Projects Gossip: Proposals for the UAE [Archive]

BulldozerGirl

July 31st, 2004, 07:46 PM

Some posts from SSP

these are some photos I took for under construction buildings in sharjah .... I used my phone camra .. and thats why they are not clear :uhh: ... sorry guys ... I forgot to take my camra :D

almost all these buildings are more than 38 floors high .. exept some of them.
one of them is 46 floors high.

http://www.greatestcities.com/9251pic/381/CP16381.jpg/Image503.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1158pic/389/CP16389.jpg/Image_527_.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1219pic/390/CP16390.jpg/Image_523_.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/2678pic/402/CP16402.jpg/Image506.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1274pic/391/CP16391.jpg/Image518.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1368pic/392/CP16392.jpg/Image_526_.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1427pic/393/CP16393.jpg/Image1.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1525pic/394/CP16394.jpg/Image_531_.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1618pic/395/CP16395.jpg/Sharjah3towers.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1678pic/396/CP16396.jpg/Image_519_.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/1730pic/397/CP16397.jpg/Image511.jpg

Centre for Applied Research and Training (CERT), Abu Dhabi

A concept for a City of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi.

Ahmed Janahi Architecture (www.aajarchi.com) was successful with a linear concept incorporating a monorail system that links the six institute elements with a landmark tower providing centralised amenities and facilities for the whole development, as well as housing CERT administration, strategic partnerships and business incubators.

The proposed features include:

An auditorium and restaurants reinforce the function of the tower as the hub of the development
Provision for residence allowed for visiting faculty members and experts

http://www.greatestcities.com/7745pic/745/CP17745.jpg/AD_1.jpg

http://www.greatestcities.com/7457pic/744/CP17744.jpg/AD_2.jpg

Im sure the new building of sharjah's chamber of commerce will be the biggest governmental building in Sharjah...(if not in UAE).
this building is underconstruction and going to finish at the end of this year ...it looks like a star from top view and has 5 dooms ... 4 at the sides and a huge one at the middle top..... (I will try to get a clear pic later).

sheikh sultan checking the building's model yesterday.
http://www.greatestcities.com/5309pic/015/CP18015.jpg/äÓÎÉ_1_ãä_Image_553_.jpg

this new tower is underconstruction now in Sharjah at khalid lake ..... it has the first rotating resturant in UAE on the top of the tower (that was written at the board at the construction site) ....... seriously this tower will transform Sharjah's skyline for ever ... it is one of the most beautiful towers I have ever seen ....Its around 52 or 53 floors high ....... check the pic at the tower's website : http://www.sahabtwr.ae/

Sharjah: Come December and the hour-long wait on Al Ittihad Road for Dubai-bound motorists from Sharjah will be history.

According to a new road project announced by the Sharjah government, a 5km freeway will come up by the year-end linking Al Nahda Interchange and Emirates Road, giving motorists the option of taking the largely bottleneck-free ring road to travel to Dubai.

The details of the construction project for phase two of Sharjah Ring Road between Al Nahda Link Road and Emirates Road were announced by Khawla Al Noman, director general of Sharjah Directorate of Public Works.

The Dh100 million project has been approved by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

The freeway will provide a link between Al Nahda Road and Junction No. 8 on Emirates Road, allowing motorists easy access in and out of Sharjah, specially from Al Khan and Al Nahda areas. The project is part of the total of 32km-long Sharjah Ring Road, which will be completed in at least five phases.

The road between Al Nahda and Emirates Road will be a dual three-lane freeway with several slip roads, services roads and four interchanges. The Sharjah Government has already awarded the contract for construction. The estimated cost of Sharjah Ring Road is about Dh630 million.

Construction on the first phase of the massive Sharjah road improvement project – dubbed "Sharjah Town Road Network" has already started.

It includes extending the Emirates Road from Dubai-Sharjah border to Sharjah-Ajman border. The 14.4km stretch of highway will cost Dh163.7 million. This section of the highway also forms part of Sharjah Ring Road, which will ultimately encircle the city.

Starting from the Sharjah-Dubai border on the Emirates Road, the ring road will continue towards Ajman's border. It then turns northwest, parallel to the Sharjah-Ajman border and connects with the existing Sharjah-Ras Al Khaimah Road adjacent to the Al Wasit Power Station.

In the next phase, the road continues from Wasit station to Al Arouba Street, which will be part of the ring road. Al Arouba Street will be upgraded with the removal of the existing roundabouts and bridges. It will also be widened and turned into a freeway.

The ring road then extends to Al Khan Road and crosses Al Khan Lagoon, turning towards Sahara Centre in Al Nahda area. It connects with Al Nahda Interchange and then continues along Al Nahda Link Road linking the Emirates Highway at Junction No. 8.

Flyovers are also being constructed at the National Paints roundabout and the Al Thiqah Club roundabout.

Interchange replaces existing bridge
* Construction of a cloverleaf intersection has started at Intersection No. 3 on the Sharjah-Dhaid Road and a full cloverleaf intersection will be constructed adjacent to the Al Wasit Power Station.

* To ease traffic on Al Wahda Road, a cloverleaf intersection will be built at Al Khan Roundabout while another semi-cloverleaf intersection will be built at the King Faisal Roundabout removing the existing bridge.

source: GulfNews

thanx God that means no more old narrow bridges and we can tour sharjah faster than ever :)

this tower is going to be built soon at "alkan lake" in Sharjah ..... as I mentioned before this brand new lake was made for super tall towers only ......
you can see the bridge over the canal in this pic ..... the land of the tower worth 20 million AED ... bcz lands at the new lake are so expensive .... that makes all the new towers there super tall ....

the head of Sharjah town planing department told his son whose my friend that all the lands overlooking the new lake were sold to investors who are welling to build new towers. and yea Go_UAE he told him that the new sharjah world trade center gonna be built soon ... and it wont be canseled ..bcz shiekh Sultan wonna see it standing tall at that man made island.

http://www.greatestcities.com/2245pic/627/CP18627.jpg/Image_580_4444.jpg

Al Ayaan Sharjah Gate Tower

structural height : 223.62 m
floors (max overground) : 56
construction : 2006
Building type : high-rise building
Usage : condominium

http://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2004/01/240452.jpg

Al Ayaan Lulu Tower

structural height : 221.99 m
floors (max overground) : 54
units (total) : 456
construction : 2003 to 2006
Building type : high-rise building
Facade color : gray
Usage : rental apartments

http://extranet.emporis.com/files/transfer/5/2004/01/240454.jpg

this website says its a tower... anyone been to fujairah? seen this around?? i haven't seen it... is it completed?
http://www.farayand.org/image/f19-1.jpg

http://www.farayand.org/image/f19-2.jpg

http://www.carglider.org/267/images/motif01.jpg

Abu Dhabi will have a state-of-the-art elevated monorail with a frequency of less than five minutes from and to the city, municipality officials said. The proposed project is part of a Dh25.806 billion Master Transport Plan for Abu Dhabi up to the year 2020, which includes construction of bridges, intersections, inner bypass routes, and headways. The monorail will have fully air-conditioned stations and boarding platforms. The officials said at a workshop held to discuss the master plan, which has been commissioned by Abu Dhabi Municipality's road section, that the project was proposed as an alternative to improve public transportation system.

Strategies in the plan focus on maintaining and enhancing transportation system performance, improving traffic and pedestrian safety, promoting transportation system accessibility to all, coordinating land development and transportation planning, and minimising environmental impacts of the transportation system.

The biggest Mosque in this part of the world will be completed in the near future and will be a land mark for the Emirates. The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Mosque will shortly become an important landmark in the Muslim world. The mosque covering an area of 50,000 square meter will have the capacity to accommodate ten thousands of worshipers.

In order to ensure optimum utilization of this magnificent Islamic landmark, it is essential that efficient and fast means of transportation is available for the worshipers wanting to say their prayers.

This will be the Abu Dhabi Magno-Jet connecting
• the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Mosque,
• the City centre,
• Abu Dhabi Airport as well as
• the Lulu Resort Island and
• the Exebition Centre.
• And later Al Ain

The "Sheikh Zayed Magno-Jet" will ensure, that
• Thousands of worshipers are transported in time from the city centre, or elsewhere, within the Emirates in reasonably time like on a “Flying Carpet”.
• The Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan mosque will become accessable from all over Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
• The Magno station at the designated locations can be either under ground or partially embedded under the surface to ensure esthetics of historic sites remain intact.
• The Sheikh Zayed MagnoJet is capable to transport up to 1000 passengers per train (with staying places), which will be sufficient to deal with huge volumes of prayers.

The mass movement of passenger traffic on the ground is on the verge of great transformation since: the highly successful commercial operations of Magno Trains in Germany and China where world’s first Magnatic Levitation commercial train outside Germany became a reality in form of the Shanghai Meglev Transportation Scheme. The same system is in advance stage of implementation in a number of Asian countries.

The Magno TransCar System is :
- fast (up to 600 km/h)
- frictionless (hoovering smoothly with very litle energy-used)
- economic (no rotating parts),
- safe (no impact by sandstorms)
- multifunctional (Cars, Trucks, Cargo, Oil and Gas, Passengers, militaries)
- noiseless (important for cities)
- strong climbing (at 10% gradient versus 4% wheel-trains)
- very small radius (1/4 th of wheel-train)
- eXtra-Large (XL Second Generation – 5 m wide Wagons)
- fast to be build (in Shanghai within 18 months)
- capable of taking heavier load of 50Tons (as compared to 15Tons of wheeled carriages)

o Time is very essential to synchronise the opening of the Mosque with the inauguration of the “Sheikh Zayed Magno”, which will provide a great attention all over the Muslim world to the opening of this grand place of worship.

o The leisure Island Lulu can also be linked to the city by the Sheikh Zayed MagnoJet. This will boost the capacity/frequency of recreation seeking people.

Besides the Route between - the City of Abu Dhabi and the Mosque-,
an additional link will provide a connection to Abu Dhabi airport and later Ail Ain and Dubai. This will make it easy for the passengers / visitors to transit between various important locations with ease and in comfort.

In any case:
The MagnoJet eases the traffic between the two major cities of the Emirate, being ferried with the personal car piggybacked onto the Magno Jet TransCar within 20 minutes between the Cities.

It is known, that nearly no Arabian goes without his car. The MagnoJet is build to accommodate this deserved way of life in the most modern way (besides transporting passengers).
Hence in the overall picture: linking the
• City and the airport of Abu Dhabi with
• Jabal Ali and the
• City of Dubai
will increase the traffic of the Abu Dhabi Airport (10 minutes Access) and may reduce the necessety to build a new airport in Jabal Ali.

http://filebox.vt.edu/users/sahmad/sasa.jpg

http://www.carglider.org/images/160_tr08ani_2.gif

http://www.carglider.org/images/226_zusammenf_hrung_2b.jpg

Krazy

August 2nd, 2004, 02:05 AM

The plans to develop Lulu Island theme park have been scrapped by Abu Dhabi.

