^^ Not a soul in sight - because it's early morning?? :dunno:

Yes... around 7am if i remember right..

Yes... around 7am if i remember right..

Yup, right before storming outside with the towels to "reserve" the sun-loungers. :D

:hilarious

Hahahaha this is not spain ;)

There was plenty of sun-loungers..
on the other hand the hotel was not full.

Most hotels have less than 70% occupancy these days...

The rulers of the Emirates are introducing more laws to control media reporting and tv broadcasting within the region. The first program to be axed is the broadcasting of the Flintstones.

A spokesman said that Emiratis from Dubai don't understand the humour however those from ABU DHABI DO!!

i like this view :cheers:

http://i40.tinypic.com/wbs26c.jpg

Thanks germantower for link :cheers:

http://i43.tinypic.com/6oipzd.jpg

^^On the previous page i have posted exactly the same pic!

^^ Don't be sad still you have the copyright :cheers:

^^ I don't have the copyright, the copyright has the photographer, because of that i stated the source from where i have the picture.

Now now girls........

24/January/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/8587/imresolt092do3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/2397/imresolt113zw7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/1900/imresolt121bf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

24/January/2009

JLT-Marina

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1865/imresolt114io6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.soledubai.com

Stable commercial real estate prices in the UAE unaffected so far by the global economic downturn will witness a modest decline this year, market analysts said. The supply-demand gap for office space is still wide as the expected delivery of towers, such as Business Bay, has been delayed, they said.


With these projects expected to complete this year, more commercial space availability will result in a natural drop in prices, they added. These views followed the release of three reports this week by Asteco, Real Capital Analytics and CB Richard Ellis (CBRE). These market reports indicated that commercial real estate survived 2008 – ending flat on sales prices and slightly lower on rental prices for the last quarter.


Latest research from CBRE showed that prime rents in each of the three main commercial property sectors – office, retail and industrial – remained static in the fourth quarter of 2008. However, rental growth in 2008 as a whole reached 50 per cent for industrial buildings, 29 per cent for offices and 18 per cent for retail.


Asteco reported that office sales prices maintained stability posting an average growth rate of 10 per cent last year. Research by Real Capital Analytics suggested that year-on-year commercial property sales doubled in 2008, with property jumping 148 per cent to $3.12 billion.


Commenting on the latest trend in the market, Nick Maclean, Managing Director of CBRE, said, "We are seeing now for the first time a drop of commercial rental prices. Property purchase prices have been coming down for some time now, but rents had until now been holding strong."


Andrew Chambers, Managing Director of Asteco, added, "In recent months real estate prices in Dubai have been at an all-time high. With the current global climate a lowering was inevitable. It should be noted, that the majority of units listed are asking prices. Consequently, it is difficult to set value benchmarks, due to limited transactional activity over the last two months. Areas with heavy off-plan projects have generally been affected more, as the market has shifted from a speculator market to an end-user market.


"It is envisaged that in 2009 there will be a decrease in off-plan sales. This could potentially lead to improved project planning which may limit construction delays. Furthermore, an increase in owner or occupier rather than speculative projects may be seen."


The commercial real estate market was still too underdeveloped to fully understand and speculate, felt Ian Albert, Regional Director of Colliers International. "With the completion of current projects this year, the market should evolve into one that offers specific trends and well founded analysis," he said.


Despite a loss of momentum in rental markets, there was no change in investment yields in the fourth quarter, reported CBRE. "Dubai offers some of the highest prime yields in the EMEA [Europe, the Middle East and Africa] region in any case – 11 per cent in the industrial sector, 7.75 per cent in office and eight per cent in retail – and there was no movement in these levels in the final quarter of last year. Indeed over the year as a whole, only the industrial showed any yield change, recording a 50 basis points rise on the year," said Maclean.

http://www.soledubai.com/news.aspx?id=21

What is that ugly thing at the door of diamond 3. Is that the metro. Are they going to have a bridge and stairs right at the door of diamond 3. How high is that that will be right in front of the windows of the first three floors meaning no light at all to those apartments. Very sad for diamond 3

great pics imre, :cheers:

In the current market how much are completed properties selling for in the marina psf ? What about project which are under construction and should be complete within the next yr or so.

Is there a thread for Emirates Crown Tower?

Is there a thread for Emirates Crown Tower?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=149480&page=21

What is that ugly thing at the door of diamond 3. Is that the metro. Are they going to have a bridge and stairs right at the door of diamond 3. How high is that that will be right in front of the windows of the first three floors meaning no light at all to those apartments. Very sad for diamond 3

same problem everywhere,just e.g.:

The Waterfront- new bridge is just next to the swimming pool
Dorra Bay - from the first or second floor (sea side) you can jump to the new road
Bayside Residence-traffic of the new brigde noisy for some low floors

etc...

this is the resault when people make a masterplan without brain.

Just look the tallest block, 23 Marina ,The Pentominium,Marina 106 and the MAG 218 Towers, they have only a single road access, just imagine the traffic there when completed:)
The situation between the second and third block even worst .(Pinnacle,Marina 101,Elite Res,Sulafa,Ocean Heights, Marina Crown etc..)

Thanks Imre

What I do not understand is what is that pillar for next to the entrance of the parking if it is a bridge, were will they put the stairs and why do you need a bridge for the sidewalk ?? They can just have the stairs/elevator from the entrance of the metro bridge that seems to be located infront of the entrance of Diamond 3 . Anyone any ideas what they are doing??

25/January/2009

The Torch,Princess Tower and the tallest block

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/7853/imresolt11iw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5333/imresolt13qg4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/2774/imresolt16wi2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/8171/imresolt17es8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9991/imresolt72jg0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Thanks Imre

What I do not understand is what is that pillar for next to the entrance of the parking if it is a bridge, were will they put the stairs and why do you need a bridge for the sidewalk ?? They can just have the stairs/elevator from the entrance of the metro bridge that seems to be located infront of the entrance of Diamond 3 . Anyone any ideas what they are doing??

as I said before , problem is idiots everywhere:)

25/January/2009

Dubai Metro

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/158/imresolt24je8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/9837/imresolt25zz1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1473/imresolt26pg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

these villas owners will be happy when the road ready?

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6752/imresolt56jy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

OMG! that is so close to Diamond 3.:bash:


Nice pictures Imre.:)

as I said before , problem is idiots everywhere:)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/1473/imresolt26pg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Imre;

Do you know which direction the exit stairs will be? towards Marina walk or Timeplace :dunno:

What about the Tram station?

I think the Marina Walk, they are working in that side , but who knows:) anyway it will be dangerous because of the car parking entrance of the MD3.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1865/imresolt114io6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What is that ugly thing at the door of diamond 3. Is that the metro. Are they going to have a bridge and stairs right at the door of diamond 3. How high is that that will be right in front of the windows of the first three floors meaning no light at all to those apartments. Very sad for diamond 3

Don't forget the silver lining. Wake up late, startled--clock shows punch in time at work in 30 min! You roll out of bed, splash water on your face, run out the door with belt and tie in hand. No time to wait for an elevator, run down the two flights of stairs and presto you're in the metro passage. You race across SZR, just squeeze through a train door before it closes and catch your breath during the 15 min ride. Reaching your stop, you run from the train to the office block beside the station. You're at your desk with 5 minutes to spare. Lucky Marina Diamond resident!

^^

The residents of other blocks will indeed be envious of MD3's superior amenities.
:)

What I do not understand is what is that pillar for next to the entrance of the parking if it is a bridge, were will they put the stairs and why do you need a bridge for the sidewalk ?? They can just have the stairs/elevator from the entrance of the metro bridge that seems to be located infront of the entrance of Diamond 3 . Anyone any ideas what they are doing??

Do you know which direction the exit stairs will be? towards Marina walk or Timeplace :dunno:

... Lucky Marina Diamond resident!

http://i44.tinypic.com/315xs9h.jpg

Many thanks Altin
I thought it would be the opposite direction, only because of the tram going over the bridge next to Bayside, unless I misunderstood the Tram direction, it made sense to go the opposite direction.:dunno:
Good enough for me, the way you drew it :)

^^ You have 2 steel sections on the left that will be used for the walkaway from the edge of SZR to the edge of the podium and from there to the big platform on front of Marina Diamond. Then you have 2 more sections on the right and there are also 2 already erected pillars, one in front of the MD parking and the other in front of Delta 2 tower site.

forget the tram, that is just a dream:)

More pics

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0647_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0653_qa.jpg

The Walk:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0679_1qa.jpg

Remains of Oasis Hotel

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0677_qa.jpg

Animated GIF (2,2MB):

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/destruction.gif

Infinity Tower:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0733_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0731_qa.jpg

Terrace of "Sloane's" at the Grosvenor House (my all time favourite buffet)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0734_qa.jpg

Model in the Lobby:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0747_qa.jpg

When the bridges from Marina to Jumeirah Lake Towers are completed, the Marina will be much more busy and crowded. There must be a lot of residents in JLT waiting for the completion.

