#PROJECT-Ras Al Khaimah: AL HAMRA VILLAGE(luxury residential and leisure development)

[tarbooj]

Hello Al Hamra investors.......??

[JamesL]

The maintenance charges are just for the common areas around the marina and the buildings themselves. It has nothing to do with golf course.

Has anybody got uptodate pictures of the Marina area

[tarbooj]

Thanks JamesL - you might like to check out http://alhamra.dk/ for marina photos, not sure how up to date they are.

[JamesL]

Hi Tarboor

Thanks for the link a load of pictures. Have you visited this sitehttp://www.eyeonworldwide.com/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=759

[JamesL]

Hi Tarbooj

Thanks for the link a load of pictures. Have you visited this sitehttp://www.eyeonworldwide.com/forum/comments.php?DiscussionID=759

[tarbooj]

Great site James, looks like there is more activity happening there!

[glover]

Nathalie Gillet
The National

* Last Updated: March 05. 2009 7:39PM UAE / March 5. 2009 3:39PM GMT

Ras al Khaimah’s 45-megawatt open cycle gas-fired power plant, Al Hamra 1, has begun to deliver its first energy today.

The emirate has suffered from a chronic power shortage as development outpaced supply, resulting in intermitent electricity cuts and long delays in housing projects getting connected to the grid.

“We have started generating power today,” said Zakkir Hussainthe general manager of Electro RAK and advisor for water and power of Ras al Khaima Investment authority (RAKIA). “22.5 megawatts are already being supplied.”

The plant was constructed in less than eight months by Independent Power Corporation, a UK-based energy developer. “We have been testing the two General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines for three weeks,” Peter Earl, the managing director of IPC said. “The first one is already supplying power into the Ras al Khaimah grid. The second turbine is fired and tested, and ready to go but we are waiting until the grid connections are completed.”

The cost of the plant is estimated at around US$40 million (Dh146m). The majority of the power will serve the residential area of Al Hamra Village, and the Al Hamra Mall, located in the western part of the city.

According to Mr Hussain, an additional 120 MW will come in 12 months with Al Hamra 2 plant, that will serve the Industrial area.

RAKIA last year announced plans for four power plants including Al Hamra 1 and 2. The emirate has a need for 200MW, Mr Earl said. Supply was cut back 25 per cent last year by Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA), and by another 10 per cent this year.

ngillet@thenational.ae

[glover]

Nathalie Gillet
the national

* Last Updated: March 09. 2009 7:22PM UAE / March 9. 2009 3:22PM GMT

On a recent Friday afternoon, the quiet lanes of Al Hamra Village were sprinkled with a few Hummers, parked here and there in private garage spaces. A little further on, a young woman standing at her doorstep welcomed a lorry loaded with furniture travelling in her direction. Lee Russell from South Africa was moving in.

“I was living in Dubai and four months ago our landlord raised the rent by Dh60,000 [US$16,335] for a two-bedroom,” she said. “So when we saw this beautiful area on the sea we decided to move. We now pay only Dh145,000 a year for a larger, three-bedroom at an hour’s drive.”

She said that if in six months time she could obtain financing, she would not think twice before buying.

From the other side of the house, Ms Lee can see a golf course to which people travel from as far away as Dubai, attracted by the less expensive green fees. A paraglider crosses the skyline over her head towards the sea, where a boat full of European tourists is sailing along the coast. The area has plenty to offer residents and visitors.

Ras al Khaimah’s property market, like nearly everywhere in the nation, faces its challenges. Some developers cannot afford to build the projects they have sold, many developments have no power connected and the regulatory environment is still maturing. But the emirate also sees some long-term positives.

RAK was the second emirate – after Dubai in 2002 – to allow foreign ownership of property. Al Hamra Village, with its 1,350 residences, is one of the few freehold areas in Ras al Khaimah where foreigners, including non-GCC citizens, can buy property. Others include the man-made Al Marjan Island, The Cove and Mina Al Arab, all located on the waterfront and several kilometres west of the city.

The legal framework also improved, with the introduction of escrow accounts in July of last year. “A developer now cannot sell anything before opening an escrow,” says Khater Massaad, the chief executive of the Ras al Khaimah Investment Authority (RAKIA).

But the rule has yet to be implemented on a larger scale. “Not all the developers have opened an account yet,” says a broker from Hunt and Harris Estates, the real estate agents.

For all its challenges, Ras al Khaimah remains an intriguing land of possibilities for some buyers, especially those willing to overlook some daunting problems in the short term, such as the lack of electricity in many places.

