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#1 ·
Abu Dhabi says 'Yas' to the world

Leading property developer ALDAR Properties PJSC today announced plans for Yas Island, one of the largest natural islands in Abu Dhabi.


Marina at night.

Yas Island will be a prestigious world-class leisure destination, with mixed-use tourist attractions including beaches, entertainment, shopping, hotels, residences, golfing, equestrian facilities and motor racing. Yas Island will host the world's first 'Ferrari World'.

Outlining the scale of the project, ALDAR's Chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh commented on its size and ambitions: 'Yas Island will combine the many natural attractions of an island with the world's most popular leisure activities. We have taken mankind's passion for the sea, for racing cars, shopping, golfing, and luxurious living, and designed them all into a single unique setting. Yas Island will be the only destination in the world that combines our desert and maritime traditions with the fascinations of Florida and the elegance of Monte Carlo. It will be the world's most complete leisure destination. "

"At ALDAR Properties, our business model is based on strategically integrated residential and leisure developments, with particular emphasis on infrastructure, planning, and environmental protection. With the launch of Yas Island we are inviting the whole world to our land. We are inviting the world to say 'Yas'," he said.

CEO Ronald Barrott elaborated on Yas Island, and its many attractions: "We have been working to create a unique destination that will present Abu Dhabi to the global tourist market. Our intention is to bring together families, friends and individuals seeking options of entertainment, excitement, nature and peace in one location," he said.

Shopping will be one of the key attractions, with retail areas occupying a staggering 300,000 square metres. Ferrari World will be a major highlight, through ALDAR's rights to a Ferrari-themed park, museum and theatre. These attractions are linked to a top quality motor race track on which visitors can experience the thrill of the exclusive Ferrari Driving School (Pilota Ferrari), kart track and dune buggies. They can also test the limits of their own cars under professional instruction.

More peacefully, located on the island will be two major marinas and yachting facilities; resort hotels, lagoon hotels and hotel apartments; a water park, three golf courses, a polo field and equestrian centre, restaurants and cafes, and mixed type residences. Plans are underway to adapt sensitive and beautiful parts of the island into conservation areas. A number of very select individual homes will be made available on the island, at a later stage.

ALDAR said that more details would be announced in due course, but that Yas Island would feature a range of attractions and activities that will appeal to people of all age groups, and retain the interest of every member of a visiting family. The company also expects most people to stay on Yas Island for a minimum of seven days, and all activities - shopping, sports, leisure, recreation and others - are designed around long-stay visitors.

Yas Island, spread over an impressive area of 2,500 hectares, is roughly one third the size of the island of Abu Dhabi, and features a beach front shoreline of approximately 32 kms. Infrastructure will be developed around the Yas Island project in advance and to the operational benefit of the capital city. A new ten-lane highway will connect Yas Island to the new Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway, and the city of Abu Dhabi at Mina Port. Yas Island will also connect to ALDAR's signature Al Raha Beach development.

Yas Island is easily accessible by road, air and water. International visitors flying into Abu Dhabi will be able to see the bright glow of the red Ferrari World roof from the air, and can reach Yas Island within minutes of disembarking. Just ten minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and a similar distance from ALDAR's Al Raha Beach, Yas Island is located at the gateway to Abu Dhabi, and will target the 1.6 billion catchment area located within six hours flying time to the UAE.
 
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#585 ·
Yas Circuit cuts jobs with amid new business plan


Yas Marina Circuit hosts several high profile events every year, including the Abu Dhabi F1 and opening rounds of the Aussie V8 supercars championship

by CW Staff on July 3, 2011

Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, which manages Yas Marina Circuit, is slashing at least 60 jobs as a part of revision of its business plan, according to a report.

The move is intended to sharpen the company’s commercial focus, Peter Rae, Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management's (ADMM), communications director told the UAE-based 7Days newspaper.

