^^ Piling and digging can be done simultaneously, however the perimeter wall has to be done first (at least before digging start).

grat news Imre :), Damac Heights is my 2nd favourite tower in the TB :cheers:

grat news Imre :), Damac Heights is my 2nd favourite tower in the TB :cheers:

which is the first?:)

My best of Dubai Marina:

1.Ocean Heights
2.Damac Heights
3.-4. Al Fattan Marina Towers - The Pentominium

5/Sept/2008

Damac Heights

http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/144/imresolt028jl6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/8598/imresolt029mo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/3840/imresolt030qm3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8209/imresolt031hd6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^Surprised to see Infinity missing on your list of fav .

oh i see "ZETAS" ! so we except alot of time only for Ground Work . a year n half or maybe more ...

8 mounths for elite residence.....:wallbash:

^^ That's normal, actually quite fast compared to others maybe

8 mounths for elite residence.....:wallbash:

ZETAS worked very fast in there, the problem was with Arabtec mobilising on site after the piling was completed.

Elite Residence contractor is the ACC, not the Arabtec.

ZETAS worked very fast in there, the problem was with Arabtec mobilising on site after the piling was completed.

Sure! Piling finished in october 2007, and just now we see a crane! Tameer does not inform purchasers in any way, no update, nothing!!!

Why 98? Why not just go for 100? Its prestigious saying 100 F tower....98 F tower, not so much.

The 2 floors doesn't matter. Design is much more important !!! :eek:

How dare you! Gasp....Sputter....Ughhhh....Size does matter! :D

http://i36.tinypic.com/2vi615d.jpg

wooh look at all the action in that pic

Hope, this one will start soon !!

Infinity is out of ground !! Reason enough...

http://i35.tinypic.com/2a6topi.jpg

Is this still going ahead? Were enough sales made for Damac to afford to build it?

Is this still going ahead? Were enough sales made for Damac to afford to build it?

If you listen to salesman for Damac they might tell you there is no credit crunch and they are well sold on this one I suspect 50% sold on what is released but how much is released ??

I doubt this will go ahead now with that little sales. Move to the on hold section?

Lets see and wait !! Think work will start if the whole Infinity Tower is out of ground. Not only the core !

Zetas there, I saw workers at the site last week.this will be built , I am sure.

^^Nice :okay: :master:

http://i35.tinypic.com/11sctv5.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/aadgmd.jpg

Auf gehts, ab gehts - drei Tage wach !! :D:D:D:D

According to emporis website, the height is now

100 floors
426 meters !!

Change title please !! Thx

and it's for sure, got an e-mail

delete

27/December/2008

Damac Heights

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/5317/imresolt45oe9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/75/imresolt46ql4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6774/imresolt53ao4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/3640/imresolt54zc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Well spotted Imre.

Piling contractor mobilised to site. Good sign.

bad news, it seems that the ZETAS left the site, new piling contractor or ON HOLD ?

08/January/2009

Damac Heights

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7214/imresolt066re6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7509/imresolt067mh8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/301/imresolt071zu4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/1585/imresolt074ut4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

On Hold pls:)

Well done damac

Damac Heights project design being revised

By Sona Nambiar on 1/15/2009

The detailed design of the Damac Heights project is being revised, said a senior Damac official yesterday. Meanwhile, Zetas, the enabling contractor, has demobilised from the site, the developer told Emirates Business.

"The Damac Heights development phase has been completed and we are now revisiting some detailed design work for modification and enhancements. While this work is ongoing, our enabling contractor has demobilised from site," said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications, Damac Holding. "We hope to recommence enabling works in the not too distant future."

In July 2008, Damac appointed Zetas ATS Foundation Technology as the enabling works contractor for the project in Dubai Marina.

http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/1/Pages/01152009_0258bb272c964ba3ad9f9a06c2ea425e.aspx

Damac Heights project design being revised

By Sona Nambiar on 1/15/2009

The detailed design of the Damac Heights project is being revised, said a senior Damac official yesterday. Meanwhile, Zetas, the enabling contractor, has demobilised from the site, the developer told Emirates Business.

"The Damac Heights development phase has been completed and we are now revisiting some detailed design work for modification and enhancements. While this work is ongoing, our enabling contractor has demobilised from site," said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications, Damac Holding. "We hope to recommence enabling works in the not too distant future."

In July 2008, Damac appointed Zetas ATS Foundation Technology as the enabling works contractor for the project in Dubai Marina.

http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/1/Pages/01152009_0258bb272c964ba3ad9f9a06c2ea425e.aspx

hopefully 500m+ and 100fl+

Hopefully NOT 35 floors and 150 meters.

^^No chance !! It's the tallest block !! Defenetly over 300 meters !!

Credit Crunch should be over in 1-2 years ! Than they can start !!

hopefully 500m+ and 100fl+

That sounds just like a dream to me Imre :drool:

^^ No chance !! It's the tallest block !! Defenetly over 300 meters !!

Couldn't agree more. Tallest block will demand anything upwards of 300m-500m. Anything less will look out of place imo.

Damac Heights project design being revised

By Sona Nambiar on 1/15/2009

The detailed design of the Damac Heights project is being revised, said a senior Damac official yesterday. Meanwhile, Zetas, the enabling contractor, has demobilised from the site, the developer told Emirates Business.

"The Damac Heights development phase has been completed and we are now revisiting some detailed design work for modification and enhancements. While this work is ongoing, our enabling contractor has demobilised from site," said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice-President, Corporate Communications, Damac Holding. "We hope to recommence enabling works in the not too distant future."

In July 2008, Damac appointed Zetas ATS Foundation Technology as the enabling works contractor for the project in Dubai Marina.

http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/1/Pages/01152009_0258bb272c964ba3ad9f9a06c2ea425e.aspx

That is a polite way of saying: "we have run out of money, stopped the entire project, and maybe sometime, if ever, we might resume it at a reduced scale"!

not on hold you mistake
they worry next twist
will 426m 103floors
just think about back uc in march
they sold around cost 31,000,000 31 of 317 unit

not on hold you mistake
they worry next twist
will 426m 103floors
just think about back uc in march
they sold around cost 31,000,000 31 of 317 unit

WTF??? Bizzy has a challenger !!!!

yes but no
wedsite said

^^Here What you need Sir !

http://i44.tinypic.com/5tt5.jpg

lol, let's watch the entertainment now :lol:

^^:nuts:

I don't know what to say. It's like the regional heats of the world total and utter irrational nonsense championships, and the skyscrapercity.com team is in great shape for first and second place. Maybe Smussuw can add it to the list of "world records" in his sig once these guys bring home the trophy. Love it. Go Bizzy and Jacob :cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

08/February/2009

Damac Heights, plot

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/7091/imresolt040ly3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1161/imresolt055mi9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Dohhhhhhhhhhhh :doh: *narf*

Dear investors,
somebody now if we have the right to get the money back from Damac?

regards

Marcopedroso

You do have the right, but on moral grounds, you should let them keep it as a token jesture. Damac needs our money more than every before now. Please donate generously.