What???? Are you sure?? How and when did you find out about this !?

Krazy

August 2nd, 2004, 02:23 AM

Isn't Burj Dubai supposed to be 705 m, and now the Pinnacle is 750 m? So it's the new world tallest?

No way is Pinnacle gonna be the tallest?? I was hoping that theyd get rid of it and put the mosque back in the plan and now you're telling me its gonna be taller than the awesome BD too???? If this happens...... Dubai has dissapointed me atleast if not anyone else of ya'll !

BTW..... The Pinnacle design sux !!!!!

Trances

August 2nd, 2004, 09:05 AM

Great photos
How could you get forget your CAM !
Hmmm i want to get out to sharjah and get some photos
Pinicale is just a vision for now

BulldozerGirl

August 2nd, 2004, 03:05 PM

What???? Are you sure?? How and when did you find out about this !?

I was searching for more info about the Lulu Island project, and I came across an article on the UAEinteract.com site (the official site of the UAE's Ministry of Information and Culture) which said that the plans to develop Lulu Island into a theme park and resort have been shelved by Abu Dhabi's government because they said the amount of money they would have to spend on it should first be used to develop things that are of a higher priority. I think they were probably put off by the huge Dubailand development. It was an AFP article.

I also hate the Pinnacle's design. Actually, its not that bad if it was a normal skyscraper, not the world's tallest. But anyway, the design doesn't suit the city of Dubai and it doesn't suit the Palm Island theme at all. I say we export it to Tel Aviv, where it belongs.

I am going to Abu Dhabi this Saturday, but I'm not sure if I'll be taking many pics, since I would look odd among a group of women shoppers.

smussuw

August 2nd, 2004, 06:13 PM

No way is Pinnacle gonna be the tallest?? I was hoping that theyd get rid of it and put the mosque back in the plan and now you're telling me its gonna be taller than the awesome BD too???? If this happens...... Dubai has dissapointed me atleast if not anyone else of ya'll !

BTW..... The Pinnacle design sux !!!!!

After the 1st announcement in may last year for BD (i think). Nakheel announced that it will build a 750m tower and we thought that it was like a rumer so lets just wait. or maybe let someone confrim it.

Krazy

August 3rd, 2004, 04:00 AM

Check out the ssp diagram..... looks like the Pinnacle is going to be 750 meters after all... some one explain the logic of this to me.... two 700m plus towers? One so amazing and the other so ugly... why !?

SSP Dubai Diagram (http://www.skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?)

Dubai-Lover

August 3rd, 2004, 11:13 AM

well, i don't think it's that ugly. ok burj dubai is much more beautiful! i also think that palm island is the wrong location for a 750m tower. maybe they should build pinnacle on the continent and build a 300+ m tower on palm jumeirah. that would be enough. :)

Prince_Ahmed

August 4th, 2004, 01:08 AM

I say we export it to Tel Aviv, where it belongs.

I.

what do you mean exactly by this comment BG.?

BulldozerGirl

August 4th, 2004, 04:45 AM

what do you mean exactly by this comment BG.?

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=120497&page=2

Trances

August 4th, 2004, 09:01 AM

i dont know I kinda agree
while common sense and good taste say dont do it
My lust for another amazing project that combines tallest towers with of coast islands and towering over lush land scape low rise and the like. I mean I know it a bad location but I dont care if would be a fantastic site. maybe e it should go on the 2nD Palm then as a the city center to the Core CBD there. ( Dang that project is going to be huge )
And I love current the design very modern in its own way ( no to futurism like others ) The Hollow atrium's and 3 pilers design are original. and a fact of the sheer size of straight building face 3/4 of a K high what a impact

Here is where I mean
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid130/p5c2ad86f4c205f774ab9e7968ec21d00/f7b9de88.jpg

Krazy

August 5th, 2004, 02:23 PM

Anyone have info on Dubai Outsourcing Zone and The Towers projects? Maybe its time for these projects to have their own threads?

Trances

August 5th, 2004, 02:32 PM

the Towers ?

Dubai-Lover

August 5th, 2004, 04:45 PM

hey trances! check todays gulf news (thursday) page 29!!!

15 towers are planned there!!!!!!

will be located at emirates ring road, direction al ain!!!!

but no info about these towers yet!

Dubai-Lover

August 5th, 2004, 06:41 PM

area is called doz - dubai outsource zone

towers will be owned by media city companies

ahmedr

August 5th, 2004, 08:05 PM

More about The Towers:

Tecom, 18 new office towers

The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone is to build 18 new towers over the next three years to relieve a shortage of prime office space, reported Gulf News. The towers will be built by the private sector and managed by the free zone management. (www.ameinfo.com (http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/39173.html) May 09, 2004)

USD1bn high-rise towers at DIC

The Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone has announced that up to 18 high-rise towers costing around USD55m each will be built within the Dubai Internet City. The Towers@DIC will be developed by the private sector with leasing handled by the DIC, director-general Ahmed bin Byat told Gulf News. He said 70,000 people would work in Tecom by 2006. (www.ameinfo.com (http://www.ameinfo.com/news/Detailed/22269.html) March 23, 2003)

ahmedr

August 5th, 2004, 08:07 PM

More info about Dubai Outsourcing Zone (DOZ):

Here (http://www.dubaiinternetcity.com/html/news_46.htm) and here (http://www.dubaiinternetcity.com/html/events.htm)

Btw, the DOZ is different from The Towers.

Dubai-Lover

August 5th, 2004, 08:13 PM

doz even has it's own homepage:

http://www.doz.ae/

not so many info yet, but ok!

ahmedr

August 5th, 2004, 08:16 PM

Luckily the towers in The Towers are going to be commercial (office) towers which usually look much better than residential towers. I'm only worried about the cost of building these towers, USD55m for each is very little, so they'll be short in height or in quality.

BulldozerGirl

August 6th, 2004, 12:20 AM

I know some people who give safety approval for new buildings coming up in Tecom, and they say that many of them have terrible safety standards (including one which had only one emergency exit and wooden stairs for the emergency - it will burn in a fire! -), but even though they do not give the safety approval, they are forced by some to say it's ok just to get the go ahead.

Recently, the newspapers talked about some kind of emergency situation in Media City in which a Korean delivery man died of a heart attack and employees complained that the ambulance was late.. the Dubai Police later said that these people were lying, and the ambulance was not late (the Police were correct, since CCTV showed ambulance arriving at an appropriate time). Anyway, a guy from the marketing department of Media City was happy when the investigation confirmed that the emergency services were good, but then he went on blabbering and saying stuff that's just a load of crap. I think I read something like: "We will join with Harvard Medical School to implement Harvard Medical School emergency service standards in the Tecom freezone".. what the hell is that supposed to mean? There's no such thing as Harvard Medical School emergency service standards.

Makes me wonder about all this bragging about safety being taken into consideration in other projects. Since I know for sure these guys are full of gas.

ahmedr

August 6th, 2004, 01:36 AM

Come on BG, its not a coincidence that in such a hot country (where fires are more likely to happen) that no major fires have broken out especially will all the heavy construction, oil production and heavy industry in Jebel Ali. Just, thank god.

BulldozerGirl

August 6th, 2004, 04:06 AM

ahmedr - Perhaps it is safe enough to prevent a fire from occurring, but I was saying there was a lack of emergency exits and the emergency stairs were wooden, so in the case of a fire starting, the evacuation would be bad.

And anyway, these are new buildings, we still haven't seen what they're like. Maybe new Dubai will have more fires than old Dubai.

Oh, and I think there was a major fire at Dubai courts.. a bunch of 10 years old gas cylinders exploded.

Krazy

August 6th, 2004, 12:42 PM

Trances... .remember you (or maybe someone else) posted a photo somewhere on this forum once of a construction site which you didnt know what it was for? Only the boardings were up and they said "The Towers". I looked for the thread where those photos were posted but couldnt find it. This is that project!

BG.... Recently two workers died when they fell from the top of Kharbash tower (correct spelling?) opposite Dusit.... and the employer blamed them saying it was their own mistake coz they didnt follow the safety instrcutions ..... can u believe that the police took no action against anyone and took the employers word that it was no one's fault !

Trances

August 7th, 2004, 11:43 AM

There are deaths and accidents in any constrction site and they do happen while they are avoidable no one is will to take all the protection as it would inhibit construction and profits.
I wounder how many go un reported here ?
the thread on the towers is here
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=110055&highlight=towers

And I missed the paper yesterday any one eles have copy or link to the news ?
Add any details there

Krazy

August 27th, 2004, 10:07 AM

Great news for the Capital! :runaway:

Source: gulfconstructiononline.com

Abu Dhabi's Vision 2020 programme:

* Car-manufacturing zone – the first of its kind in the Gulf. Volkswagen of Germany is expected to be an anchor investor in the car-manufacturing zone, while other German and Japanese car manufacturers have also shown interest in the zone.

* Expansion of power generation capacity.

* New residential areas are being developed to meet the demand of the growing population and hundreds of plots are being distributed to nationals for housing in Khalifa City A and B and the new Madinat Zayed on the Al Ain Road.

* Dh30 billion ($8 billion) construction plan to build about 40 residential and commercial towers in the coming few years. At least 20 of the new high-rises are to be built by the Khalifa Committee.

* Opening up the real estate sector to investments by foreigners.

* Newly-launched $ 200 million Capital Plaza and the Dh 350 million Fairmont

* Fairmont Abu Dhabi details: Modelled on a traditional Arabian palace, the resort will cover an area of 16,000 sq m and will be built along a network of canals and will overlook the Abu Dhabi Corniche. It will comprise 265 rooms and suites, including 57 rooms for the chain’s hotel within a hotel service Fairmont Gold. The complex, expected to open in late 2006, will also have a wedding hall for 1,000 guests, a conference hall, dining and entertainment facilities. It will also feature the Fairmont Restaurant Promenade comprising eight other restaurants and four cafes. Extensive dining options will include seven restaurants and bars, and 12 restaurants and cafés in the adjacent Fairmont Restaurant Promenade, which will cater to a wide variety of international tastes. There are also plans to build 50, one-, two- and three-bedroom villas as part of the resort.

*Capital Plaza details: The development will include five 33 to 45-storey towers, which will house a 250-room luxury hotel, 220 luxury apartments, a private beach and other retail and recreational facilities. Piling work is already under way on the project.

