Tunis, the new Dubai of the Maghreb?

[Tounsi]

Tunis Downtown .




In 12 months a tsunami of new projects emerged. With an astronomical investments comming from the Emirates, Tunis will be within the next 20 years one of the biggest and important cities in all the mediterranean and african region as a business and financial platform .

Tunisia is small country with 10 million inhabitants well educated and very prosper ( average growth of 5.6 % per year for the last 20 years) .
Known as the Perl of The Maghreb and the Green State . Tunisia is renewing with her glorious past and with Carthage .

Stay Tuned , Tunis and Tunisia are back on the map of the NEW WORLD!

[Tounsi]

Sama Dubai, the international investment arm of Dubai Holding has inaugurated its $14bn joint venture with the Tunisian government, reported WAM. Dubai Ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Tunisian President Zine Al Abidine ben Ali led the opening of the 873 hectare project called The Century City and Mediterranean Gate

Dubai has invested so far in Tunisia over $3 billion. The new investment is likely to push the investment level of Dubai in Tunisia to $7 billion, and as the model goes, the Dubai investments will rise to $16 billion.

Sama Dubai, with an investment portfolio of $38 billion around the world, is one of the largest three real estate investment companies in the world.

Several years ago, Sama Dubai was going to invest in Jordan, but nothing came out of the negotiations.

The investment in Tunisia will not only create so many jobs for Tunisians, it will also host 2,500 international firms. Clearly the investment is a boon to Tunisia, a country that strategically manages its economy with an eye to the future and the challenges it brings. Most importantly, the executive branch of government seems to have worked out what it takes to attract quality investment.

When large investors go to Tunisia, they call upon the Large Projects Commission, a small body of highly qualified technicians whose role is to deal with projects that are larger than $1 billion.

This small body of five or so executives comprises engineers and MBAs, and is headed by a senior government executive (Slim Tlatli, known to many in Jordan since he worked for two years as an international consultant in industrial policy here) with the rank of minister, who reports directly to the president of Tunisia.

All negotiations with large investors are handled directly by this commission, not by investment promotion bodies and the regular bureaucracy. The task of the commission is to ensure that investors are encouraged to invest in Tunisia without sacrificing Tunisia's interests.

Questions that were asked, for example, were around the number of jobs to be created, the type of investments to be attracted, sources of funding (whether local or foreign), future outflows of capital once the project concludes, etc. All were strategic issues that are likely to affect the future of the economy.

On the other hand, huge tracts of land, 8,300,000 sq. m., by a lake within minutes from downtown Tunis, were provided at nominal prices by the government. The issue for the government was job creation, not money creation through land sale. After all, land holdings that set there as dust bowls cannot create jobs, only more dust.

The impact of this investment on the future flows of foreign direct investment to Tunisia is a hundred fold. Such a large deal signals to the world's mega investors that Tunisia is the place to be; consequently, other large firms will follow.

Furthermore, Emaar Properties and Dubai Investments have already announced new projects in telecom, tourism and infrastructure, injecting $700 million into Tunisia's economy.

The way Tunisia handled this mega investment is a best practice that should be emulated by others. The lessons learnt from the important role of this commission and the significant role it played in facilitating such a giant investment should not go unnoted or appreciated.

[Tounsi]

TUNIS — Emaar Properties PJSC yesterday announced its plans to develop the Dh6.7 billion ($1.88 billion) Marina Al Qussor project on Tunisia's eastern coastline.The 442 hectare Marina development is located within the county of Sousse towards the southern end of the Golfe de Hammamet and will offer a mix of living options and tourist attractions with a large Marina Village at its centre.


At a special ceremony in the capital Tunis yesterday, Emaar Chairman Mohamed Ali Alabbar presented the high profile project to the Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The project will add a premier tourist destination on the southern shores of the Mediterranean away from the hustle and bustle and yet be closely located to Tunisia's key cultural sites for tourists to explore.