Nice photos Desert River and Imre, can't wait for the Oasis Hotel to be flattened because they are creating so much dust at the moment :( Why don't they use dynamite? They could do it in one day, instead of making dust and noise for so many months?

^^ You have 2 steel sections on the left that will be used for the walkaway from the edge of SZR to the edge of the podium and from there to the big platform on front of Marina Diamond. Then you have 2 more sections on the right and there are also 2 already erected pillars, one in front of the MD parking and the other in front of Delta 2 tower site.

Any idea what the pillars are for I think not tram . How can you enter the metro from infront of Diamond three or will it be from Delta 2. All looks very confusing. They should maybe have a board to explain to the community what they are doing. Anyway anyone have idea what pillars next to diamond 3 parking and delta building are for????

^^ My drawing and writen post explained that.

^^ My drawing and writen post explained that.

many thanks AltinD I missed that. It would be appricated if you could also answer why cement pillar infront of Diamond 3 is larger than the our ones used. Maybe elevator there? Anyone any ideas.
Many thanks

When the bridges from Marina to Jumeirah Lake Towers are completed, the Marina will be much more busy and crowded. There must be a lot of residents in JLT waiting for the completion.

Nice photos Desert River and Imre, can't wait for the Oasis Hotel to be flattened because they are creating so much dust at the moment :( Why don't they use dynamite? They could do it in one day, instead of making dust and noise for so many months?

Maybe asbethos was used in the Oasis beach Hotel, and this is the reason why they don't use any dynamite to demolish it.

http://i44.tinypic.com/315xs9h.jpg

thats right,

have you seen the another metro station?

bridge is front of the Marina Residence Towers and already blocked the first and the second floor.

what a rubbish...

forget the tram, that is just a dream:)

Now this tram is different from the monorail?!

Today in GN 26 Jan


Dubai: Nakheel, renowned for its innovation and pioneering projects, hosted a delegation from the Road Transport Authority (RTA) on the Palm Monorail's first official ride last week.

The delegation, led by RTA CEO Abdulmajid Al Khaja, travelled from Gateway Station at the trunk of Palm Jumeirah to Atlantis Aquaventure Station.

The journey between the two stations which are at either end of the monorail track, covering a distance of 5.45km, took eight minutes.

"When we connect the Palm Monorail to the Metro we will be able to offer passengers a seamless journey from Dubai International Airport to the hotels on Palm Jumeirah, using just one fare card," said Abdulmajid Al Khaja, CEO of RTA.


The Palm Monorail is the first system of its kind to be completed in the Middle East and sets global standards for the transportation industry.

State-of-the-art technology has been employed to overcome a number of challenges including running 1,000m of rail over-sea, meeting Dubai's unique climatic conditions, and protecting the communities of Palm Jumeirah from noise pollution by using a virtually silent track system.

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0767_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0756_qa.jpg

Maybe asbethos was used in the Oasis beach Hotel, and this is the reason why they don't use any dynamite to demolish it.

Yeah! They just bash the hell out of it for 6 months instead until it is eventualy reduced to DUST.

One thing is for sure, they're no experts at demo in Dubai.:ohno:

Hi guys

Those of you who have sophisticated programmes....PLEASE can someone design a park / landscaped area for the site that is in front of Torch and Marina Heights....

Let us see who comes up with the best GREEN PARK theme. No pool ....

Maybe a Sydney Harbour Cockle Bay type thing too is ok....

Just incase we have a visitor on site....soon...?

One thing we don't want Margaret is for all pet owners to turn it into a morning and evening "crap mess" which if left could turn into an "organic tower"

[

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0756_qa.jpg

^^Pretty massive for a ramp leading to a walk way! Could it be more than that?

Josau, good point, I can't believe that those columns are for the walkway only.

Maybe it is also for cars...:-)

Looks very strange.

forget the tram, that is just a dream:)

^^ Imre, your dream just might come true :) http://www.dubaicityguide.com/geninfo/news_dtls.asp?newsid=22373

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Alstom - Besix Consortium has started the preliminary works under Phase I of Al Sufouh Transit System Project. Such works included setting up the precast yard, digging trial trenches, carrying out topographical surveys and soil analysis of impacted sites.

“RTA has approved the initial design submissions prepared by the company for stations, which feature a unique diamond-shaped front-end design, internal layout of carriages, and the depot. Work in the Project is progressing according to the approved schedule and the consortium of the French Alstom, the Belgian Besix, the American Parsons and the French Sistra companies will start utilities diversions in preparation for commencing construction works.

“Sufouh Tram Project extends 14 km along Al Sufouh Road. Phase I envisages construction of a 9.5 km-long track starting from Dubai Marina up to Mall of the Emirates Station. The Tram network includes 19 passenger stations 9 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tram route. Each train measures 44 meters in length and has a loading capacity of about 300 passengers. The fleet will consist of 8 trams in Phase I and 17 more will be added in Phase II such that there will be a fleet of 25 trains in place capable of commuting about 5000 passengers per hour per direction.

“The tram track basically extends at the grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section across certain areas of Dubai Marina, for reasons dictated by urban structures of the area. It passes in a path parallel to Dubai Metro Red Line and links up with the metro system in three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road where tram stations are linked via footbridges with metro stations to ease transit and exchange of passengers between the two modes. Sufouh Tram also links up with the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Sufouh Road to facilitate passenger traffic between the areas served by both projects.

“The Project serves a residential and commercial area along the track of the tram in Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. These areas witnessed in recent years high-end urban development for residential, commercial and tourist purposes. They encompass prominent commercial and tourist landmarks such as Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in addition to areas of high significance such as Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. Demographic studies of the project revealed that those areas have a population of about 180 thousands, 210 thousand workers and 20 thousand visitors. The high population and workers density reflects the importance of the tram project as an initial step in a chain of similar transport modes to cover all high density areas in the emirate.

Sufouh Transit System will be a new addition to the outstanding array of projects witnessed by the emirate of Dubai. The train comprises a First Class (Golden Suite), and another carriage dedicated to women and children in addition to a silver carriage. Carriages will have top class interior finishing at deluxe standards and will be fitted with the latest data transmitting and display systems. The train does not need overhead cables for power supply as it will be supplied with a modern and safe ground power cable system, and all stations will be fitted with central air-conditioning systems.

Al Sufouh Transit System is the world’s first tram network that uses platform screen doors fully aligned with train door opening and shutting mechanism. This will provide maximum level of convenience, safety and security to passengers, and at the same time maintain the efficiency of air-conditioning quality at the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic effects. Passenger platform extends 44 meters and is equipped with Automatic Fare Collections systems.

we have a thread for trams , I was worried about of this because they wanted to start last year but still nothing.

( http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=523593&page=7)


thanks , finally some good news, from the RTA:)

RTA: Preliminary Works of Al Sufouh Tram Kick Off

Al Tayer: Initial Designs of Stations, Carriages and Depot Approved


Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Alstom - Besix Consortium has started the preliminary works under Phase I of Al Sufouh Transit System Project. Such works included setting up the precast yard, digging trial trenches, carrying out topographical surveys and soil analysis of impacted sites.

“RTA has approved the initial design submissions prepared by the company for stations, which feature a unique diamond-shaped front-end design, internal layout of carriages, and the depot. Work in the Project is progressing according to the approved schedule and the consortium of the French Alstom, the Belgian Besix, the American Parsons and the French Sistra companies will start utilities diversions in preparation for commencing construction works.

“Sufouh Tram Project extends 14 km along Al Sufouh Road. Phase I envisages construction of a 9.5 km-long track starting from Dubai Marina up to Mall of the Emirates Station. The Tram network includes 19 passenger stations 9 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tram route. Each train measures 44 meters in length and has a loading capacity of about 300 passengers. The fleet will consist of 8 trams in Phase I and 17 more will be added in Phase II such that there will be a fleet of 25 trains in place capable of commuting about 5000 passengers per hour per direction.

“The tram track basically extends at the grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section across certain areas of Dubai Marina, for reasons dictated by urban structures of the area. It passes in a path parallel to Dubai Metro Red Line and links up with the metro system in three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road where tram stations are linked via footbridges with metro stations to ease transit and exchange of passengers between the two modes. Sufouh Tram also links up with the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Sufouh Road to facilitate passenger traffic between the areas served by both projects.

“The Project serves a residential and commercial area along the track of the tram in Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. These areas witnessed in recent years high-end urban development for residential, commercial and tourist purposes. They encompass prominent commercial and tourist landmarks such as Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in addition to areas of high significance such as Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. Demographic studies of the project revealed that those areas have a population of about 180 thousands, 210 thousand workers and 20 thousand visitors. The high population and workers density reflects the importance of the tram project as an initial step in a chain of similar transport modes to cover all high density areas in the emirate.

