Al Fara’a Properties launches AED 1 billion ’Burj Al Fara’a’
Follow the Money: Dubai Edition
If it feels like every week brings news of yet another cash-strapped American company raising money from Abu Dhabi or Dubai or selling itself entirely to one of these emirates, it isn't your imagination. From real estate (the GM building) to finance (Citigroup), cash has been pouring in from the Middle East as of late. But the expressway of money goes in both directions. Today the Times covered many of the banks setting up shop in Dubai. But loads of other prominent New Yorkers are heading East to take advantage of the petro-dollar gravy train. Here's a look at the growing list of prominent restaurateurs, fashion designers, architects, and real estate developers setting up shop in one of the world's fastest-growing—and richest—regions.
FashionYou don't have to manufacture diamond-encrusted burkas to get in on petrobillionaires' wives' ravenous appetite for designer duds. New York-based fashion gurus are opening boutiques in Dubai's constantly multiplying high-end malls (places like the famous Mall of the Emirates, which sports the world's largest indoor ski slope). So far Michael Kors and Betsey Johnson have gotten in on the action, there are two Calvin Klein boutiques in the emirate, an outpost of Saks Fifth Avenue recently opened there, and designer Karl Lagerfeld has signed a deal to design 80 limited-edition homes on Isla Moda, the world's "first dedicated fashion island." A Dubai outpost of Barneys seems likely in light of its 2007 takeover by Dubai-based investment firm Isthimar.
Real Estate & HotelsWith Al-Nakheel, one of Dubai's largest developers, Donald Trump recently broke ground on the 62-story Trump International Hotel & Tower located on Palm Jumeirah. Trump says his interest in Dubai was piqued by buddy Andrew Farkas, whose Island Global Yachting is the exclusive developer and operator of Nakheel's marina and yacht-related properties. Naturally, all those buildings rising need someone to lease and sell them, too: New York retail real estate leaser Robert K. Futterman is now active in Dubai, as is Michael Shvo. And someone has to make all those new skyscrapers and condos look pretty as well. Society decorator Geoffrey Bradfield now has an office in Dubai, and Bruce Fowle's firm is designing the world's longest arch bridge there.
RestaurantsGordon Ramsay paved the way for celebuchefs to enter Dubai with his restaurant Verre in the Hilton Dubai Creek. Now Nobuyuki Matsuhisa is set to open a Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm and Daniel Boulud are said to have a project in the works (possibly in collaboration with Thomas Keller), and even Alison Nelson's cloying Chocolate Bar of the East Village is going to be opening in the emirate.
SchoolsInstitutions of higher learning are getting in on the action, too. NYU has found a financial lifeline in the U.A.E. and is now building a near carbon-copy of itself in Abu Dhabi. "The city-state of Abu Dhabi, having already committed a $50 million 'gift' (effectively a down payment) to the university, has promised to finance the entire Middle East campus and a good deal of NYU New York as well," writes New York.
Low-cost housing scheme planned
For the first time in Sindh, plans are under way to launch a ‘low-cost housing scheme’ for the poor. The project is part of the prime minister’s programme. At least 300 acres have been identified by the City District Government Karachi (CDGK) revenue department. Notification about this land will be sent soon to the Sindh board of revenue, the newly-appointed Executive District Officer (EDO) Revenue, Sajjad Hussain Abbasi, told The News.
Abbasi said that 10 acres each have been identified in Keamari, Gadap and Bin Qasim towns. The prime miniter, the EDO revenue said, is keen to provide houses to the poor, and work on this scheme is in process. Various modalities have to be discussed with agencies concerned.
The scheme will also be presented to Sindh Local Government (LG) Minister Agha Siraj Durrani and City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal. After approval from the Board of Revenue, the land will be handed over to the CDGK Works and Services EDO who has the task oversee the building of houses in the area.
Abbasi said that the quantity of houses to be built has not been decided yet, but hastily added that these houses will be provided through a ballot scheme. It may be noted that the city government has not been able to provide any housing schemes to the people of Karachi.