Around 61 people had been given the choice to leave their jobs immediately or work out their notice, daily said on Thursday.
http://www.constructionweekonline.c...ircuit-cuts-jobs-with-amid-new-business-plan/
 
#586 ·
Yas Marina Circuit to stay same for 2011 Abu Dhabi GP

Gary Meenaghan | July 4, 2011

ABU DHABI // Proposed plans to modify the Yas Marina Circuit ahead of this year's Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have been postponed until next year.

This UAE capital's race on November 13 will now take place on the same unchanged track that was widely criticised last year.

Following a largely processional 2010 championship-deciding race that presented few overtaking opportunities for drivers, track officials had proposed changes and a blueprint had been drawn up to improve the racing spectacle.

However, Richard Cregan, the chief executive at Yas Marina, confirmed the plans have been put on hold until after the 2011 F1 season's penultimate race in the Emirates.
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/yas-marina-circuit-to-stay-same-for-2011-abu-dhabi-gp
 
#587 ·
Restaurant review: Cipriani at Yas Yacht Club


Cipriani on Yas Island is styled much like a 1930s ocean liner. Photo courtesy of Rawaj International

Emily Shardlow | July 6, 2011

It might have all begun in 1931, at Harry's Bar in Venice, but these days the Cipriani name is a global one. Regardless of where the restaurant is located - London, Hong Kong or New York - Cipriani establishments are known for their understated elegance, classic Italian menu and, of course, the sky-high prices.

It is safe to say that the restaurant at the Yas Yacht Club ticks all these boxes. This is not, I hasten to add, necessarily a compliment. When it comes to decor, the restaurant certainly delivers. Visually, it's all very 1930s ocean liner: waiters in dapper white jackets glide seamlessly about the room, the panelled wooden floorboards gleam, soft leather chairs are positioned just so and there are even a couple of portholes displaying computerised images of the sea.
http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/food/restaurant-review-cipriani-at-yas-yacht-club
 
#588 ·
Petrov backs no change to Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit

Gary Meenaghan | July 8, 2011

SILVERSTONE, ENGLAND // Vitaly Petrov has assured UAE race fans the decision by Yas Marina Circuit executives to postpone their proposed track changes does not mean the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will produce a procession.

Following the decision by Yas officials to shelve plans that would have improved overtaking at the circuit, some fans had voiced concerns that the race might fail to produce an on-track spectacle once more. But Petrov dismissed such suggestions and hinted this year's race could provide some compelling action.
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/petrov-backs-no-change-to-abu-dhabis-yas-marina-circuit
 
#589 ·
Yas Island Rotana & Centro Yas in job swap op



July 11, 2011

The management team of Yas Island Rotana & Centro Yas Island recently traded places to be close to their staff by taking over various operational roles from room attendant to waiter.

Leading the activity on the day, Patrick Martinez, general manager of Yas Island Rotana & Centro Yas Island said: “it helps build relationships with those who do the work. Interacting at the ground level and getting into the shoes of our team members, helps them to do better their job and it is vital to team building and effectiveness.”

“This real-time initiative was driven to gauge the pulse of everyday workflow and to experience operations at grass root level.

“It is a tool that keeps our team members engaged, motivated and satisfied. It is our objective to inspire the team and this is key to employee satisfaction which ultimately leads to guest satisfaction” he concluded.
http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/11844-yas-island-rotana-centro-yas-in-job-swap-op/
 
#590 ·
US hotel firm Viceroy nets Yas Hotel deal



July 17, 2011

US hotel company Viceroy Hotel Group is to take over the management of Aldar Properties’ flagship Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi’s largest real-estate developer by market value said Sunday.

Viceroy, which is 50 percent owned by Abu Dhabi investment fund Mubadala, said the deal marked its first property contract outside its home market of North America.

Set in the heart of the Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Hotel was retained by Aldar following its $5.2bn bailout package from the Abu Dhabi government in the first quarter, which saw it sell assets worth $1.48bn, including Ferrari World theme park.

Under the terms of the bailout, Aldar also issued planned mandatory convertible bonds of AED2.8bn in March to state-owned Mubadala.

