http://tinypic.com/dr41ls.jpg

Hope it will go on soon. It's boring

massive new sign board went up yesterday

GREAT! though the old signboards already had the new render but with 50F on the top.

massive new sign board went up yesterday

post 247
it's just a render of the tower
no sign board with contractors

Actually it is a ad board from DAMAC. All their towers are shown there, not only the OH.

However there were movement there today, it seamed they were preparing to dig.

dig? the piling has been done already but i assume for the old tower? they will destroy their whole work and replace everything for the new tower probably.

^ I didn't saw any digger on site, but they have made the hole accessible and a truck was comming up from there.

tom green

http://tinypic.com/4kbqsn

Remember that picture? It is just a "memory of the past" now :runaway:

Now the site is clean and tidy, ready for the piling:


http://tinypic.com/eurbli.jpg

http://tinypic.com/eur8g8.jpg


Most propably they have already removed the existing piles for the old-50F-design building.

good to know it's ready for the re-start!

what did they do? destroyed all the piles and filled the hole with sand?
or is the hole still there?
guess ground work will start soon again, markmywords said they want to award the main conractor by jan06 i think.

they have just filled the the hole like they always do with caisson foundations
concrete piles are just to stabilize the ground and the building, which is going to be built above that

Good to know it will start soon

So its UC. But just the very very begining.

Good news. Thanks

Cool, this is still my fav. tower - anyone know if it is sold out?

i doubt it is sold out.
they were selling it floor by floor during DSF with this huuuge car campaign.

Folks,

Has anybody purchased an appartment in Ocean Heights (OH)?

why should anyone.
too damn expensive, worst layout ever. completion not before 2008, and higher floors not for sale so far.

welcome to the forum.keep in mind we are not a real estate forum.

Excuse the naivety, but what do you talk about on this site. I was under the impression that members talked about their property purchases.

^ This is not a Real Estate or Home Owning forum. This forum is all about skyscrapers and urban development projects and constructions.

We talk about things being BUILD.

not being bought :D

though this is sometimes the same here ;)

seriously this is about towers/construction/projects in dubai, but since we have a well organized database (at least dennis has :D ) a lot of people who bought property in dubai visit this site.

Ocean heights- i have bought an apartment in this building. yes it is a bit expensive. but it is a building from damac. the location is also good. you need to look at the location of the building. an d the design of the building. the layputs are ok.

yes if you want a cheaper apartment you will find one more inland.

the building will be complete in 2008 that should give me some time to pay for it

^ are u trying to promote this building ragga? :lol:

no iam not a seller for the building. i have bought an apartment in ocean heights. you need to read the post again and previous posts.

can anyone get any latest pictures on ocean heights. what is latest on construction
thanks
asif

some odd angles...:)

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4172/1oceanheights6gl.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/5675/1oceanheights28ty.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/4575/1oceanheights36af.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3452/1oceanheights49gn.jpg

Really good looking

new renders, would you expect this. does not look like 310 though.

This one will be the most amazing tower in Dubai Marina... if it ever gets built :(

it will it will.

can you remember what markmywords said, where is he btw, and we had that damac article as well.

Damac Awards Aed 21 Million Contract For Ocean Heights
8-Dec-2005

Dubai's largest private sector developer and luxury lifestyle provider, DAMAC Properties, has awarded a AED 21 Million contract to Abu Dhabi based APCC, a leading piling company in the UAE, to conduct piling works on the 82-storey Ocean Heights development located within the upscale Dubai Marina. The piling will reach a depth of 50 meters, one of the deepest ever in the UAE.

"After conducting a public tender over a three month period, we appointed the most qualified piling contractor to execute piling works. APCC has a proven track record within the emirates and we are confident that the company will deliver a job that is in line with its excellent reputation," said Peter Riddoch, CEO of DAMAC Properties. "Through piling, the foundation is laid to deliver an end product that is extremely solid, while sustaining any potential hazard," Riddoch added.


Ocean Heights

Piling works are due to take place over a 3-month period, after which DAMAC will appoint a main contractor to execute the construction of the luxurious residential development that is due to be delivered in 2008.

"We are confident that Ocean Heights will turn out to be a fantastic development with a solid foundation, state of the art finishing and world class amenities," Riddoch concluded.

Oceans Heights is an 82-storey residential tower located at the beginning of Dubai Marina and directly overlooks the Palm Jumeirah. The estimated value of the building is USD 411 million and will contain 600 plus luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Ocean Heights will provide customers with 24-hour security, a dedicated concierge desk, professional housekeeping services and 700 parking spaces. It was designed by award-winning architectural firm Aedas.

This one will be the most amazing tower in Dubai Marina... if it ever gets built :(

even better than infinity!?

finally a contractor has been awarded
it's time now
should start ear;y next year then

im adding all towers over 300m to diagram. is this still 310m?

Yes but it's not U/C yet. Should be early next year though.

as far as we know

Hey Flo, you post some pics in 'The Dubai Rundown'.

Is the building left from 'Marina Crown' 'Ocean Heights'??
This is really u/c and coming up, I'm right?!

no this is just the signboard.
OH is UC but not yet coming up. ground work.

as we know the piling has already been completed
but afterwards nothing really happened

today machinery has been brought back to the site and another pile driver was doing its work!!!

finally some machinery for the supertalls...
great to hear sth is going on.
wasn't it supposed to start cronstuction at the beginning of 2006?

as we know the piling has already been completed
but afterwards nothing really happened

today machinery has been brought back to the site and another pile driver was doing its work!!!

The compleated piling was for the old 50F design. They have removed them and now they have awarded the contract to re-do the piling.

so they did actually destroy their work.
i was right. wasn't sure though.

btw this one might rise along with najd and al ameera and 23 marina AND mag with marina pinnacle probably a bit ahead :cheers:

Oh man, I hope they do their work fast, it's so boring!!!!!!!

today

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

:bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

There was an ad in the newspapers today (Gulf News). There seems to be a new Tripple Advantage scheme.

What is the Tripple Advantage Scheme?

Ocean Heights has been delayed. Original Completion date was June '08. They've delayed it by a whole year.

Has anybody bought in Ocean Heights?

^^

http://i1.tinypic.com/nvv1ok.jpg

Ocean heights was delayed because they are not quite sure how to build it yet. I talked to someone who knows about structural engineering and she said that it is one of the hardest towers to build on the planet, if the THE most. No one floor is the same,where as Infinity just rotates, this one twists and alters the floor plan. If it gets built like it is it will be almost a world wonder in skyscrapers

a lotta different types for floor plans thats for sure

http://www.gowealthy.com/realestate/uae/dubai/oceanheights/plans.asp

:wtf:

Ok i'm a structural engineer, but i would think when something is designed and goes for approval some kind of work has been done to make sure it can actually be built and will remian up once built.

If it's hardest tower to be built in the world, i just hope it stays up once built.

It's also quite expensive even compared to infinity which i thought was expensive, no wonder damac have this new Triple advantage Scheme.

i agree, this one might be hard to build, and imagine how it is going to look like UC :eek:

i seriously hope it won't get a redesign again.

the Floor plans are actually quite similar throughout all floors, but .. well... they are twisted more and more ;)

i hate the layout btw..

