when history books are rewritten, the story of Dubai may very well be the first chapter. What's happening here is truly iconic; truly groundbreaking.'

Ms Dina Al Jaflah, Jumeirah Golf Estates General Manager, said: 'It is always a pleasure to welcome The Great White Shark to Dubai; he has been a champion of this region for many years and it is a privilege for Jumeirah Golf Estates to have him on board as our lead golf course designer.

'Although a huge golfing superstar, Greg is very much a hands on designer; he takes a great interest in the development of every golf course to which he puts his name and this trip was an important step in ensuring that the preliminary designs of the Fire and Earth courses are delivered to their maximum potential.'

Jumeirah Golf Estates will feature four world-class championship golf courses individually themed around the elements of nature. Greg Norman will design Fire and Earth, current world number two Vijay Singh will design Water, while another exciting announcement on the Wind course is expected later in the year.

In the short space of a month, Enabling Works contractor Al Naboodah Contracting has completed site clearance and initial rough grading to almost 30 percent of the Earth course.

Ms Dina Al Jaflah added:

'The next few months will see completion of this advance earthworks package throughout the entire Phase A of the project comprising 375 hectares, which also includes the formation of the residential plot platforms and road and utility corridors for some 950 villas that will ultimately surround the two golf courses.'



Meanwhile, the tenders for construction of the golf courses themselves have been floated, with expected commencement in early July 2006, and detailed design of the infrastructure for the residential community is also in progress. Both golf courses will be constructed concurrently and are scheduled for opening in late 2007.

During his stay in Dubai, Norman also presented a keynote speech to mark the end of formalities at the second annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and played an integral role on the Nakheel stand at the Arabian Travel Market 2006.

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

Nakheel appoints world renowned agronomist
[Monday, June 5, 2006 10:13:00 am]

Nakheel aims to set the maintenance and playing conditioning standards for all golf courses in Dubai to follow after announcing that it will work with world-renowned agronomist Terry Buchen CGCS, MG (Certified Golf Course Superintendent and Master Greenkeeper) on its Jumeirah Golf Estates development.

Buchen is a third party independent consulting agronomist for Golf Agronomy International, based in Williamsburg, Virginia, USA and will be the consulting golf course agronomist for the Fire Earth, Water and Wind golf courses.

Buchen has personally consulted on more than 120 new and renovated/restored golf course projects worldwide and has personally grown-in 13 new golf course projects as a golf course manager, prior to starting his own agronomy consulting business. He is a PGA Tour Agronomist and Advance Tournament Official, responsible for preparing courses 4-8 weeks in advance for tournaments on the men’s tour in the United States. Buchen is also one of only 41 Master Greenkeepers in the world, awarded by the British and International Golf Greenkeepers’ Association and is also a contributing writer for several renowned golf industry magazines. With inherent experience, technical knowledge and common sense he will advise on the best agronomic and playing conditions possible.
As a former golf course manager, Buchen has been involved from start to finish at the Castle Pines Golf Club near Denver, Colorado, USA; Sunrise Country Club and Rancho Las Palmas Country Club near Palm Springs, California, USA; and has consulted on desert courses at The Estancia Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; DC Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA; The Quarry at LaQuinta in LaQuinta, and Desert Willow Golf Club in Palm Desert both in California, USA; Chileno Bay Club and Querencia in Cabo San Lucas, Baja California, Mexico; and Santander Golf in Boadilla, Spain among many others.

Buchen said: “I aim to provide the best agronomic and playing conditioning standards possible and to set the maintenance and playing conditioning standards in Dubai for all other golf courses to follow.

“The overall temperature extremes and weather conditions are quite a challenge, but fortunately they are very predictable and very consistent. Obviously, warm season turfgrasses will be used that thrive growing during the desert heat during the summertime months. Conversely, the warm season turfgrasses are normally not quite growing at their full potential during the wintertime "high tourist" season and many different agronomic plans are thus put in place to provide the best playing conditions possible, for example, winter overseeding as necessary and appropriate. Our goals and objectives are to provide tournament-like playing conditions on a year-round basis that are very achievable.”

Buchen has already reviewed and provided his recommendations on the entire golf course development process, including golf course architect's plans and technical specifications; irrigation system designer's blueprints and specifications; greens specifications; irrigation system pump station technical specifications; pre-plant fertilizer and soil amendments; physical and nutrient soil testing of the soils considered for the greensmix and gravel, tees, fairways and roughs; and bunker sand suitability testing. He will also perform on-site agronomic consulting during establishment of the sprig and sod turfgrass nursery and periodically during grow-in and subsequent routine maintenance.
Ms. Dina Al Jaflah, Jumeirah Golf Estates General Manager, said: “The environmental approach to all of Nakheel golf’s projects is unique to the company and throughout the planning process Nakheel has aimed to improve and heighten indigenous flora and fauna, while researching ways to minimise water consumption at each course. In this day and age there is a huge onus on the developer and the management teams to protect and enhance the environment of a golf course and its surrounding area and this is one of the underpinning elements for each course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.”

Buchen added: “The Jumeirah Golf Estates golf courses will be using treated sewage effluent water for all irrigation purposes and to use natural and sprayable-type fertilizers and soil amendments whenever possible to be very environmentally friendly. Chemicals will be used only when needed and will be applied with no harm to the environment. Also leaving the surrounding native desert flora as natural as possible is a prime goal and objective.”

Following the recent site visit of lead golf course designer Greg Norman, Jumeirah Golf Estates is on schedule for completion of its first two courses, Fire and Earth, in late 2007.

Ms. Dina Al Jaflah commented: “Terry Buchen’s reputation in the golf industry precedes itself and it’s a major coup for us to acquire his services at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Modern golf course construction is an art that makes the game more challenging, reduces maintenance costs and enhances the environment; Terry’s experience and insight combined with the limitless beauty of our natural environment will allow us to raise the bar in golf course development in the region.”

R

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

could this be its tender???

Name : Golf Courses Development Project More...
Description : Construction of (96) holes over six golf courses, including residential, leisure and retail facilities.
Territory : Dubai
Posted : June 3, 2006
Status : Current Project

R

[guy_in_dubai]

http://i5.tinypic.com/14lkd1z.jpg



this is where it'll be located...lol..pretty small but yeah :dunno:

[ragga]

What is the price per sq ft, and can anyone send me details on this project ... investment wise?

[guy_in_dubai]

i dont think anything has gone for sale for this project but apparently thats gonna happen in september

[ragga]

guy in dubai... can u confirm this? Ntohing has been sold in this project? investor wise?

[guy_in_dubai]

well the only news i've heard about this is already posted on this thread and even if you check the newspapers you dont see anything for JGE, so i dont think so. i *heard* that property shall be released in september/october and thats all. sorry

[guy_in_dubai]

I dont know whether this is an update or not but its the first time im reading this:

The residential communities sited around the Fire golf course complement the beauty of their desert setting, drawing on rustic Tuscan and Mediterranean architectural themes and materials, including stucco walls, rough stone and brick.

Orange Grove – Overlooking the third and fourth holes to the northern end of Fire, warm citrus colours dominate the Napa Valley-style landscape of Orange Grove as it sweeps down towards the shimmering lake that lies at its centre.

Amber Way – Planted with wild, native grasses and vibrant flowering plants, Amber Way harmoniously blends with, and is enveloped by, the pristine greens and fairways of the Fire course.

Sienna Lakes – At the south eastern corner of the Fire course, Sienna Lakes is characterised by abundant nature strips and landscaped parks, framed by the waterways from which it takes its name.

Flame Tree Ridge – Lying at the boundary between the Fire and Earth courses, Flame Tree Ridge features panoramic views of both courses and is planted with numerous delonix regia – the vibrant flame tree, which is famous for its brilliant orange-red flowers.

In the Earth area the surrounding communities take their inspiration from the islands and cultures of the Pacific. Dense, landscaped vegetation, punctuated with impressive water features, provides the perfect backdrop to traditional timber-framed buildings, clustered in intimate settlements.

Lime Tree Valley – Dotted with lime and various other citrus trees, the verdant Lime Tree Valley offers stunning views of the Earth course.

Wildflower – Wrapped in the natural beauty of the Earth course, this wildly
colourful estate is alive with dazzling wildflowers from around the world.

The Sundials – Inspired by the architecture and landscapes of ancient Rome and Greece, The Sundials lie to the west of the Earth course and offers far-reaching views of its front nine.

Sanctuary Falls – To the far west of the Earth course, Sanctuary Falls is as peaceful and tranquil as its name suggests, with extensive lake views and numerous water features ensuring an air of calm.

Olive Point – Offering stunning views of Earth’s seventh hole, Olive Point suggests a distinctly Spanish landscape, with groves of olive trees throughout.

Whispering Pines – Dividing the two courses, close to the Norman Clubhouse, the fragrant Whispering Pines offers commanding views over the outward nine of Earth and the first two holes of Fire.




pretty interesting coz there are gonna be 11 different communities in the first phase which is pretty cool.

[minime]

Wasn't the Jumerah islands project missing a golf course? (i.e. promised but never built) Maybe this is their golf course that is now launched under a different name? Anyone?

[dubaiflo]

^^ this is way bigger than one golf course which should have been in JI.

this one here consists of four golf courses and is massive.

but u could be right, it might have played a certain role.

[The Cebuano Exultor]

How many golf coarses does the Emirate of Dubai have?

Reasons for this question:

First, I'm just curious.
Second, it amazed me to see how many golf coarses are under-construction.

Thanks in advance.:)

[guy_in_dubai]

creek club, nad al sheba, motngomerie, arabian ranches, emirates, jebel ali so i guess its 6 golf courses. and atleast 4 in the making ready for 2008

[The Cebuano Exultor]

^^ Thanks. :)

[guy_in_dubai]

Hey everyone. Just got off the phone with Nakheel and they gave me the same info as the website bla blah. The first 2 golf courses are being constructed and will open in mid 2007. information about the villas and properites available for sale will be available in november/december this year or january.

[guy_in_dubai]

UPDATE: Wind is going to be designed by Pete Dye...though i'm sure thats been mentioned somewhere

[asheeshg]

This is going out to all you golf lovers out there.

I am an employee for Better Homes and I bring some exciting news.

I have details on the first residential community being offerred to Investors. We are shortly going to be bringing to the market the first villas for sale in Jumeirah Golf Estates.

These are going to be in Lime Tree Valley and directly looking over the Earth Golf Course designed by Greg Norman. These villas are going to be launched in 2 phases.

The first phase which we will be selling shortly consist of 42 villas ranging from 5500 sq ft to 7000 sq ft BUA and plot sizes of between 9000 sq ft to 13000 sq ft.

Prices at this stage are being finalised but are expected to start from around 6.5million AED. We are talking Emirates Hills, Hattan type quality. High End. The payment plan will be around 40% to pay until completion which is estimated to be late 07, and the balance on completion.

The 2nd phase will be launched around september, but these will be slightly smaller villas. The villas we have right now are the most exclusive in the whole Lime Tree Estates project.

If you are seriously interested then please get in touch for more details. Details could change as the project has not been officially released so at this stage we are only taking Expressions of Interest (refundable), and you will then have first picks once the final green light is given.

Regards,

Asheesh Gandhi
Sales Consultant
Project Sales and Marketing, Head Office
Better Homes LLC

Telephone: (+9714) 349 4444 Ext: 2318
Fax: (+9714) 342 9198
Mobile (+97150) 223 4181
E-Mail: asheesh.gandhi@bhomes.com
www.bhomes.com

[Krazy]

Great Asheesh... sounds really exclusive! Thanks for sharing! Too bad I dont have that kinda money :ohno:

[guy_in_dubai]

hey asheesh, i am very interested in this. will get in contact with u

[guy_in_dubai]

just got an invite to the launch of the villa at mina a'salam! LIME TREE VALLEY

www.limetreevalley.ae

amazing villas!

[dubaiflo]

^^ stunning website, i love it, very stylish.

looks like a rather exclusive development, nice, even though once again very small plots.

[guy_in_dubai]

no, not necessarily small, see if the smallest villa's built up is 4200, then i think plot size 7000 wud be ok, and if the biggest villa is 6995, then the plot size wud be 13000. i dont thing they wud give the the BUA6995 villa a 7000 plot...lol

[asheeshg]

Ok Guys,

I know you are all excited about this project.

Believe me from all the plans I have seen for this project I cant wait for it to be completed. It looks very very impressive.

Basically of the 121 villas on offer, only 28 have been given as the first release. these are a mix of 4, 5 and 6 bed villas and they will have views looking over hole 11 of the Earth Golf course.

Of these only 12 are looking directly over the fairway so are extremely prime.

Sizes are between 4200 sq ft to 6995 sq ft. Plot sizes are ranging from 7000 sq ft for the 4 bed villa and going up to about 12000 for the 6 bed villa.

Another great thing is that there are a limited number of free memberships being offerred with the purchase of one of these villas. This will give you full use of both Greg Norman Golf course, the clubhouse and the academy. Ideal if you wanna work on your handicap!!!

Seriously guys, this is one project to look at. Its going to be amazing.

Give me a call if you are interested. Id be more than happy to go through all the options with you. The payment plan is basically as follows.

5% on booking
10% after 1 month
10% after 4 months
10% after 7 months
10% after 10 months
10% after 13 months
45% on completion (sept 08)

Prices are starting from 4.7 million AED going up to around 7 million.

Right now we are taking expressions of interest on the villas. Basically this is kind of a pre reservation. It will hold the unit for you until we are in a position to go through and do the actual sale. (Still working on getting all the documents ready). Also it gives you first pick on that particular unit so that no one else can take that plot away from you. If for any reason you decide not to go through with it then your holding deopsit will be fully refundable. We only hold the cheque and never cash it until a deal has been agreed.

As you can imagine with only 28 available and only 12 prime fairway facing villa's these are very exclusive and we dont expect them to hang around. If you are seriously interested, you can log an Expression of Interest with us which holds the unit for you.

Call me over the next few days to go through all the plans and see what is available and select the best units before they get snapped up.

Regards,

Asheesh Gandhi
Sales Consultant
Project Sales and Marketing, Head Office
Better Homes LLC

Telephone: (+9714) 349 4444 ext: 2412
Fax: (+9714) 342 9198
Mobile (+97150) 223 4181
E-Mail: asheesh.gandhi@bhomes.com
www.bhomes.com

[Krazy]

Jumeirah Golf Estates awards first golf course construction contract

Nakheel's first residential golfing community - Jumeirah Golf Estates - has today (30 October 2006) selected Khansaheb Civil Engineering to construct the first two championship golf courses on its prestigious residential golf community.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/5/605-nakheel_logo.jpg

A Letter of Intent has been signed with the local construction group to build the 36 hole championship course complex, named 'Fire' & 'Earth', both designed by Greg Norman.

Bulk earthworks on the first two Eco-signature courses - Fire and Earth, have nearly been completed and all of golf holes have been graded.

'From my perspective, this is one of the more enjoyable phases of a golf course's evolution, as my vision really begins to emerge. I truly believe that the Earth and Fire courses will bring something entirely new to the golf landscape in Dubai and the entire region.

Khansaheb will now undertake final shaping, irrigation and drainage systems, cart paths, bridges, grassing, and landscaping.

The phasing of Jumeirah Golf Estates sees Norman's Fire and Earth courses and their surrounding residences being built first, followed by Vijay Singh's Water course and then the Wind course. Fire and Earth are expected to open for preview play in late 2007 with the first residents moving in mid 2008. The long term build out strategy will see construction being completed in 2010 for the first phases.

David Spencer, CEO of Jumeirah Golf Estates said: 'This award relates to the first phase of the development, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the 1100 hectare site. This Phase will ultimately contain these first two golf courses together with, a golf clubhouse, approximately 1000 serviced villa lots, and all associated infrastructure. The total construction budget for all works within this phase is around AED 1.0billion.'

Norman added, 'By incorporating distinct undulations into the existing topography, the overall experience for both the golfer and property owner will be enhanced. The location for the clubhouse is spectacular and features panoramic vistas stretching over both courses and long views into the distant cityscape,'

Meanwhile Jumeirah Golf Estates has also confirmed that tenders for the Infrastructure works have been floated, with a view to commencing works in early 2007.

[jixline]

I am sorry guys but i still dont quiet understand the location.

i understand that it is between Green Community and IMPZ, but when i look at google satellite images, i can see something like an airport or something. even the road leading there has a sign "private"

so can anybody explain to me please?

thanks

[guy_in_dubai]

its on the left side of dubailand and on the right of the green community. i think..

[guy_in_dubai]

it looks like nakheel has handed over this project to istithmar.

Istithmar Leisure was launched in September 2006, to focus on the development of Istithmar's current leisure assets inside Dubai and internationally, as well as identifying new high-yielding investment options.

Under the leadership of David Spencer - former Director of Marketing and Brand Management for Nakheel - Istithmar Leisure's initial portfolio includes Jumeirah Golf Estates, Island Global Yachting, and Nakheel's beach and recreation clubs.
Corporate Structure

Istithmar Leisure is a 100%-owned subsidiary of Istithmar, Dubai World's investment company. Istithmar is a major investment house based in the United Arab Emirates, focusing on private equity, real estate and strategic investments. Its mission is to earn exceptional returns for investors while maintaining due regard for risk. Existing investments include Standard Chartered Bank, Bank Muscat International, Tamweel, Inchcape Shipping Services, V&A Waterfront, easyHotel and Kerzner International.

Istithmar is a member of the Dubai World family of companies. Dubai World is a holding company which manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Dubai Government, working towards making Dubai the leading hub for trade and commerce.
Selected current projects

Istithmar Leisure's current projects include:

* Jumeirah Golf Estates
Jumeirah Golf Estates is a landmark development that is set to become one of the world's most prestigious residential golfing communities. With four courses inspired by the natural elements - Fire, Earth, Water and Wind - Phase A, Fire and Earth, will consist of13 planned residential communities, and will offer luxurious living to more than 1,000 families. With course designers including Greg Norman and Vijay Singh, Jumeirah Golf Estates is set to create a new standard in Dubai and internationally.
* Island Global Yachting
Island Global Yachting is the world's leader in the design, development, construction, and operation of mega-yacht marinas and related upland facilities including retail, restaurant, and commercial space. With more than 7,000 mega-yachts (80 ft or more) across the world today, Island Global Yachting is targeting a sector that is currently under-served.
* Nakheel
Istithmar Leisure has taken over operation of all beach and recreation clubs in the Nakheel portfolio, including facilities at The Palm islands, The World and other major developments.

Leadership

David Spencer was appointed chief executive officer of Istithmar Leisure in September 2006. Prior to this he held positions as Director of Marketing and Brand Management of Nakheel, playing a pivotal role in restructuring and rationalizing its marketing strategies, and Director of Nakheel Golf, spearheading the company's foray into golf industry, with the launch of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Spencer brings with him two decades of experience in marketing and brand building. In addition, Spencer was an integral part of the development of The Montgomerie at Emirates Hills and The Desert Course at Arabian Ranches.

