Empower to help peers in the region to boost district cooling industry that is growing between 15 and 20% annually

Empower to help peers in the region to boost district cooling industry that is growing between 15 and 20% annually

Bin Shafar: Absence of long term planning is biggest obstacle facing District Cooling companies


Dubai, UAE, 16th January, 2011: Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the region, has invited District cooling companies in the Middle East to benefit from EMPOWER’s experience and boost the growth of the industry that is growing between 15 and 20 per cent annually.

Shafar said district cooling industry is faced with obstacles like absence of long term planning. He said though the Middle East is still in its fancy in the field district cooling, the potential is great as government support is huge and new real estate projects launched over the past five years demand this technology. Further, this technology is environment friendly and is in line with government approach to energy conservation.

Bin Shafar pointed out that other challenges include lack of high caliber technical and marketing personnel which has led to financial issues. In contrast, Empower achieved a revenue growth of 27 percent in 2010, driven by a prudent policy.

Bin Shafar added: “We are ready to support our peers in the industry so that we can enhance the global competiveness of the Gulf district cooling industry. We have developed expertise that has been acquired through seven years of hand work and international collaboration.”

Bin Shafar said that the Gulf has a competitive edge compared to many other countries in the world because of its recent adoption of district cooling and this technology is seamlessly integrated into the real estate projects, unlike places in Northern America and Europe where the technology has to be added to existing projects.

Bin Shafar added that the UAE was the first in the Middle East to realize the importance of district cooling as an alternative to conventional cooling, compared to very modest usage in other parts of the Middle East.

Empower succeeded in adopting world class district cooling infrastructure to implement this system that is considered an ideal economic and environmental solution for residential and commercial units, offices and hotels. The operational savings in a residential unit compared to conventional AC technologies is remarkable.

Empower tops the list of companies providing district cooling service in the region. The company, owned by DEWA and TECOM, had adopted a clear strategy to preserve environment through aggressively disseminating this technology and conducting campaigns to highlight its strategic value in the short and long run to the people and the society in general.

About Empower:
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) is a joint venture between Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), created to provide energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. Empower plans to diversify into other energy efficiency and conservation services. Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. DCS achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. Empower is set to become one of the largest district cooling companies in the region.

Dubai's residential property prices likely to recover by 2011, says Memon Investments

Dubai's residential property prices likely to recover by 2011, says Memon Investments

Developer boasts of portfolio consisting of high profile residential development projects valued at AED 1.34 billion

January 18, 2011

Residential property prices in Dubai are likely to recover by 2011 as the market witnesses continued signs of improved lending from 2009, which is expected to continue until 2011, said Memon Investments, a leading Dubai-based property developer and part of the multibillion dollar international business conglomerate, the Shaikhani Group. Strategically positioned to leverage the healthy market prices the developer is expediting construction on its on-going residential projects, which consist of luxury buildings collectively valued at AED 1.34 billion.

Encouraged by the relatively lower costs of construction, the developer further reiterated its commitment to ensure timely delivery of its residential developments, which include the ‘Frankfurt Sports Tower’ and the ‘Champions Tower’ series. As more banks inject liquidity into the mortgage market, Memon Investments is confident that its projects, which are located in several high profile master developments, is providing buyers a wide range of investment options that offers excellent return potential. Furthermore, the developer also revealed that it has already awarded important contracts to some of the UAE’s top contractors and MEP companies.

“Amidst reports that a major percentage of 100 off-plan projects in Dubai that were put on hold are now picking up where they left off, we are focusing on gaining an advantageous position as consumer confidence continues to grow,” said Ahmed Shaikhani, Managing Director, Memon Investments. “We continue to capitalise on our strategic partnerships and the uniqueness of our projects, as we work towards the prompt completion of our existing projects and the realisation of our vision of growth as one of the major developers in the region.”

Memon Investments announced that it has passed more than the halfway mark on the construction of two of its prime residential developments in ‘Dubai Sports City’ - ‘Champions Tower II’ (CT II) and ‘Champions Tower III’ (CT III). The developer also revealed the completion of the superstructure of the AED 80 million ‘Cambridge Business Centre’ (CBC) in Dubai Silicon Oasis, keeping the construction on track to be completed by the second quarter of 2011.

