Dubai Holding, like Dubai World which I have already covered in a previous post, is a division of the gigantic Dubai sovereign wealth fund, The Investment Corporation of Dubai. The company has over 32,000 employees, and offices all over the world. From Dubai Holding:
'Dubai Holding was created in 2004 to consolidate and lead Dubai's large-scale infrastructure and investment projects. We are committed to improving every aspect of life in the region by investing in life-improving industries.
'Our achievements have helped build the success and prosperity of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the surrounding region. This includes the creation of a world-class commercial and physical infrastructure that attracts multinational companies from around the globe, and our work with the Government of Dubai to promote Dubai as a role model and catalyst for the region’s economic and social development.'
Dubai Holding has companies in 13 different industries:
1. Hospitality
2. Technology
3. Communication
4. Education
5. Finance
6. Real Estate
7. Healthcare
8. Leisure & Entertainment
9. Industrial Manufacturing
10. Biotechnology
11. Energy
12. Telecommunication
13. Aerospace
Dubai Holding consists of 7 member companies that own, manage and run more than 250 businesses involved in the above 13 Industries. I will now cover each of these 7 member companies and list some of the major businesses owned by each company.
JUMEIRAH GROUP
The Jumeirah Group handles Dubai Holding’s renowned luxury hotels and resorts. They aim to become the international hospitality industry leader through a world-class property portfolio. The Jumeirah Group portfolio includes:
> Burj Al Arab, > Jumeirah Beach Hotel, > Madinat Jumeirah, > Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, > Jumeirah Carlton Tower, > Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel, > Jumeirah Essex House.
TECOM INVESTMENTS
TECOM Investments is working to build the knowledge economy in Dubai by providing and running free trade zones that support the development of knowledge-based industries. The TECOM portfolio includes:
> Dubai Internet City, > Dubai Media City, > Dubai Knowledge Village, > Dubai International Academic City, > Dubai Outsource Zone, > Dubai Studio City, > International Media Production Zone, > Enpark, > DuBiotech, > Empower, > Smart City, > eHosting Data Fort.
DUBAI GROUP
Dubai Group is Dubai Holding’s leading diversified financial services company, focusing on banking, investments and insurance both regionally and globally. The Dubai Group portfolio includes:
> Dubai Investment Group, > Dubai Capital Group, > Dubai Financial Group, > Dubai Banking Group, > Dubai Insurance Group, > Noor Investment Group.
DUBAI PROPERTIES GROUP
Dubai Properties Group is Dubai Holding’s pioneering community developer. It offers integrated and holistic services in real estate, retail, hospitality and lifestyle management. The Dubai Properties portfolio includes:
> Dubai Properties, > Salwan, > Injaz, > Dubai Asset Management, > Dubai Retail, > Dubai Hospitality.
TATWEER
Tatweer owns and manages a strategic group of companies for Dubai Holding. These cover real estate, hospitality, energy, healthcare, education, leisure and entertainment. The Tatweer portfolio includes:
> Dubailand, > Bawadi, > The Tiger Woods Dubai, > Universal Studios Dubailand, > Dubai Healthcare City, > Global Village, > DreamWorks Dubailand, > Six Flags Dubailand, > Dubai Industrial City, > Dubai Merchantile Exchange, > Mizin, > Dubai Energy.
SAMA DUBAI
Sama Dubai is the international real estate arm of Dubai Holding. Sama creates and invests in development projects around the world. The Sama Dubai portfolio includes:
> Dubai Towers, Dubai, > Dubai Towers, Qatar, > The Lagoons, > Salam, > Amwaj Morocco, > Mediterranean Gate, > Smart City.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL
Dubai International Capital is a Dubai-based international investment company with a primary focus on private and public equity. The Dubai International Capital (DIC) portfolio includes:
> DIC Private Equity, > DIC Global Equities, > DIC Emerging Markets, > DIC Asset Management.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Mega Developers: Barwa
Barwa is one of Qatar's largest Mega Developers. Barwa was created in 2005 by the government owned Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company to develop projects in the Middle East and abroad. According to Barwa:
'We see ourselves ‘builders’ in Qatar’s emergence as a vibrant investment for the global community. Our work covers a wide array of real estate business related functions. Barwa manages, operates, leases and rents projects owned by us and by other partners, both locally and internationally. We also manage real estate portfolios and funds. Our work has earned us the accolade of being known as a master developer and planner who is committed to creating lasting legacies.'
Barwa underwent an IPO on the Doha Securities Market in 2006 that raised $330 million for 55% of the company's equity. Barwa is run by Ghanim Bin Saad Al Saad, Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, and Tamer Khader, CFO. In a short period of time the company has created one of the most impressive real estate portfolios I have seen, and become one of the top 20 developers in The Gulf.
THE BARWA MEGA PROJECTS
> Barwa U Street / Qatar
> Somerset West Bay Residence / Qatar
> Shaza Hotels and Spa Resort / North Africa
> Shard of Glass Tower / United Kingdom
> Somerset Al Fateh Juffair / Bahrain
> Somerset Corniche / Qatar
> Ajman Corniche Residence / UAE
> Al Mizab Project / Saudi Arabia
> Aspire Zone / Qatar
> Barwa Al Doha / Qatar
> Barwa Al Khor/ Qatar
> Barwa Ain Khalid Commercial Avenue / Qatar
> Barwa Al Dhahiya / Qatar
> Barwa Al Sharq / Qatar
> Barwa Al Sinya / Qatar
> Barwa Business Center / Qatar
> Barwa Financial Street / Qatar
> Barwa Financial District / Qatar
> Barwa Interim Doha Convention Center Capital / Qatar
> Labor Camp / Qatar
> Langham Building / United States
> Monaco Project / France
> Paris Convention Center / France
> Parking Yard and Laborer's City / Qatar
> Qatamiyah Residential City / Egypt
> Royal Monceau Hotel / France
> Royal Savoy Hotel Renovation / Switzerland
> Schweizerhof Hotel Renovation / Switzerland
> Somerset Tower / Qatar
> Touristic Resort / Croatia
Contact:
Barwa
Building 39, 3rd Floor
Al Saad Street
New Merqab Area
P.O. Box 27777
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 499-8888
Fax: +974 499-8887
Email: info@barwa.com.qa
Website: www.barwa.com.qa
'We see ourselves ‘builders’ in Qatar’s emergence as a vibrant investment for the global community. Our work covers a wide array of real estate business related functions. Barwa manages, operates, leases and rents projects owned by us and by other partners, both locally and internationally. We also manage real estate portfolios and funds. Our work has earned us the accolade of being known as a master developer and planner who is committed to creating lasting legacies.'
Barwa underwent an IPO on the Doha Securities Market in 2006 that raised $330 million for 55% of the company's equity. Barwa is run by Ghanim Bin Saad Al Saad, Chairman, Managing Director & CEO, and Tamer Khader, CFO. In a short period of time the company has created one of the most impressive real estate portfolios I have seen, and become one of the top 20 developers in The Gulf.
THE BARWA MEGA PROJECTS
> Barwa U Street / Qatar
> Somerset West Bay Residence / Qatar
> Shaza Hotels and Spa Resort / North Africa
> Shard of Glass Tower / United Kingdom
> Somerset Al Fateh Juffair / Bahrain
> Somerset Corniche / Qatar
> Ajman Corniche Residence / UAE
> Al Mizab Project / Saudi Arabia
> Aspire Zone / Qatar
> Barwa Al Doha / Qatar
> Barwa Al Khor/ Qatar
> Barwa Ain Khalid Commercial Avenue / Qatar
> Barwa Al Dhahiya / Qatar
> Barwa Al Sharq / Qatar
> Barwa Al Sinya / Qatar
> Barwa Business Center / Qatar
> Barwa Financial Street / Qatar
> Barwa Financial District / Qatar
> Barwa Interim Doha Convention Center Capital / Qatar
> Labor Camp / Qatar
> Langham Building / United States
> Monaco Project / France
> Paris Convention Center / France
> Parking Yard and Laborer's City / Qatar
> Qatamiyah Residential City / Egypt
> Royal Monceau Hotel / France
> Royal Savoy Hotel Renovation / Switzerland
> Schweizerhof Hotel Renovation / Switzerland
> Somerset Tower / Qatar
> Touristic Resort / Croatia
Contact:
Barwa
Building 39, 3rd Floor
Al Saad Street
New Merqab Area
P.O. Box 27777
Doha, Qatar
Tel: +974 499-8888
Fax: +974 499-8887
Email: info@barwa.com.qa
Website: www.barwa.com.qa
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My Favorite Investments In The Gulf
With prices on many of the great Gulf Mega Projects coming way down due to the current world financial crisis I think it is time to look at some of the best opportunities for investment. This list is by no means complete. There are many great projects not mentioned here. What I am giving you are the projects I consider to be the "Best Of The Best."
Please understand that just because I like these projects does not mean that they will increase in value or that you should invest in them. Nobody can perfectly predict the future. Ultimately you must do your own research to decide which projects you feel are the best investments.
DUBAI:
> Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This is my number one pick for a great Dubai investment. Above all else Dubai is positioning itself to become the financial center of the Middle East and a top worldwide financial hub. And DIFC is Dubai's center of finance. This mega project, unlike Business Bay, is already successfully functioning and has been since '04. DIFC is a huge project that will continue to expand. I would concentrate on office space rather than the residential projects in DIFC since Dubai is overbuilt with residential units in my opinion.
-- Right now I would be avoiding any residential investing in Dubai because, as I said, I think they have overbuilt in this area. I would also stay away from Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira as I have serious doubts if they will ever be fully developed. I would also be cautious about Dubailand projects as there are strong doubts if Dubailand will ever get fully developed.
ABU DHABI:
> Reem Island. This massive island Mega Project is being developed to eventually become the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi. Over 100 towers will be built on Reem Island which will one day be home to 250,000 residents as well as numerous businesses and resorts. Huge amounts of capital have been pouring into Reem Island and the Abu Dhabi government will add any required funding where needed during the current financial slowdown.
AJMAN:
> Ajman Marina. I think this is going to be the "Crown Jewel" project of this rapidly growing Emirate. Ajman Marina has been designed to become a mixed-use project focused on business, tourism, residential and commercial components. It covers everything. Advantages of the project include: --Strategic one-of-a-kind location in Ajman Waterfront Marina, --Investment opportunity to all nationalities with desirable Free Hold status, --All businesses given Free Zone regulations in which to operate, --Located near both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, --Yacht Clubs, malls, gardens, many high-end themed cafés and restaurants, --Educational areas, etc. I think Ajman Marina will be Ajman's most desirable project.
BAHRAIN:
> Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH). Bahrain has many fine Mega Projects being built but my favorite by far is BFH. This is because BFH is the financial center of the very wealthy Kingdom of Bahrain as well as a leading Middle East business center. In fact, BFH could eventually become a leading world business hub just like DIFC. Think of BFH as Bahrain's version of DIFC. And as with DIFC, I would invest in office space here too.