Prior to his association with projects in Dubai, Spencer was Area Managing Director of Troon Golf in Australia. Acknowledged for his immense expertise in developing and promoting golf courses, all of Spencer's projects are rated among the top 50 golf courses in Australia.

[guy_in_dubai]

Today's Gulf News:

Another star golf course designer swings into Dubai

By Robert Ditcham, Staff Reporter


Dubai: Sergio Garcia is the latest addition to a star-studded list of professional golfers who have built or are building signature golf courses in Dubai.

The Spaniard will join forces with former world number one Greg Norman and course architect Pete Dye in designing the Wind golf course - the fourth course in the multi billion dirham Jumeirah Golf Estates project.

"No course in the world has been able to bring together three such major talents," said David Spencer, CEO of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Australian player/designer Greg Norman is already contracted by project developers Istithmar Leisure to design the project's Fire and Earth courses, with Fijian Vijay Singh slotted in for the Water course.

Dubai has seen a dramatic rise in golf course construction linked to luxury property developments, with Ernie Els and Colin Montgomerie already signed up by heavyweight property developers.

In a major publicity coup for Dubai, world number one Tiger Woods said last December that he will develop his first golf course here in partnership with Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding.

Jumeirah Golf Estates, like many other golf-themed developments in Dubai, will incorporate luxury hotels, freehold residential communities and leisure facilities.

Launched in 2004, the project's first three phases, which include all four golf courses, are worth a combined Dh2.5 billion. Project developers say work is already underway and have slated the Fire and Earth courses for a 2008 opening. Water and Wind will open a year later.

The project's heavily residential fourth phase is slated for delivery in the last quarter of 2010, bringing the total number of residential units to approximately 3,000, depending on final design specifications.

Although all four courses are attached to celebrity names, Wind, a links course, is the only one featuring a more than one designer.

"With three sets of ideas and everyone's personal input we should be able to create something out of the ordinary," said Garcia, who stressed that course design will play second fiddle to furthering his playing career.

"My main goal is to keep improving as a player. I want to involve myself in very few projects but solid ones like this. By doing one project a year at the most I can get my thoughts on that project for a period of time as well as focusing on my golfing career."

Officials at Jumeirah Golf Estates say they are planning to export the concept overseas, with South Africa, Oman and Croatia under consideration.

[guy_in_dubai]

there seems to be a design change in the website...which is crap :S

www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

[dubaiflo]

^^ look at the masterplan :eek:


Awesome, this could turn out great. like arabian ranches with golf view for everyone

[A.U.S. arch. Student]

love the master plan, and the emphasis on nature makes this a great project:)

[guy_in_dubai]

Whispering Pines: March 2nd/3rd

Small 4-5 bedroom cottages surrounding the golf course with winding streets filled with water features

[Krazy]

Tulip launches 'Sienna Lakes' community at Jumeirah Golf Estates

Tulip Business Developers, one of the leading real estate developers in North America and the Middle East, today launched Sienna Lakes, a 68-villa community at Dubai's premier residential golfing development, Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Overlooking holes 13 to 16 on Fire, one of the two Eco-Signature courses being designed by golf legend Greg Norman at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Sienna Lakes will consist of four- to seven-bedroom villas, priced between AED 6 million and AED 12 million.

The villas, based on the rustic Tuscan and Mediterranean themes characteristic of the Fire course communities, will feature stucco, rough stone and brick finishing, with shutters and clay tiled roofs. Interiors will allow homeowners to choose from a wide range of options, customising kitchens, bedrooms and living areas to their own specifications.

Sienna Lakes will be characterised by abundant nature strips and landscaped parks, framed by the waterways from which it takes it name. Dramatic banners will line the golf cart and pedestrian paths which bisect the estate, recalling Sienna's Piazza del Campo, the site of the world-famous biannual Palio horse race.

Masoud Sangi, president of Tulip Business Developers, said:

'The villas at Sienna Lakes will rank amongst the most desirable properties in Dubai. The levels of space and luxury, inside and outside the villas, will set new standards for the region.

'Our vision is to create a community of homes, in which families can enjoy the beauty of the Fire course and its surrounding environment, from truly stylish villas.'

David Spencer, chief executive of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said:

'Jumeirah Golf Estates is aiming to become one of the most prestigious residential golf communities in the world, with beautiful, challenging golf courses complemented by a fantastic range of golf and non-golf facilities.

'Sienna Lakes will be one of the first communities to be completed at Jumeirah Golf Estates and we are delighted to be working with Tulip Business Developers on this important facet of the development.'



At Jumeirah Golf Estates' Fire and Earth course communities, a sense of space has been afforded paramount importance. Seventy five per cent of all properties face the golf course, with the remainder facing lakes and nature strips, allowing for inspiring, uninterrupted views from all.

The communities will be encircled by a 16km jogging and cycling track which will link four community parks, as well as lakes and nature strips.

The seven communities around Fire will complement the beauty of their desert setting, taking inspiration from rustic Tuscan and Mediterranean architectural themes.

Designed by golf legend Greg Norman, Fire will be the first of The Great White Shark's two Eco-Signature courses at Jumeirah Golf Estates - and his first anywhere in the world. Designed to exist in harmony with the natural desert landscape, Fire will no doubt prove a tough and, needless to say, fiery challenge for golfers of all abilities.

The Fire course will open in early 2008. Sienna Lakes' villas will be completed later during the year.

All Sienna Lakes homeowners will receive complimentary membership of the Jumeirah Golf Estates Country Club. Residents can also apply for golf memberships at the time of reservation.
The principal sales agent for Sienna Lakes is Vakson Freehold properties.

[dubaiflo]

huuh? i thought this was a nakheel only project..

[guy_in_dubai]

a little expensive? i think the need for super luxury villas is kind of over with al barari and emirates hills etc. they need something in between arabian ranches and hattan quality houses.

[dubaiflo]

^^ look at the masterplan etc and u will see this is very upmarket.

Nakheel covers the mid range with Jum Park

[guy_in_dubai]

i know, but does dubai need more upmarket properties when u can build your own home for around the same price and more prestige to its name.

[rexdmx]

yes it does apparently. but you know what. you can create a niche of low cost properties. who wants to start?:)
i know, but does dubai need more upmarket properties when u can build your own home for around the same price and more prestige to its name.

[guy_in_dubai]

Damac to unveil ‘Wildflower’
Posted: Sunday, April 29, 2007

Damac Properties has announced its plans for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2007 in Dubai.

Damac will unveil its first villa project – the Wildflower located at the ‘Earth community’ of the Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Damac will also share more details on its Egypt-based Gamsha Bay project – a 320-million sq. ft. leisure destination billed as the largest development in the region.

ATM 2007, the industry’s leading travel and tourism exhibition, will be held from May 1 to 4 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Visitors to the Arabian Travel Market can view information about Damac’s projects by visiting the company's stand number TD 120 in Zabeel Hall.

The Wildflower Villa project in Jumeirah Golf Estates, just minutes away from several landmark developments like The Palm – Jumeirah, Jumeirah Islands and The World, will offer the ultimate in luxury and leisure lifestyle.

The project exemplifies the artistic mastery of traditional architecture while venturing into a whole new dynamic arena of residential design.

The 112-villa Wildflower project sets a hallmark of excellence with it’s beautifully spread out grass courses, overlooking the Earth Golf Course designed by the legendary Greg Norman.

Jumeirah Golf Estates will offer the perfect choice of amenities such as health clubs for men and women, gymnasium, rooftop garden and barbecue area, swimming pools and water features, tennis courts and golf academy.

Unveiling details of Damac’s plans for ATM, Damac Holding chairman Hussain Sajwani said: “We are committed to making a significant presence at ATM 2007.

“Visitors to our stall will be amazed with the ground-breaking projects we are launching -- ranging from exciting luxury lifestyles, to investment prospects, retail attractions and much more.

“Close on the success of the vast array of projects unveiled by Damac in the last one year, we will be unveiling one more prestigious project – the Wildflower Villas at Jumeirah Golf Estates.”



ALSO: Flame Tree Ridge going on sale from May 26th. Prices start from 7.9 million.

[Krazy]

Jumeirah Golf Estates launches sales at two new communities


Sixty properties go on sale this Saturday (26 May 2007) at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai's premier residential golf development, with the launch of two communities, Flame Tree Ridge and The Sundials.


http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/0/40710-golf.jpg
Jumeirah Golf Estates.


Flame Tree Ridge, which is being developed by Jumeirah Golf Estates, is a distinctive gated community of four and five bedroom villas, lining Greg Norman's Fire and Earth golf courses. Every villa in the community faces onto one of the courses.

The 99 Tuscan style villas come in a choice of eight different architectural styles, all featuring authentic stone facades, pitched terracotta roofs, extensive landscaped gardens, swimming pool and double garage.

The homes have exclusive Poggenpohl designer kitchens with Miele appliances, smart home technology throughout and Bang & Olufsen home entertainment systems.

Plot sizes vary from 7,000 to17,000 square feet. Thirty-three properties are being marketed in the first phase of sales.

At the same time, Planet Property Developers and Consultants is launching first phase sales of The Sundials, a community of 46 villas overlooking the Earth course. The Sundials' villas are inspired by the architecture and landscapes of ancient Rome and Greece, with informal shaded pathways running through a community characterised by abundant sunflowers and bright yellow flora.

The villas range from 4,500 to 7,500 square feet in area, over three levels including a basement, and occupy plots of between 6,500 and 9,800 square feet. Homeowners can choose from seven different styles, with materials and finishes of the highest standard and all villas coming with fitted kitchens, landscaped gardens and swimming pools.

Sales of both communities start on the morning of 26 May in the Royal ballroom of the Palace, One and Only Royal Mirage. David Spencer, chief executive of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said:

'Jumeirah Golf Estates is about beautiful space. Beautiful space inside the home and beautiful space surrounding it.

'Flame Tree Ridge certainly delivers that promise. Every home faces directly onto one of the courses, and every home has fantastic inside space, with high spec interiors throughout.

'As you drive down the sweeping, tree-lined avenue to your front door, you'll know you made the right choice with Flame Tree Ridge.'

C.P. Sivaraj, chief executive officer of Planet Property Developers and Consultants, said:

'We're delighted to be launching the first sales of The Sundials. It will be one of our most prestigious developments in Dubai and we are also expecting heavy demand for the 46 villas.

'The Sundials offers one of the most elevated positions on the overall development, with far-reaching views across the entire golfing community and the skyline of new Dubai.'

Earth and Fire are two of the four courses being developed at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Both are designed by Greg Norman and they will open in 2008. The courses will be the Middle East's first semi-private golf club, with membership open exclusively to residents of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

All homeowners in Flame Tree Ridge and The Sundials will be available to take up membership, giving them privileged access to the courses and access the Norman Clubhouse, a seven hectare hub for entertainment, leisure and relaxation. The Norman Clubhouse offers a leisure and wellness centre, lounge area, bar and grill, fine-dining and wine cellar restaurants.

[Gregorious]

There is too much golf in Dubai! Do ppl actually play that much golf?

[guy_in_dubai]

yes. especially with nad al sheba cosing down in just a few days time, hundreds of people will need a golf membership as well as the people who are starting playing golf everyday.

[Gregorious]

Golf is a waste! I dunno what fun u get from golf......real games are tennis, football, cricket, sqash, badminton.........u know!

[Krazy]

^^ adding more greenery to Dubai is NEVER a waste

[scoot68]

eg:

http://i14.tinypic.com/4pmkciv.jpg

More please:)

[Gregorious]

^^ But they can make more parks instead of golf courses! Like this : :)

http://inlinethumb07.webshots.com/4486/2872986700091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2872986700091415232gqqYSK)

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/3906/2567422790091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2567422790091415232EasjJm)

[scoot68]

Agreed they could + should but parks are costly to maintain + sadly lack the financial returns of golf courses.

[Gregorious]

Or they could make a HUGE lake like this!! (i know its impossible but it looks good)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/3312/2814724870091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2814724870091415232CsDSDU)

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/6338/2935487490091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2935487490091415232QAgUfE)

[scoot68]

Why stop there :lol:

http://i8.tinypic.com/68mnl2d.jpg

[guy_in_dubai]

hahahaha lol, but going a bit offtopic

so did anyone go to the launch to get information? today is the last day to get it. aswell as it being the last day to get a du number lol

[Krazy]

again I propose.. sink entire Dubai !

[Falcon]

Jebel Ali roundabout on Emirates road close to Green Community is a nightmare
Any one living in Jumeirah Golf Estates would have to take up golf as they would never be able to travel

[scoot68]

Roundabout of death, don't they call it?:nuts:

I'm positive one of the 95 interchanges the RTA plans will be put here.

[Gregorious]

^^ Hopefully! Work is going on at full swing for the new interchange in the Dubailand roundabout! :)

[scoot68]

[QUOTE=scoot68;13470890]Why stop there :lol:

http://i10.tinypic.com/6cpd2js.jpg


Imagine the waterfront property potential!

+ golf course potential, of course, keeping on topic :)

[Gregorious]

^^ And wtf will happen to all the properties coming there? Want to sink billions of dollars as well?

[dubaiflo]

^^ :lol: aside this is not such a great design when it comes to waterfront, small canals create much more ;)

[Gregorious]

Or how about making it like Miami?

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/3038/2423260920091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2423260920091415232ejQZai)

or a river

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/3857/2655797000091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2655797000091415232thjAmE)

[Adrian Smith fan]

Or they could make a HUGE lake like this!! (i know its impossible but it looks good)

http://inlinethumb49.webshots.com/3312/2814724870091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2814724870091415232CsDSDU)

http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/6338/2935487490091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2935487490091415232QAgUfE)

nothing is impossible in Dubai ;)

[Krazy]

Shaikh Holdings launches USD 200 million Sanctuary Falls project in Jumeirah Golf Estates


Shaikh Holdings, a leading Dubai-based real estate investment and development company launched Sanctuary Falls, its first residential golf development in the UAE.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/7/42677-shaikh.jpg
Markus Stebich, Managing Associate (Hirsch Bedner Associates), Kaiser Shaikh, Chairman (Shaikh Holdings), Zeeshan Shaikh, Chief Marketing Officer (Shaikh Holdings), David Spencer, CEO (Jumeirah Golf Estate), Imran Shaikh, CEO (Shaikh Holdings), Iain Capon, Director (DSA), Adrian Koenig, Managing Director (Quintessentially) and Shamrez Shaikh, COO (Shaikh Holdings).


The USD 200 million project, located within the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates master-development, aims to create a new benchmark in community living by being the first resort-style residential golf community in the region.

Addressing the press conference in Dubai today to announce the formal launch of Sanctuary Falls, Mr. Imran Shaikh, CEO Shaikh Holdings said: 'Shaikh Holdings is a firm believer in the vision of Dubai as articulated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. We at Shaikh Holdings are passionate about building communities that go beyond the ordinary, communities that redefine the essence of a signature lifestyle. To realize this vision, we brought together a unique team of exceptional design talent from around the world to create the resort home experience at Sanctuary Falls.'

Sanctuary Falls will be a landmark villa community set amidst lush golf vistas and inspiring lakes. The community features a collection of 96 resort-style villas overlooking the Earth golf course, designed by Greg Norman. Offering a selection of varied architectural styles and views, each home has been meticulously designed to offer a unique and inspired living experience. Sanctuary Falls is scheduled for completion in May 2009.

Mr. David Spencer, Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Golf Estates said: 'Since the beginning we have been very strict and thoughtful of whom we do business with. Shaikh Holdings and their team are absolutely emblematic of His Highness's vision for Dubai and our Chairman Mr. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's vision for Dubai World and what it stands for. Most importantly for us they are emblematic of what Jumeirah Golf Estates is going to be - which is the finest residential golfing community in the world.'

Shaikh Holdings recently announced that it will be investing in projects of up to US$1.2 billion to develop a series of premier golf and waterfront communities in the UAE., and Sanctuary Falls is the first of these themed developments to be launched.

Mr. Spencer added: 'On behalf of Dubai World and Jumeirah Golf Estates I would like to state that we are immensely proud to have Shaikh Holdings as a partner. Furthermore, we will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Shaikh Holdings team as they deliver the dreams that are a blueprint of reality for their clients. We also believe that today is indeed a special day for both Jumeirah Golf Estates and the world of Golf.'

The lead architect for Sanctuary Falls is the South-Africa based DSA Architects International (DSA), the interiors have been designed by international Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), while the landscaping architects are 40North.

Commenting on DSA's role in the project, Mr. Iain Capon, Director, DSA Architects, said, 'We are primarily architects of hotels and resorts, and traditionally have not involved ourselves with residential projects. However, we were very excited when Shaikh Holdings' shared its vision for this project, and so we took on the design challenge to create unique and integrated residential architecture that embodies themes of a resort lifestyle. We believe that Sanctuary Falls is a project that we are not benchmarking locally or regionally, but at an international level.'

The recipient of several prestigious global awards, DSA is globally renowned for creating unique and exciting hotel and resort experiences the world over. Its impressive portfolio of resorts projects include One & Only Royal Mirage, The Madinat Jumeirah Resort and Park Hyatt in Dubai, apart from other prestigious hospitality developments worldwide.

Marcus Stebich, Managing Associate, Hirsch Bedner Associates said: 'With 40 years of experience in hotel and resort interiors, we are proud to be a part of creating the interior spaces at Sanctuary Falls.' HBA having designed the interiors for Ritz Carlton properties worldwide, the Mandarin Oriental New York, Grand Hyatt Dubai, St. Regis Shanghai etc.

Mr. Imran Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Shaikh Holdings, said: 'With Dubai gaining prominence as an international golfing and vacation destination, Sanctuary Falls is well positioned as a unique community that offers buyers the ability to personalize their resort home experience.'

The project will offer three distinct architectural styles - traditional, modern and contemporary. Home buyers have three distinctive views to choose from - nature views, lakes, a cascading waterfall and the golf course. Home owners can also choose from three interior styles as well as their kitchen design.

Other partners that have contributed towards creating resort home lifestyle include Quintessentially, providing dedicated concierge services and Bang & Olufsen that will outfit each home with a 5.1 channel surround home theatre package. Scavolini will be providing custom designed kitchens.

Speaking at the Sanctuary Falls launch press conference at the One&Only Royal Mirage were Imran Shaikh (CEO, Shaikh Holdings), David Spencer (CEO, Jumeirah Golf Estates), Iain Capon (Director, DSA Architects), Marcus Stebich (Managing Associate, Hirsch Bedner Associates) and Adrian Koenig (Managing Director, Quintessentially).

[Julito-dubai]

Or how about making it like Miami?

http://inlinethumb31.webshots.com/3038/2423260920091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2423260920091415232ejQZai)

or a river

http://inlinethumb18.webshots.com/3857/2655797000091415232S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2655797000091415232thjAmE)

the last one seems even seriously interesting. if the planners find a way to get the creek trough the Lagoons area and then down to mirdif and into the al ain direction. they can later connect it to the Arabian canal by going around dubailand

[guy_in_dubai]

Villa prices start from 7.3 million.
Villas look very nice.