Not likely to be built anytime soon. Even if it was, it wouldn't be completed for at least 4/5 years. Move your funds elsewhere.
I would suggest that if they don't refund then buy one of their finished or nearly finished apartments. At least you can start getting some return on it.
Check their website for offers. http://www.damacproperties.com/index.php

^^ I really hope you're joking. This time next year, DAMAC will not exist, and any of their management who were not smart enough to bail yet, will be in jail, or a concrete coffin. It's just unbelievable that it took everyone so long to wake up to what is really happening here.

Wonder what happened to the dude that won the private jet when he bought his apartment.

^^ So what will happen to ocean heights as the fastest tower in the marina?
At least they're building something.

^^ So what will happen to ocean heights as the fastest tower in the marina?
At least they're building something.



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dear investors,
is there a law that discipline the right and the way to get money back from developer when the project don't start?

thank you

marcopedroso

So rera are saying that this is undergoing redesign instead of cancellation

http://www.rpdubai.com/rpdubai/SharedFolder/ProgressIndicator/430.jpg

So rera are saying that this is undergoing redesign instead of cancellation


yes because now they can keep the investors money , no need to refund anything.

See here also ...

:nuts: they kept design for 3 years :lol:

http://i40.tinypic.com/dc7l9z.jpg

yes because now they can keep the investors money , no need to refund anything.

Does this happen anywhere else in the world?

just in Dubai and UAE

Damac Heights project design being revised

By Sona Nambiar on 1/15/2009

The detailed design of the Damac Heights project is being revised, said a senior Damac official yesterday. Meanwhile, Zetas, the enabling contractor, has demobilised from the site, the developer told Emirates Business.

"The Damac Heights development phase has been completed and we are now revisiting some detailed design work for modification and enhancements. While this work is ongoing, our enabling contractor has demobilised from site,"

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5867/21229226.jpg
:|

DAMAC Heights owners,

I am an Owner in Lake View and have posting on this forum for a number of years. I strongly suggest you take a look at the Lake View thread to see that problems we are facing with DAMAC at handover.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showth...129370&page=42

I'll leave you to make your own minds up about DAMAC subject to your own circumstances. Suffice to say that for me DAMAC seemed typically (for Dubai) incompetent in terms of constructing on time and was very lax (fraudulent?) about declaring when certain floors were completed (e.g. declaring structural completion when the top floors hadn't been poured!). However, at handover things have turned very sinister and DAMAC is trying every trick in the book to screw money out of Owners and doesn't care about what is written clearly in black-and-white in the contract and in Dubai Law.

At the very least, I suggest you try to raise awareness amongst your fellow Owners and to try and get as many Owners together on this forum as possible so that you are in a good position, should you need, to take action against DAMAC.

All the best and good luck!

Toofif.

^^ Keep your campaign out of this forum please. We will not let this forum platform to be (ab)used for other means.

http://www.constructionweekonline.com/article-5227-8_tenders_to_look_out_for/

1- DAMAC Heights, Dubai Marina

Description: This is a 90-storey residential tower at Dubai Marina featuring one-bedroom units up to duplexes and penthouse apartments.

Status: Enabling works contract award expected in Q4 2009.

Tender: Enabling works contract expected to be tendered this week, the main contract tender is due in October, while the main contract award can be expected in early 2010.

DAMAC Heights looks so dam cool. I want to buy a place there!!!

DAMAC Heights looks so dam cool. I want to buy a place there!!!

I am sure if you give Peter a ring he will be more than pleased to sell you one:lol:

31/May/2009

Damac Heights,plot

http://i39.tinypic.com/zy7o8h.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/awvuwh.jpg

DAMAC Heights looks so dam cool. I want to buy a place there!!!

LOL Good One!!!

LOL Good One!!!

I hope you guys know I was joking!:banana:
They are hopeless!!!!!!!

hight and floor nr redesigning now, they will have around 80 floors but it will be built:)

Great info Imre !! Hope the crunch is over in one year and than let's see what towers and projects have survived !

hight and floor nr redesigning now, they will have around 80 floors but it will be built:)
Great news, especially after everyone was basing Damac properties in the past.
:cheers:

hight and floor nr redesigning now, they will have around 80 floors but it will be built:)

If Imre says it will be built, then I tend to believe it. That is good news!

How will they build it without any sales? :dunno:

many apartments already sold out here

at what price? and how will they sell the remaining units.

hight and floor nr redesigning now, they will have around 80 floors but it will be built:)


About 60 would be nice..... ;)

at what price? and how will they sell the remaining units.


dont remember but prices were high , I had a pricelist and availibility list but I dont find it.

If I remember good ,1 b/r was around 2-3 million.

hight and floor nr redesigning now, they will have around 80 floors but it will be built:)
Did Damac say this or is this from somewhere else? :)

About 60 would be nice..... ;)

Do you have a Penthouse on the 82nd floor? :D

Did Damac say this or is this from somewhere else? :)

not from the Damac, I had 2 friend there but they got fired:)

Took these pics this morning. 14/06/09

http://i43.tinypic.com/2z3o3n9.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/34s2yog.jpg

^^Looks like Peri formwork and slipform components for Infinity.

^^ Agree, definitely formwork materials and definitely for Infinity

Shit :wallbash:

dont remember but prices were high , I had a pricelist and availibility list but I dont find it.

If I remember good ,1 b/r was around 2-3 million.

Also some buyers were swapped out of other project into this.

^^Looks like Peri formwork and slipform components for Infinity.

yes, still nothing started at the site but many things already happening in the office:)

15/June/2009


http://i40.tinypic.com/2eba7u8.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ikzceh.jpg

Shit :wallbash:

:pet:

Were you really expecting something here? :D

Hello everyone, my name is Paul and I am new in this forum. I bought an apartment in Damac Heights, and I want to know if among you there are other owners.

Hi Paul / Everyone

I am also a new poster in this forum although I have looked at it from time to time.

I reserved a one bed on the 18th floor a couple of years back. Have been contacted by Damac sales people a few times this year, trying to persuade me to swap my investment into another development. Reason they want that, I assume, is so they can access the money I have paid so far (40%). I think while this money remains in the Escrow account for Damac Heights, they can't touch it for the time being.

The sales people were very persistent, trying to get me to swap. Offering me apparent huge discounts (40%) on the price of the new apartments eg Ocean Heights. However, even with their 'discounts' the prices they were offering (to swap) were about double what other similar apartments in the same projects were selling on the secondary market.

I invested in Damac Heights, as I thought it would be a fantastic building and good long term investment.

I reserved through a guy in the London office, but emails sent in the last few months, to find out what the current situation with Damac Heights is, other than 'on hold', have been unanswered, so assume he no longer works for Damac. Also sent other emails to various other addresses I had, some from the Damac website. But again, zero replies.

