Escan Marina Tower construction photos, Dubai Marina , 29/March/2013

Cayan Tower photos, aka Infinity Tower , Dubai Marina ,29/March/2013

Pentominium photos, Dubai Marina , 29/March/2013

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed opens Mövenpick Hotel Apartments The Square Dubai -- a joint project of Omniyat & Al Shabab Sports Club

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed opens Mövenpick Hotel Apartments The Square Dubai -- a joint project of Omniyat & Al Shabab Sports Club

The 5th Mövenpick property in Dubai is the first international hotel in Al Mamzar area

Dubai, UAE, 25 March 2013: HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of Al Shabab Sports Club in Dubai inaugurated yesterday (Sunday, 24 March, 2013) the Mövenpick Hotel Apartments The Square Dubai, located in Al Mamzar.

The new hotel, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ fifth property in Dubai and Omniyat’s first such venture, boasts 180 superior and deluxe rooms, as well as one and two-bedroom hotel apartment suites.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Mehdi Amjad, Omniyat's Executive Chairman and CEO, thanked HH Sheikh Mansoor for his presence and patronage and said he was pleased with the product of this partnership between his company and Al Shabab Sports Club -- an outstanding hotel in a distinctive new destination.

“Dubai is definitely a place where iconic developments and pioneering initiatives sprout all the time, as evidenced by the series of recent announcements of ambitious new projects in the emirate, made by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai,” Mehdi said.

He added: “We are proud of the way we have developed The Square project, which is the result of collaboration between multiple partners, including Al Shabab Club and Mövenpick, anchor tenants, retailers, franchises, architects and contractors, all joining hands to maximize value and desirability. Today we are delighted to crown our partnership with the inauguration of the new hotel.”

The new Mövenpick property is set to be a popular destination in The Square. Already, the hotel is witnessing high levels of occupancy.

The Square offers a superior lifestyle experience for those who look for serenity in community living. The complex comprises nine low rise residential buildings and a commercial section with a retail arcade occupying the entire ground floor. The property is surrounded by 6,000 square meters of gardens and water.

Mehdi added: “Omniyat is among a handful of private real estate companies that have succeeded in adapting to the altered real estate scenario after the global financial meltdown of 2008. We were able to overcome the challenges posed by the crisis and smartly turn them into opportunities. The Square is a testimony to our ability to excel in a tough market.”

Mr. Gerard Hotelier, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts Vice-President of Operations for Middle East and India added: “We are pleased to work with Omniyat and Al Shabab Club in developing this world-class hotel, and both organizations have demonstrated high levels of professionalism and team spirit. For Movenpick, this new hotel will help boost our footprint in the Deira area.”

Due to its proximity to Dubai International Airport, Dubai Creek, the emirate of Sharjah, Dubai Airport Free Zone, port and trading centres, Deira remains a vibrant central district where hotels enjoy upwards of 80 per cent occupancy year-round.

The new hotel is ideal for families, executive travellers and long-stay guests. Each of the rooms and apartments at Mövenpick Hotel Apartments The Square Dubai are well appointed, and come with a convenient kitchenette. The property has also attained the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) classification as ‘Deluxe Hotel Apartments’, the highest standard of hotel apartments in Dubai.

RTA opens flyover linking Hessa, Al Khail Roads and Barsha with Sh. Mohammed bin Zayed Rd

RTA opens flyover linking Hessa, Al Khail Roads and Barsha with Sh. Mohammed bin Zayed Rd

Total costs of the project amount to 940 million dirham

Dubai- Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has opened the interchange linking Hessa Road, Al Khail Road and Al Barsha with Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd. This key interchange serves the traffic movement from and to Al Barsha via Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd, providing free vehicular passage in all directions, including the area under development surrounding the interchange.
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said: “By opening this flyover, the RTA has completed the construction of all works in this vital project, which has a cost tag of 940 million dirham. Works in the project, main parts of which had already been opened by the RTA, started in the second quarter of 2008 and was fully completed as per the approved timeline.