Speaking at the event Alabbar said: 'We are honoured to showcase Marina Al Qussor to Tunisia's President Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisia is a country rich in heritage and we look forward to the opportunity of adding to its world class attractions with the development of Marina Al Qussor. This project is a timely addition to Tunisia's thriving tourism industry which has been attracting the world's attention.'

'Yesterday's presentation sees us looking at other parts of North Africa for the development of our master planned communities and lifestyle options that have become synonymous with Emaar. With its thriving tourism industry, Tunisia is a significant market for Emaar to roll out such communities that offer everything from a thriving resort atmosphere to a quiet retreat,' said Alabbar.

Emaar's Marina Al Qusoor development is in line with Tunisia's tourism policy which is currently focused on residence tourism which enables high end tourists to buy homes in areas with beautiful landscape for longer stays.

The country attracted 6.4 million tourists in 2005 and is aiming for tourism revenue of close to $2 billion in 2006.

The various components of Marina Al Qussor range from over 4,000 residential units with villas, townhouses and apartments located on the lakeside, beach, marina and quayside; six hotels ranging from luxury boutique to four star located on the beach and marina, leisure facilities with the marina, yacht club, beach clubs, spa resort and sports club.

[Tounsi]

With an estimated development value of approximately $3bn,Tunis Financial Harbour marks the entry of GFH and its Clients into Tunisia, as it positions itself as one of the largest foreign investors in the country.

To be located in the Raoued North, Tunis and just 25 minutes from the Tunis Carthage airport, the Tunis Financial Harbour was formally unveiled to His Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, President of Tunisia at a special ceremony held in Presidential Carthage Place Tunisia. A Memorandum of Understanding between Gulf Finance House and the Government of Tunisia was signed earlier this year.

A member country of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Tunisia has been ranked as the most competitive country in North Africa by the World Economic Forum in the 2007 edition of its Global Competitiveness Report. It is also the first country on the southern coast of the Mediterranean to have concluded a partnership and cooperation agreement with the European Union, the main component of which is the establishment of a free-trade zone. Since 1987, it has recorded an average growth rate of 5% per annum.

Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman, Gulf Finance House, said


'The Tunisian economy has been constantly outperforming the African average, with the country's per capita GDP being amongst the highest in Africa, driven by foreign direct investment. This growth along with progressive and proactive government has made Tunisia a very attractive investment destination for us. We thank the Tunisian government for its support.'



'The country could benefit from developing its offshore financial services industry and creating a world-class International Financial Centre for North Africa. Tunis Financial Harbour has been created by some of the world's leading financial services strategists and utilises a business cluster model. We are confident that TFH will make a significant contribution to the Tunisian economy in the long term, and will be seen as a strategic component of Tunisia's economic infrastructure.'

Elaborating on GFH's involvement in the project and its planned components, Mr. Peter Panayiotou, Acting Chief Executive Officer, GFH, said: 'GFH is focused on expanding its horizons globally with a particular focus on emerging economies with strong growth potential. Simultaneously, the Bank is also focused on consolidating its position in the wider MENA region by tapping into specific opportunities, with the Tunis Financial Harbour project being the latest venture.'

'Having successfully developed and launched a world-class financial district in Bahrain, we were confident of replicating this success in North Africa. Apart from the economic drivers behind this decision, Tunisia's ability to provide talented human resources, with the country reporting relatively high investments in higher education as a proportion of GDP, was a key factor that prompted us to choose Tunisia as the location for our first financial harbour in North Africa.'

'Tunis Financial Harbour will comprise four key clusters, in addition to hosting a wide array of professional and other support service firms. The clusters at will include, a Corporate Centre, an Investment Banking and Advisory Centre, an Insurance and Takaful Centre and an Exchange,' Mr. Panayiotou added.