Sufouh Transit System will be a new addition to the outstanding array of projects witnessed by the emirate of Dubai. The train comprises a First Class (Golden Suite), and another carriage dedicated to women and children in addition to a silver carriage. Carriages will have top class interior finishing at deluxe standards and will be fitted with the latest data transmitting and display systems. The train does not need overhead cables for power supply as it will be supplied with a modern and safe ground power cable system, and all stations will be fitted with central air-conditioning systems. Al Sufouh Transit System is the world’s first tram network that uses platform screen doors fully aligned with train door opening and shutting mechanism. This will provide maximum level of convenience, safety and security to passengers, and at the same time maintain the efficiency of air-conditioning quality at the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic effects. Passenger platform extends 44 meters and is equipped with Automatic Fare Collections systems.

Photos:
- Mattar Al Tayer
- The path of Al Sufouh Transit System

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5137/15945127nh5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6724/10354744mp0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

large:


http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/2335/86124596mv9.th.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=86124596mv9.jpg)

Good to see the government is pushing ahead with infrastructure projects. The current lull should be seen as an opportunity for the infrastructure to catch up.

RTA: Initial Works of Al Sufouh Tram Kicks Off

Al Tayer: Initial Designs of Stations, Carriages and Depot Approved


Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced that Alstom - Besix Consortium has started the initial works under Phase I of Al Sufouh Transit System Project. Such works included setting up the precast yard, digging trial trenches, carrying out topographical surveys and soil analysis of impacted sites.

“RTA has approved the initial design submissions prepared by the company for stations, which feature a unique diamond-shaped front-end design, internal layout of carriages, and the depot. Work in the Project is progressing according to the approved schedule and the consortium of the French Alstom, the Belgian Besix, the American Parsons and the French Sistra companies will start utilities diversions in preparation for commencing construction works.

“Safouh Tram Project extends 14 km along Al Sufouh Road. Phase I envisages construction of a 9.5 km-long track starting from Dubai Marina up to Mall of the Emirates Station. The Tram network includes 19 passenger stations 9 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tram route. Each train measures 44 meters in length and has a loading capacity of about 300 passengers. The fleet will consist of 8 trams in Phase I and 17 more will be added in Phase II such that there will be a fleet of 25 trains in place capable of commuting about 5000 passengers per hour per direction.

“The tram track basically extends at the grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section across certain areas of Dubai Marina, for reasons dictated by urban structures of the area. It passes in a path parallel to Dubai Metro Red Line and links up with the metro system in three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road where tram stations are linked via footbridges with metro stations to ease transit and exchange of passengers between the two modes. Safouh Tram also links up with the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Safouh Road to facilitate passenger traffic between the areas served by both projects.

“The Project serves a residential and commercial area along the track of the tram in Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence. These areas witnessed in recent years high-end urban development for residential, commercial and tourist purposes. They encompass prominent commercial and tourist landmarks such as Mall of the Emirates, Madinat Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab in addition to areas of high significance such as Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City. Demographic studies of the project revealed that those areas have a population of about 180 thousands, 210 thousand workers and 20 thousand visitors. The high population and workers density reflects the importance of the tram project as an initial step in a chain of similar transport modes to cover all high density areas in the emirate.

Safouh Transit System will be a new addition to the outstanding array of projects witnessed by the emirate of Dubai. The train comprises a First Class (Golden Suite), and another carriage dedicated to women and children in addition to a silver carriage. Carriages will have top class interior finishing at deluxe standards and will be fitted with the latest data transmitting and display systems. The train does not need overhead cables for power supply as it will be supplied with a modern and safe ground power cable system, and all stations will be fitted with central air-conditioning systems. Al Sufouh Transit System is the world’s first tram network that uses platform screen doors fully aligned with train door opening and shutting mechanism. This will provide maximum level of convenience, safety and security to passengers, and at the same time maintain the efficiency of air-conditioning quality at the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic effects. Passenger platform extends 44 meters and is equipped with Automatic Fare Collections systems.

“The tram track basically extends at the grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section across certain areas of Dubai Marina, for reasons dictated by urban structures of the area. It passes in a path parallel to Dubai Metro Red Line and links up with the metro system in three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road where tram stations are linked via footbridges with metro stations to ease transit and exchange of passengers between the two modes. Safouh Tram also links up with the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Safouh Road to facilitate passenger traffic between the areas served by both projects.
^^
Could this be the reason for those massive poles in front of MD3?

^^ No, there are many such poles around. Those are walkway junctions and there's a similar one just opposite on the other side of SZR, There are T-junctions for the walkways leading to JLT, DM and the Station itself. Check the pic on post 3776 and you can see there 2 such junctions seating on top of a wide capped pillar, on both sides of the viaduct.

BTW, a friend of a friend works for ALSTOM's office in Dubai, the french company that is designing and will build the Tram line. As of now there is no word their work is at stake

Desert Diver, dear Imre, thank you for great and very informative pic`s of the marina and jbr. The walk seems really bustling, has this to do with the Shopping Festival or is it generally busy now?

What do we think about the claimed timescales?

Al Sufouh Tram to become Operational by 2012Joy Sengupta

28 January 2009 Print E-mail
DUBAI - Al Sufouh Tram will become operational in 2012, complementing Dubai Metro with an equally trendy and comfortable mode of public transport.

Construction of the first phase of the ambitious project has started, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said on Tuesday.

The project, costing nearly Dh4 billion, is one of the most important projects of the RTA after Dubai Metro and will be completed by 2012, it said.

If the Dubai Metro stations look stunning with their seashell shape, stations of the Al Sofouh Tram will feature a unique diamond-shaped front design. The consortium of the France-based Alsotam and Belgium-based Besix has started construction work, Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Chairman, said.

Apart from the consortium, US-based Parsons and France-based Sistra are also engaged in the project.

The tram track will be laid along Al Sufouh Road but will have elevated sections in some areas of Dubai Marina.

The track will be parallel to Dubai Metro’s Red Line. Three tram stations will be linked with three metro stations on Shaikh Zayed Road via footbridges for passengers to change the mode of transport according to the destinations they want to go. Al Sufouh Tram will be linked to the Palm Monorail at the entrance of Palm Jumeriah from Sufouh Road for passengers travelling between the areas served by both projects.

The project will serve residential and commercial areas in Al Sufouh, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, the official said.

The tram will have a golden carriage (first class), a silver carriage for common people and another carriage for women and children.

Carriages will have top-class interiors and will be fitted with the latest data transmitting and display systems.

A modern and safe ground power cable system will supply power to the tram, and all stations will be fitted with central air-conditioning systems.

TRAM: You can se the trenches along the roundabout and outside the back of Marina Heights.

POO: Dog Poo in the Park .....we can have those plastic disposable bags like parks all over Australia. Or dum it in the Marina heheheheeh the water is soooo green, a little bit of brown might add colour.

GOOOOOOOD MORNING!

Desert Diver, dear Imre, thank you for great and very informative pic`s of the marina and jbr. The walk seems really bustling, has this to do with the Shopping Festival or is it generally busy now?

The Walk is generally busy now, especially on weekend nights. Almost all shops and restaurants are open on the ground level. Will be busy until April-May...will be dead from June to October...

Tram should be ready in 2012...I think one can add another year to that...so by end of 2013

Sorry, I didnt express myself well: if they say that it will be ready in 2012, you can add another year to that...

So another disgusting long-term neverending job site that might be cancelled just after the start... ridiculous

^^ What utter bollocks! Which infrastructure project have they cancelled so far? The tram service will serve as the lifeline to that area as the road network is simply not equipped to handle the kind of traffic that the Marina-JLT area will develop in time.

Is there a map of the Tram showing the exact location if all the stations?

Is there a map of the Tram showing the exact location if all the stations?

only this:

From Jun 07 to Jun 09 :lol:

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2362/save0015ra0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

they are not really hurry with the tram:)

Published: 10/06/2006 12:00 AM (UAE)

Trams to offer alternative transport

Dubai: Trams will be run on Jumeirah Road to provide an alternate mode of public transport, said a senior official.


...................

Nov 2007:

Work on Al Sufouh tram on track for January start


Dubai: Construction on the Al Sufouh tram network will start in January to provide alternate mode of transportation in the fast growing area and to ease traffic congestion, said a senior official.

"The 15-km tram lines will run on Al Sufouh Road connecting Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Jumeirah Lake Towers," said Engineer Abdul Majid Khaja, Chief Executive Officer of the Rail Agency at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, Al Khaja said the tram project would be completed within 21 months and would be operational in September 2009 with the completion of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro, which runs along Shaikh Zayed Road.

^^The usual "on track" bullshit from the official side in Dubai, but eventually they will get it done, usually much later than they claim.

I was wondering which bits of the beaches are 'Public' at the Marina and where the next nearest Public beach would be. I know that most of the Hotel beaches can be walked on without being aprehended but I have an apartment at the Royal Oceanic so I was also wondering whether that bit of beach between JBR and Le Meridien was 'Public' ; also are all these 'Public' beaches free and are there any Public toilets ?
Thanks :)

This part of the beach in front of The Walk is open for public

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0924_qa.jpg

But there are no facilities such as toilets whatsoever and the area looks like it is not going to stay a wide open beach front. No matter what any officials say. If this place was still open for public in 5 years I would be quite surprised....