[Krazy]

finally.. after more than two years


CHI Development Group begin construction on the Jumeirah Golf Estates


CHI Development Group has today become the first developer to break ground at the Jumeirah Golf Estates with work commencing on their luxury residential estate, Lime Tree Valley.


http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/5/43855-lime.jpg
From left to right, David Whelan, Project Manager for CHI, Eben Rollit, Buildings Development Manager for Jumeirah Golf Estates, Roger Wakeham, Director of Development for CHI, Elizabeth Ahmed, Director of Sales & Marketing for CHI.


Due for completion at the end of 2008 and early 2009, the Mediterranean-style development will symbolise the essence of New Dubai, an exclusive community surrounded by beautiful facilities in the heart of The Emirate.

Situated within the Jumeirah Golf Estates 'Earth' Eco-signature golf course designed by the legendary Greg Norman, Lime Tree Valley is a luxury estate comprising of 121 villas on individual plots. The highly individualised homes boast stunning Southern Spanish style interiors by Design Young, and breathtaking views overlooking the golf course. The architectural style is reflective of a Mediterranean village, designed by internationally-renowned architects Godwin Austen Johnson. The villas range in size from 4,200 sq ft to 6,995 sq ft, on plot areas ranging from 8,000 sq ft to 15,200 sq ft.

The eight villa types are planned with 4 to 6 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and each with a ground floor guest bedroom. The open plan living space overlooks the garden that can be landscaped to each individual's requirements.

Roger Wakeham, Director of Development for CHI Development Group, said:

'We are thrilled to finally break ground in a ceremony that marks the beginning of a beautiful new community and an exciting day for CHI. Lime Tree Valley will be a landmark project in Dubai, not only because of its impressive external design and features, but also because the villas will be built with the highest quality in materials and construction.

'The considerable sales success following last years launch only emphasises the desire to live in this new Mediterranean-style community surrounded by some of the most picturesque golf courses in the world.'

David Spencer, CEO of Jumeirah Golf Estates said:

'Today is a significant milestone in the lifecycle of the Jumeirah Golf Estates. It places us one step closer to fulfilling the vision of our Chairman, Mr. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, to build the world's most prestigious residential golf community here in Dubai.

'Jumeirah Golf Estates is about blending the best in modern living with the wonders of nature, and the properties at Lime Tree Valley are a true example of this. We are proud to be working alongside CHI Development Group to make this first important step in bringing the Jumeirah Golf Estates dream to life.'

CHI reached its target of 70% homes sold in record time and has now taken the decision to only release limited villas in stages beginning with the completion of the show villas in early 2008. The CHI Development Group, a UAE-based developer with an Irish background, has brought together a portfolio of partners to create a truly world-class development.

[Face81]

the last one seems even seriously interesting. if the planners find a way to get the creek trough the Lagoons area and then down to mirdif and into the al ain direction. they can later connect it to the Arabian canal by going around dubailand

You mean like this? :D

http://i19.tinypic.com/6bmuzac.jpg

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

Mott to design golf estate
CONSTRUCTION UAE
24 Aug 2007
UK-based Mott MacDonald has been appointed by Leisurecorp, a division of Istithmar, to provide management and design services on phase B of Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Known as the water course, it will include luxury villas, cottages and medium-rise apartment buildings themed on a wetlands landscape (MEED 10:11:06).

R

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

Leisurecorp issues invite
CONSTRUCTION UAE
31 Aug 2007
Leisurecorp, a division of Istithmar, has invited companies to express interest in the phase one building works at its Jumeirah Golf Estates development. The works include 840 villas, a clubhouse and residential centre. The local Khansaheb Civil Engineering is working on the golf course. The UK’s Mott Macdonald is the project manager (MEED 24:8:07).

R

[Krazy]

Jumeirah Golf Estates signs Dhs380m construction deals


Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai's premier residential golfing community, today announced Dhs380m of new construction contracts for Phase A of the development.


http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/3/47653-jum.jpg
Jumeirah Golf Estates - Clubhouse view.


The work will see the continued development of core elements of the infrastructure on site at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Contracts announced included:

• Ascon Road Construction, the Dubai-based building company, will undertake a 15-month contract to supply all underground piping work for foul water drainage, potable water and fire and irrigation systems. The contract is worth an estimated Dhs188m.

• A 15-month contract has been awarded to Al-Buraq Contracting for low and medium voltage supply, street lighting and telecoms, valued at approximately Dhs174m.

• Hennessey LLC Construction has been contracted to design and build the Agronomy Centre. The company has previously worked on design and build for five star hotels in Dubai as well as on projects for the UAE Royal family. The contract is valued at Dhs13m.

David Spencer, Chief Executive of Jumeirah Golf Estates said:

'It has been a really busy summer for us and the onsite team here at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The courses have really started to take shape, with the first grass being laid around the bunkers. It is an important step to finalise this series of building contracts for phase A of the development and we are confident that we have only chosen the very best partners to work with.'



Jumeirah Golf Estates has also recently issued and received the first set of tenders for the construction of the Norman Clubhouse and Whispering Pines villas, and these will be awarded in the coming few weeks.

Both construction contracts for the Fireside and Flame Tree Ridge community villas have been tendered and the construction of these is shall commence before year end.

Jumeirah Golf Estates Fire and Earth courses are scheduled to open in 2008.

[bizzybonita]

welcome back kray long time ;) good news ..

[bizzybonita]

new project from indigo group at JGE called (orange lake )



check this link below

http://indigogroup.com/newsite/home.asp

[bizzybonita]

[QUOTE=scoot68;13470890]Why stop there :lol:

http://i10.tinypic.com/6cpd2js.jpg


Imagine the waterfront property potential!

+ golf course potential, of course, keeping on topic :)

i like it lol

[bizzybonita]

Leading Dubai real estate developer awards Dh412m contract to Arabtec


Shaikh Holdings, a leading Dubai-based real estate investment and development company, has awarded Arabtec Construction LLC an Dh412 million contract to commence construction of its prestigious Sanctuary Falls villa development, a landmark boutique community in Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The award-winning Dh850 million Sanctuary Falls project, aims to create a new benchmark in community living by being the first resort-style residential golf community in the UAE. Launched in July 2007, the development has already received keen interest from both local and international home buyers and was awarded ‘Best Golf Development’ in the CNBC Arabian Property Awards 2007.

“Arabtec will commence construction of the 96 distinctly styled resort villas of Sanctuary Falls in April 2008, and expects completion by first quarter 2010. We have taken our time to research and appoint the best quality contractors and subcontractors as our partners for the Sanctuary Falls development,” said Imran Shaikh, CEO, Shaikh Holdings. Shaikh Holdings holds a significant portfolio of residential, commercial and hospitality real estate and has been a leading institutional investor in the Dubai real estate market since 2002. Shaikh Holdings has chosen to focus on developing themed boutique communities across the region, many centred around golf and waterfront concepts. The company's current developments in Jumeirah Golf Estates will be followed by other themed projects in the UAE.

via gowealthy

[bizzybonita]

Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai awards contract for its real estate project

30-Mar-2008

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai’s premier residential golf development and host venue for the Dubai World Championship from 2009, has awarded two key building contracts for Phase A of the real estate development to Al Naboodah Laing O’ Rourke Co LLC and A.N.C Contracting (a member of the A.N.C. Group of Companies).

David Spencer, CEO, Golf for Leisurecorp, the owner of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said, “We are delighted to announce A.N.C Contracting and Al Naboodah Laing O’ Rourke Co LLC as key contractors for properties at Jumeirah Golf Estates. Both firms are now part of the team delivering not only unique world-class courses but what will be on completion, the most desirable residential communities in Dubai”.


Whispering Pines , Real Estate Project in Dubai's Jumeirah Golf Estate

A.N.C Contracting will build 99 villas within the Flame Tree Ridge real estate development and 66 villas in the Fireside community in Dubai's Jumeriah Golf Estate. It has already mobilized to site and undertaken preparatory works in advance for the villa construction, which is now underway and on schedule. Al Naboodah Laing O’ Rourke Co LLC will construct the Whispering Pines cottages and casitas, together with the prestigious Norman Clubhouse and ancillary buildings.

R

[bizzybonita]

Indigo selects Al Futtaim Technologies for Orange Lake Project

Real estate developer Indigo Properties has announced that it has selected local systems integrator Al-Futtaim Technologies to provide home automation systems for its Orange Lake project, located in Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Al-Futtaim's automation suite will allow Orange Lake home owners to control a number of functions within their apartment, including media, lighting, temperature and security. The system also aims to reduce energy waste through efficient use of occupancy sensors and light dimmers, with Al-Futtaim claming that a three bedroom house can save over 850 pounds in CO2 emissions.

Venkat Raghavan, general manager of Al-Futtaim Technologies commented on the project: "Automated home technology is one of the fastest growing sectors of the consumer electronics industry and Dubai is leading its growth in the Middle East. High levels of disposable income and a high rate of residential development will help further the demand for smart homes. We believe smart homes are the norm for investors taking advantage of the property boom in the UAE."

Indigo Properties director Anand Lakhiani added: "Demand for state-of-the-art homes is on the rise in the UAE. We are convinced the solution from Al-Futtaim Technologies will give us a competitive advantage in our project."

Consisting of 68 homes ranging from four to six bedroom apartments, the Orange Lake development will overlook the third and fourth holes at the northern end of the Greg-Norman designed Fire course and is scheduled to be complete by the fourth quarter of 2009.

R

[Gingerbread Girl]

Lime Tree Valley has completed their first show villa on JGE and investors/owners were invited to the opening on 12th April 2008.

[bizzybonita]

Construction begins at Sanctuary Falls

Tuesday, 06 May 2008 Real estate company Shaikh Holdings has announced the start of construction at the Sanctuary Falls villa development in Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The Sanctuary Falls development comprises 96 villas, which overlook the Earth golf course, which was designed by Greg Norman.

"A decade ago Dubai was a fledgling city with two golf courses. However, in a very short span Dubai has radically progressed to become one of the top international golfing destinations in the world," said Imran Shaikh, CEO of Shaikh Holdings.

"As developers of Sanctuary Falls, we are proud to be part of Jumeirah Golf Estates and to be in the midst of history in the making."

Construction is estimated to be complete by the first quarter of 2010, a representative for the development said.

[Alan100]

I visited the site today, the Earth course is progresing well. The grass is coming up and the course is taking shape. I went to the Sundials which are being developed by Planet. They have excavated plots 1-13 and are working on the basement reinforcement on some of them. They anticipate all 46 villas will be handed over 1st week of August 2009. From the looks of it, they will do it. The great thing about the Sundials other than the very professional management is that its on a very high ground, well above the golf course, which would mean great view for some of the villas. After that, I passed by the show home by CHI, it looks very nice from the outside, unfortunately no pictures. Over all, I think this is one of the nicest villa projects in Dubai, anyone who bought here made a great choice.

[WannaBeSpecial]

the last one seems even seriously interesting. if the planners find a way to get the creek trough the Lagoons area and then down to mirdif and into the al ain direction. they can later connect it to the Arabian canal by going around dubailand

hMMMM...its something like this pic I made.^^

[img=http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/8025/itsdubaiqe6.th.png] (http://img385.imageshack.us/my.php?image=itsdubaiqe6.png)

XDXDXD. anyway i think they should do something like that.>to connet Creek with Arabian canal .and i think that maybe is better to go trought dubaland :nuts: LoL...ANYWAY.its seems like an intersting thin´ to do...:clown::crazy::rock:

[pauldxb]

Do you have any gossip on this development ? Mainly Sienna Lakes

[Alt-Tab]

Jumeirah Golf Estates are due to launch its luxury Fire villas at Juniper Way. The week of sales runs from Thursday 29 May until Friday 6th June and will be hosted at The Royal Ballroom, The Palace at the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai.

Juniper Way, which is being developed on Greg Norman’s magnificent Fire course, is a distinctive collection of 70 four-, five- and six-bedroom villas, each offering commanding views over the course. Designed using traditional Tuscan-style architecture and materials, all come complete with landscaped gardens, spacious courtyards, studies, basements, swimming pools and double garages.

For more information please visit: fire.ae

[bizzybonita]

^^


Jumeirah Golf Estate villas sale from today

on Thursday, May 29, 2008

Jumeirah Golf Estates, a residential golf community, will commence sales of its luxury Fire villas at Juniper Way from today until June 6.

The Fire villas at Juniper Way are a distinctive collection of 70 four-, five- and six-bedroom villas, each offering commanding views over Greg Norman's magnificent Fire course. Designed using traditional Tuscan-style architecture and materials, all come complete with landscaped gardens, spacious courtyards, studies, basements, swimming pools and double garages.

Plot sizes on the villas range from 8,000 square feet to 15,000 sq ft, with homeowners having a choice of eight architectural styles and three interior schemes, designed by UK designers Sedley Place. Exclusive Poggenpohl kitchens with Miele appliances are installed as standard, as are 'smart home' solutions and Bang & Olufsen audio-video equipment.

Alan Rogers, Group Chief Executive Officer, Leisurecorp, the owner of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: "We are delighted to launch sales of Juniper Way – the last of the Leisurecorp developed properties on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Juniper Way properties will be stunning, incorporating some of the most advanced and stylish features."

David Spencer, Chief Executive Officer – Golf for Leisurecorp, said: "Golfers and non-golfers alike choose to live on residential golf developments because of the beautiful natural environment that surround them. At Jumeirah Golf Estates, we have already received strong interest from local and international buyers."

[pauldxb]

I thought Sanctuary Falls & Sienna Lakes were the most luxurious developments on the fire course

[Parisian Girl]

Sales of Fire villas at Jumeirah Golf Estates commences from May 29
http://i31.tinypic.com/2e232ia.jpg
28-May-2008

Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai's premier residential golf real estate development, has launched sales for its luxury Fire villas at Juniper Way that will run from May 29 to June 6, 2008 at The Royal Ballroom, The Palace at the One&Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. The Fire villas at Juniper Way are a distinctive collection of 70 four, five and six-bedroom villas, each offering commanding views over Greg Norman's magnificent Fire course.

Alan Rogers, Group CEO, Leisurecorp, the owner of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said, "We are delighted to launch sales of Juniper Way- the last of the Leisurecorp developed properties on the Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. The Juniper Way properties will be truly stunning, incorporating some of the most advanced and stylish features on the market".

Designed using traditional Tuscan-style architecture and materials, Fire villas in Dubai are complete with landscaped gardens, spacious courtyards, studies, basements, swimming pools and double garages. This real estate development features exclusive Poggenpohl kitchens with Miele appliances, ‘smart home' solutions and Bang & Olufsen audio-video equipment.

http://www.gowealthy.com/gowealthy/wcms/en/home/news/real-estate/Sales-of-Fire-villas-commences-1211959819409.html

[dubai_or_not]

Hi,

My very first post! I very interested in this project, does anyone know at what price this latest (Juniper Way) development is being sold at?
There is also Valencia Grove has this already been launched?
Cheers,
:cheers:

[Philippa C]

Valencia Grove is sold out. The launch was not publicised and investors were "invited" to visit Leisurecorp's office. It's a small boutique developement of about 30 villas, all semi-detached. Only about 15 villas were released. Prices ranged from mid 7s to over 11mil for those on the golf course. It's close to the retail centre and the HQs of the European tour.

Juniper Way prices started at about 15Mil to over 20mil ( I think 26mil) but all the cheaper ones sold out on the first day.

They are still selling "Fireside", the more expensive villas. They started at 20mil when first released end of last year, I'm not sure what the prices are like now.

These are the final releases of Phase A of Jumeriah Golf Estates.

It might be better for you to buy a "Flame Tree Ridge" or "Whispering Pines" villa from the secondary market. I've seen 5 bed Flame Tree Ridge villas advertised for about 12 million.

[pauldxb]

Valencia Grove is sold out. The launch was not publicised and investors were "invited" to visit Leisurecorp's office. It's a small boutique developement of about 30 villas, all semi-detached. Only about 15 villas were released. Prices ranged from mid 7s to over 11mil for those on the golf course. It's close to the retail centre and the HQs of the European tour.

Juniper Way prices started at about 15Mil to over 20mil ( I think 26mil) but all the cheaper ones sold out on the first day.

They are still selling "Fireside", the more expensive villas. They started at 20mil when first released end of last year, I'm not sure what the prices are like now.

These are the final releases of Phase A of Jumeriah Golf Estates.

It might be better for you to buy a "Flame Tree Ridge" or "Whispering Pines" villa from the secondary market. I've seen 5 bed Flame Tree Ridge villas advertised for about 12 million.

Whispering pines is at the lower end of the development is that right ? I bought on Sienna Lakes direct from the developer i got my 5 bed for 12M AED, any idea if they have gone up ???? I guess it has as a week after i bought it they announced the European Golf Tour, fingers crossed.

[dubai_or_not]

Valencia Grove is sold out. The launch was not publicised and investors were "invited" to visit Leisurecorp's office. It's a small boutique developement of about 30 villas, all semi-detached. Only about 15 villas were released. Prices ranged from mid 7s to over 11mil for those on the golf course. It's close to the retail centre and the HQs of the European tour.

Juniper Way prices started at about 15Mil to over 20mil ( I think 26mil) but all the cheaper ones sold out on the first day.

They are still selling "Fireside", the more expensive villas. They started at 20mil when first released end of last year, I'm not sure what the prices are like now.

These are the final releases of Phase A of Jumeriah Golf Estates.

It might be better for you to buy a "Flame Tree Ridge" or "Whispering Pines" villa from the secondary market. I've seen 5 bed Flame Tree Ridge villas advertised for about 12 million.

Hi,

Thanks for your great info.

For pure investment is it better to buy villa in 5m range than these 12m? I've seen villa prices double+ from offplan to delivery, am I right in thinking that these are already well priced so will not gain as much by delivery time.

Valencia Grove sold before they're launched - shouldn't be allowed!

Cheers.

[Philippa C]

I think the launch for Valencia Grove was a private one for investors well know to JGE. I guess there were so few villas to sell they did not need the publicity of a big launch.

I'm wondering why the Valencia grove villas were so expensive - they are still basically town houses. Maybe it's the catchet of it being an exclusive address close to the HQs. I've heard some of the players will be staying there

I don't think you'll find anything for 5 mil in JGE now. Whispering pines started at about that when they were released last year and they are at least 7 mil now.

I recall that Lime Tree Valley were about 6mil a few years ago at launch but are now about 11mil.

What you should buy depends how much money you have to invest and how long you want to wait to see a return. The cheaper villas will always increase in line with the most expensive so are good for a long term investment. Whispering Pines have still not reached 100% premium and it's pretty certain they will attain that. On the other hand, if you buy a villa for 12 mil you'll see a good return in a short time with just a 10% premium.

I think prices are going up at JGE all the time as each new release is more expensive psf than the .last. It's expected that prices will really go up in Nov 09 when the tournament is played. I've been told they should go to 3 000dh psf. I've also read that on other courses worldwide where the tour is held prices are 6 000 psf.....

How high can prices go at JGE really? It will take international investment to attain and sustain the prices people are hoping for. Are these villas too expensive to be kept as purely holiday homes by the rich and famous?