Mark

Hey Mark, thanks for your input. Lack of response doesn't mean that the recipients are not working there anymore - they just do not reply. Which is very likely, considering your situation.

Nice knowing that DAMAC wants you to swap - I wouldn't. Well, maybe if the units offered to you in Ocean Heights were significantly larger than the one you purchased in Damac Heights, one could consider such a swap, but if you feel that it is not as good of an investment as the one you had invested in already steer clear of it.

I seriuosly believe this will be built, and DAMAC will not alow this to go to waste. If they did, I cannot imagine anyone else giving them any money for another flagship project, if they will be unable to deliver this one.

Wish you all the best in you battle against these losers.

I agree with Blizzy, I think it will be built as well, but I would definetely swap to Ocean Heights if there is a decent unit, just negotiate as good as you can. At least you will know that you will have an Apartment and you can at least rent it out. By the time Damac Heights is done it should be paid off already.

Hello Mark, and for all.
The news I have said that construction should begin soon and no later than 2009. Damac has offered to change my apartment with another but I have not accepted. Sorry my English.

Hi Paul (or is it Paolo?) and others

Well done for not accepting their offer to swap. I assume, like they were with me, they were very persuasive (almost desperate) in their attempts to get me to switch to other units, many of which were in much poorer locations.

I do believe Damac Heights will be one of (if not the) most impressive building in the Marina, if it is eventually built.

I did think that Ocean Heights was pretty good too, but back in 2007, I was a little too late to secure a unit initially. At that time there was a feeling of desperation in the air, so went for Damac Heights. I know that all changed and many more units became available in Ocean heights.

I liked the 'twisty' effect of Ocean Heights, but Damac Heights is a much better location.

Although a little concerned what this 'redesign' will involve..

By the way, I have seen some of you many posts and photos, of various buildings, IMRE. Not sure whether you are paid to do this or do it for fun / love, but your work and effort is fantastic. Thank you.

Mark

^^ Imre does this for fun, out of the goodness of his heart. :)

Anyway, I thought people were being swapped into this project from others, not the other way around. Surely it's not a good thing if they want to swap people out of this?

In fact they should cancel all their projects that are in the middle of nowhere and focus on stuff like this which are in already well established locations and not in the middle of the desert.

I don't believe they have tried to swap any existing investor in to this project. That wouldn't make any kind of financial sense for them, for reason I mentioned in my first post. They are trying to swap people out, for now. As soon as construction starts, or is about too, investors will come thick and fast....

Anyway, I thought people were being swapped into this project from others, not the other way around. Surely it's not a good thing if they want to swap people out of this?

Your right malec, Thats a bad thing. If they are trying to get people to swap OUT of this then it is obviously not feasible with what they have sold to date.
They are trying to reduce the units to build a smaller tower.

Also I don't know why people refused to swap from damac heights to ocean heights. Going from a tower which is at best 4 to 5 years away, may or may not be built, quite likely never to see the light of day, to a tower which is going up a floor every 5 days and is close to topping out. The location is only a small walk away anyway.

It’s human nature. Always want what you can’t get.

The problem with switching to Ocaen Heights Damac is that asks a lot of money more for a similar apartment bought in Damac Heights. So I agree with Mark and others who do not accept the exchange and are moving forward.

By the way, I have seen some of you many posts and photos, of various buildings, IMRE. Not sure whether you are paid to do this or do it for fun / love, but your work and effort is fantastic. Thank you.

Mark

^^ Imre does this for fun, out of the goodness of his heart. :)

Yes, the people who made this forum what it is, a place where people come to see the real progress and not BS, have been and still are enthusiasts with little or no interest at all in real estate.

I used to be very active in picture taking 3 - 4 years ago and going out-and-about in 40+ weather for hours taking hundreds of pictures, going back home to edit them, upload and post them in the forum, can take up to 8 or more hours of your time.

I don't ask for gratitude, I don't ask for money: Just don't f*cking tell me that without investors no towers would be build, so we enthusiasts should shut up, suck it up and let you turn this forum into a boring real estate grievance platform.

Reasons for an investor not swapping from Damac Heights to Ocean Heights include:

The sales people were asking for too much money for them. The unit I have reserved 1802 should look out to sea / palm. The unit they offered me at Ocean Heights as a swap, was at rear, ie not sea view, and more expensive. They offered me 42% discount, but even then it was still more expensive than other similar apartments are being sold for in the building.

They were open in the fact to me, that like everyone, Damac is struggling in the current economic climate. However this current climate means that there are no financing options (ie mortgage) available for me at the moment. It does seem a little wasteful having 40% sitting in an Escrow account doing nothing / not earning anything. However, if I or others did swap, they would have to come up with the other 60% very soon. That is just not possible. If the investor, is cash rich, then obviously it is different. However, if you were cash rich and wanted a place in Ocean Heights, then obviously you would buy a place at Ocean Heights on the secondary market, ie a resale from an investor wanting to sell at a cheaper price than Damac are offering to swap.

Oh right, didn't think it was so much more expensive.

Yes, the people who made this forum what it is, a place where people come to see the real progress and not BS, have been and still are enthusiasts with little or no interest at all in real estate.

I used to be very active in picture taking 3 - 4 years ago and going out-and-about in 40+ weather for hours taking hundreds of pictures, going back home to edit them, upload and post them in the forum, can take up to 8 or more hours of your time.

I don't ask for gratitude, I don't ask for money: Just don't f*cking tell me that without investors no towers would be build, so we enthusiasts should shut up, suck it up and let you turn this forum into a boring real estate grievance platform.

Hear Hear!:applause:

I hope they take note of these comments on the Select Group threads:cheers:

Yes, the people who made this forum what it is, a place where people come to see the real progress and not BS, have been and still are enthusiasts with little or no interest at all in real estate.

I used to be very active in picture taking 3 - 4 years ago and going out-and-about in 40+ weather for hours taking hundreds of pictures, going back home to edit them, upload and post them in the forum, can take up to 8 or more hours of your time.

I don't ask for gratitude, I don't ask for money: Just don't f*cking tell me that without investors no towers would be build, so we enthusiasts should shut up, suck it up and let you turn this forum into a boring real estate grievance platform.