Ocean heights was delayed because they are not quite sure how to build it yet. I talked to someone who knows about structural engineering and she said that it is one of the hardest towers to build on the planet, if the THE most. No one floor is the same,where as Infinity just rotates, this one twists and alters the floor plan. If it gets built like it is it will be almost a world wonder in skyscrapers

That is close to the truth but the delay is not because of it. Remember the outer shell of the building can be anything which reflects the twist visually. The tower was originally meant to be 55 floors which is more feasible but was turned to a 80+ to maximise profitability and the views. It is true that developers in Dubai do not conduct proper research before embarking on such projects, but I would say there is always a work-around - as long as the developer is not answerable to any governing authority for the structural framework of the building (angle of twist, material etc). In Dubai they arent is my guess. But Aedas i going to have a tough time getting to work the twist visually close to the one in the rendering.

so this won't twist actually, but just look like it would do :weird:

I think so. It's really cool, look at the picture of the model a few pages back and you'll see

What are other developments are being built in close proximity to Ocean Heights.
Does anybody have a link to a map or plan to where Ocean Heights is being built exactly in Dubai Marina.

I think this might help:

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

This:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=141641&page=1&pp=25


and this

http://www1.file-upload.net/01.02.06/jqexe4.jpg


might be useful as well :)

Princess tower is gonna be taller than what that image suggests!

yes this is still the old 90F version.

I think Najd tower is shown a bit too tall there

That pic makes me realy wish the grosvenor was bigger... would be great to have two big towers forming a gate way there.

LOTR-esque

a gateway, i wonder why emaar didn't think of that..

Marina Gateway, enjoy luxury living in an unrivaled location at the mouth of the marina..

Mouth of the Marina....

...sounds dodgy

Folks, any latest pictures of Ocean Heights construction?

Doubt much has happened....I don't even think piling work has begun yet

What is causing the delay

It is so hard to build. No floor is the same as the other.

Greetings Dubai Lovers,
I have started looking at wanting to invest in Dubai. OH 1 bed (Monte Golf view) is offered at AED 1,163,000 (969 sqft). That is approaching AED1200 psf.
That seems a lot for something not due to be ready until June 2009 (or beyond?)

Any thoughts on this would be welcome.

Damac, the developer behind Ocean Heights does seem to be rather expensive, compared to other similar towers. And they dont seem to be selling quickly. Take a look at Marina Crown, Princess or Emirates Crown, you'll probably find them a little cheaper.

What is the reason behind the slow selling. This project has been around for just over a year.

And I think this one is not really through at the moment.

It's very hard to built!!!!!

My opinion: Design changes before construction starts.

high prices, crappy floor layout.

and obviously also design issues.

damac website gives construction updates for all its towers on march 23 except ocean heights.... i wonder why :hilarious

I remember, didn't markmywords or someone say construction on this would only start April this year?

I remember, didn't markmywords or someone say construction on this would only start April this year?


Ok I will let this out. The tower design was originally meant for 55 floors. Aedas still has to figure out how to make the design work with 80+ floors. Look at the rendering closely, and you will see it is not realistic proportionate model but looks like some paper plates lined up.
So they would probably try and get the building as close to the rendering as possible maintaining the same surface area maybe cheating with the 'twist'. I hope whoever has bought in the building wont be sitting ducks when it is finally delivered.

So the time before this gets off the ground could be ages then?

Hope not!!

There isn't a hole or??

Damac should use their "Damac" (urdu for brain) a bit more, me thinks!

OH sales are not going well so the announcement of another Damac tower "in front" of the Torch will not be announced for another 3/4 months.

One on the front. Another next to Infinity.

We have to tread carefully and not be forced to pay unrealistic prices. I think the time has come for buyers to start demanding discounts.

Not my figures but someone has done the calculation and an average 500 apartment tower is netting the builders a cool AED (£40M*6.40) PROFIT.

Ask yourself, what risk is the builder taking. My answer is NONE. We the buyers are paying a hefty deposit and then staged payments, with only a fraction to pay at the end.

No wonder the builder can present glossy brochuers and glitzy parties and launches.

Tell me I am missing the plot!!

Who said there will be a Damac tower in front of the Torch ? Damac tower will be next to infinity.

^^ Maybe on the "talked about" plot between The Torch and Marina Heaight?

You know I dont get why ppl are complaining at all. If you have purchased an apartment in a towre and then 50 towers get built around it, you don't have a leg to stand on, not legally, not argumentatively. No developer sells apartments to buyers with any kind of guarantee against other towers and plots.

Its not rocket science. Yes it's sad and rather pathetic of Emaar to allow so many plots in very close proximity to one another but didn't you know that before you purchased?

I worked it out before I bought, looked at the 3 plots where the sales centre is and thought "f**k that, i ain't risking buying marina facing after seeing that!" so I bought a sea-facing Torch apartment. Yes, i was fully aware of the Princess tower in front of me, and Le-Reve to the right. But I also took a calculated risk in that because my apt. is to the right-hand side of the tower, i may possible get a very slight sea-view in between the Princess and Le-Reve, due to the road, knowing full well they're never gona built a tower in the middle of the road, are they!

But, the biggest factor of all in deciding to buy here was price. I've saved over £50k just coz i won't get a sea-view. Big deal. Its not the end of the world, like i've said numerous times before...as long as the right sort of ppl rent the apartment.

If you've bought an apartment and are now worried about towers creeping up all around it, you have no right compensation, in my opinion. Yes you have the right to complain, but don't expect anything to change realistically.

Damac are only building one extra tall tower. I really really doubt they'll release another 2 at the same time. They haven't even sold out this one yet

Damac are just full of shit...that's about it.

^^ Rather like your opinions then? :jk:

*cough cough post cough whore cough*

i shoud really get that cough looked at.


as anyone actualy asked damac when the plan to begin construction?

Maybe its herpes?

Maybe its herpes?


Hi Naz


Has anyone you know seen anybody on the OC building site this year yet !

:cheers:

Well its official Ocean Heights completion has been delayed until the fourth quarter of 2009.

Got a letter last week from Damac.

Im not too worried as I have bought an appartment in OC but am in for the long term.

And yes I do think its expensive but for some reason or another I just like the building and think once its finished it will be one of the best in this block.

But
i am guessing this must be why the delay on announcing the tower next to Infinity as it is only just over 50% sold.

And yes I do think its expensive but for some reason or another I just like the building and think once its finished it will be one of the best in this block.

It will probably be the best-looking on the block but apparently damac's interiors are not very good.

i wonder what the reason is for all the delays

the units should be sold out by now, shouldn't they?

This is a problem - Damac are getting a bad reputation for interiors which will now affect the entire companies future. Even if ocean heights has the best interiors ever seen, people no longer trust them so sales are very slow. Also the problem with design changes has caused mistrust and slow sales.

I don't think it is even sold out yet.

This is a problem - Damac are getting a bad reputation for interiors which will now affect the entire companies future. Even if ocean heights has the best interiors ever seen, people no longer trust them so sales are very slow. Also the problem with design changes has caused mistrust and slow sales.

I don't think it is even sold out yet.


Hi Steve

I think you are 100% right. I was phoned by one of there sales staff
last week 'again' offering me a cheaper price than 6 months ago.
What I have seen of there interiors in the past is very basic, not like
what there sales teams and fancy brochures say !
Damac are falling back into mediocrity and when they do that nothing will
sell at their exorbitant prices they are expecting.
People will see through them and this will have an effect on there future
projects.But maybe they want to be blind to that fact, who knows they will
learn the hard way I think.
I hope some of there top people read all these comments then maybe they
will give themselves a shake into the real world of honesty and quality.




Fezzy

damac is just too expensive that's it.

even though i would think OH would have been sold out by now.. really weird.

Damac is the BEST !! :D
dont try to make it cheap !! it have some problem but for this amazing project its normal !!

DAMAC has a good corporate image, winning numerous awards and have a really decent website. The problem it needs to get rid of is Launching really excting projects and then having huge delays which produces a negative focus. It's not the 1st project the waves was delayed too.