To be spread over a total site area of 450 hectares and as per initial development plan, Tunis Financial Harbour will consist of a marina and a commercial cum residential complex of luxurious villas, commercial/ business developments, a golf course and a stadium. The project will also contain a world-class business school. It is estimated that Tunis Financial Harbour will create thousands of jobs, and bring in billions of dollars to the overall Tunisian economy.

[Tounsi]

Tunis, Feb. 5th, 2008 (WAM) - Al Maabar International Investments Company announced its plans to build one of its biggest projects in the African Continent. This project is Bled El Ward on the northern rives of the capital Tunis on a total area of 5 Thousands Hectares, with a total costs that reaches $ 10 billions.

Yousef Al Nowis, the Managing Director and member of the Board, declared, in Tunis after having presented the project before President Zine Alabidine Ben Ali on Monday February 04th 2008, and in the presence of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyen, Minister of Foreign Affaires of United Arab Emirates, that Bled El Ward presents a one-of-a-kind achievement in the Mediterranean southern part region.

In fact, it developed a modern city made up with many components such as the International Health city, water channels in addition to tourist resorts, residencies, sport facilities, Golf fields, and areas for shopping, entertainments and open space in a complete synergy between "Live, Work, and Play".

Al Nowis also clarified that the project of Bled El Ward is derived from the old name of the Tunisian city, Ariana, which is known for its beautiful roses and flowers and its soft breeze. Its design gets its name from the old architecture history. It is based on the most modernized architecture styles. Furthermore, it gives priority to the environment and nature as whole, with its sea and forests sides. It also provides 50 Km of beaches through its water channels.

On the other hand Ahmad Al Sayegh, Chairman of the Board, unveiled that a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Tunisian Government last December 2007 and that Zine Al Alabidine Ben Ali salutes the high standard of the project's design. This gives way, today, to start the implementation of studies to complete with all the procedures and starting the execution.

Al Sayegh declared that the realisation of Bled El Ward project will be on many phases. The first is Diar El Fel zone that covers 300 hectares, 190 Hectares will be devoted to building. The development period of this project will be 5 years

[Tounsi]

Tunisian President Zine Al-Abidine Bin-Ali gave the green light Friday to the project of Tunis Sports City, being carried out by the UAE Bukhater Group in Tunis Northern Lake area.

The inauguration ceremony of the project was attended by Bukhater Chairman Abdul-Rahman Bukhater and ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Tunisia as well as a number of Arab and Tunisian personalities.

Bin-Ali was briefed on the project through a model and charts of all constructions and sports facilities at the integrated project.

The project consists of nine sports academies including open courts and multi-purpose halls. It also includes track and field facilities and maritime sports facilities as well as administrative, commercial and residential buildings.

The project, to cover up to 255 hectares, will have green areas covering 60 percent of its total area. Its total cost is put at USD 5 billion.

President Bin-Ali attributed importance to the project which takes into account the urban development in the area.

He instructed the relevant authorities to facilitate the operations of Bukhater Group as well all concerned parties with a view to finishing the project as soon as possible.

[Tounsi]

Originally Posted by Tounsi

Sama Dubai, the international investment arm of Dubai Holding has inaugurated its $14bn joint venture with the Tunisian government, reported WAM. Dubai Ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Tunisian President Zine Al Abidine ben Ali led the opening of the 873 hectare project called The Century City and Mediterranean Gate

Dubai has invested so far in Tunisia over $3 billion. The new investment is likely to push the investment level of Dubai in Tunisia to $7 billion, and as the model goes, the Dubai investments will rise to $16 billion.

Sama Dubai, with an investment portfolio of $38 billion around the world, is one of the largest three real estate investment companies in the world.

Several years ago, Sama Dubai was going to invest in Jordan, but nothing came out of the negotiations.

The investment in Tunisia will not only create so many jobs for Tunisians, it will also host 2,500 international firms. Clearly the investment is a boon to Tunisia, a country that strategically manages its economy with an eye to the future and the challenges it brings. Most importantly, the executive branch of government seems to have worked out what it takes to attract quality investment.