No place in Dubai can sustain without some watchmen sorting out who is allowed to enter and who is not :ohno:

^^

What about the bit between JBR and Le Meridien, and where is the next nearest Public Beach ?

^^

What about the bit between JBR and Le Meridien, and where is the next nearest Public Beach ?

No this is not going to be public. There is one of four jbr beach club being built here. You can see the works going on there at the moment. At present it is easy to work through but after the club is built i doubt you will have any access.

The 4 clubs obviously have a charge. Will Marina residents be allowed access to these clubs?

^^^ I understand you will but most likely depending on the number of JBR owners who become members......

The 4 clubs obviously have a charge. Will Marina residents be allowed access to these clubs?

Yes. They are businesses, they will take anyones money.

Remember there is also going to be a beach park which is non membership. Pay per visit. JBR residents were led to believe they would get free entry but I can't see that happening now.

http://edition.cnn.com/video/?/video/world/2009/01/28/grant.uae.economic.cnn

29/January/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/7736/imresolt085so1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/3610/imresolt086bx7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That walkway (atop the column) is a whole lot sleeker and less "intrusive" than most of those connected to the Metro. It looks like they are being considerate about blocking views in nearby towers

^^ Is not much about views then predicted foot traffic in them, plud those "intrusive" ones were also much sleeker before they clad them.

Cool render for Al Sufouh tram


http://www.arabianbusiness.com/images/magazines/arabianbusiness.com/web/sufouhtram_thumb.jpg

That walkway (atop the column) is a whole lot sleeker and less "intrusive" than most of those connected to the Metro.

once the cladding is on they will look exactly the same as the metro bridges - the metro bridges looked like this when they were first built.

January 30th 2009
The Walk was so crowded and beautiful today.

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/604/dsc01071wl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/dsc01071wl4.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img141/dsc01071wl4.jpg/1/)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4430/dsc01074xj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/dsc01074xj1.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img91/dsc01074xj1.jpg/1/)

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/2937/dsc01078bg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/dsc01078bg6.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img162/dsc01078bg6.jpg/1/)

on a weekend night it takes about 45 minutes to drive along the walk...because it s totally jammed with cars...traffic only clears after the parking lot (former beach park)

http://i44.tinypic.com/24ngnzd.jpg

Where do the super rich dock their yachts (exceeding 100 feet in length)? Do they tie up at the Dubai Marina or do they dock elsewhere in Dubai?

^^Are you planning a job?

Try down the other end of the Marina near the Jewels. According to True Blue, they have more money down that end :lol::banana:

Sea Views from Timeplace will remain intact for a few long years..........:)

Where do the super rich dock their yachts (exceeding 100 feet in length)? Do they tie up at the Dubai Marina or do they dock elsewhere in Dubai?


100 meter yachts cannot get into the Marina.

The big boats either dock at Dubai Port or squeeze into DIMC at the Mina Seyahi

Pics from today :)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/marina_promenade_qa.jpg

Large version: http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/marina_promenade_q.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/Gourmet_tower_Bay_central_JBR_qa.jpg

Large version: http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/Gourmet_tower_Bay_central_JBR_q.jpg

Side entrance of Marina Mall:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1179_qa.jpg

Food Court:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1185_qa.jpg

Silverene (more pics in that thread):

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1194_qa.jpg

Gourmet Tower:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1197_qa.jpg

Marina Mall:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1201_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1209_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1221_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1220_qa.jpg

Should anyone be interested in large format versions of specific pics just let me know.

Great shots, please keep them coming.

Can we have some more of Marina Walk/phase 1 and a shot of Timeplace?:cheers:

:)

A few pages back I posted some pics of The Walk. But will continue taking some and posting them here. Requests are always welcome, but I can never promise when I'll be able to get there (and whether I know where to go geographically...)

:cheers2:

^^:applause:

Can anyone access this story ? I believe it effects the Marina too. All contractors have been asked to stop ordering materials....



http://www.meed.com/news/2009/02/work_to_stop_on_emaar_schemes.html

I cannot subscribe...no access.

It would be very interesting!! Emaar is definitely not far away from being bancrupt, but if this story is true, it will be a nightmare for all owners...

Park Island, Marina Quays, Residences at Marina Mall...

^^ It won't just effect the owners of the properties you have listed. It will effect everyone becuase EMAAR are responsible for the comon areas of the marina. Lets wait till we have seen the content of the article before getting too worried.

I doubt they will be allowed to go Bankrupt.

from the world forum:

Aside from BD there are only two projects that are not on hold in BD development: BD and BD Boulevard Plaza.

^^ So everything else is on hold?!

nothing official :)

yesterday I saw workers at the Lofts, Boulevard Central and the Standpoint site.

^^ So everything else is on hold?!

Well the report on MEED says 'several' schemes - it does not say 'all' schemes

So until someone with an account can get the complete report we are all in the dark.

That is if the report is accurate in the first place.....

^^ Actually my statement was in response to Imre's quote from the world forums.

This is the alert I got in my RSS feed:

"Work to stop on Emaar schemes
MEED (subscription) - Dubai,United Arab Emirates It is understood that the decision affects projects at Dubai Marina and the Burj Dubai development, but not the Burj Dubai tower. According to contractors ...
"

Google normally cache the page so you can read it through the cache servers even without subscription. They seem to have stopped doing it now.

As there is more and more traffic coming into the Marina can I ask everyone to take extra care if they enter from the Sheikh Zyed road side and cross the bridge between Marina Diamond 5 and 6. The small roundabout just before you go across the bridge is extremely dangerous - we are now seeing on almost 1 accident a day - so be extra vigilant at this junction, especially at night and at weekends.

Dont expect anyone to give way even if you have right of way.....




http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/11.jpg

Can someone tell me what those 'combisafe' red fabric things are on the buildings under construction, and why does the concrete appear blackened before further progress ? :nuts:

between the Marina Diamond 2 and the Waves has the same roundabout , lot of accident there as well.

Hey big apple, i am really happy for you that the round about is the onliest problem you have while others lost the money of building 100 of round-abouts :-(((

As there is more and more traffic coming into the Marina can I ask everyone to take extra care if they enter from the Sheikh Zyed road side and cross the bridge between Marina Diamond 5 and 6. The small roundabout just before you go across the bridge is extremely dangerous - we are now seeing on almost 1 accident a day - so be extra vigilant at this junction, especially at night and at weekends.

Dont expect anyone to give way even if you have right of way.....


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/11.jpg

And what makes that roundabout more dangerous then any other roundabout in Dubai? :weird:


Except maybe for the likes of Marina Janes which the only driving experience is to Spinney's in Marina Walk and to the Spa in Mina Seyahi.

Hey big apple, i am really happy for you that the round about is the onliest problem you have while others lost the money of building 100 of round-abouts :-(((

sorry? - can I have that in english?

I'm am simply trying to help prevent people having accidents, what is wrong with that?:dunno:

And what makes that roundabout more dangerous then any other roundabout in Dubai? :weird:

Its a temporary one and the signposting is very bad.

apple you best not waste your time as no one seems to appreciate advice, pretty sad really.

Its a temporary one and the signposting is very bad. Why can't they make it bigger? :ohno::bash:

Can anyone access this story ? I believe it effects the Marina too. All contractors have been asked to stop ordering materials....



http://www.meed.com/news/2009/02/work_to_stop_on_emaar_schemes.html

Work at several Emaar Properties schemes in Dubai is expected to come to a halt in the coming weeks, after the local developer told contractors to stop ordering materials.
It is understood that the decision affects projects at Dubai Marina and the Burj Dubai development, but not the Burj Dubai tower.
According to contractors, all materials that have been delivered to the site will be used, but no fresh orders will be placed. When the current stock is used up, work will stop.
Emaar says it is seeking cheaper deals. No date has been given to restart procurement.
"Emaar Properties is in discussions with our contractors and consultants regarding the procurement strategy to achieve potential cost savings gained from the decline in the price of raw materials globally," says an Emaar spokesman.
"This is part of our strategy to take advantage of opportunities [that have] arisen as a result of current global economic conditions."

Same story here - http://www.arabianbusiness.com/545357-emaar-properties-in-talks-with-contractors

which says...

Emaar Properties, the Arab world's largest listed developer, says it is in talks with its contractors and consultants to reduce contract costs after falls in the prices of raw materials.

"Emaar Properties is in discussions with our contractors and consultants regarding the procurement strategy to achieve potential cost savings from the decline in the price of raw materials globally," an Emaar Properties spokesman told Reuters in an e-mailed statement.

"This is part of our strategy to take advantage of opportunities arising due to current global economic conditions and ensuring higher returns for our shareholders."
A global economic slowdown has led to a fall in costs of building materials and prompted Gulf Arab companies to try to reduce construction contract costs.