And yes i would have to agree the interiors not been superb in terms of choice of look and feel regardless of finsh qualties. The waves interiros do not look and feel as luxiourious as for example The Waterfront towers

DAMAC defintley have good projects shame about the delays and interiors in some cases

DAMAC has a good corporate image, winning numerous awards and have a really decent website. The problem it needs to get rid of is Launching really excting projects and then having huge delays which produces a negative focus. It's not the 1st project the waves was delayed too.

And yes i would have to agree the interiors not been superb in terms of choice of look and feel regardless of finsh qualties. The waves interiros do not look and feel as luxiourious as for example The Waterfront towers

DAMAC defintley have good projects shame about the delays and interiors in some cases


Hi

Its great winning awards on a building that's not up yet !

People do not live in a good Website's, they want a luxury home as promised.

And the delays you metioned will be from 2007 then 2008 and now it is the end of 2009 and you bet it will Jan 2010 over 4 years people will have had there money tied up doing nothing,at no risk to Damac I must add.

As far a Corporate image is concerned that looks like it is ebbing as fast as
the gained it, maybe a lot faster.

Wait and see they will have to cut that many corners due to building delays
and over-runs the finish will be carbage.This building will be the last of there
so called good name,wait and see they have blown it on this project.

There will be no long waiting lists for there future projects



Fezzy :cheers:

:sly: Is there more after ocean heights? I thought it was the last one in their Dubai Marina series? Am I missing something here? I do hope DAMAC lives up to their promise. Most of their towers look really good (on paper) and when finished. It is just the waiting time between off-plan and delivery than freaks most investors with this company right?

I was told that, like Nakheel, a lot has changed at this company (for the better) and that they will live up to their promise.

to be honest i couldnt care less about damac's interiors.

i just realy like a lot of their towers.

they are georgeos compared to the bigger developers.

lets not knock them... encourage them to build more!

...we already lost 1 great damac building, lets hope we never lose another!

^^ Totally agree with you there....but they do need to sort out the delays issue not like it's on the 1st tower.

Interiors are way more important than the design I think. If I were to build a 300m giant commie-block but would provide the best interiors for not too large a price then it's guaranteed it would sell. It's too bad Damac aren't good at both.
I recon this tower will definitely not be cheap to build and a reason why this is overpriced might be because of the design.


BTW where is everyone? This forum is dead

Interiors are way more important than the design I think. If I were to build a 300m giant commie-block but would provide the best interiors for not too large a price then it's guaranteed it would sell. It's too bad Damac aren't good at both.
I recon this tower will definitely not be cheap to build and a reason why this is overpriced might be because of the design.


BTW where is everyone? This forum is dead


Hi Malec

You are right they were selling the OC project on futuristic building design and
and fantastic interiors which I think it was a sales con,it will come back to haunt them if this is the case with the interiors and amenities when they don't come up to the standard's of the fantastic prices paid by the owner's
You are only as good as your last building,and this what people will judge them on.The word will get around about quality and broken promises like wild
fire, then we will see how many Bently award's they need to sell a project,I expect about 5-6 awards per building if that was possible!

The longer they wait I recon the building will take a lot more money to build because of the tremendous delays on the project, ie concrete and cement and labour costs shooting through the roof every month.So money will have to be saved somewhere i.e interiors look a good bet with over 700 units to save costs could be a good starting place.

As you say above one classie commie-block with a swimming pool ! with a slight twist thanks.



Fezzy :cheers:

Interiors are way more important than the design I think. If I were to build a 300m giant commie-block but would provide the best interiors for not too large a price then it's guaranteed it would sell. It's too bad Damac aren't good at both.
I recon this tower will definitely not be cheap to build and a reason why this is overpriced might be because of the design.


BTW where is everyone? This forum is dead

their interiors and especially their designs are not bad ... they are above average... just that their prices are much more above the average... way too expensive.

also.. we still have to have a look in person, photos are deceiving.

saw a model of ocean heights today, got some pics.

-----

that's because i am not here to keep things alive. ;)

that's because i am not here to keep things alive. ;)

You couldnt' stay away from this forum if you tried, mate! :tongue3:

their interiors and especially their designs are not bad ... they are above average... just that their prices are much more above the average... way too expensive.

also.. we still have to have a look in person, photos are deceiving.

saw a model of ocean heights today, got some pics.

-----

that's because i am not here to keep things alive. ;)


Hi

Any chance of seeing your latest pics for OC Heights



Fezzy :)

http://www.emporis.com/en/il/im/?id=436950.

Not much going on. Anyone got the latest pics since Feb '06 of the site.

^^ Tower is delayed until Q4 of 2009 doubt we will see much until a least June or July this year

Well the main contract tenders where given out according to Damac by the end of Feb, so I would think June or July start would be a fair assumption.

Look forward to seeing this one get of the ground!

Who knows

Totally agree with you Fezzy and Malec, the outside of any tower should be great, but for purchasers it is how their finished apartment looks and feels that is the most important factor.

I haven't seen the Damac interiors myself, but several contacts whose opinion I highly respect, and who are investors in Dubai, who have seen them tell me they are very poor indeed. It doesn't take long for a developer's reputation to suffer badly with this type of reaction, and pre-selling, particularly at much higher prices, becomes very difficult.

Clearly, buying off plan involves a major element of TRUST in the developer's promises, and if they have failed to deliver previously.........

You guys are giving Damac and this tower far too much publicity. They need to suffer with the same ignorance they treat their customers with, when we they ring up to enquire. They are far too slow and far too expensive. They have their head's firmly lodged in their arsholes as to when this one will rise...and yes, their interiors have been donated to them by Afghani children. From now on, I'd rather comment on decent developers who answer customer queries and towers that do the money justice.

You guys are giving Damac and this tower far too much publicity. They need to suffer with the same ignorance they treat their customers with, when we they ring up to enquire. They are far too slow and far too expensive. They have their head's firmly lodged in their arsholes as to when this one will rise...and yes, their interiors have been donated to them by Afghani children. From now on, I'd rather comment on decent developers who answer customer queries and towers that do the money justice.


HI Naz

You are right about that mate, they do not deserve one word of praise on any department and we should not give them I minute of our time.They are carbage in everything they do and say, bunch of cowboys playing in the big league.




Fezzy :)

There's a piling rig and a crowling crane on site. :cheers:

There's a piling rig and a crowling crane on site. :cheers:



Hi



HURRAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH



FEZZY :cheers:

I wonder how much of a tea-break they'll have before starting though

I wonder how much of a tea-break they'll have before starting though


Hi


Yes they 'SHOULD' manage to finish the piling by Christmas going on
past performance !




Fezzy :)

http://i3.tinypic.com/vo7e6o.jpg

a rig and a crane.

^^ And an orange cone, that died after being sick of waiting for action. Tragic.

^^ And an orange cone, that died after being sick of waiting for action. Tragic.


Hi

That orange cone was part of the piling, it looks as is they pressed
to hard and it buckled up,at least it would have been waterproof not
like the rest of the materials they may use. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





Regards : FEZZY


:cheers:

thanks for the update flo!

Please read attached.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/business/2006/April/business_April524.xml&section=business&col=

http://i3.tinypic.com/vo7e6o.jpg

^^ And an orange cone, that died after being sick of waiting for action. Tragic.

:jk: Poor cone could not take it anymore - it had a very lonely life.

http://i3.tinypic.com/w00zrd.jpg

I`M Wait to construction first floor ;) .

^^ Long wait if they only started pilling

:( :( :( :( nooooooo .

^^ Long wait if they only started pilling


The main thing is, that they have started the piling!!!