When large investors go to Tunisia, they call upon the Large Projects Commission, a small body of highly qualified technicians whose role is to deal with projects that are larger than $1 billion.

This small body of five or so executives comprises engineers and MBAs, and is headed by a senior government executive (Slim Tlatli, known to many in Jordan since he worked for two years as an international consultant in industrial policy here) with the rank of minister, who reports directly to the president of Tunisia.

All negotiations with large investors are handled directly by this commission, not by investment promotion bodies and the regular bureaucracy. The task of the commission is to ensure that investors are encouraged to invest in Tunisia without sacrificing Tunisia's interests.

Questions that were asked, for example, were around the number of jobs to be created, the type of investments to be attracted, sources of funding (whether local or foreign), future outflows of capital once the project concludes, etc. All were strategic issues that are likely to affect the future of the economy.

On the other hand, huge tracts of land, 8,300,000 sq. m., by a lake within minutes from downtown Tunis, were provided at nominal prices by the government. The issue for the government was job creation, not money creation through land sale. After all, land holdings that set there as dust bowls cannot create jobs, only more dust.

The impact of this investment on the future flows of foreign direct investment to Tunisia is a hundred fold. Such a large deal signals to the world's mega investors that Tunisia is the place to be; consequently, other large firms will follow.

Furthermore, Emaar Properties and Dubai Investments have already announced new projects in telecom, tourism and infrastructure, injecting $700 million into Tunisia's economy.

The way Tunisia handled this mega investment is a best practice that should be emulated by others. The lessons learnt from the important role of this commission and the significant role it played in facilitating such a giant investment should not go unnoted or appreciated.

New pictures !!!

[Tounsi]

VERY GOOD NEWS !!!

The project of teh century for Tunis is really getting into shape with the demolition of the old hangers area !!!

The plan is to enlarge the Street of Italy up to Moncef Bey first then to demolish all the area of the Petite Sicile .The new highway that is crossing the heart of the city has been extended up to the exhanger of La Marsa .

Finally Tunisia is getting ready for the XXI century!!!!!!!

Some pictures :

[myfreespirits]

Hi Tounsi. Fantastic pics and information. Is the Sama Dubai project still going ahead? Will it be near Raoud, where the salt lake is?I have seen a lot of progress in Tunisia since my first visit in 1974 every year until now. the only concern I have is that it doesn't lose its charm and arabesque architecture and culture.Do I pressume that you are developper in Tunisia as you seem to be promoting a lot of real estate? What about the area of Raf Raf and meteline will there be deveklopments on that side. I noticed when I was there in November at the Port not far from Meteline, there is a new development facing the sea and port, what is this?

Originally Posted by Tounsi

Sama Dubai, the international investment arm of Dubai Holding has inaugurated its $14bn joint venture with the Tunisian government, reported WAM. Dubai Ruler HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Tunisian President Zine Al Abidine ben Ali led the opening of the 873 hectare project called The Century City and Mediterranean Gate

Dubai has invested so far in Tunisia over $3 billion. The new investment is likely to push the investment level of Dubai in Tunisia to $7 billion, and as the model goes, the Dubai investments will rise to $16 billion.

Sama Dubai, with an investment portfolio of $38 billion around the world, is one of the largest three real estate investment companies in the world.

Several years ago, Sama Dubai was going to invest in Jordan, but nothing came out of the negotiations.

The investment in Tunisia will not only create so many jobs for Tunisians, it will also host 2,500 international firms. Clearly the investment is a boon to Tunisia, a country that strategically manages its economy with an eye to the future and the challenges it brings. Most importantly, the executive branch of government seems to have worked out what it takes to attract quality investment.

When large investors go to Tunisia, they call upon the Large Projects Commission, a small body of highly qualified technicians whose role is to deal with projects that are larger than $1 billion.

This small body of five or so executives comprises engineers and MBAs, and is headed by a senior government executive (Slim Tlatli, known to many in Jordan since he worked for two years as an international consultant in industrial policy here) with the rank of minister, who reports directly to the president of Tunisia.