[Parisian Girl]

Jumeirah Golf Estates' Norman Clubhouse starts to take shape

http://i29.tinypic.com/x1zzms.jpg

Jumeirah Golf Estates, the premier residential golf community in Dubai, announced the first concrete pouring at its Norman Clubhouse, another milestone in the progress of the development.

* United Arab Emirates: Monday, June 02 - 2008 at 15:05

The Norman Clubhouse, designed by and named after golf legend Greg Norman, will serve the Fire and Earth courses upon completion ahead of the first Dubai World Championship in November 2009.

Work on the foundations of the clubhouse, which at 131,000 square feet will be one of the largest in the Middle East, was completed in April, ahead of the concreting which started today.

This progress follows last month’s announcement that Greg Norman’s Earth course has been chosen as the host venue for the richest tournament in world golf, the inaugural Dubai World Championship, in November 2009.

A landmark of elegance and style, the Mediterranean-influenced Norman Clubhouse will offer a range of options for both formal and casual dining, a Wellness Centre with a variety of massage and spa treatments, a Sports Centre, a nearby Tennis Academy, two tennis courts and a coaching facility, and The European Tour Centre of Excellence with adjoining Golf Academy.

This important milestone was recognized by David Spencer, Chief Executive, Golf at Leisurecorp, the owner of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

He said: 'This is a big course, with a big tournament and a big designer, in Greg Norman. It deserves a big clubhouse – and that’s what it’s getting. This is going to be a stunning facility, somewhere which will attract golfers and non-golfers alike.

'I visit the site every few days and it’s been exciting to see the foundations take shape. Now, with the first concrete pour, we’re seeing an important milestone.

'Greg has designed the best golf courses in the Middle East here at Jumeirah Golf Estates, along with the best homes, at his Fireside by Greg Norman development. He’s now adding the best clubhouse to that roll of honour and, as always, we thank him for his time, his commitment and his talent.'

The Norman Clubhouse will be complemented by an ultra-modern practice facility and state-of-the-art European Tour Centre of Excellence and Golf Academy.

The Golf Academy will offer personalized instruction, with low instructor-to-student ratios, using the latest technology and training knowledge to deliver real improvements to every part of the student’s game.

The Clubhouse’s Sports Centre will cater for a variety of leisure activities, featuring a fully-equipped gymnasium, swimming pools, exercise studio, yoga and pilates studio, a leisure-focused lagoon, a lounge area and a Spa and Wellness Centre with several treatment rooms.

Dining and entertainment options will include The Golf Brasserie, The Cellar private dining, The Swing Juice and Health Bar, a Tiki Bar serving the lagoon pools, an events lawn for up to 400 people, a terrace dining area, and a rooftop bar and BBQ terrace.

Another feature of the Norman Clubhouse will be a stunning rock waterfall backdrop to the 18th greens of both the Fire and Earth courses.

Jumeirah Golf Estates has brought together the world’s leading golf and course design superstars, to create Dubai’s premier residential golfing community.

Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and 'the father of modern golf course design', Pete Dye, are working on creating one of the world’s most distinctive golf developments.
The four courses - Fire, Earth, Water, and Wind – will be surrounded by the most desirable residential communities in Dubai.

http://www.ameinfo.com/158939.html

[bizzybonita]

Work on Norman Clubhouse progresses

on Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Construction work on the Norman Clubhouse at Jumeirah Golf Estates entered a new phase yesterday when the first concrete was poured.

The clubhouse, designed by and named after golf legend Greg Norman, is due to be completed before November 2009 when it will serve the Earth courses at the first Dubai World Championship. The Dh37-million event will be the climax of the European Tour.

Work on the foundations of the 131,000 square feet building – which will be one of the largest clubhouses in the Middle East – was completed in April.

David Spencer, Chief Executive of Golf at Leisurecorp, which owns Jumeirah Golf Estates, said: "This is a big course, with a big tournament and a big designer in Greg Norman. It deserves a big clubhouse and that's what it's getting. This is going to be a stunning facility, which will attract golfers and non-golfers alike.

"I visit the site every few days and it's been exciting to see the foundations take shape. Now, with the first concrete pour, we're seeing an important milestone."

Construction work is being carried out by Al Naboodah Laing O'Rourke, one of two companies awarded the contracts. The firm will also build the Whispering Pines cottages and casitas.

The other company, ANC Contracting, will construct 99 villas in the Flame Tree Ridge real estate development and 66 villas in the Fireside community.

The Mediterranean-influenced clubhouse will offer a range of dining options, a wellness centre comprising a variety of massage and spa treatments, a sports centre,

a nearby tennis academy, two tennis courts and a coaching facility as well as the European Tour Centre of Excellence with an adjoining golf academy.

[dubai_or_not]

Jumeirah Golf Estates won International Property Award
- June 22, 2008, 4:01 pm


Jumeirah Golf Estates today celebrated the announcement it had won two awards in the prestigious CNBC Arabian Property Awards 2008. Dubai’s premier residential golf development learned it is to be recognised as one of the Best Developments in the Middle East, with an additional award for Best Interior Design for its luxurious Fireside by Greg Norman villas
The awards add to the 2007 CNBC Arabian Property Award for Best Golf Development won by Jumeirah Golf Estates.

David Spencer, chief executive – golf of Leisurecorp, the parent company of Jumeirah Golf Estates, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement for us. Last year, we were named the best golf development in the region; this year, we’ve taken a big step forward.
“We love golf – but today, we’re being recognised for going beyond golf. Jumeirah Golf Estates is now seen as one of the best residential developments on the international stage.
“Since we first started planning Jumeirah Golf Estates, we’ve aimed to make sure that every detail is perfect, from the greens on one of the world’s most exciting new golf courses, to the interiors of every single home overlooking that course.
“So I’m doubly proud that we are being recognised for the interior design at Fireside. This is a community designed by Greg Norman and he has brought the world-class, world-beating abilities to these homes that he brings to everything.”

The awards will be presented at a glittering gala dinner to be held at The Madinat in Dubai on 19 October.

The CNBC Arabia Property Awards 2008 recognise the highest levels of achievement in a range of fields in the Arabian property industry.

Entries were judged by a panel of professionals whose collective knowledge of the property industry is second to none and unsurpassed by any other property awards. Chaired by Eric Pickles, British Shadow Secretary of State, this year’s judges included Helen Shield, editor-in-chief of International Homes magazine; Peter Bolton King, chief executive of the National Association of Estate Agents; Phil Spencer, property expert and presenter of Channel 4’s Location and Relocation TV shows; Imtiaz Farookhi, chief executive of the National House Building Council; Christopher Hall, past president National Association of Estate Agents; Wilhelm Harnish, Master Builders of Australia (MBA); Thijis Staff, International Consortium of Real Estate Agents Association (ICREA); Alejandro Escurdero, SIMA; Kirkor Ajderhanyan, French Real Estate Federation (FNAIM); Omer Ghani, director of sales, CNBC Arabia; Ed Binkley, BSB Design USA; Samantha Braniff, Sydney Morning Herald; Raul Curiel, chairman, European Operations, Aukett Fitzroy Robinson; Tyler Clay, FIABCI USA; Hans-Ulrich Berendes, FIABCI Germany; Oliver Richards, founding partner, ORMS Design; Christian Kalin, partner, Henley & Partners Zurich; Graham Norwood of the Daily Mail; David Hoppit, property writer; Jill Keene, editor of International Homes magazine; Diana Yakely, chairman British Interior Design Association; and Tad Zurlinden, Association of Relocation Professionals.

Jumeirah Golf Estates will now be entitled to display the CNBC Arabian Property Awards’ logo in its marketing materials. This symbol of excellence will be recognised and appreciated by the public who are becoming increasingly well informed and discerning about the properties they seek to buy.

Jumeirah Golf Estates has brought together the world’s leading golf and course design superstars, to create Dubai’s premier residential golf community. Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and “the father of modern golf course design”, Pete Dye, are working on creating one of the world’s most distinctive golf developments.

Four courses - Fire, Earth, Water, and Wind – will pay tribute to the power of nature, each employing the distinctive characteristics of its own surroundings to deliver a unique challenge. They will be surrounded by the most desirable residential communities in Dubai, with luxury homes characterised by beautiful space both inside and out.

In November 2007, Leisurecorp announced that Jumeirah Golf Estates would be home to the richest tournament in world golf, the Dubai World Championship, from November 2009. Since then, interest in homes on the development have spiked event more.

:banana:

[bizzybonita]

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com

[dubai_or_not]

Thank you for your interest in Sanctuary Falls. Please find below information on recent developments and the current villa sales release.

Recent Developments & Updates

The Sanctuary Falls development has matured considerably to this point and here are some highlights. Arabtec Construction has commenced construction of the villas in April of this year. The Show Villa construction is currently underway on site and is on schedule for completion by January 2009. Also, we have just been informed that the Sanctuary Falls development has won the following CNBC Property Awards for 2008: 'Best Development', 'Best Golf Development', 'Best Architecture', 'Best Interior Design', 'Best Property' and 'Best Property Marketing'. We are very excited by this recognition, especially since winning 6 awards in any one year by a project is unprecedented. Sanctuary Falls has also been receiving significant international media attention, since we welcomed a number of high profile residents including some celebrities, at our Residents' Party held on May 30, 2008 at the Burj Al Arab, Dubai.

Sealed Bids - Summer 2008 Villa Release

We are pleased to announce the release of select villas for sale in Sanctuary Falls. We have had an overwhelming number of people express a strong interest in being part of the Sanctuary Falls community. In an effort to maintain complete fairness and transparency, we have decided to open offers of purchase for these villas through a Sealed Bids Process. Bidders will be invited to make bids on these villas, with the highest bid price winning each villa.

We would like to invite you to be part of the Villa Sealed Bids Process for Summer
2008. As a potential resident, we realise that you require complete information about each property before making your bid. A complete information package will be emailed on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 to applicants that have confirmed their interest. As part of the information package, you will find villa profiles which will outline the villa and plot details, special attributes and floor plans of each property. The information package will also contain the rules and procedures of the Sealed Bids Process. Additional villa information can be supplied upon request, or a sales presentation can be scheduled at our Sanctuary Falls Presentation Centre at the Four Seasons Golf Club, Dubai Festival City.

Please note that this offer is by invitation only, and is only extended to end-users and investors that have expressed an interest in Sanctuary Falls. No real estate agents or agency referrals will be entertained for this villa release.

Confirmation of Interest

In order to confirm your interest in being part of this 'invite only' process, please click on the link below to download and fill out the Sealed Bids Application Form:
http://www.sanctuaryfalls.com/sealed_bids/application_form.pdf

Email this form back to: bids@sanctuaryfalls.com OR Fax to: +9714 367 8054.
Please ensure that the form is accompanied by the following document(s):

1. Passport copy
2. Company trade license copy (if planning to purchase in company name)

The deadline to submit this application form is 8pm (Dubai), Tuesday, July 8, 2008. Submission of the application is NOT an offer to purchase or binding on either party, but simply an expression of interest in participating in the Sealed Bids Process.

If you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact our sales team on +9714 364 2919.

Yours Sincerely,

Sales Team - Sanctuary Falls



Dubai Toll Free: 800 FALLS
Telephone: (+971) 4 232 6689
Facsimile: (+971) 4 367 8054
Email: info@sanctuaryfalls.com

Web: www.sanctuaryfalls.com

[op-sp]

I think the launch for Valencia Grove was a private one for investors well know to JGE. I guess there were so few villas to sell they did not need the publicity of a big launch.

I'm wondering why the Valencia grove villas were so expensive - they are still basically town houses. Maybe it's the catchet of it being an exclusive address close to the HQs. I've heard some of the players will be staying there

I don't think you'll find anything for 5 mil in JGE now. Whispering pines started at about that when they were released last year and they are at least 7 mil now.

I recall that Lime Tree Valley were about 6mil a few years ago at launch but are now about 11mil.

What you should buy depends how much money you have to invest and how long you want to wait to see a return. The cheaper villas will always increase in line with the most expensive so are good for a long term investment. Whispering Pines have still not reached 100% premium and it's pretty certain they will attain that. On the other hand, if you buy a villa for 12 mil you'll see a good return in a short time with just a 10% premium.

I think prices are going up at JGE all the time as each new release is more expensive psf than the .last. It's expected that prices will really go up in Nov 09 when the tournament is played. I've been told they should go to 3 000dh psf. I've also read that on other courses worldwide where the tour is held prices are 6 000 psf.....

How high can prices go at JGE really? It will take international investment to attain and sustain the prices people are hoping for. Are these villas too expensive to be kept as purely holiday homes by the rich and famous?

Hello,

Whilst searching for information on Valencia Grove - I stumbled across this excellent site and registered!
I am very fortunate in being in the right place at the right time with a VIP at the Juniper Way launch - he was offered a villa in Valencia Grove but he wanted a bigger place and he offered it to me!! Anyhow I’m now a proud owner (Dh 9.5m) - by the way all Villas are detached.

Here is some more information for those interested:

Jumeirah Golf Estate is one of Dubai’s most celebrated and exclusive real estate projects. The FIRE course houses the most prestigious of the four neighbourhoods in this project. Within the FIRE neighbourhood Valencia Grove is the most exclusive and the least dense of the boutique developments positioned close to the new PGA European Tour Centre and the Golf Academy.
Majority of these detached villas in Valencia Grove have been reserved for players and VIP/company executives, with only ten to fifteen sold in the open market.
Valencia Grove is a distinctive and exclusive gated community of just 33 villas offering commanding views over Greg Norman's Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. An unmistakably Mediterranean air pervades Valencia Grove. The Tuscan style villas feature authentic stone facades and pitched terracotta roofs. All come complete with extensive landscaped gardens, spacious courtyards, large swimming pool and detached double garage complete with a GPS equipped golf buggy. Valencia Grove also offers a community pool and children's play ground in the common landscaped area that forms the heart of this distinctive community.

Homeowners have a choice of four architectural styles and four interior schemes. Exclusive Poggenpohl designer kitchens with Miele appliances are installed as standard, as are smart home solutions and Bang & Olufsen audio-video equipment to ensure that the Valencia Grove living experience is as entertaining as it is comfortable.

Each Smart Home will be supplied with an environmentally friendly electric golf cart to be used as alternative transportation within Jumeirah Golf Estates. On the golf course, the cart comes installed with GPSI's innovative Inforemer-HD system, which vividly depicts each hole and provides precise distance measurement on a mounted 10.4-inch LCD panel.

A unique asset-management system from GPS Industries lets you track your car, pets, even your children, within the community via discrete radio tags. And the entire Jumeirah Golf Estates community is protected by a state-of-the art monitoring system, providing local and remote surveillance around the clock.

Also check:

www.fire.ae

www.arabianbusiness.com/519405-race-to-dubai?ln=en

[op-sp]

[dubai_or_not]

w w w.dgap.de/dgap/static/News/?newsType=&newsID=319679


New multi-million order for Bang & Olufsen in Dubai

Bang & Olufsen A/S /

Release of a Adhoc News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bang & Olufsen to supply equipment to more than 100 villas in Jumeirah Golf
Estates, one of the world's most exclusive golf projects.

Bang & Olufsen has signed a further contract for one of the world's largest and
most prestigious golf projects, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai. Worth a DKK
two-digit million, the order is for Bang & Olufsen equipment for more than 100
exclusive villas.

We are extremely pleased that Bang & Olufsen has secured yet another
substantial order for this extensive and exclusive golf project, says Karl
Kristian Hvidt Nielsen, President & CEO, Bang & Olufsen. It is also highly
satisfactory that our customer has selected a broad range of Bang & Olufsen's
products for the more than 100 villas. The fact that our products have been
selected as the best of the best for the world's most exclusive golf project,
confirms that our project portfolio is seen as particularly attractive.

The contract covers 70 villas in Juniper Way and 33 villas in Valencia Grove in
Jumeirah Golf Estates. The villas in Juniper Way will be equipped with
BeoVision 7-40 and 7-32 with music delivered by BeoSound 9000 and loudspeakers
such as BeoLab 6000, BeoLab 8000 and the integrated loudspeaker, BeoVox 1. The
villas in Valencia Grove will also be equipped with BeoVision 7-40 and
BeoVision 7-32 TVs, while the music system will include BeoSound 4 with BeoLab
6000 loudspeakers as well as the integrated BeoVox 1.

Over the past few months, Bang & Olufsen has strengthened its focus on Dubai,
and I consider this contract as proof that our confidence was justified, says
Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen.

The new order for Jumeirah Golf Estates does not affect Bang & Olufsen's
expectations for the current financial year.

Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen
President & CEO

# # #

For further information, please contact:
President & CEO Karl Kristian Hvidt Nielsen, tel: +45 9684 5004

News Source: NASDAQ OMX

23.09.2008 Financial News transmitted by DGAP
----------------------------------------------------------------------

[dubai_or_not]

From the JGE site:

Fire and Earth Golf Courses

The Dubai World Championship, Greg Norman and the Earth golf course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is a combination that is set to captivate the interest of the golf world.

The countdown to the Dubai World Championship has begun and the construction team spent the early part of this year working steadily to complete grassing of the course before the summer months rolled in. The hard work paid off and the fully grassed course will benefit from two growing seasons prior to the first staging of the world's richest golf tournament.

The construction team here at Jumeirah Golf Estates is now also responsible for a new tree nursery that will service the four courses in the future. One of the key features of the Earth course has been the introduction of mature trees, which is a rare feat on a new golf course in Dubai. These are being harvested from other projects around Dubai, the main one currently being Jebel Ali Village.

In addition to the mature trees, the visually stunning course has been created using certified Bermuda grasses have been used, with TifEagle for tees and greens, and Tifway 419 used for fairways and roughs - all grown in Jumeirah Golf Estates own on-site nursery. The Bermuda sprigs are harvested as required and planted on the golf course into a topsoil of almost pure sand. Add a sophisticated irrigation system, the latest agronomy management techniques, and you have the perfect conditions to construct and maintain a world class golf course.

The startling contrast between the green sward of the manicured turfgrass and the rich bark mulch installed throughout the peripheral landscaped areas is aesthetically beautiful and very pleasing on the eye. When you add an abundance of planted shrubs combined with the strategically placed mature trees, you get a real "wow" factor that oozes quality from the moment you step onto the first tee.

This course is a tribute to the designer's attention to detail and the enthusiasm and expertise of the internationally assembled construction team. The green complexes are superbly shaped with deep swale run offs so typical of Greg Norman designs. Open fronted greenside bunkers with steep faces and expansive greens with well contoured putting surfaces that require the deftest of touch. The feature bunkering is outstanding and acts as a true hazard. An idly hit tee shot, pulled left into a fairway bunker leaves the daunting task of smashing a four iron two hundred plus yards onto the green. These bunkers are a real "take your punishment and move on" hazard.

The Earth course continues to mature on a day by day basis and you can really get a feel now for how the course will play. Earth is one of those unique golf courses where the player will remember each and every hole from the very first time they play it. The Earth course will demand patience, at times heroic play interspersed with conservative shot making, but above all good thinking will be fundamental to achieve and preserve a sub par score.