Among the underlying strengths of the emirate are its natural beauty and a modest but solid industrial base.

“We have tourism and several industrial parks,” says Sheikh Saud bin Saqr, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras al Khaimah. “Our property developments are not being built for nobody.”

One of the property industry’s main assets in the emirate is its popularity with tourists. Located at the northern tip of the UAE, the area offers a diverse landscape with large natural beaches, mountains and desert. Every year the emirate attracts nearly 500,000 visitors, mainly Europeans. “People living in Dubai also like to buy their vacation homes in Ras al Khaimah,” says Zaid Siddik, a property consultant at Aqua Properties.

The second driver of the market is industry, with manufacturing accounting for 9 per cent of the emirate’s GDP. Engineers and clerks working for the RAK Ceramics plant, the largest producer of ceramics in the world, or other factories located in the emirate’s industrial zones, need dwellings.

Like everywhere else in the UAE, the market has been hit hard by the global economic crisis. Prices, which had reached an average of Dh1,600 per square foot in prestigious projects such as Mina Al Arab, have been falling since September, especially in freehold areas, according to brokers and residents.

The emirate is more fortunate than nearby Ajman, where first-time developers have sold hundreds of buildings and not yet started construction. The off-plan market in Ras al Khaimah has grown on a more limited scale and more slowly than Ajman, giving it time for construction to go ahead. Projects have already been delivered and are being developed by fewer players that are often backed by the Government, including Rakeen, Al Hamra Real Estate and RAK Properties.

“The fact that expatriates can already move into nice houses on the beach gives a certain confidence,” says an agent at Hunt and Harris Estates.

Still, with buyers scarce on the resale market and existing buyers unable to meet instalments, developers are struggling to proceed with construction.

Some have recently announced delays. RAK Properties, which is the emirate’s largest developer and is listed on the Abu Dhabi bourse, has promised to deliver its two 45-storey Julfar Towers this year and the first two phases of its flagship project Mina Al Arab – about 300 villas – this year and next year, as scheduled.

But the next and unsold phases of Mina Al Arab will be delayed.

RAKIA owns most of the recently launched developments. Their early stages of development give the authority flexibility to delay or cancel parts of them, according to Mr Massaad. RAKIA’s most advanced project is Al Marjan Island, a 270 hectare, man-made island designed to resemble a coral atoll.

“The land has been totally reclaimed and developers have paid up to 20 per cent so far. Whether they will continue to pay or not, we will see,” says Mr Massaad, adding that he expected defaults.

Khoie Properties, the developer behind one of Al Marjan Island’s flagship projects, La Hoya Bay, already has said it was insolvent and hoped that RAKIA would finish the construction.

The master plan of Dana Island, another project launched by RAKIA, will be scaled back.

“The land has only been reclaimed 15 per cent and we have not sold very much, so there are no big consequences in completing it at a smaller size,” he said.

Gateway City, the $1.1 billion development set to be home to 250,000 people, is on hold, according to a source close to RAKIA.

The authority recently promised flexibility to buyers and developers, including delaying payment plans and transferring purchases from one project to another.

But times will be tough. And even though the electricity shortage is being addressed, it remains a major issue in the short term. Recently delivered residential areas such as The Cove do not include power supply in the package. Several ready buildings in the city have been waiting for power for more than a year, according to brokers and developers.

Sheikh Saud is aware of the issue. “The federal institution called FEWA [Federal Electricity and Water Authority], was supposed to look after the supply of power. But they are not delivering it,” he told The National in a recent interview. “We are undertaking studies and have just started to build generators in the meantime. They are in Khor Khuwair, in Al Hamra and in Al Ghail. We intend to supply the whole of Ras al Khaimah.”

Industry insiders mention a shortage of capacity at FEWA. The body declined to make officials available for comment. According to the Oxford Business Group, FEWA plans to boost its capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) to 2,000MW for the northern emirates of RAK, Ajman, Umm al Qaiwain and Fujairah by 2018. But experts suggest that this will still not be enough.

Plans for four small gas-fired power stations were announced last year by RAKIA, most of them to supply industrial zones. The first 45MW plant become operational last week and was built in only eight months. It will cover the Al Hamra area, including Al Hamra Village.

“The two costly generators of Al Hamra Village are bound to be removed and another 120MW will be added in 12 months,” says Serge Guillaume, the executive director of RAKIA.

RAKIA recently announced that it would develop coal-fired power generation in the emirate in the next two years, adding 400MW, which will be expanded within five years to 1,000MW.