Hear Hear!:applause:

I hope they take note of these comments on the Select Group threads:cheers:

Given that you spend all of your time gossiping about Select Group even on this thread and very, very rarely offer any of your "expert" knowledge i am amazed at your outcry of support for Altin. I think there is a place for both as the times change and people change with it. Remember the success of these forums only comes with the people that use it. They need people like Altin and people like you...but only when you take off your "i hate everything SG" hat and put your "expert" hat back on.
When BC is finished [3/4 yrs no doubt you'll say] i'll get you up for a beer on one of my baclonies with seaview and yacht club view one night and you can remind me what a bad buy i made and what a bad group SG are.
Keep it real...your like a wronged woman with SG.
Cheers

Mark

hight and floor nr redesigning now, they will have around 80 floors but it will be built:)


another redesing, now around 70 floors , hopefully the final design coming soon:)

Hello to all,
As the Damac is again calling me to change my apartment with another already built or under construction, saying that by 2009 the construction of Damac Heights will not start and do not know when it will happen. Of course the change is a significant outlay of more money from me and I have not accepted.
Hoping that they all like me expect more comforting news on when the tower will be built.
Paolo.

If I were you Paolo, I'd try my best to get a complete unit even if it meant getting an Amlak loan or similar (understandably you'll have to pay upfront for a complete unit). This is a developer who doesnt have a good track record of delivery and the cost and risk of waiting just aren't worthwhile.

I'd get a complete unit and start renting it out to generate some income. Complete Damac developments are often of a good standard, so you will be able to get good rental. However they are famously a developer who overstretched themselves and so I would not risk waiting to see how and when new developments will be completed by them.

Gheorghe

Are you a Damac agent???

Below is a copy of an email I sent yesterday to someone at Damac who is was trying to get me to swap out of Damac Heights into another development...

Dear Rana

Thanks for you email. Apologies for not replying sooner, but I have just come back from holiday.

The prices (after "discount") that you quote for the 3 apartments you mention in Ocean Heights, calculate out at between 2630 and 2700 AED per square foot. There are many agents selling similar apartments in Ocean Heights for around half that price. Below are just a couple of examples, but there are many more.

http://www.bhomes.com/UAE/residential/sales/Dubai/Dubai_Marina/Ocean_Heights/236851.xhtml
1 Bedroom - 945 sq ft - 1,236,000 AED.
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT = 1307.94

http://www.bhomes.com/UAE/residential/sales/Dubai/Dubai_Marina/Ocean_Heights/77544.xhtml
1 Bedroom - 872 sq ft - 1,239,000 AED
PRICE PER SQUARE FOOT = 1420.87

Obviously, it doesn't make any kind of sense to pay double what these properties are worth.

Please could you tell me who would be able to give me correct up to date information about the status of the Damac Heights project. I initially reserved apartment 1802 via a gentleman called Paul Williamson who was based in London, and worked for Damac. But his email address and telephone numbers are no longer working, so I suspect he no longer works with Damac?


Kind Regards

Mark Wass

Mark,

Not a damac agent. I didn't know they are trying to "swap" people into other developmeents at 2,700 psft.

My point is that if (and only if!) they offer to swap to a complete apartment for a reasonable psft price, I would take it any day over staying in an "on hold" development which may or may not get built.

Some other developers have done similar things in consolidating projects. If it's a reasonable offer, it makes sense for you to take it because once they 'swap' many people into other projects, this is getting less and less likely to get built.

You need to be agressive though and it's tricky negotiation, try naming your price for a unit and say you will only pay up to x/sqft.

Dear Mark,
The news that gave me an agent Damac is that construction should begin in the coming months, even if I have strong doubts that I think it's best to wait.
THE Heghts Damac is the icon of Damac and position is unique and I am sure that will be built.

ALL,

DAMAC IS BEING VERY DISHONEST!!

Example

They have a building where there are lots of delays and people stop paying. Lets say 30% of people are still paying - they persuade these people to change to another building because 'The building they are currently in is experiencing major delays'. They put them in a building that is in a similar position (i.e. will experience major delays too) at the same or higher price psf.

They then default the 70%, keep the money and return the money to the few people who didn't change building.

Do your best to inform yourselves, but It is a complete disaster - I am thinking of starting a Damac thread just for these issues!

Apologies if I offended you re the Damac agent comment, Gheorghe. Your ‘approach’ in your message, was remarkably similar to the methods that some Damac agents have used to try and get me to swap.

IE: In their ‘sales pitch’, they have actively criticized Damac (the company they work for). This seemed quite odd, but I suspect the Damac ‘agent’ did that in a blatant attempt to get me on their ‘side’. It was almost as if the agent was saying ‘We’re in this together, and I am trying to help you out from my terrible employer’..

But I guess sales people will try anything they can to get a sale. Or in this case a swap.

It ONLY makes sense to swap, if the investor is cash rich (currently has excess cash to spare, as there are no mortgages available) AND he / she is offered a good price to make that swap.

The real reason why they are doing this? I suspect that jediknight, in his above message, is correct. The money invested by investors in Damac Heights is currently untouchable (or at least is supposed to be). If they can persuade investors to swap, they can then use that money. And as jedi says, in this current economic climate, some of those people who swap, may also possibly then default..

I like my apartment and I will go ahead.

I didn't get it the first time it was explained to me (by a former Damac employee)

They transfer the solvent buyers so they can default the insolvent buyers without having to give a penny (fils) back to the solvent cash-rich buyers.

Meanwhile the new project they're in (the solvent buyers) at 2008 prices - same as or higher than when they bought undergoes similar problems.

Pretty dishonest eh?

Don't forget once you've transferred, you have to sign a NEW contract framed against the backdrop of declining prices which will favour the developer.

i.e. it was easier to opt out, get some money out of the older contract because prices were still rising and developers believed they could re-sell easy enough.:ohno:

Worst part is what they do to employees of these companies - take young people filled with optimism and make them steal and defraud for a living.
Money can always be made again as long as you have your health, these guys (Damac) damage the hearts and minds of those working under them. I suppose one could argue they don't have to work there...

Hi All


You guys are catching on fast about the Damac duplicity schemes they are past master at smoke and mirrors and you need to be aware to all their tricks.
I have been highlighting these people i.e Mr Peter Riddoch for years,I thought
they would have used the recession to fold (still time yet) it is a hard decision to change who knows what will happen in early 2010


Good luck :cheers:

Hi Paolo and all

What number is your apartment by the way Paolo? For interest only!

And does anyone know or have a contact at Damac that can give accurate information. The guy who I reserved through and speaking with before (Paul Williamson from the London office) was very helpful and kept me up to date, but I think he left Damac.

I agree with your point Paolo re the specific location, I think it will the best in the whole marina area. Looking out to sea, the palm, like Ocean Heights and others on that stretch, but also actually 'on' the marina itself.

I would advise to transfer to OH at fair value or get full refund. There is just too much risk in being the last out. What you currently own is a piece of paper, OH is about 1 year from completion. If you like the location get a refund and buy a resale in Infinity which has about 2 years to complete.

If it gets built I bet you can repurchase at a cheaper price than before as offplan Dubai will never be an easy market EVER again.

Thanks True Blue. You mention swapping to OH at fair value or getting a refund and buy resale in Infinity.

I would consider those two suggestions, however:
1. They are not offering fair value to swap to OH.
2. They will not give refunds.

mark, you make a fair point, as I said above, I didnt know they are so cheeky to ask for such a high price for the swaps.

