#PROJECT: CITY OF ARABIA

[Krazy]

Leighton lands USD64 million project in Dubai

Leighton Asia (Southern) has been awarded a USD64 million contract in JV with Kier Dubai LLC for the construction of roads and infrastructure for the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group's City of Arabia development in Dubai.


Mall at City of Arabia.

Operating as Gulf Leighton LLC, Leighton Asia (Southern)'s share of the project is worth US$32 million.

The joint venture is responsible for the construction of 15 kilometres of roads in and around the development, five bridges, and underground services including drains, sewers, water mains and telecommunications.

Work will commence immediately and the project is due for completion in August 2008.

The project is Leighton Asia (Southern)'s first in Dubai. It follows the award to the company last month of the US$407 million Al Shaqab Equestrian Academy in Doha, Qatar.

The City of Arabia is a US$1.1 billion, 1.8 square kilometre development at the heart of Dubailand, and serves as its gateway and main residential and retail centre. The development will contain business and administrative offices, schools and clinics, luxury apartments, shops galleries, restaurants and a theme park.

Dubailand is a 280 square kilometre entertainment and leisure development that is integral to Dubai's aim to become one of the world's top tourism destinations.

The Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group was established in 1988 and owns a number of companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The two brothers, Ilyas and Mustafa, are from one of the leading merchant families in the UAE and are major operators in the property, automotive, jewelry, hospitality, food storage and food retailing industries.

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

Saturday, 22 July 2006
Piling on the pressure to open on time

by Angela Giuffrida

Looking at the vast and predominantly empty area of desert that will play host to what is billed to become the biggest hub for leisure and entertainment in the world, it is difficult to imagine that, in just a few years, the land will be transformed into a bustling mix of activity that will eventually make up the ambitious Dubailand development.

Aside from a few billboards depicting what the 300 million m2 site may look like in years to come, just a handful of the 26 projects signed off for the development have started construction. But one that is determined to meet its 2008 deadline is the US $1.1 billion (AED4.04 billion) City of Arabia.

Among the largest projects in Dubailand, it will form a new
suburb of Dubai with an estimated 40,000 residents. It will include the Mall of Arabia, the Restless Planet dinosaur theme park, a mix of residential and commercial towers, and Wadi Walk, which will be made up of a number of low-rise apartments alongside a 10km-long waterway.

Work on the 61 million m2 development got underway in January when Middle East Foundations Company began boring the 13,000 piles that will form the foundations for the Mall of Arabia. The mall — which is tipped to be the largest in the world — will accommodate two levels for shopping, two for parking and two hotels on its roof. There are currently 18 piling rigs on site, with 16 working full-time and two on standby in case any rig fails.

“So far in five months of work we have not had a single failure of a rig. All load tests on the piles have been very satisfactory,” says City of Arabia director, Anwer Sher.

“The pile depths are based on the load that they carry and would usually be about 30m deep. There was extensive value engineering done on the design of the foundation work by WSP, the structural engineer on the City Of Arabia project.

“These are fairly conventional piles but it’s the load calculations that have to be precise, and this is where smart engineering comes into play.”

With the infrastructure work about to begin, the number of workers on site will increase to around 800. The $64 million infrastructure contract was recently awarded to Kier Dubai and Leighton Asia. The joint venture will undertake the construction of 15km of roads in and around the development, five bridges and underground services including drains, sewers, water mains and telecommunications.

The main contractor for the Mall of Arabia is yet to be announced, along with the contract for the $200 million monorail, for which Malaysia’s Trans and Bombardier of Canada are in the running.

Bids for the Wadi Walk component are under evaluation, and contracts for the first phase development of the Restless Planet are expected to be announced soon.

“At the peak of the contract we expect to have 16,000 workers on site,” adds Sher. “We’ve compiled a supervisory breakdown schedule. So for Mall of Arabia, for example, we will need around 122 inspectors full-time, supervising different trades, with a speciality in their own trade.

“The trouble with most construction contracts is that once the job is done, you don’t know what’s underneath or how good the quality will be, and to achieve this you obviously need good supervision.”

The most complicated element of the project will be the construction of the dome that will house the Restless Planet, says Sher. Spread over 152,000m2, the theme park will feature four rides, exhibits of real fossil discoveries and about 109 dinosaurs, which are being made by Kokoro in Japan. City of Arabia has teamed up with Jack Rouse Associates, who will manage the design and build contract for the park, along with palaeontologist Jack Horner, and the Natural History Museum in London.

“The main new building element will be the skin on the Restless Planet dome, which has never been used in the Middle East and remains a surprise for the market. All we can say is it will move design to a new level,” says Sher.

“But one of the main challenges is the Cloud Building — which will house the 109 animatronic dinosaurs — as we will have to put the largest dinosaurs in first and then construct the building around them. To my knowledge this has not been done here before. The engineering that is going into this project is quite incredible.”

