Al Tayer inspects Al Khawaneej Bus Depot

Al Tayer inspects Al Khawaneej Bus Depot

Roads & Transport Authority:
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), has recently inspected Al Khawaneej Bus Depot which was inaugurated by the RTA in early August to serve 16 public transport routes shuttling over several districts across Dubai Emirate; including 5 Dubai Metro stations feeder service. During his tour, Al Tayer was accompanied by the CEO of Public Transport Agency Essa Abdul-Rahman Al Dosari in addition to other directors & managers of the Agency.

Al Tayer stated: “Al Khawaneej Bus Depot is considered a milestone in broadening and upgrading public transport network in Dubai Emirate; as it serves a plenty of Dubai Metro stations feeder routes, and passes across a number of districts throughout the Emirate”.

“The inauguration of this depot aims to widen and improve public bus transport, meet the requirements of passengers using this type of public transport, encourage more passengers to use the Dubai Metro, and enhance the integration of public transport network in Dubai Emirate,” said Al Tayer.

He continued: “The inauguration of this station culminates elaborate studies and site surveys undertaken by the RTA to assess the requirements of public bus riders, link the metro stations with public transport routes in Dubai, and address the transportation needs of all districts in the vicinity of the metro stations.
“The opening of Al Khawaneej Bus Depot also aims to distribute the bus routes according to districts close to the bus depots to ensure better utilization of the existing resources, enhance the efficiency and reduce the operational cost so long as the Depot is in close proximity to the starting points of the bus routes. It is anticipated that the operation of this Depot will cut the operational costs by as much as 1.5 million dirham per annum,” added Al Tayer.

“It took the RTA 15 months to complete this vital project at a cost of 121 million dirham. The facility has a capacity to house 284 buses and comprises a waiting yard, an air-conditioned maintenance workshop providing all types of preventive & regular bus maintenance (including maintenance of engines, electrical systems, and air-conditioning systems), a fully fledged painting workshop, a refueling station and a washing bay,” said Al Tayer in a final remark.

Worth-mentioning that the five metro stations feeder routes principally serve Al Rashidiya Station as Route (F3) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (4), and passes across several districts including Mirdiff Interchange, Mirdiff Private School (1), and Mirdiff Uptown Center (1). Route (F4) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (5) and passes across Imam Abu Haneefa Mosque at Mirdiff, Mirdiff City Center, Al Rashidiya and other districts. Route (F5) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (5) and passes across Muhaisnah (1), Al Mizher, and Al Arabi Center, whereas Route (F6) starts off Lulu Village, Muhaisnah (4), Head Office of Public Transport Agency, and Al Kawakeb School. Route (F10) starts off Al Rashidiya Metro Station (2) and passes through several districts including the entry leading to Al Warqaa (1), the Grand Mosque at Al Warqaa, and Al Jahiz Boys School at Rashidiya among others.

Captions:
- Mattar Al Tayer inspecting the station

Asteco launches Buy Dubai

Asteco launches Buy Dubai

Interior fit-out company to source 80% of products from local suppliers, supporting UAE businesses and giving customers more control over quality and delivery times

Leading property management company Asteco has launched its exclusive furnishing subdivision, Buy Dubai, which is supporting the UAE economy by sourcing 80% of products from local manufacturers.

APM Design and Furnishing Department specialises in space planning, fit-out and project management for hotel and private apartments, transforming an empty shell into a vibrant and cosy living area with bespoke furniture and accessories, in just four weeks rather than the three to four month wait for furnishings bought overseas.

“Asteco was founded in Dubai and as such we believe in supporting the community that has enabled us to build a successful business. It can often be tempting to buy abroad but when shipping and import taxes are taken into consideration the savings are not always as great as they first appear. Supporting local suppliers, who can find it difficult competing in a crowded marketplace, also enables us to better manage the standard of all products to ensure customers receive a quality service synonymous with the Asteco brand,” said Kerrin Matthey, Head of Design Furnishing at Asteco.