This Project marks the second phase of widening Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd Project stretching from the Arabian Ranches Interchange up to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The project is undertaken as part of RTA Master Plan for upgrading roads, bridges, crossings and tunnels to improve the transit movement & mobility in all parts of the Emirate. It also comes in implementation of RTA Strategic Plan for upgrading the infrastructure of roads network and public transit systems in Dubai Emirate with the aim of sorting out integrated road systems as well as land and marine transport networks that are safe to use, matching to the comprehensive development plans, and meeting the needs of demographic expansion besides contributing to encouraging development & investment in the Emirate.

“The Project encompasses widening a10 km-long sector of the Road from three to six lanes in each direction and constructing a flyover to replace the surface intersection with Al Barsha Rd to serve the new development areas between Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd and Al Khail Rd. It also includes constructing a ramp over Al Houdh R/A comprising five lanes linking Al Yallas Rd inbound from Jebel Ali and Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd; three of which are in the direction of Dubai and the other two in the direction of Sharjah with a total length of 2.5 km.

In June 2006, the RTA started the initial phase of widening the Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd from the entrance of Sharjah Emirate till the Arabian Ranches Interchange stretching 32 km where the Road has been widened from three to six lanes in each direction. This phase, which cost about 333 million dirham, was completed in April 2008. At the same time the RTA started the construction of the Arabian Ranches Interchange which is one of the biggest interchanges constructed by the RTA with bridges spanning 2.5 km. The Interchange, which cost 409 million dirham comprises 11 bridges and one tunnel provides free traffic in all directions, was opened in the second half of 2008.

Al Tayer, was delighted with the completion of all phases of the Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd; which is one of the most important and longest Roads in the UAE, and a key component of the federal roads network in the UAE. It forms a vital traffic corridor between Emirates of the UAE starting from the Trucks Road in Abu Dhabi Emirate, passing across the Emirates of Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and terminating at Ras Al Khaima to link up with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Salim Rd. The Sh Mohammed bin Zayed Rd has multiple flyovers designed and constructed at the highest global standards with the aim of providing free traffic movement in all directions. The importance of this vital traffic corridor is likely to increase in the near future given the urban development alongside both sides of the Road, in addition to the increase in the number of road users heading towards Abu Dhabi from Dubai or other Emirates and vice versa.

Captions:

- Layout of roads linking the Interchange
- Free traffic movement after the opening of the Interchange

RTA launches “Terhal Package” to promote use of mass transit systems

RTA launches “Terhal Package” to promote use of mass transit systems

Package contains purchase vouchers, discounts up to 2000 dirham

Roads and Transport Authority - Manal Khalid:
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has recently launched, for the second time running, Terhal Integrated Package, and distributed it in several Dubai Metro stations, various business outlets and money exchange shops. The Package, which includes purchase vouchers and discounts of up to AED 2000, is sold to the worth of AED 65.

Mohammed Al Mudharreb, Director of Unified Fare Collection Card, RTA Corporate Technical Support Services Sector, said, “The launch of this package comes in the context of promoting the use of mass transit means among community members in general, and tourists in particular, through showing that the Emirate of Dubai is interconnected by a sprawling transit network comprising the metro, buses, and marine transport services, such that commuters can easily move to various destinations, besides enabling them to conveniently pay for the paid car parking zones in Dubai.”

“We opted to launch Terhal Package which includes two Silver Nol cards with an initial balance of AED 14 apiece and various purchase vouchers and discounts, at key recreational & tourist outlets, restaurants, and malls across the Emirate of Dubai. The Package also contains a tourist travel map, which serves as an integrated guide for various destinations, in addition to general information such as telephone numbers of key entities such as emergency services, police, embassies and ambulance services,” added Al Mudharreb. He pointed out that “a number of free vouchers has been added by Paris Gallery for the first time ever, to some packages, thus being made available for some lucky package holders.”

“In the near future, Terhal Package will be launched periodically by upgrading its content to measure up to the aspirations of customers. We will also seek to engage a series of key outlets and destinations in Dubai in a bid to attract the attention of a large segment of the public,” concluded Al Mudharreb.