At the Heart of the Earth and Fire courses you will find the magnificent Norman Clubhouse. Over the passed months, with the introduction of the 24 hour working on site, we have seen the enormous 131,000 sq ft footprint of the Clubhouse climb out from the ground. The centrepiece of phase A is a truly monumentous feat of engineering and will be a fitting backdrop to the 18th greens of both the Earth and Fire courses. I for one can already picture the final days play of the Dubai World Championship, with the tournament going down to the last putt of the day, there will be no better backdrop in the world than the three-tier waterfall cascading down form the clubhouse to the fringe of the 18th green as the winning putt disappears into the hole!

The Norman Clubhouse is on schedule for completion, on time for the inaugural Dubai World Championship on November 19th 2009.

With the Earth course now well underway for the inaugural Dubai World Championship, the focus for construction and development has returned to the Fire course.

The beauty of building a golf course on this naturally undulating landscape is that it offers a great base to begin sculpting and creating a course in its early stages. With a few hurdles already overcome during the initial stages of construction, progress on the Fire course is picking up pace with feature bunkering currently being finalised and several holes already grassed.

The driving range and The European Tour Performance Institute are both progressing with 90% of the area grassed and the reshaped practice tees scheduled to be completed before the end of the month.

With the 6th, 12th and 16th holes already grassed and the 13th hole underway, the Fire course remains on schedule to be fully grassed by the end of the year. Landscaping and shaping of the feature bunkers will continue throughout the current grow-in period.

There is no doubt that the Fire course will be as visually stunning as the Earth course, however when playing Fire, it will offer a completely different challenge than its neighbouring course and one that will require even the most astute golfer to be at their very best!

[dubai_or_not]

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20080924/SPORT/90310173/1173

Dream is a reality now for Spencer

William Johnson, Chief Sports Writer
* Last Updated: September 24. 2008 10:14PM UAE / GMT


DUBAI // “Dreams are the blueprint of reality” is a favourite catchphrase of David Spencer, but the ambitious entrepreneur admitted to going beyond his wildest fantasies in what he and his colleagues at Leisurecorp have achieved over the last 12 months.

Spencer enthused about an “incredible trilogy” of showpiece tournaments which are about to get under way and believed that golf enthusiasts in the country should get shivers down their spines when they realise the global prominence the region has earned.

Spencer, 47, is the chief executive of the golfing arm of Leisurecorp, a company set up in 2006 by Dubai World with a mandate to “identify, acquire and develop sports and leisure related investments around the world”.

Nobody can accuse him and his team of falling short in carrying out that brief. The eagerly-anticipated Race to Dubai, which begins in Shanghai in November and will conclude with the Dubai World Championship, the flagship event of Leisurecorp.

But the company did not stop there. They backed up that massive incursion into the domain of professional golf with an audacious £55million (Dh374m) swoop for the famous Scottish course of Turnberry which will host the British Open Championship in July.

They already own Pearl Valley Estates near Cape Town where the South African Open will be staged in December.

Those three events form Spencer’s trilogy, and when the European Tour move their headquarters to the Jumeirah Golf Estates next year the Leisurecorp marketing men will be seeking an adjective to back up the next leg of their impressive quadruple.

Spencer’s office is close to the Greg Norman-designed Earth course, which will stage the Dubai World Championship, where the winner will earn a staggering $2m (Dh7.3m) and a substantial share of a further order of merit pool of $10m (Dh36m).

“How all of this has fallen into place is amazing,” he said.

“I would like to say it is the product of some strategic master plan but it has all just fit into place, one thing after another, and we are all delighted and so proud.

“If somebody had told me in 2001 in my early days in the UAE that the global focus of golf was going to spin around and be on Dubai in 2009, I wouldn’t have believed it.

“It [the tour] is international, fairly young and I suppose it is the underdog. The same could be said for us.

“This was not a deal that was struck over a cappuccino. This was an agreement that was well structured by them and well thought through by us. It has been documented as to what our obligations are to the European Tour and we intend to fulfil those.”

The acquisition of Turnberry took eight months to complete.

“That gave us the oldest event in golf to go with the second oldest and in the Race to Dubai we have the newest,” added Spencer.

“When the whole world is watching next July and that first ball is struck from the first tee at Turnberry, everybody is going to witness one of the greatest sporting events on the calendar being played on a Dubai asset. We should all have goose bumps and say wow.”

-----

Patience paid off in Turnberry buy

William Johnson
* Last Updated: September 24. 2008 10:31PM UAE / September 24. 2008 6:31PM GMT

David Spencer extolled the virtues of patience as he explained the long drawn out sequence of events which led to his Leisurecorp company pulling off the rebranding of the European Tour’s season as the Race To Dubai and following it up with the purchase of Turnberry, venue for next year’s British Open, Championship.

Proud of putting the Emirates on the world map through golf, he disclosed that the Race to Dubai which concludes with the Dubai World Championship next November, was originally no more a plan to earn a piece of the Desert Classic action.

“We were looking for a way of showcasing Jumeirah Golf Estates to the world on a continued basis rather than having a one-off event,” he said.

“We looked at the possibility of hosting the Desert Classic as part of a rota system. It became apparent to us that was not going to happen.

“We thought we are building the world’s premier golf estate here and we needed to have something that was considered to be the world’s best. That was a message that could be translated internationally, transported quickly and was relevant.”

So his company approached the European Tour with a proposal to stage a season-ending event and change its name. The negotiations were lengthy but they reached fruition last year and the world’s richest tournament will take place on the Earth course designed by Greg Norman.

“To secure Turnberry’s 800-plus acres on the west coast of Scotland that has an absolutely magical golfing history is amazing for us,” he said.

“The owners were looking to sell it but they were also looking to find somebody suitable and it took us eight months of negotiations to persuade them. They wanted to have an owner that understood the product and was prepared to invest

[dubai_or_not]

http://www.thenational.ae/article/20081001/SPORT/541145034/1025

Earth is shaping up
William Johnson
Last Updated: October 01. 2008 11:17PM UAE / October 1. 2008 7:17PM GMT

DUBAI // Greg Norman has tried to recreate the type of drama which is witnessed annually at golf’s “fifth major” in his design of the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates – venue for the long awaited Dubai World Championship in November next year.

Norman, once the world’s best player, but now one of the most respected course architects in the game, has used has used the fearsome “Island Green” at Sawgrass in Florida as the blueprint for his signature hole at the Earth course.
Sawgrass, which hosts the prestigious Players’ Championship – the biggest event on the US tour apart from the four major tournaments – was designed by Pete Dye, who is working alongside Norman in the construction of four exciting new courses on the Jumeirah estate.

Dye’s 17th hole at Sawgrass, which has destroyed the hopes of many an aspiring Players’ champion, has become one of the most photographed among spectators around the world. A “tiddler’ of a par three at 137 yards, it demands pinpoint accuracy to avoid a steep drop into a watery grave surrounding the green.
Norman’s version of Sawgrass is also No 17 on the card and will be the penultimate test of a 72-hole tournament which will be worth $2million (Dh7.3m) to the winner of what is the new concluding event to the Race to Dubai – the European Tour’s renamed Order of Merit.

At 208 yards, it will demand much more than the lofted clubs used to try to “plop” a ball on to the Sawgrass oasis and will require tremendous precision from the 60 leading Tour professionals.
Norman has made his own version of the Island Hole the key part of an incredibly tough finish which involves two 600-yard-plus holes on the closing five, making the overall yardage for the par 72 course a demanding 7,758.

The new Earth course is the most advanced of the four at Jumeirah and is now finished and “bedding in” before it is ready to be played next year.

The Fire course, also designed by Norman, is due to be completed by the end of January.
Work on the Water course, which has been designed by VJ Singh, who recently won the Fed-Ex championship, will start next month, while the Wind course, designed by the top Spanish golfer Sergio Garcia along with Pete Dye, will follow directly after.

All four courses are expected to be used during the initial five-year agreement to conclude the Race to Dubai on Jumeirah Golf Estates. David Spencer, the chief executive of the golfing branch of Leisurecorp, who are hosting the $10million showpiece, is delighted with the progress that has already been made.
“Putting all this together so quickly has been a really determined effort by a young and enthusiastic team,” he said.

“We have the utmost respect for the traditions of golf in carrying out the work we are doing here and we believe we are one of the good custodians to take off into the future with the R & A and the respective tours around the world.”
--

[dubaiguy7]

Could somebody please tell me what I should consider market price per sqft for flame tree ridge villa with golf course view at the present state of affairs what with the slow market I am confused what the REAL price per sqft currently is.......??


thanks guys

[dubai_or_not]

Could somebody please tell me what I should consider market price per sqft for flame tree ridge villa with golf course view at the present state of affairs what with the slow market I am confused what the REAL price per sqft currently is.......??


thanks guys

I've just been to Cityscape and the market seems very buoyant - Jumeirah Golf Estates is complex to price - each development and neighbourhood is priced differently. Check this:
http://www.dubizzle.com/property-for-sale/villahouse/2008/10/2/jumeirah-golf-estates-valencia-grove/?from_search

--

[dubai_or_not]

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/en/newsevents/news-events/news-1/water-properties-launch.html

Water will offer, for the first time at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the choice of apartments townhouses and villas. Inspired by the natural beauty of the Pacific Islands, the Water neighbourhood encourages and enables sustainable living in surroundings that are beautiful, inspirational, and socially practical.

Overlooking the dramatic Water course with its numerous lakes, streams and wetland areas, the Water neighbourhood will have a real sense of community living. Water will contain a mix of five and six bedroom signature villas, and three- and four-bedroom island-style villas, as well as a collection of townhouses, apartments, duplex apartments and penthouses with spectacular views over the Vijay Singh designed Water course.

Water apartments will be the first properties to be launched in the Royal Ballroom at The One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel starting on the 15th of October 2008 until the 25th of October 2008. This will be followed subsequently by the launch of the Water townhouses and the Water villas from the 28th of October to the 6th of November 2008.

----------

EXCLUSIVE PRE-RELEASE SALES EVENT
13-14 October 2008
One&Only Royal Mirage
Royal Ballroom
10:00AM - 7:00PM
To purchase, bring chequebook, passport and proof of address

--

[dubai_or_not]

http://www.gulfnews.com/Sport/Golf/10251367.html

Published: October 11, 2008, 23:29

Dubai: George O'Grady has achieved much in the time since he took over as chief executive of the European Tour in 2004.

At the time of his appointment, O'Grady promised he would try and stick to the game plan adopted by his predecessor, Ken Schofield, who governed the sport for 30 years, and sustain the development achieved by the Tour under its former chief.

Of course, he was going to see to it that his appointment was indeed driving golf forward, but O'Grady also felt the need to get back to the drawing board to tweak a few things that would swing (excuse the pun!) the Tour into public consciousness. In the midst of today's global financial meltdown, if the European Tour seems a more secure circuit, it is due in part to the bonds O'Grady has helped forge between the Tour and its partners, particularly those in the Middle East and Asia.

The 59-year-old added two extra tournaments in China, and has taken the sport to newer markets in India and Korea. Regionally, his patronage ensured Abu Dhabi made its debut on the Tour and there is talk of two more tournaments - Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, being added to the prestigious three-tournament Desert Swing, which includes the Dubai Desert Classic, the Commercial bank Qatar Masters and the Abu Dhabi Championships.

The highlight of his appointment to date seems to be the Race to Dubai deal, which will pump a staggering $100m (Dh367.36m) into the Tour over the next five years and include the season-ending Dubai World Championship, golf's richest tournament.

Gulf News spoke with the mastermind O'Grady, who seems to be revolutionising the European Tour and making it a winner the world over.


Gulf News: What impact will the Race to Dubai (RTD) and Dubai World Championship (DWC) have on world golf?

George O'Grady: I think the whole RTD gives a definition to the season, it gives a focus and it gives a challenge when you have this tremendous bonus pool at the end of the year for those who support the Tour. I think the race to win it should go right to the end because. I feel the chances of someone wrapping up the RTD before we get to the DWC are very, very slim. You have to win three Majors or something to get over there, so the excitement, the focus to the season and an improvement in standards will make the whole thing an exceptional experience.

How big and important a tournament is DWC?

It will have an importance all of its own. It can't be more important than the Major championships on day one, but it can become really exciting at the end of the RTD, so much so that all the good players want to win it. Padraig Harrington said he wants to become the first player to win the DWC. He is setting it as a target for next year. I think if you asked whether he'd want to win the Masters first, he might say the Masters, but this is going to rank right up there and now we've just got to go ahead and do it.

This tournament definitely puts Dubai on the world map...

The European Tour was always going around the world in one sense and Dubai recognised that. When I went to America for the Ryder Cup, I spoke to a lot of people about the RTD and had it been a few years ago, a lot of people, not only professional golfers, but business people, and the media as well would've said they did not know where Dubai was. Within the Ryder Cup everybody who is connected with golf has heard about the RTD and they've got their atlases out and they've worked out where Dubai is.

Do you think Phil Mickelson and the others linked with the RTD will join for sure?

I think if they do it will give us tremendous focus. They've talked about it, but they haven't joined as yet, but they've all asked questions about Dubai. They've heard about the Dubai Desert Classic, which is one of the best events on the Tour; and they know how good it is in Abu Dhabi and Qatar.

In what way will the world economic crisis affect the Tour?

Golf is not immune to it. This is an economic crisis, which was completely unheralded and nobody saw it coming. With banks in the US going down, I think it's a re-establishment of what really sound business principles are. On the other hand, it hasn't touched everything yet, so I don't know what effect it will have on the future of golf and the Tour in particular. But I know with the vision that sounds through all our policies, especially with Leisurecorp and Dubai World, we have partners whose business principles are easy to understand and are very soundly based.

The Tour's partnership with Leisurecorp seems to be a boon for European golf...

I think it brings the world's focus on the Middle East. People want to know where it is, they want to know what they do there and they want to know how the different economies are being developed. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; everybody has read and learnt about his vision for Dubai and you can see what he is trying to do. I would like to see that golf has played its part in marketing Dubai to support his vision and that it is great value for money. I guess they've got to work out whether it has sold properties, whether it has become popular and whether it has put Dubai on the map. Around two years ago in America, no one knew where Dubai was and certainly no one had heard of Jumeirah Golf Estates, but wherever I go now they have, and they know me as a person, who has, if you like, signed the deal with Dubai.

Leisurecorp have bought and are developing Turnberry and it will host the 2009 Open... How do you view this deal?

Turnberry is one of the world's great golf courses and it is definitely one of my favourites. It is a great ancient links course, which is being modernised, and when it is ready it will be a mixture of the old and the new. Dubai is totally modern and it will add its touch to Turnberry while retaining its history as well. I think we are very fortunate to be able to match what we think are the values of the Tour and give it great visibility and integrity through our partnership with Leisurecorp.

The Tour is exploring newer frontiers, how is that working out?

We are being invited by our partners in the Chinese market and the Chinese Golf Association; in India we're very closely allied with the Professional Golf Tour of India and across region through the Asian Tour. They all have programmes to develop the game with other people and largely, at their instigation we have all major bodies in golf coming together to try and get golf into the Olympics.

[op-sp]

http://www.busmanagementme.com/currentissue/article.asp?art=275399&issue=284

Golf and real estate have proved a lucrative combination for Leisurecorp, which is developing a multi million dollar residential golfing community in Dubai. Diana Milne meets the company’s CEO for golf, David Spencer to find out why homes on the Jumeirah Golf Estates are selling like hot cakes.

With demand for golf facilities soaring in the Middle East and the likes of Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia designing its courses, Leisurecorp is on to a winner. So much so in fact that earlier this year the company achieved the ultimate coup when it acquired the historic Turnberry in Scotland, one of the world’s leading golfing destinations and host to the 2009 Open Championship. That’s a pretty impressive achievement for a company that was set up just two years ago.

Part of Dubai World, the company is regarded as a serious player in the world golf tourism market which is estimated to be worth US$17.5billion. As well as acquiring Turnberry it also owns South Africa’s prestigious Pearl Valley Golf Estates and is months away from the completion of the Jumeirah Golf Estates development, which includes luxury residential properties and courses in four different neighbourhoods: Fire designed by Greg Norman, Earth by Greg Norman, Water by Vijay Singh and Wind by Sergio Garcia, Pete Dye and Greg Norman.
Describing the demand for golf facilities in the Middle East, Leisurecorp’s CEO for golf, David Spencer, says: “What we have in Dubai is a situation where the demand for golf far outstrips the supply. We do not have enough golf courses to fulfil the current demand let alone the future demand.”

Furthermore, he says, demand for golf-related real estate is even greater, meaning that the luxury properties on the Jumeirah Golf Estates have already sold out before the development has even been completed. “The demand for golf property, particularly quality golf real estate, is intense,” says Spencer. “If you took a one million dollar house in a non golf development you could probably get 1.2 to 1.3 million dollars for the same house in a gated residential golf community. “In the Middle East region though, I think the premiums are ranging from between 30% and 50%.”

But he says that it is not just golf enthusiasts that are willing to pay a premium to live alongside the fairway. Around 70% of those that buy properties in gated residential golf communities do not in fact play golf, according to Spencer.
“Only 30% of the buyers play golf,” he says. “But these sorts of developments provide a very nice lifestyle. Obviously I’m biased when I speak about the development I’m involved in. But with the green spaces, parks, indigenous flora and fauna and the birdlife, it’s a very pleasant place to live in and these developments are very sustainable from an environmental point of view.”

He admits however that building golf communities in the Dubai desert poses unique challenges because of the region’s climatic conditions. “Building golf courses in this region is actually quite expensive and that is because of the amount of water required to keep those golf courses in pristine condition,” explains Spencer. “It’s about having to get the right amount of water in what we call a watering window. So we have to put out, say, 7mm of water over 130 plus acres of green space in a four-hour watering window.”

Leisurecorp has counterbalanced these costs and boosted the ROI of the Jumeirah Golf Estates development by including prime real estate properties in themed neighbourhoods. Fire is built with a Tuscan Italian theme, Earth in a European and North American parkland style, Water built in the style of the Pacific Islands and Florida with a waterfall centrepiece and Wind, which follows the course of the Arabian canal. “What’s happened here is that we’ve used golf courses to help us in assisting to drive real estate sales and that has worked very well,” says Spencer.
While acknowledging the appeal of Leisurecorp’s developments to the non-golfer, Spencer is keen to emphasise how serious the company is about the game, particularly when it comes to holding international tournaments.

On its golfing calendar the company will be hosting the Dubai World Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, the South African Open Championship at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates and now the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry. Having its name associated with such major events will make Leisurecorp a major player in the global golfing world. “When you look at how relevant we have become as a company in the golf market there are several things that have made our company relevant on global basis. “It would be hard to know what’s at the top of the list. But I think Turnberry, in every golfer’s mind, whether he’s in Australia or US or India or Asia, will be on their top ten lists of golf courses to play worldwide. “So I think the fact that Leisurecorp was able to acquire the Turberry project was absolutely mind-blowing. “It’s one of the great venues in the world and it helps us to create this unusual trilogy that we have at Leisurecorp where we have the world’s oldest golf tournament being played at a Leisurecorp facility in 2009 which is Turnberry. “We have the second oldest golf tournament in the world, the South African Open Championship, being played at a Leisurecorp facility, Pearl Valley Golf Estate. Then we have the newest, the Dubai World Championship being played at the Jumeirah Golf Estates
“So we have this amazing trilogy that has been created and Turnberry, if you like, is probably the pinnacle of that Trilogy.”