I hope they will this do this for Princess & 23 Marina too (and please soon!!!) :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:

The main thing is, that they have started the piling!!!

I hope they will this do this for Princess & 23 Marina too (and please soon!!!) :bash: :bash: :bash: :bash:


Hi

The question one asks is, have they started piling or is that for show !






Fezzy :)

^^ Well generally they move equipment on to a plot have a long tea break i mean like weeks and weeks and then the pilling work progresses.

But even having equipment on site indicates if pilling is not going on now it will be very soon.

Maybe someone has seen people working there???

Before we know it sandstorms will probably cover the site.

Any thoughts on the attached link. Doesn't look too rosie in Damac's camp.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/business/2006/April/business_April524.xml&section=business&col=

^^ Well generally they move equipment on to a plot have a long tea break i mean like weeks and weeks and then the pilling work progresses.

But even having equipment on site indicates if pilling is not going on now it will be very soon.

Maybe someone has seen people working there???

Hi

AYE the ants and other type of insects (no not Damac sales people) !!!!!!!!!!!


Check this out about 'Damac' Marina Terrace

http://www.itp.net/business/?category=construction

Fezzy :)

The Damac chickens are really coming home to roost. For this type of article to appear in Khaleej Times, it is clear that Damac must have really pissed off some important local VIPs. I would say they have a limited amount of time to get their act together before their reputation and business suffers irreparable damage. Not good for them...or for Dubai. Shame. :cry:

Well they are capable but the complexity of this tower plus there experience = distanter.

They are capable but they need to be more honest and trustworthy and it will run spoother on the publicity side.

If anyone is interested I have setup a blog at www.oceanheights.blogspot.com for anyone who has bought or is thinking of buying into this tower. As although this site is very good and a great source of information it is obvioulsy more geared for tower enthusiasts than investors and rightly so.

However keep up the good work everyone this is still by far the most informative and independant site on the web, which is greatly needed compared with the lack of information and news from some developers I could mention!!!

If anyone is interested I have setup a blog at www.oceanheights.blogspot.com for anyone who has bought or is thinking of buying into this tower. As although this site is very good and a great source of information it is obvioulsy more geared for tower enthusiasts than investors and rightly so.

However keep up the good work everyone this is still by far the most informative and independant site on the web, which is greatly needed compared with the lack of information and news from some developers I could mention!!!
Damac change the location?! :eek2:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5287/2868/320/64%7EOcean%20Heights%20Map.jpg

Why don't Damac just build a 2-storey car showroom on the site instead...say erm...a Jaguar dealership? I heard they got a few of em going spare....

Damac change the location?! :eek2:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5287/2868/320/64%7EOcean%20Heights%20Map.jpg

No its always been there.

DAMAC always had a problem with Khaleej Times ever since KT won a case against them. Though DAMAC is by no means a transparent and committed organisation, KT is just going overboard with these articles. It is after all the most unreadable newspaper mankind has ever come across.

DAMAC always had a problem with Khaleej Times ever since KT won a case against them. Though DAMAC is by no means a transparent and committed organisation, KT is just going overboard with these articles. It is after all the most unreadable newspaper mankind has ever come across.


Hi

This what I was told by Damac that they have had problems with this paper,including slander accusations thrown at them.But as I said to the Damac Rep if you were doing your job right they would have nothing to write about.
Damac will give you very little info at any time,The reporter asked them some questions, the CEO refused to talk them about anything so they started to dig some dirt from some of the dissatisfied buyers from Marina Terrace,what did they expect to hear that everything in the 'garden was rosy'.

I think it was a good thing that the paper did the report, then they have a chance to get their shoody show on the road for a change.If they as a company keep everything to themselves and don't talk to there customers through feedback how else are they going to know what people think about them. do they care !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was there final wake up call they better set there alarms in future !



Fezzy : :cheers:

Tried to phone Damac's main number today from England a coulpe of times and there was just a message saying there was a fault on the line, anyone had this problem or is it just my end!

Had visions of a hot sandy dessert with rolling brushes passing by where there nice airconditioned sales office used to be, and a sign saying;

"Ocean Heights,

By Damac (Pheonix) Properties LLC

The most prestigious and well designed tower in the whole of Dubai Marina with the best internal decour,

to be started sometime in 2010 once we have revived the cone!"

Tried to phone Damac's main number today from England a coulpe of times and there was just a message saying there was a fault on the line, anyone had this problem or is it just my end!

All the time...which is why i gave up trying ages ago.

Tried to phone Damac's main number today from England a coulpe of times and there was just a message saying there was a fault on the line, anyone had this problem or is it just my end!




:rofl: at least u were able to speak to someone ...

Actually managed to get through today so panic over, they are still there!!

I have just uploaded a video I took last June of the show rooms and a view from the 39th floor of the building behind Ocean Heights for anyone interested. This shows the quality of interiors they are promising and I am expecting, so lets hope they learn from Marina Terrace experiences and come up with the goods this time.

Mind you I suppose Im jumping the gun a bit here, it would be nice to see the shell of the building going up first!

Anyway check out my blog for the video, you need a myspace account to view but it doesnt cost anything and is very easy to setup.

Actually managed to get through today so panic over, they are still there!!

I have just uploaded a video I took last June of the show rooms and a view from the 39th floor of the building behind Ocean Heights for anyone interested. This shows the quality of interiors they are promising and I am expecting, so lets hope they learn from Marina Terrace experiences and come up with the goods this time.

Mind you I suppose Im jumping the gun a bit here, it would be nice to see the shell of the building going up first!

Anyway check out my blog for the video, you need a myspace account to view but it doesnt cost anything and is very easy to setup.


Hi Spoogle

I hope you are right about the interiors in the showroom, I think it is a con, the mock up did not corrospond with the interiours people got in Marina Terrace, they were cheap looking and nasty this is was why they ripped the kitchens out.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another thing that is misrepresented is the flooring they told me that were putting down cheap ceramic tiles from there locally produced factory not the nice looking marble that was in the mock-up in the showroom. I think it is all a big con to lure us in to a fancy showroom apartment then hit us with cheap and nasty decor from Kitchens to all the sanitory items. I hope I am 100% wrong but my trust in Damac has hit rock bottom.There customer service is a joke and the people who run the show should be shown the door before the run it into the ground.


Fezzy : :cheers:

07/05/2006

Piling has REALLY started and A.P.C.C. is the contractor (currently working also on the Infinity Tower)

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

http://i3.tinypic.com/xgctir.jpg

http://i3.tinypic.com/xgcuc7.jpg

Brilliant!!

Glad its starting to happen i quite like Ocean Heights......is that Naz i hear comming time for a quick exit i think......time to Launch Ocean Heights 2

good news finally.. took them a long time ;)

do u know if APCC did the "old" piling also?

Great. So many wonderful news today!

I will wait for more activity on the site to get excited.. :sleepy: We have waited way too long

Don't get me wrong, I quite like the Damac towers, built, u/c or otherwise. I just don't like the company that happens to be building/announcing them. Yes, slightly over-priced but generally they build good looking towers. I have never attacked Damac's tower designs! Only poor vision, appauling sales tactics (aka Jaguar offer!) and bizarre sense of customer relations with the hideous apartment interiors/decent lobbies scenario.

Oh, and it would be nice to occasionally be given "correct" updates regarding announced and u/c towers. And answering the phone after 10-15 tries never killed a company's public profile, in my humble opinion.