QATAR:
> Pearl Qatar. The Pearl Qatar is Qatar's largest and most spectacular Mega Project. It is being designed to be the "Riviera of Arabia" and will be the most exclusive and desirable location in Qatar. It should be noted that Qatar's economy has not suffered at all throughout the world financial melt-down and in fact Qatar continues to grow. Investment in the Pearl Qatar is an excellent way to share in the prosperity of Qatar.
SAUDI ARABIA:
> Entaj Industrial Valley. Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly and Entaj is set to become the Middle East's answer to America's Silicon Valley. Entaj will be part of King Abdullah Economic City, the largest real estate project ever developed. Entaj will focus on 7 different industry types: High Tech, Research and Development, General Industry, Logistics, Light Industrial Units, Construction, and Showroom / Retail Outlets. Office and industrial space could be a great investment at Entaj.
I have covered each of these projects in more detail in previous posts.
Two things to remember:
-- We are currently in one of the worst worldwide financial melt-downs in history and therefore prices of these projects will probably continue to fall. Thus you should wait for prices to come down even more before investing.
-- I think you will make more investing in office/commercial/industrial space rather than residential units.
Please understand that just because I like these projects does not mean that they will increase in value or that you should invest in them. Nobody can perfectly predict the future. Ultimately you must do your own research to decide which projects you feel are the best investments.
DUBAI:
> Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This is my number one pick for a great Dubai investment. Above all else Dubai is positioning itself to become the financial center of the Middle East and a top worldwide financial hub. And DIFC is Dubai's center of finance. This mega project, unlike Business Bay, is already successfully functioning and has been since '04. DIFC is a huge project that will continue to expand. I would concentrate on office space rather than the residential projects in DIFC since Dubai is overbuilt with residential units in my opinion.
-- Right now I would be avoiding any residential investing in Dubai because, as I said, I think they have overbuilt in this area. I would also stay away from Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira as I have serious doubts if they will ever be fully developed. I would also be cautious about Dubailand projects as there are strong doubts if Dubailand will ever get fully developed.
ABU DHABI:
> Reem Island. This massive island Mega Project is being developed to eventually become the centerpiece of Abu Dhabi. Over 100 towers will be built on Reem Island which will one day be home to 250,000 residents as well as numerous businesses and resorts. Huge amounts of capital have been pouring into Reem Island and the Abu Dhabi government will add any required funding where needed during the current financial slowdown.
AJMAN:
> Ajman Marina. I think this is going to be the "Crown Jewel" project of this rapidly growing Emirate. Ajman Marina has been designed to become a mixed-use project focused on business, tourism, residential and commercial components. It covers everything. Advantages of the project include: --Strategic one-of-a-kind location in Ajman Waterfront Marina, --Investment opportunity to all nationalities with desirable Free Hold status, --All businesses given Free Zone regulations in which to operate, --Located near both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, --Yacht Clubs, malls, gardens, many high-end themed cafés and restaurants, --Educational areas, etc. I think Ajman Marina will be Ajman's most desirable project.
BAHRAIN:
> Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH). Bahrain has many fine Mega Projects being built but my favorite by far is BFH. This is because BFH is the financial center of the very wealthy Kingdom of Bahrain as well as a leading Middle East business center. In fact, BFH could eventually become a leading world business hub just like DIFC. Think of BFH as Bahrain's version of DIFC. And as with DIFC, I would invest in office space here too.
QATAR:
> Pearl Qatar. The Pearl Qatar is Qatar's largest and most spectacular Mega Project. It is being designed to be the "Riviera of Arabia" and will be the most exclusive and desirable location in Qatar. It should be noted that Qatar's economy has not suffered at all throughout the world financial melt-down and in fact Qatar continues to grow. Investment in the Pearl Qatar is an excellent way to share in the prosperity of Qatar.
SAUDI ARABIA:
> Entaj Industrial Valley. Saudi Arabia is expanding rapidly and Entaj is set to become the Middle East's answer to America's Silicon Valley. Entaj will be part of King Abdullah Economic City, the largest real estate project ever developed. Entaj will focus on 7 different industry types: High Tech, Research and Development, General Industry, Logistics, Light Industrial Units, Construction, and Showroom / Retail Outlets. Office and industrial space could be a great investment at Entaj.
I have covered each of these projects in more detail in previous posts.
Two things to remember:
-- We are currently in one of the worst worldwide financial melt-downs in history and therefore prices of these projects will probably continue to fall. Thus you should wait for prices to come down even more before investing.
-- I think you will make more investing in office/commercial/industrial space rather than residential units.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Crash! Part 2: The Effects
Today I will go into detail about the effect the real estate crash in the UAE has had on Mega Project development. I have created a list of UAE Project Cancellations and Put-On-Holds. By looking over this list you will see all of the great Mega Projects that have either been cancelled altogether or put on hold until things get better. Many of the put on hold projects will ultimately end up being cancelled.
A note on accuracy. I have tried to be as accurate as possible with this list. However sometimes a project(s) is announced as put-on-hold or cancelled and then another source will say something else to the effect that the project(s) is going ahead as planned. Therefore I cannot guarantee that this list is 100% accurate, but I do think it is the most accurate and complete list available. Therefore if you know for a fact that any of the listed projects are going ahead as planned send me an email to let me know and I will make the correction on the list. Also, if you know of any cancelled or put-on-hold projects that I have missed you can also email me and I will add them to the list.
UAE PROJECT CANCELLATIONS AND PUT-ON-HOLDS
-- Nakheel Harbour and Tower
-- Al Salam City
-- Dubai Towers
-- Palm Deira
-- Asia-Asia Hotel
-- Dolphin City
-- The Universe
-- Nad El Sheba Racecourse
-- Mina Rashid Redevelopment
-- Aqua Dunya Dubailand Phase 1 & 2
-- Investment Corporation of Dubai
-- High Rise Boulevard
-- Anara
-- London Crown Tower
-- Oqyana
-- Coral Island Resort
-- Remraam Dubailand
-- Maysan Towers Dubailand
-- Plaza Mayor Jumeirah Village
-- Falcon City of Wonders Dubailand
-- Arabian Legands Dubailand
-- Sunny Mountain Skidome Dubailand
-- Tijara Town Dubailand
-- Metro Tower Dubailand
-- Wadi Tower Dubailand
-- Women's World Dubailand
-- FreeJ Theme Park Dubailand
-- Sanali Tower Dubailand
-- Durar Residential Complex
-- Atrium Project
-- Busch Gardens Theme Parks Palm Jebel Ali
-- Palm Trump Hotel & Tower
-- The Vantage
-- Ahmed Abdul Rahim Al Attar Tower
-- Lam Tara Twin Towers
-- Dubai Waterfront Light Rail & Tramway
-- Rotating Tower
-- Tiara United Towers
-- Dubai Exhibition City
-- Jumeirah Hills
-- Esplanade
-- Musrif Heights
-- Botanica Tower
-- Marina Star
-- Cactus Theme
-- Lagoon Club Hotel & Residences
-- Signature Tower Business Bay
-- Emivest Towers
-- Desert Gate Hotels & Towers
-- X2 Towers
-- Ain Al-Fayda
-- Sharjah Sports City
-- Tatweer Towers
-- Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2
-- Forbidden City
-- Porsche Design Towers Business Bay
-- Sienna Square
-- Seagull Tower
-- Image Residences
-- Canal Point
-- Sea Scape Tower
-- Ice Tower Dubai Marina
-- Water's Edge Business Bay
-- Mina Rashid Mixed Use Tower
-- West End Towers 1 & 2 Jumeirah Village
-- Burjside Boulevard Business Bay
-- Dolphin Towers
-- West Bay Tower Business Bay
-- Al Odaid Palm Tower
-- Haz Tower Business Bay
-- Nadra Tower Business Bay
-- Platinum Towers Business Bay
-- Burj Al Alam Business Bay
-- B2B Tower Business Bay
-- The Court Business Bay
-- Bristol Towers Business Bay
-- Palm Island Hotel Resort
-- Goldcrest Dreams
-- Green Park Jumeirah Village
A note on accuracy. I have tried to be as accurate as possible with this list. However sometimes a project(s) is announced as put-on-hold or cancelled and then another source will say something else to the effect that the project(s) is going ahead as planned. Therefore I cannot guarantee that this list is 100% accurate, but I do think it is the most accurate and complete list available. Therefore if you know for a fact that any of the listed projects are going ahead as planned send me an email to let me know and I will make the correction on the list. Also, if you know of any cancelled or put-on-hold projects that I have missed you can also email me and I will add them to the list.
UAE PROJECT CANCELLATIONS AND PUT-ON-HOLDS
-- Nakheel Harbour and Tower
-- Al Salam City
-- Dubai Towers
-- Palm Deira
-- Asia-Asia Hotel
-- Dolphin City
-- The Universe
-- Nad El Sheba Racecourse
-- Mina Rashid Redevelopment
-- Aqua Dunya Dubailand Phase 1 & 2
-- Investment Corporation of Dubai
-- High Rise Boulevard
-- Anara
-- London Crown Tower
-- Oqyana
-- Coral Island Resort
-- Remraam Dubailand
-- Maysan Towers Dubailand
-- Plaza Mayor Jumeirah Village
-- Falcon City of Wonders Dubailand
-- Arabian Legands Dubailand
-- Sunny Mountain Skidome Dubailand
-- Tijara Town Dubailand
-- Metro Tower Dubailand
-- Wadi Tower Dubailand
-- Women's World Dubailand
-- FreeJ Theme Park Dubailand
-- Sanali Tower Dubailand
-- Durar Residential Complex
-- Atrium Project
-- Busch Gardens Theme Parks Palm Jebel Ali
-- Palm Trump Hotel & Tower
-- The Vantage
-- Ahmed Abdul Rahim Al Attar Tower
-- Lam Tara Twin Towers
-- Dubai Waterfront Light Rail & Tramway
-- Rotating Tower
-- Tiara United Towers
-- Dubai Exhibition City
-- Jumeirah Hills
-- Esplanade
-- Musrif Heights
-- Botanica Tower
-- Marina Star
-- Cactus Theme
-- Lagoon Club Hotel & Residences
-- Signature Tower Business Bay
-- Emivest Towers
-- Desert Gate Hotels & Towers
-- X2 Towers
-- Ain Al-Fayda
-- Sharjah Sports City
-- Tatweer Towers
-- Dubai Healthcare City Phase 2
-- Forbidden City
-- Porsche Design Towers Business Bay
-- Sienna Square
-- Seagull Tower
-- Image Residences
-- Canal Point
-- Sea Scape Tower
-- Ice Tower Dubai Marina
-- Water's Edge Business Bay
-- Mina Rashid Mixed Use Tower
-- West End Towers 1 & 2 Jumeirah Village
-- Burjside Boulevard Business Bay
-- Dolphin Towers
-- West Bay Tower Business Bay
-- Al Odaid Palm Tower
-- Haz Tower Business Bay
-- Nadra Tower Business Bay
-- Platinum Towers Business Bay
-- Burj Al Alam Business Bay
-- B2B Tower Business Bay
-- The Court Business Bay
-- Bristol Towers Business Bay
-- Palm Island Hotel Resort
-- Goldcrest Dreams
-- Green Park Jumeirah Village
Monday, March 23, 2009
Is This Dubai World's Worst Investment?