Dubai's once-booming real estate sector is grinding to a halt as property prices fall, jobs are cut and developers scale back or stop projects. (Reuters)

Can someone tell me what those 'combisafe' red fabric things are on the buildings under construction, and why does the concrete appear blackened before further progress ? :nuts:

Combisafe is a debris net system which catches anything that should accidentaly fall from the building. The concrete is kept damp for upto 1 week after it is placed to control cracking through excessive moisture loss, hence the dark colour.

Thanks True Blue-I thought I might have been forgotten/ignored (!) :)

http://i43.tinypic.com/2ef26bk.jpg

Some 3D models have appeared in google earth.

And what makes that roundabout more dangerous then any other roundabout in Dubai? :weird:


Except maybe for the likes of Marina Janes which the only driving experience is to Spinney's in Marina Walk and to the Spa in Mina Seyahi.

Marina Mandy's


FIFY

And what makes that roundabout more dangerous then any other roundabout in Dubai? :weird:

People seem confused because this roundabout is more like an intersection. No one knows when its his (respectively her) turn to go. I've walked past that roundabout several times while shooting and most of the drivers seemed to be irritated.

Following a request, here are some pics of Dorra Bay:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1255_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1263_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1264_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1270_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1273_qa.jpg

Fun Fair:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1272_qa.jpg

"JBR Canyon" (Shams). It reminds me of East Berlin to some extent. Great location but too massive and uniform from the outside IMHO :ohno:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1266_qa.jpg

I'm not sure how correct is this list

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

"JBR Canyon" (Shams). It reminds me of East Berlin to some extent.

Last time I was in East Berlin was 1986 so it must have come up in the world since then :wink2:

"JBR Canyon" (Shams). It reminds me of East Berlin to some extent. Great location but too massive and uniform from the outside IMHO :ohno:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1266_qa.jpg

:bash:

Looks so... BAD! :bash:

Don't think if they sell a lot of flats there... They waste perfect location!

Marina Mandy's


FIFY

:bash::bash:



... you're right though, it makes more sense that way. :D

Yes, JBR has always been and will remain a complete eyesore. A concrete canyon, lousy quality inside and only devastating that prime location.

JBR is not as bad as it looks!!

^^ As I said, location is great. And interior might be nice as well. But from the outside.... :ohno:

the outside can be easily fixed by changing the colors and having a lighting system shed at the buildings at night!

^^ Right. But can't they do it first?

Pics from today :)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1319_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1320_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1322_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1323_qa.jpg

Zoom on Time Place (?)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1326_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1327_qa.jpg

Ground work on Shahla Tower (more pics in that thread):

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1334_qa.jpg

Sunset at the Marina:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1335_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1336_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1339_qa.jpg

You missed out 'Royal Oceanic' :cry:

Also you missed out " Marina Wharf I " :cry:

:cry::cry::cry:

Next time :)

^^ Right. But can't they do it first?

Well at the prices they sold i don't think so....have been their recently ..i really thought the same before however its not that bad .

05/February/2009

Dubai Marina,tallest block

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/6676/imresolt028mm9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/3131/imresolt029qy9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/1954/imresolt030qx9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This morning

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1356_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1369_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1372_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1378_qa.jpg

Desert driver, could you one time take a picture of the virgin store at the walk jmh,i can not find any picture about it,many thanks

Desert driver, could you one time take a picture of the virgin store at the walk jmh,i can not find any picture about it,many thanks


It's quite small - just sells mainly CD's, DVD's and computer games.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/IMG_0372.jpg

JBR Walk very busy this afternoon - seems that most visitors now go there as Marina Walk was pretty quiet.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/IMG_0369.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/IMG_0370.jpg

^^ reminds me of Brighton on a summer's day.

^^
Without the homosexuals.

:lol::lol::lol::lol:

^^
Without the homosexuals.

Brighton wouldn't be brighton without them -- lol --Cant belive how far JBR walk/front has come in last few months - really nice

Hi,
Don't know what catergory this should go under, but has anyone seen todays daily express. A two page on the crisis in Dubai, saying people are abandoning their cars at the airport and going home to escape the huge debts they have in Dubai, an are afraid they may be put in prison.
It makes crap reading for any future investers.

It was in The Times on Thursday. They lift each other's stories and re-circulate around each of the papers. More bad publicity to come as the story hits each newspaper in turn.

Please note that in www.gulfnews.com the chief of dubai police made a statement that there have only been 11 cars left at the airport since January 1, 2008. He says: " False statements on the market collapsing, as stated in the article, are nothing but incorrect rumours. If there is any disruption we will inform the media about it. It is not even worth a story to write about the abandoning of 11 cars in a 6,000 car parking lot." He also says, that Dubai is not denying the presence of the global crisis, but there seems to be a fice campaign against the eputation of the blooming city of dubai and so on..."
I am sorry to not be able to post the article, please see for yourself.

We all know the British press love to knock something successful. They are exactly the same with Englang football team, unless they win every game they are crap.
Nice to see the Dirham making a recovery.

Toyota advertising in Dubai Marina :D " West Marina "

http://www.drivedmpromo.com/sequoia_mico/

Hi,
Don't know what catergory this should go under, but has anyone seen todays daily express. A two page on the crisis in Dubai, saying people are abandoning their cars at the airport and going home to escape the huge debts they have in Dubai, an are afraid they may be put in prison.
It makes crap reading for any future investers.

Never mind abandoning them at the airport, leave one in my parking bay on Basement 2 Timeplace with the keys and document behind the visor. I shall take good car of an unwanted 4x4 or Kaymen....:lol::lol::lol:

Never mind abandoning them at the airport, leave one in my parking bay on Basement 2 Timeplace with the keys and document behind the visor. I shall take good car of an unwanted 4x4 or Kaymen....:lol::lol::lol:

Time for you and I to get down to this Auction Al :)

It made me feel sick reading that, I wish they stop covering these stories :bash:

Totally agree Mackie, about as interesting as TT thread latley.

08/February/2009

The Torch , Princess Tower etc...

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3783/imresolt067nm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5257/imresolt038in8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/7630/imresolt044be1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

08/February/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/5107/imresolt039yk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4874/imresolt041if2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/5883/imresolt042jg9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/9443/imresolt061iy1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8770/imresolt063ly2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7664/imresolt066rv5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2149/imresolt107bg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/510/imresolt157xg3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Why don't they plant some trees here. :ohno:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7664/imresolt066rv5.jpg


Also Imre, any chance you could send me a highres version of this picture:

http://img120.imageshack.us/img120/3783/imresolt067nm8.jpg

yes ,just give me your email and I will send you

Does anybody know the website of Marina Hotel Apartments or the contact no.
Thanks

Dubai Marina from the Marinascape Avant 08 Feb 2009

t1QxmXRD-Vs

FFS.

How big is that balcony ?

09/February/2009

Dubai Marina , new bridge

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4641/imresolt073yu0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img104.imageshack.us/img104/3243/imresolt074sw1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/7910/imresolt075at0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/7258/imresolt076ii5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2881/imresolt077hf3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/1848/imresolt078gn7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/97/imresolt082wo9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/5426/imresolt083pr3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6991/imresolt089zq3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/6955/imresolt090tw2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

09/February/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8849/imresolt070yt1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

man, with bridge, you've got to feel sorry for anyone at dorra bay facing the sea below Level 4!

http://i44.tinypic.com/j9yhwp.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/n5pgdh.jpg

man, with bridge, you've got to feel sorry for anyone at dorra bay facing the sea below Level 4!

I just wish they would get it finished so they can clean up the area a bit. From Jewels to Dorrabay has been ripped up for 14 months now.

I just wish they would get it finished so they can clean up the area a bit. From Jewels to Dorrabay has been ripped up for 14 months now.

They are working 24/7 on this bridge. I can see the labours always there between 20 to up to 100 people anytime.
They must complete it for the sake of Dubai Marina project and to show to the world at least a nice and completed project. Dubai Marina is the key for the future of Dubai

What's the purpose of the train? Is it metro? (kinda small :D )

^^^^

its the monorail out to palm jumeirah

Dubai Marina

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/650/imresolt160jf2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2962/imresolt157cy2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice pics Imre

DUBAI MARINA CARNIVAL PARADE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbhIVxfMDRs

Nice to see Mackie enjoying himself at 6 seconds into that video

where was mackie then.........

where was mackie then.........

Nice to see Mackie enjoying himself at 6 seconds into that video

at 6 sec , he is dancing:)

^^ It's getting too hard to go to fancy dress parties these days, people just spot you straight away :bash::bash:

I must admit, I have some rhythm ........ Wobble Wobble. :banana::banana:

I will be in dubai 17 to 23 email me on peter@gaspark.co.uk if you want any pictures of towers in marina. Can someone email me a real idiots guide to uploading to ssc, i am not too tech but would prefer to post from dubai rather than when i get back as the pics are then not as per progress.

Pictures of the torch. And marina pinnacle. It would be great to have close up shots.

http://i41.tinypic.com/5kr6ed.jpg

Many thanks to the "person" who has just spent "their" time on the phone talking me through how to upload. Difficult for us old plumbers. Anyway, someone had better raise that stupid bridge by Dorra Bay so I can get this monster in.........