* Abu Dhabi Twin Towers: The twin-tower project is targeted for handover by September 2005, according to a spokesman for the contractor Arabtec-Samsung Engineering and Construction.The project, which provides a total floor area of 113,731 sq m, includes two slim-profiled high-rises – one 38-storey high and the other 33 storeys with one basement level. Standing adjacent to the towers is a seven-storey car-park. High-tech curtain-walling system from Schmidlin is being installed and around 70 per cent of the façade has been covered.

* Dh880 million pharmaceutical plant at Abu Dhabi Industrial City. The state-of-the-art plant for Abu Dhabi International Pharmaceuticals (Abu Dhabi Pharma) is expected to be completed in two years. The project is being developed by the Emirates Medical Group, Abu Dhabi and The Developers in collaboration with Italy’s Novasorel (technology and know-how provider) and Ima (equipment supplier and buildings designer).

* New Flagship beach resort near the Sir Bani Yas wildlife island reserve and a deluxe boutique resort at the Al Raha corniche.

* Dh220 million nine-storey Al Wahda shopping centre.

* Al Raha Beach Resort: Abu Dhabi’s first luxury boutique resort with 86 rooms and 13 suites, plus 24 chalets.Located close to the airport and golf courses on the Al Raha corniche and adjacent to a newly developed shopping mall offering international retail shops, restaurants and other family entertainment facilities – the hotel will feature a private beach and sea-facing accommodation as well as a luxurious spa.Work on the 80,000 sq m shopping centre and 78,000 sq m hotel also entailed reconfiguration of the marine area and external beach areas including a themed restaurant. Al Habtoor Engineering is the main contractor on the Dh230 million project, and is currently carrying out snagging work on the development.

* Separate airport terminal for Etihad Airways:two-storey terminal building with capacity for eight million passengers a year, 11 aircraft bays, six remote bays and a 7,000 sq m shopping area - PROPOSAL

* Dh1.5 billion expansion of the airport as a whole. With the completion of the current expansion work by 2006, the airport will have increased its capacity twice as much. Plans to build a second 4,100-m-long runway at the airport are expected to go ahead shortly.

* Sheikh Zayed bridge: an 8 km four-lane bridge to connect Abu Dhabi with other emirates. The Sheikh Zayed bridge is targeted for completion in 2007.

* The Abu Dhabi Cargo Village, which opened in 2003, has embarked on the second stage of its three-phase development plan. The Dh18 million second phase will double the completed first phase area of 14,095 sq m. The new facility specialises in cargo storage and re-export operations and it is custom-built for easy access to bonded warehouses and offices to help cargo airlines, courier companies, re-exporters and clearing agencies.

* Al Ain: The Al Ain Economic Development and Tourism Authority has embarked upon a multi-million-dirham resort and golf club project in Mubazzarah as a part of a masterplan designed to make Al Ain an international tourist centre. The project includes a spring resort, mineral spring pools, a large lake, clubhouse and golf course, visitors’ centres, planetarium, cableway and conference centre.

Krazy

August 27th, 2004, 10:08 AM

Sorry wrong sub-forum.... please move this to the main forum. Thanks.

juiced

August 27th, 2004, 10:09 AM

You can delete your post (click edit) and then rewrite it in main

Trances

August 27th, 2004, 05:13 PM

still good news for Abu Dhabi !

ahmedr

August 27th, 2004, 05:30 PM

"* Dh30 billion ($8 billion) construction plan to build about 40 residential and commercial towers in the coming few years. At least 20 of the new high-rises are to be built by the Khalifa Committee."

Cant wait to see some renderings/models!

Krazy

August 27th, 2004, 11:15 PM

More about Abu Dhabi International Airport expansion

ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Nearly 20 years after moving to its present location, Abu Dhabi International Airport is on target to complete a multi-million dollar expansion programme to increase capacity to 7.2 million passengers a year within the next five years. During the same period, cargo capacity will be increased to 350,000 tonnes a year.

The plan includes a futuristic new satellite terminal directly connected to 11 aircraft stands capable of accomodating new-age Super Jumbos such as the Airbus A380 double-deck airliner, due to enter service in 2006. The terminal will have 4,000 square meters of world-class duty-free retail space, restaurants and a superb level of passenger comfort and convenience.

BulldozerGirl

August 29th, 2004, 03:22 AM

I got a bit bored reading about all the entertainment projects in the UAE such as golf courses etc.. it's great seeing something about manufacturing in the list.

Great for Abu Dhabi!

AltinD

August 29th, 2004, 09:17 AM

I got a bit bored reading about all the entertainment projects in the UAE such as golf courses etc.. it's great seeing something about manufacturing in the list.

Great for Abu Dhabi!

Recently Abi Dhabi goverment took 10% stake on VolksWagen car company, but it would be effective somewhere from next month. Recently Sk. Mohammed of Abu Dhabi was in Germany visiting the company and of course he has asked them for investing in a car assembling plant.

Now, if it would be finalized, is hard to tell, there are a lot of factors involved, such the size of the market. VW already assembles in South Africa and China so I don't know how much sense it would make to actually build an assembling line, considering that the biggest potential car markets nearby (ndia and Iran) have very high import duties on cars, up to 100%. However myself as a VW owner and fan, hope that AD having a stake in VW would bring better service and prices for their cars in the UAE

Trances

August 29th, 2004, 01:46 PM

yep more diverst indursty is always good
VW not so sure never owned one
take your word for it

juiced

August 29th, 2004, 02:41 PM

I got a bit bored reading about all the entertainment projects in the UAE such as golf courses etc.. it's great seeing something about manufacturing in the list.

Agreed!

AltinD

August 29th, 2004, 07:45 PM

...VW not so sure never owned one
take your word for it

A midsize VW Passat 2.0 fully loaded, might cost more then a full size Chevrolet (Holden) Caprice (Stateman).

Krazy

August 30th, 2004, 12:51 AM

Golf GTI is my dream car

AltinD

August 30th, 2004, 09:59 AM

Golf GTI is my dream car

The new one will be presented on the Paria Autoshow next month.

As for VW assembling cars in AD, I came to know that they assemble in Bosnia & Herzegovina; if they do there they might do it as well.

Krazy

September 7th, 2004, 11:12 PM

Abu Dhabi, Volkswagen in initial deal for spares unit

By Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi and Europe's largest carmaker, Volkswagen, reached an initial agreement yesterday to set up a holding company for investing in an automobiles spares plant in Abu Dhabi, with an eventual investment target of Dh5 billion.

The first phase envisages investment of Dh2 billion.

After lengthy talks in Abu Dhabi, the two sides agreed to create a joint investment company that will establish a major car parts manufacturing plant in the emirate's burgeoning free industrial zone in Musaffah, just outside Abu Dhabi city.

Initial investment plans involve Dh2 billion ($545 million) in car and related industries early next year, to rise to Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion) later.

"The new venture will be created soon and an official announcement will be made after all procedures for its establishment are completed," said Shaikh Hamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economy (DoE).

"This venture will set up a plant involving car assembly and manufacture of components involved in the auto industry... you can say this venture is a nucleus for the Abu Dhabi industrial zone which will also receive other carmakers. We are currently conducting negotiations with some other car manufacturers to attract their investment."

Speaking after talks with Andreas Deumeland, Volkswagen's corporate secretary and head of group planning, Shaikh Hamed said the agreement yesterday followed the April visit to Germany by Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister, during which he met Volkswagen's chairman and discussed cooperation.

But he did not say whether Abu Dhabi is still interested in acquiring a share in the German auto giant.

The new venture will be jointly owned by Volkswagen, the UAE Offset Co for Development, and the General Joint Stock Co, which is fully owned by Abu Dhabi Government and is affiliated to the General Industry Corp.

Sources close to the negotiations said the new venture would be officially announced in the next few weeks, including its capital, headquarters and statute.

They said such an agreement could lead to other deals between Abu Dhabi and Volkswagen in future and tempt more global carmakers to invest in the emirate.

"The raw materials which will be be used in the planned car plant in Musaffah are available in the region and the project will involve energy dependent type of industry," Shaikh Hamed said.

Abu Dhabi, which controls nearly 10 per cent of the world's oil wealth, has been locked in a drive to attract industrial capital within a long-term economic diversification programme.

The DoE expects at least Dh35 billion ($9.5 billion) in foreign investment to be pumped into its planned five industrial zones in the next 10 years.

tod24

September 8th, 2004, 12:07 AM

Krazy

September 8th, 2004, 03:18 AM

Its sad but I agree with you.

AltinD

September 8th, 2004, 11:49 AM

whereas saudi arabia and iraq have high unemployment levels and need employers for their unskilled workers, i find it odd that abu dhabi is building these plants when the only ones to benefit from this are foreign labours.

dubai has found it's place to be a market hub in tourism and banking, while abudhabi doesn't seem to have a clue of what its doing.

Yeah, and I'm sure Western Companies would be happy to see their investment going in flames and turned to dust, and if their specialists send there, would ever survive.

Foreign investments are not reward for unemployment!

Help me, to helping you ... they say and the countries you mentioned are not capable to do that.

Michiel

September 9th, 2004, 11:08 PM

Does anyone know the story behind these proposals?

http://aiany.org/designawards/2003/projects/jpegs/057a.jpg

Architect: Kohn Pederson Fox Associates
Project: The Dubai Tower
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Owner / Client: Dubai Palm Developers
More here (http://aiany.org/designawards/2003/projects/057.htm)

http://aiany.org/designawards/2003/projects/jpegs/077a.jpg
Architect : Brennan Beer Gorman/Architects
Project: 1 Marina Place
Location: Dubai, UAE
Owner / Client: (not specified)
More here (http://aiany.org/designawards/2003/projects/077.htm)

Dubai-Lover

September 9th, 2004, 11:21 PM

no, never heard of them, but they really look great. thanks for these great renderings!!!

Krazy

September 14th, 2004, 11:01 PM

Zayed tours development projects in Abu Dhabi

http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/article_pics/13402.jpg

President H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan yesterday toured a number of development projects in Abu Dhabi. During the tour, Sheikh Zayed viewed the progress of work at the Emirates Conferences Palace. Work at the palace is nearing completion and the facility will be inaugurated soon for the 25fth Summit of the GCC leaders which will be held in Abu Dhabi in December. Other projects toured by Sheikh Zayed included the new Sheikh Zayed mosque, the Zayed Port and the Fishermen Association. The tour is part of Sheikh Zayed's keenness to get a first-hand view of the progress of various development projects. (The Emirates News Agency, WAM)

smussuw

September 14th, 2004, 11:11 PM

Zayed tours development projects in Abu Dhabi

http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/article_pics/13402.jpg

I LOVE THIS GUY. :love:

Krazy

September 14th, 2004, 11:19 PM

He really is the father of the nation isnt he

ahmedr

September 14th, 2004, 11:32 PM

Nobody can ever hold anything against Sheikh Zayed, if it weren't for him and the stability he's brought to the country, people like Mohamed bin Rashid would have never been so bold in dreaming up and realizing all these outrageous dreams. He is by far the most humble Arab leader and one of the most in the world. I've always loved him too.