“Our strategy revolves around managing the construction progress in our projects and building-up the confidence of customers and investors. This, in addition to the improving situation in the UAE residential property market, is giving us the necessary leverage to maintain our robust operations in United Arab Emirates, and we are confident that the entire market is poised for an upward trend in the near future,” concluded Shaikhani.

About Memon Investments LLC
Founded as the property development arm of the international business conglomerate, the Memon Group of Companies, Memon Investments has grown to become a leading property player in the region offering a diversified portfolio of premium property projects. Guided by a tradition of excellence, the developer’s intense focus lies within its core competencies, specifically acquisition, design and development, consultancy, leasing and management of properties. Leveraging the Memon Group’s extensive real estate development experience, Memon Investments’ UAE portfolio comprises of prestigious residential projects including ‘Champions Towers I, II, III, and IV’ and ‘Frankfurt Sports Tower I’ in Dubai Sports City; ‘Gardenia I & II’ in Jumeirah Village, and its inaugural commercial venture - ‘Cambridge Business Centre’ in Dubai Silicon Oasis, all of which embody the developer’s trademark top-notch quality and uniqueness.

Having delivered over 30,000 units across the globe with a presence in 90 countries spread across Asia, Africa, Middle East and Europe, the Memon Group of Companies is presently commemorating its 30th year of delivering unique offerings and services to its global customers. In addition to its extensive expertise in the real estate market, the Group has also built a strong reputation for its unwavering support for various causes such as poverty alleviation, environmental conservation and academic development. As a socially-aware international corporation, the Group has devoted 19 years in support of the Rabia Charitable Foundation and the Rabia Relief Fund.

Steel prices worldwide drop by 10 percent; demand from GCC to grow six fold in five years

TeknoTube Arabia 2011 concludes

Oil & gas industry and expanding pipeline network will boost pipe industry in GCC

Steel prices worldwide drop by 10 percent; demand from GCC to grow six fold in five years

Dubai, UAE, 13th January, 2011: TeknoTube Arabia 2011, the 10th International Trade Fair for Industrial Machinery, Metalworking, Machine Tools, Dies/Molds, Tubes, and Pipes, concluded with the message that the booming oil and gas industry in the Gulf and the expanding pipeline network will boost the pipes industry six fold in the coming five years.
Tekno Tube Arabia 2011, which was running concurrently with ArabPlast, together attracted 18,680 visitors.

Jun Yao, General Manager, BAOSTEEL, a first time exhibitor in TeknoTube Arabia 2011, said: “Middle East constitutes 5 percent of our total business. We do $100 million dollars sales annually. In five years, the steel industry in the UAE will grow 10 percent in the GCC and North Africa region. As the largest steel provider in China and the third largest in the world, we are upbeat on this region. Price of steel, which were at its peak in 2007, have dropped by 10 percent.”
“There is a huge market for the Chinese companies in the Middle East and we are looking for agents from the region. Tubes and pipes manufactures from China are coming here to test the market,” Yao added.

Chinese participation in TeknoTube Arabia 2011 rose by 40 percent. Chinese tube and pipe industry competes with global industry by its sheer volume of production. Chinese companies can produce volumes faster than any other suppliers in the world.

The show urged Gulf's tubes, pipes and steel industries to enhance cooperation in logistic operations, human resources development and boost the competitive abilities of their products in the international markets. It will help increase cooperation between GCC nations and help them avoid harmful competition, especially during times of crisis and low demand.
Satish Khanna, General Manager, Al Fajer Information and Services said: “The Gulf has the largest concentration of energy resources in the world, with oil producing countries in the region estimated to have spent approximately AED 182.5 billion (US$50 billion) to increase their current oil production or on new explorations by the year-end.”
The event, which attracted a cross-section of the world's tube and pipe customers, is the oldest show in the region and is regarded as the ideal gateway to the extremely important Gulf and Middle East markets.

Khanna added: “The global demand for energy, infrastructure development, construction projects, water and air conditioning supply and automobiles - the key sectors that drive the tube and pipe industry -- will continue to grow in the coming years.”
Steel was a big highlight of the show. Khanna added: “GCC steel imports are in the region of US$ 8 billion, growing at 20 % CAGR. Steel represents a large portion of the GCC base metals industry, and there will be a production shortfall of 14 million tonnes by 2015. The value of the projects planned and underway in Iraq soared by 12.3 percent to reach US$ 182.6 billion.”

As far as tubes industry is concerned, the Middle East has witnessed the launch of a series of new tubes plants one of which is the Empower Logstor Insulated Pipes Systems (ELIPS), the UAE's largest pre-insulated pipe manufacturing facility, in Jebel Ali.
“As for the tube industry, the GCC and Middle East are proving to be increasingly attractive markets for international tube manufacturers. Some of the growth sectors include oil and gas technology, petrochemicals, water and electricity supply, drainage as well as construction. Huge investments by the government as well as private sector have been made in this sector and more are in the pipeline,” added Khanna.

Khanna added: “The present demand from Gulf countries for pipes and tubes is met through imports; however leading manufacturers of steel pipes and tubes in the Gulf region are looking at reducing the imports as much as possible through the production of millions of tonnes of tubes and pipes every year.”

The Middle East steel market today stands at a crossroads. For the first time in the region’s industrial history, steel production is coming close to meeting domestic demand. With the ramping up of production capacities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Oman, steel users and fabricators now don’t have to rely much on imports from other regions.
With regard to seamless piping that is used heavily by the Oil and Gas sectors, JESCO in Saudi Arabia plans to produce 200,000 tons in 2011, with a total rolling and finishing capacity of 400,000 tons. Another major regional player, Al Jazeera Steel Products of Oman, has recently upped production capacity to 300,000 tons per year. With OCTG pipe consumption in the Middle East projected to be 1.2 million tons in 2011, these companies will play a significant role.

Other players like Zamil Industries and Al Mansoori from Saudi Arabia have 170,000 tons of finishing capacity. ArcelorMittal’s new seamless mill project in Saudi, with a capacity of 600,000 tons, is projected to start sometime in late 2012. However, imports from China, India and Europe will still account for more than 30 per cent of tube and pipe consumption in the GCC region in 2011.

Asteco Dubai Q4 Report 2010

Asteco Dubai Q4 Report 2010.pdf

Dubai tenants in ‘flight to quality’

Dubai tenants in ‘flight to quality’

Increased supply of high quality stock at affordable rates moves tenants – apartment rents record lowest Q-on-Q fall in 2010 indicating signs of stability says Asteco Q4 2010 report

According to the latest report by leading Dubai-based property management company Asteco, an increased supply of high quality, affordable accommodation, particularly in the apartment sector provided the catalyst for considerable tenant movement across Dubai in Q4 2010. In addition apartment rental rates declined by just 3% during the same period, the lowest quarter-on-quarter fall during the year, an indication that the market is showing signs of stabilisation.

“The real estate market is characterised by a large supply of high quality stock at affordable rates, leading to a flight-to-quality trend currently seen across Dubai. Apartment rates have dropped 17% on average during 2010 and this has brought a number of upscale developments within the reach of mid-income budgets,” commented Elaine Jones, CEO, Asteco Property Management.

Indeed although apartment rental rates fell last year, it was still less than the 24% rents fell in 2009, further indication that market prices are stabilising. According to the report, International City has seen the largest drop due to tenants migrating to better quality developments in more desirable locations. Overall studios experienced the lowest decline and one-bedroom apartments suffered the largest fall.

“Rents are expected to continue their downward trend in 2011, albeit at a lower rate as more supply enters the market, providing prospective tenants with even greater choice,” added Jones.

Villa rental rates fared better than apartments in Q4 2010, falling by just 1% over the three month period, primarily due to the limited availability in central areas. Quality communities such as Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Islands performed better than more mature developments such as The Springs and The Meadows.

Unsurprisingly, office rental rates fell by 8% in Q4 2010. DIFC set the tone by reducing their rates per square foot from AED370 in the first quarter of 2010 to AED230 in Q4 (a fall of 22%) in an attempt to compete more favourably with quality developments on Sheikh Zayed Road such as Rolex Tower and Sama Tower.

Continued delivery of new stock in JLT and Tecom sent rents down by 20% and 12% respectively. Although transaction activity has picked up due to the improving economy, continued oversupply will no doubt put further downward pressure on rental rates. In contrast office sales prices only declined by 6% in Q4 and just 8% during the whole of 2010, predominantly due to weak transaction activity. Prices will remain subdued due to a lack of investor confidence.

Apartment sales prices slipped by only 2% on average suggesting a slowdown in the rate of decline. Continuous delivery has seen average sales prices in Dubai drop by AED100 to AED850 over the past year, while prices in International City and Discovery Gardens have fallen to AED350 and AED450 per square foot respectively. Sales prices on Palm Jumeirah were flat in Q4 but still command one of the highest prices at around AED1,500 per square foot.

Villa sales prices in Q4 meanwhile were relatively stable with only the Springs experiencing a 4% fall. Overall market prices fell just 8% in 2010, with downward pressure more predominant in developments with a large inventory, such as The Springs and the Arabian Ranches. Market demand continues for smaller units, driven by affordability.

For more details, please visit www.asteco.com

About Asteco
Asteco, a major regional and international real estate services firm and the largest property services company in the United Arab Emirates, was founded in Dubai in 1985. Asteco offers independent market analysis, design development consultancy and valuation services, sales and leasing services, as well as asset and property management services.

RTA sets 100 bike stands across Dubai

RTA sets 100 bike stands across Dubai

The step aims to minimize the environmental pollution, curb disorderly parking of bikes across the city

Road & Transport Authority – Manal Khalid:

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has set 100 locations for parking bikes in key areas across the Emirate with the aim of inducing an additional mobility means in a well rehearsed approach intended to minimize the reliance on private vehicles in traveling, particularly for short distances.

Commenting on this move the Director of Strategic Planning, RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector Nasir Abu Shehab said: “RTA intended to provide parking spaces for bicycles near all the metro stations in a bid to enhance the integration of the Dubai Metro with other transit modes in the Emirate. In an advanced phase of the Project, all the metro stations will be integrated with the dedicated cycling tracks.”
Abu Shehab continued: “All areas served by the cycling tracks will be fitted with bike stands including key areas such as the Gold Souk, abra marinas, Al Shindagha area, Al Fuhaidi Museum and Al Bastakiya area. RTA plan also includes setting bike racks at other prime locations such as malls, recreational clubs, schools, colleges, and hospitals as well as public & private entities.

“The provision of cycle stands is a vital requirement that has to be addressed on the ground in an effort to eliminate haphazard parking of bikes at unsuitable locations such as tying them to lighting poles, traffic signals and trees; a practice which inflicts damage to public properties, blocks visibility of motorists & road users, occupies walkways & obstructs pedestrian movement and distorts the general appearance of the area, particularly the tourist destinations.

“RTA has finalized studies encompassing the construction of cycling tracks with an overall length of about 900 km under 5 phases scheduled for completion by 2020. The trial run of the Project has started in some key spots in Dubai such as the streets of Jumeirah, Dubai Academic City, Nad El Sheba and Al Mankhool in addition to the Creek Corniche. Work has been completed in the construction of cycling tracks at Jumeirah Street in a sector extending 12 km and the work in other phases will proceed according to plan in order to complete the tracks under the trial phase extending 32 km.

“The following stage of the Project will see the completion of the initial phase comprising cycling tracks extending 122 km in key Dubai streets. Emphasis will be placed to prioritizing the completion of the project in densely populated areas, especially those populated by cyclists or bustling with activities & public amenities with the aim of easing the transit of cyclists to the metro stations.

“The project involves diversification of transit modes particularly towards advocating the use of environment-friendly means. It also provides a safe environment for cyclists and improves the health aspects of Dubai residents through encouraging them to use bikes and accordingly minimize the air pollution through reducing the use of vehicles,“ said the Director of Strategic Planning, RTA Strategy & Corporate Governance Sector.

He further commented: “The cycling tracks encompass three different designs dictated by the nature of streets in terms of traffic volumes, vehicular speed, internal roads, express tie roads and low traffic volumes. Though cycling tracks will share the existing roads, they will be demarcated with clear markings and the higher the speed and traffic flow, the wider will be the cycling tracks.”

As regards the main roads with high driving speed and traffic volumes, Nasir Abu Shehab reported that the width of the cycling track would range from 1.5 meter to 4 meters maximum. “The cycling tracks will be painted in a distinctive colour and fitted with reflective ground markings replicating the shape of the bike such that they will be recognizable and visible at all times. Moreover, the tracks will be equipped with directional and traffic signage illustrating the exclusivity of using these tracks by cycles” added Abu Shehab in a final comment.

Wood prices in the Middle East remain stable over past six months

Wood prices in the Middle East remain stable over past six months

Danube Building Materials seeks to address increase in demand for wood as many construction projects are set to be completed
January 03, 2011

Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, has announced that wood prices in the Middle East have remained stable over the past six months. According to statistics released by Danube Building Materials, wood prices began to stabilize starting the third quarter of 2010 and have remained stable ever since. Danube notes that the price for Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) has been USD 285 per CBM, while the Malaysian Hardwood Plywood was priced at USD 495 per CBM.

According to Danube, the pricing for Film Face Plywood was pegged at USD 375 per CBM, and the Meranti Wood pricing saw an increase of 0.67 per cent from USD 750 to USD 755 per ton. The price of American Ash Wood meanwhile saw a 1.2 per cent decrease and was priced at USD 825 per CBM. The price of European Beechwood increased by 1.19 per cent, from USD 550 to USD 555. On the other hand, African Teak Wood called Iroko has been priced at USD 1,100 per CBM.

“We believe that the stabilisation of wood prices coupled with the current regional market situation where several construction projects are nearing completion, will considerably boost demand for wood. Danube is well-positioned to capitalise on this demand and cater to the diverse requirements of this dynamic market with our broad range of high quality products,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials.

The company recently announced that in the next five years, it plans to list itself in Saudi Arabia and the UAE for an initial public offering (IPO). This decision was taken, following the significant growth it had achieved in recent years in terms of geographical expansion and achievement of revenue targets. Danube Building Materials also revealed that it is also open to dual listing in both countries, as part of its aims to secure AED 2.5 billion to AED 3 billion in total revenues in the next three to four years.

“An IPO listing can spur regional growth for Danube and help us become more profitable through optimum use of the revenue generated. Meanwhile, we will remain focused on consolidating our presence in the GCC region, and look to replicate the success we have achieved in the UAE across key regional markets,” concluded Sajan.

About Danube Building Materials FZCO
Established in 1993, Danube Building Materials FZCO provides more than 25,000 products in stock and in-house value added services in all of its 17 showrooms across the UAE. The company operates from its head offices – a 285,000 square foot facility in Jafza north and a 365,000 square feet base in Jafza south, which houses its logistics centre, kiln drying facility, factory and warehouses. From a small trading firm, Danube has grown into one of the largest building materials company in the region, with 25 branches worldwide - 17 in the UAE, one in Saudi Arabia, two each in Bahrain and Oman and three in India, in addition to procurement offices in China and Canada. Danube has a team of 1000 people working from strategic locations in across the Emirates, including Jebel Ali, Deira and Abu Dhabi. The company has been and is currently involved in major projects across the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, including Emirates Hills, the Burj Al Arab, Shangri-La Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Motor City, Burj Dubai, Dubai Airport Terminal 3, Yas Island, Reem Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Raha Beach Hotel, among others.

World’s highest fireworks at Burj Khalifa welcome New Year

World’s highest fireworks at Burj Khalifa welcome New Year

• A spectacular showcase of laser, lights and fireworks positions Burj Khalifa New Year Gala among world’s iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations

Dubai, UAE; January 1, 2011: Dubai welcomed the New Year with an unprecedented spectacle – the world’s highest fireworks at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by Emaar Properties.

The 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high Burj Khalifa was the centre of attention for a global audience as it marked New Year’s Eve with a spectacular laser-lights-fireworks show, telecast live to over 2 billion people around the world.

Close to half a million Dubai residents and visitors witnessed the New Year’s Eve Gala from Burj Park, an island set on The Burj Lake opposite Burj Khalifa, and from several other vantage points across Downtown Dubai.

The celebration, which also marked the first anniversary of the grand inauguration of Burj Khalifa, enveloped the whole of Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre mega development, which is anchored by the tower. The community was a sea of humanity, as people arrived to witness the spectacle several hours in advance.

Described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ for its diverse showcase of high-end lifestyle destinations including malls, hotels, homes and offices, Downtown Dubai created a stunning spectacle with lights and fog effects.

To mark the New Year’s Eve Gala, The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain overlooking Burj Khalifa, also hosted a special fire-water-music show, where fire elements and water sprouts were seamlessly integrated for the first time in the region.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The New Year’s Eve Gala at Burj Khalifa has positioned Dubai as the must-visit destination to celebrate new beginnings. The show easily qualified as of the finest spectacles anywhere in the world, and we are confident that in the coming years, Dubai will be the place that visitors from across the world will choose to celebrate the New Year.”

In addition to the fireworks spectacle, set to the melody of a specially composed music, there were display screens across Downtown Dubai for visitors to enjoy live telecasts of New Year’s Eve celebrations from different parts of the world.

Visitors were also entertained with the after-party held at At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest observation deck with an outdoor terrace – most recently voted as ‘Best Tourist Attraction at the Best in Dubai’ event. Guests attending the At the Top party had the privilege of celebrating the first day of the New Year taking in magnificent views of the city at night.

A fully-established community with world-class homes, commercial space and the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa is now ‘A Living Wonder.’ It anchors Downtown Dubai, the most definitive lifestyle development in the city, which also features two malls - The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and Souk Al Bahar.

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest shopping center with 1,200 retail stores including 160 F&B outlets, and features Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; the Middle East’s first and only SEGA Republic; a dedicated children’s edutainment centre KidZania®; an Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink and Dubai’s largest megaplex, Reel Cinemas.

In addition to homes and offices, Downtown Dubai features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace - The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, is another attraction at Downtown Dubai and hosts several lifestyle activities.

Photo Caption:
The world’s highest fireworks held at Burj Khalifa, Dubai by Emaar Properties to mark the New Year.

RTA launches the Dubai Travel Pass "Terhaal" initiative

RTA launches the Dubai Travel Pass "Terhaal" initiative

The pack is now available at selected outlets

Roads & Transport Authority – Nashwan Atta'ee
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has the Dubai Travel Pass (Terhaal) initiative out in the market through selected outlets and will be widely available to tourists from the first week of the New Year.

Yousef Jawad CEO of RTA's Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector explained that the initiative is an attempt to give visitors to Dubai the ability to use public transportation with relative ease upon arrival in the Emirate. The intention is to provide means for visitors to travel from their homes and back to their homes seamlessly. Over a phased launch period, the pack will be available to tourists at various points during their trips, to allow them to decide on ground transport, while developing their visit plans.
“The overall objective of this initiative, which is launched in partnership with DNATA, is to ensure that visitors are given an immediate overview of public transport modes including Dubai Metro, Dubai Bus and Dubai Water Bus, which are the public transport modes provided by RTA in a smooth and safe environment, thanks to the advanced infrastructure, facilities and services implemented by the RTA over the last 5 years,” said Jawad.

“Through rolling out this initiative, RTA is intending to ease the mobility of tourists across Dubai, while also make their visit a memorable experience, brought on by the use of some of the best infrastructure and systems in the world besides contributing to the enhancement of the tourism in the Emirate,” he continued.

“The Dubai Travel Pass, which is priced at (AED65), includes two Silver Nol Cards, booklets about the integrated public transport systems, maps, information of interest to visitors, places to visit and how to get to those places using public transport, as well as other general information such as telephone numbers of emergency service, police, embassies, and ambulance. The pack also includes various value-added offers for use in Dubai on the trip, courtesy of RTA and its partners.”

"The forthcoming phases of the project will see different variants of the pack that tourists will be able to choose from. There will be long-term plans to make the (Terhaal) available to tourists in their countries of origin as well, added the CEO of RTA's Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector."

Four most important Qs and As about the Dubai Travel Pack (Terhaal):
Why is RTA doing it?
• To provide the advantages of public transport to visitors coming into the country.
• To help them save while traveling in Dubai.
• To promote usage of public transport.

Who does it benefit?
• The tourist population.
Where can we get it?
• All RTA customer service centers.
• DNATA Travel outlets at Dubai Clock Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Palm Jumeirah .Its also available at the DNATA counters at the following Shopping Malls: Burjuman Centre | Deira City Centre | Al Twar Mall | Mercato | Dubai Mall | Mall of the Emirates | Uptown Mirdiff | Wafi & the Airport Terminal 1 Arrivals and Low Cost Carrier Counter.
Where do I get more details from?
• For further Details Call RTA @ 800 90 90 (RTA's call centre number)

This New Year, Celebrate In Style At Level 124 Of Burj Khalifa

This New Year, Celebrate In Style At Level 124 Of Burj Khalifa

• At the Top, Burj Khalifa to host New Year’s Eve after-party
• Only 350 exclusive tickets available for the party
• Celebrations follow spectacular fireworks to ring in the New Year
• Arabic fusion band adds to the buzz of the event at the world’s tallest observation deck with an outdoor terrace

Dubai, UAE; December 28, 2010: When the spectacular firework display to ring in the New Year is over at Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, head straight for Dubai’s one of its kind New Year’s Eve after party at the most unique destination – At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

The world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace is opening doors to an inimitable party experience – ‘Celebrate in Style’ - where guests can enjoy the first day of 2011 taking in unparalleled views of the city glittering in the sweeping spectacle of a million lights.

At the Top, Burj Khalifa’s New Year’s Eve after-party will be marked by a celebration of music, with an Arabic fusion band regaling the guests. Food and non-alcoholic beverages from The Address Dubai Mall will be served over the two-hour party from 1 am to 3 am. The ‘Celebrate in Style’ party will host up to 350 guests with the entry priced at AED550. The tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Counter, located in the Dubai Mall.

Mr Issam Galadari, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Properties – Dubai Operations, said: “Celebrate in Style is a perfect complement to the spectacular fireworks that will mark the beginning of the New Year at Burj Khalifa. For the first time, we are opening doors to guests for the unique opportunity of viewing the panoramic vista of the city on the first day of 2011. A get-together At the Top, Burj Khalifa will be a perfect occasion for friends and family to get together and celebrate the joy of new beginnings.”

Guests to the party also stand the chance to win an array of prizes through raffle draws. The prizes include a stay at Qamardeen Hotel for two people inclusive of breakfast and dinner at Esca restaurant; two dinner prizes for two people at Asado, the Argentinean grill at The Palace – The Old Town; two ‘One Desert Journey Spa Treatments’ at The Spa of The Palace – The Old Town; and six VIP ‘Immediate Entry’ passes to tour At the Top, Burj Khalifa, again.

While Burj Khalifa was honoured with the ‘Global Icon’ status by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) recently, an honour bestowed for tall structures only once in 10 to 15 years, At the Top, Burj Khalifa was most recently voted as the ‘Best Tourist Attraction’ at the ‘Best in Dubai’ awards.

The entrance to the At the Top experience is at The Dubai Mall’s Lower Ground level. The ascent to the 124th floor is by a double-deck elevator, each deck carrying up to 14 people and travelling at an amazing 10 metres per second.

A fully-established lifestyle community with world-class homes, office space and the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high is at the heart of Downtown Dubai, the 500-acre mega development by Emaar Properties, described as ‘The Centre of Now.’ The most definitive lifestyle development in the city, Downtown Dubai features two malls – The Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar.

In addition to homes and offices, Downtown Dubai also features six world-class hotels – Armani Hotel Dubai; The Address Downtown Dubai; The Address Dubai Mall; The Palace - The Old Town; and Al Manzil and Qamardeen at The Old Town. Emaar Boulevard, a 3.5 km boulevard, hosts several lifestyle activities.

About Burj Khalifa:
A mixed-use tower featuring the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences, alongside corporate suites, residences, retail and leisure facilities, Burj Khalifa is at the centre of Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties. Among an array of lifestyle amenities, the tower has a public observation deck - At the Top - on level 124.
Described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ Downtown Dubai encompasses The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations; several hotels; offices and homes. A stellar attraction within the community is The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.
At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft) high, Burj Khalifa is the world's tallest structure surpassing the KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres; 2,063 ft) in North Dakota, USA. The tower is taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which at 508 metres (1,667 ft) has held the tallest-building-in-the-world title since it opened in 2004. Burj Khalifa also surpassed the 31-year-old record of CN Tower, which at 553.33 metres (1,815.5 ft) has been the world’s tallest free-standing structure on land since 1976.
Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM), Burj Khalifa is constructed by high-rise experts South Korea’s Samsung Corporation. New York-based Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager. The tower employs the latest in wind engineering, structural engineering, structural systems, construction materials and construction methods.