I have never dealt with damac before, but I would suggest you do try to play hard ball and see how low they will go with the value they are offerring for the swap. Call this idiot salesperson who spoke to you, tell them they are taking the piss at those prices, but that you will consider it at a fair value (I'll let you decide what this might be!)

I would take into account rental income you will get with a finished project, but also be careful that if many investors do swap from damac heights, then the project will just not have enough funds to be built. there's just no way they can re-sell those units in damac heights at the moment on an offplan basis to start construction if they swap people out of them!

Thanks True Blue. You mention swapping to OH at fair value or getting a refund and buy resale in Infinity.

I would consider those two suggestions, however:
1. They are not offering fair value to swap to OH.
2. They will not give refunds.

Hi Mark

When I asked Damac 2 years ago to change into Damac Heights it was
nearly double what I paid in Ocean Heights. :ohno:

How have they apartments left in Ocean Heights it's been selling for
the last 5 years or so.And another thing they did give refunds 2 years ago,
then again that is when everything was Hunky Dorre i.e ok.:cheers:

They could not sell a wig wam now that is the reason for the no refund policy
they know you are in a spot so they will play hardball to you fold.You can never
expect them to play the game and be nice to existing clients they don't give a
jot what you do.

Saw on

http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2009/8/Pages/17082009/08182009_f63116130dae421691bc51eafdb20d92.aspx

Design and development work is under way for Damac Heights, another skyscraper that is scheduled to be complete in 2013.

It says on business24-7.ae website that:

"Design and development work is under way for Damac Heights, another skyscraper that is scheduled to be complete in 2013."

^^There is a post on Ocean heights thread which includes a reference to DH and proposed start soon with completion 2013(from memory)

Take my word, won't happen unless it has been reduced to 40 floors:)

repost :)


27/December/2008

Damac Heights

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/5317/imresolt45oe9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/75/imresolt46ql4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/6774/imresolt53ao4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/3640/imresolt54zc8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

21/August/2009

Damac Heights

good news, mobilisation has begun , Zetas at the site again, still dont know the final design , the latest what I heard was around 70 floors, we will see soon :)

http://i29.tinypic.com/a1u9ts.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/5d2ah2.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/9fqiom.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/qxrwg0.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/16918g1.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/a1oaoo.jpg

Wow! Finally!!!! So they are really going to build this!!!! I been waiting for this. 70 floors is great but maybe not outstanding compared to some other supertalls around there. I do hope they end up adding more floors to the final design. Thanks for the update Imre!
Has anyone else noticed an upbeat in Dubai construction in the the last couple of months?

Good news indeed! Hope they will go with at least 90+ levels in the end though as the design and location is perfect for it! :cheers:

Thanks Imre,
without you and your pictures of us who live far away from Dubai we would never have all this information.

Has anyone else noticed an upbeat in Dubai construction in the the last couple of months?

^^
Yes, most definatley. We have certainly turned the corner :banana:........

28/August/2009

Damac Heights

http://i30.tinypic.com/o6d2rb.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/2cht5op.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/2w3yrts.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/14t3mgw.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/r7rofr.jpg

Cool. I can't wait for this to be back"under construction". Does anybody know what the updated height will be?

I was really hoping all along that this would get built ... it's just soooo great to see any kind of activity here now! :)

04/September/2009

Damac Heights

http://i28.tinypic.com/33yjd06.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/4j8fbs.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/ndjvp3.jpg

http://i27.tinypic.com/2gv1vza.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/246a04k.jpg

Have they started doing anything yet?

Need to know so I can see whether to change the title to "PREP" or not.

I sincerely hope they are going to do something soon. In addition to DH, I invested in a few other developments. For most of them every few months, the developers send out email newsletters with photos, obviously trying to placate their investors, congratulating themselves on how much progress they have achieved and how they have achieved certain milestones. I am well aware that the initial stages of construction can take a long time, but the photos for those other developments appear to be remarkably similar to those sent a year or 2 ago (eg a few signboards, a few miscellaneous materials and tools, the odd JCB etc and a lot of sand) and it is unclear if any real work has actually started.

I hope this will not also be the case for Damac Heights!

However, if they are now actually going to start work soon, then presumably they must have the new design / plans? And people who invested in DH, and have paid a lot of money already, surely have the right to know what we are now buying…

Have they started doing anything yet?

Need to know so I can see whether to change the title to "PREP" or not.

not ON HOLD any more :)

11/September/2009

Damac Heights

http://i30.tinypic.com/2hdw1gy.jpg

http://i29.tinypic.com/m8n03b.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/21b6dl2.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/35it2dx.jpg

http://i32.tinypic.com/14odaa.jpg

Yes!!!!!!!!!!! Finally back under construction. I can't wait for this to rise!:banana: :banana:

DAMAC Awards Contracts for On Site Projects


17 September 2009

DUBAI — Luxury lifestyle provider DAMAC Properties has awarded three more contracts for work to begin on site at projects in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Enabling works contracts have been awarded for the company’s Harbour Heights project in Abu Dhabi and at its Suburbia development at Downtown Jebel Ali while the enabling works contract at DAMAC Heights 
has restarted.

The contract for Harbour Heights has been awarded to National Dewatering and Drainage Services and commencement of work on site will mark the third project that DAMAC Properties has under way in Abu Dhabi, following on from enabling works already in progress at its Marina Bay and Oceanscape developments in the city.

Harbour Heights is located on Al Reem Island at Marina Rise overlooking the waterfront. It is one of the few residential towers in a prime business district and will be an ideal location for those working in the area. At 41 storeys tall, the tower will offer a range of apartments from studios up to three bedrooms along with duplexes on the higher floors. In addition to this contract, a second enabling works order has been issued to National Piling for the company’s Suburbia project in Dubai at Downtown Jebel Ali. —

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/biz/inside.asp?xfile=/data/business/2009/September/business_September397.xml&section=business

Many thanks Imre for the updates. Sorry about my previous sceptism!

18/September/2009

Damac Heights

http://i32.tinypic.com/29vbimq.jpg

http://i30.tinypic.com/i2uikh.jpg

http://i31.tinypic.com/6zybg8.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/2h5qrf4.jpg

Yes! I'm glad to see that something is going on with the site! Maybe this will be built sometime soon afterall.

21/September/2009

Damac Heights plot

http://i34.tinypic.com/r1akjr.jpg

^^^^
i am looking forward they can start piling in the next months!
:banana::banana:

Any info about the height?

Anyone says 70 floors...??

Hope it will stay at 100 :cool:

Any info about the height?

Anyone says 70 floors...??

Hope it will stay at 100 :cool:

i would VOTE for 90F

http://i38.tinypic.com/29qfqlc.jpg

90 would be ok... thx bizzy !

last design was around 70, we will see soon :)

The inspection notes clearly refer to a redesign resulting in the works being stopped.

oh my god, lets hope 90 floors!
70 also ok but 90 would be much better!! :nuts:

Hi Imre

Do you know when Damac will release the new design, plans etc?