The builder of the Yas Marina Formula One circuit returned to profit in the first quarter ending a five-quarter losing streak.

Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management, which manages Yas Marina Circuit and is 50 percent owned by Aldar, said earlier this month it would sack at least 60 employees in a bid to trim costs.

Viceroy, formerly known as Kor Hotel Group, operates 15 US-based hotels and retreats and has offices in Abu Dhabi.

The hotel management firm had agreed to run the planned 250-room Viceroy Abu Dhabi on the city’s Sowwah Island development, to be built by Mubadala Development, but it was reported in March the project had been suspended.
http://www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/11899-us-hotel-firm-viceroy-nets-yas-hotel-deal/
 
#591 ·
#593 ·
#594 ·
Rookies to showcase skills at Yas Marina

Gary Meenaghan | Aug 3, 2011

ABU DHABI // Yas Marina Circuit officials have spoken of the benefits of the Young Driver Testing that will be held by Formula One teams in the UAE capital later this year and played down any concerns regarding logistical issues.

The four-day programme, which was also held after the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi last year, will return on November 15-18. But unlike last year, the teams have one more grand prix to complete and will need to fly out later than originally planned to Brazil for the race in Sao Paulo the following week.
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/rookies-to-showcase-skills-at-yas-marina
 
#595 ·
Outshine is the new outfit which comes under the huge portfolio of King Lifting. Outshine will be focusing it’s expertise on MEP Services, covering everything from installations, testing, fit out’s to maintenance. Whatever your requirement let us Outshine the rest!

We provide an extensive range of expertise to various sectors of the industry to include;
General Maintenance, Industrial Cleaning, Window Cleaning Internal/External both Commercial & Residential, Landscaping, Garden Maintenance, HVAC Commissioning, Mechanical/Electromechanical Installation & Maintenance, Electrical Testing & Commissioning, Facility & Project Management, Rope Access, Cradle Maintenance & Crane & Hoist Services – Erection/Dismantle.
Contact: andi.outshine@gmail.com
 
#596 ·
Abu Dhabi out to make splash with Yas water park

Rebecca Bundhun | Aug 10, 2011

Water parks are creating waves in the UAE tourism industry. Abu Dhabi expects to open its first major water attraction by the end of next year as part of the US$40 billion (Dh146.92bn) Yas Island development programme.

Costing about Dh604 million the park is designed to have more than 40 rides and attractions including scuba diving, cable skiing - a form of water skiing - and a "lazy river" boat ride.

Aldar, the developer, is confident the new Yas attraction will be a major tourism draw.
http://www.thenational.ae/thenation...-dhabi-out-to-make-splash-with-yas-water-park
 
#598 ·
2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to be held on November 4

Gary Meenaghan | Sep 1, 2011

ABU DHABI // Next year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be paired with India, the world governing body for motorsports confirmed last night.

The fourth annual Formula One race at Yas Marina Circuit will be held on November 4, 2012, the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) announced following ratification by the World Motor Sports Council.

India, which hosts its inaugural race next month, will hold its second race seven days before on October 28.
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/formula-one/2012-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-to-be-held-on-november-4
 
#600 ·
Ferrari World cruises following rollercoaster ride

Jen Thomas | Sep 5, 2011

ABU DHABI // Almost a year after its grand opening, Ferrari World has cruised over the worst of its initial speed bumps.

Initially, the world's largest indoor theme park struggled with low attendance and ride closures, but 10 months later, Ferrari World is back on track.

More than 100,000 had visited by the end of April and attendance surged at the end of last month as guests flocked to the park during the Eid holiday. Interactive shows, art workshops and group games attracted thousands from the UAE and GCC, along with tourists from around the world.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/ferrari-world-cruises-following-rollercoaster-ride
 
#601 ·
#603 ·
Emirati theme for Yas Island waterpark


The Waterpark on Yas Island. (SUPPLIED)

By Staff | Published Monday, September 12, 2011

The Waterpark on Yas Island will have an Emirati theme.