Shaheen

September 26th, 2004, 11:27 PM

I think the curve tower will be located at one of palms

ahmedr

September 27th, 2004, 10:28 AM

Wow, this is the first time I see these renderings, if only these get built!!

Shaheen

September 27th, 2004, 02:32 PM

The beauty of a building is from its looks and from somthing special inside such as the facilities and the internal decoration, the rest is as usual.

Trances

September 27th, 2004, 04:00 PM

Nice looking towers not heard of them
But its 2003 and the site seem little dated

ahmedr

September 27th, 2004, 06:56 PM

I'm quite confident that Emaar will build a supertall in Dubai Marina, and I'm guessing it's gonna be 1 Marina Place because I've seen other renderings of it and I think Krazy posted one or two recently.

Dubai-Lover

September 27th, 2004, 07:24 PM

pretty sure about that too, ahmed

it would be a bit boring to only have these let's call them "mid-rises". there has to be a landmark tower, just like almas in jlt

AltinD

September 27th, 2004, 09:03 PM

I don't know if it has annything to do with it, but Khaleej Times had a strange full page ad. A full page in brown colour with "Location, Location, Location" written on it and there was a texture that looked like e building shape.

Also on the last page it was a ad for EMAAR. It had a rendering of a 20 - 30 storey Marina tower with podium, in clasic Emaar style, and saying something about tomorrow. I haven't seen that rendering, so maybe that particular new building will be released for sale tomorrow.

juiced

September 27th, 2004, 09:52 PM

I don't think the EMAAR ad is a rendering, the building (atleast on the outside) has been completed already, although I might be wrong.

I'll have a closer look at the Marina tomorrow morning

Dubai-Lover

September 27th, 2004, 10:53 PM

very excited! will check tomorrow's news and we'll see

juiced

September 28th, 2004, 03:22 PM

Yep the tower has already been completed, buyers move in early 2005

Krazy

September 28th, 2004, 06:12 PM

Abu Dhabi, Volkswagen plan nine projects

Gulf News Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi : Abu Dhabi's planned industrial projects with German carmaker Volkswagen is right on track, government officials said here yesterday.

An 18-member Volkswagen delegation is due in Abu Dhabi today to chalk out the overall investment strategy with Abu Dhabi government officials.

A new joint venture holding company with an initial capital base of Dh500 million will soon be created by both the parties to set up nine new industrial units at the new automobiles manufacturing free zone planned in Abu Dhabi emirate.

Total investment for all the nine projects has been estimated to range between Dh2-Dh5 billion.

But Volkswagen's share purchase by Abu Dhabi has been put off for the time being as both sides could not agree on the share price, an official confirmed.

"We have identified nine industrial projects that will manufacture various vehicle components for Volkswagan's new models and for other car manufacturers all to be set up in the new industrial free zone created for automobiles components," said Hussain Al Nuwais, chairman of Emirates Holdings and Board Member of Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM), who has been close to the negotiations.

"Volkswagen will remain our strategic investor in all the projects."

He said they will also cater to other manufacturers and the facilities will have flexible production capabilites that could be customised for different models and brands.

Dubai-Lover

September 28th, 2004, 07:29 PM

result of globalisation

not good for germany as car industry let's the country survive and another part will be taken abroad, but good for abu dhabi!

germany pays the price more and more for their mismanagement and way of policy.
companies like these move abroad for financial reasons and for employment reasons. life in germany becomes more expensive everyday and has totally different prices. eg gas for you car. in my town it costs 1.19 euro per litre. 10km away it only costs 1.10 euro! SOOOOO STUPID!

we now have up to 5 million unemployed people and number is still growing. i see germany falling in a big hole. and it won't get any better without keeping big companies in our country or renew our laws.

everywhere you go, you will be killed by bureaucracy!

but i'm still happy for abu dhabi, it's germany's fault and we have to deal with it! that's it!

AltinD

September 28th, 2004, 07:45 PM

America has a bigger problem that Europe does. Not only industry but even services are being outsourced now days.

Dubai-Lover

September 28th, 2004, 08:00 PM

this may be true, but i can just give a statement for germany. don't know the exact conditions in usa, and i can't estimate them so i better don't give a statement about them.

i just know that german founded companies head to all over the world but not germany.

problems start with education and end in complicating paper work for copanies and managers, so their decision is clear. if workers get half payment in rumania hungary or whereever, why pay german workers double-prices for the same work?!

it goes even that far that AUDI has a factory in hungary, close to austrian border and 400km away from audi foundation and main factory!!! car parts will be sent to hungary for construction of the car and the completed car comes back to germany for sale! it is cheaper to build a factoy in hungary, sent all materials there and pay wages for hungarians, than just constructing the car at home!!!!! can you believe this!

then you have to say that hungary gives companies from abroad support in investment, tax,....

all this means: BYE BYE GERMANY!!!

juiced

September 28th, 2004, 08:11 PM

And that's why France is so keen on new EU member countries raising their taxes so they aren't as competitive

AltinD

September 28th, 2004, 08:21 PM

You forget the VW's factory in Bratislava where Touareg, the body of the (Porsche) Cayenne, the Golf R32 and the Polo are build, the new Audi Q7 (4x4) will be build there as well.

Actually in Hungary are build mostly Audi engines, but the next TT will be build exclusively overthere.

As for the France's request, the cheaper labour is more of a attraction then tax brakes, however they are a considerable factor as well.

Dubai-Lover

September 28th, 2004, 08:23 PM

right, i know! hungary was just an example for how close outsorcing can be to germany! and they produce the tt there! correct

Dubai-Lover

September 30th, 2004, 08:17 AM

now abu shabi is going for some serious stuff!!!

AD, USD270m rebuilding tenders
The Abu Dhabi Government is tendering 50 residential and commercial projects valued at USD270m, all of them to replace existing buildings, reported Gulf News. For next year this budget allocation is set to double to USD540m for 100 projects, said officials.

Krazy

September 30th, 2004, 09:35 AM

source?

Krazy

September 30th, 2004, 10:04 AM

Palm II Residential Development

http://www.atkins-me.com/Images/Damac_palm2.jpg

Dubai-Lover

September 30th, 2004, 02:07 PM

ameinfo

Dubai-Lover

September 30th, 2004, 02:10 PM

recognized this one on the atkins site, but as no info i didn't start a thread for this yet. have to wait for this to being approved

Face81

September 30th, 2004, 05:40 PM

Same information appeared in the Gulf News as well. I am guessing that the majority of the money will be invested in further developing the Oil Industry, the defence sector and generally improving the infrastructure in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; i.e, roads, sewage works, greenery, corniche reclaimation work, etc.

I am sure that some will be invested in tourism projects, but I doubt that any of them will be on the scale of what Dubai has undertaken so far. Just my opinion. They dont need to build that sort of stuff, just yet anyway.

-Face81
:jippo:

Krazy

September 30th, 2004, 06:04 PM

"residential and commercial projects" dont include Oil Industry, the defence sector, sewage works, roads etc. in my opinion. Corniche reclaimation work has separate amount of money assigned to it. Lets hope for the best.

Trances

October 1st, 2004, 01:27 AM

its nice but hardly land mark

FWIW

October 6th, 2004, 07:06 PM

Hello everyone! Been lurking here for ages, but now have a question that needs answering!

Yesterday, as I was looking at all the news about Palm 3, I thought to myself I'll have a look at the Major Projects.PDF http://www.gis.gov.ae/en/downloads/pdfs/Major%20Projects.pdf.

Didn't see Palm 3, but did see "The Pearl"!!!

Anybody know anything about this? I have googled, searched these newsgroups and cannot find anything about it!

Dubai-Lover

October 6th, 2004, 07:35 PM

forget about google, yahoo
if you search for something very special these are useless. i experienced this during my dubai researches on projects

we all recognized the pearl between the 2 palms, but we have no idea. it was just on this map, but no info, press releases or anything

i think it's nothing serious as palm deira is not on this map and has been released earlier

guess we have to wait till something goes public. what makes me doubt is that it is a government map, so it could be true, but everything is kept secret

Krazy

October 7th, 2004, 12:08 AM

Wait for the Pearl.. it's gonna be huge just like the World islands.

Dubai_Boy

October 7th, 2004, 02:57 AM

ABU DHABI IS GETTING AN OBSERVATION TOWER !!!!

This is part of the Abu Dhabi marina mall by the break water expansion , i saw a render of it and the OBS tower looks great and somewhere in the region of 110-125 meters high

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce27b3127ccea8584f40e3170000001610

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce27b3127ccea8585fbae3e50000001610

Dubai_Boy

October 7th, 2004, 02:58 AM

BYE BYE UGLY FOUNTAIN

This is something i`ve always wished for and it has atlast come true :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce27b3127ccea8584c5622a80000001610

juiced

October 7th, 2004, 10:45 AM

So you have more info on the Pearl then, Krazy??

SA BOY

October 7th, 2004, 10:49 AM

pearl is under construction and I have seen the piling rigs at work there as well as the site compounds and offices

SA BOY

October 7th, 2004, 10:56 AM

http://www.bbg-bbgm.com/ look under architecture then mixed use and see the tower in the JLT , F$%king awesome, looks like a rocket

smussuw

October 7th, 2004, 11:15 AM

BYE BYE UGLY FOUNTAIN

This is something i`ve always wished for and it has atlast come true :)

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4ce27b3127ccea8584c5622a80000001610

:bash: why everone hates this fountain. ive never seen it but i also read in Ahwal Magazine a woman writing about how she hate this fountain. :hahaha:

Siberian

October 7th, 2004, 11:40 AM

Yeah, I think the fountain was quite OK! I liked it.
So weird to see the fountain area without the trees...

BTW The Observation Tower is the Great News!

ahmedr

October 7th, 2004, 01:30 PM

I've always hated that fountain!

Dubai-Lover

October 7th, 2004, 02:29 PM

is there any rendetr for this tower?

Dubai-Lover

October 7th, 2004, 02:39 PM

i guess this is a misunderstanding. sa boy - do you mean the the pearl as dubai pearl, tower complex with six towers?

i think we are talking about the artificial island project the pearl

Trances

October 7th, 2004, 03:23 PM

yer that cofuse me with having two of them as well

FWIW

October 7th, 2004, 07:36 PM

Wait for the Pearl.. it's gonna be huge just like the World islands.
Come on Krazy!!! Don't leave us in suspense!!! Everyone can see how big it is from the PDF!!!! Have you got any more info???