Clients can choose from a number of themes, including contemporary and Balinese, as well as colours and price points for their apartment. Asteco Property Management will then source products, whether they are sofas, handmade rugs, mirrors or soft furnishings and fit them in the property ready for owners, or tenants, to move in.

The packages, which offer average delivery times of four weeks rather than 3-4 months if furniture is bought from overseas firms, can also add lasting value to properties. They are offered in various markets across the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi and Qatar, in addition to Dubai.

“Many items can be locally sourced, including furniture, table wear, mirrors and artwork and clients are amazed when we tell them their furnishing is manufactured in Dubai and timeline for delivery is about one month. But more than this, it allows us to easily check on the process, or send things back in the rare cases they do not meet our standards,” said Matthey.

“In these challenging times many designers look beyond Dubai for a cheap quick fix but finding the cheapest solution can be a false economy as in most cases quality and longevity are compromised. By using locally skilled tradesman and home grown supplies, we benefit when it comes to delivery schedules and quality control,” Matthey added.

The company has already successfully fitted out a number of commercial and high-end properties, including signature villas for the Manchester United team on Palm Jumeirah, whose furniture was produced by Dubai-based joiners. They have also secured contracts for the Sama Tower show apartments and Y Tower in Abu Dhabi.

Photo caption 1: A Buy Dubai furnished apartment in the Oceana complex on Palm Jumeirah.
Photo caption 2: An apartment in Sama Tower fitted out by Buy Dubai

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.

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Danube to open its biggest ‘BUILDMART’ showroom within a mall

Danube to open its biggest ‘BUILDMART’ showroom within a mall

New store to mark company’s 10th retail facility in GCC

August 24, 2010

Danube Building Materials, the leader in construction, building materials and shop fitting industries, has announced plans to open its biggest ‘Danube BUILDMART’ showroom within a mall by October 2010. Set to occupy 35,000 sq. feet within the Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, the new store will mark the company’s 10th retail facility in the GCC, and its fourth branch within a local shopping mall. The move is part of the company’s AED 200 million expansion initiative, which is focused on establishing 16 branches for its flagship retail brand by the end of the year.

The announcement of the planned launch follows the opening of the first ‘Danube BUILDMART’ branch in India last July, and an earlier proclamation that the company is looking at an initial public offering (IPO) listing in Saudi Arabia or the UAE within the next 5 years. In addition to growing its business in the UAE, the company further revealed that it expanding to Qatar and other parts of Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as in China, where it currently has one of its major manufacturing plants.

“Our commitment to providing clients all over the UAE with the best quality products and the highest level of customer service will once again witness a major boost with the upcoming launch of our newest and biggest ‘Danube BUILDMART’ showroom that is situated within a mall,” said Rizwan Sajan, Chairman, Danube Building Materials. “We are very excited to unveil this latest addition to our rapidly-expanding family of first-class retail showrooms, and we are confident of the positive impact of this massive investment in our bottom line as well as to the strength of the ‘Danube BUILDMART’ name in the country.”

Set to offer products from a host of reputed international and regional vendors including chandeliers, wall paper collections, curtains, carpets, luxury sanitary ware, Venetian blinds, wooden flooring, garden accessories, home décor and soft furnishings such as quilts, mattresses, towels, and pillow covers, among others, all products in the new showroom will be installed in an actual home set-up for a more personalised shopping experience. In addition, the store will also have a ‘Design Centre’, where customers can take floor plans of their houses and take expert advice, excellent service, design assistance and inspiration from consultants. At present, there are 9 retail outlets under the ‘BUILDMART’ banner, which are located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Al Fujairah in the UAE; in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the latest one in India.

“Abu Dhabi remains a strong market, and the opening of our newest branch in the city is a testament to our confidence in the emirate’s growth, especially in the construction and real estate front. We are confident that this new venture will be a key success and a highlight for our business this year,” concluded Sajan.


About Danube Building Materials FZCO
Established in 1993, Danube Building Materials FZCO provides more than 15,000 products in stock and in-house value added services in all of its 14 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 18 branches worldwide - 13 in the UAE, 2 in Oman, 1 each in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and 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.