The Waterpark is based on an original story developed exclusively for the Island’s latest attraction. ‘The Lost Pearl’ follows the adventures of a young Emirati girl in search for an exquisite pearl which brought prosperity to the pearl diving people of her village. The story will take guests through more than 40 exciting rides, slides, and attractions, including a unique pearl diving show demonstrating Emirati heritage.

“The Waterpark on Yas Island will be one of the most advanced anywhere in the world, with many unique rides, which will excite every member of the family,” said Mike Oswald, Park Manager. “The story told throughout the Waterpark remains true to Emirati traditions and heritage, while bringing the latest in design and innovation to the heart of Abu Dhabi’s thriving Yas Island.”

Guests will follow Dana as she heads into the desert, over the mountains, across the dunes, and to an oasis meeting many friendly helpers along the way. Together they face many challenges, including a group of greedy bandits.

“Youngsters from the UAE and across the globe will love the immersive story we tell during their experience. The traditional Emirati theme will really bring the park to life,” Oswald added.

The Waterpark spreads across more than 15 hectares and will provide a full day’s entertainment with restaurants, shops and interactive games, in addition to the many rides, slides and attractions.

The Waterpark, which is currently under construction, is located adjacent to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island and is set to become an integral part of the island’s entertainment offering which includes the Yas Marina Circuit and the Yas Links Golf Course. Set to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2012, the Waterpark on Yas Island will be one of the leading waterparks anywhere in the World.

The Waterpark on Yas Island is developed by Aldar Properties and will be operated by Farah Leisure Parks Management.
http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/emirati-theme-for-yas-island-waterpark-2011-09-12-1.418042
 
#604 ·
Aldar Properties is close to selecting the main contractors for building Yas Mall, a glitzy shopping centre planned for the heart of Yas Island.

"The final bids for the main construction contract have been received and the announcement of the chosen contractors will be made very soon," the Abu Dhabi developer said in its latest online brochure about its projects.

In anticipation of the main construction of the mall, piling works are in progress, said the company.

Accommodating more than 400 stores, including hypermarkets, restaurants, a food court, a multiplex cinema and a family entertainment centre, Yas Mall adds another dimension to the leisure destination under development in the capital.

Retailers such as Ace, the hardware chain, and the supermarket group Geant have opted to open stores on the site.

But the realities of the global financial slowdown have taken their toll on the plans. The size of the mall has already been downsized from 300,000 square metres to 235,000 sq metres, Aldar said in March. The amount of leasable space now stands at 230,000 sq metres, Aldar said in the brochure.

http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/aldars-yas-mall-a-step-closer-as-final-bids-arrive
 
#606 ·
Aldar awards construction contract for Yas Mall
http://static.amefiles.com/images/news/large/2/1269862-work-View.jpg
* United Arab Emirates: 24 minutes ago
* PRESS RELEASE

Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi's leading property development, investment and management company, today announced that Six Construct has been awarded the main construction contract for Yas Mall, a major retail development on Yas Island, the Emirate's leading leisure and entertainment destination. The appointment follows the completion of design work and the submission of technical proposals earlier this year.


Scheduled for completion in Q4 2013, Yas Mall will feature 235,000m2 of retail trading area housing a hypermarket, concept stores, high street and high-end fashion outlets, a multiplex cinema and family entertainment centre as well as many of the world's leading retail, restaurant and leisure brands. Leasing at Yas Mall is already well advanced with over 40% now let, and advanced negotiations well under way with a number of major international brands.

With streets and avenues centred on a covered and landscaped town square, Yas Mall's innovative design aims to deliver a retail destination that combines the diverse range of outlets that shoppers expect whilst maintaining building efficiency and a comfortable user experience. In July, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) announced that Yas Mall was to be awarded the Estidama Two Pearl rating, making it the only shopping destination throughout the region to achieve this level of sustainable design.