07/05/2006

Piling has REALLY started and A.P.C.C. is the contractor (currently working also on the Infinity Tower)

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

http://i3.tinypic.com/xgctir.jpg

http://i3.tinypic.com/xgcuc7.jpg


HI

Thanks for the great pictures I am glad to see something happening
at last. I hope they keep the work rate up and maybe finish the piling
this year !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Fezzy : :)

What is this I'm seeing? A mirage!. Is this the same site that was showing the lonesome orange cone not so long ago. Surely not!.

Approximately, how long does it for piling to complete in general providing there are no hiccups.

normally around 6 months. But you can never be too sure with Damac.

altin, do u think there will be another excavation first?

if not, piling could be completed by end of the year.

normally around 6 months. But you can never be too sure with Damac.

So, 3 months then! :bash:

altin, do u think there will be another excavation first?

if not, piling could be completed by end of the year.

There has to be another one... look at that hole! It's barely anything!

Sure they'll go deeper.

According to Damac the piling for OH will reach a depth of 50 meters, one of the deepest ever in the United Arab Emirates. It will take 3 months to complete piling work at a cost of AED21M.

interesting.

i wonder why they need such a deep piling. it seems like this tower is really difficult to construct. that's why the delays happened probably.

i doubt it will only take 3 months then

I think Nakheel will finish Al Burj before Ocean Heights is built

According to Damac the piling for OH will reach a depth of 50 meters, one of the deepest ever in the United Arab Emirates. It will take 3 months to complete piling work at a cost of AED21M.

Infinity Piling is going to 60 Meters and is costing 40M AED

So thats two towers going quite deep maybe it's the soil or they going for better safe then sorry.

I think Nakheel will finish Al Burj before Ocean Heights is built
:hahaha:

Infinity Piling is going to 60 Meters and is costing 40M AED

So thats two towers going quite deep maybe it's the soil or they going for better safe then sorry.

The company doing the piling is the same. Soil is the same, since they are just meters away, but Infinity has not only deeper piles but also presumely wider due to higher stress from the twisting of the structure, not to mention the tallest height and a bigger overall weight they have to support.

a miracle :)
but i'm not going to trust them until something really happens

we've seen them moving around machinery a couple of times already

Check out ebay co.uk you will see ocean height apartments with a free PSP :rofl:

^^ For their new Abu Dhabi buildings they are offering FREE subscription to a World Cup Sat TV Packagge :lol:

Im new to this, but the oceans height is coming along pretty slow, i mean i see it everyday...i hope that by the time i gradutate, it will be done.....HOPE being the key word there...

^^ For their new Abu Dhabi buildings they are offering FREE subscription to a World Cup Sat TV Packagge :lol: :bash:

Give me strength!

^^ Why haven't you checked the Marina Terrace thread yet? :bash:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?goto=newpost&t=117371

Im new to this, but the oceans height is coming along pretty slow, i mean i see it everyday...i hope that by the time i gradutate, it will be done.....HOPE being the key word there...


that would be in two years, wouldn't it J?

so i doubt it will be done by that time ;)

^^ :rofl: i agree...but this is still one of my fave towers in dubai

Stunning design and quality finishes promised. Hence the premium. Nevertheless, it will be fantastic looking and futuristic.

if the investors dont make their payments on time, the contract is canceled and the paid amount is not returned. Why doesnt this hold both ways, i.e. if the construction is delayed SO MUCH, the contract should be canceled and the money returned with interest!

Come on Samir, you know why this is...it's because contracts will always be written in the favour of the developer...and they (all of them) will try and get away with as much in their favour as possible. The argument being, "well if you're not happy, don't sign it and don't buy in Dubai". Kinda leaves hardcore investors in Dubai with little choice other than to take it on the chin.

yes but if sheikh mohammed included this clause in all contracts... it would definitely boost the confidence the potential investors have in developers and increase the sales.. im not saying developers must stick to the exact completion date.. give them a margin of 4-6 months.... but delays like this one and wind towers.... i dont give a damn whether it's some loft ideas stuck up nakheel's ass or some complicated designs apparetnly too hard to build.. unlike the many millionaires on this forum who invest to rent out as holiday homes or to re-sell, if i invest my life's savings for a home for my family.. i want it built on time with no compromise on quality.. that's how you build a trustworthy property market! Be a little more professional Dubai if you want to be a world class city!

Exactly. But we know time and time again...Developers are failing investors. Including Emaar, Nahkeel, you can go as high up as you want. Its unadulterated capitalism of the worst kind. You fork out large sums of money and entrust these ppl to deliver the goods you have literally re-mortgaged for...and they have the audacity to be economical with the truth, use Dubai's ambiguous legislation unashamedly against you in the hope that amongst the clutter of Arabic/English contract law, you've overlooked something you might later regret.

My father-in-law warned me against this and is still not happy about my purchase but once again, i was kinda stuck, coz i "needed" a property in Dubai as a definite matter of course.

It would be Krazy indeed to go into an investment opportunity that required staged payments and yet the investor was for whatever reason not able to keep up with the payments.
Incidentally, the contracts I have read do have some recompense for the investor, so long as the latter is not in breach.
As for delays and plan alterations are not uncommon in this industry.

The model on the Mall Of Emirates, from different angles:

North-side (Palm) view:
http://i3.tinypic.com/zlspeh.jpg

Front view:
http://i3.tinypic.com/zlsr5y.jpg

West-side view:
http://i1.tinypic.com/zlsw86.jpg

Rear view:
http://i1.tinypic.com/zlswv8.jpg

AltinD
You always come up with great photos. Thanks fella. :)

IMHO the model looks 100 times better than most computerised images of this tower.

http://i1.tinypic.com/zlsw86.jpg

^^WOW!!! OMG!!! AMAZING!!!

30% off kids designer wear in that shop window...COOL!... :jk:

Seriously, OC is still one of my favourites, despite being built by glorified caterers disguised as property developers.

^^ same here..i love this building..thanks for the pictures altin

i jus hope they speed up construction

Your going to love this, first it was the Jaguar deal now Damac are offerring semi-final tickets to the World Cup plus Business class airline seats to Germany in order to shift some of their apartments.

Is there an underlying message here?

give me one of those apartments :eek:

Piling continuing in full swing. A big board of A.P.C.C. is hanging from the site hoard.

fantastic
can't wait to see the site this summer

Damac Investors Lashout over construction delays.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?
section=theuae&xfile=data/theuae/2006/june/theuae_june66.xml

Damac are not helping themselves with headlines like these. They should stop the sales incentives which does not hold water and win back customer confidence.

Bit of a worrying article! Also mentions how OH is undersubscribed still. I hope this will change once the building starts taking form, also I hope Damac are listening and learning from their mistakes so that by the time this is built it will not only be stunning from the outside but finished properly on the inside.

I personnaly dont mind the delay in construction as by 2009 hopefully most of the marina will be finished so we will not be living on a building site.

Damac changed design, cut size of apartments, says former buyer.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2006/June/theuae_June268.xml&section=theuae

Damac are digging a deeper hole for themselves. Now they are realy below the belt.

The guys in damac's jlt towers can't complain about the delays. The whole project is running 2 years behind schedule and it's nakeels fault.

^^ Especially considering that Lake Terrace is the second out of 80 towers to be compleated there. ;)

Damac changed design, cut size of apartments, says former buyer.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2006/June/theuae_June268.xml&section=theuae

Damac are digging a deeper hole for themselves. Now they are realy below the belt.

Digging holes is what construction companies do. But not in this way!

They changed the sizes of the doors from 1.50 to 1.20 m ? Bedroom 1/3 smaller because of structural column? WTF? Can someone confirm on this? I know Khaleeejtimes and Damac is liketrying to mix water and oil so we need more sources to confirm this...

Any new pictures on how OH is progressing?

HEYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
These are my words!!!! :):):):):) lol

Dieb!!!!!!!!!!

Piling is underway

DAMAC has a NEW incentive. You get a studio with some kind of apartments. Maybe their CFO and/or CMO, use to work for GM or FORD USA before :lol:

:rofl: stephan, u r really the soul of this forum.

lol

I know its a bit radical, but Damac should introduce an incentive where you give them some money and they give you an apartment a couple of years later. :sleepy:

gosh this seem quite like a mess

Someone I know bought a flat there. Now she would be thrilled if anyone at all could reasonably explain why she has to continue paying the installments while with every hour the completion date is further away.

Must be terrible for the investors that are losing money already..

But the funniest thing is that they still keep Launching projects!!!!!!!!!!!
They don't understand the concept of finish one and start another one.. At least Finish something!!!!!!!!!!!!! And more stupid is that the people keeps investing on their products... The man is the only (Stupid) animal that missteps twice with the same stone.. (Sorry for the translation :P)

A month ago altind said piling in full swing, has anyone checked the site since then to see?

^^ I think you misinterpreted what AltinD said Malec, which was that he saw a couple of monkeys swinging from the piling on the deserted construction site! :lol:

Someone I know bought a flat there. Now she would be thrilled if anyone at all could reasonably explain why she has to continue paying the installments while with every hour the completion date is further away.

Tell your friend to get a grip. Monitoring hourly progress for something that is not due for delivery for another 3 years is daft, don't you think?

^^ I think you misinterpreted what AltinD said Malec, which was that he saw a couple of monkeys swinging from the piling on the deserted construction site! :lol:

WOW NAZ! I thought if I stay from this forum for a few weeks it might improve. Of course, it hasn't because you are still here, many hundred posts later, still contniuing with your tripe!

did u mean if u stayed away from the forum??

WOW NAZ! I thought if I stay from this forum for a few weeks it might improve. Of course, it hasn't because you are still here, many hundred posts later, still contniuing with your tripe!

The fact it pisses you off has now made me more determined! In fact, I will now dedicate every Damac-bash to you, Ashka. Our very own "perpetually- menstruating forum lurker!". Have fun. :D

The fact it pisses you off has now made me more determined! In fact, I will now dedicate every Damac-bash to you, Ashka. Our very own "perpetually- menstruating forum lurker!". Have fun. :D

If you could just take your head out of your own arse, you might just start stating something worth reading.
Anyhow, game on boy!

See u on TT thread (non-investment chat ofcourse! :weirdo: )

Ashka - Insulting people is all Naz ever manages to do. Sad life he has. Best thing is to try not to read anything he writes, although as he has a nasty habit of invading every thread. Wait for the next rude, sexist insult folks!

lol stephen

How did Naz get a bad reputation here? :D

Just by being his usual unpleasant self.

^^ I have absolutely no idea Smussuw!! All i did was attack Damac for being such a lamearse, hairbrained catering company who dreamt of making it big in the construction industry. Cannot see what is so rude or sexiest about that. Just telling it like it is. The only problem with Ashka is that he was fooled into parting with cash by Damac, and now, he is taking all his frustrations with Damac, out on me!!!

Ashka, have you tried asking for a refund mate? Or threatened them with legal action? Or better still, tell them you'll go to the Khaleej Times if they don't give you your money back after breaking promises of a 2006 handover?

And lovedubai, don't know what his problem is. But reading the above comment, seems like he just can't wait for the next comment from me! Dammit, its just a forum mate! Stop getting your Y-fronts in a twist and relax.:D

4 minutes before the woodwork got too hot and you crawled out and you're telling me to relax. Love it!

^^ Anything to keep idiots like you entertained! :D

6 minutes. Feeling more relaxed now?

^^ I have absolutely no idea Smussuw!! All i did was attack Damac for being such a lamearse, hairbrained catering company who dreamt of making it big in the construction industry. Cannot see what is so rude or sexiest about that. Just telling it like it is. The only problem with Ashka is that he was fooled into parting with cash by Damac, and now, he is taking all his frustrations with Damac, out on me!!!

Ashka, have you tried asking for a refund mate? Or threatened them with legal action? Or better still, tell them you'll go to the Khaleej Times if they don't give you your money back after breaking promises of a 2006 handover?

And lovedubai, don't know what his problem is. But reading the above comment, seems like he just can't wait for the next comment from me! Dammit, its just a forum mate! Stop getting your Y-fronts in a twist and relax.:D

Firstly, I am not your mate until you start behaving with common decency.
Secondly, read the footnote.
Thirdly, because you failed to get a Jag from Damac with your potential forray with Damac, you have been sore ever since. Move on fool and start posting sensibly instead of the usual tripe!

I'm sorry but the "actual" reason i didn't buy from Damac is I followed my gut instinct about them once I did a bit of quick research on them. Also, very "weird" sales tactics for a property developer also gave me suspicions. Oh, and btw, had someone answered the phone the countless times I tried contacting them in the UK and Dubai, perhaps I might have bought a property from them, and then found myself in the same "self-denial vs. oh-my-god-I-fucked-up-and-bought-from-the-wrong-people" state that you seem to be in right now. ;)

The day you realise the truth about Damac, "mate", you'll stop with your childish personal attacks, and probably join the hundreds of other ppl who have had their fingers burnt (probably literally if you look at the kitchens in Marina Terrace!! :lol: ) and openly tell the truth about them. Why don't you just type "Damac failures" into GOOGLE and see what im talking about.... go on..off you go!

Why don't you just type "Damac failures" into GOOGLE and see what im talking about.... go on..off you go!

^^That's a good one, Naz. Just to add my 2 cents. I had the same kind of gut-reaction when I visited Damac's sales center a year ago. The salesman was firing off details at me and all the "benifits" of buying. I was getting a lot of information, except it didn't really seem that relavant to whether the property was what I wanted. It was too much of a hard sell, with the repeated by-line, "We're the biggest private developer in the UAE." It was the typical sales ploy of "If you act now you'll get... Decide later and you'll lose out on something."

http://smiliestation.de/smileys/Liebe/3.gif (http://smiliestation.de)http://smiliestation.de/smileys/Liebe/126.gif (http://smiliestation.de)http://smiliestation.de/smileys/Liebe/49.gif (http://smiliestation.de)http://smiliestation.de/smileys/Liebe/93.gif (http://smiliestation.de)

It was too much of a hard sell, with the repeated by-line, "We're the biggest private developer in the UAE." It was the typical sales ploy of "If you act now you'll get... Decide later and you'll lose out on something."
Very true. I found them so much of a hard sell that it reminded me of the timesharing plans they sold in Spain a couple of decades ago. It really put me off the Damac properties altogether. Even though they do have some fabulous towers IMO.

I think his sales guy was named Sunil Shankar or something. Maybe it is just the one pushy sales person giving the entire sales team a bad image.

Is not only one sales that gives the bad reputation to the whole Damac team.. If you have the chance just go to a Damac property launch.. Pathetic.

Am a sales agent too, unfortunately I have to go to all those stupid launchs. Is laughable to see how they try to push the investors ( or just the simple people that goes for a free dinner :P). The first lesson I was told on my first sales training, was to never push the customer, they know what they want, u only need to have a good product :P

Damac forgot that part....

If there's one thing that put me off buying anything it's a pushy sales man i'll just walk away and go elsewhere regardless of who the company is and how good or bad a reputation they have.

It' won't be one person it's always a company culture and it will be the way they are told to do it. Shame DAMAC can't understand people are investing alot of money so need some breathing space not a sales person breathing down neck and saying buy today or else.