Dubai-Lover

October 8th, 2004, 06:51 PM

this could be interesting and decisive for new dubai towers

Cityscape 2004: Super-tall structure

Running alongside Cityscape 2004, the Cityscape conference this year will see leading industry professionals discuss the future of the burgeoning property development market in the region, and share their expert insights on attracting international investment and delivering sustainable solutions.

Cityscape 2004 is scheduled to take place between November 29 and December 1 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

This premier property investment and development event attracts top architects, international and regional property investment and development experts and urban planners from the US, Europe, the Middle East and Far East.

"The Cityscape conference provides delegates with direct access to property markets the world over, a chance to network with the most powerful regional and international property investors and - most importantly - a learning experience like no other," said Neil Hickman, Cityscape project manager, IIR Middle East.

"Those who attend this year's conference will have the opportunity to gain first hand knowledge from prominent investors, developers, world-class architects and designers on key issues facing today's property development market including the challenges and opportunities that the Middle East region has to offer, methods to build investor confidence and the legal challenges of the Gulf construction boom."

Three pre-conference workshops will take place on November 28. These will focus on real estate finance and investment, controlling construction costs and project management for property developers.

"Every year we see a marked increase in the number of delegates who use Cityscape as an ideal opportunity to network and imbibe priceless knowledge from some of the industry's most well respected figures," added Hickman.

"Given the huge level of interest in the region's property development market and the calibre of the speakers at this year's conference, we're confident that this event will be our biggest and best ever."

Fred van Eijk, CEO, Qatar Tourism Authority, Sultan bin Sulayem, executive chairman, Nakheel, UAE, Dr Karim El Sohl, CEO, The National Investor, UAE and Esam Janahi, CEO, Gulf Finance House, Bahrain, are just some of the regional industry giants confirmed to speak at the conference."

Amongst the many international speakers expected at the conference, Adrian D. Smith, consulting partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), will share his insights on 'super tall structures' during a special focus section on architecture on day one.

This year, Cityscape will also feature the prestigious Cityscape Architectural Review Awards - "Design for an Emerging World". Working with the world-renowned Architectural Review magazine on this exciting event, Cityscape will recognise and promote excellence in the regional architecture and design industry.

Nad Al Sheba, the official venue for the prestigious Dubai World Cup, will host the awards ceremony scheduled to take place on November 29.

Cityscape is a network marketing event that attracts regional and international architects, property development professionals and global institutional investors to an annual showcase that celebrates the very best in Commercial Architecture, Property Design and Development.

The event as a whole attracts major investors from the international arena, looking for new projects and opportunities for development.

BinDubai

October 16th, 2004, 03:53 PM

anything official on the Pearl island-Dubai ?

Dubai-Lover

October 17th, 2004, 02:28 PM

Abu Dhabi loses another landmark; Clock Tower on Corniche gives way to massive Dh800m redevelopment project

Yet another famous Abu Dhabi landmark has come down this time it is the Clock Tower facing the Corniche. One of the oldest and most recognisable structures downtown, the Clock Tower fell as a result of the redevelopment project. Its demolition is part of the ongoing Dh800-million improvement project. Planners said people should not feel disappointed because a new and more graceful clock tower will be built soon.

The replacement will be more than twice the height 70 metres of the original Clock Tower, and will form the centrepiece of a fashionable area with restaurants, shops and recreation centres as well as museums, fountains and parks.

The old Clock Tower's demolition over two days was a shock to many resident, especially because it was the first landmark visitors saw as they entered the city centre from the main Airport Road. It is the second oldest concrete landmark in the city to have been demolished. The first was the Twin Onion Tanks on Electra Street, which was torn down in the mid 1990s.

The Volcano Fountain, also a prominent landmark of Abu Dhabi, was levelled last month. Also known as the Shallal, or waterfall in Arabic, it will be replaced with a similar but larger structure.

In May, the famous GCC Roundabout near the InterContinental Hotel also gave way to the redevelopment. It has been demolished and replaced with a tunnel, linking Abu Dhabi International Airport with the soon-to-open Emirates Palace Hotel.

The roundabout was a cylindrical fountain, decorated with images of falcons and the flags of the six GCC states on six towers. It was built as a symbol of GCC unity before the first GCC meeting in 1991.

The next landmark scheduled for demolition is the Old Souq between Hamdan Street and Khalifa Street. It is likely to be demolished after Ramadan. A new market will be built to reflect a traditional Islamic souq. Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning Department has already awarded the project to the Arab Engineering Bureau. The project is scheduled to be completed within 18 months and all original tenants will be allowed to move to the new market.

The shortage of parking spaces will be solved by an underground parking lot, while the market will also contain other facilities, such as mosques, restaurants, entertainment centres.

BulldozerGirl

October 17th, 2004, 03:24 PM

* Sheikh Zayed bridge: an 8 km four-lane bridge to connect Abu Dhabi with other emirates. The Sheikh Zayed bridge is targeted for completion in 2007.

I've heard about this bridge, but I have no idea what it would look like and how it would connect Abu Dhabi directly to other Emirates.

I heard it would extend along the entire coast. It would ruin the view! As if there's no land connecting them for them to build a bridge directly from AD island to the rest of the emirates.

Dubai-Lover

October 17th, 2004, 03:26 PM

a small pdf about sz bridge

http://www.cowi.dk/projects/div07proj/project_sheets/0233-1702-047e-low.pdf

Dubai-Lover

October 17th, 2004, 03:34 PM

the bridge is obviously under construction, as the article says
from march 2004

New Dh635m link to Abu Dhabi

http://www.gulf-news.com/images/2004/03/15_bridge.jpg
Model of the Dh635 million Sheikh Zayed Bridge unveiled at the Road Exhibition.

A new Dh635 million bridge to improve the flow of traffic to and from Abu Dhabi is in the works.

The details of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge or Abu Dhabi Third Crossing were unveiled on the opening day of the International Road Exhibition & Conference (Roadex 2004) yesterday.

The bridge will serve as a crucial link between Abu Dhabi city and the highways to other emirates, notably Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

The bridge, which is expected to be ready in early 2007, will be the third connecting Abu Dhabi island with the mainland, the other two being the Maqta and Mussafah bridges. The striking bridge symbolises the dunes of the desert and it will cross the Maqta channel.

The UAE's infrastructure development is a model not only at the regional level but also at the global level, thanks to the full support of the UAE President, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces.

The keynote speech, read by Saeed Saif bin Jaber, added: "The UAE is a prime example of how countries in the region have invested resources and capacities to create a model for sustainable development to serve national economic interests and enhance their regional and global competitiveness."

The second Gulf Road Conference is held concurrently with the Roads Exhibition.

The twin events were inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Butti, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Municipality and Town Planning Department on behalf of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The model and design of the gateway bridge, an architectural masterpiece, came in for appreciation by government officials, industry experts and visitors.

The Geneva-registered Archirodon Construction is the main contractor of the project which is the third package of the Dh900 million-plus project.

"Work has been underway at the project since early 2004. As far as bridges go, this is unique, unlike any other in the country," said Jamal Al Hosani, Assistant Director, Design, and Chairman, Managing Committee of Bridges Project.

"The contract was awarded after competitive bidding as it is a prestigious project." The bridge was designed by London-based architect Zaha Hadid.

Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Ibrahim Abdullah Al Wahabi, General Manager, Road Department, Ministry of Public Works and Housing, said the UAE is examining the feasibility of introducing a magnetic train linking all the emirates to ease the problem of transportation inside the country.

"The government is studying the establishment of a new magnetic train to link all the emirates starting from Ras Al Khaimah and ending at Abu Dhabi. We will soon finalise how to go forward."

Al Wahabi said a similar study is being undertaken in Saudi Arabia although details were sketchy at the moment.

Asked about the usefulness of the magnetic train in the UAE, he said it is cost-effective, works on electricity and is an environment-friendly mode of transport.

Japan and some European countries introduced such trains successfully some years ago to ease the growing transportation problem in their countries.

Al Wahabi said the Ministry launched a 10-year plan in the Northern Emirates in 1999 for development and maintenance of the roads network. The first phase has ended after an investment outlay of around Dh246 million.

The second phase, he said, has just begun this year and will end in 2008. Roadex 2004 will run until Wednesday.

Trances

October 17th, 2004, 05:01 PM

i am un sure of the location too

Dubai-Lover

October 18th, 2004, 08:26 AM

i've heard there will be a reef mall, but there have never never been specific details. anybody any idea if this one is worth a visit?

Reef Mall opens in Deira
The new Reef Mall has opened in Dubai's Deira district on Salahuddin Street. The new shopping mall boasts in line-up of retail outlets that include Home Centre, Glitter, Mr. Price, The Athlete's Foot, Splash, Shoe Mart, Lifestyle, Babyshop, Bossini, Karisma and the Al Maya supermarket.

Dubai-Lover

October 18th, 2004, 12:24 PM

Damac sales centre in Deira
Posted: Monday, October 18, 2004

Dubai

Damac Properties has announced the opening of its third sales centre in Dubai.

The new centre is located in the ground floor of the Bin Ham Building across the road from the Deira City Centre.

To celebrate the opening of the new office, Damac Properties will be holding an open week there as of the official inauguration ceremony tomorrow evening.

During the open week, customers will be able to visit the sales centre to look at the latest Damac projects, and enjoy after-Iftar Ramadan snacks and sweets.

The new office consists of a display area and meeting rooms for prospective customers on the ground floor, as well as management offices and a show apartment on the mezzanine floor.

The new centre is expected to meet the growing demand for its luxury homes and cater to the increasing number of customers residing in the Deira side of Dubai.

'The decision to open an office in Deira was in response to our customers' wishes,' said Hussain Sajwani, chairman of Damac Group and Damac Properties.

'We found that a lot of the prospects who were calling us about buying a properties were either Dubai residents living in Deira and its surrounding areas, or tourists staying in hotels in that area.'

Speaking at a press conference at the new Damac Properties location, he said the location of the office has been strategically selected to capitalise on the dense traffic in and around the Deira City Centre.

'We believe this is one of the most frequented areas in Dubai, and it gives us excellent exposure to potential customers, ' he said.

Damac Properties CEO Peter Riddoch said that new sales centre in Deira will complement the company's two other sales centres in the Dubai Media City and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), giving Damac Properties extensive coverage throughout Dubai.

'The sales centre in DIFC is conveniently located for customers staying in Bur Dubai and on Shaikh Zayed Road, while the one in the Dubai Media City gives us access to customers living in Jumeira, Umm Suqeim, and Al Barsha, as well as tourists staying in the beachfront hotels along the Jumeira coast,' he said.

He said the opening of the new office will also help reduce pressure off the two existing offices, as Damac Properties continues to witness increasing interest and demand in its properties, especially following the launch of its two latest projects - Park Towers at DIFC and Ocean Heights at Dubai Marina.