With direct links to the E10 Sheikh Khalifa Highway, the E11 from Dubai, Al Ain and the surrounding residential areas and dedicated junctions to take visitors directly to the 10,000 covered car parking spaces, Yas Mall will be one of the most accessible retail centres in the region.

Ali Eid AlMheiri, Chairman of Aldar: "The award of the main construction contract for Yas Mall is another key milestone in the strategic development of this significant leisure and entertainment destination that meets the needs of Abu Dhabi. As one of the largest retail developments underway in the region, Yas Mall demonstrates once again Aldar's ability to deliver significant projects in line with Abu Dhabi's strategic vision."

Sami Asad, CEO of Aldar added: "We are delighted to announce the appointment of Six Construct to deliver the Yas Mall project, who were selected for their significant experience in delivering projects of this scale in Abu Dhabi, the UAE as well as on an international basis."
 
#608 ·
Yas Mall signs up five big names
Rory Jones

Oct 20, 2011

Five retail heavyweights have given their stamp of approval to Yas Mall, signing up to 40 per cent of the leasing space more than two years ahead of the planned opening.

MH Alshaya, Landmark Group, Dubai Holding Group, Royal Sporting House and Liwa Trading have all signed up to the Dh2 billion mall, which is likely to have 235,000 square metres of retail space when it opens in the fourth quarter of 2013.

"There's a lack of supply of good retail in Abu Dhabi. We are building a quality experience because it is not just any conventional shopping centre," said Mohammed Al Mubarak, deputy chief executive of Aldar Properties, the mall's developer.

These five retailers are the partner or franchisee for many popular brands in the Middle East and the agreement to rent space in the mall indicates a vote of confidence for Yas Mall.

Kuwait-based MH Alshaya, which has more than 55 brands across the region and Turkey, will bring to the mall: Starbucks, H&M, Topshop, Next, Boots and Pottery Barn, among others.

"For us, what Abu Dhabi has been missing is a regional shopping mall," said John Hadden, senior vice president of retail property at Alshaya. "Aldar has put the vision to plan and developed a mall that will dominate retail for years to come."

Landmark Group will bring many of its brands, which are predominantly homegrown, such as Max, Centrepoint, Home Centre and Emax .

Other brands that will be in the mall include both BHS and Debenhams department stores, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Zara and food outlets such as PF Changs, Carluccios and pinkberry.
 
#609 ·


Five retail heavyweights gave their stamp of approval to Yas Mall yesterday, signing up to 40 per cent of the leasing space more than two years before a planned opening.

MH Alshaya, Landmark Group, Dubai Holding Group, Royal Sporting House and Liwa Trading have agreed to add brands to the US$2 billion (Dh544.4 million) mall, which is to feature 235,000 square metres of retail space when it opens in the fourth quarter of 2013.

"There's a lack of supply of good retail in Abu Dhabi. We are building a quality experience because it is not just any conventional shopping centre," said Mohammed Al Mubarak, the deputy chief executive of Aldar Properties, the mall's developer.

The five retailers are partners or franchisees for many popular brands in the Middle East, and agreement to rent space indicates a vote of confidence for Yas Mall.

MH Alshaya, based in Kuwait, which has more than 55 brands across the region and Turkey, will bring Starbucks, H&M, Topshop, Next, Boots, and Pottery Barn and other brands to the mall.

"For us, what Abu Dhabi has been missing is a regional shopping mall," said John Hadden, the senior vice president of retail property at Alshaya. "Aldar has put the vision to plan and developed a mall that will dominate retail for years to come."

Landmark Group will bring many of its brands, which are predominantly home-grown, such as Max, Centrepoint, Home Centre and Emax.

Other brands in the mall will include the BHS and Debenhams department store chains, Calvin Klein, Ted Baker, Zara and food outlets such as PF Chang's, Carluccio's and Pinkberry.

"The commitment shown to Yas Mall by some of the UAE's leading retail groups is a fantastic endorsement of what we are looking to achieve," Mr Mubarak said.