Thanks
Mark

oh my god, lets hope 90 floors!
70 also ok but 90 would be much better!! :nuts:

70 will be more than fine, gotta protect my sea views so no higher than infinity will be fine.:)

Hi Imre

Do you know when Damac will release the new design, plans etc?

Thanks
Mark

hopefully soon, almost done :)

25/September/2009

Damac Heights

http://i33.tinypic.com/2djzafp.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/e8nxfs.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2q1ta8p.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2nqcdw.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/f27nkh.jpg

We will wait! Besides, there is nothing else we can do to push this.
I do hope soon!!!!

I believe that we will have news on the new design of Damac Heights the next Cityscape that we will in the coming days where Damac will be present.

^^ Yes, most probably the design No. 3 would be shown there.

What is the gravel for in the pictures above?

Stop bringing dust out onto the road infront of the 5 star Marriot:)

Any new renders or pics of the site?

09/October/2009

Damac Heights

http://i36.tinypic.com/256tpva.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/34j4zya.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2jced6e.jpg

Thanks. Any new news about the height?

16/October/2009

Damac Heights

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

http://i36.tinypic.com/9psv3t.jpg

Blah! What is going on?

Standard DAMAC stuff. Nothing.

23/October/2009

Damac Heights

http://i34.tinypic.com/35310tu.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/29zvnu9.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2580as2.jpg

So, they are planning to appoint the main contractor in 2011. Assuming proper construction starts shortly afterward (and guess that is a big assumption) looks like it will be 2016 (at least) before this is built… :ohno:

----- Original Message -----
From: Customer Service
To: markwass
Sent: Wed Oct 28 16:51


Dear Mr. Wass,
Thank you for your email regarding your purchase at Damac Heights. In relation to your email we are pleased to inform you that Whitby & Byrd have been appointed as consultants. The enabling works have commenced & is being done by 'Zetas'
We anticipate awarding the main contract in Q1 2011 & completion will be 49 months after the start of main of works. We will keep you updated in due course.
We would appreciate it if you could provide us with the evidence that claims that the property has been redesigned & the height reduced.
Yours Sincerely,

DAMAC Properties,
Toll Free: 800 32622 (UAE only)
Phone: +971 4 5156111
Fax:+971 4 373 1373

Appointments by prior bookings only between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, Sunday to Thursday.

so just 2016..

they are waiting for the handover of the Infinity Tower and after will make a noise and dust for them:)

I think 2015 is possible.

If things go according to plan then piling should start in Q2 of next year. That means that main contractor could start by Q1 of 2011 and finishing in 2015.

Q1 2016 seems acheivable, 2015 ending maybe

I do not know whether to laugh or cry, will not be long before we see something concrete.

will not be long before we see something concrete.

not long? Can you explain Paolo?
Thanks

Sorry Mark, I wanted to say the contrary.

I understand now Paolo. Guess it must be hard having to write these posts in another language to your own. I tried to send you a private message about a week ago, but not sure if it worked? Did you get it?

Sorry Mark if I have not answered your email but I had not looked, I do not speak and I can not write in English and please forgive me for mistakes.
I three months I not received more phone calls from Damac to change apartments, and I am in contact with an agent Damac that around May 2009 I had anticipated that work would start in October and this was true.
Then he told me that Damac had confirmed the completion of the work in 3 years.
Today I do not know if this is true and I have contacted the agent who told me he does not know what's going on. When he tells me something I will inform you of all the news.

Paolo.

Mark, your private messages is not enabled to receive.

Sorry Mark if I have not answered your email but I had not looked, I do not speak and I can not write in English and please forgive me for mistakes.
I three months I not received more phone calls from Damac to change apartments, and I am in contact with an agent Damac that around May 2009 I had anticipated that work would start in October and this was true.
Then he told me that Damac had confirmed the completion of the work in 3 years.
Today I do not know if this is true and I have contacted the agent who told me he does not know what's going on. When he tells me something I will inform you of all the news.

Paolo.

Any updates?

06/November/2009

Damac Heights

http://i36.tinypic.com/effiwk.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/5m0c29.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/sdlhmr.jpg

13/November/2009

Damac Heights

http://i37.tinypic.com/14id0gl.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/28r1jqs.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/r0coko.jpg

It is obvious that the intense activities still are not begun. I believe that this was a Damac strategy to reassure current customers and future customers
Imre, thanks for the photos.

Anyone have any news?

20/November/2009

Damac Heights

http://i49.tinypic.com/t68rhe.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/24x42l1.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/jiclsw.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2cnhw2c.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/29yqclt.jpg

26/November/2009

Damac Heights

http://i49.tinypic.com/2zix8ht.jpg

Do you think it is connected somehow to the completion of Ocean Heights? In terms of workforce maybe?

^^ Nope, not one bit.
Arabtec are working on Ocean Heights and Zetas are working here (only piling though) so the only thing that this project depends on is Damac's money.

Today

http://i47.tinypic.com/1zgxic8.jpg

Piling constructor !! :omg:

29/November/2009

Damac Heights

http://i47.tinypic.com/fz8cv6.jpg

Hasn't that machine already been there for a while?

Hope for some new news soon !!

That machine has been there for at least two months. Apperas someone is driving it for fun from time to time, but nothing more.

I don't think they have enough sales to build this one yet.

I thought this had healthy sales and they were reducing the height to fill it up:dunno:

What was the sales incentive used here, a free jet, or motor yacht or something?

^^ One billion dollars and infinite girlfriends.

Dear Mark and all, the Damac called me again for the change of apartment in another building, but I said no. They only call by phone and when I tell them to write email they do not. Perhaps they do not want to put in writing for some legal reason their proposals. Someone new?

Hi Paolo – yes I had a call today from Damac’s director of sales. I was told that Damac Heights is officially ON HOLD and will be for the foreseeable future. We all knew that anyway. Forget pictures of signs saying ‘deep excavation’ and random piling machines and diggers etc. Although I’m not trying to belittle your efforts, Imre. As I think you know, I’m a supporter of you, and greatly appreciate your photos.

I told them that to make a swap in any way inviting for the investor they need to forget saying stuff like X% discount, forget the ‘sales spin’, they need to offer market value.

PS Dear Mods, why not combine the 2 DH threads in to one? Surely there is no need for duplication?

^^ There are two threads because one if for the UAE section and the other is for the World forums. It has always been like that. Why don't you decide to just post in one instead?

Also if it's on hold again we should see Zetas leaving. Remember, Damac hasn't just hired the diggers themselves. They hired a contractor to do the ground work who then brought the machinery to the site. If they don't get paid they will stop work and take the machinery with them. Maybe you'll see this in the next update but we'll see.