Dubai World is one of Dubai's huge Sovereign Wealth Funds responsible for investing in companies that it feels will increase in value over time and thus benefit Dubai. Well I think I have found their WORST investment. Back in August of 2007 Dubai World and Mega Casino Operator MGM Mirage became partners when Dubai World agreed to pay $4.3 Billion for half of the gigantic CityCenter Complex Mega Project being built in Las Vegas (note: some sources say Dubai World paid $2.7 Billion). Dubai World also agreed to purchase $2.4 Billion in MGM stock.
Bad move! In August 2007 MGM Mirage stock was trading at around $75.00 a share. Today, March 23, 2009, MGM Mirage stock closed at $3.11 a share!! This is about a loss of 95% of the investment in a little over a year and a half.
That's not all. Dubai World, through its subsidiary Infinity World, is taking legal action against MGM MIRAGE because MGM has said it is so strapped for cash that it may not be able to complete CityCenter Complex... which Dubai World paid $4.3 Billion for a 50% share!! WOW!
Here is an article from TheNational.ae with details about the lawsuit:
Infinity Takes MGM to Court Over Vegas Project
Infinity World, a subsidiary of Dubai World, says it has taken legal action against MGM Mirage after the company allegedly committed a "breach" of its joint venture agreement to build a major project on the Las Vegas strip.
The company is asking a Delaware court to relieve it of any obligations under the agreement after MGM stated in its financial filings on March 17 that "there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern." MGM also said it "cannot provide assurance" that it could generate enough cash flow to pay for its share of the project.
The two companies had agreed to build a 31-hectare project in Las Vegas called CityCenter, which is described as the largest casino project in history. The US$8.6 billion (Dh31.58bn) project includes plans for several casinos, hotels, a retail strip and other office and residential buildings. Infinity World contributed $4.3bn to the project and owns 50 per cent of it, Dubai World said.
"The current path of the project is simply unsustainable given our partner’s financial troubles," Dubai World said today, adding that it had been left with "no other option but to act to protect its investment and the future of CityCenter."
Dubai World also alleged that MGM had "mismanaged" CityCenter, causing higher costs despite reducing the scope of the project.
An MGM spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment, but the firm’s chief executive, Jim Murren, told investors last week that he believed the company would succeed despite the challenges it faced. The company was granted a waiver by its lenders until May 15 to restructure at least $7bn of $13.5bn in long-term debt. "I have no illusions that this is going to be easy," he said, according to the Associated Press. "I do not at all harbour any ill feelings towards people who think we will fail, because this is not without risk. But I wake up thinking that we’re going to make progress every day."
The company is being hit by a combination of lower land and property values, less gambling, and declining room rates during the worst US recession in decades.
Indications that MGM was having difficulty with the CityCenter project first emerged in January, when local inspectors found faults in the construction quality of some of the buildings. The company modified parts of the project to cut costs, but it still needs about $1.2bn to finish the project.
Dubai World said it was working with lenders and MGM to ensure the project could still be completed by its deadline of late this year.
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090323/BUSINESS/712223757/1042
Bad move! In August 2007 MGM Mirage stock was trading at around $75.00 a share. Today, March 23, 2009, MGM Mirage stock closed at $3.11 a share!! This is about a loss of 95% of the investment in a little over a year and a half.
That's not all. Dubai World, through its subsidiary Infinity World, is taking legal action against MGM MIRAGE because MGM has said it is so strapped for cash that it may not be able to complete CityCenter Complex... which Dubai World paid $4.3 Billion for a 50% share!! WOW!
Here is an article from TheNational.ae with details about the lawsuit:
Infinity Takes MGM to Court Over Vegas Project
Infinity World, a subsidiary of Dubai World, says it has taken legal action against MGM Mirage after the company allegedly committed a "breach" of its joint venture agreement to build a major project on the Las Vegas strip.
The company is asking a Delaware court to relieve it of any obligations under the agreement after MGM stated in its financial filings on March 17 that "there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern." MGM also said it "cannot provide assurance" that it could generate enough cash flow to pay for its share of the project.
The two companies had agreed to build a 31-hectare project in Las Vegas called CityCenter, which is described as the largest casino project in history. The US$8.6 billion (Dh31.58bn) project includes plans for several casinos, hotels, a retail strip and other office and residential buildings. Infinity World contributed $4.3bn to the project and owns 50 per cent of it, Dubai World said.
"The current path of the project is simply unsustainable given our partner’s financial troubles," Dubai World said today, adding that it had been left with "no other option but to act to protect its investment and the future of CityCenter."
Dubai World also alleged that MGM had "mismanaged" CityCenter, causing higher costs despite reducing the scope of the project.
An MGM spokesman could not immediately be reached for comment, but the firm’s chief executive, Jim Murren, told investors last week that he believed the company would succeed despite the challenges it faced. The company was granted a waiver by its lenders until May 15 to restructure at least $7bn of $13.5bn in long-term debt. "I have no illusions that this is going to be easy," he said, according to the Associated Press. "I do not at all harbour any ill feelings towards people who think we will fail, because this is not without risk. But I wake up thinking that we’re going to make progress every day."
The company is being hit by a combination of lower land and property values, less gambling, and declining room rates during the worst US recession in decades.
Indications that MGM was having difficulty with the CityCenter project first emerged in January, when local inspectors found faults in the construction quality of some of the buildings. The company modified parts of the project to cut costs, but it still needs about $1.2bn to finish the project.
Dubai World said it was working with lenders and MGM to ensure the project could still be completed by its deadline of late this year.
http://www.thenational.ae/article/20090323/BUSINESS/712223757/1042
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Crash!
There is no bigger fan of Dubai than myself. In the last 7 years Dubai has truly accomplished the amazing. Through Dubai's Grand Vision the Emirate has created some of the most iconic and spectacular architectural marvels in world history. Projects like:
- Palm Jumeirah
- Burj Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- World Islands
- DIFC
- Ski Dubai.... and many others have made the entire world focus on Dubai with awe and envy. No other location on the planet has EVER developed so much so fast! And Dubai gave birth to the greatest real estate developers in history. Names like Nakheel, Emaar, Limitless and DAMAC have become almost legend through their amazing Mega Project developments.
Dubai also gave almost unlimited opportunities for great prosperity and wealth to all those expats who chose to come to Dubai and seek their fortunes. Many, many individuals made great fortunes in real estate and finance by coming to Dubai. In fact, Dubai was a true "Boom Town" and the world took notice
But all of this has now changed. In a BIG way! The world economies have crashed and Dubai, once thought immune, is also crashing. And crashing fast. I am truly amazed at how fast people are leaving Dubai. The change over the past few months has been remarkable. People are literally leaving all they had in Dubai.... cars, homes, etc. and just getting on a plane and leaving. Jobs are being lost at an alarming pace, especially in those areas that were only a short time ago the most attractive-- real estate and finance.
Real estate prices are collapsing and will no doubt continue on a downward spiral. The future of many of the great Mega Projects is also in question and in my opinion:
> It is very doubtful that either Palm Jebel Ali or Palm Deira will ever be fully developed. There is simply no demand for developments on these two gigantic man-made islands.
> Dubailand will never come close to the spectacular original plan for the project. I think certain parts will end up getting finished, but the vast majority of the project will never be built. It has always been questionable whether this project, even if it were ever to get fully built, could attract the projected 40,000 visitors a day hoped for. Especially during the hot summer months.
> Dubai Waterfront, which was originally planned to be a Mega Community twice the size of Hong Kong, will never be fully developed. Nakheel Harbour and Tower, part of Dubai Waterfront, has already been cancelled.
> Development of towers in Business Bay will be drastically cut back. What is the point of building more and more business towers if there are no businesses wanting to occupy them? And Dubai already has a successful business district with DIFC. A second business district is not called for.
> The gigantic new Dubai Mall could turn out to be a huge failure as more and more expats leave Dubai.
> Overall, real estate prices will continue down.... probably ending up 80-90% below their all time highs. And of course many more real estate brokerages and developers will go under.
++ Here is a quote from a recently published article in the Financial Times:
"Not so long ago Dubai was an Eldorado for construction and property companies. Attracted by some of the world’s most ostentatious and expensive projects, contractors from round the world flooded in to help the ambitious Emirate turn itself into a modern metropolis.
"Now, according to economists at National Commercial Bank, Saudi Arabia’s largest lender, $250bn (€199bn, £178bn) of projects have been cancelled or delayed in the seven-state United Arab Emirates – the majority in Dubai."
I could continue, but you get the point. On a more positive note I think that once the world economy begins to improve Dubai will bounce back STRONGLY. Dubai has already positioned itself as the center of finance for the Middle East and a leading world business hub. I believe that Dubai will eventually become a world business powerhouse equal to Hong Kong and London.
I also believe that Dubai will continue to be the world's most innovative developer of real estate projects. Once things begin to improve, Dubai will continue to develop amazing Mega Projects.... just at a slower and more balanced pace than during the boom.
One of the big positives that I see are all the great investment opportunities that the crash is creating. I will be giving you my favorite real estate investments for the Gulf Region in a future post.
In the long run I think the future of Dubai and the entire Gulf is very positive. In fact, I think The Gulf will emerge from the world economic crisis sooner and in better condition than most other parts of the world.
- Palm Jumeirah
- Burj Dubai
- Dubai Marina
- World Islands
- DIFC
- Ski Dubai.... and many others have made the entire world focus on Dubai with awe and envy. No other location on the planet has EVER developed so much so fast! And Dubai gave birth to the greatest real estate developers in history. Names like Nakheel, Emaar, Limitless and DAMAC have become almost legend through their amazing Mega Project developments.
Dubai also gave almost unlimited opportunities for great prosperity and wealth to all those expats who chose to come to Dubai and seek their fortunes. Many, many individuals made great fortunes in real estate and finance by coming to Dubai. In fact, Dubai was a true "Boom Town" and the world took notice
But all of this has now changed. In a BIG way! The world economies have crashed and Dubai, once thought immune, is also crashing. And crashing fast. I am truly amazed at how fast people are leaving Dubai. The change over the past few months has been remarkable. People are literally leaving all they had in Dubai.... cars, homes, etc. and just getting on a plane and leaving. Jobs are being lost at an alarming pace, especially in those areas that were only a short time ago the most attractive-- real estate and finance.
Real estate prices are collapsing and will no doubt continue on a downward spiral. The future of many of the great Mega Projects is also in question and in my opinion:
> It is very doubtful that either Palm Jebel Ali or Palm Deira will ever be fully developed. There is simply no demand for developments on these two gigantic man-made islands.
