RTA signs contract with DHL to provide parcels & documents postal services at Dubai Metro stations

RTA signs contract with DHL to provide parcels & documents postal services at Dubai Metro stations

The service is open for use by organizations and individuals, aims to support economic activity

Dubai – United Arab Emirates: The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a contract with DHL, a giant global provider of postal services, whereby the company will provide postal services including parcels and documents through the post system known as Packstations at the Dubai Metro stations, thus making Dubai the first city in the region and second worldwide, after Germany, to introduce this type of postal services.

RTA will allocate spaces at the Dubai Metro Stations to install DHL’s parcels and documents postal system initially at Khalid bin Al Waleed station and Deira City Center station and the service is set to cover other metro stations later on, according to Adnan Al Hamadi, CEO of RTA Rail Agency.

“RTA has signed a one-year contract, renewable, with DHL in June and the system will start tentative operation in mid July such that these postal units will be fully operational next September. This service, which is the first of its kind in the region, enables Dubai Metro commuters to send and receive their parcels through the self-operated machines fixed at the Dubai Metro stations,” added Al Hamadi.

The CEO of Rail Agency continued: “This Agreement comes in the context of RTA assiduous efforts to upgrade its services, stimulate the economic sector in the Emirate, and make the metro, which is one of the most successful mass transit modes in the region, more attractive to the residents and visitors of Dubai Emirate through providing passengers with the services needed during their metro travel. Moreover, this service reflects RTA attention to build sound & sustained strategic partnership with the private sector in the Emirate”.

These postal units, which will be functioning 24-hours a day, are self-operated and the users are required to sign up for the service free of charge to obtain e-cards enabling them to benefit from the service. This sort of machines is currently available in more than 300 German cities, where DHL is deploying more 1500 postal units.

Hamptons puts spotlight on Owners Associations at BBG Real Estate Forum

Hamptons puts spotlight on Owners Associations at BBG Real Estate Forum

Dubai, UAE; June 30, 2010: Hamptons International, a premier property services company with a strong geographic presence in the Middle East and North Africa region, put the spotlight on the role of Owners Associations in the Jointly Owned Properties in Dubai, at the Real Estate Forum organised for members of British Business Group (BBG).

Mr Jeevan J. D’Mello, Senior Director, Emaar Community Management, presented the highlights of the recent regulations outlined by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) under Law No. 27 of 2007 concerning Jointly Owned Properties in the Emirate of Dubai.

A spokesperson of Hamptons International said: “The issuance of the law and recent regulations regarding Jointly Owned Properties is a landmark for the real estate sector in Dubai. It now brings to focus the role that owners play in managing the communities. Organizing a special session for British Business Group was part of our commitment to strengthen awareness of the Law and speed up the process of setting up owners associations in all jointly-owned communities within Dubai.”

In his presentation, Mr D’Mello, a qualified community management expert, explained the definition of the Law, its implications, the functions and powers of Owners Associations, the roles of the Association Manager and the Board of Owners and practical tips for management.

The event is first in a series of property educational initiatives led by Hamptons International and was attended by members of BBG, and non-members as well, representing various economic sectors.

Hamptons International offers the full spectrum of property services including residential property sales, residential and commercial leasing and property management, valuations, research and feasibility studies, and independent mortgage consultancy.

Photo Caption
Mr Jeevan J. D Mello, Senior Director, Emaar Community Management, addresses the Real Estate Forum organised by Hamptons International on Ownership Associations for British Business Group (BBG) in Dubai.

23 Marina Tower photos, Dubai Marina, 26/June/2010

23 Marina Tower photos, Dubai Marina, 26/June/2010

Pentominium site photos, Dubai Marina, 26/June/2010

Ubora Towers construction workers photos,Business Bay, Dubai

RTA completes construction works of entry/exit points of Al Maktoum International Airport

RTA completes construction works of entry/exit points of Al Maktoum International Airport


Roads & Transport Authority: Nashwan Att’aee:

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) announced the completion of all engineering & construction works in the ingress and egress of Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel in branching out of Emirates Road and Dubai Bypass Road. The site has been handed over to the concerned body of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority on June 5th, and the total cost of these initial works was in the order of 25 million dirham.
Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, confirmed that the Agency has finalized all works necessary for opening the initial phase of the Airport entry & exit points linked with the Cargo Terminal. “Roads Maintenance Department of Traffic & Roads Agency has constructed several roads, added a number of lanes, and completed many diversions in order to ensure fast and direct access to the Airport without impacting the flow of traffic on Emirates Road and Bypass Road,” said Maitha.

She added: “Phase I of the project included the construction of temporary traffic diversions as seen in the R/A on Emirates Road linking with Street D53 leading to Interchange (10) on Sheikh Zayed Road, in addition to the construction of a new R/A on Emirates Road after the previous R/A linking up with the Bypass Road, and ingress/egress on the Bypass Road leading to the Airport”.

The CEO of Traffic & Roads Agency stated that work in the project is progressing on schedule, thanks to the concerted efforts and experience of all work teams of the Agency who worked hard to deliver the project on time at the highest global engineering standards. She pointed out that the Agency was keeping close follow-up of the project construction through frequent site visits and direct & instant communication with all service providers.

“RTA is always keen on the safety of all users of roads under construction. Motorists are therefore cautioned to exercise care and curb their speeds in the approaches of temporary diversions of the project site” said Maitha in a final remark.

Business Bay photos from the Ubora Towers, Dubai

Obtaining NOCs is a must for working within Railway Right-of-Way: RTA

Obtaining NOCs is a must for working within Railway Right-of-Way: RTA


Al Tayer: 5 meters off rail facilities set as Red Zone, 30 meters as Yellow Zone

Half a million dirham fine fixed against unauthorized works in the railway exclusive zone


Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), called on consultants & contractors to comply with the regulations set for obtaining work permits within Railway Right-of-Way, as well as the technical stipulations set for working within the Red Zone stretching 5 meters off the edge of rail facilities, and the Yellow Zone stretching 30 meters off the edge of rail facilities. He highlighted the importance of protecting and ensuring the safety of rail tracks and facilities, adding that RTA would not hesitate to take punitive measures against offenders.

“The Executive Regulation of Order No (5)/2009 governing railway works in Dubai Emirate stipulated, in Article (59), the issuance of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from RTA Railway Right-of-Way Office whenever it is needed to carry out any activity or work that may expose the safety of rail facilities or rail operations to danger. Restricted activities that require obtaining NOCs include storage of cargo, movement or operation of automatic lifting machines and other mechanical lifting equipment, and excavation works as well as drilling of wells, seabed, canals, boreholes, and lagoons. It also includes boring of tunnels & subterranean wells, digging of trenches and bulldozing the soil surface, in addition to any acts of destruction and demolition, the use of explosives, fireworks & setting fires, scaffolding & setting other temporal structures, replacing power transmission lines, and other activities which Rail Agency opts to subject to monitoring within the protective zone of railway infrastructure. Such works have to be carried out in a controlled manner to reduce the level of risks directly impacting the safety of trains,” said Al Tayer.

He further added: “The Executive Regulation obliged all bodies intending to carry out works in the area adjacent to rail facilities to communicate with RTA Railway Right-of-Way Office to obtain the required NOCs before starting any work on the ground. All information required by the Office for the issuance of the NOC have to be submitted. There are five types of NOCs, namely: NOC to obtaining information, NOC to the initial design, NOC to the final design, NOC to the experimental excavation work, and NOC to construction works; each NOC will be valid for a period of 180 days. The Executive Regulation of Order No (5)/2009 governing railway works in Dubai Emirate imposes deterrent fines against offenders as Article (18) provided that the violation of carrying out works with the railway protective zone, whether planned or actually existing, before obtaining a prior NOC from the RTA carries a fine of half a million dirham, besides halting all works until the offence is removed. The Regulation entitles the RTA to stop anybody from practicing or attempting to practice any activity prohibited activity in any rail protective zone without obtaining a prior NOC”.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director stated that RTA had confirmed the booking of paths of the metro tunnels beneath Dubai Creek through the applicable systems at Planning & Survey Department, the Dubai Municipality, and made necessary coordination with Dubai Customs to control company activities within the Dubai Creek, particularly near the metro tunnels.
“RTA will shortly hold a workshop to enlighten contractors & consultants about the Railway Right-of-Way and the Executive Regulation, and explain the stipulations and guidelines set for working within the Railway Right-of-Way. RTA will also intensify the inspection campaigns round-the-clock on all metro tracks on both the Red and Green Lines,” added Al Tayer in a final remark.

Photo captions:
• Mattar Al Tayer
• Layout of the paths of the Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines

Burj Khalifa pictures from the Ubora Towers, aka Burj Dubai

Jumeirah Lakes Towers successfully completes residential cluster

Jumeirah Lakes Towers successfully completes residential cluster

• Cluster S with three towers and retail areas complete
• Signifies progress in enhancing JLT’s appeal as popular freehold destination

Dubai, June 26, 2010: The 200-hectare Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) free zone administered by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Authority (DMCC) reached a significant milestone in its ongoing development with the completion of the S Cluster, one of 26 similar Clusters within JLT, which comprises three residential towers and will eventually support approximately 1,400 residents. Cluster “S” offers residents a premium community environment within the JLT, a mixed-use free zone in Dubai with freehold property options.

“The JLT development will consist of 87 towers and is well on its way to becoming a vibrant community with the first complete cluster being handed over at Cluster “S”,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC. “JLT was conceived as a mixed-use development catering to both businesses and residents with the promise of a superior quality of life with its world class infrastructure and living amenities.
The completion of this first cluster reinforces this objective and signifies the sustained progress made by DMCC as a master developer to make the JLT free zone the most sought after address for residents and businesses alike.”

Cluster S boasts landscaping and walkways, promenade seating and retail, surrounding one of the four lakes that will eventually form the hub of activity in the JLT development. The JLT, when complete will house some 140,000 residents.
A dynamic community comprised of high-rise residences, expansive retail and spacious offices, JLT offers the best of all worlds, in new Dubai’s most desirable district. JLT will comprise 87 purpose-built towers and supporting infrastructure.
JLT houses DMCC’s headquarters and over 2,000 other local, regional and international firms. The development is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to provide industry-specific support to DMCC member companies.

About DMCC:
DMCC was created in 2002 as a strategic initiative of the Dubai Government to establish a commodity marketplace in Dubai. DMCC provides the market infrastructure that brings together a wide range of commodities activities, and is committed to serve the needs of participants in the gold, diamonds and commodities markets. Resident companies of DMCC are offered highly attractive benefits under a free-zone status, including a 50-year guaranteed tax holiday, 100 per cent business ownership, full ownership of business premises, and a secure regulated environment.

Leo Sterling believes influx of fresh property supply can arouse investor interest in Dubai

Leo Sterling believes influx of fresh property supply can arouse investor interest in Dubai

Dubai remains highly competitive because of its well-established business and living amenities

June 26, 2010
Leo Sterling, UAE’s premier select property portfolio manager, has revealed that it expects properties in Dubai to remain competitive primarily because of the well-established business, leisure and home living amenities that are already in place in the emirate. The gradual influx of fresh supply within the next two years are also expected to sustain the interest of investor and property buyers, who will be looking to take advantage of buying property that is still in its lowest price bracket.

Leo Sterling noted that it is now seeing a significant increase in the number of enquiries from regional and international investors who are being attracted by the competitive prices and the emirate's dynamic cosmopolitan setting. In this regard, Leo Sterling emphasised that the ongoing trend in the property market is for investors to look for the lowest-priced ready properties as opposed to buying off-plan, which was prevalent prior to the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008.
Laura Martorano, CEO and Founder of Leo Sterling, said: "Any oversupply of residential property in Dubai will remain an attraction for investors, as it will keep the pricing of property competitive. Moreover, Dubai is now a well-established business and living community, which holds a huge attraction for both future business and residential living."

Leo Sterling also revealed that closed transactions during the first half of 2010 are in favour of apartments as investors look for properties that represent good yields. The company also noted that commercial and office properties in the most sought-after areas such as World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road and DIFC have maintained a relatively healthy demand.

"In general, the real estate market has begun to show more stability in 2010 as the weakening property prices have slowed in the past few months. Although we can feel that international investors are still being cautious, we are now seeing a big increase in enquiries, wherein investors are now looking at the advantage of buying property while it is in its lowest price bracket. Dubai has such a lot to offer as a business location, a tourism destination and in terms of quality of living that when confidence in real estate becomes more stable, we should see steady growth return. No one expects prices to jump to where they were in 2008, but a slow steady pace that will control market prices and sustain a healthier market for some years to come," concluded Martorano.

Powered by a highly experienced, multilingual team of global experts and professionals, Leo Sterling has been aggressively consolidating its market presence through a comprehensive, long-term growth strategy in the UAE's property sector. Leo Sterling has also established a new regional office in London, seeking to further strengthen its growing client base in the UK and Europe.

Signature Towers plot and Business Bay , Dubai

Burj Al Alam plot and Business Bay , Dubai

IKEA Teddy and Burj Khalifa pictures from the Ubora Towers, aka Burj Dubai

Schön Properties reports impressive progress on ‘Dubai Lagoon’ project

Schön Properties reports impressive progress on ‘Dubai Lagoon’ project

Developer credits collaborative efforts with contractors and suppliers as primary driver of fast-paced construction

June 23, 2010

Schön Properties, a leading regional property developer, has reported impressive progress on its ‘Dubai Lagoon’ project, with the developer crediting its collaborative efforts with contractors and suppliers as the primary driver of the fast-paced construction. The announcement bodes well for Schön Properties’ commitment to deliver the project’s phases within their stipulated individual deadlines, starting with Zone 1, which is due for completion by the end of 2010. The developer also revealed that it is currently in the process of short listing leading companies to be invited to bid on the infrastructure works, MEP and other finishing works for the project.

Expected to be delivered the earliest, Zone 1 is the closest to completion, with main contractor Bin Sabt revealing that they are expecting to finish building C+10 first, to be followed by C9, H11, and C12 by November. The second batch, which will include buildings C7, C8, C13, and C14 are targeted for delivery by year-end. On Zone 3, main contractor Belhasa is set to commence works on buildings A19 and A23, with plans to construct three to four slabs per month on the entire zone. With a view to complete the full structure within the next 12 months, and the MEP works and finishing 6 to 7 months thereafter, the contractor is confident that the zone will be ready for delivery by the end of 2011.

“The strong sense of cooperation among all our contractors and suppliers plays a pivotal role in the impressive speed by which this monumental project is being built, which will enable us to deliver the initial phases on schedule,” said Danial H. Schön, Vice President, Schön Properties. “We are very happy to report the outstanding milestones we have achieved in the construction of ‘Dubai Lagoon’, in line with the commitment we made to our valued investors.”

With backfilling for Zone 2 already completed and the pouring of the concrete blinding almost finished, the appointed waterproofing contractor BMC is gearing up to complete the waterproofing under the raft foundation within the next two weeks. Main contractor Commodore Contracting further announced that the raft foundation steel works has already started, with the double basements to be completed in 4 months and the ground floor slab to be casted within the next 5 to 6 months. On the other hand, the building permit for Zone 4 has already been transferred and backfilling is nearing completion. In addition, Commodore Contracting is gearing up to commence works on Zone 4 as per the schedule set for Zone 2, with a one-month lag.

“We want to commend the excellent work of our partners, especially the main contractors, who are fuelling our continuous efforts to ensure the prompt completion of ‘Dubai Lagoon’. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of our project consultant Mazaya in achieving these encouraging developments,” concluded Asher H. Schön, Vice President, Schön Properties.


About Schön Properties
Established in 2004, Schön Properties are one of Dubai's leading private developers. The company has several prestigious projects to their credit, including Schön Business Park, Schön Suites and their flagship development Dubai Lagoon.

It has been the company's driving ambition to continuously grow, succeed and become prominent in every field of business it chooses to engage in. Schön's senior management brings a rich equity of diverse experience in real estate, finance and various other industries. This coupled with traditional family values of fairness and honesty in every aspect of the business, ensure maximum value to its customers and partners.

The company's unique combination of experience and expertise, maintains the equality between the brand's promise, and the resulting experience.

O14 Tower and Bay View photos, Business Bay , Dubai

Emaar Properties wins awards for community management expertise

Emaar Properties wins awards for community management expertise

• Emaar wins award for ‘Education & Development Initiative’ and ‘Young Middle East Facilities Manager of the Year’ at Facilities Management ME Awards

Dubai, UAE; June 21, 2010: Emaar Properties PJSC, the global property developer, highlighted its commitment to strengthening community ties by clinching two top laurels at the Facilities Management Middle East Awards 2010 recently.

Emaar Community Management (ECM) the division dedicated to the management of Emaar’s communities, won the award for ‘Best Education & Development Initiative of the Year’ for its Community Cleanup Campaign, and Mr Naganandh Lakshmanan, Assistant Manager – ECM, was chosen as the ‘Young Middle East Facilities Manager of the Year.’

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said that Awards are a testament to the focus of Emaar in developing and sustaining integrated lifestyle neighbourhoods. “The Facilities Management Middle East Awards are a reiteration of the global best practices our Community Management team follows.”

Mr Matrooshi added: “The Awards highlight the cooperation and active participation of our community residents who made a difference with the Community Cleanup Campaign. Their participation is in line with the recently released guidelines by RERA under the Jointly-Owned Property Law.”

Emaar’s education and development initiative focused on bringing together the communities to highlight health, safety and security awareness through a Community Cleanup Campaign. This was further complemented through Emaar’s community newsletters, regularly sent out to all residents, which urged them to participate in the campaign, ensuring robust turnout.

Mr Lakshmanan was awarded with the Young Facilities Manager Award for his tireless work in the Dubai Marina towers community, where he worked to reduce costs and enhance efficiencies, thus achieving a cost saving of over AED 1.4 million in 2009. This in turn contributed to reducing the service fees for the community.

Emaar Community Management covers all aspects of the neighbourhoods, and work towards establishing vibrant communities by promoting the active participation of residents.

Photo Caption
Mr Jeevan J. D Mello (right), Senior Director, Emaar Community Management, receives Emaar’s Award for ‘Best Educational and Development Initiative’ at the Facilities Management Middle East Awards 2010 from Mr Bill Heath, Managing Director of MACE MACRO International.

Burj Khalifa photos, aka Burj Dubai

TASWEEK Real Estate Marketing & Development launches new property management services for Abu Dhabi & Dubai

TASWEEK Real Estate Marketing & Development launches new property management services for Abu Dhabi & Dubai

Portfolio to cover customer, financial, and facilities management plus referrals to reliable property service providers

June 20, 2010

TASWEEK Real Estate Development and Marketing, an advisor and solutions provider serving the Middle East real estate markets, has announced that it has initiated property management services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai by signing its first property management contract and has started handling a few buildings in both emirates. The new service portfolio includes customer management, financial management and restructuring, facilities management, and linkages to reliable property service providers.

TASWEEK’s property management services will help minimize the vacancies and maximize the profits of property owners by handling their operational needs on a day-to-day basis. The new portfolio will meet the growing demand for property management services within the regional real estate sector driven by high levels of competition, the availability of more products, and the need for effective cost-saving strategies.

“Our latest package of services complements our vision of becoming a one-stop shop for serving the entire real estate services and marketing chain. The UAE’s real estate market is expected to achieve a better balance between demand and supply this year and so property owners need to fully optimize their investments and do business with the right partners. We shall deliver our property management offerings with the same levels of integrity, accountability and professionalism that have helped us establish a leading position in the regional real estate markets,” said Masood Al Awar, CEO, TASWEEK Real Estate Development and Marketing.

TASWEEK’s latest lineup of services is part of expansion plans which include its entry into additional markets such as healthcare and education aside from its regular residential and commercial base. Projections of a 3.2 per cent growth in the UAE economy for 2010 have encouraged the company to consider potential property investments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai worth around AED 1.5 billion which could net AED 300 million in profits within three years.

TASWEEK Real Estate Development and Marketing facilitates Purchase and Sale of Strategic Assets; Asset Management; Joint Ventures and Strategic Alliances; and Marketing Consultancy. It reported a 5 per cent increase in shareholders’ equity during its commencement of commercial activities in 2009 and is set to post another strong year through strategic acquisitions, joint venture investments, and new services.

Marina 106 Tower plot photos,Dubai Marina

Jumeirah Lakes Towers lake and landscaping progress, JLT,Dubai