All negotiations with large investors are handled directly by this commission, not by investment promotion bodies and the regular bureaucracy. The task of the commission is to ensure that investors are encouraged to invest in Tunisia without sacrificing Tunisia's interests.

Questions that were asked, for example, were around the number of jobs to be created, the type of investments to be attracted, sources of funding (whether local or foreign), future outflows of capital once the project concludes, etc. All were strategic issues that are likely to affect the future of the economy.

On the other hand, huge tracts of land, 8,300,000 sq. m., by a lake within minutes from downtown Tunis, were provided at nominal prices by the government. The issue for the government was job creation, not money creation through land sale. After all, land holdings that set there as dust bowls cannot create jobs, only more dust.

The impact of this investment on the future flows of foreign direct investment to Tunisia is a hundred fold. Such a large deal signals to the world's mega investors that Tunisia is the place to be; consequently, other large firms will follow.

Furthermore, Emaar Properties and Dubai Investments have already announced new projects in telecom, tourism and infrastructure, injecting $700 million into Tunisia's economy.

The way Tunisia handled this mega investment is a best practice that should be emulated by others. The lessons learnt from the important role of this commission and the significant role it played in facilitating such a giant investment should not go unnoted or appreciated.

[Halawala]

Wooooooooooow! I never knew Tunis was going to be soooo much developed in the future. This should really help out the Tunisian economy soo much!

[Tounsi]

In the Grand Tunis region around Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, there live 3
million people, almost a third of the Tunisian population, and it is also the center of economic activities in this country. Presently, the Grand Tunis region is divided into southern and northern areas by the Tunis Lake Canal, and the traffic between the two areas depends on either routes passing through the urban area of Tunis or ferryboats connecting Rades and La Goulette ports. The ferryboats, however, are limited in service time and number of vehicles to be carried, and most of the south-north traffic concentrates on the routes passing through the urban area of Tunis, causing traffic congestion and environmental deterioration in the city. In the future, as the economic activities in this region are activated, the tourist demand increases, and by the general development of the Tunis Lake proceeds, the traffic volume is expected to increase and it is desired to relieve the traffic congestion and improve the environment in the urban area of Tunis.

(2) Description of the Project

This is to construct a bridge (extradosed bridge) as an important portion of the metropolitan ringroad crossing the Tunis Lake Canal and connecting the southern and northern areas of the Grand Tunis region to connect Rades on the north side and La Goulette on the south side. The project details are as follows.
1. Main Bridge : length of bridge about 260m (double shaft type)
2. Approach bridge and approach roads on Rades (southern) side
Approach bridge: about 400m, approach road : about 2,190m
3. Interchange and Ramp way road on La Goulette (north) side
4. North extention road: about 2,300m

Completion : 2009

[Tounsi]

Originally Posted by Tounsi

In the Grand Tunis region around Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, there live 3
million people, almost a third of the Tunisian population, and it is also the center of economic activities in this country. Presently, the Grand Tunis region is divided into southern and northern areas by the Tunis Lake Canal, and the traffic between the two areas depends on either routes passing through the urban area of Tunis or ferryboats connecting Rades and La Goulette ports. The ferryboats, however, are limited in service time and number of vehicles to be carried, and most of the south-north traffic concentrates on the routes passing through the urban area of Tunis, causing traffic congestion and environmental deterioration in the city. In the future, as the economic activities in this region are activated, the tourist demand increases, and by the general development of the Tunis Lake proceeds, the traffic volume is expected to increase and it is desired to relieve the traffic congestion and improve the environment in the urban area of Tunis.