He goes on to say that he believes further international golf events may go on to take place in other parts of the Middle East, where the sport is growing in popularity: “There are plenty of events for our company to handle. “But I think the focus on golf in Europe, the Middle and Africa is firmly on the Middle East.
“So I wouldn’t be surprised if there become a tour event in Bahrain, Morocco or Oman because there is room for growth in the region.

The golfing champions Leisurecorp has enlisted to design courses have added considerable kudos to the Jumeirah Golf Estates development leading to increased interest from buyers. “The fact that you can buy a house and have someone like Greg Norman landscape your backyard has been very well accepted by the real estate buying public in this region,” says Spencer.

But he goes on to say that the company must now work to attract the world’s most up and coming players in order to appeal to a younger generation of buyers.
“There are some fantastic new names in golf at the moment and we do not have alliances with any of them. “There are a lot of colourful characters in the world of golf such as young fellows like Justin Rose. “That’s great because golf to a certain degree has been fuelled by baby boomers and the baby boomer generation when it comes to golf hasn’t really moved on and it’s become a bit vanilla. “To make our industry relevant to the next generations we need vibrancy, colour and we certainly have that coming through. “For instance even though he’s only 28-years-old, a colourful Spaniard like Sergio Garcia, makes golf more relevant to young people again.”

As well as signing up the up and coming golf stars of the future, Spencer says the company is eyeing possible other acquisitions and that there are several potential new purchases in the pipeline. “Part of our business plan is acquisitions. We are absolutely looking at a lot of different properties. We’re not particularly close to announcing any. “But we are 50% down the track of due diligence with a lot of acquisitions.”

His words follow the announcement at the start of this year by Leisurecorp Group’s chief executive Alan Rogers that the company plans to broaden its portfolio over the next two years. Speaking at the time of the announcement in January, Rogers said: “Over the next two years, we will consolidate and develop existing investments – and look to broaden and deepen our portfolio into other leisure-related business sectors. “Yes, you will see further investments in golf, which is the powerhouse sector within the leisure industry, but you will also see us reaching into other target sectors.”

But while Leisurecorp is continue its expansion, Spencer says he is well aware of the potential impact of the turmoil in Western financial markets on the leisure industry in particular. “I think anyone who is not aware and somewhat concerned about what’s going on in the world at the moment would be a very cool customer.
“What one has to do at times like this is go back to your business plan, always review your business plan and make sure it has enough elasticity in it to go through strong times and weaker times. “We have a very strong business plan that we work to. We review that business plan when things are going great. And we also review that business plans when various things happen.”

As well as its golf estates, Leisurecorp has stakes in several major businesses, including: Island Global Yachting, a manager and owner of luxury marinas; Troon Golf, the world’s leading luxury brand golf management company; GPS Industries, a provider of WiFi enabled GPS systems for golf communities; and Snowmass Colorado, a 2.8million square foot redevelopment of one of North America’s premier ski resorts. But with the company’s CEO Alan Rogers having described golf as the “powerhouse” sector of the leisure industry, Spencer is at the forefront of driving the business forward and ensuring that it both serves and fuels demand in the Middle East.

About David Spencer
David Spencer joined Dubai World in September 2004 to spearhead its foray into the golf development business through Istithmar Leisure, which has now become Leisurecorp.
David has a wealth of experience in golf course development and management, in Australia and the Middle East.
His achievements in Australia include The Grand Golf Club; Pelican Waters; The Glades, Brookwater; The Vintage; and The Golf Club at Kennedy Bay – and all of the Australian developments in which he was involved are now rated in Golf Digest’s Top 50 courses in the country. Spencer was also a Director of Troon Golf in Australia.
In Dubai, David was an integral part of the development of The Montgomerie course at Emirates Hills and The Desert Course at Arabian Ranches, before joining Leisurecorp to set up Jumeirah Golf Estates.
David’s knowledge and influence in the world of golf helped to secure the partnership between Leisurecorp and The European Tour in November 2007. This deal resulted in the Dubai World Championship, the world’s richest golf tournament; the new European Tour International Headquarters to be built at Jumeirah Golf Estates; and the re-naming of the European Tour Order of Merit to The Race To Dubai.

[docc]

Anyone go to the recent Water launch? How were the apartments priced?

Villa's going on sale in a few days.

[Philippa C]

We went to the launch of the Water apartments. Priced from 2 500dh/sq ft for community view. The ones on upper levels with the views of golf course and Arabian canal were 30-40% more. It seemed very quiet when we were there.

The villas and town houses will be launched on 27th. Apparently townhouses have a unique design and will on a "hill' (for want of a better description) and again ones at the top will have great views. Don't know what prices will be like but I imagine they will be expensive........

[docc]

Full details of all Water Villa's here:

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/en/residences/water-neighbourhood/water-residences/the-water-villas.html

Just download the pdf's associated with each villa style to see the render along with floor plans.

[Philippa C]

They look very nice. I wonder what the pricing will be like

[docc]

My guess would be around 9 Million+.

Any idea as to overall, how many freehold villa's are in Dubai. If memory serves me right, these are the villa communities we have today (in no particular order):

1) Emirates Hills
2) Meadows
3) Springs
4) Arabian Ranches
5) Green community West
6) Victory Heights at DSC
7) Falcon city of Wonders villa's
8) Palm Jumeirah
9) Acacia avenues in Jumeirah
10) Jumeirah Islands
11) Jumeirah Park
12) Al Furjan
13) JGE 's Fire, Earth, Water and Wind
14) Al Barari
15) Teema (Asmaran) at Bawadi
16) Warsan
17) Sidra townhomes at Mushrif heights
18) Palm Jebel Ali
19) The Villa, Dubailand
20) Tiger woods Palace, Mansions and Villa's project
21) Polo Equestrian homes (canceled now?)

How many do you guys think all these add up to? Errrm, 10,000 - 15,000 villa's in total? Seems like a very small number overall in comparison to apartments, don't you think?

[Philippa C]

Yes, I think 9 mil is about right. It seems a lot for a town house but Whispering Pines (attached villas) which sold for about 4-5 mil are being advertised for for resale at about 8 mil and they will be ready in May09.

I think the only development not on your list is The Villa in Dubailand (Dubai Properties and Mazya). Not sure how many villas in total. Certainly there are relatively few villas compared to the number of apartments. There are only about 20 or 30 villas at Acacia Ave and a couple of towers - some of the apartments were classed as "sky villas" at the time:-)

I'm very impressed by the marketing strategy and planning behind JGE and the interest in the city being generated by the Race to Dubai. I think a lot of rich golfing enthusiasts will want to buy into the development.

[docc]

^^ I haven't actually been to the JGE site, so i'm not really sure what the construction progress is. Are you sure that the Whispering pines villa's are going to be delivered in 2009? Also, why would someone want to pay 8-9 M for a townhouse? I've the floor plans and the layouts for this one and it isn't spectacular or anything; just the normal run of the mill townhouse. Ofcourse, the fact that its in JGE adds some weight, but 9 M?

Have you visited the site Philippa? Are there any model homes or is there a sales center there by any chance because it might be worth the trip, if there is one.

[MalcomX]

My guess would be around 9 Million+.

Any idea as to overall, how many freehold villa's are in Dubai. If memory serves me right, these are the villa communities we have today (in no particular order):

1) Emirates Hills
2) Meadows
3) Springs
4) Arabian Ranches
5) Green community West
6) Victory Heights at DSC
7) Falcon city of Wonders villa's
8) Palm Jumeirah
9) Acacia avenues in Jumeirah
10) Jumeirah Islands
11) Jumeirah Park
12) Al Furjan
13) JGE 's Fire, Earth, Water and Wind
14) Al Barari
15) Teema (Asmaran) at Bawadi
16) Warsan
17) Sidra townhomes at Mushrif heights
18) Palm Jebel Ali
19) The Villa, Dubailand
20) Tiger woods Palace, Mansions and Villa's project
21) Polo Equestrian homes (canceled now?)

How many do you guys think all these add up to? Errrm, 10,000 - 15,000 villa's in total? Seems like a very small number overall in comparison to apartments, don't you think?


More than that.


The Villa 1,760
Al Furjan 4,000
Veneto 2,600
Jumeirah Golf Estates 3,000
Al Barari 300
Al Badrah-1st Phase 146
Dubai Silicon Oasis Villa Project 1,042
Victory Heights 900
Total 13,748

[docc]

Thanks for the update. So, i guess around 20,000 should be a reasonable figure then.

[Philippa C]

^^ I haven't actually been to the JGE site, so i'm not really sure what the construction progress is. Are you sure that the Whispering pines villa's are going to be delivered in 2009? Also, why would someone want to pay 8-9 M for a townhouse? I've the floor plans and the layouts for this one and it isn't spectacular or anything; just the normal run of the mill townhouse. Ofcourse, the fact that its in JGE adds some weight, but 9 M?

Have you visited the site Philippa? Are there any model homes or is there a sales center there by any chance because it might be worth the trip, if there is one.

DoccYes, the Whispering Pines and Flame Tree Ridge villas will be delivered in May/June 09. Apparently work is ahead of schedule.

There are some model homes for Lime Tree Valley which can be visited by appointment only. I have not been but am told they are beautifully done.

I've been to the JGE/Leisure Corp sales office which is now onsite. The models of the Leisurecorp communities are very nice but the show room is still not complete. The launches I've been to have been at hotels (Royal Mirage) - the one for the Water apartments was very elaborate with a functioning kitchen (for Jamies Oliver) :-) Apparently the townhouses in the Water phase are built on a hill and are quite different to anything else currently on the market.

As you probably know Leisurecorp, the developer, sold land to developers who are developing Lime Tree Valley, Sanctuary Falls, Sienna Lakes etc. Leisurecorp are building some communities themselves - Whispering Pines, Flame Tree Ridge, and various Fire Villas as well as the Water Apartments, villas and townhouses.

The other news is that work has already begun on the roundabout on Emirates Rd which will give direct access to JGE down the side of the IMPZ.

I think JGE is a great development - I just hope it does not suffer with the current downturn - let's hope quality wins out!

[docc]

Hmm, thanks for the info. Looks like i need to make an appointment to have a look at the show villa's. Thanks for the feedback.

Oh, and don't worry, you'll be fine :)

[op-sp]

http://sport.sg.msn.com/golf/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1755228

Mickelson considers Europe, with US golf 'stagnant'

With the US golf industry "stagnant," Phil Mickelson revealed Wednesday that he may start playing in Europe where prize money will be significantly boosted next year in the "Race to Dubai."
The American three-time Major winner said the game was not growing in the United States and professional golfers needed to adapt by playing more internationally.

With this in mind, the world number two has his sights set on the European Tour, where he needs to play 12 events to become a member.

This will give him the chance to qualify for the season-ending Dubai World Championship tournament, where 20 million dollars will be at stake.

Mickleson, who is preparing to defend his HSBC Champions title in Shanghai next week, made the comment when asked if he would like to see next month's Singapore Open become a European Tour event, as has been suggested.

"It would be very helpful for me because I love playing in Singapore," he said in a telephone interview.

"Because of that ... if it were to become a European Tour event it would be great for me as it would be included as one of the now 12 events that you need to play to become a European Tour member.

"Although I haven't yet joined (the European Tour), it is something I am certainly considering."

The European Tour's reorganisation of its schedule next year, which culminates in Dubai, is aimed at redressing the balance of the world's biggest names playing on the USPGA Tour.

The key to this is the "Race to Dubai" format whereby the top 60 will qualify for what is billed as the richest tournament in the world and held at the Jumeirah Golf Estates course from November 19-22.

It will have a prize fund of 10 million dollars and a first prize of 1.6 million dollars.

A bonus pool of 10 million dollars will also be shared by the top 15 players in the Race to Dubai after the tournament, with the winner taking away another two million dollars.

"I think Dubai has taken one of the giant leaps to making the game of golf more global in the quality of events," said Mickelson, adding that there had been a number of contributing factors that made international golf more attractive.

"Certainly, the dollar weakening over the past few years has made foreign currencies much stronger, which makes the purses much larger, so there's been a lot of international wealth being created," he said.

"The US golf industry has been stagnant for quite some time so all of our growth has been occurring on a global basis.

"As a professional golfer we have to adapt to that by playing more internationally because that is where the opportunities are and that's where they will continue to grow.

"So I look forward to having opportunities to continue to play more internationally and I understand that that is going to be an important part of being an international golfer."

The 38-year-old, who has won twice on the US Tour this year, added that he hoped other golfers recognised the importance of not just playing more overseas but helping popularise the game in under-exploited markets.

"The States' market is stagnant so the more opportunities we can have where top players play throughout the world and expose those places to golf I think will help grow the game," he said.

"That's an important part of what we do. The (season-ending) FedEx Cup ending in September has given us much more opportunity to do that now."

[op-sp]

Hello,

Whilst searching for information on Valencia Grove - I stumbled across this excellent site and registered!
I am very fortunate in being in the right place at the right time with a VIP at the Juniper Way launch - he was offered a villa in Valencia Grove but he wanted a bigger place and he offered it to me!! Anyhow I’m now a proud owner (Dh 9.5m) - by the way all Villas are detached.

Here is some more information for those interested:

Jumeirah Golf Estate is one of Dubai’s most celebrated and exclusive real estate projects. The FIRE course houses the most prestigious of the four neighbourhoods in this project. Within the FIRE neighbourhood Valencia Grove is the most exclusive and the least dense of the boutique developments positioned close to the new PGA European Tour Centre and the Golf Academy.
Majority of these detached villas in Valencia Grove have been reserved for players and VIP/company executives, with only ten to fifteen sold in the open market.
Valencia Grove is a distinctive and exclusive gated community of just 33 villas offering commanding views over Greg Norman's Fire course at Jumeirah Golf Estates. An unmistakably Mediterranean air pervades Valencia Grove. The Tuscan style villas feature authentic stone facades and pitched terracotta roofs. All come complete with extensive landscaped gardens, spacious courtyards, large swimming pool and detached double garage complete with a GPS equipped golf buggy. Valencia Grove also offers a community pool and children's play ground in the common landscaped area that forms the heart of this distinctive community.

Homeowners have a choice of four architectural styles and four interior schemes. Exclusive Poggenpohl designer kitchens with Miele appliances are installed as standard, as are smart home solutions and Bang & Olufsen audio-video equipment to ensure that the Valencia Grove living experience is as entertaining as it is comfortable.

Each Smart Home will be supplied with an environmentally friendly electric golf cart to be used as alternative transportation within Jumeirah Golf Estates. On the golf course, the cart comes installed with GPSI's innovative Inforemer-HD system, which vividly depicts each hole and provides precise distance measurement on a mounted 10.4-inch LCD panel.

A unique asset-management system from GPS Industries lets you track your car, pets, even your children, within the community via discrete radio tags. And the entire Jumeirah Golf Estates community is protected by a state-of-the art monitoring system, providing local and remote surveillance around the clock.

Also check:

www.fire.ae

www.arabianbusiness.com/519405-race-to-dubai?ln=en

[op-sp]

This is going to be one of the best residential locations in DUBAI - bar none! Soon as the markets stabilise prices will steadily increase. It hurts but I have to sell my Valencia Grove villa urgently - please contact me if you're interested.

dubizzle.com/property-for-sale/villahouse/2008/10/2/jumeirah-golf-estates-valencia-grove/?from_search

http://www.dubizzle.com/property-for-sale/villahouse/2008/10/2/jumeirah-golf-estates-valencia-grove/?from_search

[malec]

^^ Piss off!!

[pauldxb]

Does anyone have any info or pics ?

[Philippa C]

It seems Flame Tree Ridge will now be delivered in October 09 rather than June 09. Whispering Pines might also be delayed at the two projects were released at around the same time.

[Tojbas]

What is the status of this project? What are market valuations going for the project?

I have been offered a Sienna Lakes at -7% premium. Do you think it is a good buy? I really don't have any knowledge of this project so any help will be appreciated.

[Tojbas]

Sorry another thing, Is Sienna Lakes FIre, Water, Earth or Ice?

[jixline]

Phase B of the Jumeirah Golf Estates community is being redesigned because the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has introduced plans for a road to run through the project, reported The National. Phase B was originally designed in 2004 and is made up of villas, cottages and medium-rise apartment buildings surrounding the Water golf course, designed by the Fijian professional golfer Vijay Singh. Leisurecorp, which is developing the $10.8bn community, is working with the RTA and UK-based Mott MacDonald, the engineering consultant hired last year to manage Phase B, to work out a plan for transport connections.

http://www.ameinfo.com/178163.html

[Tojbas]

Any Sienna Lakes buyer?

I want to know how much has the project progressed? Is it a good buy at -10% premium? thanks.

[bizzybonita]

http://i42.tinypic.com/rkzdw3.jpg


Fireside


The external finishes works have commenced throughout the district with render, paint, roof tiling, garage door installation, and cast stone installation works all now under way.

Works to the boundary and plot walls around the first Villa is progressing and with the scaffolding removed we can really see how the villa looks again. The landscape works including the pool construction are also well advanced and B&B Italia’s Italian masons have arrived and started their works as well in this villa. The Block-work to the model villas is now complete, allowing plastering works to progress. MEP works to the model villas are also progressing with most works now finished in the first three villas that will allow B&B Italia to move in shortly and commence their work.

A large number of excavation works are now complete throughout the district with works to over 50 plots finished. Superstructure and Sub-structure works including basement walls and pad footings are progressing throughout the district.

Timber roof works have begun in the past weeks, with the roofing of the first model villa, including the roof sheeting and roof tiling, completed. Works will continue to progress onto the next villas.

Flame Tree Ridge

Sub-structure works have begun on over half of the plots in the district with a large number of the plots now fully excavated. We have also seen the casting of both grade slabs and first floor slabs in a number of the villas.

The first eight villa roof slabs have been cast which will allow timber roof works to commence shortly.

As the internal block work and plastering continues in the first few villas, you can really begin to appreciate the internal planning of the villas in the district. This coupled with the commanding views we are beginning to see from the terraces and bedrooms of the villas over the 18th greens of both the Fire and Earth courses is a truly impressive sight.

Whispering Pines

Works within phase B of Whispering Pines are progressing well, with in-ground services and blinding completed to the first plots, the placement of steel has commenced and we should see the first raft slab poured in this area within the week.

Super structure works continue to progress at a rapid pace. The excavation of garages and placement of pre-cast garage walls is also moving ahead throughout phase A where you can really start to get a feel of the streetscape. Timber roof construction has also recently started in this district, with framing to the first two villas already complete.

Block-work throughout the district is advancing well. MEP works are also moving along nicely in phase A of the district, as are internal plaster works which have now been completed in the first villas.