It is noteworthy that Terhal Package is available at 12 Dubai Metro stations, namely Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa, Deira City Centre, Airport Terminal 1, Airport Terminal 3, Ibn Battuta, Union, Al Rashidiya, Burjuman, Dubai Marina, Al Fahidi, and Bani Yas. The Package is also available at Spinneys & Carrefour main outlets, Madina Supermarket, Sharaf Exchange, Redha Al Ansari, Orient Technology outlets and petrol stations.

First vehicle of Sufouh Tram to arrive 11 Dec 2013: Al Tayer

First vehicle of Sufouh Tram to arrive 11 Dec 2013: Al Tayer

The announcement made during a visit to inspect work progress in the project

Dubai- Roads & Transport Authority – Mohammed Al Munji:

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), announced that the first vehicle of Al Sufouh Tram will arrive Dubai on 11 December 2013, after undergoing a technical experimental test on a test track at the facilities of the manufacturing company, adding that the production of the Tram’s vehicles at the factory in France had almost hit 30 per cent.

Al Tayer made this announcement during an inspection tour of the project site, accompanied by the CEO of Rail Agency Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Rail Planning & Projects Development Abdul Rida Abu Al Hassan, and a cohort of engineers from the Rail Agency and the Project Contractor. During the visit, Al Tayer inspected the work progress in various parts of the Project, particularly the elevated track, stations, and utility lines diversion points. Al Tayer was briefed by Al Hammadi on the completion rates in various components of the Project which is progressing according to the approved schedule where the initial phase is penciled for completion in the last quarter of 2014. The overall project completion rate has touched 52%, stations completion rate is about 26%, rail tracks completion rate is hovering around 32%, foundation works in the tram depot exceeded 90%, and completion rate in the overall depot works is 8%.

Highlighting the Project, which is being constructed by Alstom-Besix Consortium, Al Hammadi said: “Al Sufouh Tramway extends 14.6 km alongside Al Safouh Road, and the initial Phase envisages the construction of a 10.6 km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the Tram Depot near Dubai Police Academy. The Tram network comprises 17 passenger stations, 11 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tramway.

“The fleet comprises 8 trams in the initial phase, and 17 trams will be added in Phase II such that the total number of operating trams will be beefed up to 25 trams. The Tram is expected to lift in the initial phase about 3,500 passengers per hour per direction, and the ridership is bound to pick up in phase II to around 5,200 passengers per hour per direction. Each tram measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate about 300 passengers. The Tram has a First Class (Gold Suite) and one cabin designated for ladies & children as well as a Silver Class car. The tram’s carriages & stations will have a lavish & deluxe interior finishing, and will feature state-of-the-art technologies in the transmission and display of entertainment materials. The passenger lounge will span 44 meters and is set to be equipped with Automatic Fare Collections systems.

The tram track basically extends at-grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section when passing across certain parts of the Dubai Marina for reasons dictated by urban structures of the locality. It links up with the metro system in three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road via footbridges to ease the transit and transfer of passengers between the two modes. Al Sufouh Tram will also be linked with the Monorail of The Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Al Sufouh Road to facilitate passenger movement between districts served by both modes.

Al Sufouh Tram is considered the world’s first tramway project powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track, thus obviating the need for catenary cables. It is also the world's first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully aligned with the tram's doors opening and shutting mechanism, providing maximum convenience, safety and security for passengers, and at the same time protecting the quality of the air-conditioning in the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic conditions.

Caption:
• Al Tayer inspecting work progress in Al Safouh Tram Depot
• Al Tayer inspecting the project

Green Globe Certification first for Park Regis Kris Kin brand

Green Globe Certification first for Park Regis Kris Kin brand

Sustainability specialist Farnek Consulting helps Bur Dubai property reach major milestone to gain GGC recognition

The Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai has been awarded international Green Globe Certification (GGC), following an in-depth sustainability audit conducted by Farnek Consulting, GGC’s exclusive partner in the Middle East.

The certification marks another milestone in the success of the 390-room five-star property, “we are truly proud to receive this recognition that reinforces our commitment to the emirates’ transition towards a greener economy,” said Scott Butcher, General Manager.