> Dubailand will never come close to the spectacular original plan for the project. I think certain parts will end up getting finished, but the vast majority of the project will never be built. It has always been questionable whether this project, even if it were ever to get fully built, could attract the projected 40,000 visitors a day hoped for. Especially during the hot summer months.
> Dubai Waterfront, which was originally planned to be a Mega Community twice the size of Hong Kong, will never be fully developed. Nakheel Harbour and Tower, part of Dubai Waterfront, has already been cancelled.
> Development of towers in Business Bay will be drastically cut back. What is the point of building more and more business towers if there are no businesses wanting to occupy them? And Dubai already has a successful business district with DIFC. A second business district is not called for.
> The gigantic new Dubai Mall could turn out to be a huge failure as more and more expats leave Dubai.
> Overall, real estate prices will continue down.... probably ending up 80-90% below their all time highs. And of course many more real estate brokerages and developers will go under.
++ Here is a quote from a recently published article in the Financial Times:
"Not so long ago Dubai was an Eldorado for construction and property companies. Attracted by some of the world’s most ostentatious and expensive projects, contractors from round the world flooded in to help the ambitious Emirate turn itself into a modern metropolis.
"Now, according to economists at National Commercial Bank, Saudi Arabia’s largest lender, $250bn (€199bn, £178bn) of projects have been cancelled or delayed in the seven-state United Arab Emirates – the majority in Dubai."
I could continue, but you get the point. On a more positive note I think that once the world economy begins to improve Dubai will bounce back STRONGLY. Dubai has already positioned itself as the center of finance for the Middle East and a leading world business hub. I believe that Dubai will eventually become a world business powerhouse equal to Hong Kong and London.
I also believe that Dubai will continue to be the world's most innovative developer of real estate projects. Once things begin to improve, Dubai will continue to develop amazing Mega Projects.... just at a slower and more balanced pace than during the boom.
One of the big positives that I see are all the great investment opportunities that the crash is creating. I will be giving you my favorite real estate investments for the Gulf Region in a future post.
In the long run I think the future of Dubai and the entire Gulf is very positive. In fact, I think The Gulf will emerge from the world economic crisis sooner and in better condition than most other parts of the world.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Dubai And Las Vegas
I have walked the streets of both Dubai and Las Vegas recently only to see gigantic cranes no longer in use looming over partially built Mega Projects that may never be completed. The cranes act as looming monoliths reminding me of a much better time.... a time of great prosperity and limitless ambition.... a time that ended so fast and so hard that many are still in disbelief. And as I look at the current economic crisis situation in both Dubai and Las Vegas I see many, many parallels between the two. Both Dubai and Las Vegas have many things in common:
> They both experienced an incredible real estate boom starting in 2002, which has now crashed,
> They have both built incredible cities where before there was only sand,
> They both think BIG when it comes to real estate development,
> Both Dubai and Las Vegas became "Boom Towns" from '02 until this current economic crash,
> During the boom both Dubai and Las Vegas attracted people from all over the world with a "gambling risk-taking spirit" when it came to real estate investment and development,
> Great fortunes were made and lost in Dubai and Las Vegas in the past seven years,
> They are both home to some of the most incredible Mega Projects in the world:
Dubai has--
* Palm Jumeirah,
* Palm Jebel Ali,
* Palm Deira,
* The World Islands,
* Burj Dubai,
* Ski Dubai,
* Dubai Marina,
* Business Bay,
* DIFC.... and many more.
Las Vegas has--
* Luxor, a gigantic man-made pyramid,
* Venetian, a Mega Resort built to duplicate Venice, Italy,
* Mirage, A Mega Resort with its own exploding volcano,
* MGM City Center, a huge mixed use Mega Project that has Dubai Holding as its partner,
* Mandalay Bay, a golden Mega Resort with its own private man-made beach,
* Stratosphere Tower, the tallest observation tower in the USA at 1149 feet in height,
* New York New York, a Mega Project built to look like a small version of New York City.... and many others.
> Both Dubai and Las Vegas want to be world entertainment centers. To this end Dubai is developing Dubailand, which, if it ever gets fully developed, will be the largest theme park in the world. Dubai also has many other entertainment attractions including Ski Dubai, Wild Wadi Water Park, Desert Safaris, etc. Las Vegas already is a world entertainment hub and has the largest concentration of entertainers on the planet as well as casino gaming, adventure sports, amusement rides and so on.
As you can now see both Dubai and Las Vegas have much in common. I guess the biggest difference between the two is that Dubai has no casino gambling. However with the incredible amount of speculative real estate flipping on projects that had not even broken ground, the Dubai real estate market was at one time one big casino.
Now both Dubai and Las Vegas have a number of big problems in common: > Both have a real estate market that has crashed and continues to get worse, > Both have Mega Projects partially built that may never make it to completion, > Both are losing residents who are leaving to seek prosperity elsewhere, > Both face a great deal of uncertainty about the viability of their future growth, > Both have lost a great deal of investor confidence.
I think in the long run both Dubai and Las Vegas will come back, at least to some degree. It will be interesting to see if they can ever return to their former glory.
> They both experienced an incredible real estate boom starting in 2002, which has now crashed,
> They have both built incredible cities where before there was only sand,
> They both think BIG when it comes to real estate development,
> Both Dubai and Las Vegas became "Boom Towns" from '02 until this current economic crash,
> During the boom both Dubai and Las Vegas attracted people from all over the world with a "gambling risk-taking spirit" when it came to real estate investment and development,
> Great fortunes were made and lost in Dubai and Las Vegas in the past seven years,
> They are both home to some of the most incredible Mega Projects in the world:
Dubai has--
* Palm Jumeirah,
* Palm Jebel Ali,
* Palm Deira,
* The World Islands,
* Burj Dubai,
* Ski Dubai,
* Dubai Marina,
* Business Bay,
* DIFC.... and many more.
Las Vegas has--
* Luxor, a gigantic man-made pyramid,
* Venetian, a Mega Resort built to duplicate Venice, Italy,
* Mirage, A Mega Resort with its own exploding volcano,
* MGM City Center, a huge mixed use Mega Project that has Dubai Holding as its partner,
* Mandalay Bay, a golden Mega Resort with its own private man-made beach,
* Stratosphere Tower, the tallest observation tower in the USA at 1149 feet in height,
* New York New York, a Mega Project built to look like a small version of New York City.... and many others.
> Both Dubai and Las Vegas want to be world entertainment centers. To this end Dubai is developing Dubailand, which, if it ever gets fully developed, will be the largest theme park in the world. Dubai also has many other entertainment attractions including Ski Dubai, Wild Wadi Water Park, Desert Safaris, etc. Las Vegas already is a world entertainment hub and has the largest concentration of entertainers on the planet as well as casino gaming, adventure sports, amusement rides and so on.
As you can now see both Dubai and Las Vegas have much in common. I guess the biggest difference between the two is that Dubai has no casino gambling. However with the incredible amount of speculative real estate flipping on projects that had not even broken ground, the Dubai real estate market was at one time one big casino.
Now both Dubai and Las Vegas have a number of big problems in common: > Both have a real estate market that has crashed and continues to get worse, > Both have Mega Projects partially built that may never make it to completion, > Both are losing residents who are leaving to seek prosperity elsewhere, > Both face a great deal of uncertainty about the viability of their future growth, > Both have lost a great deal of investor confidence.
I think in the long run both Dubai and Las Vegas will come back, at least to some degree. It will be interesting to see if they can ever return to their former glory.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Gemini, Business Bay, Dubai
Gemini is a spectacular new commercial tower being developed in Business Bay, Dubai, by Omniyat Properties. Gemini has a cojoined twin tower design and huge black granite walls which are interlaced with veins of white glass, giving the building a very powerful and striking "retro futuristic" look. Set to become a Business Bay landmark when it opens, Gemini has been designed by an in-house team at Omniyat Properties charged with developing exclusive and unique working environments. I have found that one of the hallmarks of Omniyat is that they want their developments to look like works of art....which they do!
"Gemini will be a unique structure with the façade being largely constructed from solid black granite blocks with meandering aluminum and white glass. Its twin-towers are linked by a 15-storey central block which will house freehold offices, serviced offices, a tranquility zone, retail and medical facilities. Its exterior and interior design will differentiate it from its neighbors. The building will stand alone at one of the main Business Bay entrances with two sides facing waterways," said Mehdi Amjad, President and CEO of Omniyat.
Gemini utilizes Omniyat's everything-under-one-roof / city within a city OYSTER principle of design: Offices Yielding Superior Targets through Efficiency and Relaxation. This means that as well as providing exceptional office space, the Gemini also offers unparalleled leisure and relaxation facilities. This includes a unique Tranquillity Zone where employees can go to unwind and relax, ensuring that they’re fresh and ready for work. This zone includes an artificial beach complete with sand and a beach deck, nap shells, aqua massage, and a spa and gym to give the ultimate in relaxation. Other features of Gemini include:
**Executive Club. Provides the perfect surrounding for formal and informal business meetings, networking and conferences. Equipped with a library, a gym and a personal "pit-stop," the Executive Club creates an atmosphere which is ideal for initiating and tightening business relations.
**Retail Area. Extensive shopping facilities all under one roof. The retail area contains banks, travel agents, a business center, speciality shops for chocolate, flowers, greeting cards and jewelry as well as outlet stores and a mini-mart. A car rental agency, a smoking zone, a cash point, an Etisalat payment machine, restaurants, cafés, a Robo-bar, and a nail bar are also offered to give people who work at Gemini the unique city within a city environment.
**Services. Gemini will contain: a day care center where parents who work there can leave their children, medical zones with clinics, dentists and pharmacy, a coiffeur and even a "car spa" will be available to make life more comfortable.
**Dining Areas. According to the developers: 'Dining can be so convenient at Gemini! At lunch time no one wants to waste time searching for a free seat in crowded far-off restaurants. Just change floors and enter a world of lovely tastes and delicious indulgence. Four restaurants provide a great variety of foods. One of them is an exclusive fine dining restaurant set in a landscaped terrace overlooking the creek."
I really like how Omniyat has designed the offices at Gemini. They feel that standard offices are outdated and instead call their offices Corporate Performance Enhancement Centers 'where the features, facilities and technology will make your work life comfortable, convenient and productive.'
Even parking your car at Gemini is something out of the future: 'The organization of the traffic flow at The Gemini will awe you. High-tech streamlined vehicle paths will facilitate organized vehicle traffic within and around the building. And over 1200 spacious parking berths will see that you’ll never be in a tight spot when it comes to parking,' according to Omniyat.
"By delivering convenience and efficiency we ensure our buyers and tenants will live the future. This self-sufficient building will aid efficiency as staff will no longer have to leave the office to pay bills, go to the dentist or visit the travel agent. All these tasks can be accomplished in one place with minimal effort which will enhance workplace productivity," said Ehab S. Shouly, Senior Vice President & Marketing Director of Omniyat.
Gemini at Business Bay will be one of the finest locations to work at in Dubai. This Mega Project offers everything a business could want for ultimate work performance and employee satisfaction!