Finishes works including tiling and suspended ceilings works have also commenced with the cast stone window surrounds. The pools are scheduled to arrive and start being installed from late December.

Norman Clubhouse

The Norman Clubhouse is looking more impressive on almost a day by day basis; the concrete structure to the non-members and members areas is now very close to being complete. The revised interior design by our in-house team has been very well received and the interiors contractor is due for appointment in the coming weeks giving them the remaining 9 months of the contract to complete this fantastic building

Block-work to the lower ground floor is nearing completion and is progressing well onto the upper ground floor. The first fix MEP works are also continuing at a rapid pace on the lower ground and upper ground floors.

We will really start to see how this building will look from early in January. The commanding views of the driving range, both 18th golf holes of the Fire and Earth course and the Marina in the distance when you exit the building are a credit to the planning of this building and site planning within this project.

Tennis Academy

The structure to the Tennis Academy is now complete and roofing works are well progressed, with the aged roof tiles from Italy along with the authentic cast stone floors and original terracotta inserts that have commenced recently they will really add the finishing touches to this stunning little building.

All of the court walls are complete, and we should see the court surface start to be prepared in the coming month. The court surface we selected is the same one used at Flushing Meadows for the US Open.

MEP works are moving ahead and plastering works to the lower level are finished and progressing on the upper level. External finishing works are also proceeding, with external plastering now mostly complete and natural stone cladding works well under way.

European Tour Performance Institute

The site preparation works and excavations commenced this week.

This building will house the European Tour Players training base from time to time during the season and will be an industry-leading fully equipped centre for Golf as well as having facilities for the residents of Jumeirah Golf Estates. The entire specialist training and biometric swing bay equipment has been coordinated with the European Tour management during the development of the designs.

This information is correct as of the 28th November 2008.


http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/en/section/news-events/building-construction-updates-1

[bizzybonita]

http://i43.tinypic.com/2qlxq9h.jpg


The Race to Dubai began in Shanghai on the 6th of November and in less than one year’s time, the first tee shot will be struck in the Dubai World Championship, the world’s richest golf tournament. For such a momentous and historic tournament there is no more fitting a course than the Greg Norman designed Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates which will host the inaugural Championship event.

The top 60 players in The Race to Dubai – The European Tour season long competition - will be faced with a challenging, enduring and a ‘one-of-a-kind’ golf course. Never before has such a significant golf tournament been scheduled on a course that is being constructed to such a deadline. To this end, the agronomy team continues to work tirelessly on the Earth course maintaining the day to day requirements on the course and creating the peripheral landscape that is sure to add even more of a “wow” factor once complete. Although the grassing of the Earth course is complete and has been for some time, the attention to detail of the landscaping process that will continue over the next year will ensure the world’s golf elite have to be at their very best to win the Dubai World Championship next November.

Whether you are a professional, amateur or simply starting to learn the game of golf, there is no doubt that you would relish the opportunity to step onto a course that has not been played competitively. The top 60 golfers in The Race to Dubai will have this opportunity, what a day that will be!!

As we have seen much attention towards the Earth course over the past month with the beginning of the Race to Dubai and the Dubai World Championship ‘year out’ celebration, we also continue to remain on schedule to complete the grassing of the Greg Norman designed Fire course by the end of the year at the anticipated rate of one hole per week. With the grass being grown in our very own ‘on-site nursery’ and then strategically exported out onto the course, the Fire course is quickly transitioning from sculpted sand fairways to stunning, rolling grassed fairways. The Fire course, although a completely different playing proposition to the Earth course, is undoubtedly set to become equally iconic as its close neighbour!

This information is correct as of the 28th November 2008.

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/en/section/news-events/course-construction-updates-1

[FarzadFarshid]

they havent actually started my villa or anything near it, yet they are asking me to pay. i have already paid 20%. i thought the new law stopped them from collecting more than 20% until they start construction. My problem is as this is really a Nakheel project, and nakheel are in dire straits, would they finish this project or dump it. and if they want to dump it, would they manouver us into a default situation and cancel; this way they can terminate a lot of us, and then they have no obligation to refund us.
any help would be greatly appreciated

[Chakazoolu]

My colleague is a QC for JGE.
Work on the greg norman zone will be completed, however the 3 other courses have been put on hold, as well as work of the arabian canal for which they are accountable for.

He has work until the autumn and hopes that by that time they will go ahead with the other 3 courses.

[dubai_or_not]

My colleague is a QC for JGE.
Work on the greg norman zone will be completed, however the 3 other courses have been put on hold, as well as work of the arabian canal for which they are accountable for.

He has work until the autumn and hopes that by that time they will go ahead with the other 3 courses.

Hi - the Greg Norman courses are EARTH (where the final is in Nov-09) and FIRE, do you know if the FIRE Villa's are on hold?

PS What's a QC :?

[pauldxb]

Hi - the Greg Norman courses are EARTH (where the final is in Nov-09) and FIRE, do you know if the FIRE Villa's are on hold?

PS What's a QC :?

I have a villa on Sienna Lakes which is on Fire & I have been assured by Leisurecorp just last week that both Earth & Fire developments are on course. I was on the development last week & the developer has finished the basement & are half way through construction of my ground floor.

[Richard Head]

I have a villa on Sienna Lakes which is on Fire & I have been assured by Leisurecorp just last week that both Earth & Fire developments are on course. I was on the development last week & the developer has finished the basement & are half way through construction of my ground floor.

What happened? Fire brigade show up yet?

Sorry....................:cheers:

[dave.in.dubai]

I was up at the site recently as well.. I was actually impressed with whats going on up there. Having not been up there before and owning a couple of Whispering pines properties I was pretty happy. Both Earth and Fire courses already look great and I have no doubt that following an event such as the Dubai World Championship in november the premiums will be significant..Clubhouse is coming along nicely as well, absolutely massive... To my understanding no villas on Fire district are on hold...who is the developer of Sienna Lakes?

[Abeer_2112]

I own a villa in Sienna Lakes. I was at the site today and took some photos. We have paid 40% so far and from what I saw, they are nowhere near 40% done. Some sites are just excavated and about 5 villas only have reached level one. I would post the photos except I'm not sure how to. If someone could tell me would be great.

Also we just received a letter of termination of our contract from Tulip since we can no longer make payments as our money is tied up in other investments. We have tried to reason with the developer but they won't budge. I know of two other buyers with the same problem. Anyone else facing the same situation? Have you tried reasoning with Tulip? What was their response?
If you'd like to talk more about this, send me an email on abeer_2112 at hotmail dot com

[pauldxb]

I own a villa in Sienna Lakes. I was at the site today and took some photos. We have paid 40% so far and from what I saw, they are nowhere near 40% done. Some sites are just excavated and about 5 villas only have reached level one. I would post the photos except I'm not sure how to. If someone could tell me would be great.

Also we just received a letter of termination of our contract from Tulip since we can no longer make payments as our money is tied up in other investments. We have tried to reason with the developer but they won't budge. I know of two other buyers with the same problem. Anyone else facing the same situation? Have you tried reasoning with Tulip? What was their response?
If you'd like to talk more about this, send me an email on abeer_2112 at hotmail dot com


I would 100% send you an e mail but my e mail is presently down what villa no are you ? I also have cash tied up but we came to an agreement, im 50% paid already, are they keeping your money ????

[Abeer_2112]

I have sent one last email to Tulip in the hope of them reconsidering. Haven't gotten a reply yet. They said they will return 15% of what we paid so far but only after they sell the villa which will probably be never. Will keep you posted.

[pauldxb]

I have sent one last email to Tulip in the hope of them reconsidering. Haven't gotten a reply yet. They said they will return 15% of what we paid so far but only after they sell the villa which will probably be never. Will keep you posted.

Is your villa on the golf course itself ? How long were you in arrears before they terminated your contract ?

[france98]

Hi all:
First post for me. I own in JGE (Sanctuary Falls) and am a bit obsessed by getting as much info 'real time' as poss, now that I don't live in Dxb anymore. On SF specifically, the developers (Shaikh Hldgs) are reasonably good at updating owners, with quarterly newsletters with pics sent to us. The fact we also have the Bollywood 'Pitt-Jolie' equivalent as residents also helps with media updates! A friend of mine met with a very senior member of Leisurecorp (owners of JGE) last week. He was told if you can't afford to pay then not to worry, as all requests will be seriously looked at - either you defer payment or you can downgrade. However, my friend received a 'late notice invoice' after the meeting telling him he was late on payments! Oh well, welcome to Dxb! They just can't let owners default, as there will be too many. If you do decide to default, RERA (new regulatory authority) has passed a law saying the developer can keep upto 30% of all payments made to date, but must return the balance. On the Earth course, a few pros played the last 4 holes (now dubbed the Golden Mile of Golf) last month when they were over for the Desert Classic. Garcia, Clarke, Stenson, Rose amongst them. They said it was spectactular. Same friend as above got a tour around JGE and was gob-smacked at the quality of build (he looked into show villas already complete, and thought it was better than Emirates Hills!), and the Norman clubhouse is absolutely MASSIVE! Since a lot of Nakheel developments have been put on hold, they have transferred a lot of labourers to JGE. They just can't be late, as on 19th Nov09 all the golfing eyes will be on the Earth Course. On SF, Arabtec now have over 600 workers on site, the show villa is ready in Apr09, with handover commencing Nov09. If you have a golf course front on Earth course, your house HAS to be ready, as the tv cameras roll it just can't be a building site. Hope this helps. Will post the JGE newsletter out today if I can copy paste!

[Parisian Girl]

UK firms win world biggest paving deal in UAE

http://i40.tinypic.com/24c60zp.jpg

3 March, 2009

By Roxane McMeeken

Jumeirah Golf Estates specify Hanson Formpave system for 250,000m² golfing estate

This week’s “world biggest” from the UAE is, wait for it, the largest permeable paving contract. The whopper paving deal to cover an area a quarter of a million metres squared has been won by in Dubai by a joint venture between two British firms. Hanson Formpave and WT Burden Middle East will be paving a giant golfing complex which includes a course designed by Greg Norman.

The client Jumeirah Golf Estates, has specified Hanson Formpave’s total Aquaflow system and all its component parts including the Formpave Inbitex geotextile and Formpave SC Integrid, which make up what the two firms call the SUDS solution.

The 250,000 m² of permeable paving is being produced in Sharjah, UAE, with implementation due to start next month.

Steve Spikes, development director at Hanson Formpave said the contract was “a real achievement and testament to the hard work and efforts from our sales, design and production team. This installation in Dubai reflects the proven performance, versatility and durability of our permeable paving and SUDS solution.”

Jumeirah Gold Estates comprises luxury housing, four championship golf courses based on the themes of earth, wind, fire and water. Course designers besides Norman include Vijay Singh, Sergio Garcia and golf course design expert Pete Dye. The Earth course designed by Norman is to host what the organisers are billing as the richest tournament in golf in November, the Dubai World Championship, which is the highlight of the Race to Dubai golf event (http://www.race-to-dubai.com/)

http://www.building.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=284&storycode=3135228&c=3

[Daflanger]

I own a Villa in Sienna Lakes and I have asked Tulip to delay my payments cause we are in a very bad cash flow situation and replied by sending us a termination letter!!! Nice!

Now we are talking to RERA to resolve the situation

[xingu]

If you have a golf course front on Earth course, your house HAS to be ready, as the tv cameras roll it just can't be a building site.

This is untrue, I was at the site in Decemeber and there is no way all the villas will be ready.

My tour guide told me they had considered using false frontage (akin to a bid advertising hording) for the ones that won't be done but had scrapped the idea.

[france98]

To clarify my earlier comment, any house which has direct views and access onto the Earth Course (i.e. not the lake views, etc.) will be complete by Nov09. Now, the definition of complete is wide, especially in Dxb! So expect no-one to really have moved in, but Leisurecorp have said that the external, garden and interiors will be completed, on the houses overlooking the Earth Course. You may not have had handover though, but for all tv viewers, they would look 'complete'. I heard the false frontage will be done to the lake views houses, etc. I was on the site late last month - the course is finished, and houses are popping up at a remarkable speed. Remember the below-the-ground works take the longest, so it does look a mess right now.

[Daflanger]

So who here bought into the Sienna Lakes project? We need your help. PM me please

[pauldxb]

So who here bought into the Sienna Lakes project? We need your help. PM me please

I bought a villa on Sienna Lakes last April... How much % have you already put down ? Where on the course was your villa ?

[Daflanger]

I already put 40%. I have been trying to negotiate a way out of the crunch with Tulip cause we cannot get the financing any more! But Tulip have responded with a Termination Letter??

So now I am trying on last time and then I will go straight to RERA

I want to keep the Villa but I cannot pay now and want to defer the payments

Are you in the same situation?

[pauldxb]

I already put 40%. I have been trying to negotiate a way out of the crunch with Tulip cause we cannot get the financing any more! But Tulip have responded with a Termination Letter??

So now I am trying on last time and then I will go straight to RERA

I want to keep the Villa but I cannot pay now and want to defer the payments

Are you in the same situation?


No i am 50% down so far & i think i should be ok ive managed to re-negotiate my final payment to 20% which helps slightly

Best Of Luck

[Daflanger]

Today I met with Tulip and I have to say they are amazing and very understanding... something quite refreshing

I am working on re-negotiating the contract and they have given me many options, they were very helpful and I would advise all to work with them as they are ready to help

[dubai_or_not]

I have today received a confirmation email from Jumeirah Golf Estates / Leisurecorp about the cancellation of my contract. I've paid 20% so far. :cheers: :nuts: :cheers: :nuts: :cheers:

I'd like to know if anyone else on this forum has purchased from Leisurecorp, and if they any stories or experience they would like to share - either on this forum or personal mail...

Many thanks.

[france98]

Sorry to hear of this. What does cancellation mean? Is the project being cancelled or are you in default? Why are they cancelling? Do you get your money back? Are Leisurecorp the sub-developers of Valencia Grove? Sorry about the Qs. A good friend who owns in Juniper Way (Lcorp are sub-developers) has received a final invoice for his next payment, despite him meeting with them and they being very supportive and understanding of the market situation (i.e. no new mortgages, construction delays, etc.). Hope it all works out for you and similar investors.

[Julito-dubai]

http://www.jumeirahgolfestates.com/news/building-construction-updates-1/

update

[celticmonkey]

Daflanger:
Today I met with Tulip and I have to say they are amazing and very understanding... something quite refreshing

I am working on re-negotiating the contract and they have given me many options, they were very helpful and I would advise all to work with them as they are ready to help:


What options did they give you? I have a villa there and would appreciate a heads up as to what to expect.
well done on your negotiation.
cm

[pauldxb]

have any villa owners been on the site recently ? I am eagerly awaiting hadover as if Tulip keep to their word then i think that Sienna Lakes villas will be amazing as im sure all JGE villas will be

[celticmonkey]

completion for phase 1 in sienna lakes is January 2010. Completion for phase 2 in Sienna Lakes is March end 2010.

The only issue I see with Sienna lakes is the pool area will be in the shade 90% of the day! (for most villas anyway)

[dubai_or_not]

Someday JGE will be amazing...

Does anyone know which FIRE villa projects are going ahead and ones are cancelled/delayed ?

[xingu]

The updates on the above site make me lol.

Laing have said they will make no further progress on the clubhouse until they are paid, apart from using materials on site.

David Spencer, head of Leisurecorp was let go yesterday, that raises serious questions about the tournament in November.

If it happens it will be in a huge tented village!

[dubai_or_not]

http://www.golfweek.com/protours/euro/story/leisurecorp-dubai-news-051209

‘Race’ ends for Leisurecorp’s Spencer
By ALISTAIR TAIT
Senior Writer

David Spencer, the architect behind Leisurecorp’s partnership with the PGA European Tour and the season-ending “Race to Dubai,’’ is out as chief executive of the high-end development company.

Spencer, the public face of Leisurecorp’s golf activities, became redundant after parent company Nakheel, a real-estate developer in the United Arab Emirates, assumed the day-to-day running of Leisurecorp. Spencer, an Australian, is on medical leave. According to a story in the UAE-based newspaper The National, he will continue in a consulting role through the British Open in July and the Dubai World Championship in November. Spencer’s role is thought to have been reduced to 10 hours per week.

The move, plus the suspension of Leisurecorp’s flagship development Jumeirah Estates in Dubai, throws into question the longterm future of the European Tour’s “Race to Dubai.’’ Tour officials reached by Golfweek would not comment, deferring to a Nakheel statement.

Nakheel said its commitment to golf would continue.

“While the real estate activities of Leisurecorp are part of Dubai World’s current consolidation, Leisurecorp’s golf business activities continue as usual,’’ Nakheel said in a statement. “Due to ongoing health reasons, David Spencer is currently on medical leave although he continues to be closely involved with Leisurecorp’s golf activities.’’

Leisurecorp has pledged $178 million to the European Tour over the next five years. The money is for the naming rights to the Order of Merit and the Dubai World Championship, the Tour’s season finale held on the Greg Norman-designed Earth course.

The top 60 players on the European Tour’s money list, the “Race to Dubai,” will compete each year for a $10 million prize fund, with a further $10 million bonus pool to the top 15 on the Race to Dubai.

The extra $78 million consists of a treasure chest available to the European Tour.

Leisurecorp also owns Turnberry, site of this year’s British Open, and is backing the European Open at The London Club on May 28-31.

Jumeirah Estates has postponed construction of two of four planned courses, citing the ongoing economic downturn.

The Earth was the first course to be completed. A second Norman-designed course, the Fire, also has been finished. The Wind and the Water courses are on hold.

“The focus for us this year has been to complete the two courses which are capable of staging the Dubai World Championship, and we have achieved that,” Leisurecorp marketing director Colin Smith told The National.

“We will move on from there when the market is right,’’ Smith said. “It is too early to say at the moment when that will be. We will see where the world is in a few months’ time. It’s normal for people all around the world to re-evaluate projects because of the financial climate. And we are doing exactly that.”

The European Tour would not comment when contacted by Golfweek, deferring to Nakheel’s official statement. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson and other members of his team could not be reached.

[france98]

I visited the site last weekend. Sanctuary Falls is coming along nicely, with show villa ready in 6-8 weeks. They are decking it up quite outrageously, incl. a cinema room in the basement with chairs that move and tilt depending on the movie scene - if that takes your fancy! Structure and foundation done, and it is hard to believe they will complete this over the summer, but the longest house build stage are the foundations. As I have a non-golf course view, this is due to handover in MAR10. The golf course villas they continue to say will be completed in NOV09. The Earth Course is superb, complete and ready for play - something about greenery in the middle of the desert. The place is one helluva construction site, with literally thousands of Arabtec workers like ants around a dropped piece of bbq-ed chicken. Other developments: Juniper Way not started, Olive Point is well on its way, Lime Tree Valley finished (show villa, although smallish (well 4,500 sq ft!) and with a small garden is very well finished), Fireside advancing, the massive shadow of Clubhouse is not nearly finished, no work on Golf Academy / European Tour Centre to date. One thing I did notice was the smallish plots of land. Apparently this is deliberate to: 1) get more homes in the plots; and 2) get homeowners to use the communal facilities, such as clubhouse, tennis courts, commercial shops, etc. Post-recession this will be a lovely place to live. New flyover being built which means you won't have to use Green Community roundabout. JGE golf membership fees supposedly out mid May - will keep you posted. Leisurecorp have released their CEO (see prior post) and Nakheel have taken over responsibilities. Also, Nakheel have announced they did receive some bail-out money from Dubai Govt.