10/December/2009

Damac Heights

http://i47.tinypic.com/ei9mwg.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2ynnjug.jpg

Work going on. Perhaps Damac tells his customers that Damac Heights project is on hold for them to convince to buy in Ocean Heights and collect the money immediately.

Many developers in Dubai engage in 'for show' construction work to avoid getting sued/hassled by RERA and Master Developer. Fencing, a few diggers and a security booth is a classical 'for show' work - small cost, short term commitments. Real work starts when a general contractor is on board and pouring the slabs, everything else before that (including piling) is nothing.

Yes that's right. The chances for getting something built go up dramatically once the main contractor is picked and starts work. For example before the main contractor for the pentominium was picked I thought no way would it get built. Now I think it will.
Of course all the work before the main contractor starts is still real work but the project is definitely not safe at that stage.

We are waiting for this wonderful tower

well as soon as this one gets going i will start to post regular construction update diagrams. heres what will the diagram looks like at the moment, because there hasn't been any work done yet there is just an outline of the buildings shape and each of the floors. i can't wait until this project gets going, i am really looking forward to seeing this one grow


http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/844/damacheightsoutline.png




can someone please let me know it is missing anything or if it isn't accurate. i would like to make it as accurate as possible the diagram scale is 1:850

Originally Posted by MarkWass
PS Dear Mods, why not combine the 2 DH threads in to one? Surely there is no need for duplication?


Originally Posted by malec
There are two threads because one if for the UAE section and the other is for the World forums. It has always been like that. Why don't you decide to just post in one instead?

Also if it's on hold again we should see Zetas leaving. Remember, Damac hasn't just hired the diggers themselves. They hired a contractor to do the ground work who then brought the machinery to the site. If they don't get paid they will stop work and take the machinery with them. Maybe you'll see this in the next update but we'll see.

Hi Malec

I genuinely don’t want to be a trouble maker or offend and I understand that ‘technically’ one forum is for the ‘UAE section’ whilst the other is for the ‘World forums’. However, nevertheless, regardless of what one names the two forums, surely they are still duplication? The biggest poster on both forums who gives invaluable information as to what is (or rather is not) happening at this site (as well as many other sites) from his posts, is Imre and he posts on both forums. I would imagine that he, and others would find it easier if there was just one forum?

As to your other point regarding diggers etc on site, we must remember that, as many other smaller developers have also done, and are continuing to do so, Damac can well afford to pay (and effectively lose) a few dirhams (or even a few tens or hundreds of thousands of dirhams) to maintain a ‘smoke and mirrors’ act (ie give the impression that something is happening when its not)?

The biggest poster on both forums who gives invaluable information as to what is (or rather is not) happening at this site (as well as many other sites) from his posts, is Imre and he posts on both forums. I would imagine that he, and others would find it easier if there was just one forum?


It is not a problem for me to post on the world forum also, I just copy the text , thats all.

Anyway ,different forumers there , many of them never come to the UAE section, they are just checking the world forums.

If you see the others threads like, Infinity Tower,Princess Tower, HHHR etc... totally different people there.

^^ Ok No worries. I had assumed that anyone following one of the DH threads on skyscrapercity, would naturally look at the other one (whether their interest is for 'interest', exchanging info, research, fun etc). But seems I am wrong about that!

Yes Imre's right, different people in different sections. I will be good to still check both threads though. :)

30/December/2009

Damac Heights

http://i49.tinypic.com/2zz0x1i.jpg

Imre, thanks for your photos and happy new year.

I like the Asian Boat

The site of RERA has been updated. www.rpdubai.com/rpdubai/jsp/ProjectIndicator.jsp?imageLoc=../SharedFolder/ProgressIndicator/430_45.jpg&projectName=Progress Indicator of Damac%20Heights .

The RERA indicator was last updated on November 2009, there is no update thereafter

I like the Asian Boat

Sorry, but Pershing are built in Italy.....:)

15/January/2010

DamaC Heights

http://i50.tinypic.com/2m47vq1.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/149vbz8.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/c2b2v.jpg

There is little progress.

12/February/2010

Damac Heights

http://i48.tinypic.com/158b7ur.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/1073rs9.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/25aomrk.jpg

Excellent progress.......should be ready in 2020.

I just received the news that Damac Heights will be ready in five years and that 2010 will be devoted to the work of the foundation.

apologies if this has been discussed but is the design the same? And if the hight has been reduced did they adjust the original design?

I do not know, I will seek information of this.

I walked along there yesterday and the entire plot was full of workers and machinery, it was definitely on full steam ahead.

^^ This is great news! Hope they can keep this up.

keep the faith!
Damac are very frustating but they do get there in the end. Look at Ocean Heights for example, took forever to get piling and foundation work done but then it flew up, 1 storey per week.
Im sure we'll see real progress from here on. Hopefully!!!

Damac's website you can see that the work has finally started.

Yes there definitely is progress.

I will not change the title yet though since it still looks like site wall construction, various types of testing, etc. It looks like some pile testing as well.

Do we have the new render yet with reduced floors?

Do we have the new render yet with reduced floors?

I count around 90 floors on the latest render i can find, what do you make it?

http://i45.tinypic.com/2h3obad.jpg

Yes there definitely is progress.

I will not change the title yet though since it still looks like site wall construction, various types of testing, etc. It looks like some pile testing as well.

Malec, here are some recent pics, can you explain whats going on here. :cheers:

http://i48.tinypic.com/2mx0s29.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/dwwdqp.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2u91i8p.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2vwy0k7.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2vv88qc.jpg

26/February/2010

Damac Heights

http://i50.tinypic.com/rh0do6.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/dyshz8.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/dxlenq.jpg

Malec, here are some recent pics, can you explain whats going on here. :cheers:


I think the first and last pictures show construction of the site wall. I never remember seeing square piles before. In the 2nd last picture that's maybe a test? This is definitely not a small tower and if you remember, the pentominium had just under a year of testing. Such a tower was never built before so this might be different. Looking at the background of the last picture they might start actual piling soon. I will change the title then.

By the way notice I've used "I think", "It looks like", etc. I could be wrong. :cheers:

Do we have the new render yet with reduced floors?

They have still time, I heard that the main construction will start just in 2011 , some noise for the Infinity tenants for few years.

There are circular (cylindric) steel caissons also on the picture, as well as a steel tube stuck to the ground, so I would say the proper piling has started. :cheers:

^^Funny thing is I see the caissons and the rebar cages for the piles but don't see an auger drilling rig in any of the pics. Strange!!

Anyway they are definately doubling up on the marina diaphragm wall and fitting ground anchors to support it. They may have to go on the principle that the Infinity incident could have caused movement and cracking damage on this section of the wall so need to play safe and redo it. I expect it will be heavily braced also, belt and braces design:)

Someone has some news?

Someone has some news?