This link takes you to The Gemini website:
http://213.42.18.110/index.php?id=334
"Gemini will be a unique structure with the façade being largely constructed from solid black granite blocks with meandering aluminum and white glass. Its twin-towers are linked by a 15-storey central block which will house freehold offices, serviced offices, a tranquility zone, retail and medical facilities. Its exterior and interior design will differentiate it from its neighbors. The building will stand alone at one of the main Business Bay entrances with two sides facing waterways," said Mehdi Amjad, President and CEO of Omniyat.
Gemini utilizes Omniyat's everything-under-one-roof / city within a city OYSTER principle of design: Offices Yielding Superior Targets through Efficiency and Relaxation. This means that as well as providing exceptional office space, the Gemini also offers unparalleled leisure and relaxation facilities. This includes a unique Tranquillity Zone where employees can go to unwind and relax, ensuring that they’re fresh and ready for work. This zone includes an artificial beach complete with sand and a beach deck, nap shells, aqua massage, and a spa and gym to give the ultimate in relaxation. Other features of Gemini include:
**Executive Club. Provides the perfect surrounding for formal and informal business meetings, networking and conferences. Equipped with a library, a gym and a personal "pit-stop," the Executive Club creates an atmosphere which is ideal for initiating and tightening business relations.
**Retail Area. Extensive shopping facilities all under one roof. The retail area contains banks, travel agents, a business center, speciality shops for chocolate, flowers, greeting cards and jewelry as well as outlet stores and a mini-mart. A car rental agency, a smoking zone, a cash point, an Etisalat payment machine, restaurants, cafés, a Robo-bar, and a nail bar are also offered to give people who work at Gemini the unique city within a city environment.
**Services. Gemini will contain: a day care center where parents who work there can leave their children, medical zones with clinics, dentists and pharmacy, a coiffeur and even a "car spa" will be available to make life more comfortable.
**Dining Areas. According to the developers: 'Dining can be so convenient at Gemini! At lunch time no one wants to waste time searching for a free seat in crowded far-off restaurants. Just change floors and enter a world of lovely tastes and delicious indulgence. Four restaurants provide a great variety of foods. One of them is an exclusive fine dining restaurant set in a landscaped terrace overlooking the creek."
I really like how Omniyat has designed the offices at Gemini. They feel that standard offices are outdated and instead call their offices Corporate Performance Enhancement Centers 'where the features, facilities and technology will make your work life comfortable, convenient and productive.'
Even parking your car at Gemini is something out of the future: 'The organization of the traffic flow at The Gemini will awe you. High-tech streamlined vehicle paths will facilitate organized vehicle traffic within and around the building. And over 1200 spacious parking berths will see that you’ll never be in a tight spot when it comes to parking,' according to Omniyat.
"By delivering convenience and efficiency we ensure our buyers and tenants will live the future. This self-sufficient building will aid efficiency as staff will no longer have to leave the office to pay bills, go to the dentist or visit the travel agent. All these tasks can be accomplished in one place with minimal effort which will enhance workplace productivity," said Ehab S. Shouly, Senior Vice President & Marketing Director of Omniyat.
Gemini at Business Bay will be one of the finest locations to work at in Dubai. This Mega Project offers everything a business could want for ultimate work performance and employee satisfaction!
This link takes you to The Gemini website:
http://213.42.18.110/index.php?id=334
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Dubai Waterfront: Could This Be The Number One UAE Mega Project?
> Bigger than Manhattan!
> Bigger Than Beirut!
> Twice the size of Hong Kong!
> So big it will dwarf the Palm Islands!
> Largest waterfront development in the world!
> Largest master planned development in the world!
THE DUBAI WATERFRONT!! At 1.4 BILLION square feet this Mega Project, if ever completely developed by Nakheel, will perhaps be the greatest of all the UAE Mega Projects! Here are a few more stats about the Dubai Waterfront:
> It will eventually be home to 1.5 million residents,
> It will add 70km of coastline to Dubai,
> More than 20,000 workers are involved in building the project,
> 3.52 million cubic meters of land reclaimed EACH MONTH for the project,
> Dubai Waterfront will create 1 million jobs!
According to Nakheel:
'Waterfront will comprise a wide variety of residences, commercial districts and industrial areas, with a number of major tourist attractions and leisure amenities that are expected of a city for more than a million people. In addition to the high-end residential and business properties, Waterfront will also provide a range of affordable housing for Dubai’s working community.
'Waterfront's location ensures it is easily accessible on a local, regional and international basis. Positioned between the leading hubs of the UAE, with the capital Abu Dhabi to its west and the commercial hub of Dubai to its east, Waterfront is located close to prime international commerce and industry hubs Jebel Ali Port, Dubai World Central Airport, and the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Waterfront’s location ensures it is easily accessible on a local, regional and international basis.'
Dubai Waterfront is planned to have 6 distinct districts:
1. Waterfront City. An entire city within Dubai Waterfront that will contain a wide variety of towers, residences, offices and entertainment options. This district of Dubai Waterfront will house 80,000 and have a working population of 300,000. It will cover 330 hectares, having a central island surrounded by four neighboring districts: Boulevard, Madinat Al Soor, the Resort and the Marina.
2. Madinat Al Arab. This district will be home to Al Burj, which will be even taller than Burj Dubai. Madinat will also contain resorts, commercial and retail spaces, residences and a light rail system.
3. Canal District. Will contain 5 harbors and take up 178 hectares of land.
4. Omran. This project will provide high quality accommodations for approximately 60,000 members of the workforce. Omran will take workforce accommodations to a new high level of excellence.
5. Veneto. This is the ultra luxury district of Dubai Waterfront, and according to Nakheel it will be comparable to Bel Air, The Hamptons and St. Tropez. The residences will be made up of villas and low-rise townhouses.
6. Badrah. This community will offer affordable residences for a population of 120,000. Also at Badrah will be schools that include a modern university, retail and leisure outlets, restaurants, parks, and a business district called Talla.
Dubai Waterfront is without a doubt one of the greatest real estate developments in world history! It is an awe inspiring undertaking and only a Mega Developer like Nakheel could handle a project of this scope and magnitude. In fact, if ever completed - and with the current economic downturn this is in doubt, Dubai Waterfront may very well be the NUMBER ONE UAE MEGA PROJECT!!
This link takes you to the Dubai Waterfront website, which is one of the most well designed websites I have ever seen:
http://www.waterfront.ae/
> Bigger Than Beirut!
> Twice the size of Hong Kong!
> So big it will dwarf the Palm Islands!
> Largest waterfront development in the world!
> Largest master planned development in the world!
THE DUBAI WATERFRONT!! At 1.4 BILLION square feet this Mega Project, if ever completely developed by Nakheel, will perhaps be the greatest of all the UAE Mega Projects! Here are a few more stats about the Dubai Waterfront:
> It will eventually be home to 1.5 million residents,
> It will add 70km of coastline to Dubai,
> More than 20,000 workers are involved in building the project,
> 3.52 million cubic meters of land reclaimed EACH MONTH for the project,
> Dubai Waterfront will create 1 million jobs!
According to Nakheel:
'Waterfront will comprise a wide variety of residences, commercial districts and industrial areas, with a number of major tourist attractions and leisure amenities that are expected of a city for more than a million people. In addition to the high-end residential and business properties, Waterfront will also provide a range of affordable housing for Dubai’s working community.
'Waterfront's location ensures it is easily accessible on a local, regional and international basis. Positioned between the leading hubs of the UAE, with the capital Abu Dhabi to its west and the commercial hub of Dubai to its east, Waterfront is located close to prime international commerce and industry hubs Jebel Ali Port, Dubai World Central Airport, and the Jebel Ali Free Zone. Waterfront’s location ensures it is easily accessible on a local, regional and international basis.'
Dubai Waterfront is planned to have 6 distinct districts:
1. Waterfront City. An entire city within Dubai Waterfront that will contain a wide variety of towers, residences, offices and entertainment options. This district of Dubai Waterfront will house 80,000 and have a working population of 300,000. It will cover 330 hectares, having a central island surrounded by four neighboring districts: Boulevard, Madinat Al Soor, the Resort and the Marina.
2. Madinat Al Arab. This district will be home to Al Burj, which will be even taller than Burj Dubai. Madinat will also contain resorts, commercial and retail spaces, residences and a light rail system.
3. Canal District. Will contain 5 harbors and take up 178 hectares of land.
4. Omran. This project will provide high quality accommodations for approximately 60,000 members of the workforce. Omran will take workforce accommodations to a new high level of excellence.
5. Veneto. This is the ultra luxury district of Dubai Waterfront, and according to Nakheel it will be comparable to Bel Air, The Hamptons and St. Tropez. The residences will be made up of villas and low-rise townhouses.
6. Badrah. This community will offer affordable residences for a population of 120,000. Also at Badrah will be schools that include a modern university, retail and leisure outlets, restaurants, parks, and a business district called Talla.
Dubai Waterfront is without a doubt one of the greatest real estate developments in world history! It is an awe inspiring undertaking and only a Mega Developer like Nakheel could handle a project of this scope and magnitude. In fact, if ever completed - and with the current economic downturn this is in doubt, Dubai Waterfront may very well be the NUMBER ONE UAE MEGA PROJECT!!
This link takes you to the Dubai Waterfront website, which is one of the most well designed websites I have ever seen:
http://www.waterfront.ae/
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Villamar At The Harbour, Bahrain
I have no doubt that the best place to live in Bahrain will be Villamar, located at the spectacular Bahrain Financial Harbour (BFH) in Manama, the capital of Bahrain. This $650Million Mega Residential Project being developed by Gulf Holding is one of the most exquisite residential developments I have seen anywhere in The Gulf! It is on par with the best being offered in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!
"We are extremely pleased with the launch of Villamar at the Harbour, the first residential development within BFH and therefore a milestone achievement. We congratulate Gulf Holding Company for delivering such a stunning world-class residential product within the overall design philosophy of BFH," said Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Located on a site of over 32,000 square meters, Villamar will contain 2 different residential offerings:
> The Glass Towers. Three towers from 47 to 57 floors that, like all of Bahrain Financial Harbour, look like something from 200 years in the future! The towers have a gentle twist to them and are completely covered in blue-green glass to reflect the natural colors of Manama Bay. The towers face the sea to provide wonderful views for residents.
> The Floating Villas. These stunning villas make up the perimeter of the development. The villas rest on elevated towers 4 storeys high and have been designed to be "Villas In The Sky." These unique floating four and five bedroom residences feature double-height living spaces, balconies, and terraces with superb views of the boardwalk and the sea.
Another feature of Villamar is The Podium. The Podium is a series of landscaped terraces dropping towards the sea and featuring landscaped parks, pools and water walls. A health club and spa is located on the uppermost terrace providing unobstructed sea views. Parking for 1,800 cars is provided discreetly within the podium terraces.
Villamar will also have a Boardwalk that will be a major public attraction, featuring indoor and outdoor cafes, restaurants and boutique retail spaces. The experience of the Boardwalk includes shaded and air-cooled walkways, dancing water features and landscaped plazas.