Emaar certified to offer management services for Owners Associations

Emaar certified to offer management services for Owners Associations

Dubai, UAE; August 22, 2010: Emaar Community Management, a subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has been licensed by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) to offer management services for the proposed Owners Associations.

RERA had recently issued the direction for Article (2) of Law No (27) of 2007 concerning Jointly Owned Properties in the Emirate of Dubai. Accordingly, all developers have to set up Owners Associations within a stipulated timeframe in Dubai.

These associations will be led by a Board comprising home-owners elected by members of the community, and are to be managed by licensed Association Managers. The managers are appointed by the Owners Associations to ensure that all guidelines outlined by the association are implemented to protect the wellbeing of the community at all times

Initially, Emaar will focus on offering its expertise in community management to the Owners Associations in the developer’s own communities including Downtown Dubai, which is anchored by Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; Arabian Ranches, Dubai Marina, and Emirates Living.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “The certification and licensing of Emaar Community Management highlights our expertise in offering quality managerial services to the Owners Associations. The managers have a key role in upholding the interests of the Owners Associations and ensuring that the community is maintained as per the directives of the homeowners.”

While, Emaar Community Management is the first major company to be licensed to offer Association Management services in Dubai, many of Emaar’s Association Management personnel have been previously certified by the US-based Community Associations Institute (CAI) making them the first personnel in the Middle East with the prestigious certification. The scope of work will cover administrative, financial, technical, and customer service activities for the Owners Association, subject to the instruction of the Board of the Owners Association.

Emaar has already established 16 Interim Owners Associations, several of them in existence much before the recent RERA guidance. The developer is currently reaching out to all home owners in its communities to develop Owners Associations and constitute the boards.

About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key markets world-wide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure, healthcare and financial services sectors.

Emaar inaugurated Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and has opened The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre.

In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led project in Saudi Arabia, featuring a Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Educational Zone, Residential Communities and Resort District.

Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani to strengthen its presence in hospitality. For more information, visit www.emaar.com

Arabian Travel Market creates more business opportunities

Arabian Travel Market creates more business opportunities

New structure to accommodate extended business sessions, as largest travel event in Middle East announces 2011 dates

Arabian Travel Market, the leading travel exhibition in the Middle East, has unveiled a new format to its four-day event, by introducing an additional day of business, while still maintaining a dedicated session for consumers.

The 2011 show which takes place at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre will open a day earlier running from Monday to Thursday (May 2-5), with new opening times creating an extra day of business on Thursday followed by a dedicated consumer session later the same day between 3pm and 9pm.

“We have decided to change the format of the show after a survey revealed that the majority of participants wanted more time to explore business opportunities, while also retaining a consumer element. The new format accommodates that request,” said Mark Walsh, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.
“Although business will always be the key driver of the event consumers still provide valuable end-user feedback and key insight for industry professionals,” added Walsh.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai and approaching its eighteenth year, the show has grown to become the largest showcase of its kind in the region and one of the biggest in the world. This year 2,236 exhibitors covering over 20,000 square metres, attracted more than 22,000 visitors.
“This is a logical move for Arabian Travel Market as the Middle East region is one of the fastest growing inbound and outbound markets in the world,” said Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, Director, Overseas Promotions and Inward Mission.

“Dubai will continue to provide a platform to support key industry events like Arabian Travel Market, which help to shape the future of the region’s tourism landscape, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in terms of social, environmental and cultural development, ” added Al Geziry.

According to the World Travel Organisation (WTO), the travel industry has witnessed seven consecutive months of growth to the end of April this year. Indeed the number of international tourist arrivals worldwide from January to April 2010 grew to over 258 million, which is a 7% year-on-year increase and during the same period the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 6% growth in air transport.
The WTO’s 2020 tourism vision forecasts that the Middle East region which currently receives 36 million visitors, will attract 69 million tourists by 2020, an average growth rate of 6.7%.