[GCI_DXB]

Guys. I am looking to track down the last remaining investors in Olive Point in Jumeirah Golf Estates. Please contact me if you are an owner. thanks

[Parisian Girl]

http://i39.tinypic.com/21cd0s7.jpg

Jumeirah Golf Estates sewage plant deal

by Elsa Baxter May 26, 2009

Nakheel has announced the successful restructuring of a contract with Suez Environnement - Degremont and Besix, to design, build and operate a sewage treatment plant (STP) at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The agreement provides for the re-engineering and re-programming of the project to better suit the revised population needs in Dubai.

The firms have jointly agreed to cooperate on a 30-year long-term partnership basis for the development of 50% of the present capacity of the 220,000 m3 per day plant.

“Nakheel is committed to working with the best partners to deliver long term, sustainable results across our portfolio of projects,” said Abdulrahman Kalantar, managing director, Nakheel Asset Management & Design.

“The restructured agreement for the state-of-the-art STP at Jumeirah Golf Estates will consolidate the long term cooperation and commitment of all the partners on this project and ensure we match supply and demand in the most effective way.

Nakheel said a temporary STP is due to be commissioned in the coming weeks to deal with early flows and that the critical networks have been completed and the engineering of the first two phases of the permanent STP are underway.

The plant utilises Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technology to produce high quality effluent, which will be used for landscape irrigation and make up water for district cooling, the company said.

Jumeirah Golf Estates will include four golf courses surrounded by master-planned neighbourhoods. The four estates are named Fire, Earth, Wind and Water.

http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-5342-jumeirah_golf_estates_sewage_plant_deal/

[pauldxb]

I was on JGE last week & the development is coming together nicely, it will be tight for the tournament but i think they will make it, what is more concerning is the fact that ive heard a rumour that DEWA are not ready to connect to JGE until January

[france98]

Visited JGE on Saturday. All guns blazing on a number of developments (Flame Tree Ridge, Olive Point, Lime Tree Valley, Sanctuary Falls, Fireside, Whispering Pines). As mentioned above, I hear DEWA will only connect in DEC09, which means generators will be used before then. I also hear the Clubhouse may not be complete (with relevant municipality sign-offs) for the golf tournament in NOV09, so they may prepare huge modern, VIP tents for players and hospitality. If you've been to the Dubai World Cup horse racing, you would have maybe seen them - look plush, with parquet flooring, A/c, etc. Roads are being built. The Sanctuary Falls show villa is late and be ready end SEP09, with handover of villas 1Q10.

[Philippa C]

What's the likely resale value of a flame tree ridge villla purchaased at 8.9 mil in oct 07? Anyone??

[celticmonkey]

flame tree ridge OP - 25% I would say. check www.gulfnews.com property section and see what is on the market.

[Philippa C]

Thanks, that's quite a loss. Maybe htey'll be back to Op when completed??

[france98]

A good website for prices is www.alineah.com. It is meant to be a 'real time' data info source. JGE prices have been stuck at Dhs 1,886 per sq ft for some time, which shows the dormant nature of off-plan sales. We all live in hope that the Race to Dubai golf tournament in Nov will showcase Dubai well.

[dubaiwatch]

Hello france 98:

Are u a resident in SF? and whats ur take on the development / construction progress? they seem to have a lot on offer compared to most other developments in JGE.

Am in talks with them, but wanted to get some more info.

thanks!

[celticmonkey]

olive point gets my vote. Tulip (developers) are progressing good. Hope to get a site visit soon. will update

[france98]

Hello france 98:

Are u a resident in SF? and whats ur take on the development / construction progress? they seem to have a lot on offer compared to most other developments in JGE.

Am in talks with them, but wanted to get some more info.

thanks!

Hi Dubaiwatch:
Yes I was 1 of the first to buy in July 07 in SF. Met with and in fairly regular dialogue with developers Shaikh Holdings. I find them to be very transparent, and available to assist with site visits. Also agree with prior blog on Tulip (developing Olive Point), but I think the difference will be in the finishings and feel of development. Shaikh H are upgrading nearly everything - they don't have to do this, but with the mood so downbeat, and prices for luxury-type items reduced, they are able to pick up such items are good wholesale prices. So all bathrooms are villeroy & bosch (big deal I hear you say, but they're making an effort), home automated systems has been specifically designed for SF, cabling upgraded, etc. Construction is of course behind, but they are trying to start delivery prior to year-end. The show villa is outrageous, both in terms of size and fit-out. Ready end of Sept. I spent some time understanding the Earth Course JGE developments, and opted for SF as its something special and all homes are 5 or 6-bed with a resort-like build. Any other queries, pl ask. I would go for SF anytime! I'm sure the end result will be fabulous.

[celticmonkey]

Did SF give investors any discout or help with the payment plan ?

[france98]

Did SF give investors any discout or help with the payment plan ?

Don't think so. When they first came on the market in JUL07, HSBC provided the mortgage, and it was payments made to dates, not progress, with only 15% payable on completion. So I've paid 85% (with cash and HSBC mortgage) to date and it's certainly not 85% complete! Some other investors may have more favourable terms if they came in later on. They (Shaikh Holdings) seem to me to be a professional outfit to deal with, and call a spade a spade, so better to ask them? Have they mentioned any completion dates? Thanks.

[bizzybonita]

http://rpdubai.ae/rpdubai/SharedFolder/ProgressIndicator/617_4423.jpg

http://rpdubai.ae/rpdubai/SharedFolder/ProgressIndicator/174_4514.jpg

[celticmonkey]

Thanks for that BizzBonita,
As you know those photos were from end of June. Tulip are releasing both Sienna Lakes and Olive point in 3 phases. Phase one will be handed over in January 2010 and phase 3 by August 2010. Think it would be best to be in Phase 3 so when you get delivery all houses are complete rather than living in a construction site. Plus the market may have returned close to OP by then one would hope.

[jge2013]

just went to JGE. the villas are progressing well. 'specially Lime Tree Valley. seems almost done. just add the road and grassing it should look nice.

[pauldxb]

Thanks for that BizzBonita,
As you know those photos were from end of June. Tulip are releasing both Sienna Lakes and Olive point in 3 phases. Phase one will be handed over in January 2010 and phase 3 by August 2010. Think it would be best to be in Phase 3 so when you get delivery all houses are complete rather than living in a construction site. Plus the market may have returned close to OP by then one would hope.

^^

Just got confirmation my SL villa will be ready in Jan 2010

[Dubaiiscool:)]

Dubai: As the 50-day countdown begins, the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World continues to be a major draw for leading international and regional companies, with Land Rover the latest big name to announce its support of the tournament.

The Dubai World Championship takes place at Jumeirah Golf Estates from November 19-22, 2009 and provides the thrilling climax to The Race to Dubai The European Tour's season-long competition which takes in 50 golf tournaments in 27 destinations around the world.

As Official Vehicle Sponsor Land Rover, together with its exclusive importer Al Tayer Motors, will provide a fleet of luxury Land Rovers and Range Rovers to transport the 60 qualifiers from The Race to Dubai in style during their stay in Dubai.

This world-class field, which will be competing on the Greg Norman-designed Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates for the first time, includes current Race leader from Germany Martin Kaymer, Spain's Sergio Garcia, England's Lee Westwood, Ireland's Padraig Harrington, South Africa's Ernie Els, Australia's Geoff Ogilvy, Sweden's Henrik Stenson, Colombia's Camilo Villegas, Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and India's Jeev Milkha Singh.

Land Rover joins a growing list of world-renowned brands to partner with tournament hosts Leisurecorp, a division of Nakheel Leisure, including DP World (Presenting Sponsor), Rolex (Premier Sponsor), CNN (Media Partner), Polo Ralph Lauren (Official Outfitter), Atlantis (Official Hotel), and ITP (Official Publisher).

Hamza Mustafa, Managing Director, Nakheel Leisure, said: "With 50 days to go until the inaugural tournament, the Dubai World Championship ... is cementing its place on the international sporting calendar in a challenging marketplace with the support of several world class brands."

http://www.gulfnews.com/sport/Motor_Racing/10353719.html

[Chakazoolu]

I drove onto JGE from emirates road this week. Is this gonna be the entrance for all the top golfing stars? Not a good first impressions i must sa. Trying to push myself between all the trucks which were gridlocked in the slow lane. Then onto some dirt track among all the sand, steel and clutter.

Yep they will need the land rovers alright, hehe!

What I also noticed, was a large green patch (I think grass) next to emirates road, can also see it in recent satellite pic. Not sure why they would make this area green so early as the other courses are on hold?

[celticmonkey]

so many projects here are on hold, never started or will never complete. Those of us with properties here bought a lifestyle. even if your development gets finished the effect of the others not completing will have a direct impact on the project as a whole. JGE sent out a letter inviting people who do not own a property to join the golf club!! this was meant to be exclusive to property owners and even then a limited number !!

Access is a huge issue. Yes they are working on it but with 50 days to go a nightmare will begin for the tournament. How many players will miss tee off times or shorten practice due to arriving late. this will reflect in the overall impression of the development. This could be the one that sees Dubai get some renewed bad press. fingers crossed it all goes well but its a long shot and alot of luck needed!

[Philippa C]

The stretch of road where JGE is situated is very unappealing with so much construction under way. With the water and wind phases "on hold" I feel the end product is not going to be what we were sold -the uniqueness of having 4 golf courses in one development was one of the selling points. JGE spent too much money on glossy brochures, finest quality paper and having every minor communication delivered by courier instead of doing more work on site!

[Chakazoolu]

this is right next door to DIP, and all trucks from jebel ali port come past. Unless they re direct trucks to Dubai bypass, then trucks will always be a problem.

[celticmonkey]

The height of the problem will be highlighted when the WGC is on this November. I predict a complete disaster in terms of traffic, car parking, distances that need to be walked to enter gates and general set up. Pay peanuts get monkeys... in this case pay a fortune and get sheep!! where one goes they all go, yes boss yes boss

[Philippa C]

this is right next door to DIP, and all trucks from jebel ali port come past. Unless they re direct trucks to Dubai bypass, then trucks will always be a problem.


I'm pretty sure there are plans to introduce a Salik toll on Emirates Rd (when I don't know) but this would be one way to force trucks to use the Bypass Rd

[Philippa C]

The height of the problem will be highlighted when the WGC is on this November. I predict a complete disaster in terms of traffic, car parking, distances that need to be walked to enter gates and general set up. Pay peanuts get monkeys... in this case pay a fortune and get sheep!! where one goes they all go, yes boss yes boss

Everything looks so great in the brochures; I particularly like the "Ceremonial Gates" at the moment it's a dirt track:-(

[azlan ricardo]

Don't panic; the main entrance to DWC is via the new connection to Al Quail Road. Car parks are in place, grandstands are being erected, and both courses are looking spectacular.

[Dazza101]

Agreed, if anyone actually gets the chance to get on site, things are looking great, clubhouse road is pretty much there, grandstands going up, hospitality done on the 18th green and looks amazing. Courses, needless to say look fantastic. Temporary clubhouse building next to Norman clubhouse is impressive as well. Public Car park is done and as I understand it traffic flow wont be an issue as exit is through IMPZ.

[azlan ricardo]

There's a DWC site where they seem to be posting updates and photos of the tournament build.

http://twitter.com/dwchampionship

[Parisian Girl]

http://i37.tinypic.com/2j2731l.jpg
The first villas are expected during H1 2010

Jumeirah Golf Estates courses on hold

by James Boley on Nov 2, 2009

A spokesperson for Jumeirah Golf Estates has confirmed that the Wind and Water courses at the Leisurecorp development are on hold until further notice.

Speaking exclusively to Construction Week, a spokesperson said the courses were part of the long-term plan for the development but would only be considered when it was deemed economically appropriate.

“Wind and Water are still part of the long-term plan, but we’re evaluating when we’ll begin on those, according to market conditions,” he said. Wind was designed by Sergio Garcia, Greg Norman and Pete Dye, while Water was designed by Vijay Singh.

The spokesperson said that the company had not sold anything on the proposed courses, saying that efforts had been focused on the Greg Norman-designed Fire and Earth courses, both of which open on December 1.

“We’ve decided it’s not wise to sell on Wind and Water yet, so we won’t be doing so,” he said.

The spokesperson also confirmed that the first residential developments on Earth and Fire at Jumeirah Golf Estates were expected to be ready for handover during H1 2010, and that 90% of properties had already been sold.

The Earth course will get its world premiere as the venue for the Dubai World Championship on November 19-22.

http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-6798-jumeirah-golf-estates-courses-on-hold/

[azlan ricardo]

This was in The National at the start of the year. It would be stupid to start construction if they haven't sold any houses in the phase yet.

[Imre]

“We’ve decided it’s not wise to sell on Wind and Water yet, so we won’t be doing so,” he said.

The spokesperson also confirmed that the first residential developments on Earth and Fire at Jumeirah Golf Estates were expected to be ready for handover during H1 2010, and that 90% of properties had already been sold.


if they wanted to sell it who would buy? :lol:

[azlan ricardo]

if they wanted to sell it who would buy? :lol:

I think that's the point.

[pauldxb]

Just got back from JGE for the Championships, it was excellent !

[SkyscraperCity man]

Yes, they have done very very well! Congrats guys!

[Chakazoolu]

Yeah me too, was superb! And what a view of the Dubai skyline at sunset and after sunset.. with Dubai Marina / JLT and the Burj Dubai lit up.

[Parisian Girl]

if they wanted to sell it who would buy? :lol:

:lol: :D

[Parisian Girl]

Developer set to hand over AED1.2bn golf projects in 2010

by Andy Sambidge on Tuesday, 24 November 2009

http://i46.tinypic.com/zjukxx.jpg
GOLF VILLAS: Work continues at Olive Point.

Developer Tulip has announced that it will hand over its two high-end luxury residential developments in Jumeirah Golf Estates – Olive Point and Sienna Lakes – in 2010.

The AED1.2bn projects, which together will offer 111 villas to investors ranging from four to six bedrooms, are in the final stages of construction, the developer added.

Commenting on the progress of the projects, Masoud Sangi, president, Tulip Business Developers said: “The construction of project is progressing in full swing. We are very much on schedule in tandem with the milestones chalked out by us.”

He said Tulip had invested its own finances in the development of the project as part of its commitment to investors to deliver the projects as scheduled.

“We believe in the potential of Dubai as a premier lifestyle-related investment destination and all our projects reflect this view which has shaped our business strategy in real estate development. We are confident that the future is bright for Dubai and the emirate’s property market is on the way to recovery sooner than expected,” Sangi added.

He said 60 percent of the construction of both the projects was complete and Tulip was gearing up to offer the projects for occupancy next year.

“The villas at Olive Point and Sienna Lakes have been developed as the most desirable properties in Dubai. For both the developments, we have partnered with globally recognised luxury brands. Our vision is to create a community of homes, in which families can enjoy the beauty of and ambience of a golf community in modern and stylish villas with an array of premium amenities,” Sangi said.

Sienna Lakes is located on the Fire course designed by golf legend Greg Norman while Olive point is located on the Earth course which last weekend hosted the Dubai World Championship.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/574398-developer-set-to-hand-over-aed12bn-golf-projects-in-2010

[france98]

As previously posted, excellent tourney. JGE members were given access to the tennis academy (Chris Evert - remember the Greg Norman connection!) and it was fine. The temporary clubhouse overlooking the practice facilities and 18th was also good. Next year's tourney will be awesome. Houses coming along great on most developments. All in all, great to see Dubai stepping up (not from debt repayment profile, as was announced today) on sports entertainment and showing it can hold a world class golf show over 4 days.

[celticmonkey]

I must say the WGC was a great event. How i got them so wrong! well done to the organisers, car parking was fine, entry exit worked well. A little more shade in the village would be welcomed but now i am getting picky. good job folks. Olive point is going great and sienna lakes could be a hidden gem. Tulip working well.... will it continue?

[kevin_1980in]

if they wanted to sell it who would buy? :lol:

agree :D

[celticmonkey]

OLIVE POINT TO HAND OVER IN 2010.... thats a pretty specific time frame... hay they got 12 months to play with!!

[kevin_1980in]

Any update on Sienna Lakes?

[kabaddi_player101]

Hello all, just played my first round of golf at JGE on the earth course... have to say one of the best courses i've played on...

[kabaddi_player101]

I'm looking at buying a villa in JGE, any suggestions on which development is good?

[docc]

I believe Sanctuary Falls is the best. Sienna Lakes also seems to be pretty popular. I'd advise you to take a look at their website which is jumeirahgolfestates.com since they have details about the different precincts as well as individual styles and floor plans.

[pauldxb]

Any update on Sienna Lakes?

Realisticly you are looking at May / Early june

What villa number are you ? I was on site last week, villas are starting to look nice on the outside but as DEWA & JGE are still arguing re: payment DEWA wont be connected until early Feb, when finished though it is going to be stunning.

[pauldxb]

I believe Sanctuary Falls is the best. Sienna Lakes also seems to be pretty popular. I'd advise you to take a look at their website which is jumeirahgolfestates.com since they have details about the different precincts as well as individual styles and floor plans.

Sienna Lakes :banana:

[france98]

Sienna Lakes :banana:

Sanctuary Falls get my vote.

[docc]

I don't own there so i have no idea, but you guys should probably give your reasons for your preference as that would be a lot easier to understand.

[Dazza101]

As far as I understand it all the districts within the Estates are of equal quality in terms of finishings etc.. which is set way above the standards more commonly found in Dubai! By all accounts the Master Developer (which as far as I can make out is now Nakheel) who are building some of the districts have outlined guidelines that the sub developers must meet so all districts are keeping the same continuity of standards. Guess at the end of the day its comes down to other factors such as the sort of view the properties have, proximatey to the clubhouse or the size of villa that distinguishes the different districts and it would be these factors that I suggest looking at when you are choosing a district.

I have seen the whispering pines finished villa, the Fireside finished villa (during teh tournament) and the Lime Tree villa. All are of a very high equal standard as i am sure the villas in Siena views, olive point , sanct falls etc... will be.

On a seperate note, the Fire course is now open and I strongly advise if you have access through membership or get the chance to play as a members guest you take it up... It is a cracking golf course which i am sure will only get better in the coming months as it beds in a bit more!

[docc]

Does anyone have any pictures of any of the completed villas? It'd be nice to see what they look like.

I've seen the completed Lime Tree villa and yes, it's definitely very nice but the access and the construction all around was a bit of a turn off.

Still, in a few years, i think it will be one of the most sought after areas for luxury living. Btw, does anyone know what the plan is for the interchange near JGE that is constantly used by trucks?

[sulien]

Travelling to Dubai next week to view Sienna Lakes with Tulip Developers. Any advice would be appreciated.