(2) Description of the Project

This is to construct a bridge (extradosed bridge) as an important portion of the metropolitan ringroad crossing the Tunis Lake Canal and connecting the southern and northern areas of the Grand Tunis region to connect Rades on the north side and La Goulette on the south side. The project details are as follows.
1. Main Bridge : length of bridge about 260m (double shaft type)
2. Approach bridge and approach roads on Rades (southern) side
Approach bridge: about 400m, approach road : about 2,190m
3. Interchange and Ramp way road on La Goulette (north) side
4. North extention road: about 2,300m

Completion : 2009

New picture of the bridge taken march the 27 th . Found in flickr by Selytun

[Tounsi]

Originally Posted by Tounsi

New picture of the bridge taken march the 27 th . Found in flickr by Selytun

A render :

[Tounsi]

Originally Posted by Tounsi

In the Grand Tunis region around Tunis, the capital of Tunisia, there live 3
million people, almost a third of the Tunisian population, and it is also the center of economic activities in this country. Presently, the Grand Tunis region is divided into southern and northern areas by the Tunis Lake Canal, and the traffic between the two areas depends on either routes passing through the urban area of Tunis or ferryboats connecting Rades and La Goulette ports. The ferryboats, however, are limited in service time and number of vehicles to be carried, and most of the south-north traffic concentrates on the routes passing through the urban area of Tunis, causing traffic congestion and environmental deterioration in the city. In the future, as the economic activities in this region are activated, the tourist demand increases, and by the general development of the Tunis Lake proceeds, the traffic volume is expected to increase and it is desired to relieve the traffic congestion and improve the environment in the urban area of Tunis.

(2) Description of the Project

This is to construct a bridge (extradosed bridge) as an important portion of the metropolitan ringroad crossing the Tunis Lake Canal and connecting the southern and northern areas of the Grand Tunis region to connect Rades on the north side and La Goulette on the south side. The project details are as follows.
1. Main Bridge : length of bridge about 260m (double shaft type)
2. Approach bridge and approach roads on Rades (southern) side
Approach bridge: about 400m, approach road : about 2,190m
3. Interchange and Ramp way road on La Goulette (north) side
4. North extention road: about 2,300m

Completion : 2009

Updates :

[Tounsi]

Oui Tabouleh on est des fréres Phéniciens ;-)

[Tounsi]

[CODM]

i heard somebody saying that Tunis is the new Dubai of the Mahgreb?
thank goodness they used a question mark .
my answer would be the one has to be pragmatic with what ? tunis has it s economy based on olive production and some mass tourism not even for the jet setters i think that is rather wishful thinking to be more logic .

[Tounsi]

Originally Posted by CODM

i heard somebody saying that Tunis is the new Dubai of the Mahgreb?
thank goodness they used a question mark .
my answer would be the one has to be pragmatic with what ? tunis has it s economy based on olive production and some mass tourism not even for the jet setters i think that is rather wishful thinking to be more logic .

I heard somebody saying hat the Tunisian economy is based on Olive production and some mass tourism..??

Thank God he's the only ignorant in the Tunisian Forum !!!

[Tounsi]

The Dunes -The Gold Coast

Website : http://www.mayfairdevelopments.com/

Situated on Tunisia’s "Gold Coast", within easy reach of its most exclusive resort, Port El Kantaoui, The Dunes Golf & Spa Resort is a beachside development situated conveniently between two of Tunisia’s busiest airports offering direct and inexpensive flights to major European cities.

The development itself comprises of studios, one, two and three bed apartments in a low rise setting in a prime residential area close to all facilities including a 36-hole golf course, marina and restaurants. The Dunes Golf & Spa resort is directly located next to glorious white sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The resort offers on-site world class Thallasso Spa facilities including an indoor swimming pool, Turkish baths, a sauna, gymnasium and beauty & massage treatment rooms with discounts for residents. One can enjoy a massage on the exclusive private beach set aside for residents only or play a round of golf at the finest African golf courses located on your doorstep. The Dunes is a gated 5 star resort offering 24hr security and concierge facilities as well as on site amenities including a restaurant, snack bar, supermarket, bank, bakery and a rental management company.

[Tounsi]

New residential projects :