He added that the company was hoping to sign leases for more than 95 per cent of the retail space by next year.

Also planned is a Géant Hypermarket, a multiplex cinema, a family entertainment centre and a bridge with direct access to Ferrari World.

Yas Mall will be the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi and the second-biggest in the UAE, behind Dubai Mall.

Fred Douglas, the director of retail leasing at Aldar, said despite a high level of retail planned for the capital, he did not feel there would be oversupply.

"There is equilibrium between supply and demand," he said.

Aldar last week awarded the construction contract to Six Construct, a unit of Orascom Construction Industries. Mr Mubarak said the foundations were in place and work would start within weeks.

About 70 per cent of the cost of building the mall will be paid for by debt and the remainder with Aldar's own cash.

Aldar, which was rescued by a bailout by Abu Dhabi in January, also appointed a new chief financial officer yesterday. Greg Fewer, who is currently deputy head of the structured finance and capital markets at Mubadala Development, a strategic investment company owned by the Abu Dhabi Government, will start his role on November 1.
 
#610 ·
Viceroy Hotel Group announces the rebranding of the Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts is thrilled to announce the rebranding of the iconic Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi as Yas Viceroy, becoming an integral member of the Viceroy Hotels and Resorts portfolio of luxury offerings.


The first Viceroy Hotel in the Middle East, the Yas Viceroy will now offer Viceroy's unparalleled signature service, unique dining concepts and a refurbished lobby by renowned design firm Poltrona Frau Emirates of Abu Dhabi.

Viceroy Hotels and Resorts represent the finest in inspiring design, intuitive service and innovative offerings. Since assuming the management of the property, the team at Yas Viceroy has been engaged in a thorough preparation to align themselves with the Viceroy brand.

The first priority for the rebranding of The Yas Viceroy Hotel is to introduce Viceroy's signature service, including staff training and collateral creation to perfect the meticulous level of service guests of Viceroy properties worldwide have come to expect.

The Yas Viceroy will also feature visible upgrades including a sleek new lobby. Leading international design firm Poltrona Frau Emirates has transformed the lobby by creating inviting clusters of space in which guests can lounge or work in an intimate yet open environment. The upgraded lobby is complimented with new branding, an expanded greeting area as well as improved concierge facilities to ensure guests a swift and seamless check-in process.

The Hotel has also re-introduced the executive club suites with benefits that include complimentary access to the executive lounge, private check-in and checkout, among other amenities.

Underscoring the excellence of Viceroy's signature cuisine, the menus at Noodle Bar and Angar, two of the hotel's twelve contemporary restaurants, have been refreshed to reflect exquisite dining options for the most discerning Viceroy guests. Additional enhancement will be forthcoming with new culinary concepts that will elevate the dining experience for guests.

"The improvements we have already made since taking over the management of the hotel in July exemplify our dedication to immediately introducing Viceroy Hotels and Resorts' unique service standards to the Yas Viceroy," says Heiner Werdeling, General Manager of Yas Viceroy.

"Over the next 12 months our guests will see both cosmetic and service changes to Yas Viceroy designed to ensure that what is already an architectural icon of Abu Dhabi becomes a standard bearer for hospitality in the region," continued Werdeling.

The changes at Yas Viceroy align it with Viceroy's brand image, which brings luxury hospitality to the next level through inspiring design presence, impeccable service, innovative culinary experiences that boast an unparalleled experience for every guest.

"We are proud to have been selected to manage what has become possibly the finest and most architecturally significant hotel in the region," comments Anton Bawab, Regional President of Viceroy Hotel Group.

"The hotel's exceptional architecture and lavish interiors perfectly compliment the Viceroy Hotel Group's distinctive aesthetic and exemplary service standards. The expansion of Viceroy Hotel Group in the GCC region shows the continued growth of the luxurious portfolio and sets a high benchmark for new hotels to come in the region," says Bawab.


http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi/
 
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