Damac Properties crossed the ten-tower mark for the first time last week the launch of Ocean Heights.

'We now have a total of eight projects comprising eleven buildings, since two of these projects are made up of two adjacent towers. The total value of our projects is over Dh1.5 billion,' Riddoch added.

He said the opening of the new sales centre is the second step in Damac Properties' marketing offensive, which will see it positioning itself even more distinctly than other property developers in Dubai and the region, and focusing on the premium segment of the market

another place to visit for me

Trances

October 18th, 2004, 01:56 PM

you gonna have a busy time when you come !

Dubai-Lover

October 18th, 2004, 02:19 PM

oh yes i will :)
so i won't be bored

hopefully they have some models there allowed to be photographed

Trances

October 18th, 2004, 02:41 PM

i am thinking of going back sooner around the end of Jan-Feb
expect i will be back from 20 Jan for like 8 days or so then a few more places before coming back to sydney. Next trip is no where new for me just my usual route
SYD-Dubai-London-Bangkok- Sydney
all the places i have friends and can afford to go and know well

Dubai-Lover

October 18th, 2004, 02:45 PM

nice trip :)
bangkok seems to be very nice

trances - can you do me a favor?
you've been taking so many site pics you probably know some excellent spots for taking pics

can you post them or pm me please? :)

Trances

October 18th, 2004, 02:56 PM

sure i can
the best places i find are all the car parks at the back of the building in SZR it hard walking but they all have great views.
Walk in each car park and just get the lift to the top floor then walk up fire stairs to the roof if you can. They are all public access so no fear.
Also there is access to the Entry of the Emirates towers that is nice to see across the road. And the TOWER car park has great views all the way to deria on clear days. Telecom Tower Should be visible from there now. A good one is also the Fairmont Car Park as it the last in the pack for Capital Towers and Zebeel Park.
All the low rises in Bur Dubai have roof tops and old building have no access so just take a walk up them. For Views on the few up coming.
As for Marina there is no much down there yet to get views from. Media City is sorta hard to get in. and most building are low any way. So not much point bar views for like 3 towers.
Thats about alll i can think of right now

Dubai-Lover

October 18th, 2004, 02:59 PM

thanks, this will help a lot :)
i think i'll park the car on one szr side , take pics of every single tower and go up to the car parks
then the same on the other side ;)

Trances

October 18th, 2004, 03:01 PM

its a long walk but worth it !
and no way under the road at the Dusit end !

Dubai-Lover

October 18th, 2004, 04:10 PM

its a long walk but worth it !
and no way under the road at the Dusit end !

think that too
why not under the road at dusit?

Trances

October 18th, 2004, 04:32 PM

cause in Dubai they don’t invest in walkway for pedestrians

AltinD

October 18th, 2004, 07:55 PM

Dubai Lover was thinking of driving around to places anyway.

Dubai-Lover

October 19th, 2004, 11:14 AM

i love these news

$30bn building projects on target

The value of building projects under construction in the UAE is estimated at around $30 billion, with most of them being situated in Dubai.

They include for example new residential districts, the construction of over 60 new hotels across the country, the massive expansion of the airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the building of large shopping centres and other commercial premises.

The revelation came as organisers dmg world media Dubai prepare for Big 5 2004 to be held next month.

"Activity in the UAE construction industry is at a premium with current large scaled projects due for completion representing just 10 per cent of those to be implemented," said Bob Hughes of dmg world media Dubai.

The largest and longest established exhibition for the construction and contracting industry will once again be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

Bob Hughes added: "With the show's continued increase in demand it can only benefit exhibitors, distributors and exporters, and continue to augur well for the sustained economic well being of Dubai."

This year sees the utilisation of the Shaikh Rashid Hall and a specially erected pavilion to provide the largest Big 5 exhibition to date.

The expansion follows growing demand for space from individual exhibitors and National Pavilions, all keen to make sure they are exhibiting at the only Middle East construction fair.

The importance of the demand for space lead the organisers to dedicate the Shaikh Rashid Hall to exhibitors from all over the world and specialise in one of the seven sectors, Marble, Ceramics & Stone Products and Machinery.

The other major industry sectors include Building & Construction, Cleaning and Maintenance, Water Technology and Environment, AC and Refrigeration, Bathrooms and Ceramics and Glass & Metal.

The dedicated sectors provide a distinct advantage for exhibitors as well as visitors, assisting all concerned to find the right products for future projects.

The current boom in the construction industry in the UAE is increasing with government spending set to continue over the next 10 years on the creation of new infrastructure projects, office and residential accommodation.

The Big 5 2004 will take place from November 20 to 24 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, with the show expected to attract over 30, 000 visitors. More than 1,600 exhibitors from over 50 countries will be present.

An international exhibition and publishing company, dmg world media produces over 300 market-leading trade exhibitions, consumer shows and fairs each year and publishes 65 related magazines, newspapers, directories and market reports. dmg world media employs more than 800 people and maintains a worldwide presence through 38 offices.

dmg world media is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT), one of the largest and most successful media companies in the United Kingdom.

Dubai-Lover

October 24th, 2004, 11:59 AM

A beautiful ‘Cover Job”

The new Abu Dhabi Corniche has started to take shape with many features that will further boost the city's attraction as a world-class tourist destination. These beautifully designed canopies are part of the Corniche beautification project, scheduled to be completed nest year at an estimated cost of Dh750 million. The project is aimed at providing state-of-the-art recreational facilities for residents of the capital to socialise, relax and enjoy themselves as well as to lure tourists to the city.

Michiel

October 30th, 2004, 10:13 PM

Another big one for Sharjah, the Malak Tower.
http://img51.exs.cx/img51/3204/malaktower.jpg
(newspaper ad)

And the Sahab Tower:
http://img51.exs.cx/img51/2921/sahabtower.jpg
see www.sahabtwr.ae

Chad

October 30th, 2004, 10:14 PM

Thats 50 Storey (by counting).

Dubai-Lover

October 30th, 2004, 10:21 PM

:eek2:

i hate sharjah never is in the news :rant:

the second tower is amazing, will get its own thread now

dazz

October 30th, 2004, 10:27 PM

never realised that sharjah is so close to dubai, maybe they should build that metro from Dubai's airport to sharjah also :)

Michiel

October 30th, 2004, 10:53 PM

I don't know anything about this tower in Sharjah. It is almost topped out.
http://img101.exs.cx/img101/9365/sharjahtower2.jpg

AltinD

November 1st, 2004, 08:45 PM

never realised that sharjah is so close to dubai, maybe they should build that metro from Dubai's airport to sharjah also :)

Dubai has lost a lot of revenues by people working in Dubai and having Dubai visa, that lives and spend their money on the cheaper Sharjah and adding alot of traffic congestion on Dubai roads.

A metro conections to Sharjah will releafe the traffic but will be an extra incentive to attract in Sharjah middle class families that are sponsored and paid for by Dubai companies.

Dubai Goverment doesn't tax them, instead relies on their spendure and that goes to someone else. Many residencial complexes like The Greans and The Gardens will be affected two.

Michiel

November 5th, 2004, 12:44 AM

Another unknown tower at the Sharjah Corniche
http://img130.exs.cx/img130/4753/sharjah_bord2.jpg

Dubai-Lover

November 5th, 2004, 12:47 AM

not bad at all

i like the way you post all this stuff here michiel, you distribute it all over a couple of days and don't post it all on one day :)

Dr. Dubai

November 5th, 2004, 03:03 PM

wooow, I wish we had such cool towers in Hollland!

Trances

November 5th, 2004, 04:33 PM

great to see
me to wish that Sharjah made the news
so much going on there we dont know about

Michiel

November 6th, 2004, 01:20 PM

Anyone know this tower in Sharjah?
http://www.smehboob.com/images4/bukamseen.jpg
Bukamseen Residential & Commercial Tower (http://www.smehboob.com/portinternational6.html)

Trances

November 6th, 2004, 02:10 PM

nope :( looks super tall

Dubai-Lover

November 6th, 2004, 02:56 PM

Anyone know this tower in Sharjah?
http://www.smehboob.com/images4/bukamseen.jpg
Bukamseen Residential & Commercial Tower (http://www.smehboob.com/portinternational6.html)

no :(

is this a render or what, looks very realistic
on the homepage they say under construction and 207m!

Trances

November 6th, 2004, 03:07 PM

guess it gets a thread then ?

Michiel

November 6th, 2004, 03:58 PM

I can't find this Jumeirah Lake tower, it was also on the S.Mehboob site. It is 480ft tall and has 41 floors.
http://www.smehboob.com/images4/jumeirah.jpg
link (http://www.smehboob.com/portinternational9.html)

Dubai-Lover

November 6th, 2004, 04:06 PM

i found this one a couple of months ago, but it doesn't have an own thread yet as it is not confirmed

Krazy

November 6th, 2004, 04:15 PM

Retailing gains ground in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Strikingly modern shopping malls are changing the retail face of Abu Dhabi from the old souk driven environment as retailing gains ground, setting new standards to become a key segment of the capital’s diversified economy.

Equally, consumer behaviour is changing with expectations rising, while the tourism push in the capital is attracting investors into the fast growing retail sector.

New malls with sizeable investments are taking shape while existing malls are undergoing expansion to meet the demands of consumers in Abu Dhabi. At least five new malls are in various stages of development and expansion is well underway at some of the existing malls.

By the end of 2005, shopping in Abu Dhabi will be different.

What exactly is driving this rapid mall development in Abu Dhabi, and what prospects are in store for these malls?

“It is basically the psychology of retailers and consumers that is driving such developments,” said Adnan M. Hegrat, general manager of retail development for Abu Dhabi Mall, the upscale mall on the eastern ring road.

“Changing lifestyles have led consumers to demand a variety of merchandise. The psychology of retailers is new business opportunities and the easy availability of capital through banks. These two factors have combined in the growth of shopping malls.”

Undoubtedly, the growing population of Abu Dhabi and the increased commercial activity has also created additional demand for malls. Moreover, the thrust on tourism promotion has led investors to believe that malls will attract tourists given the hot temperatures in this region.

“Mall development has also got a lot to do with globalisation as international brands are now available in every place and their costs are more or less the same. Look at the number of brands for instance in the Abu Dhabi Mall alone,” pointed out Hegrat, a veteran of the retail business.

According to Martin J. Corrado, financial advisor in the Private Office of Shaikh Surour Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan, the growth of malls in the capital is due to not only a young, growing population but the large pool of liquidity. “There is a lot of liquidity and this is being pumped into the malls where returns are seen as high. Of course, you have the demands of a young population and the racy commercial activity in Abu Dhabi.”

He noted that per capita incomes are high, and with shopping being a prime activity for most people, malls will always attract crowds.