"Talisman C" - Maldives or Seychelles I'd say

Yousuf I knew you were a clever guy. Correct Maldives 30 dec 08. Your are not the naughty little deck hand are you?

Cheers Altin.

15/February/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1324/imresolt16mv6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Yousuf I knew you were a clever guy. Correct Maldives 30 dec 09. Your are not the naughty little deck hand are you?

If i was you, I would re-read this statement/post.

^^Yousuf, If I were you I would lie low for a while, "you naughty little deck hand":lol::laugh:

^^Yousuf, If I were you I would lie low for a while, "you naughty little deck hand":lol::laugh:

You're probably right! I now realise the spending power of some people here. "Renters" rather than "drivers":lol::lol::lol:

Better get back to scrubbing those decks now!!!:lol:

Nice picture CBP, set as my desktop :banana:background now.:cheers:

What's the purpose of the train? Is it metro? (kinda small :D )
It is the test-train.

17/February/2009

Dubai Marina, bridge works

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7333/imresolt062fl2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4223/imresolt063ov7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8153/imresolt065np3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img520.imageshack.us/img520/8324/imresolt066th5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/4356/imresolt067ke1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/1300/imresolt070xt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8578/imresolt068ow7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

17/February/2009

Dubai Marina , The Walk

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8623/imresolt006hp9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/2714/imresolt022ui8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9893/imresolt025rj8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/7230/imresolt035dy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2976/imresolt036dg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1880/imresolt042kr1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/6400/imresolt043cq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8146/imresolt060ks7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

17/February/2009

Dubai Marina , The Walk, podium level

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9891/imresolt073ro5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/9827/imresolt075yc7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1554/imresolt084jn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6739/imresolt089mv3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1557/imresolt090oz4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/4267/imresolt108vv7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/4998/imresolt109bp1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/6201/imresolt121qy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/2940/imresolt122ec0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7108/imresolt138ef8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/9407/imresolt173xg1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/2994/imresolt205ec3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

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http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/8756/imresolt224ag7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

one of the special towers still not handed over? it seems empty.

17/February/2009

JBR

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/2232/imresolt226ye0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1849/imresolt227ra5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5185/imresolt247xd2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/1521/imresolt248vz0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/5743/imresolt253rx8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2250/imresolt254bo4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/203/imresolt259tk9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/1760/imresolt261gy6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

17/February/2009

JBR, podium

this is good idea specially in summer, showers installation already begun:)

http://img58.imageshack.us/img58/9229/imresolt182qy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Oh, so that's where the 22dhs per sq.ft is going, outdoor showers. Nice. How about a hand car wash in the parking bays?

Not very busy today, but when you see the temperature maybe too hot for Europeans and Brits. 35'C phew!!!!

I think there is a bit more fundamentaly wrong with the whole set up here than warm weather.

This area is massivley over subscribed to retail space.

I think somebody forgot to do a feasibility study, or planned on 100% occupancy levels in the surrounding residential units or probably both.

I think somebody forgot to do a feasibility study, or planned on 100% occupancy levels in the surrounding residential units or probably both.

That should be the first sentence in Dubai's all new, post-credit crunch Wikipedia entry.

when i was there in june the temp was around 48 so 35 sounds good too me!, sad to hear dubai is deserted now

Dont worry, it s not deserted at all...people are still stuck in traffic today, like they were one year ago... ;-)

Imre, thanks for the great pics from JBR .... do you think the 4 JBR Hotels will EVER open ? It has been ages since they were completed from the outside. I know it takes a long time to fix and furnish everything from the inside, but still...

The Walk @ JBR is very popular on the weekends. That can’t be said for the podium area where some of the photos Imre took, it seems that it was meant exclusively for the local residences of JBR and not the public at large, I say that, because there is no user friendly access to the Podium and it is not inviting to use the podium since there are no terraces with a view of the sea.

Imre, thanks for the great pics from JBR .... do you think the 4 JBR Hotels will EVER open ? It has been ages since they were completed from the outside. I know it takes a long time to fix and furnish everything from the inside, but still...

hotels still U/C , they are working inside , I saw workers of Al Habtoor there.

I dont know the opening , furnishing a hotel takes long time.

http://www.prlog.org/10183448-david-nihill-bungee-jumps-off-crane-above-jumeirah-beach-in-dubai.jpg

Dubai-Office workers from Hult International Business School queued up at Jumeirah Beach Residence yesterday to take a 45-metre bungee jump on what proved to be an office lunch break with a difference.

http://www.prlog.org/10183448-in-dubai-even-lunch-breaks-are-different.html

do you think the 4 JBR Hotels will EVER open ? It has been ages since they were completed from the outside.

Anyone planning to open a hotel in Dubai must literaly be shitting themselves as most existing hotel reservations are way down. Even establishd hotels like Minah Seyahi, Hilton Jumeirah are all suffering. Even the mighty Atlantis is struggling to fill it's rooms.

Under construction hotels will be on a go slow until they see signs of recovery as there is no point opening and paying the running costs whilst things are as bad as they are. Hotels that have planned to be in Dubai will be pulling out of deals too.

Basicaly Dubai has set itself up to cater for high end tourism and high end retail.

Too bad we are in a global recesson as luxury holidays and luxury spending are one of the first things on the "things i can do without list".

Add to the equation that Sterling has lost 25% against the dirham in the last 6 months. That means that the millions of Britts who came to Dubai in the last few years will be going elsewhere for a while.

Dubai will still attract the uber wealthy and the die hards in this forum who have financial interest in the Emrate, (like myself).

Ultimatelly though this place will be a ghost town until 3 things happen.

1- Oil price rises to $50 +
2- Global recovery begins
3- Dollar drops by 20% or Dirham de-peggs.

the temperature maybe too hot for Europeans and Brits.

Its only Feb are u kidding.Theres another 7/8 months at these temps.
Better they get used to it or come home to the cold and rain everyone moans about.

1- Oil price rises to $50 +
2- Global recovery begins
3- Dollar drops by 20% or Dirham de-peggs.

4-Dubai forgets this idea of being just a luxury destination and caters for the average working classes also.

I'm not talking about trying to entice those who would normally go to Benidorm for a week to get smashed every night and gorge on pie and chips.
I'm talking about those average working people who are a little more cultured and well behaved and have money to spend but just not the fortunes it takes to holiday in Dubai.

^^ This will happen

The CEO of FlyDubai, the emirate's first low-cost carrier, said the airline is set to launch within a few months despite delays in deliveries from its supplier Boeing due to the machinists' strike last September, reported Gulf News. Gaith Al Gaith said the carrier would initially fly to destinations within a four to five hour radius of Dubai, but he did not reveal specific destinations.

http://www.ameinfo.com/185092.html

^^ It's happening, Lastminute.com have £190 return flights to Dubai. I paid £200 to fly domestic to Sunderland!

^^^^

Fly Dubai launches with about 4 destinations in India

This is the wrong thread for this dusscussion but if it's a problem I'm sure it can be deleted, as this seems to be the case on every other thread these days.

I dont think it's about prices unfortunately. The problem is more fundamental in the planning approach to Dubai and greed is to blame.

Criteria = 2 adults & 2 children 1 weeks holiday on 12th June.

Option 1 - Dubai

http://i41.tinypic.com/2a5j8z5.jpg

Option 2 - Majorca

http://i39.tinypic.com/dnm3c2.jpg

Verdict.

Basicaly the same cost for a high end holiday for an average family of 4. the difference is a 2 hour flight or a 6 hour flight. Possibly too hot in Dubai for some. Sterling lower for both Dirham and Euro at the moment so not a major factor there.

For me i would choose Dubai every time but i am Khaliji so this is a major factor for me.

The point i am making is that Dubai is not yet capable of attracting tourists on mass market basis.

This is because Dubai has 1 waterpark (ok 1 and a half), 1 ski park, 1 car racing track, 1 desert, 1 ice rink. I'm sure ive missed something so help me out.

How many malls
How many luxury hotels
How many appartments
How many gold souks

At the moment Dubai is a great place to come for 3/4 days but thats about it. Unless you have business interests here it is nothing more than an entertaining stopover, or connection point, hub call it what you want. Dubai needs families to come for 7/14 day holidays.

DUBAI NEEDS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

GET DUBAILAND BUILT FAST

FORGET APPARTMENTS AND TOWERS

YOU ARE BUILDING A GHOST TOWN AT THE MOMENT GUYS.

I paid £200 to fly domestic to Sunderland!

sorry let me get this straight - you paid somebody to fly you to Sunderland?

surely it should have been the other way round? :runaway:

sorry let me get this straight - you paid somebody to fly you to Sunderland?

surely it should have been the other way round? :runaway:

^^ Yeah tell me about it! I only flew up there because my client told me my car would probably get nicked, thrashed around town and then rolled down a hill into a river!

When I got up there they showed me the hill they were talking about and true enough there were tyre tracks going down the hill and ending up in the river!

DUBAI NEEDS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

GET DUBAILAND BUILT FAST

FORGET APPARTMENTS AND TOWERS

YOU ARE BUILDING A GHOST TOWN AT THE MOMENT GUYS.

I agree, this is why I am upset that Universal is on the go slow and all other parks are suspended. Surely this is the best time to build entertainment projects and infrastructure now while there is a crisis. We are not talking about adding residential units here just entertainment projects so supply will not increase only demand! Now is the time to build such entertainment only projects at a frenzied pace.

O.T.
I am looking for 2 things in the Marina:
A post office
A tailor or something like this.

Can you help?

DUBAI NEEDS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

GET DUBAILAND BUILT FAST

FORGET APPARTMENTS AND TOWERS

YOU ARE BUILDING A GHOST TOWN AT THE MOMENT GUYS.

Totally agree with you on this.

Regards Dubai has nothing much to offer tourists yet,well tell me what Ibiza,Benidorm,Phuket,and those kind of places offer.
Dubai has all the things you mentioned plus the beaches which all in all is alot more than many other places.
There are plenty of people out there who just want to relax on a beach for a week or two.Sure you can take a 2 hour flight and be on a beach in Europe,but from Oct-April maybe not so much.
There isnt enough for mass tourism yet I agree,but enough to increase the visitor figures by a decent percentage if accomodation was cheaper.
The sticking point at the moment is the exchange rate.Once that goes back to 'normal' then who knows.

^^ It's happening, Lastminute.com have £190 return flights to Dubai. I paid £200 to fly domestic to Sunderland!

190 including taxes?flying with who?

^^ Sorry didn't look as I wasn't interested. Was a direct flight so options are limited to a few carriers. Valid to end of Feb only.

Have a look. It is one of their secret offers or something where they only tell you the the airports AFTER you have paid but as Dubai only has one airport you can't really go wrong. The flying out times should give you an indication of where the flight is flying from.

Totally agree with you on this.

Regards Dubai has nothing much to offer tourists yet,well tell me what Ibiza,Benidorm,Phuket,and those kind of places offer.

All these places you mention have been established for 20 years+ as tourist destinations. Dubai is a premature baby in comparison to these old timers.

It is sad to see but there is no leadership at the moment and the vision may be slipping through the big man's fingers like grains of sand.


Dubai has all the things you mentioned plus the beaches which all in all is alot more than many other places.

Speaking of sand this is not how a beach should look at an up and coming tourist resort.

Its half term week, summer temperatures for britts, reduced hotel rates, I have just shown you that the cost is the same when compared like for like to Majorca et al. trust me the beaches of Tenerife, Lanzarote will all have tourists on at the moment.

Spot the tourist

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32478082&postcount=93

Dubai tourism board. ITS TIME TO WAKE UP GUYS.

190 including taxes?flying with who?

Royal Brunei Airlines ... Here is an example holiday in Dubai staying at Palm Jum or JBR...
Sounds like an attractive price to me.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=32485686#post32485686

http://i41.tinypic.com/sphn4j.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/noyp1t.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/11bi6ol.jpg

I wanted to try and keep an eye on the Marina towers that are under construction so i have an idea of units coming on to the market etc.

If anyone wants to put me right with regards to tower progress or even towers i have missed please feel free to do so.

The source of the information so far has come from SSC threads and pictures from the guvnor himself, Mr Solt.

http://i39.tinypic.com/24cvdj6.jpg

^^ From that late 2010 + 2011 may be a difficult time to rent your marina aparment, lots of competition and little demand. By 2012 everything should be OK though.

I wanted to try and keep an eye on the Marina towers that are under construction so i have an idea of units coming on to the market etc.

If anyone wants to put me right with regards to tower progress or even towers i have missed please feel free to do so.

The source of the information so far has come from SSC threads and pictures from the guvnor himself, Mr Solt.

http://i39.tinypic.com/24cvdj6.jpg

Very good work High Times. :applause:

Maybe if you add a column that has the current official handover date that will make it even more useful? e.g. Bay Central official planned handover is due October 2010. :nuts: My educated guess is August 2011.

Here are some of my other guesses.

I don't think The Torch will have handover in 2010. Probably 2011 though.

Silverene if they keep the pace up will be handed over before 2013.

DUBAI NEEDS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

GET DUBAILAND BUILT FAST

FORGET APPARTMENTS AND TOWERS

YOU ARE BUILDING A GHOST TOWN AT THE MOMENT GUYS.


I believe that this forum and the voices on this thread in particular are listened to very carefully by the higher beings. I also believe that you have made very good suggestion here and put it excellently, in black and white, with your example holiday for four.

So I would go further and say that if we look at how long it takes to put up a tower or a golf course or a mall (it is several years and costs gazillion). I believe, if they put a chinese army to work, some of the Dubailand attractions could be up and running in 12-18 months.

Come on Dubai, don't dampen ours and your vision! :cheers:

All these places you mention have been established for 20 years+ as tourist destinations. Dubai is a premature baby in comparison to these old timers.

It is sad to see but there is no leadership at the moment and the vision may be slipping through the big man's fingers like grains of sand.



Speaking of sand this is not how a beach should look at an up and coming tourist resort.

Its half term week, summer temperatures for britts, reduced hotel rates, I have just shown you that the cost is the same when compared like for like to Majorca et al. trust me the beaches of Tenerife, Lanzarote will all have tourists on at the moment.

Spot the tourist

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32478082&postcount=93

Dubai tourism board. ITS TIME TO WAKE UP GUYS.

I agree those places have been established for much longer.The point I was making is that Dubai actually has more to offer.
As for the beaches.Jum Beach Park and JBR beach were always busy when I went.Then you have those using the hotel beaches.Theres so much of it they cant all be full.I dont think alot of those living in Dubai are really into the beach thing.Arabs,Asians,etc,I could be wrong.Its more of a European thing maybe?.Brits love it.
I dont think Dubai makes the most of its beaches.They are kind of a side issue.Seafront should be developed with promonades,cafes,bars,restuarants as in Europe.If JBR walk didnt have buildings in between it and the beach it would be perfect.
As for the cheap promotions,I dont think anyones going anywhere at the moment.

DUBAI NEEDS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS.

GET DUBAILAND BUILT FAST

FORGET APPARTMENTS AND TOWERS

YOU ARE BUILDING A GHOST TOWN AT THE MOMENT GUYS.


I'd like to add to that anything related to businesses should be a priority also.
Business Bay a prime example.

I totally see what your saying and agree to some extent.

The 3 palms, waterfornt, the world, etc is all about producing more beachfront though.

Thats my point really, the leadership dont seem to get it. Why make more of something if whats already there isnt being used. The drivers for decisions are all wrong at the moment.

Dubai's beaches are empty so lets make more.
Appartment towers are empty so lets build more.
We need more malls.
We need more luxury hotels cause the ones we have are 50% full.

It's not just the credit crunch that has exposed this flawed strategy. I for one and many others have been saying for a long while that something is a miss.

I guess its all about timing perhaps.Dubai really doesnt need the C.O.A mall right now but maybe in 10 years it could sustain it.
It doesnt need more luxury hotels,appartments etc right now but maybe later on?
If they introduced these things slowly as the population/tourist numbers increased rather than everything all at once and all now.

Problem is they can't afford to build Dubailand parks without selling residential units and they had to put a stall on those for good reason. I can't see Abu Dhabi paying for Dubai to build Dubailand entertainment parks although probably they should as Abu Dhabi needs to ride on the back of Dubai still.

Maybe SM should pay for 2 of the parks with his own personal cash to get the ball rolling. :dunno:

Problem is they can't afford to build Dubailand parks without selling residential units
:

The theme parks and resi units will be built by different parties?
Some of the theme parks will be built by American companies?

In the nice table above by High Times, what is the difference between 75% and 100% structure, and does 'Topped Out' just mean that the roof is finished (i.e vertical structure is finished) ? What is the difference between 'Completed' and 'Official/Expected Handover' ?
We need some definitions please.
If you look at Royal Oceanic (RO) and TGR I would have thought that RO is ahead in structure terms...?-RO only has the roof spire remaining to 'top' it :nuts:

Some of the theme parks will be built by American companies?

I think Dubai was supposed to build them with their own money and license the franchise and running of them from the American companies but now can not afford to do so :dunno:

In the nice table above by High Times, what is the difference between 75% and 100% structure,

25%. Sorry couldnt resist. :)


and does 'Topped Out' just mean that the roof is finished (i.e vertical structure is finished) ? What is the difference between 'Completed' and 'Official/Expected Handover' ?
We need some definitions please.

If an 80 floor tower is between floor 20 and 39 then its structure is 25% complete. When its between 40 and 59 its structure is 50% complete.
Topped out is the structure and roof/feature spire etc is finished.
Completed is when all external finishings, cladding is complete.
Handover is when units begin to be handed over and ready for occupation.
Expected handover is when the forums experts (Imre, Malec, Altin, True Blue, Mackie etc), predict handover will occur.

I will use the project threads as the source of info but I would also welcome comments from those more knowledgeable than myself with regard to status of build, handover dates, and new launches to update the list.

This is by no means a scientific approch as i am not a construction expert. It is just a way to monitor how the Marina is shaping up and when we can expect units to be delivered to the market.

There will always be discrepancoes depending on when threads get updated with photo's, info etc.

I will try and update it monthly and post it so we can see how the Marina is progressing. 234Sale does the same for Business bay area and i think it's a good idea so credit to him for the idea. As my area of interest is the Marina, i thought i would do the same.

Anyone planning to open a hotel in Dubai must literaly be shitting themselves as most existing hotel reservations are way down. Even establishd hotels like Minah Seyahi, Hilton Jumeirah are all suffering. Even the mighty Atlantis is struggling to fill it's rooms.

Under construction hotels will be on a go slow until they see signs of recovery as there is no point opening and paying the running costs whilst things are as bad as they are. Hotels that have planned to be in Dubai will be pulling out of deals too.

Basicaly Dubai has set itself up to cater for high end tourism and high end retail.

Too bad we are in a global recesson as luxury holidays and luxury spending are one of the first things on the "things i can do without list".

Add to the equation that Sterling has lost 25% against the dirham in the last 6 months. That means that the millions of Britts who came to Dubai in the last few years will be going elsewhere for a while.

Dubai will still attract the uber wealthy and the die hards in this forum who have financial interest in the Emrate, (like myself).

Ultimatelly though this place will be a ghost town until 3 things happen.

1- Oil price rises to $50 +
2- Global recovery begins
3- Dollar drops by 20% or Dirham de-peggs.


iam sure there is enough people with money to still go to Dubai,

My dad went last week and he told me the airport was a ghost down and the streets were deserterd, he was really shocked! now Duabi is really for the people with money

I believe that this forum and the voices on this thread in particular are listened to very carefully by the higher beings

What makes you think this HappyLarry?

Hi

Can any one advice me on what is the standard acceptable difference between gross and nett areas for an office. If there is an extra ordinary variation is anticipated by the developer, is he not supposed to advise the buyer at the time of purchase of the property. thanks for any clarification

19/February/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8039/imresolt30on7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/715/imresolt31ig4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9264/imresolt48yr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/9640/imresolt57op0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/8817/imresolt59td0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

can someone post a picture from the pain quotidien snackbar at the walk jumeirah that is open since several weeks ?

20/February/2009

Dubai Marina, tallest block

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/1538/imresolt167xm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8429/imresolt001mw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

20/February/2009

Dubai Marina, bridge next to the GH


http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6103/imresolt175nv7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

What makes you think this HappyLarry?

Welcome to the forum your highness. Please convey my best wishes to His Excellency. :)

Tallest block this morning

http://i40.tinypic.com/a5hiqc.jpg

Marina & JLT from Bur Dubai (25 kms away)


http://i39.tinypic.com/1zwp2fl.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/358uudy.jpg

Last two pics are stunning!

http://i42.tinypic.com/ir27p1.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/2upxx0g.jpg

Nice pics recently, guys!

My dad went last week and he told me the airport was a ghost down and the streets were deserterd

Did he arrive at 2:00 AM at the new and Emirates Airline only Terminal 3 and then went down Al Khail Road? ...Otherwise...deserted streets: :rofl:

Spot the tourist

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=32478082&postcount=93

The area from that link is all private property as per my knowledge. If it wasn't only few people would be aware of it being open for public, since from the street side you can only see high walls of the Maktoum family palaces lined up between the road and the beach.
Furthermore, you can't park anywhere close to this beach so how do you expect tons of tourists strolling around? Here the area in google maps:

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=25.115795,55.166302&spn=0.019157,0.038624&z=15

It is another good example how pictures alone mislead people's perception of Dubai. It is far away from being a ghost town! :ohno:

Spot the tourist:

http://www.prlog.org/10183448-david-nihill-bungee-jumps-off-crane-above-jumeirah-beach-in-dubai.jpg



http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/IMG_0369.jpg

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l212/sids666/IMG_0370.jpg


http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/604/dsc01071wl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/dsc01071wl4.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img141/dsc01071wl4.jpg/1/)

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/4430/dsc01074xj1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/dsc01074xj1.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img91/dsc01074xj1.jpg/1/)

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/2937/dsc01078bg6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/dsc01078bg6.jpg/1/w640.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img162/dsc01078bg6.jpg/1/)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0924_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/DSC_0679_1qa.jpg

Ok, I dont want to bring up a black/white discussion. The above quotes are only to show that its also possible to allege the exact opposite.
However, places like JBR really seem to be quite deserted and I personally wouldn't want to live there either. As I posted before: Great location, but crappy exterior (IMHO).

Nevertheless it is not a good idea to just say "cease building appartments", since the majority of people in Dubai share rooms with several others. I have to admit that I don't know what exactly makes housing soooo expensive here, but usually it works the way that prices are sky-high when demand is higher than supply. Of course, admittedly too many high end luxury appartments have been built and erecting areas with low-cost housing has been very much neglected over the last years.... normal office workers, the so-called middle class, should be able to afford their own flat! And they're not... :ohno:

All I kindly ask for is to stop the all positive / all negative attitude of some fellow forumers. Especially when people have never been to Dubai it is a little awkward to give advice and act as if they have eaten wisdom with a spoon (as we say in Germany).

Finishing my appeal I have to second the opinions of High Times and Dubai Steve that it is essential to build the major Theme Parks in Dubailand asap in order to attract tourists. Also I find it important to establish a healthy middle class with office workers being able to afford a decent home and even save money on the side. I am sure this is an issue which should be very much on top of His Highness' priority list. What would Dubai be, if all the people in the service sector lost their reason to come and stay?

My guess is, that eventually places like JBR will be mostly inhabited by fillipino office workers who are being charged decent rents :cheers2:

Yes, there are still tourists here. Dubai is by no means deserted! Far from. In Sheraton Jumeirah I saw many Russians.
And the Walk in JBR is full up with people, only the Podium level is empty, I think it takes time before people realize that there are nice restaurants and cafés up there.

I have not seen any good bargains yet for hotel accomodation as one would expect if there were no business. Please correct me if I am wrong.
And the rental prices of apartments is still expensive, the only buildings I saw lower the rental price are Discovery Gardens.

from january 29th 2009
http://i42.tinypic.com/15rkx2b.jpg
Source:http://www.flickr.com/photos/43335526@N00/3300589700/

Hey, the city is, in one word, for me anyways...Imaginary.

P.S:What does JBR mean, I noticed you guys used it on more then 1 occasion.

^^JBR = Jumairah Beach Residences
These are the large yellow buildings (some call it commie blocks) at the frontline of the beach of Dubai Marina and Marina Walk.

I have not seen any good bargains yet for hotel accomodation as one would expect if there were no business. Please correct me if I am wrong.
.

Pleth, I fully agree with you. I looked for accomodation in April and the hotel rates are not realy a bargain...... if you don't want to stay in Deira or Ajman :lol::lol::lol:

Pics from yesterday:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1935_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1936_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1939_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1941_qa.jpg

Bridge works in front of Marina Diamond:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1943_qa.jpg

What is this foundation for? (Located right next to the bridge works in front of Marina Diamond)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1944_qa.jpg

Delta 2 (?):

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1948_qa.jpg

The tallest block:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1949_qa.jpg

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1951_qa.jpg

Bridge works in front of Marina Diamond:

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1943_qa.jpg

What is this foundation for? (Located right next to the bridge works in front of Marina Diamond)

http://www.quetschluft.de/dubai/300_1944_qa.jpg



Al Soufuh Tram Station :dunno:

I dont think so the tram, its not going to be that part of the Marina

Is it something to do with the metro walkway ?

Looks like it

I think its the foundation for the stairs to the metro walkway. Something like this:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8307/imresolt103dj7.jpg

Hmmm, possibly! I just drove by this very walkway from Imre's pic this morning. Next time I'll peek through the fence :)

I think its the foundation for the stairs to the metro walkway. Something like this:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8307/imresolt103dj7.jpg

yes, exactly this one:)

25/February/2009

Dubai Marina,tallest block

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8043/imresolt059.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/7752/imresolt074.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/3725/imresolt080.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/8702/imresolt116.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

25/February/2009

Dubai Marina

http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/4111/imresolt002.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/5632/imresolt061.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6537/imresolt068.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1476/imresolt077.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/3162/imresolt084.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/9931/imresolt096.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/1172/imresolt100.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5013/imresolt102.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^ Nice pics! You lucky guy get to chill on a boat during the week? Tsssss..... :)

I'm jealous! :cheers2:

Wow, half of the OASIS BEACH Hotel seems still to be standing...I guess Dubai is looking for another superlative here, or entry into the Guiness Book of Records: the slowest demolition of a building ever ! :)