It's not just the pushy sales tactics, its these pathetic sales offers they keep coming up with, like free jaguars (which are obviously not really "free") and now "free" studios... I mean which idiot would actually buy an apartment in this way? (no disrespect to Askha).

DAMAC must believe that "silly" things like location, price, interiors, etc are only secondary to sales gimmicks.

^^ Well i wouldn't buy an apartment for the Jaguar or the Studio, but DAMAC do have some impressively designed towers.

Maybe if they actually offered good deals on finance or better payment terms they may sell more.

Locations are not bad....but some prices do seam a little high but then again not too high if you compare to Infinity etc.

But they just need to sort out delays especially on ocean heights. But i'm sure because of the tower designs once complete these towers will have good resale values.

^^ I couldn't agree more. I have said right from the start that the only good thing Damac have going for them is excellent tower designs and great locations. And I also reiterate I will immediately change my mind about them if they can get their act together on at least one tower! That's not too much to ask is it? In fact, if they can bring OH back to a completion around Mid-late 2008, I would probably purchase a 1-bed right away. But that's asking for a miracle.

Guys we alreayd have a DAMAC bashing thread in the main forum... why hijack this one?

If you read from where the "hijacking" started Krazy, you'll see who's behind it. I have been "bashing" Damac for 6 months now and if I had intentions of ruining tower threads, I would have done it on this OH thread way back then. You'll see that certain ppl can only resort to personal attacks when a developer they have invested in is criticized rightfully for delays, bad sales tactics and shoddy workmanship.

Guys we alreayd have a DAMAC bashing thread in the main forum... why hijack this one?

Sorry sir, your right but as Naz said in most cases we are only responind to what was started by others.

You should just delete all the post rather then asking the question.

Well at last! I was beginning to think the standard of this thread was dropping faster than sales in OH!

Seriously though, some good comments above, Damac do have great looking towers and I dont mind admitting I am one of the so called "idiots" that Naz talks about who bought an appartment.

However I still stand by my purchase, I didnt fall fowl of the sales tactics, we went to Dubai Marina and looked at all marina building plans and chose what we wanted mainly on looks and location plus the fact that Damac where considered one of the leading developers (and no I didnt here that only from them). I am looking long term and although I understand the frustration of others, I am not that worried about the delay in completion, I would just like to be assured that by the time it is delivered the standard is good and they will have learnt from their mistakes in towers like Marina Terrace etc etc.

There is still time for Damac to redeem themselves but it would help if they at least got this tower off the ground!

It would help if they could keep us informed as well, they are certainly lacking in PR skills. I am sure they read this forum so come on Damac guys, give us some feedback!

How are sales in OH really going?

When are you actually going to start construction?

What is a realistic date for completion?

And for goodness sake stop giving away stuff that no serious investor wants or needs and concentrate on the quality of your designs and interiors.

someone should email and give em the link to this thread is they dont already know by know! i reckon naz should do that honour! he can give em a good telling off aswell! :rofl:

and also, damac need to start redeeming themselves now to save the little reputation they have!

Hi Ashka.........what is your understanding of the date when OH will be completed ???

For someone to have an "understanding" of when the construction will be completed... the construction has to START first! Any other "estimated" dates given to you are taken straight outta the ass... wake up!

Hey don't tell me to wake up .....besides, who rattled your cage..... the question wasn't directed at you.

I'm just asking Ashka a very simple question....he's buying in Ocean Heights, it's a fantastic tower. (My favourite is Infinity followed closely by Ocean Heights and then in third place The Torch - as I'm buying in the Torch that's very honest of me don't you think ??) . Ashka is very happy with his purchase, and has every right to be so, which is great, all I'm asking is when does HE understand the completion date to be ??

Well the completion date is supposed to now be final quarter of 2009. This was the official line of Damac in March this year, but then they also said that the additional piling works had been mobilised and that the main contract tenders were issued at the end of February 2006.

Its now July and not a lot has happened so I think your guess is as good as any!

Unless of course anyone else on the forum has any news?

Hey don't tell me to wake up .....besides, who rattled your cage..... the question wasn't directed at you.

I'm just asking Ashka a very simple question....he's buying in Ocean Heights, it's a fantastic tower. (My favourite is Infinity followed closely by Ocean Heights and then in third place The Torch - as I'm buying in the Torch that's very honest of me don't you think ??) . Ashka is very happy with his purchase, and has every right to be so, which is great, all I'm asking is when does HE understand the completion date to be ??

Hi MM - I am not an OH investor. I am a Damac investor within DIFC and I have just got my contract from them.

As for OH, I did look into it quite seriously and whilst the building is IMHO going to be iconic for decades to come, I just wasn't convinced by the number of towers going up in DM and close to it. As far as I'm aware most builders starting now or in the next few months will be completing during mid 2009.

someone should email and give em the link to this thread is they dont already know by know! i reckon naz should do that honour! he can give em a good telling off aswell! :rofl:

and also, damac need to start redeeming themselves now to save the little reputation they have!

You and Naz-UK are as thick as theives!

Apologies Ashka....I thought you were buying in OH....guess I'm getting confused with all the ranting posts and it's difficult to shift through and make any sense of them sometimes.

Latest report in the Khaleej Times. Im a bit worried about Peter Riddoch's last comment where he makes a comparison with Enron, saying this didnt effect the overall US market. I hope he is not comparing his own company with Enron!!!


Top Damac executive says delays due to 'tight' construction industry
BY A STAFF REPORTER

3 July 2006



DUBAI — A "tight" construction industry is the reason for the late delivery of property developments in Dubai, Damac CEO Peter Riddoch has said.


Riddoch told Khaleej Times, " There is simply too much demand for contractors and the industry has been unable to cope".

One of the issues construction companies must contend with is the speed at which visas are issued and the shortage of staff accommodation. "Demand [for the services of construction companies] is very high and contractors can't find accommodation for labourers," he said.

"Consultants [ie engineering firms, architects, designers] are also taking on more than they can chew," he said. Tender documents could take three or four weeks to be prepared, and there are often considerable delays in receiving job quotations, he explained.

To increase capacity, Damac is engaging consultants and engineering firms from abroad, such as Malaysia.

The failure of master developers to prepare the infrastructure for the land in a timely manner is also having a knock-on effect on developers. "We cannot move if the utilities are not ready," he said.

In Damac's case, when buyers have faced delays, they have been compensated. In the case of Marina Terrace, customers were paid interest on their money and those who arrived to find their apartments were not completed were accommodated at various hotels, including the five star Al Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, at the company's expense, Riddoch said.

All units in that development were also fitted with free white goods and the kitchens and bathrooms were all upgraded from standard to premium, he said.

The next residential property to be delivered will be The Waves, also in Dubai Marina, at the beginning of August. Lake Terrace will be delivered in mid-2007.

When asked how Damac finances such large-scale projects, and so many at the same time, the executive confirmed that the company does borrow from banks but said: "We maintain very healthy ratios. We operate a very conservative policy on borrowings".

He also said Damac was the only company in the region that starts announcing and selling a project as soon as the plans are finalised with the master developers.

The nature of the development is indicative of Damac's "premium" business model. "We wait for top quality and top location. It took us two years to finalise the land in Lebanon," said Riddoch.

He also said: "While we want to be the region's luxury provider, we also want to do this globally."

Recently, Damac announced "La Residence by Ivana Trump", a $150 million real estate venture in Beirut City Centre. It is a 27-storey tower offering a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with duplexes and penthouses. All are fitted with smart home technology.

The Trump brand will be rolled out to other international locations.

While residential developments have been Damac's main focus, it is increasingly turning to commercial developments. To date it has launched five such projects in Dubai, and two more are in the pipeline. For investors, the yields at 14-15 per cent are higher than on residential projects, which are about 10 per cent.