Meanwhile, the city nazim had recently announced a scheme in the Lyari Development Authority (LDA). In the past, such schemes were announced by the defunct Karachi Development Authority (KDA), the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and also Taiser Town. When the Lyari Expressway was launched, the people living at the river bank were provided alternate plots in Taiser Town but this was done by the federal government, not the CDGK.
Moreover, Abbasi said, under all these circumstances, encroachment is the leading problem of Karachi, and vacant land belonging to the state has to be protected. A proposal is therefore under study, the EDO Revenue said, to look at ways to retain vacated land and keep it safe from the land mafia. The proposal will be submitted to the nazim for approval.
Dubai-based DAMAC launches commercial realty unit in Qatar
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| Qatar is an integral part of Dubai-based DAMAC real estate's expansion plans |
DAMAC Properties, a leading real estate developer in Dubai, unveiled its first commercial tower in Qatar. Business Square is an urban real estate development, spanning 39,000 sqm and is located in the southern end of Lusail, close to the West Bay area, within the Marina District. The launch of the property follows an announcement made by the Dubai-based developer last month on the opening of their first sales office in Qatar.
Peter Riddoch, CEO, DAMAC Properties, says, "Qatar is the world's second-fastest growing economy in the property sector in 2008 according to reports. The Qatari real estate sector which has evolved substantially over the years is currently experiencing an incredible demand for highly profitable real estate investments. Business Square is a step forward by us to strengthen our presence and showcase our commitment to the Qatari market.
Qatar is an integral part of Dubai-based DAMAC Properties expansion plans and part of the real estate firm's global vision. The value of the real estate project of Dubai-based developer exceeds QR400m.
Dubai real estate developer, Nakheel explores booming global markets
Dubai-based real estate and construction companies are expanding their business interests to regional markets to channel their profits from the boom in the international markets including Saudi Arabia, Oman and China. Nakheel, Dubai's leading master real estate developer is focusing in China in particular as the Chinese market is growing due to upcoming global sporting event.
Chris O'Donnell, CEO, Nakheel, said, "Two areas that we are looking at entering are Eastern Europe and China. We are doing the preliminary investigation work on those two areas. We think they will be the growing economies over the next 10 or 15 years, so now is the time to get a foothold in those places".
Over the past year, Nakheel has accelerated its international expansion, gaining a presence in the UK, US, Australia and Singapore. This broadening on a global scale will help Dubai real estate developers protect their interest in case of recession in the regional construction market.
Launch of Portugal’s ‘Palacio da Quinta’ brings six star living to Europe
April 2008 sees the launch of Europe’s first six star service hotel and residential resort – ‘Palacio da Quinta’, situated in the Algarve, Portugal’s most beautiful coastal region.
The truly palatial development will comprise 80 luxurious apartments and penthouses set within 17 acres of lush sub-tropical gardens. Residents’ every wish will be provided for by a central six star service hotel, including private chef and butler, 24 hour concierge, chauffeur service, private jet and yacht charter. The resort will also feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 1000sq.m health spa, cinema, gourmet destination restaurants, bars, designer boutiques, tennis academy and offer preferred tee times and discounts on green fees at some of the finest golf courses in Europe.
Tameer Towers - Abu Dhabi Get its 7-Star Hotel
Tameer Towers - Abu Dhabi Get its 7-Star Hotel
The ultimate in luxurious living and prestige has just been signed by Tameer holdings, one of the leading real estate companies in the region. The cascading skyscraper development will contain 4 residential towers, stepped villas and townhouses, a commercial tower, a 7-star-luxury-business hotel, a private marina and a vibrant canal promenade.
Tameer has contracted Gensler to design this project which has been estimated to be worth some AED 100 million. The whole project is expected to reach some AED 13 billion (which is around $3.5 billion).
Shop-Demand: Rs 1,100,000 Location: Country Towers, Nagan Chowrangi, Karachi
Shop-Demand: Rs 1,100,000
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Description
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Independent Portion Description
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Shop-Demand: Rs 1,100,000 Location: Country Towers, Nagan Chowrangi, Karachi
Shop-Demand: Rs 1,100,000
Location: Country Towers, Nagan Chowrangi, Karachi