"Bahrain has emerged as one of the most attractive real estate markets for investors in the region. Looking into the future it is very clear that the Bahrain Financial Harbour will be the focal point of the financial services industry in Bahrain and as such properties within it will be amongst the most prime real estate in the country. There is a clear need to provide residential accommodation of this quality within easy reach of the offices and facilities of BFH. We see this model operating successfully in other international financial centres such as Canary Wharf in London, ” said Mr. Faisal Al Mutawa, Chairman of Bayan Investment Company, a major shareholder of Gulf Holding.
There are many fine residences in Bahrain. Sukoon Tower, Amwaj Islands and Bahrain Bay to name just a few. However I feel that Villamar is truly the "Best of the Best" that Bahrain.... or anywhere else in The Gulf, has to offer!
This link takes you to the Villamar website:
http://www.villamarharbour.com/main.html
...and this link tales you to the Bahrain Financial Harbour website:
http://www.bfharbour.com/html/index.php
"We are extremely pleased with the launch of Villamar at the Harbour, the first residential development within BFH and therefore a milestone achievement. We congratulate Gulf Holding Company for delivering such a stunning world-class residential product within the overall design philosophy of BFH," said Mr. Esam Janahi, Chairman of Bahrain Financial Harbour.
Located on a site of over 32,000 square meters, Villamar will contain 2 different residential offerings:
> The Glass Towers. Three towers from 47 to 57 floors that, like all of Bahrain Financial Harbour, look like something from 200 years in the future! The towers have a gentle twist to them and are completely covered in blue-green glass to reflect the natural colors of Manama Bay. The towers face the sea to provide wonderful views for residents.
> The Floating Villas. These stunning villas make up the perimeter of the development. The villas rest on elevated towers 4 storeys high and have been designed to be "Villas In The Sky." These unique floating four and five bedroom residences feature double-height living spaces, balconies, and terraces with superb views of the boardwalk and the sea.
Another feature of Villamar is The Podium. The Podium is a series of landscaped terraces dropping towards the sea and featuring landscaped parks, pools and water walls. A health club and spa is located on the uppermost terrace providing unobstructed sea views. Parking for 1,800 cars is provided discreetly within the podium terraces.
Villamar will also have a Boardwalk that will be a major public attraction, featuring indoor and outdoor cafes, restaurants and boutique retail spaces. The experience of the Boardwalk includes shaded and air-cooled walkways, dancing water features and landscaped plazas.
"Bahrain has emerged as one of the most attractive real estate markets for investors in the region. Looking into the future it is very clear that the Bahrain Financial Harbour will be the focal point of the financial services industry in Bahrain and as such properties within it will be amongst the most prime real estate in the country. There is a clear need to provide residential accommodation of this quality within easy reach of the offices and facilities of BFH. We see this model operating successfully in other international financial centres such as Canary Wharf in London, ” said Mr. Faisal Al Mutawa, Chairman of Bayan Investment Company, a major shareholder of Gulf Holding.
There are many fine residences in Bahrain. Sukoon Tower, Amwaj Islands and Bahrain Bay to name just a few. However I feel that Villamar is truly the "Best of the Best" that Bahrain.... or anywhere else in The Gulf, has to offer!
This link takes you to the Villamar website:
http://www.villamarharbour.com/main.html
...and this link tales you to the Bahrain Financial Harbour website:
http://www.bfharbour.com/html/index.php
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City (DFC), being developed by Al-Futtaim Group, is a $5Billion mixed use Mega Project spanning 1300 acres and stretching 3 kilometers along the Dubai Creek. DFC has been designed to be a fully integrated and self contained waterfront "city within a city" community. DFC will offer the finest in residences, shopping and entertainment, upscale offices, hotels and even schools...all in one convenient location only 5 minutes from Dubai International Airport.
> City Living. DFC will be home to over 50,000 and will offer all kinds of residences from luxurious high rises and townhouses to more affordable homes for working professionals. Residences include:
**Marsa Plaza,
**Al Badia Residences,
**Al Badia Hillside Village,
**Al Areesh Club.
> Shopping and Dining. DFC offers a wide variety of shopping and restaurant choices including:
**Festival Waterfront Centre with 550 stores, 90 restaurants, and a mutliplex cinema,
**Dubai Gold Marketplace,
**Canal Walk featuring 40 restaurants,
**Festival Marina-- the yachting hub of DFC with over 100 berths as well as fine dining and shopping,
**Waterfront Pavilions offering unique shopping, dining and entertainment features,
**5-Star Concierge Service.
> Entertainment. DFC will offer a large variety of entertainment options:
**Al Badia Golf Course and Club. Managed by Four Seasons and designed by Robert Trent Jones ll,
**Bowling City. Bowling is booming all over the Middle East and DFC will have one of the best bowling centers in the UAE,
**Festival Marina will offer all kinds of yachting events,
**Grand Cinemas-- twelve screen cinema complex,
**Non-Stop Events. There are always a multitude of events going on at DFC.
> Hotels / Hospitality. DFC will offer some of the finest accommodations in Dubai:
**Four Seasons Dubai Festival City,
**W Dubai Festival City,
**Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City,
**Intercontinental Dubai Festival City,
**Intercontinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City.
> Offices. DFC will offer enough office space for 50,000 personnel. The offices will be located in:
**Al Badia Business Park,
**Marsa Al Khor Business Park,
**Festival Tower.
> Marsa Automotive Park. A boulevard devoted to the automotive industry featuring showrooms with the following brands: Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Dodge, Volvo, Jeep and Chrysler.
Dubai Festival City is one of the finest mixed use Mega Projects being developed in the UAE. It will attract visitors from all over the Middle East and other parts of the world to the superlative lifestyle that Dubai has to offer!
Here is a DFC video from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1X8rtHEZjs
This link takes you to the DFC website:
http://www.dubaifestivalcity.com/
> City Living. DFC will be home to over 50,000 and will offer all kinds of residences from luxurious high rises and townhouses to more affordable homes for working professionals. Residences include:
**Marsa Plaza,
**Al Badia Residences,
**Al Badia Hillside Village,
**Al Areesh Club.
> Shopping and Dining. DFC offers a wide variety of shopping and restaurant choices including:
**Festival Waterfront Centre with 550 stores, 90 restaurants, and a mutliplex cinema,
**Dubai Gold Marketplace,
**Canal Walk featuring 40 restaurants,
**Festival Marina-- the yachting hub of DFC with over 100 berths as well as fine dining and shopping,
**Waterfront Pavilions offering unique shopping, dining and entertainment features,
**5-Star Concierge Service.
> Entertainment. DFC will offer a large variety of entertainment options:
**Al Badia Golf Course and Club. Managed by Four Seasons and designed by Robert Trent Jones ll,
**Bowling City. Bowling is booming all over the Middle East and DFC will have one of the best bowling centers in the UAE,
**Festival Marina will offer all kinds of yachting events,
**Grand Cinemas-- twelve screen cinema complex,
**Non-Stop Events. There are always a multitude of events going on at DFC.
> Hotels / Hospitality. DFC will offer some of the finest accommodations in Dubai:
**Four Seasons Dubai Festival City,
**W Dubai Festival City,
**Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City,
**Intercontinental Dubai Festival City,
**Intercontinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City.
> Offices. DFC will offer enough office space for 50,000 personnel. The offices will be located in:
**Al Badia Business Park,
**Marsa Al Khor Business Park,
**Festival Tower.
> Marsa Automotive Park. A boulevard devoted to the automotive industry featuring showrooms with the following brands: Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Dodge, Volvo, Jeep and Chrysler.
Dubai Festival City is one of the finest mixed use Mega Projects being developed in the UAE. It will attract visitors from all over the Middle East and other parts of the world to the superlative lifestyle that Dubai has to offer!
Here is a DFC video from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1X8rtHEZjs
This link takes you to the DFC website:
http://www.dubaifestivalcity.com/
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sky Tower, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
Sky Tower, being developed by Sorouh, is located in the Gate District of Shams Abu Dhabi on Reem Island. Sky Tower will be one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world when finished, rising to a height of 300 meters/74 storeys. According to Sorouh:
'The Sky Tower creates a new perspective on life, with spectacular panoramic views of the Gulf and Abu Dhabi Island. This striking 74-storey elliptical edifice combines residential and commercial space assembled vertically around a central core. Clean modern lines and quality finishes define the interior spaces, while state-of-the-art amenities underwrite the lifestyle offering. Residents and workers are assured of a space that sets the ultimate standards in luxury and convenience.'
Sky Tower will have 3 separate areas: Residential, Business and Retail:
> RESIDENTIAL
The top 34 floors of the tower, starting at the 41st, will all be residential. Apartments will be offered in a choice of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms. For those who want the ultimate in Reem Island luxury, 3 and 4 bedroom duplex penthouses will also be offered. There will be 8 express elevators in Sky Tower that will do nothing but serve the residential units! Residents also have their own private lobby. A wide variety of amenities include:
**Fully-Equipped 180,000 sqft Fitness and Leisure Center,
**Spa with sauna, steam room, and massage rooms with separate male and female areas,
**A 10,000 sqft Gymnasium containing state-of-the-art equipment,
**3 Tennis Courts,
**2 Squash Courts,
**70m Infinity Pool,
**Lap Pool,
**Sun Deck,
**Party Room,
**Yoga Lawn.
> BUSINESS / OFFICE SPACE
All of the offices will be luxurious with floor to ceiling windows giving panoramic views. The technology will all be state-of-the-art and the highest quality materials are used artistically throughout to convey superior levels of elegance and urban sophistication. This is going to be one of the most prestigious office locations in Abu Dhabi.
> RETAIL / ENTERTAINMENT
Sky Tower will contain a 130,000 sqft shopping and entertainment district centered on an atrium linked internally to the level 1 lobby and to the street. This district will offer:
**Fine Dining Restaurants,
**Cafes,
**Gourmet Food Market,
**Bakery,
**Hair & Beauty Salon,
**Pharmacy,
**Travel Agent,
**Real Estate Agent,
**News Stand,
**Book Store,
**Dry Cleaner.
Mounir Haidar, CEO of Sorouh, said this about Sky Tower:
"The Sky Tower offers a unique combination of facilities that will enable it to support all the essential needs of its occupants on site. This distinguishes it from other major projects in the region."
Sky Tower will be one of the iconic landmarks of Reem Island. It will be one of the most prestigious locations to live and work in all of Abu Dhabi.
This link takes you to the Sky Tower section of the Sorouh website:
http://www.sorouh.com/Developments/OurProjects/Developments/3/Default.aspx
...and this link takes you to the Gate District at Shams Abu Dhabi website:
http://www.sorouh.com/microsites/gate/main.html
'The Sky Tower creates a new perspective on life, with spectacular panoramic views of the Gulf and Abu Dhabi Island. This striking 74-storey elliptical edifice combines residential and commercial space assembled vertically around a central core. Clean modern lines and quality finishes define the interior spaces, while state-of-the-art amenities underwrite the lifestyle offering. Residents and workers are assured of a space that sets the ultimate standards in luxury and convenience.'