As such, the GCC region and in particular Dubai, has continued to invest heavily in tourism infrastructure. According to Dubai-based research company, Proleads, there are currently over 470 active hotel projects (those not completed, on-hold or cancelled) in the GCC countries, 258 of which are in the UAE. In fact $1.7 billion will be spent on hospitality projects throughout the Gulf this year.
“Through strategic investment, Dubai’s tourism industry has grown exponentially over the past decade and will continue to be a key economic driver in the future,” said Al Geziry.

For more information on Arabian Travel Market 2011, please log on to www.arabiantravelmarket.com

About Arabian Travel Market:
Arabian Travel Market 2010 boasted more than 2,200 exhibitors and stand-sharers, from 65 countries.
Arabian Travel Market is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions’ portfolio, which includes 15 of the world’s leading travel industry events. For more information visit www.arabiantravelmarket.com

Reed Travel Exhibitions
Reed Travel Exhibitions organise the world's leading travel industry events for trade professionals around the globe, incorporating the travel trade, corporate, meetings and incentives sectors including Arabian Travel Market, The World Travel Market and the International Travel Luxury Market. www.reedtravelexhibitions.com

Reed Exhibitions
The world's leading organiser of trade and consumer events running over 470 events in 37 countries. Reed Exhibitions excels in creating high profile, highly targeted business and consumer exhibitions and events to establish and maintain business relations, and generate new business.
Reed Exhibitions network of offices and promoters extends to 65 countries. www.reedexpo.com

Reed Elsevier
Reed Elsevier is a world leading provider of professional information and online workflow solutions in the Science, Medical, Legal, Risk Information and Analytics, and Business sectors.
Based in over 200 locations worldwide, they create authoritative content delivered through market leading brands, enabling their customers to find the essential data, analysis and commentary to support their decisions. www.reed-elsevier.com

Váli Éva - Váli Csongor : Dubaj, ahol a madár is izzad

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RTA completes improvement works of Mirdiff Bridge

RTA completes improvement works of Mirdiff Bridge

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has recently completed all works of Mirdiff Interchange with the opening of all remaining works in the project which included the opening of a right traffic lane inbound from Abu Dhabi / Jebel Ali outbound to Mirdiff, a tunnel and upper roads, and a right traffic lane in the direction of Mirdiff City Center.

Engineer Maitha bin Udai, CEO of RTA Traffic & Roads Agency, highlighted some aspects of the project and said: “The project comprised converting the previous bridge, which was consisting of two lanes in the direction of Al Muhaisna and one lane in the direction of Mirdiff, into a high-capacity flyover comprising six lane in the direction of Mirdiff: three in the direction of Al Muhaisna and three in the direction of Al Rashidiya. It also comprised five lanes for traffic inbound from Al Muhaisna: three in the direction of Murdiff and two in the direction of Al Khawaneej, in addition to other lanes enabling turns from and to Al Khawaneej Road, and free right lanes in all directions of the signalized intersection. The project also included four traffic light signals; three at Algiers Road and one at Madinat Badr.

“The project contributes to easing traffic flow for road users at Mirdiff and Al Muhaisna; which witnessed remarkable urbanization & population growth over the last few years; a matter which warranted upgrading roads coming from and leading to those areas.

“The project entailed widening Al Khawaneej Road in a sector extending 3.4 km from three to four lanes, and widening Algiers Road in a sector extending 1.6 km from two to three lanes so as to eliminate the gridlock at the intersection. A connecting ramp has been constructed to enable free turn leftward to serve the traffic inbound from Al Khwaneej Road and outbound to Al Muhaisna, in addition to completing all works related to utility lines related to irrigation, sewage, lighting and traffic signage.

“The project comes under RTA plans to mitigate traffic congestion through undertaking a number of vital projects, improving roads, and providing services at residential areas in keeping with undergoing road widening & development projects witnessed by Dubai aimed at achieving RTA vision of providing Safe & Smooth Transport for All. It is also part of RTA strategy to meet the current and future requirements of roads & transportation, and develop integrated solutions of land & marine transportation networks that are safe to use, in line with the comprehensive economic development plans and meet the demographic expansion of the Emirate.

Captions:
- Engineer Maitha bin Udai
- A layout of Murdiff Bridges