One RAKIA source said that Ras al Khaimah would need more than 4,000MW by 2015 to meet the power needs of new developments, although the economic slowdown may cut growth and the electricity need.

In the meantime, the RAK Government hopes to adjust to the crisis.

“We have the buildings, we have the tourism and the industry. So once we get the electricity, RAK will be really booming,” says Patricia Mottershead, head of the brokerage agency Premium Real Estate.

[Plann]

that sounds real good!

[Delphine]

I have been told my 2 bed in Marina Block A is ready for handover but I have told Al Hamra that I did not purchase a property to be run by a generator and would like to know when full power facilities will be linked to the apartments. In the 2 years I have waited for this handover I have not had one single email/phone call from Omar or his office with any explanations for the delays and now suddenly they want my money. I think everyone in a similary position should take a stand against them.

On another subject can anyone recommend a reputable real estate agent who could rent my property for me when I choose to put it on the market? Many thanks.

[JamesL]

Hi All,

Has anyone got uptodate pictures of the landscaping in front of marina

James

[glover]

Staff Writer on Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Ras Al Khaimah's new 84- megawatt Al Ghail Power Plant will start commercial production next week and will meet the energy needs of companies located at the Al Ghail Industrial Park.

The gas-based power plant, set up by Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority (Rakia) has been successfully test fired and is ready to be connected to the grid powering the industrial park.

Rakia will also fully commission the 45MW open cycle gas-fired power plant, Al Hamra-1 within a week. The plant has already started supplying 22.5MW of power using one of its two turbines.

The two new power plants were set up with an investment of about $130 million (Dh477m). While the Al Ghail power plant would serve the industrial park, Al Hamra-1 would supply power to Al Hamra Industrial Zone, Rakia Free Zone and residential projects in Al Hamra Village.

Rakia has been fast tracking the implementation of the four new power projects it announced last year to meet the emirate's surging energy needs.

"Rakia is making sincere efforts to enhance the emirate's proven competitiveness in the industrial and manufacturing sectors by developing self sufficiency in power and water supplies. The two plants would contribute an additional 130MW capacity to the emirate and Rakia is on track to meet its promise of providing reliable power and water availability to all investors," N Zakkir Hussain, Advisor, Power and Water Projects, Rakia, said.

Zakkir Hussain said the tendering process for the 120MW Al Hamra-2 power plant was in the final stages and the plant will be set up in 12 months time.

http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/...60c281258.aspx

[al hamra marina]

here are the latest photos from my apartment in building C of the Marina Apartments, well if I can get them attached..

[Imre]

Press Release

Al Hamra Village to handover another 1,000 luxury residential units in Ras Al Khaimah

Phase 2 of development now complete, offering 400 townhouses and villas and 600 flats

April 29, 2009
Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah's exclusive luxury residential and leisure development, has announced that up to 385 townhouses and villas and some 310 flats in the Marina building have been handed over and 283 units in the marina are now getting ready for handover following the completion of Phase 2 of the development. Al Hamra Village further revealed that up to 85 per cent of units within Phase 2 has been sold out and delivery of units is expected to be completed by August 2009.

Construction on Phase 3 of Al Hamra Village, on the other hand, has been well ahead of schedule with a phased handover of units scheduled between September 2009 and March 2011. Located south of Ras Al Khaimah City, the 2.5 million square-meter residential community is a picturesque sight set against a backdrop of salt water lagoons, a championship golf course and its own marina. Al Hamra Village offers freehold property options and features an excellent range of amenities within a highly secure, safe, vibrant and luxurious community.

Romain Felber, General Manager, Al Hamra Village, said: "Ras Al Khaimah has become a popular destination for tourist and business travellers, while there is also a growing number of people who have chosen to live and take advantage of the exciting new opportunities in the emirate. Al Hamra Village has been created primarily to complement the emirate's growing reputation as a choice destination for business, leisure and home living. The unique development has been expertly designed to allow residents to fulfil their dream lifestyle and redefine the meaning of luxury living. Moreover, Phase 2 delivers a fresh supply of nearly 1,000 housing units, which will certainly address the growing demand for residential properties in the emirate."

Al Hamra Village has also disclosed that the planning for Phase 4 of the residential project is now being finalised and will begin construction soon. Aside from a range of leisure and recreational facilities, Al Hamra Village is also fully equipped with essential utilities and services such as efficient electricity and water billing through a card billing system, petrol and diesel distribution pontoon and dispensers and boating facilities within the Marina Yacht Club among others.