Riddoch also said that the price of land in Dubai still remains reasonable compared with other parts of the world. For example, a plot of land costing Dh1,200 per square foot in Dubai would cost Dh2,400 in Beirut, Dh6,000-Dh7,000 in London and Dh12,000 in Hong Kong.

He is also bullish about the property market, allaying concerns in this respect. "Dubai is a hub, it has good infrastructure, and it attracts Europeans, Indians and Africans who are looking for a second home."

Nor is he concerned that Dubai's reputation will be affected by the actions of any unscrupulous operator. "Dubai business will not be affected by such things. There was the Enron collapse in the US and it did not result in the US shutting down," he commented.

Very interesting reading. I think this should also be posted on the 'Project Marina' section as the views can be applied to all current builds.

Well-written, probing and very balanced article. Was it actually authored by Khaleej Times! (Somebody pinch me or tell me this is a syndicated wire story.) I think Riddoch is right on the mark in describing the difficult issues facing the construction industry and as a result developers and their projects. His other explanations of what Damac has done to compensate investors due to delays and problems in Marina Terrace and with regard to other criticims leveled at his company would be believable, if the company were not at the same time almost daily announcing new projects--now up to a count of 62 worldwide.

And yes, the Enron comment is curious. Was it a Freudian slip?

Great job KT!

Latest report in the Khaleej Times. Im a bit worried about Peter Riddoch's last comment where he makes a comparison with Enron, saying this didnt effect the overall US market. I hope he is not comparing his own company with Enron!!!


Top Damac executive says delays due to 'tight' construction industry
BY A STAFF REPORTER

3 July 2006



DUBAI — A "tight" construction industry is the reason for the late delivery of property developments in Dubai, Damac CEO Peter Riddoch has said.


Riddoch told Khaleej Times, " There is simply too much demand for contractors and the industry has been unable to cope".

One of the issues construction companies must contend with is the speed at which visas are issued and the shortage of staff accommodation. "Demand [for the services of construction companies] is very high and contractors can't find accommodation for labourers," he said.

"Consultants [ie engineering firms, architects, designers] are also taking on more than they can chew," he said. Tender documents could take three or four weeks to be prepared, and there are often considerable delays in receiving job quotations, he explained.

To increase capacity, Damac is engaging consultants and engineering firms from abroad, such as Malaysia.

The failure of master developers to prepare the infrastructure for the land in a timely manner is also having a knock-on effect on developers. "We cannot move if the utilities are not ready," he said.

In Damac's case, when buyers have faced delays, they have been compensated. In the case of Marina Terrace, customers were paid interest on their money and those who arrived to find their apartments were not completed were accommodated at various hotels, including the five star Al Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa, at the company's expense, Riddoch said.

All units in that development were also fitted with free white goods and the kitchens and bathrooms were all upgraded from standard to premium, he said.

The next residential property to be delivered will be The Waves, also in Dubai Marina, at the beginning of August. Lake Terrace will be delivered in mid-2007.

When asked how Damac finances such large-scale projects, and so many at the same time, the executive confirmed that the company does borrow from banks but said: "We maintain very healthy ratios. We operate a very conservative policy on borrowings".

He also said Damac was the only company in the region that starts announcing and selling a project as soon as the plans are finalised with the master developers.

The nature of the development is indicative of Damac's "premium" business model. "We wait for top quality and top location. It took us two years to finalise the land in Lebanon," said Riddoch.

He also said: "While we want to be the region's luxury provider, we also want to do this globally."

Recently, Damac announced "La Residence by Ivana Trump", a $150 million real estate venture in Beirut City Centre. It is a 27-storey tower offering a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments, along with duplexes and penthouses. All are fitted with smart home technology.

The Trump brand will be rolled out to other international locations.

While residential developments have been Damac's main focus, it is increasingly turning to commercial developments. To date it has launched five such projects in Dubai, and two more are in the pipeline. For investors, the yields at 14-15 per cent are higher than on residential projects, which are about 10 per cent.

Riddoch also said that the price of land in Dubai still remains reasonable compared with other parts of the world. For example, a plot of land costing Dh1,200 per square foot in Dubai would cost Dh2,400 in Beirut, Dh6,000-Dh7,000 in London and Dh12,000 in Hong Kong.

He is also bullish about the property market, allaying concerns in this respect. "Dubai is a hub, it has good infrastructure, and it attracts Europeans, Indians and Africans who are looking for a second home."

Nor is he concerned that Dubai's reputation will be affected by the actions of any unscrupulous operator. "Dubai business will not be affected by such things. There was the Enron collapse in the US and it did not result in the US shutting down," he commented.


Hi Spoogle


I had contact with you a few months ago concerning Ocean Heights,you told me you did mind about the delays very much as long as you were getting a quality building and contents.What are your feelings now concerning Damac as regards the statement above i.e are you afraid like some of us this company may crash taking all our funds with them.I do not think we would get any help with a full refund due to Dubai having no laws in place to protect us.Are there any way we can get through to the management in this company and make them give us a truthfull answer.I am fed up getting promise after promise about piling starting and making great progress,and in reality nothing has changed on this site for months on end.Do you have anyone on the ground in Dubai that knows anything about this project !
I would appreciate your thoughts on the above matter Spoogle.


:)

One more thing, current photographs of the site would be appreciative.

Nidoenator

Yes we did have contact earlier this year, and my concerns with the delays at the time lead to me starting up the blog at the footer of my messages. The hope being all investors in OH can link up and if need be have a greater voice than on an individual level.

I too am getting increasingly concerned with the delays, horror stories and comments on this forum.

There is still very little progress since I visited the site last June! I also went back in October 05 to visit Damac although my original contact was not available.

Since then all we seem to hear about is new tower launches around the world. I am very dubiuos about putting any more money into this project until we have some reasurrance and or action from Damac.

I am thinking of writting to Peter Riddoch and also the dubai government with copies to Khaleej Times and other press organisations. Although bringing attention to this may be bad publicity and could result in even longer delays or worse, I think the time has come to do something.

Anyone else who has invested in OH and is concerned please visit my blog and enter your details so that I can contact you, then I will put together a draft that we can all approve.

I will be going back to Dubai later this year and will want some answers by then. After all it was whilst staying on holiday at the Burj Al Arab that I got hooked on the Dubai dream and was convinced by several people including one of the hotel managers that Damac where one of the largest and best developers in the Marina. Quite frankly if they turn out to be no more than a glorrified pyramid scam then I will certainly want the rest of the world to know about this!!

As for compensation if all goes wrong, I fear you are right, just look at the problems with the lighthouse project, however at least this is being investigated. Damac however are responsible for several towers and would be a much bigger story if they were to fail, this would certainly have the potential to bring the whole Dubai investment market into disrepute until more regulation or guaruntees are introduced.

Lets hope Peter is right and the reasons for the delays are due to too much demand for contractors, although I cant see how this would delay a towers start date by over a year. If he is really serious about OH surely the way to sell more appartments is to prove the point and get on with construction. Once people see the floors going up we will all have far more confidence in him and his company.

As far as getting through to the management of Damac, didnt I here somewhere that Peter Riddoch is based in the UK in fact if i remember correctly Scotland. They also have a London based office so I am happy to start investigating this in the UK first before I go back to Dubai.

The main reason for delay on OH is that they don't know how to build the damn thing.

08/07/2006

http://i6.tinypic.com/1zewg48.jpg

http://i6.tinypic.com/1zewgna.jpg

:ohno:

LOL are you joking ?

No unfortunately!!! :bash: