02/October/2011

Marina Mall Complex

http://i53.tinypic.com/2n80fh0.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/kf62pv.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/20qj3wl.jpg

More good news for the chic end of the marina.

The Marina Byblos hotel opened its door recently. The Marina Byblos is situated between Damac Waves and The Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

So why is this good news? There is a fantastic fun pub in a British theme called Nel Gwyns. It features live bands at the weekends and I can assure you it is packed. Drinks are reasonably priced but best of all the service is swift with plenty of staff on hand to ensure you are not thirsty.

Just one other thing, the staff uniform for the ladies is tartan mini skirts. This pleased me as I am proud of my cultural identity. :laugh:

7/October/2011

Dubai Marina , tallest block

http://i56.tinypic.com/21lln9i.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2h6fryp.jpg

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http://i51.tinypic.com/29ftflv.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2q0k6c1.jpg

Thanks Imre for this. Lots of progress all over the Marina. Good to see that the buildings are reaching their final stages.

The ToroToro restaurant in Grosvenor House in the upper end of the marina is now open. :banana:

The new outlets at Grosvenor House Tower Two in Dubai will be positioned as “tourist icons”

“Embassy I think will end up being an iconic thing to do for the tourists,”

http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/12475-grosvenor-house-outlets-to-become-tourist-icons/

Nel Gwynns Beats any restaurant hands down :lol:

In fact we have too many "tourist restaurants" in Dubai. We need more venues, not more menus :D

Thanks Imre for this. Lots of progress all over the Marina. Good to see that the buildings are reaching their final stages.

Welcome, most of building what is U/C now will be finished next year , few projects remain on hold for a long or even never built.

Its time to fill up the holes and making more car parks, landscaping etc.. already enough tower there :)

I totally agree on the car parks and the landscaping here. There is much to embellish on the Marina Walk still, we at MVT just got recently our Marina Walk level cleaned up, with no more sand to walk through before getting into the shop level of the building. It took only 3 years, lol.

8/October/2011

Marina Pinnacle , 1 Br interior photos

http://i56.tinypic.com/2ed2mb4.jpg

Photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imresolt/sets/72157627844806456/

The Yacht Club

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/282/a/c/boat_parking_by_verticaldubai-d4cccwj.jpg

10/October /2011

Marina Crown 3 BR plus maids apartment interior photos and the view,Dubai Marina

This is the full sea and palm view:)

http://i56.tinypic.com/mu97pk.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/sc5eky.jpg

Photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imresolt/sets/72157627859726484/

Some pictures from my last trip

September 2011

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1186/img1375ie.jpg

Sept 2011
http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/8859/img1378fp.jpg

http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3282/img1371p.jpg

At last! People employed to pick up the rubbish;

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/9749/img1370g.jpg

Something new being built on the beach, looks like some sort of viewing pavillion possibly for water sports events :dunno:

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/6421/img1377jl.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4347/img1368s.jpg

Located inside the Nakheel Dubai Promenade plot, seems to suggest that it will be a long time before anything permanent will be started here. Other work was going on at the Dubai Sky Dive airstrip also.

I like taking shots early in the day when the low light makes shots a little more interesting.

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/8641/img1385h.jpg

Something new being built on the beach, looks like some sort of viewing pavillion possibly for water sports events :dunno:



http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/4347/img1368s.jpg



This "pavillon" has been u/c there for quite some time now. Wonder what it will be?

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/281/8/d/fairy_lights_by_verticaldubai-d4c8b2p.jpg


http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/284/5/9/zoom_by_verticaldubai-d4c9epn.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/24yofvc.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/os4evt.jpg

I thought this comment was worthy of a repost on the main Dubai Marina thread;

DD, it's a pitty that Ocean Heights Lights were off when you took the pic. However, I can still not understand how dull and dark Emirates and Marina Crown are at night. :(

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/284/5/9/zoom_by_verticaldubai-d4c9epn.jpg



On that note, Infinity Tower has had Light testing a couple of days ago with those big bright color changing lights along the twisting corners of the entire tower. only a few meter installed so far, but the look was AMAZING. Well done, Cayan!! Tameer, it's your turn now...

Daylight architecture is one thing, how the building looks at night is another important consideration that some developers have been better at implementing than others.

Damac and Cayan are the leaders in this area in my humble opinion. The self proclaimed "biggest private developer in the marina," Select are the worst. So far all their buildings have absolutely no archtiectural lighting other than the anti aircraft lights. On my last visit I noticed that on The Point building, even the anti aircraft lights didn't work :ohno:

...Select are the worst. :ohno:


Do you mean Select, the developer of the Un-Torch??

I was wondering if the reason for only lighting the Torch with a low level glowing green light could be due to permissions needed due to affecting other residents in other towers close by at a similar height level? Are there any regulations for that?

Why don't you ask Select why they haven't lit the Torch?

I was wondering if the reason for only lighting the Torch with a low level glowing green light could be due to permissions needed due to affecting other residents in other towers close by at a similar height level? Are there any regulations for that?


the original plan included video screen panels that could actually animate anything from flames to text etc. Highly expensive of course, probably too much.

those frozen glas panels on top of the un-torch must have been intended to be lit from the background. not sure what happened afterall, because the required LED floodlights are not that costly.

in terms of light polution it would not be an issue at all IMO. the neighboring Marina Heights Tower has high power white floodlights on top (level 54-ish), which are much more powerfull than what you would expect on the un-torch. also, they are actually pretty boring, on not switchen on all the time (non-LED).

I personally find flashing Anti Collision beacons much more annoying than more static or smoothly changing light schemes. the one on Grosvenor House 1 is beaming full power into my window.

We have all seen those trick flame effects that are created by uplighting a piece of silk which is blowing in a fan. So all they need to do is attach a silk sheet stiched to form a gradual funnel and set above the air conditioners. Uplight it with a few colour changing LED theatre spots flickering between yellow through orange to red and back. I guarantee it will look like their is a real blaze on the Torch and the whole effect would cost a few thousand $$.

:)

Finally something new :)

14/October/2011

Marina Hotel (next to Bay Central)

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14/October/2011

Dubai Marina , tallest block

http://i54.tinypic.com/2ahupok.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/s2b5s4.jpg

More good news for the chic end of the marina.

The Marina Byblos hotel opened its door recently. The Marina Byblos is situated between Damac Waves and The Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

So why is this good news? There is a fantastic fun pub in a British theme called Nel Gwyns. It features live bands at the weekends and I can assure you it is packed. Drinks are reasonably priced but best of all the service is swift with plenty of staff on hand to ensure you are not thirsty.

Just one other thing, the staff uniform for the ladies is tartan mini skirts. This pleased me as I am proud of my cultural identity. :laugh:

I stayed in this hotel twice already for two days each. Very convenient in every sense. I also got the rooms ending with X25 on both occasions. These rooms have a good marina view, with the gap between Damac Waves and the Yacht Club directly in front.

Nice hotel with nice room, staff, bar, restaurant and lounge. Was too lazy to use the pool & gym on top.

Agree with TB on the bar. Had drinks there twice with one of the best and well-known forumers. The happy-hour though is only between 6 & 7 pm and not the usual 8 pm like others including the lovely Yacht Club bar where you can sit out on the deck in this fairly nice evening weather.

^^I found that when the Yacht Club empties around 11pm Nel Gwynns gets stowed out. Still it was one of the best bars I have been in for service. You don't have to queue at the bar, there are plenty of girls going round with cash registers strapped to their wrists :lol:

So go to the Yacht club, buy a few buckets of beer during the happy hour and when you finish them you can spill out to Marina Byblos ;)

Another tip, I use the Sofitel Hub bar at JBR sometimes and if you speak to the bar staff they will let you rack up a good few drinks in the till during happy hour and serve them to you later when needed :okay:

Another tip, I use the Sofitel Hub bar at JBR sometimes and if you speak to the bar staff they will let you rack up a good few drinks in the till during happy hour and serve them to you later when needed :okay:[/QUOTE]

You can do this in Byblos bar too. In fact, the bar girl herself suggested this and we gladly went with her suggestion.

Thanks for the tip's guys... Bit handy that, living in Marina Sail!!! :cheers:

Another tip, I use the Sofitel Hub bar at JBR sometimes and if you speak to the bar staff they will let you rack up a good few drinks in the till during happy hour and serve them to you later when needed :okay:

You can do this in Byblos bar too. In fact, the bar girl herself suggested this and we gladly went with her suggestion.[/QUOTE]

Moonstruck
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/288/2/1/moonstruck_by_verticaldubai-d4cwm72.jpg

^^ When I first looked at I thought that's a seriously wide angled lens you must have in your kit, DD! Then I realised it's a graphic. Good work anyway!

16-Oct

This is a sneak preview of the Light effect for the Infinity tower.

The sample displayed so far is a slow, smooth color change, including white. Very cool.


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/xIMG_3562.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/xIMG_3568.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/zIMG_3569.jpg


Thank you CAYAN for making your tower shine in the Marina, and for the great show!!!!!! The Night Skyline absolutely needs it.

^^ When I first looked at I thought that's a seriously wide angled lens you must have in your kit, DD! Then I realised it's a graphic. Good work anyway!

It's a normal wideangle photograph, no tricks :) Just 14mm on a D700.

This is a sneak preview of the Light effect for the Infinity tower.


Great stuff! That will look awesome! :cheers2:

JBR's Bahar 3 and 7 have been empty until now, but now Hilton took over Bahar 3 and changed the building into their hotel and made an ugly walkway directly from the Hilton to Bahar 3. But it may just be the skeleton for the walkway because they are still working on it.

In my opinion there are way too much scaffolding everywhere in the Marina! Ugly scaffolding from the tram and the many unfinished buildings. And when you walk on the Jumeirah Beach Walk you can't really see the beach! So much of the beach is covered up from fence, like at the old Oasis Hotel. Only a very little stretch - where the car park is, is actually open to the beach, what a shame! :bash:

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x461/Doorneweert/DSC03265.jpg

The Torch occupants contribute to the Marina Park by dumping their fertilized water daily on the open space. Soon this area will be lush and green !

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x461/Doorneweert/DSC03265.jpg

The Torch occupants contribute to the Marina Park by dumping their fertilized water daily on the open space. Soon this area will be lush and green !

Emaar should find some solution with the abandoned plots and buildings in Dubai Marina , blue fence and empty construction sites looks ugly everywhere..

So true...

That picture above reminded me of a thought I had while out walking one morning. They were sprinkling the grass and hosing the gardens in JBR. Nearby I could see condensate water running out of the pipes and into street drains.

Eureeka! Why do they not collect condensate water and use it for irrigation? Condensate water is perfect for gardens and would reduce the workload on the RO desal plants. Instal underground storage tanks with overflow into the street drains. Connect a high pressure electric pump to the irrigation side coupled to a timer and all that good condensate water is not put straight down the drains. If they need to fertilise, then all they need to do is dose the storage tank as required. :)

Maybe I should start a company offering this service, pointing out to the OAs that they would be a saving on their DEWA water bill which would eventually cover the cost of the instalation and protect them from water charges increases in the future. It would probably work in villas also :okay:

16-Oct

This is a sneak preview of the Light effect for the Infinity tower.

The sample displayed so far is a slow, smooth color change, including white. Very cool.



Thank you CAYAN for making your tower shine in the Marina, and for the great show!!!!!! The Night Skyline absolutely needs it.

I hope the effect sweeps up or down the building to show off the twist.

They were experimenting with horizontal colour changing LED bars fitted above certain windows or balconies. I wonder if that is still happening?

Anyway good to see developers are still wanting to deliver iconic landmarks and not just "for profit" buildings. Well done Cayan!

^^ Men, with all the time you have spent in Dubai, you should have learned that the irrigation water does not come from the desal plants, rather the waste water treatment ones :D

^^ Men, with all the time you have spent in Dubai, you should have learned that the irrigation water does not come from the desal plants, rather the waste water treatment ones :D

Looking at how JBR is set up it doesn't suggest that. So are you telling me they take brown water from the sewage plant and fill irrigation tanks in the ground with it? I expect this in the open areas in Al Suffouh road etc as it always stinks when they water the grass:lol: I did find out that in the towers they keep brown and grey water seperate. In the UK they all go down the same pipe but then again we don't generally have a water shortage problem.

I'll need to look into this a bit further;)

^^ Sewage water (grey and brown combined) is treated on the dedicated plants and the byproducts are a solid matter that I think is used as fertilizer, and non-potable water that is used for irrigation throughout the city.

Emaar should find some solution with the abandoned plots and buildings in Dubai Marina , blue fence and empty construction sites looks ugly everywhere..

Exactly. And the Jumeirah BEACH Walk could look so pretty if only you could see the turquoise sea and not blue fence!

That picture above reminded me of a thought I had while out walking one morning. They were sprinkling the grass and hosing the gardens in JBR. Nearby I could see condensate water running out of the pipes and into street drains.

Eureeka! Why do they not collect condensate water and use it for irrigation? Condensate water is perfect for gardens and would reduce the workload on the RO desal plants. Instal underground storage tanks with overflow into the street drains. Connect a high pressure electric pump to the irrigation side coupled to a timer and all that good condensate water is not put straight down the drains. If they need to fertilise, then all they need to do is dose the storage tank as required. :)

Maybe I should start a company offering this service, pointing out to the OAs that they would be a saving on their DEWA water bill which would eventually cover the cost of the instalation and protect them from water charges increases in the future. It would probably work in villas also :okay:
Burj Khalifa is actually using the millions of gallons of condensate water for watering the gardens.
And when they built the Gardens many years ago, it was quite unique in those days that they started using the waste water for watering the green areas.
Yes sometimes you got a bit of a smell, but not often.

Not sure what they do in JBR.

just wondering, are the towers in dubai marina fitted with fibre optic connection? i see that etisalat off the package and even 3.5g. i didn't expect dubai to be that advanced.

Du originally installed a 256k broadband in The Jewels more than 3 years ago. The cost then for an 8meg service was extorionate but now they have upgraded the package to 8meg for an extra 30AED.

so how does it work?
there is a glass covered box on the wall of my apartment with a load of ethernet ports. i guess this is where you plug the modem? and what are the ethernet plugs for in each room? video distribution?

Today's morning fog, taken from MAG 218.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uAPaGKhHNeU/Tp3RgSq0W4I/AAAAAAAAJ1A/IsLXG5suAhs/s900/dsc_9517a.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xQyJENKhADM/Tp3RgC0B-jI/AAAAAAAAJ0w/f7fg6GhV_Hc/s900/dsc_9508a.jpg

One more:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Q5-mEoPUqXM/Tp3UQzBkNII/AAAAAAAAJ1M/NV0KD0xOHsI/s900/dsc_9405a.jpg

^^ :banana::banana::banana:

^^ :banana::banana::banana:

Wow wow wow! :lol

amazing, does this happen very often? ive never seen it before in dubai, low cloud right?

I think it is the change in seasons, around October and around March, when fog is more common. There has been fog like this the past 3-4 mornings, while yesterday was the most dramatic. There was a 30 something car crash on the road from Sharjah to Dubai yesterday morning which is also a common occurrence at this time.

amazing, does this happen very often? ive never seen it before in dubai, low cloud right?

amazing, does this happen very often? ive never seen it before in dubai, low cloud right?
^^As GoDubai mentioned this kind of fog in the morning is extremely common in the transitional periods. It is sometimes so thick, that I can't see my balcony railing anymore. Walking with a friend in the Marina one early morning we actually lost each other, had to use our cell phones to find each other again. :nuts:

Go Dubai Go !!!

The greening of the Marina:

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-K13yYY-GjPE/TqD9d5MMxbI/AAAAAAAAJ1g/X6ZrnAr4V34/s900/dsc_9533a.jpg

amazing, does this happen very often? ive never seen it before in dubai, low cloud right?

Also it Rains and amazing lightning strikes.

So after all the moaning about Cracked Tiles, Leaking Buildings, bad Developers, Lousy Government, Leaking Water Heaters, and then you wake up to a Beautiful Mornings like that, and living in Dubai all makes sense.

Al.

21/October/2011

Dubai Marina and pools of Princess Tower,Torch,Marina Heights,Mag 218

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Nice pics Imre. Some of the angles look familiar :)

Nice pics Imre. Some of the angles look familiar :)

Thanks, first and the last 4 pics from your balcony :)

:cheers:

The water coming from the Infinity basement?

from today's GN tabloid:

http://i55.tinypic.com/2d80rqv.jpg

R

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/269171_219588408084102_202510923125184_604003_5059389_n.jpg

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267969_219588328084110_202510923125184_604002_791318_n.jpg

I guess it was due a bit of a refurb but I'm glad they aren't doing an Oasis beach and knocking it down. Better make new plans for next Easter now!

22-oct

this picture will finally shed some light on where the water is coming from. the trucks are actually not dumping, but pumping.

the torch will have it's own private unobstructed beach!!


http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/xIMG_3573.jpg

The water coming from the Infinity basement or the marina wall demaged?

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/267904_216713865038223_202510923125184_595655_1992935_n.jpg

The water coming from the Infinity basement or the marina wall demaged?

it came out of one of those square concrete hoppers in the corner.

seemed to be contained today.

I appreciate this may seem a bit random but here goes and possible on the wrong forum so please bear with me - I’ve had a 1 bed apartment in Marina Heights for a couple of years now and my partner and I would like to enjoy it and Dubai as soon as possible - slightly sooner then when my retirement is due, we just hate living here in the UK.
The issue is we don’t want to wait till another 10 years when i am 60. So my question is if we were to retire in say 5 years time how much (ball park figure) would you think it would cost per year to live and survive in Dubai. How long is a piece of string you may ask I know but I am talking just day to day living -- ie house hold bills, rates, food, getting about just the basics really in the Marina
We would love to aim for a five plan here in the UK now then move to Dubai in 2016 and live on a low income until I could draw on my full pension -- so do you think this is feasable or a none starter. You can reply to kwp256@msn if you like. Cheers.
kpage.

Sorry to pollute the thread - but where can I find the tread to "Arabian Ranches" ?

Sorry to pollute the thread - but where can I find the tread to "Arabian Ranches" ?

Found it !!!!

Today I was invited by DMCC to take pictures from Almas Tower, but the person I was supposed to meet had to attend a meeting at short notice. So I just got an access card and went up to the 63rd floor on my own. Unfortunately there is no easy access to the roof top (actually there's no roof as such) and the windows were very dirty...
However, I stayed up there for two hours and enjoyed the sunset. What a marvellous view! Although of terrible quality I would like to share it with you:

http://www.ablazewithlight.com/cityscapes_dubai_DSC_4606_sRGB_y.jpg

On my way home the guy called me to apologise and invited me to visit again next week. He would try to arrange access to the roof top. I can't wait! :banana:

And here's a humble request to all you JLT, Marina and Tallest Block residents: Anybody out there who would allow me to shoot some pics from their balcony in the evening some time? Maybe we could have a nice chat and enjoy a beer or two alongside. Which I could bring, of course :)

Just send me a PM, if you're interested. I would really appreciate to get some different views of New Dubai on my camera sensor and would also love to hear your views on life in Dubai :) You can also call me through 056-1704682 or send me an email: sebastian.opitz(at)gmail.com

Cheers,
Sebastian

Today I was invited by DMCC to take pictures from Almas Tower, but the person I was supposed to meet had to attend a meeting at short notice. So I just got an access card and went up to the 63rd floor on my own. Unfortunately there is no easy access to the roof top (actually there's no roof as such) and the windows were very dirty...
However, I stayed up there for two hours and enjoyed the sunset. What a marvellous view! Although of terrible quality I would like to share it with you:

On my way home the guy called me to apologise and invited me to visit again next week. He would try to arrange access to the roof top. I can't wait! :banana:

And here's a humble request to all you JLT, Marina and Tallest Block residents: Anybody out there who would allow me to shoot some pics from their balcony in the evening some time? Maybe we could have a nice chat and enjoy a beer or two alongside. Which I could bring, of course :)

Just send me a PM, if you're interested. I would really appreciate to get some different views of New Dubai on my camera sensor and would also love to hear your views on life in Dubai :) You can also call me through 056-1704682 or send me an email: sebastian.opitz(at)gmail.com

Cheers,
Sebastian

Seems like West Avenue is all lit up. Are they really working at night?

Seems like West Avenue is all lit up. Are they really working at night?

Only if they have a big concrete pour on. They are not allowed to run concrete into the marina during the day.

Great pic DD.

Just comes to show how Marina has a better skyline than a lot of other major cities around the world, and it's not even completed yet.

What are the 2 towers being built next to the Sheraton near Dorra Bay?

What are the 2 towers being built next to the Sheraton near Dorra Bay?

Jumeirah Towers

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=428156&page=9

Tens of thousands of people live in Dubai on salaries as low as under Dhs 1000 per month and up to 2, 3, 4,000. These include laborers, unskilled and low-skilled workers and even some professionals.

So, you can probably live as cheaply as you absolutely have to. There are parts of Dubai--Satwa, Deira--and nearby Sharjah and Ajman where ethnic food restaurants, hair solons, dry cleaners, etc. are very, very cheap.

On the other hand some people would insist that they can't possibly manage on less than 10,000 dhs per month. So, it really depends on the person.

A laborer will pay 1/2 dirham for a cup of Lipton tea with milk. A Western expat will pay up to 10 dirham for essentially the same thing but in a classier joint. Buy your own 100 tea bags and enjoy it on your balcony and it will be even cheaper than 1/2 dirham.

I live in a 1-bed in Dubai Marina and my utilities, telephone and internet cost about 500 dhs/month, my maintenance cost about 750 dhs/month and anyone can get an unlimited use metro/bus card for about 250 dhs/month. So, minus food, household, entertainment, etc. It cost me 1500 dhs/month.

I appreciate this may seem a bit random but here goes and possible on the wrong forum so please bear with me - I’ve had a 1 bed apartment in Marina Heights for a couple of years now and my partner and I would like to enjoy it and Dubai as soon as possible - slightly sooner then when my retirement is due, we just hate living here in the UK.
The issue is we don’t want to wait till another 10 years when i am 60. So my question is if we were to retire in say 5 years time how much (ball park figure) would you think it would cost per year to live and survive in Dubai. How long is a piece of string you may ask I know but I am talking just day to day living -- ie house hold bills, rates, food, getting about just the basics really in the Marina
We would love to aim for a five plan here in the UK now then move to Dubai in 2016 and live on a low income until I could draw on my full pension -- so do you think this is feasable or a none starter. You can reply to kwp256@msn if you like. Cheers.
kpage.

View from Trident Marinascape Oceanic Tower at sunset:

http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/300/e/9/trident_marinascape_by_verticaldubai-d4e41yl.jpg

Thank you, Agod, for inviting me over tonight. I really enjoyed the view and it was very nice meeting you :)

Cheers,
Sebastian

The photograph is stunning! Love your camera

Thanks, glad you like it :)

Cheers

Thanks S, nice to have met you, you can come again anytime to finish the Job.

Al.

Desert Diver photo ^^

The lighting and clarity on the photo is so nice. It has been beautifully clear the past couple of days in Dubai. It is so nice to see the cityscape from different angles. Hope you get a lot of takers on your offer DD and you ought to publish a nice photo book with it.

Tens of thousands of people live in Dubai on salaries as low as under Dhs 1000 per month and up to 2, 3, 4,000. These include laborers, unskilled and low-skilled workers and even some professionals.

So, you can probably live as cheaply as you absolutely have to. There are parts of Dubai--Satwa, Deira--and nearby Sharjah and Ajman where ethnic food restaurants, hair solons, dry cleaners, etc. are very, very cheap.

On the other hand some people would insist that they can't possibly manage on less than 10,000 dhs per month. So, it really depends on the person.

A laborer will pay 1/2 dirham for a cup of Lipton tea with milk. A Western expat will pay up to 10 dirham for essentially the same thing but in a classier joint. Buy your own 100 tea bags and enjoy it on your balcony and it will be even cheaper than 1/2 dirham.

I live in a 1-bed in Dubai Marina and my utilities, telephone and internet cost about 500 dhs/month, my maintenance cost about 750 dhs/month and anyone can get an unlimited use metro/bus card for about 250 dhs/month. So, minus food, household, entertainment, etc. It cost me 1500 dhs/month.
That is a very good answer. ^^
Also I think utilities like AirCon varies a lot from where you live. Before I had an individual AC to my appartment, it was very cheap to use.
Now in my new appartment I have Empower :ohno: which is very expensive! I pay around 350 Aed every month just to stay connected, on top of that is the usage. = During the winter when I don't use AC, I still pay the 350 Aed.

GoDubai,
Thanks for that, very much appreciated and at least it gives us an idea. The high life would be nice but the good life would be just fine for us - it has to be better then living in the UK.

^^ Good point about the AC issue. Some facilities have district cooling which is supposed to be more economical than individual cooling facilities per each tower. HOWEVER, the end users are getting unfairly bilked. The idea is that building costs (construction and maintenance) should have been significantly lower for not having to construct and maintain cooling equipment. So the end cost for buying a unit, renting and maintaining these buildings should be lower.

In reality, the developers have not passed on any of the savings to end users, so end users pay just as much as those without the "benefit" of district cooling, plus they are in effect being levied charges by the district cooling provider to subsidize the construction and maintenance cost of these facilities. Thus, the regular fixed charges whether you use any cooling in your unit or not.

So, for those who haven't bought or rented yet, try to avoid projects with the oh-so-economical district cooling facilities.

That is a very good answer. ^^
Also I think utilities like AirCon varies a lot from where you live. Before I had an individual AC to my appartment, it was very cheap to use.
Now in my new appartment I have Empower :ohno: which is very expensive! I pay around 350 Aed every month just to stay connected, on top of that is the usage. = During the winter when I don't use AC, I still pay the 350 Aed.

Empower and Palm District Cooling are the same robbery , I read somewhere they need only 3-4 years to get back the whole investment so it seams really good business for the government :)

Empower launches campaign clarifying district cooling billing system among 16000 customers

Company’s billing is based on actual metered consumption

Dubai, UAE, 26th October, 2011: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower) has launched an awareness campaign on the billing of its services in an attempt to increase transparency and loyalty among its rapidly increasing 16000 customer base in Dubai.

Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “We were the first district cooling (DC) company in the UAE to introduce metering in 2007. We value our customers and we believe educating the customer on our services and billing systems is the key to winning their loyalty.”

Whenever an Empower customer uses air-conditioning, the meter runs for every RT per hour. It is billed in arrears at the end of each month. On the other hand, there is the demand charge, which is a recurring annual fee, levied by Empower for providing District Cooling Service per annum, billed and paid quarterly in advance.

Bin Shafar emphasized that Empower bills its customers based on the actual metered consumption. The RT of the customer’s unit is pre-determined by the developer, depending on its unit area and premise type.

Forming part of the bill is the Meter Maintenance which is charged quarterly to cover the testing and maintenance of each meter installed in the apartment. It is billed in arrears in the last month of each quarter, while the connection charge is a one-off fee to be paid by the owner, which is different from the Refundable Security Deposit that is paid at the time of registration.

Bin Shafar said that like any other utilities, Empower charges are linked to the cost of inputs and general inflation index and are subject to revision, and, as such, tariffs are subject to change.

http://imresolt.blogspot.com/2011/10/empower-launches-campaign-clarifying.html

28/October/2011

Dubai Marina

http://i42.tinypic.com/2pt5478.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2uzw0uc.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2ym6lts.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/332pkb4.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/350jr82.jpg

Why is the water inside the Marina green and the water in the sea outside blue ?

Why is the water inside the Marina green and the water in the sea outside blue ?


shallow water, warmer temperature, hence more photosynthetic organisms. water circulates not as much as on the open beach. a natural effect.

The sea is blue due to the reflection of the atmosphere. If you have ever been in the ocean on a cruise liner on a cloudy day you will see that the sea is not blue.

The water in the marina is warmer and relatively still which makes it an ideal environment for an effect called marine bloom. Basically plant life or algea growing on the water which makes the water look greener.

Dubai Marina seen from the 48th floor of Marina Heights. Thanks for the great views, PrincessTower :cheers2:

http://www.ablazewithlight.com/cityscapes_dubai_Marina_Heights2_sRGB_a_y.jpg

^^WOW!

How good will that view be when Infinity tower is lit up.

Definitely!!!

Sebastian, your photos are truly inspirational! Thank you

My pleasure :) Thanks for your comment.

Desert Diver, your photo is fantastic.

With all the doom and gloom with Dubai properties, you have captured one thing which is the man made marvel that has been built in Dubai. No one will ever build to this scale again for many years anywhere in the world.

What we have in Dubai is truely unique.

Desert Diver, your photo is fantastic.

With all the doom and gloom with Dubai properties, you have captured one thing which is the man made marvel that has been built in Dubai. No one will ever build to this scale again for many years anywhere in the world.

What we have in Dubai is truely unique.

^^ well said :applause:

Why is the water inside the Marina green and the water in the sea outside blue ?

Simple answer even though marina is open to the sea,, but lack of water filtering , you should see jlt lake... Disgusting...

SSC Members Dubai:

If you are interested in hanging out for a meeting some time the next few weeks (tbd) let us know via private message.

I’ve talked to a couple of guys here and there is generally an interest to see each other face to face for a chat every now and then. There will be coke:cheers2: or beer:cheers:, popcorn:popcorn:, lol:lol:., and of course the compulsory banana:banana:.

If it’s less than 10 people we can go on my boat. For more we will charter Queen Mary II or meet somewhere else. Maybe just break into the top floor of Al Yaqoub Tower and 'redecorate' the place.

Guest Appearances may, but don’t have to, include:
- The CEO of Select in a Cage Fight with SGrCRAP :bash: (not confirmed)
- CEO of Trident on how to build a Pento-Minimum (not confirmed)
- and his new best friend, the blue runaway guy :runaway: (don't worry, we'll feed him lots of coffee so he'll be extra nervous and fast)
- Tom Cruise with his hilarious impersonation of Imre :speech: (not confirmed)
- Metallica featuring banana2 unplugged :banana2: (only the banana confirmed so far)

Not bad, is it?


See you soon.... unless you're not reading this (which you obviously are, so :hammer:). Or you're not in dubai and therefore can't possibly make it even if your life depended on it :gaah:. Or your wive (resp. hubby) won't let you hang out with the boys :madwife:.

I'm running out of Smilies here, and don't want to start using that silly Llama.

YAAY! :banana2:

I'm interested, but you know that ;) Keep me updated about the date :)

Does anybody know, for what reason they are extending the "peninsula" which originally was supposed to be for Dubai Promenade and which is now the Sky Dive Dubai site? It looks to me that the "land" will be increased by about 100 % and that there will be eventually an extension of the "peninsula" reaching so far into the ocean, that the sea in front of Habtoor Grand, Royal Meridien and Ritz Carlton will turn into a "lake" which the sea in front of Westin and Royal Mirage is already.

^^Can someone post a picture of the works?

It maybe that they have started constructing the causeway accross to The Palm.

In my last pic you can see parts of the peninsular. Also, some three weeks ago I saw dredging/landfilling works at 2am from Crescent West when I was taking pictures. To me it seems they are actually building the causeway :)

This seems odd, because it would mean the causeway is going right across 1/3 in front of the right side of the beach. If this was Japan I wouldn't be surprised!? If this will really be the cause way, they will destroy the beach for at least 3 of the beach hotels, including the Ritz Carlton. I should have taken a photo of this, but didn't have the camera on me.

^^Doesn't sound right then! We need a few pictures to work it out.

I posted a picture of what looks like a VIP pavillion being built on the site of Dubai Promenade. Is there any sports events or attractions coming up soon? Red Bull Air Racing perhaps, given that there is an active airstrip on site?

Can't believe I didn't take a photo of this and now I am back in Paris.
What they are doing is filling in land at the end of the peninsula. One can clearly see sand or soil being brought in by trucks; and then they have two points further across in between the Crescent and the beach where it looks like they are drilling piles into the sea ground. The peninsula and the 2 "piling islands" are connected by what seems to be a huge pipe, which is floating on top of the water. When you sit on the beach in front of Ritz Carlton, this work actually blocks your view of the One and Only, the Palm and the Zabeel Sarayl. If this was to become a land mass, it would totally block the waves for the beach from the Habtoor Grand up to the Ritz Carlton.

Is anyone able to elaborate on what you think might be happening? This is a screen dump of google earth which is obviously well out of date but maybe someone could illustrate what's planned?
http://i1201.photobucket.com/albums/bb358/davedobbo/11ea7d42.jpg

10/October/2011

http://i39.tinypic.com/2s7cabm.jpg

This is from February 2011

http://i44.tinypic.com/24pjsl0.jpg

I tried to draw in, what I saw.
http://i39.tinypic.com/23sxc05.jpg
1 & 2 are places, where they are piling, 3 is where they are the filling in land. As you can see on Imre's photo, there is a pipe floating from the peninsula to 1, now there is pipe from 2 to 1 as well.
From the angle this photo was taken it doesn't look very big, but from the beach it looks huge.

02-nov

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/PrincessTower2011nov005.jpg

I tried to draw in, what I saw.
http://i39.tinypic.com/23sxc05.jpg
1 & 2 are places, where they are piling, 3 is where they are the filling in land. As you can see on Imre's photo, there is a pipe floating from the peninsula to 1, now there is pipe from 2 to 1 as well.
From the angle this photo was taken it doesn't look very big, but from the beach it looks huge.

I have had a look at it and the explanation of what appears to be going on, but I can't say for sure what they are upto.

We will need to keep an eye on it.

A friendly forum member just posted me this link, made me wonder are they building a wind farm in the pictures above?

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/10/25151929

I doubt it, this would be the end of the Sky Dive Dubai, also, there are much better location for a wind farm than a busy stretch of beach.

Maybe the next time PrincessTower goes out with his boat he could poke around to see whats happening ?????

Nothing in the Marina area happens with out him noticing.

An underwater camera was also come in handy.

I doubt it, this would be the end of the Sky Dive Dubai, also, there are much better location for a wind farm than a busy stretch of beach.

It would not make sense, especially when they have all that industrial coastline between KG tower and Jebel Ali Port.

Are they building a bridge from the Dubai Promenade pennisula to the Palm?
Haven't they already built some exta roadworks by Grosvenor House that look like overkill for supporting the Dubai Promenade project?

A new bridge would shorten the commute time to Abu Dhabi for the people staying on that part of the Palm. Also, bridge would also increase the number of people living/staying on the Palm and lead to an increase in property value.

Maybe they are building a quayside on the end of the promenade?

Maybe the next time PrincessTower goes out with his boat he could poke around to see whats happening ?????

Nothing in the Marina area happens with out him noticing.

An underwater camera was also come in handy.


I actually cruised around it a few hours ago, but hat to pay attention to the waves as I got distracted by the bikinis on the sun deck. sorry.

also, I did have my underwater camera with me. not much use though, unless they have a construction board down there showing the name and picture of the project ;)

I actually cruised around it a few hours ago, but hat to pay attention to the waves as I got distracted by the bikinis on the sun deck. sorry.

also, I did have my underwater camera with me. not much use though, unless they have a construction board down there showing the name and picture of the project ;)

Don't worry, the sun deck was more than good enough for me to understand.

Good call, focus on whats important. :cheers:

Are they building a bridge from the Dubai Promenade pennisula to the Palm?
Haven't they already built some exta roadworks by Grosvenor House that look like overkill for supporting the Dubai Promenade project?

A new bridge would shorten the commute time to Abu Dhabi for the people staying on that part of the Palm. Also, bridge would also increase the number of people living/staying on the Palm and lead to an increase in property value.

There was a report about it about 4 years ago. They said they had done a traffic study which showed the need for it. Palm Jebel Ali has the crescent linked to the mainland by causeways. You are right about the overbridge built next to GH, looks like that was built in anticipation of the new link. The GH overbridge also feeds onto the new marina bridge which does not seem to serve any other purpose than deal with traffic from Dubai Promenade and GH.

You know what they are like here, nothing in a straight line, it will go half way to AD, and then you will have to do a U-turn.

Interestingly, I just saw a Greek Flagged yacht, probably getting it out, before the repo man snatches it back.

A.

Interestingly, I just saw a Greek Flagged yacht, probably getting it out, before the repo man snatches it back.

A.
I've seen this yacht, too, a couple of days ago and had the same thought.

03-nov

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/xIMG_3718.jpg

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/xIMG_3723.jpg

Thanks Princess Tower for this. Can't wait to get True Blue's verdict on this.

Sorry! I'm none the wiser for these pictures.

The floating pipe is a mystery, I think it might be a dredging operation to assist with getting the piles in. The picture isn't clear enought to see what type of pile it is. They could be sinking a coffre dam with interlocking piles similar to what happened at Infinity. From there they could be drawing out the sand and pumping it back to shore. I am guessing for the most part to be honest.

Maybe I just need to get off my ass and come over :) Anyone got a spare room :lol:

It does look like they are dredging and extending the land from the end of the pinnacle parallel with the skydive Dubai runway.

What is interesting is that this looks like not much on these photos, but when you come to the beach on the pedestrian access between Ritz Carlton and the future beach club you go, oh my god, what on earth are they up to?

4/November/2011

Dubai Marina

http://i40.tinypic.com/35i7z42.jpg

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

http://i39.tinypic.com/dzfm8y.jpg

There was a report about it about 4 years ago. They said they had done a traffic study which showed the need for it. Palm Jebel Ali has the crescent linked to the mainland by causeways. You are right about the overbridge built next to GH, looks like that was built in anticipation of the new link. The GH overbridge also feeds onto the new marina bridge which does not seem to serve any other purpose than deal with traffic from Dubai Promenade and GH.

I was just there today and saw this work. A few observations:

a) as already accurately mentioned, there are two significantly-sized pre-existing overpasses that lead out towards this area but stop in mid-air (one from Barasti area, the other from Grosvenor house). When viewed from above it is obvious these overpasses are intended to go towards the Skydive Penisula.

b) a significant amount of hotels have opened on that side of the Crescent in the past 6 months (one and only, zabeel saray, kempinsky).

That being said... my best guess is a bridge to the crescent. I'll take some pics next time.

actually just spoke to SKyDive Dubai... they said "We are extending our runway and adding two wind tunnels."

Skydive Dubai here to say. The next parachute championship is going to be a good one.. a few suprises :)

^^Does this explain the pavillion?

I think if I had invested money into Nakheel's Dubai promenade, I would be insisting on a full refund now as it is clear there is no medium term plan to restart this development.

actually just spoke to SKyDive Dubai... they said "We are extending our runway and adding two wind tunnels."

I fear for the noise.
What are wind tunnels??

Indoor skydiving. It's usually 2 large fans that recirculate the air so it's indoors. I doubt you'll be able to hear anything. Much quieter than an aircraft.

I fear for the noise.
What are wind tunnels??

I am surprised that they are allowed to operate an aerodrome from such a densely populated area.

When they say wind tunnels, I wonder if it is the vertical type where you can experience skydiving while only being 15ft off the ground.

I would guess that's exactly what they mean. Indoor skydiving Is a licence to print money, about £12/minute and booked for every minute of the day.
Have a look:
http://www.airkix.com/about_airkix/about_airkix.asp

Such place already exists at Mirdif City Center:

https://www.iflyme.com/Home.aspx

I am surprised that they are allowed to operate an aerodrome from such a densely populated area.

When they say wind tunnels, I wonder if it is the vertical type where you can experience skydiving while only being 15ft off the ground.


Don't be surprised. Isn't the Skydubai overlooked by the Crown Prince? "Fazza Dropzone".

From what I know there are already two indoor wind tunnels in Dubai already. one in mirdif as DD pointed out, and another private one by Fazza.

also I don't believe that 12 Dollars or whatever revenue per however many minutes have played a decisive role in getting the thing going.

I like the place and the skydivers coming down every now and then. plus I havent noticed any considerable noise apart from the fireworks during the skydiving world championships.

They have the F1 Power Boats, along that stretch of water as well, not sure if it will interfer.

Its Big enough to land a A380 on it.

I have never seen the Marina so busy, the queue getting into JBR has just subsided, ands its 2 am, and the Restaurants have been packed all night.

Can anyone explain to me a couple of things, why European Kids are tucked up in bed by 7pm, and the lot out here stay up all night.

Have you noticed the courting procedure, that goes on between the young ladies, and the men, the Emarati Girls stroll about with their Abaya's loose, and the Men walk past, and they have this kind of ritual, and communicate by phone, i think its the Bluetooth they use for the purpose, its quite funny, and I am curious to know what goes on, where's Smussw, when you need him.

Don't be surprised. Isn't the Skydubai overlooked by the Crown Prince? "Fazza Dropzone".

From what I know there are already two indoor wind tunnels in Dubai already. one in mirdif as DD pointed out, and another private one by Fazza.

also I don't believe that 12 Dollars or whatever revenue per however many minutes have played a decisive role in getting the thing going.

I like the place and the skydivers coming down every now and then. plus I havent noticed any considerable noise apart from the fireworks during the skydiving world championships.

Wow! sounds dangerous. A bit like the skydiving version of Russian roulette, dodging all the fireworks. So is the champion the one that doesn't take a direct hit with a skyburst rocket? :lol:

deleted

07/November/2011

Dubai Marina

http://i42.tinypic.com/2w5nc4i.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2hd4s4n.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/34xnw2a.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/5wck11.jpg

View from the 63rd floor of Almas Tower

http://www.ablazewithlight.com/cityscapes_dubai_DSC_4574_sRGB_y.jpg

8/November/2011

Dubai Marina with mobile phone

http://i40.tinypic.com/x37dp4.jpg

Nice shot Imre

http://C:\Documents and Settings

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

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

I give up,why is it so difficult to post pictures,there must be some way of making this simpler for us dinosaurs.

I find photobucket to be fairly good. Once you have set up the account, load your photos into an album and then when you want to post, you simply cut and paste the "img code" into the thread. Its also got a good iPad app.

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

I give up,why is it so difficult to post pictures,there must be some way of making this simpler for us dinosaurs.

Dont give it up, its almost done! You just need to copy the link from the tinypic , dont use the Insert Image icon here.

Nice photo!

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

Eid Weekend

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/DubaiMarinaPrincessTower2.jpg



http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/DubaiMarinaPrincessTower.jpg

Who needs Universal Studios when you have this huh :)

True blue's construction expert

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6333054895_0136a99bf9_b.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2ahuyk0.jpg

Tea Break

The perfect picture of the state of the Dubai Construction Industry.

"Wot no Water" How can I mix Concrete without it, anyway its 12 o'clock and I am on my to hot to work break.

A.

True blue's construction expert

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6333054895_0136a99bf9_b.jpg

Some would say he looks familiar to some of the project consultants they have had to deal with :lol:

True blue's construction expert

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6333054895_0136a99bf9_b.jpg

That is very old picture, this is the latest one :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6320744737_64a8806840_o.jpg

:cheers:

^^That was me after 12 beers:lol:

^^That was me after 12 beers:lol:

I know , your eyes always like this after 12 beers:)

12/November/2011

Ocean Heighs , 1 Br interior photos, lobby,view

http://i40.tinypic.com/2yoctv8.jpg

Photos here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/imresolt/sets/72157627985239163/

will travel dubai soon,
some questions to ask, PLS help,

1) how much taxi fares from dubai marina to atlantis?
is the price same too from atlantis to dubai marina ?

2) is there any buildings at dubai marina free to access higher floor to take dubai marina and the palm aerial view?

3) will it too cold at night(8pm-10pm) at the end of november?

4) can public free to access these places, which can which cant?
-atlantis the palm
-beach in fornt of JBR
-beach in front of madinat jumeirah
-emirates palace(abu dhabi)

TQ~:)

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

I give up,why is it so difficult to post pictures,there must be some way of making this simpler for us dinosaurs.

it's easy:)
any pic at the website, right click and press view image (FIREFOX)
copy the url and insert it between and
DONE!

ie
[img]http://i40.tinypic.com/ncitc.jpg[/imgi]

but some website pics may not appear viewable here

will travel dubai soon,
some questions to ask, PLS help,

1) how much taxi fares from dubai marina to atlantis?
is the price same too from atlantis to dubai marina ?

2) is there any buildings at dubai marina free to access higher floor to take dubai marina and the palm aerial view?

3) will it too cold at night(8pm-10pm) at the end of november?

4) can public free to access these places, which can which cant?
-atlantis the palm
-beach in fornt of JBR
-beach in front of madinat jumeirah
-emirates palace(abu dhabi)

TQ~:)
1) Fare is the same either way. App. 30 - 40 Dirhams
2) Imre will probably know.
3) No. It will be around 24 - 25 degrees. Last night was 26 and I was freezing :lol:
4) No
Yes
No (Try Umm Suqeim Park Beach instead, that is a nice beach)
The Emirates Palace is open for the public if they have an art exhibition there, or any exhibition. Otherwise not.

^^
TQ for your reply, but....
arhhh, bad news for me:lol:

is there any possible?
i see some can visit atlantis the palm and emirates palace even though not spending there



The Emirates Palace is open for the public if they have an art exhibition there, or any exhibition. Otherwise not.
i have read many articles most said can visit even though no spending there,
so is there any exhibition on 28Nov? :D

You can try the Grosvenor House and Mariott Hotel bars , good view from there.
Some parts of Emirates Palace is open for public, you can visit any time , Atlantis the same.

We stayed at Atlantis during our visit last year, but there were quite a few visitors there (ie people not staying at hotel itself).
https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/bookdaytrip.aspx (https://www.atlantisthepalm.com/bookdaytrip.aspx)

^^
TQ for your reply, but....
arhhh, bad news for me:lol:

is there any possible?
i see some can visit atlantis the palm and emirates palace even though not spending there



i have read many articles most said can visit even though no spending there,
so is there any exhibition on 28Nov? :D

You can go in Atlantis no problem at all. You're just limited where you can roam around that's all.

http://i39.tinypic.com/11vtj5z.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/3479wls.jpg

^^Infinity just looks awesome in that picture, and it's not even finished.:eek:

^^Infinity just looks awesome in that picture, and it's not even finished.:eek:

Agreed, the light makes her look amazing and great news for everybody that things are moving on with this build :)

from last weekend.

http://i44.tinypic.com/fp9dtd.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/nfs4yr.jpg

R

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0yPl9fOAY8&feature=related

17-nov

low res sample of my pano from today:

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/DubaiMarinaPanoramaPrincessTower.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/zn6520.jpg

Stunning pictures Steve..... I need some panoramics and wide angle exterior views done from my Silverene units. Would you be interested?? Thanks

^^ I would also be interested! :)

Marina seen from "The Links" behind Emirates Golf Course

http://www.ablazewithlight.com/cityscapes_dubai_DSC_5825_sRGB_y.jpg

http://www.ablazewithlight.com/cityscapes_dubai_DSC_5829_sRGB_y.jpg

Cheers,
Sebastian

Stunning pictures Steve..... I need some panoramics and wide angle exterior views done from my Silverene units. Would you be interested?? Thanks

Sorry I did not take those photos, I am not in Dubai at the moment.

20/November/2011

View from Palm Jumeirah palace

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

http://i43.tinypic.com/10wsbkj.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/2mws2di.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/1ytu11.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/6fteec.jpg

20/November/2011

Dubai Marina

http://i40.tinypic.com/1zq7ynd.jpg

21-nov

Dubai Marina Night Skyline seen from the sea in front of Jumeirah Beach Residence. Panorama compressed to 1024 width.

http://i900.photobucket.com/albums/ac210/PrincessTower/DubaiMarinaNight.jpg

20/November/2011

View from Palm Jumeirah palace

http://i42.tinypic.com/6fteec.jpg


Love this one!!! :nuts:

http://www.ablazewithlight.com/cityscapes_dubai_marina_south_sRGB_y.jpg

25/November/2011

Dubai Marina , tallest block

http://i42.tinypic.com/xdz91c.jpg

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Trakhees fixes ‘balcony barbecue’ fine at Dh500

Residents, including those of Palm Jumeirah and International City, to be warned before being fined

By Parag DeulgaonkarPublished Sunday, November 27, 2011

The fine for misusing your balcony or damaging the façade of the building in Trakhees-supervised residential communities will be Dh500 per offence.

In a statement emailed to Emirates 24|7, the authority said initially officers would be warning residents not to misuse their balconies, set up barbecues, or fix any satellite dishes, and those failing to follow the rules will be fined Dh500.

Areas under Trakhees’ supervision, as per Degree No 22, includes, but not limited to Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Heights Jumeirah Village, Jumeirah Lakes Tower, Jebel Ali Downtown, International City, Discovery Gardens.

Last week, this website reported that the Community Conformance Division (CCD), Department of Planning & Development of Trakhees has informed residents not to fix satellite dishes on the facades or balconies of their buildings; not to use balconies as places of storage for any purpose other than seasonal furniture pieces; not to hang sheets, clothes or curtains or rugs or mops or laundry on balconies or railings of homes and not to have barbecues in their balconies.

J Sautter, a reader, commented: “I am all in for cleaning up facades and balconies from rubbish, storage, satellite dishes and cloths hanging over the railing. Dubai Marina should be included in this campaign. But drying clothes on a clothes' drying rack should be allowed. Think of the environment, people should not use electric dryers in a climate such as Dubai.”

“Dubai cannot become a jungle of laundries and satellites and smoking barbecues. This is Dubai with its own set of rules and regulations that must be respected. I thank the authorities for maintaining the beauty of Dubai,” said another reader.

Trakhees said the aim of the campaign is to preserve the upscale appearance, which is characteristic of Dubai by reducing the “off-putting” appearances, which adversely impact the overall aesthetics of the emirate.

http://www.emirates247.com/crime/local/trakhees-fixes-balcony-barbecue-fine-at-dh500-2011-11-27-1.430308

does the above include. wardrobes, washing machines, laundry, bins and budgies?

Mark the day in your calendar:
November 26: the seagulls are back in the Marina.
What is a Marina without seagulls....

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To mark the UAE National Day, CDA will hold a series of activities from Dec.1 to 3, at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). CDA will also organise a Ferrari car parade on December 2 with the support of Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority.

The parade will start at 9 am from Jumeirah Beach Road and culminate at JBR.

Looking forward to the next 3 days of celebrations :)

To mark the UAE National Day, CDA will hold a series of activities from Dec.1 to 3, at the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). CDA will also organise a Ferrari car parade on December 2 with the support of Dubai Police and the Roads and Transport Authority.

The parade will start at 9 am from Jumeirah Beach Road and culminate at JBR.

Looking forward to the next 3 days of celebrations :)

When I was there at the JBR walk on Tuesday some Ferrari's and a Bugatti Veyron re-sprayed with the UAE flag made an appearance as well as a fleet of Harley Davidsons and Lambo's

This is not a re-spray, rather a film "wrap". And I saw that as well on the Walk. Looked sensational. Load's going on for National Day tomorrow. JBR Walk rammed today, and it will be even busier tomorrow and Saturday!! :cheers:

When I was there at the JBR walk on Tuesday some Ferrari's and a Bugatti Veyron re-sprayed with the UAE flag made an appearance as well as a fleet of Harley Davidsons and Lambo's

1/December/2011

Dubai Marina

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This is not a re-spray, rather a film "wrap". And I saw that as well on the Walk. Looked sensational. Load's going on for National Day tomorrow. JBR Walk rammed today, and it will be even busier tomorrow and Saturday!! :cheers:

:lol:

1/December/2011

JBR

Just seen True Blue and Dubai Steve there :)

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1/December/2011

JBR ,Internet Heroes gone , Tim Hortons opening soon :)

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This is not a re-spray, rather a film "wrap". And I saw that as well on the Walk. Looked sensational. Load's going on for National Day tomorrow. JBR Walk rammed today, and it will be even busier tomorrow and Saturday!! :cheers:

Ah! Thought it was some kind of non permanent spray job! The walk was so busy even on a Monday lunchtime as well as were a selection of the bars I went in. I was pleasantly surprised

:lol:

1/December/2011

JBR

Just seen True Blue and Dubai Steve there :)

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:lol: You caught me with my new prototype model for a green light on top of the Torch.

TB: "I'll give you an arse end to remember in a minute! Blumming, bleeding, blumming Torch. My blue lights look really chic"

Did you loose weight Steve? I didn't recognised you at first :devil:


:D

^^ Yes given up the fried mars bars that TB recommended to me.

^^ Good. Not that I was really overweight, but I've lost allot of weight too. I would say I now weight as much as Flo .... I mean DJ.Flore. And speaking of fried mars bars, I surprised some English girls I met during my holidays in Croatia, with my knowledge of them :lol:

Walked down JB Walk last night. Must say I don't know what it is that attracts so many people there? I find it boring. People walk up and down the street and then up and down again, for what reason? There is nothing to see! You can't even see the beach as most places have an ugly fence towards the beach.
Am I missing something? It is just crowded and noisy with nothing to look at! :ohno: Not to mention the pollution from all the traffic.

I realize that the locals use it as a meeting point, a place where the men can meet local women, and that is nice. But what is there for other people to do?

This morning was different though! Had coffee there and watched the most wonderful parade of Ferrari's. It was so much fun to see all the colourfull cars and all the UAE flags. Really enjoyed it. I would post photos here, but I haven't got the patience to upload them....

Walked down JB Walk last night. Must say I don't know what it is that attracts so many people there? I find it boring. People walk up and down the street and then up and down again, for what reason? There is nothing to see! You can't even see the beach as most places have an ugly fence towards the beach.
Am I missing something? It is just crowded and noisy with nothing to look at! :ohno: Not to mention the pollution from all the traffic.

I realize that the locals use it as a meeting point, a place where the men can meet local women, and that is nice. But what is there for other people to do?

This morning was different though! Had coffee there and watched the most wonderful parade of Ferrari's. It was so much fun to see all the colourfull cars and all the UAE flags. Really enjoyed it. I would post photos here, but I haven't got the patience to upload them....

its not the place, its the people you're with. do you have friends? maybe you need to make non boring friends. instead of watching cars you will be busy socializing.

I agree with Pleth. I much prefer the Marina Walk, because there is a view onto the water. There is a major mistake with JBR walk: you cannot see the sea even though you are right next to the beach. Actually the sea front podium is better for this, that's why I don't get, that the places up there are less popular. And of course, gevorika 78, being in nice company helps.

I agree with Pleth. I much prefer the Marina Walk, because there is a view onto the water. There is a major mistake with JBR walk: you cannot see the sea even though you are right next to the beach. Actually the sea front podium is better for this, that's why I don't get, that the places up there are less popular. And of course, gevorika 78, being in nice company helps.

How busy is Marina Walk nowadays ? When I went last Feb it was very quiet. I agree Marina Walk is really beautiful with nice views onto the water.

JBR walk reminds me of Waikiki Beach being on a beach, lined with towers, eateries, very man-made, very touristy, etc. It offers something a bit different from the shopping malls, manmade canals and fountains. It's a lot younger than Waikiki which is full of retirees, but it is also less civilized... and I agree, the beach and seaviews have been squandered. What a waste.

How busy is Marina Walk nowadays ? When I went last Feb it was very quiet. I agree Marina Walk is really beautiful with nice views onto the water.

^^I was there last in October and it was full of people.But I must admit, it has a hard time to stretch further than Marinascape. I guess once 2CDE and Al Marsa are finished people will stroll further till at least the Mall, which has a great Italian diner btw.

:lol:

1/December/2011

JBR

Just seen True Blue and Dubai Steve there :)

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Notice that we are not holding hands, soon the lawyers will be involved!:cheers:

I agree with Pleth. I much prefer the Marina Walk, because there is a view onto the water.

2wrzkUFY_w0

^^I was there last in October and it was full of people.But I must admit, it has a hard time to stretch further than Marinascape. I guess once 2CDE and Al Marsa are finished people will stroll further till at least the Mall, which has a great Italian diner btw.

^^ I was in Dubai last Feb and Marina Walk (near the tallest block) seemed quite busy to me. The further you went away from the tallest block side, the quieter it looked.

Also, completely agree with beach access problem from the JBR walk, it looks like a missed opportunity - in my opinion JBR walk is not too bad at the moment, with some shops, restaurants and cafes, but it could have been such a great place with beach access.

^^ I was in Dubai last Feb and Marina Walk (near the tallest block) seemed quite busy to me. The further you went away from the tallest block side, the quieter it looked.

Also, completely agree with beach access problem from the JBR walk, it looks like a missed opportunity - in my opinion JBR walk is not too bad at the moment, with some shops, restaurants and cafes, but it could have been such a great place with beach access.

I was there for a week between 11- 18 feb 2010 and marina walk was quiet compared to my previous visit in 2006. Jbr walk was very busy with a great atmosphere however marina walk is beautiful.

Also, completely agree with beach access problem from the JBR walk, it looks like a missed opportunity - in my opinion JBR walk is not too bad at the moment, with some shops, restaurants and cafes, but it could have been such a great place with beach access.

The road front of JBR should be partially closed , many idiots just driving around whole night, showing their cars and generate traffic and noise there , whats the point then?

Access road would be enough for the big car park and hotels only but I think no need that small road around the JBR.

Some restaurants using also the pavement , there is not enough space if you want to walk.

Yes, since 2010 that part of the Marina is a total mess... Police is closing some roads from time to time and causing even more traffic jam and those idiots think to honk makes the road free...:-) Absolutely no work on the tram since January 2010.

Absolutely no work on the tram since January 2010.

Just something new , fresh hole at the back side of the Damac Waves Tower, I think it belongs to the tram project , seen there BESIX logo. :lol:

^^I was there last in October and it was full of people.But I must admit, it has a hard time to stretch further than Marinascape. I guess once 2CDE and Al Marsa are finished people will stroll further till at least the Mall, which has a great Italian diner btw.

What's the name of the diner?

The road front of JBR should be partially closed , many idiots just driving around whole night, showing their cars and generate traffic and noise there , whats the point then?

Access road would be enough for the big car park and hotels only but I think no need that small road around the JBR.


That would kill the only successful part :lol:

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Dec 3rd, 2011 (camera-phone pictures)

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What's the name of the diner?
^^ It's Carluccio's.
http://www.carluccios.com/restaurants/dubai-marina-mall

Also consider their pick nick basket for 2 at around 250 dhs, absolutely delicious.

Walked down JB Walk last night. Must say I don't know what it is that attracts so many people there? I find it boring. People walk up and down the street and then up and down again, for what reason? There is nothing to see! You can't even see the beach as most places have an ugly fence towards the beach.
Am I missing something? It is just crowded and noisy with nothing to look at! :ohno: Not to mention the fumes from all the traffic.

I realize that the locals use it as a meeting point, a place where the men can meet local women, and that is nice. But what is there for other people to do?
.
The last 3 days was just packed on JBR Walk, and still I don't understand it. There was nothing to look at, no fire works, no beach (as already mentioned). Are people only there to look at each other? Or to look at the nice cars?

There were lots of noisy helicopters, I was told that they started the parachuting from helicopters now.
There were so many police sirenes that I lost count! All the time, non-stop you could hear the police! Are there really that much crime?
In the old days you never heard the police anywhere in Dubai.

I much prefer the Marina Walk, it is beautiful to walk along the water. But you can't have a drink (alcoholic) anywhere as far as I know??

To start with, you don't get it because you don't come from a Mediterranian place, or a hot climate one .... and as already pointed out, is about normal human interaction that doesn't need booze in order to be enjoyable.

As for the sirens, they may have very well be ambulances and civil defence vehicles ... which they usually are.

The last 3 days was just packed on JBR Walk, and still I don't understand it. There was nothing to look at, no fire works, no beach (as already mentioned). Are people only there to look at each other? Or to look at the nice cars?

There were lots of noisy helicopters, I was told that they started the parachuting from helicopters now.
There were so many police sirenes that I lost count! All the time, non-stop you could hear the police! Are there really that much crime?
In the old days you never heard the police anywhere in Dubai.

I much prefer the Marina Walk, it is beautiful to walk along the water. But you can't have a drink (alcoholic) anywhere as far as I know??


They serve alcoholic drinks at Yacht Club Marina Level :)

They serve alcoholic drinks at Yacht Club Marina Level :)

Also very good pub in Marina Byblos Hotel :cheers:

^^In other words; Only in the "Chic End" :lol:

Also very good pub in Marina Byblos Hotel :cheers:

Went for a visit to Nell Gwynnes in thew marina babylos hotel on Tuesday night and it was fantastic!:cheers:

^^In other words; Only in the "Chic End" :lol:

Not quite. Tallest Block: Marriott Hotel Skyview Bar 53th floor, which I strongly recommend for the views. And Grosvenor House several bars.

Not quite. Tallest Block: Marriott Hotel Skyview Bar 53th floor, which I strongly recommend for the views. And Grosvenor House several bars.

Yes the Marriot skyview is also a great bar with amazing views and has a good atmosphere about it now, nearly always busy

Not quite. Tallest Block: Marriott Hotel Skyview Bar 53th floor, which I strongly recommend for the views. And Grosvenor House several bars.

Tartan mini skirts?? :D

Nels also had excellent live music last time I was there.

How is the Barasti bar these days?

How is the Barasti bar these days?

Same as always, like someone has transported Magaluf to the Arabian Gulf.

Boring How is the Barasti bar these days?

Tartan mini skirts?? :D

Nels also had excellent live music last time I was there.

Yup the tartan was there and so was the band! really enjoyed it in there

How is the Barasti bar these days?

Was in there last monday and tuesday and was really surprised how busy it was.

How is the Barasti bar these days?

Barasti is the worst pint in Dubai, warm, out dated, flat beer at the price of 35 dhs a pint.........but they remain very busy most nights :nuts:

^^Busy with what is the problem! One person I know who has lived in Dubai for 16 years described it as a dustbin packed full of rubbish, they let anyone in wearing 10AED Tshirts and flip flops. You have to queue at the bar and the toilet. OK for a change of scenery but not a regular haunt.

my recent trip:D
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^^Busy with what is the problem! One person I know who has lived in Dubai for 16 years described it as a dustbin packed full of rubbish, they let anyone in wearing 10AED Tshirts and flip flops. You have to queue at the bar and the toilet. OK for a change of scenery but not a regular haunt.

Not that I'm a huge fan of Barasti, but I sure like the idea that not every single place in Dubai demands for a "smart casual" dress code. Why shouldn't people be allowed to enjoy a fun evening out wearing a cheap shirt and Flip Flops...

I guess the place appeals to young people who just love the crowded craziness. If you want a calm upper-class candlelight binge this is certainly not the right place to go.

^^totally agree. there is enough places with a strict dress code. this one is on the beach anyways and one of the dancefloors is right on the water in the sand. shorts and flip flops make total sense here.

Being on the beach is a real bonus for all the people who drink to excess and wanna throw up in a hurry :lol::puke:

I agree with everyones viewpoint on the diversity of the place, the footfall speaks for itself. I just use it as a change of scenery and in that respect I am glad it's there. We have an old saying in Scotland, "sometimes a change is as good as a holiday".:)

I once went to a Lebanese night club up at the Dubai Marine hotel complex, think it was called Churchills or something like that. The music was all live traditional Lebanese and the atmosphere was amazing. I enjoyed it but again would only visit it maybe twice a year for the change.

The good thing is that there are many venues opening in the Marina and that just makes the place a draw and an exciting place to live. Most of the better new venues are located from the Marina Mall towards the chic end with another 5 star venue opening in Shams JBR very soon. Some people prefer to have a local as I found out on my last whistle stop trip for the Jewels AGM. Ended up with some of my Jewels neighbours on the terrace in Rosso's at the Amwaj Rotana, post meeting snacks, a barrel load of beer, music and great atmostphere (and hangover). Great night out :)

I agree TB.

And just as I complained that there were nothing to do on JBR Walk but walking up and down and stare at other people (!!) I experienced the most terrific night last night!!
First of all it rained for 10 minutes! Waow the rain was warm and soft, and I have not seen the rain since March.
Then we discovered that the Danish band Outlandish played on stage on the beach! The concert was fantastic, people were bewitched and there was a massive firework to finish it off!
Why? Celebrate the beginning of Dubai Film Festival.
Did we pay to enter the concert? No it was free for all. :lol:

Oh did I mention that Tom Cruise was partying in The Madinat? I really want to watch the new Mission Impossible.
Never a dull moment in Dubai.

Oh how I wish I was there, hurricane force winds in Scotland last night, 167mph recorded in Cairngorams, we only had 100 mph in Shetland!!!
Can't wait to get back to Dubai and it's great to hear of all the new places opening on the Marina.

Why would anyone wanna live or RENT in the ARSE end of the marina!

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Why would anyone wanna live or RENT in the ARSE end of the marina!
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Not sure what you mean?
But I could never live in the tall end of the Marina unless I were one of the few having a sea view.
The apartments I saw were with a view right into the next building, and the apartments were so dark even it was the middle of the day. :ohno:
And there is no beach at this end?

I know what he means, he has been mentally tortured by his choices and the only way he can deal with it is to keep telling himeslf every day that there are others who are worse off than him. Unfortunately he is deluded and there isn't :lol:

Take a close look at your picture Beppe, it answers your own question even though the dug up roads are not visible. It is very high density living that you can see in the picture. Obviously you have not heard the saying in real estate that "space comes at a premium". Look for the area in the marina with space, greenery, architecture set against a blue sky and a short walk to the beach.

I'll give you, and all the savvy tenants with real money, a clue where you can find this place :)

Yes this is Dubai Marina, it's not all over developed, dense living with no greenery and a skyline blotted out by sperficial buildings;

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At the end of the day you pay your money and you make your choices, to say you can't see it is because you have made a different choice through having a different opinion. We all know that you and Dubai Steve troll through tinypic looking for pictures of your parts of the marina and only post pictures of the Chic End if it showns the industiral area. Pointless really!

Soil testing at the old Oasis Beach Hotel site today - perhaps the new mega-hotel promised is finally getting underway?

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