[IMG]http://i42.************/1zxtcw1.jpg[/IMG]

[glover]

the national

Nathalie Gillet

* Last Updated: April 30. 2009 11:52PM UAE / April 30. 2009 7:52PM GMT

The second phase of Al Hamra Village, a Dh5 billion (US$1.36bn) residential and leisure development in Ras al Khaimah, has been completed, but the fourth and final stage will be scaled back.

Purchasers of units in the final phase will be allocated waterfront units instead.

“Fifty per cent of the development has been completed, which means 2,500 units, apartments and villas,” said Romain Felber, the general manager of Al Hamra Real Estate. “Handover of phase two started in December last year and will last until July. The third phase will start delivering townhouses in September.”

Mr Felber said some units in the second phase were ready two years ago, but residents were able to move in only a few months ago. “The duplexes were completed two years ago, but part of them could not be delivered because of power issues,” he said. “The difficulty is that FEWA [Federal Electricity and Water Authority] had promised to supply power, so we did not try and develop our own capacity.”

A new gas-fired power plant became operational in February and will cater for the whole area.

Al Hamra Village includes 5,000 residential units, a golf course, 250-berth marina and a 600-room hotel with 250 flats. It is one of the first few developments in Ras al Khaimah where foreigners can buy and people have been able to move in.

Settling in a community that is still under construction is not an easy task, according to residents. Lee Russell, a 42-year-old South African, was enthusiastic when she moved into her townhouse in February. Three months later, she tells a different story.

“There are a quite a few electricity cuts, one to three times a week,” she said. “In areas where children go, you will see electric panels open with wires hanging out. Down the parkways, paving blocks are missing. The clearest water from the kitchen is dirty and brown. I am washing my clothes with that and my dishes. Everything is stained now. And nobody seems to be accountable.”

Mr Felber said the power cuts were caused by testing carried out while the new plant was being installed.

“As for the water, the main problem is that since this area was built two years ago, all the pipes have not been used during this period of time,” he said. “I am putting in place a system to clean the pipes and we may have to invest additional money for new boilers [to replace those] that have suffered from corrosion.”

Mr Felber said Al Hamra Real Estate had taken over the work of most sub-developers to finish the project. Other projects would be delayed, he said. “We also have a couple of other projects, including a tower next to Julfar Towers. Sales have been made but, given the conditions, we are contacting buyers to offer them something else unless they want to wait.”

[glover]

today, May 27

[Plann]

Someone made a post asking when the swimmings pools finally will be ready. I saw one ready in one photo.

[DoHaless]

Foundation stone laid for Dh850m park in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah: The foundation stone for a huge entertainment venue and theme park in Ras Al Khaimah has been laid by Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The Dh850 million Wow Rak theme park project will be developed over 120 acres in the Khor Qurm region and is expected to provide a huge boost to the emirates tourism figures.

Planned as a complete family entertainment venue, the development will include two adjacent theme parks with a capacity to cater to 15,000 visitors per day, and a non-ticketed shopping and entertainment plaza.

The project is expected to be completed in two years, officials said.

"The project will contribute to the comprehensive development boom currently taking place in Ras Al Khaimah and will boost tourism facilities available in the emirate," said Shaikh Saud.

The new venture is being promoted by Polo RAK Amusements LLC, a joint venture company between India-based Polo Amusement Park Limited, the RAK Investment Authority and RAK Properties.

[JamesL]

Any more pictures in front of ABCD and club house

james

[Cayman]

Originally Posted by DoHaless

Foundation stone laid for Dh850m park in RAK

Ras Al Khaimah: The foundation stone for a huge entertainment venue and theme park in Ras Al Khaimah has been laid by Shaikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

The Dh850 million Wow Rak theme park project will be developed over 120 acres in the Khor Qurm region and is expected to provide a huge boost to the emirates tourism figures.

Planned as a complete family entertainment venue, the development will include two adjacent theme parks with a capacity to cater to 15,000 visitors per day, and a non-ticketed shopping and entertainment plaza.

The project is expected to be completed in two years, officials said.

"The project will contribute to the comprehensive development boom currently taking place in Ras Al Khaimah and will boost tourism facilities available in the emirate," said Shaikh Saud.

The new venture is being promoted by Polo RAK Amusements LLC, a joint venture company between India-based Polo Amusement Park Limited, the RAK Investment Authority and RAK Properties.

Old News from August 2006!

Wow Rak is partially built already and standing tall along the E11.