With 16,000 workers expected on site at the peak of construction, overcoming the health and safety issues that such a number of people in one working environment will create is just one of the challenges facing a project of this scale.

“We have calculated that for the life of this contract we will have as many as 48 to 58 contractors, not counting the subcontractors,” adds Sher.

“Because we decided that we would like to build most of City of Arabia in one go — so that we don’t have people living there with construction going on around them — the aim is that it will be a turnkey operation, which will be ready to open in 2008.

“So from consultants to contractors, all have to have a health and safety officer and proper training in place for all the staff. In addition, there will be an emergency medical centre on site that will be properly staffed with paramedics to deal with emergency situations, as well as health and safety stations across the site.”

Another challenge of such a huge project will be completing it within such a tight deadline, as well as within budget.

“We have hedged the cement and concrete prices so are not worried about potential increases. And for all other elements we have contingency sums already built into our budget,” says Sher.

Part of the pre-qualification criteria for contractors was not only how big their labour force was, but how much of it was available. This is one of the reasons why City of Arabia has appointed contractors in joint venture.

“Most of our contractors respect the deadlines we give them. If we say that the layout of the mall, for example, cannot be changed after a certain date, they take heed of this. The retailers also appreciate that,” says Sher.

“Secondly, we give our project managers a lot of empowerment, unlike other projects where the architect has a stronger relationship with the project owners than the project manager. In this case the project manager leads; they have a tremendous amount of power over the project because that’s their responsibility — we don’t hire them for cosmetic reasons.”

R

[dubaiflo]

Awesome, this sounds sooo amazing, i can' wait for CoA to be done.

the dome sounds pretty interesting, seems like they have a very special design.
and they have to put the largest Dinos in there and construct around them
and 152.000sqm is rather big isn't it.


anyway, 2008 for everyting? never.. maybe late 2009.

[kev the dentist]

Originally Posted by butterfly

Hi guys...

There does seem to be confusion even in the Galadari camp! But I just got out of there after hearing some things where in there may be a one off building of 80 storeys coming up right next to the Mall.

Its under discussion right now. More on that soon. anyways, tomorrow I'm uploading a brilliant render of the COA. Its the complete image of the clip on the site.

I've got to say, its one hell of an investment if you buy office space there. I bought some in the IMG Office tower and they've already raised 10% on the price, and they're raising it even more when they launch officially on Sunday. So happy me!

nice one. i bought 6800 sq feet in G-tower in feb at 1100/ ft. it`s now 1600. awfy happy days.

[Escoto_Dubai2008]

Dubai is getting bigger and beutifull.

[Dubai_Steve]

Originally Posted by kev the dentist

nice one. i bought 6800 sq feet in G-tower in feb at 1100/ ft. it`s now 1600. awfy happy days.

6800 sq ft, that would give you a profit of almost $1 million US since feb !?

[guy_in_dubai]

3.678 MILLION DIRHAMS! u can buy a jumeirah islands house with that! or palm jebel ali house

[Dubai_Steve]

...

[kev the dentist]

Originally Posted by Dubai_Steve

6800 sq ft, that would give you a profit of almost $1 million US since feb !?

needless to say that`s the developers price so it`s all on paper only. i can only make that kind of cash if i sell all flats for that price. however i`m selling one this year (at less than 1600 unless it goes up again which may happen when the cityof arabia and g tower are launched worldwide)and i`m gonna hang on to 3 apartments till the end. i bought in the top section (floor 33) which also helps.

the galadari brothers bought the penthouses which are incredible. even better than le reve. lucky gits.

[guy_in_dubai]

Originally Posted by Dubai_Steve

...

sorry lol..just got a bit excited there

[Krazy]

'City of Arabia' and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank sign financing agreement for lease of Gold Souk retail outlets

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) and the Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group (IMGG) have this week agreed to arrangements whereby renters of retail outlets in the Gold Souk of the Mall of Arabia will be be able to apply for long term lease discount loans from the bank.


Mall at City of Arabia.

This attractive scheme is available for retailers who wish to take a 30 year lease on a property in the Gold Souk. The lease finance will allow for a maximum 70% loan value over a 7 year period.

Mr. Hassan Jarrar, Head of Business Banking Group, ADCB commented, "The City of Arabia is offering a unusual opportunity to retailers and we are pleased to be able to assist them in taking advantage of this. For ADCB, being involved in such an innovative scheme aptly demonstrates the flexibility of our business banking products."

The Mall of Arabia will house one of the largest gold souqs in the world where international jewellers and gold merchants from across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and America will offer an unprecedented product range. Located adjacent to the boutique retail outlets and neighbouring the fashion centre of the Mall, the Gold Souq will become a focal point for exquisite jewellery whilst cafés and rest areas will provide ample opportunity for consumers to absorb the sophisticated atmosphere and vibrancy of the dazzling souq experience.