Sky Tower will have 3 separate areas: Residential, Business and Retail:
> RESIDENTIAL
The top 34 floors of the tower, starting at the 41st, will all be residential. Apartments will be offered in a choice of 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms. For those who want the ultimate in Reem Island luxury, 3 and 4 bedroom duplex penthouses will also be offered. There will be 8 express elevators in Sky Tower that will do nothing but serve the residential units! Residents also have their own private lobby. A wide variety of amenities include:
**Fully-Equipped 180,000 sqft Fitness and Leisure Center,
**Spa with sauna, steam room, and massage rooms with separate male and female areas,
**A 10,000 sqft Gymnasium containing state-of-the-art equipment,
**3 Tennis Courts,
**2 Squash Courts,
**70m Infinity Pool,
**Lap Pool,
**Sun Deck,
**Party Room,
**Yoga Lawn.
> BUSINESS / OFFICE SPACE
All of the offices will be luxurious with floor to ceiling windows giving panoramic views. The technology will all be state-of-the-art and the highest quality materials are used artistically throughout to convey superior levels of elegance and urban sophistication. This is going to be one of the most prestigious office locations in Abu Dhabi.
> RETAIL / ENTERTAINMENT
Sky Tower will contain a 130,000 sqft shopping and entertainment district centered on an atrium linked internally to the level 1 lobby and to the street. This district will offer:
**Fine Dining Restaurants,
**Cafes,
**Gourmet Food Market,
**Bakery,
**Hair & Beauty Salon,
**Pharmacy,
**Travel Agent,
**Real Estate Agent,
**News Stand,
**Book Store,
**Dry Cleaner.
Mounir Haidar, CEO of Sorouh, said this about Sky Tower:
"The Sky Tower offers a unique combination of facilities that will enable it to support all the essential needs of its occupants on site. This distinguishes it from other major projects in the region."
Sky Tower will be one of the iconic landmarks of Reem Island. It will be one of the most prestigious locations to live and work in all of Abu Dhabi.
This link takes you to the Sky Tower section of the Sorouh website:
http://www.sorouh.com/Developments/OurProjects/Developments/3/Default.aspx
...and this link takes you to the Gate District at Shams Abu Dhabi website:
http://www.sorouh.com/microsites/gate/main.html
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Jazan Economic City, Saudi Arabia
Jazan Economic City (JEC) is a Mega Project being developed by MMC and Saudi Binladen Group. The City will be built in the Province of Jazan which lies in the south west section of Saudi Arabia. Jazan has a population of approximately 1.2 million and covers an area of 40,000 sq km. It is ideally situated on the southern Red Sea Coast with a coastline of almost 300 km and in close proximity to the main east and west sea trade routes to Europe, the Far East and the Arabian Gulf.
According to JEC's developers: 'JEC will be wholly dedicated to pioneering further development of Saudi Arabia’s economy and her people. The proposed city of the future offers a timely opportunity to nurture non-oil based industries and to build and expand on new industries relevant to the Kingdom’s needs and aspirations.'
JEC will be divided into 4 distinct areas as follows:
1.) Heavy Industries;
- Power Plant
- Port
- Aluminum Smelter
- Refinery
- Dry Dock
2.) Secondary Industries;
- Silicon Processing
- Tech/Agritech Park
- Textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food Processing
- Chemicals and Plastics
- Secondary Manufacturing
- Construction Materials
- Metal Fabrication
3.) Human Capital;
- Commercial Business District
- Education Area
- Recreation and Sports Facilities
- Convention and Exhibition Area
- Civic Administration
- Grand Mosque
4.) Lifestyle;
- Hotels and Leisure Developments
- Marina
- Residences
When I take a look at this project in its entirety I see that JEC is one of the most well balanced and well thought out Saudi Mega Projects I have seen to date. More facts on JEC from the developers:
> JEC represents one of the most important hubs on the coastline of the Red Sea, strategically in close proximity to local and international markets. Accordingly, this provides opportunities for better trade relations between Asia and Africa, offering valuable opportunities for investment and facilitating sea navigation and cargo shipping.
> JEC will draw more than a hundred million Saudi Riyals worth of private investment from the various sectors in the Economic City, consequently also contributing to 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.
> A large portion of the residential area lies on the periphery of the Gulf Coast, and the developers have designed residential marina housing, which will contribute to providing opportunities for the development of the real estate and encourage the luxurious lifestyle of the residents.
> JEC offers various lifestyle accommodations for its employees, hosting nearly 250,000 residents, which will in turn, vitalize residential and real estate development, especially near the education and health services vicinities.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding and developing world class Mega Projects. Jazan Economic City will contribute greatly to the economic growth of this great Arab Nation!
This link takes you to the JEC website:
http://jazanecity.com/en/index.asp
According to JEC's developers: 'JEC will be wholly dedicated to pioneering further development of Saudi Arabia’s economy and her people. The proposed city of the future offers a timely opportunity to nurture non-oil based industries and to build and expand on new industries relevant to the Kingdom’s needs and aspirations.'
JEC will be divided into 4 distinct areas as follows:
1.) Heavy Industries;
- Power Plant
- Port
- Aluminum Smelter
- Refinery
- Dry Dock
2.) Secondary Industries;
- Silicon Processing
- Tech/Agritech Park
- Textiles
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food Processing
- Chemicals and Plastics
- Secondary Manufacturing
- Construction Materials
- Metal Fabrication
3.) Human Capital;
- Commercial Business District
- Education Area
- Recreation and Sports Facilities
- Convention and Exhibition Area
- Civic Administration
- Grand Mosque
4.) Lifestyle;
- Hotels and Leisure Developments
- Marina
- Residences
When I take a look at this project in its entirety I see that JEC is one of the most well balanced and well thought out Saudi Mega Projects I have seen to date. More facts on JEC from the developers:
> JEC represents one of the most important hubs on the coastline of the Red Sea, strategically in close proximity to local and international markets. Accordingly, this provides opportunities for better trade relations between Asia and Africa, offering valuable opportunities for investment and facilitating sea navigation and cargo shipping.
> JEC will draw more than a hundred million Saudi Riyals worth of private investment from the various sectors in the Economic City, consequently also contributing to 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.
> A large portion of the residential area lies on the periphery of the Gulf Coast, and the developers have designed residential marina housing, which will contribute to providing opportunities for the development of the real estate and encourage the luxurious lifestyle of the residents.
> JEC offers various lifestyle accommodations for its employees, hosting nearly 250,000 residents, which will in turn, vitalize residential and real estate development, especially near the education and health services vicinities.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is rapidly expanding and developing world class Mega Projects. Jazan Economic City will contribute greatly to the economic growth of this great Arab Nation!
This link takes you to the JEC website:
http://jazanecity.com/en/index.asp
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Soma Bay, Red Sea Coast, Egypt
Egypt is moving ahead strongly with Mega Project development and many of these projects focus on the resort / vacation sector of the market. Soma Bay is one of Egypt's most exclusive Mega Resort Projects. A completely self contained ten million square meter community located on the "Red Sea Riviera," Soma Bay is only a 4 hour flight from Central Europe and offers some of the most beautiful sandy beaches of the Red Sea as well as year round sunshine and a temperate climate.
SOMA BAY FEATURES:
>> Resort Hotels. Soma Bay has 3 of the finest resort hotels in the world:
**La Residence des Cascades. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, La Residence is positioned on the highest point of the peninsula of Soma Bay. The hotel contains 250 guest rooms and suites that overlook the Cascades Championship Golf Course. La Residence is also home to one of the largest and most exclusive thalasso therapy centers in the world, Les Thermes Marins des Cascades.
**Sheraton Soma Bay Resort. The 312 room resort features Egyptian themed architecture in the spirit of the ancient Pharaohs and has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the Red Sea. It also features 3 sweet water pools... two of which are heated, windsurfing and sailing instruction, 3 tennis courts, a squash court, a gymnasium and a croquet court. Sheraton Soma Bay regularly wins accolades for the quality and friendliness of its service. It has been recognized by TUI in 2002 as the best Resort in Egypt!
**Robinson Club. This 300 room resort hotel offers a continuous program of sports activities and entertainment, including after dinner shows in its open-air theater. Sports facilities include diving, windsurfing, and sailing centers, seven tennis courts, a gymnasium and aerobics center, and two sweet water heated pools.
**Two more hotels will be opening soon in Soma Bay, The Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge and Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay.
>> Cascades Golf and Country Club. One of Soma Bay's most attractive features, Cascades offers a Gary Player designed 18-hole, par 72 Championship Golf Course. Next to this course is a 9-hole, par 3 Challenge Course also designed by Gary Player. A Golf Academy and the Cascades Club House is located here as well.
>> Les Thermes Marins des Cascades. This Spa, as I noted earlier, is part of La Residence des Cascades and features thalasso therapy. This type of therapy is based on the curative properties of sea water and seaweed. The concept of thalasso therapy relies on the simultaneous use of all aspects of the marine environment with both a preventative and curative objective and according to Les Thermes:
'Treatments respond to the needs for relaxation, beauty, slimness, improved blood circulation and the relief of minor back and neck ailments. The effectiveness of the different treatments complement and reinforce one another, resulting in new vitality, improved form and more balanced health.'
>> Water Sports. Soma Bay, being located right on the Red Sea Coast, will have its own Marina and offer all kinds of water sports including:
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Kitesurfing
- Windsurfing
>> Resort Homes. For those who wish to purchase a residence, Soma Bay offers a variety of home choices:
- Bay Villas
- Reef Villas
- Golf Villas & Apartments
- Marina Apartments
- Soma Breeze Hotel Residences
All of these Soma Bay residences make a perfect second home getaway in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful resort destinations in the world.
Soma Bay is a total Mega Resort Project. It offers everything required for a relaxing first class holiday!
Here is a Soma Bay video from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj66rW1qx2k&feature=related
This link takes you to the Soma Bay website:
http://www.somabay.com/
SOMA BAY FEATURES:
>> Resort Hotels. Soma Bay has 3 of the finest resort hotels in the world:
**La Residence des Cascades. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, La Residence is positioned on the highest point of the peninsula of Soma Bay. The hotel contains 250 guest rooms and suites that overlook the Cascades Championship Golf Course. La Residence is also home to one of the largest and most exclusive thalasso therapy centers in the world, Les Thermes Marins des Cascades.
**Sheraton Soma Bay Resort. The 312 room resort features Egyptian themed architecture in the spirit of the ancient Pharaohs and has one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the Red Sea. It also features 3 sweet water pools... two of which are heated, windsurfing and sailing instruction, 3 tennis courts, a squash court, a gymnasium and a croquet court. Sheraton Soma Bay regularly wins accolades for the quality and friendliness of its service. It has been recognized by TUI in 2002 as the best Resort in Egypt!