The Abu Dhabi Mall with current net lettable area of 64,000 square metres is full with some 207 tenants, a mix of upmarket, high-end brands. An additional 17,000 square metres is being added and will be ready in the first quarter of 2005.

“We are adding value to our existing mall through a new segment with the additional space on three floors,” Hegrat said.

While the first floor will be leased to Paris Gallery which in turn will provide numerous premium brands across 10,460 square metres, the second floor will house a super size furniture store of about 4,400 square metres. On the third floor, space is being provided for storage for retailers in the mall.

Similarly, the upscale Marina Mall near the breakwaters has undertaken a huge expansion that will create a leasable space of over 45,000 square metres. Completion is set for September 2005. “Demand for retail space is growing and this is our phase two expansion,” said Nadeem Wajahat, general manager.

Wajahat is optimistic that Abu Dhabi’s retail sector is going to improve tremendously with the new malls and will see new standards of retailing.

“Consumer behaviour is changing, and due to educational levels in the region there is a greater awareness among the general consumer today,” he said. The Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and Gold Centre, spread over one million square feet and with 330 outlets over two floors, is positioned as a mid-market mall. It occupies a prime location.

Tim Jones, general manager, disagrees. “We are 100 per cent occupied and we are pitched at mid-market. We have the right tenant mix and are not competing with the other upmarket malls,” he said.

He said the retailers have reported rising sales, with various promotions being held, and new plans are on the cards.

“We have strong retailers at the gold centre and we are looking at setting up a gold lab soon,” said Jones.

Unlike Dubai, malls in Abu Dhabi rely mainly on the indigenous residential customers. Not surprisingly, many Abu Dhabi residents still make their trips to Dubai on the weekends. Hegrat calls this a “transit economy” in which people like to travel outside their city for a change and to socialise in trendy, bigger malls that Dubai provides.

“But we are seeing reverse traffic from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, with families coming for the weekends, and this could increase with more shopping malls,” he said.

The new Al Raha shopping mall, part of the Al Raha Beach Development, is being positioned as a destination mall on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway outside the capital. “This could be an ideal shopping destination also for people desirous of going a little out of town,” said Hegrat.

Meanwhile, the well-established Abu Dhabi Cooperative and Spinneys continue to enjoy customer loyalty.

“The mall culture has benefited us because we are the anchor store in the Abu Dhabi Mall. Our branches are also doing extremely well and so is the Mina Retail Park near the Ports and Customs,” said a spokesman foir Abu Dhabi Coop.

The upcoming Khalidiyah Mall is currently in negotiations with over 130 brands from around the world for their presence in the mall.

The Dh200 million complex is located in a prime residential area of the capital and will have separate souqs for gold and jewellery, electronics, textiles and other products. Retail experts are bullish about prospects for their business.

“Abu Dhabi’s retail sector is strong and will continue to be so. We will see further growth in this sector,” said Corrado.

“The more the better. There will be competition, and the consumer who is looking at the maximum offerings of a mall will benefit,” said Wajahat.

As the population increases and excess liquidity gets pumped into malls, the outlook for Abu Dhabi’s retail sector looks rosy.

“In the next seven years, it is expected to only go up further due to the demographic and income changes. As this whole country enjoys stability and security, people will continue to enjoy spending their time in such an environment,” Hegrat said.

Trances

November 6th, 2004, 04:19 PM

not enough details ?

Michiel

November 9th, 2004, 12:37 AM

What about this one?
http://www.building.ca/archive03/desert_paradox_files/CITYPLAC.gif
Dubai Marina’s 65-storey, US $150-million condo tower flagship project with about
650 units features an unusual mid-point structural twist.

source (http://www.building.ca/archive03/desert_paradox.htm)

Trances

November 9th, 2004, 05:45 AM

great find for a tower and intersting site

Dubai-Lover

November 9th, 2004, 07:25 PM

well, just another proposal, nothing serious
but they look pretty nice

AltinD

November 9th, 2004, 08:37 PM

Reading the article about those Canadian architects, makes me understand why the Toronto Condos (residentials) underconstractions in Downtown lake side aerea are so similar to what Emaar is building on the Marina.

I don't like them, as i have said before, leave them to Toronto, they don't care about the look annyway.

Michiel

November 20th, 2004, 12:16 PM

On the site of core architects (http://www.corearchitects.com) is this 38-floor proposal for the Sheikh Zayed Road:
http://img61.exs.cx/img61/1798/zayed_corearchitects.png

Status: Design only
Client: Emaar properties

Trances

November 20th, 2004, 12:30 PM

another 60 Floor tower for Dubai Marina Wow !

BulldozerGirl

November 20th, 2004, 03:54 PM

I think some of these are proposed towers. I haven't followed tower development very closely, so sorry if it's a repeat.

http://www.cadizinternational.com/image_office_pro/dubaicreek.jpg

Dubai Creekside Tower

A grand addition to the busy business district of Dubai is this executive office tower which stands out against its local surroundings with a play of strong vertical lines and smooth sweeping curves.
The building's combination of metal and green-tinted glass gives it an inviting though sophisticated character from the outside, as well as functionally optimising the use of natural light in its offices. The upcoming Dubai Creekside Tower will surely appeal to distinguishable companies world wide.

Location: Dubai, UAE
Project Type: Office Tower
Design Service: Concept Design

This one, I think was "unknown". It's called Port Saeed Tower:

http://www.cadizinternational.com/image_office_pro/Image01004.jpg

The Port Saeed Tower rises in grandeur of ‘elegance and simplicity’ expressing ‘wealth and exclusivity’, which clearly distinguish it from the rest of the buildings in the vicinity. Located 1 km away from the city on Port Saeed Road rises a luxury office tower with a great panoramic view of the city from the northeast side and an astonishing vision of the Dubai Creek from the southwest side. The center of the tower is a courtyard deck, which is open to the sky revealing a relaxing atmosphere.

Location: Dubai, UAE
Client: Juma Al Ghurair; Al Manal Group
Project Type: Office Tower
Design Service: Concept Design

http://www.cadizinternational.com/image_office_pro/Dubai%20Bankbldg.jpg

Dubai Bank Building

A Classic Modern Deco style of architecture with a solid base and ample vertical mass of stone and glass. The main body of the building generally has a quiet rhythmic pattern of horizontal and vertical elements using concrete trellises, providing an articulate façade.

Location: Dubai, UAE
Client/Developer: Al Ghurair Group
Project Type: Office Tower
Design Service: Concept Design

http://www.cadizinternational.com/image_office_pro/AirportTower.jpg

Dubai Airport Tower

The Dubai Airport Tower is a new refreshing sight with its blue-green glass cladding and an architectural character that speaks of ‘layering in motion'. The layers are massed giving dimension to the building and creating a graceful quality adding to its contemporary form. Stone, concrete, and latticed walls provide protection from intense sunlight. The vertical component of the building gives it a dramatic presence.

Location: Dubai, UAE
Client/Developer: Al Manal Group
Project Type: Office Tower
Design Service: Concept Design

Dubai-Lover

November 20th, 2004, 03:57 PM

yes, unfortunately
contacted them several times and no reply
none of their projetcs have been approved
no press releases, nothing :(

Michiel

November 20th, 2004, 09:56 PM

From the site of Meinhardt Consulting Engineers (http://www.meinhardt.com.au):
http://www.meinhardt.com.au/media/userimages/imageB3285583309.jpg

Meinhardt is providing integrated engineering consultancy services for this mega project located along the prominent Corniche Coast, Abu Dhabi. The development comprises a 30-storey hotel tower, three blocks of 45-storey residential towers, a 43-storey office tower on a 9-storey podium for retail and 3 levels of basement for carpark.

The Architect for this distinguished project is Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates

Dubai-Lover

November 20th, 2004, 10:04 PM

great! :)
what's the status? do you know?

Michiel

November 20th, 2004, 10:26 PM

From UAE Interact (http://www.uaeinteract.com):
Abu Dhabi firm inks deal for Dh750m Capital Plaza project
posted on 07/01/2004

The Real Estate Investment and Services Company yesterday signed a financial arrangement with a consortium of Abu Dhabi banks led by National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the First Gulf Bank, Union Bank and Commercial Bank of Abu Dhabi to construct a Dh750 million Capital Plaza Commercial Development Project. The project will be located on the Corniche road in Abu Dhabi.

Hamad Rashid Al Nuaimi, chairman of Real Estate Investment and Services Company said: "The tender for the project will start on 25th January and the first phase will be completed in 18 month time. The second phase is expected to begin by early 2006." The project will contain a 250-guestroom luxury hotel, a 25,000 square metre office building, 220 luxury apartments including 21 sky villas and six rooftop villa type apartments located in three towers, with retail facilities and underground parking.

Design work of the project has been awarded to the American Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart and Associated of Atlanta- Georgia, while REISCO Project Management Consultants has been appointed as client representatives and project managers for the project.

Khamis Buharoon, Head of Domestic Banking Division, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, said: "The Capital Plaza project is a beginning of an ongoing investment which will continue for 12 years with new projects in pipeline. The project is also part of the emirate's strategy to create dynamism in the expanding tourism sector in the UAE." (The Khaleej Times)
http://www.uaeinteract.com/news/article_pics/10526.jpg

Dubai-Lover

November 20th, 2004, 11:34 PM

thanks michiel!

this will get its own thread now

Krazy

November 21st, 2004, 01:32 AM

awesome!

ahmedr

November 21st, 2004, 11:33 AM

The announcement for this one was made about a year ago and there was a thread about it on ssp.com. There should be more of this Art Deco architecture in the UAE.

Michiel

December 1st, 2004, 09:46 PM

A very strange tower on the site of ABAAD 3D (http://www.abaad-3d.com). The filename is K&A-DubaiTower-Egg, so it is probably a design of Khatib&Alami.
http://img24.exs.cx/img24/8940/KA-DubaiTower-Egg-3d.jpg

The site has more renderings of tall towers, but most of them are in Qatar.

Dubai-Lover

December 5th, 2004, 11:08 AM

giles has found another proposal, butit's not worth to create an own thread for it

it's called dubai millenia tower and it is one of the proposed cadiz international towers, formerly known as al ghurair lake residential tower

http://www.ayuplanet.com/dxblover/New Towers/Visional/Dubai Millenia Tower.jpg

this is the pic from cadiz website
http://www.ayuplanet.com/dxblover/New Towers/Visional/Al Ghurair Lake Residential Tower.jpg

Abu Dhabi Boy

December 11th, 2004, 06:33 PM

modren Marina mall .. will finish in 2005

http://uaehits.com/pics1/Marina_Mall.jpg

http://uaehits.com/pics1/Marina-Mall.jpg

Dubai-Lover

December 11th, 2004, 06:52 PM

i'm always confused about marina mall
i visited this one last summer, so is the marina mall under construction just a redevelopment or expansion
or is there a second marina mall, because im summer i couldn't see any construction going on

someone please clear this up for me

Krazy

December 11th, 2004, 09:38 PM

Marina mall is an existing mall which is goin through an expansion, they are adding the observation tower and everything.

Dubai_Boy

December 11th, 2004, 09:40 PM

its just going through an expansion , a huge one as can be seen in the photos above :)

there is only one marina mall in AD

===================

Welcome Abu Dhabi_ Boy :) go over to the thread where u introduce yourself and do so :P

Krazy

December 11th, 2004, 09:43 PM

Am I the Abu Dhabi Boy? :crazy2:

ahmedr

December 12th, 2004, 12:38 AM

Yeah, I heard about this expansion a long time ago, as far as I remember its only a second phase. Btw, the idea of having an observation tower is really cool but I think it should've been taller.

Krazy

December 22nd, 2004, 04:54 PM

Great news possibly.... heard from my dad today (who's in the construction industry) that Abu Dhabi definitely has plans on reconstructing something along the lines of SZR of Dubai.... all I know at this point is that it's the area close to the new cricket stadium here. Keeping fingers crossed on this one.

ahmedr

December 22nd, 2004, 09:26 PM

Where is the cricket stadium? Most importantly I would like to know if its on the island of Abu Dhabi or inland?

Krazy

December 22nd, 2004, 11:24 PM

I dont think the cricket stadium is on the island... so this could mean expansion of the city beyond the island... dont know if thats a good thing or a bad thing.

SkylineTurbo

December 23rd, 2004, 03:01 AM

Abu Dhabi needs a new airport, as a sort of a airport to go in competition with DXB.

Krazy

January 20th, 2005, 03:47 AM

Abu Dhabi Executive Council okays Dh8 billion for projects

19 January 2005

ABU DHABI — Abu Dhabi Executive Council reviewed yesterday the annual curriculum of the emirate of Abu Dhabi for 2005 and approved allocation of Dh8 billion for ongoing and new projects.

In its weekly meeting, chaired by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the council reviewed a memorandum submitted by the Environmental Rsearch and Wildlife Development Agency (Erwda).

The council also approved a proposal to change the agency’s name to Environmental Research Agency (Era), as well as amending some articles of the Law No. 4 for 1996.

A proposal by the National Corporation for Tourism Hotels (NCTH) to amend some provisions in the Law No. 6 for 1996 was also discussed. The council endorsed divison of the share’s nominal value which was approved by the corporation’s board of directors and the extraordinary general assembly meeting.

A memorandum submitted by the chairman of Municipalities and Agriculture Department on the costs of service, sewerage and wastewater projects for the third phase of Medinat Khalifa and allocations for operation and maintenance of the western region’s wastewater plants and networks was also approved.

Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Planning and Economy Department and chairman of General Authority for Health Services (Gahs) in Abu Dhabi, made a presentation about Gahs achievements and future plans for health care services in Abu Dhabi.

ahmedr

January 23rd, 2005, 01:26 PM

another tower from core architects:
Name: Rainforest Tower
Location: Dubai, UAE
Project Status: competition finalist
Architect: core architects, inc
Partner-in-charge: babak eslahjou
Client: convrgnt value engineering
Height: 47-storey, meters??
http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/Rainforest_Tower/Rainforest_Tower_2pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/Rainforest_Tower/Rainforest_Tower_3pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/Rainforest_Tower/Rainforest_Tower_4pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/Rainforest_Tower/Rainforest_Tower_5pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/Rainforest_Tower/Rainforest_Tower_6pop.jpg

ahmedr

January 23rd, 2005, 01:45 PM

WOW, check this one out, also from core architect:
Name: district three
Location: Dubai, UAE
Project Status: competition finalist
Architect: core architects, inc
Partner-in-charge: babak eslahjou
Client: emaar properties pjsc (definitely a DM tower)
Height: 92-storey, meters??

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/District3/District3_5pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/District3/District3_3pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/District3/District3_4pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/District3/District3_2pop.jpg

http://www.corearchitects.com/site/workImages/commercial/District3/District3_6pop.jpg

========================================================================
It kinda reminds me of a render somebody posted a very long time ago on ssp of a supertall in DM:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5df02b3127cce9ea23fa5662a00000016108QcsWzJs2bg

Dubai-Lover

January 23rd, 2005, 01:51 PM

well, i prefer the taller one :D
it just has a better design

it looks like it was considered for the huge free plot in the middle of the marina

the free plot on szy road side of dubai marina (part C)
http://www.tp.spt.fi/~jukarkil/uae/marina/orig_sorted.gif

ahmedr

January 23rd, 2005, 02:04 PM

the free plot on szy road side of dubai marina (part C)
Yep, thats it, very clear from the first render.

SA BOY

January 25th, 2005, 08:25 AM

Name: Unknown (proposed SZR tower)
Height: unknown possibly 200+m
Floors: 48
Start: website says its current
Completed:unknown but at least 24 months

Could someone psot the render here from:
http://www.carlosott.com/zayed.htm

Krazy

January 25th, 2005, 08:27 AM

http://www.carlosott.com/Clients/Sheikh_Zayed/Zayed_road-01.jpg

Dubai-Lover

January 25th, 2005, 08:36 AM

we had discussions about this tower and it's listed on their homepage for ages

we concluded this is golden sands tower

this topic is discussed, none of their proposals gets built ot even is in the media

Krazy

January 25th, 2005, 08:39 AM

Maybe we need a new section for "UAE Proposals/Never built towers" :D

soennecken

January 26th, 2005, 11:53 AM

Safa Park fences and gates to be replaced

Staff Report

Dubai: All the fences and gates at Safa Park are going to be replaced under a Dh2.87 million renovation plan.

The project, which will be completed in five months, is one of two developments approved by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance and Industry.

He approved another Dh10.71 million project to level parts of Al Warsan area, number three. More than 500 hectares would be levelled for new projects, said Qasim Sultan, Director-General of Dubai Municipality. The 514-hectare site is located south of the new Academic City and north of Al Awir Road.

The project will prepare the ground for setting up a variety of projects, including a horticultural nursery.

Sultan said the six-month project will be undertaken in two phases, the first will involve the levelling work; and the second will include the construction of service roads as well as the installation of street lights

Looks like the Jadaf re-development will start when the Garhoud plant souk is moved to the new area.

Krazy

January 30th, 2005, 07:24 AM

Abu Dhabi may allow foreigners to buy property

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi is considering allowing foreigners to own property in the capital subject to the laws of the land, a top government official said yesterday.

"Everything is possible within the laws and foreign ownership may be possible in the future," Ahmad Ali Al Sayegh, chairman of Aldar Properties PJSC, said yesterday.

"The government is studying ownership and transfer of property by expatriates," he said. Aldar Properties PJSC was legally incorporated after the company secured a quorum yesterday at the inaugural meeting of shareholders.

He told shareholders the company will complete other formalities and carry on with its business.

The pre-incorporation expenses totalling Dh9 million were ratified by shareholders. With a market capitalisation of Dh1.5 billion, Aldar Properties will initially concentrate its activities on real estate in Abu Dhabi with later expansion throughout the UAE and the region.

"We have no plans to increase the capital currently but it could happen later. There is much potential here, and the company will undertake all types of construction residential, commercial and others."

Al Sayegh confirmed the Central Market in Abu Dhabi will be the company's first major project that it will undertake at a cost of Dh1.3 billion.

The current portfolio also includes Al Raha Beach Development in Umm Al Nar, the Mudbadala Development Company and ERWDA headquarters building, the Al Jimi Mall expansion in Al Ain, the Jebel Hafeet Resort in Al Ain and the Al Mudheef Urban Regeneration Scheme.

Aldar will also create alliances with other leading real estate developers to exploit opportunities.

The shareholders also approved the first board of directors of Aldar Properties PJSC.

They are: Ahmad Ali Al Sayegh; Khaldoun Khalifa Al Mubarak, Khalifa Nasser Bin Huwayleel Al Mansouri, Salem Mohammad Al Rumaithy, Mubarak Matar Al Hameery, Nasser Ahmad Khalifa Al Suwaidi.

Trances

January 30th, 2005, 11:04 AM

though that was all a event that was going to happen across the UAE

Krazy

January 31st, 2005, 06:52 AM

New buildings will meet housing needs of bachelors

Abu Dhabi: The number of housing units for bachelors is to be increased to meet growing demand, said the chairman of the Department of Social Services and Commercial Buildings.

More bachelor accommodation will be built inside and outside Abu Dhabi and the number of small apartments will be increased, Dr Jauan Salem Al Daheri told Gulf News.

His department plans to build 711 units in Abu Dhabi within two years. The department, also known as the Shaikh Khalifa Committee, will build 120 one-bedroom apartments, 366 two-bedroom apartments and 225 three-bedroom apartments.

Sources said the department planned to build 170 multistorey buildings and villas here, providing 3,500 to 4,000 apartments within five years.

Dr Al Daheri said his department tried hard to meet the balance between demand for and supply of apartments. "The department surveys market demand and submits it to authorities to take the right decision. It also tries to stabilise rents and provide suitable and affordable accommodation to UAE nationals and expatriates.

"We are not the only players in the market, there are others such as Aldar Properties and individual real estate investors," he said.

Concerning real estate agents' attempts to take apartments announced on the department's website and rent them in return for high commissions, Dr Al Daheri said: "We have stopped these practices by reducing the booking period from one week to 24 hours. An apartment can be booked for a tenant only if he or she pays a down payment.

"Action is also taken against a real estate agent who tries to manipulate the booking of apartments. All information on vacant apartments is updated every two hours to achieve transparency and eradicate the black market."

Regarding cases in which owners of buildings seek higher rents than those announced on the department's website, he said the department could not prevent this practice.

"Sometimes building owners feel their apartments are undervalued and demand higher rents that we cannot stop," Dr Al Daheri said.

Mortgage contracts signed by the owners entitle the department to operate and hire out the building until the owners pay their debts to the department.

The department recently received 40 complaints, mostly over discrepancies between information announced on the department's website and the actual rent or condition of the apartments.

Tenants complained they booked apartments through the department and discovered later they were occupied by tenants brought by the owners. Others complained that owners demanded rents higher by Dh15,000 to Dh20,000 than the actual rents announced by the department.

They also complained that some unscrupulous landlords took commissions, whether personally or through their agents, to rent out their apartments, supervised by the department. Dr Al Daheri said the department was not certain about this problem and there were no receipts submitted to the department to support this claim.

Regarding tenants' complaints about poor maintenance of buildings managed by the department, Dr Al Daheri said the maintenance department supervises the work of contractors and tries within its resources to complete work efficiently.