Located in the heart of Dubailand, the Mall of Arabia, with a GLA of 10 m sq ft (inc Phase 1 & 2), will be one of the largest in the region and indeed, the world. Forming a key element of the City of Arabia development, it will have direct and exclusive access to the world class Restless Planet Dinosaur Theme Park on Level 2, and will be linked to the rest of the complex, a mix of hotels, commercial and residential real estate plus boutique restaurants and shops, by small electrically powered boats on the 'wadi' and an automotive people mover. Construction has already begun on the project with piling underway for the Mall of Arabia.

Mr.Mustafa Galadari, Vice Chairman of Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group said, "A special point of difference with the Gold Souq is the opportunity for jewellery retailers to purchase their units on a unique ownership programme, as opposed to the usual short term rental. Commercial rents have risen 15% over the past year, so for retailers, the 30 year lease opportunity in the Gold Souq will provide a welcome hedge against continued increases. We hope to create long term partnerships with these retailers and make them part of our success story."

[kev the dentist]

Originally Posted by Dubai_Steve

6800 sq ft, that would give you a profit of almost $1 million US since feb !?

yup. that`s a lot of drilling and filling and pulling....

[Krazy]

anyone wanna do a plot map?

super huge map
http://www.seaviewdubai.com/Product%...%20WINDOW).JPG

I didn't realize before that Mall of Arabia is gonna be almost HALF of CoA in area

[dubaiflo]

i will do the plot map when i back.

can u read that.. two 70F towers + 4 60F towers in CoA

[Dubai_Steve]

[dubaiflo]

massive... now that should be one big construction site in 6 months. and even more in 18.

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

Steak, rattle and roll ... Elvis cafe to open in Dubai

By Vikram Singh Barhat, Staff Reporter



Diners will be greeted by a 25ft high aninmatronic Elvis at the new themed restaurant in Dubai.

Dubai: Twenty-nine years after the death of Elvis Presley, his memory lives on and is set to assume a gastronomic dimension in Dubai with its first Elvis-themed restaurant.

Waiters dressed like the rock 'n' roll king will serve diners at the 1,500-square-foot Elvisly Yours restaurant planned at the Mall of Arabia in Dubailand.

Elvisly Yours, owned by London-based Sid Shaw and designed by Ray Hole of RH Architects, will form part of a global chain of restaurant of the same name. However, no opening date has been fixed as yet.

"Elvis is the most famous entertainer in the world and from what I have read, Dubai wants the best of everything, and we believe an Elvisly Yours restaurant there fits the bill," Shaw told Gulf News by telephone.

Excited

Shaw has sold Elvis memorabilia for 26 years while Hole has designed what will be the world's largest shopping mall in Dubai.

The restaurant aims to woo Elvis fans in the Middle East as well as millions of tourists passing through the Gulf's busiest hub.

Mohsin Rawal, 32, an Indian graphic designer who rarely misses Elvis-related events in Dubai, was excited by the idea.

"I fell in love with his music and style during my university days in London. I can't wait to visit the place and enjoy some live Elvis tribute performances."

Briton Rita Campbell, 29, a marketing manager, is looking forward to buying Elvis memorabilia and enjoying karaoke sessions. "I love Elvis's music and it always brings back childhood memories as my father often played Elvis songs when I was growing up.…"

Companies behind the Elvis restaurant project include Simon Gillot (Intoto Design), Ray Hole (RH Architects), Adrian Bates (Guest Bates Partnership) as quantity surveyor, Richard Penfold (DLA Law Firm) and Barry Hilton of Jailhouse Rock the Musical.

Ray said the restaurant's Dubailand spot has not been firmed up, but the company has allocated between Dh7 million to Dh21 million for the restaurant.

Dubai's homegrown Elvis wannabes will be able to take advantage of the restaurant's karaoke sessions while Elvis tribute artistes will also be brought in.

Other quirky design details include seating which will be arranged in the shape of a guitar's fretboard while the soundboard of the guitar will serve as the dance floor or stage for performers. Patrons can hold private parties at the Jungle Room and Blue Suede Heaven suites.

Memorabilia

Every detail about the restaurant will have the "King's" stamp, from the 25-foot high animatronic Elvis of the 50s that will greet diners at the entrance to the interiors which will be awash in Elvis images and memorabilia, as well as the menu.

Some of the dishes on offer will include 'Stuck On You' spicy chicken wings, 'Love Me Tender' steaks, 'King Creole Gumbo', and 'Too Much Monkey Business' dessert.

To Mike Edelson, commercial director of RH Architects, Dubai was one of the obvious choices for the restaurants, in addition to London and Japan.

"Dubai is home to some of the most dramatic architectures. It is an interesting place … a leisure and entertainment-driven city with a diverse mix of cultures and nationalities, just like Elvis's fan following."

R

[guy_in_dubai]

oh god..my dad will be one of the first people to go there..

[Erebus555]

Well you wont see me there unless I was desperate for the toilet ut I'm sure they'll have plenty of public loos in Dubai.

[dubaiflo]

lol i am not sure.. is it awesome.. is it tacky

i am sure it will attract people, whatever.