**Robinson Club. This 300 room resort hotel offers a continuous program of sports activities and entertainment, including after dinner shows in its open-air theater. Sports facilities include diving, windsurfing, and sailing centers, seven tennis courts, a gymnasium and aerobics center, and two sweet water heated pools.
**Two more hotels will be opening soon in Soma Bay, The Breakers Diving and Surfing Lodge and Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay.
>> Cascades Golf and Country Club. One of Soma Bay's most attractive features, Cascades offers a Gary Player designed 18-hole, par 72 Championship Golf Course. Next to this course is a 9-hole, par 3 Challenge Course also designed by Gary Player. A Golf Academy and the Cascades Club House is located here as well.
>> Les Thermes Marins des Cascades. This Spa, as I noted earlier, is part of La Residence des Cascades and features thalasso therapy. This type of therapy is based on the curative properties of sea water and seaweed. The concept of thalasso therapy relies on the simultaneous use of all aspects of the marine environment with both a preventative and curative objective and according to Les Thermes:
'Treatments respond to the needs for relaxation, beauty, slimness, improved blood circulation and the relief of minor back and neck ailments. The effectiveness of the different treatments complement and reinforce one another, resulting in new vitality, improved form and more balanced health.'
>> Water Sports. Soma Bay, being located right on the Red Sea Coast, will have its own Marina and offer all kinds of water sports including:
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Diving
- Kitesurfing
- Windsurfing
>> Resort Homes. For those who wish to purchase a residence, Soma Bay offers a variety of home choices:
- Bay Villas
- Reef Villas
- Golf Villas & Apartments
- Marina Apartments
- Soma Breeze Hotel Residences
All of these Soma Bay residences make a perfect second home getaway in what I consider to be one of the most beautiful resort destinations in the world.
Soma Bay is a total Mega Resort Project. It offers everything required for a relaxing first class holiday!
Here is a Soma Bay video from YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj66rW1qx2k&feature=related
This link takes you to the Soma Bay website:
http://www.somabay.com/
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
ARAB BILLIONAIRES 2008!!
Every year ArabianBusiness.com comes out with their 'World's 50 Richest Arabs' list. These are the richest and most powerful Arabs! They are involved in every kind of business and commerce you can imagine. They are the movers and shakers of the business world!
What follows is the complete 2008 list of the world's richest Arabs. Please note that there are 49 names on the list, not 50. This is because ArabianBusiness.com lists number 30 on their list as "Entry removed due to calculation error" so I did not include that on this list.
ARAB BILLIONAIRES 2008
1.) Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, US$ 17.08 Billion, Saudi Arabia
2.) Nasser Al Kharafi, US$ 9.6 Billion, Kuwait
3.) Maan Al Sanea, US$ 9.3 Billion, Saudi Arabia
4.) Sheikh Mohammed bin Issa Al Jabber, US$ 8.8 Billion, Saudi Arabia
5.) Mohammad Al Amoudi, US$ 8.8 Billion, Saudi Arabia
6.) Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, US$ 7.8 Billion, United Arab Emirates
7.) The Bin Laden Family, US$ 7.2 Billion, Saudi Arabia
8.) The Olayan Family, US$ 7.2 Billion, Saudi Arabia
9.) The Kanoo Family, US$ 6.1 Billion, Bahrain
10.) Said Khoury, US$ 6 Billion, Palestine
11.) Sulaiman Al Rajhi, US$ 5.4 Billion, Saudi Arabia
12.) Saleh Kamel, US$ 5.3 Billion, Saudi Arabia
13.) The Al Shaya Family, US$ 5.1 Billion, Kuwait
14.) The Gargash Family, US$ 5 Billion, United Arab Emirates
15.) Mahdi Al-Tajir, US$ 4.4 Billion, United Arab Emirates
16.) Hasib Sabbagh, US$ 4.3 Billion, Palestine
17.) Majid Al Futtaim, US$ 4.3 Billion, United Arab Emirates
18.) Abdullah Al Futtaim, US$ 4.3 Billion, United Arab Emirates
19.) The Algosaibi Family, US$ 3.6 Billion, Saudi Arabia
20.) Shwan Al-Mulla, US$ 3.4 Billion, Iraq
21.) The Al Zamil Family, US$ 3.4 Billion, Saudi Arabia
22.) Mohamed Abdul Latif Jameel, US$ 3.3 Billion, Saudi Arabia
23.) The Sawiris Family, US$ 3.2 Billion, Egypt
24.) Khalid bin Mahfouz, US$ 3.2 Billion, Saudi Arabia
25.) Saleh Al Rajhi, US$ 3.1 Billion, Saudi Arabia
26.) Suad Al Humaidi, US$ 3 Billion, Kuwait
27.) Sheikh Walid Al Ibrahim, US$ 2.9 Billion, Saudi Arabia
28.) Abdullah Al Rajhi, US$ 2.9 Billion, Saudi Arabia
29.) Nadhmi Auchi, US$ 2.8 Billion, Iraq
30.) Saad Hariri, US$ 2.6 Billion, Lebanon
31.) Issam Fares, US$ 2.4 Billion, Lebanon
32.) Bahaa Hariri, US$ 2.3 Billion, Lebanon
33.) Mohammed Shafik Gabr, US$ 2.2 Billion, Egypt
34.) The Al Rostamani Family, US$ 2.2 Billion, United Arab Emirates
35.) Ayman Hariri, US$ 2.1 Billion, Lebanon
36.) The Shoman Family, US$ 1.9 Billion, Palestine
37.) Omar Ayesh, US$ 1.8 Billion, United Arab Emirates
38.) The Boodai Family, US$ 1.7 Billion, Kuwait
39.) Tareq Sultan, US$ 1.7 Billion, Kuwait
40.) Al Tayer Family, US$ 1.7 Billion, United Arab Emirates
41.) Mohamed Al Bahar, US$ 1.7 Billion, Kuwait
42.) The Alghanim Family, US$ 1.6 Billion, Kuwait
43.) Munib Al Masri, US$ 1.6 Billion, Palestine
44.) Ziad Manasir, US$ 1.6 Billion, Jordan
45.) Ahmed Ezz, US$ 1.5 Billion, Egypt
46.) Najib Mikati, US$ 1.5 Billion, Lebanon
47.) Hesham Talaat Moustafa, US$ 1.5 Billion, Egypt
48.) Fayez Sarofim, US$ 1.4 Billion, Egypt
49.) Mohammed Al Rajhi, US$ 1.1 Billion, Saudi Arabia
This link takes you to the ArabianBusiness.com 'World's 50 Richest Arabs' article. Here you will see the list as well as other interesting information about the Arab Billionaires.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/richlist/list?clr=
What follows is the complete 2008 list of the world's richest Arabs. Please note that there are 49 names on the list, not 50. This is because ArabianBusiness.com lists number 30 on their list as "Entry removed due to calculation error" so I did not include that on this list.
ARAB BILLIONAIRES 2008
1.) Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, US$ 17.08 Billion, Saudi Arabia
2.) Nasser Al Kharafi, US$ 9.6 Billion, Kuwait
3.) Maan Al Sanea, US$ 9.3 Billion, Saudi Arabia
4.) Sheikh Mohammed bin Issa Al Jabber, US$ 8.8 Billion, Saudi Arabia
5.) Mohammad Al Amoudi, US$ 8.8 Billion, Saudi Arabia
6.) Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, US$ 7.8 Billion, United Arab Emirates
7.) The Bin Laden Family, US$ 7.2 Billion, Saudi Arabia
8.) The Olayan Family, US$ 7.2 Billion, Saudi Arabia
9.) The Kanoo Family, US$ 6.1 Billion, Bahrain
10.) Said Khoury, US$ 6 Billion, Palestine
11.) Sulaiman Al Rajhi, US$ 5.4 Billion, Saudi Arabia
12.) Saleh Kamel, US$ 5.3 Billion, Saudi Arabia
13.) The Al Shaya Family, US$ 5.1 Billion, Kuwait
14.) The Gargash Family, US$ 5 Billion, United Arab Emirates
15.) Mahdi Al-Tajir, US$ 4.4 Billion, United Arab Emirates
16.) Hasib Sabbagh, US$ 4.3 Billion, Palestine
17.) Majid Al Futtaim, US$ 4.3 Billion, United Arab Emirates
18.) Abdullah Al Futtaim, US$ 4.3 Billion, United Arab Emirates
19.) The Algosaibi Family, US$ 3.6 Billion, Saudi Arabia
20.) Shwan Al-Mulla, US$ 3.4 Billion, Iraq
21.) The Al Zamil Family, US$ 3.4 Billion, Saudi Arabia
22.) Mohamed Abdul Latif Jameel, US$ 3.3 Billion, Saudi Arabia
23.) The Sawiris Family, US$ 3.2 Billion, Egypt
24.) Khalid bin Mahfouz, US$ 3.2 Billion, Saudi Arabia
25.) Saleh Al Rajhi, US$ 3.1 Billion, Saudi Arabia
26.) Suad Al Humaidi, US$ 3 Billion, Kuwait
27.) Sheikh Walid Al Ibrahim, US$ 2.9 Billion, Saudi Arabia
28.) Abdullah Al Rajhi, US$ 2.9 Billion, Saudi Arabia
29.) Nadhmi Auchi, US$ 2.8 Billion, Iraq
30.) Saad Hariri, US$ 2.6 Billion, Lebanon
31.) Issam Fares, US$ 2.4 Billion, Lebanon
32.) Bahaa Hariri, US$ 2.3 Billion, Lebanon
33.) Mohammed Shafik Gabr, US$ 2.2 Billion, Egypt
34.) The Al Rostamani Family, US$ 2.2 Billion, United Arab Emirates
35.) Ayman Hariri, US$ 2.1 Billion, Lebanon
36.) The Shoman Family, US$ 1.9 Billion, Palestine
37.) Omar Ayesh, US$ 1.8 Billion, United Arab Emirates
38.) The Boodai Family, US$ 1.7 Billion, Kuwait
39.) Tareq Sultan, US$ 1.7 Billion, Kuwait
40.) Al Tayer Family, US$ 1.7 Billion, United Arab Emirates
41.) Mohamed Al Bahar, US$ 1.7 Billion, Kuwait
42.) The Alghanim Family, US$ 1.6 Billion, Kuwait
43.) Munib Al Masri, US$ 1.6 Billion, Palestine
44.) Ziad Manasir, US$ 1.6 Billion, Jordan
45.) Ahmed Ezz, US$ 1.5 Billion, Egypt
46.) Najib Mikati, US$ 1.5 Billion, Lebanon
47.) Hesham Talaat Moustafa, US$ 1.5 Billion, Egypt
48.) Fayez Sarofim, US$ 1.4 Billion, Egypt
49.) Mohammed Al Rajhi, US$ 1.1 Billion, Saudi Arabia
This link takes you to the ArabianBusiness.com 'World's 50 Richest Arabs' article. Here you will see the list as well as other interesting information about the Arab Billionaires.
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/richlist/list?clr=
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- Sovereign Wealth Funds Of The Gulf: Mubadala
- Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai
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