According to Sandrine Le Biavant, Division Manager, Farnek Consulting, the hotel demonstrated ‘top to bottom’ commitment to the certification process, with team members involved at all levels and across all departments..

“From the simplest step of encouraging team members to switch off computers and office lights when not in use, to the launch of a dedicated waste separation and recycling programme, the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai team has shown real commitment to achieve certification, with a clear two-year strategy and a well thought-out environmental plan,” she said. “Building on its newly certificated status, the hotel will roll out a number of new carbon footprint-reducing initiatives in 2013 and has also launched an internal forum to generate further ideas and proposals”.

Concerns regarding the substantial impact of tourism on the global environmental footprint are driving the hotel’s green commitment and Butcher stressed that as a major consumer of energy and water, the hospitality industry needs to take sustainability seriously.

RTA constructs 13 new pedestrian bridges in key positions across the Emirate

RTA constructs 13 new pedestrian bridges in key positions across the Emirate

The new addition brings up the total footbridges to 87 by next June

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has expedited the construction of 13 pedestrian bridges, with construction works in the project set to be completed next June, thus the total number of footbridges in Dubai will soar to 87 bridges spreading all over key locations in the Emirate. These include 34 pedestrian bridges of the Metro stations (23 on the Red Line and 11 on the Green Line).
Commenting on the Project, H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said: “Works in the new pedestrian bridges project started in June 2012 and bridges have been designed at the highest international standards tailored to ensure the safety of road users.

“Up to the end of last year, 80 pedestrian bridges have been constructed and in 2012 the RTA opened 2 pedestrian bridges; one on Abu Baker Al Siddique Road and the other at the Emirates Hills. In the past few years the RTA opened a number of footbridges on various Dubai roads such as Khalid bin Al Waleed Road, Al Mankhool Road, Bani Yas Road, Zaabeel Road, Damascus Road, Al Rasheed Road, and Al Rebat Road in addition to Abu Baker Al Siddique Road.

“Bridges currently under construction span a variety of vital locations across the Emirate that have been selected in the light of traffic studies guided by the intensity of peoples movement between the two sides of roads, office and marts concentration areas, and locations witnessing high run-over accident rates (Black Points). Among the key bridges to be constructed are two bridges across the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road; the first one near the Fruits & Vegetables Market at Al Awir, spanning 100 meters, and the other one is near workers accommodation at Muhaisnah, stretching 86 meters. Other bridges spread at Al Mina Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, Umm Suqeim Road, Al Wuhaida Road, Amman Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Road, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, and Al Khaleej Road in addition to 4 bridges at Jebel Ali Industrial Area.

“Pedestrian bridges, particularly the ones designed in recent years, have several aesthetic features. Besides forming part of the distinctive features of Dubai Emirate, these crossings are fitted with modern electrical fixtures, and some of them are inspired by the designs of traditions & heritage icons of the UAE, others replicate the modern & stylish model of the city,” added Al Tayer
“The RTA applies specific criteria in designing & constructing pedestrian bridges in Dubai Emirate through conducting traffic studies focused on population density of the area, road speed, services provided at both sides of the road, and the number of traffic accidents. The results concluded to in those studies are being translated into technical & traffic studies which might include pedestrian bridges or signalized pedestrian crossings.

“The RTA, represented by the Traffic & Roads Agency, is making every effort to minimize pedestrian accidents; which are not restricted to technical measures but include multi-faceted key aspects such as engineering safety measures, and traffic awareness campaigns for various community members, particularly students. The RTA is continuously working on awareness campaigns to diffuse the importance of using safe transit means such as pedestrian crossings, bridges and subways in order to avoid run-over accidents,” explained Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director called upon pedestrians to use footbridges and subways designated for crossing roads, and invited motorists to abide by the specified speed limits, and slow down near pedestrian crossing points to ensure the safety of all road users.

Captions
• Mattar Al Tayer
• Heritage-inspired design of a pedestrian bridge
• Pedestrian bridges contributing to the drop in run-over accidents