I heard today that they want to make only 40-41 floors here because havent sold enough apartments.

If its true , it would be a big joke :)

Before I heard 83 ,63 and now 40-41..

I hope that Damac make my apartment, the skyscraper can do even three floors, does not matter, as always, thanks Imre.

I hope that Damac make my apartment, the skyscraper can do even three floors, does not matter, as always, thanks Imre.

Yes, right but amazing few years gone and they still dont know the final design:)

19/March/2010

Damac Heights

http://i44.tinypic.com/v46pn8.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2uq2bmr.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/25jayqc.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2q00g1e.jpg

Part of the attraction of Damac Heights for me, and why I chose to reserve a unit there, rather than others in the area, was the very fact that it was supposed to be so tall. The height coupled with the attractive shape, and specific location would make it stand out / more prominent than many of it's neighbours in the marina. In that regard, the height is a very important factor.

If the height is reduced, then effectively that would radically change the dynamics of the building.

As a lowly investor, I have tried to encourage Damac to stop mucking about and get on with this project. I understand some of the problems they, like us all, may be facing due to the recent global economic slowdown. However I really believe that they would be foolish not to focus a large part of their energies on this project and make it the best (and tallest) they can. From a business point of view, and to ensure longevity of Damac, future attraction from other investors, Damac Heights as a potential flagship project for their whole company, itoffers them a golden opportunity.

Don't waste that opportunity!

Yes it would be a risk if they haven't sold the upper floor units. But given the potential, and the fact that the upper units will sell during construction, if not before, surely that is a risk worth taking!

Unfortunately building a 100fl tower with less than half of it sold is not feasible to build anymore. Unless a development is at least 80% sold it would be commercial suicide to progress in this market now.

The way prices are heading in Dubai a developer could end up with an asset that cant be sold for cost price for several years.

Damac could just be making a start here to cancel the project under RERA laws and retain the deposits paid.

These units were being sold at Dh2,500 psf in 2008. If reserved, who would continue with that deal now?

if people paid lets say 20% of the 2500/sq ft, that means they have already paid 500 aed/sq ft. Construction now costs what, 200-300 /sq ft.....they are already in profit unless that money is already gone somewhere else.

but I wouldn't be surprised if they are just doing the flatening of the land for rera purposes.

High Times,

The point you make would be true for many smaller and less capable developers. It would be true in the UK, where I live, where historically, the 'speculation' element of 'speculative development' is often taken on by the developers.

With so much development and foreign investment taking place in Dubai over the last few years, I assume is the reason why Damac and other developers don't feel the need to take any element of speculation themselves. They have been able to defer that speculation element on to their investors, like myself, Paolo etc.

I can understand why a smaller developer, with a project in a poorer location, with a large proportion of units in that project unsold, might not want to proceed, particularly if for some reason, they have decided that the global economic downturn of the last few years, is not cyclical, and will never ever change. And if they have totally given up hope in Dubai, as to the long term potential.

Like so many developers in Dubai, perhaps the decision makers at Damac have decided that the plan at DH is to continue to engage in a minor bit of site preparation activity, while sending out misleading project update reports to their investors and then eventually cancel the project.

And whilst some of the other uninspiring box like buildings in the Marina may not 'perform' exceptionally in the next year or two, surely DH has the capability, if completed as it was initially intended, to outperform the majority of it's neighbours in the Marina. For both the developer and their investors.

Your signature says 'you need vision'. Perhaps Damac need a bit of that?

I believe that if DH is done and done well, it has the capability of being one of the most highly regarded in Dubai. But the potential benefits, for Damac, are not just confined to this one building. As a future / long term 'marketing tool' for Damac, investor confidence, globally, Damac Heights offers their company huge potential?

Ps It would be better for Damac if Infinity wasn't there (apologies to Infinity fans).

But as Infinity is there, Damac should do as originally planned, rather than have DH dwarfed by it. Surely, Damac would be not be so short-sighted to allow that to happen?

I don't anything like whether they are short-sighted or not matters. I think they only thing that matters is if they can afford to build it. If they don't have the buyers for 100 floors then they simply won't build something like that. Damac have more problems to worry about as well such as the ridiculous amount of projects they have which will not get built.

If they have money then I think they should build the 100 floors since the location is so good, much better than the pentominium. It would eventually get filled I think. But if they can't afford to then they will have to redesign (although that costs money) or not build at all and sell the plot. They only thing is the plot is probably not worth near the amount they paid for it at the time. Remember also Damac have blown money on plots in areas with no future such as palm jebel ali, etc.

It would definitely be good publicity for them to have built this to the original height.

http://img33.imageshack.us/img33/6493/marina2ex.jpg

Thanks for posting that pic Malec.

I was actually going to post a link to that exact one in my post at the weekend, but couldn't find it or remember exactly where I had seen it.

Looking at the picture, from a visual point of view, assuming DH is built as planned, I think both Infinity and Damac Heights actually visually enhance each other.

29.03.10
http://i40.tinypic.com/2v363ko.jpg

Part of the attraction of Damac Heights for me, and why I chose to reserve a unit there, rather than others in the area, was the very fact that it was supposed to be so tall. The height coupled with the attractive shape, and specific location would make it stand out / more prominent than many of it's neighbours in the marina. In that regard, the height is a very important factor.

If the height is reduced, then effectively that would radically change the dynamics of the building.

As a lowly investor, I have tried to encourage Damac to stop mucking about and get on with this project. I understand some of the problems they, like us all, may be facing due to the recent global economic slowdown. However I really believe that they would be foolish not to focus a large part of their energies on this project and make it the best (and tallest) they can. From a business point of view, and to ensure longevity of Damac, future attraction from other investors, Damac Heights as a potential flagship project for their whole company, itoffers them a golden opportunity.

Don't waste that opportunity!

Yes it would be a risk if they haven't sold the upper floor units. But given the potential, and the fact that the upper units will sell during construction, if not before, surely that is a risk worth taking!

Reducing the height to about 40 floors would make the project far less appealing. They would be far better off to either building the building as originally Planned. Or put to it on hold until the economic situation improves.

16/April/2010

Damac Heights plot

http://i43.tinypic.com/f0pxdc.jpg

On the world thread it seems there's a lot more going on at this site than we really know. There's a pic from Damac's web site of a seriously big hole we don't notice in Imre's pic's.

We need some one to double check if this is really the case.

Hole is there but this is still just shoring and dewatering works , nothing about the piling..

23/April/2010

Damac Heights

http://i44.tinypic.com/inu5ck.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2drxk7p.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/10po6yp.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/3449zzd.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2me5xrm.jpg

This building is really going to spice up the sky line when it start's rising, and fill in that empty gap.

I really hope they go ahead with the original design, or at least some thing similar, with same height.

...Filled with Chinese interior's design to give us a 100F of crap materials yappy, Yappy !

wow, so its really going ahead now! too bad I will loose my sea view.