RTA to host Dubai International Projects Management Forum in Sept 2014

RTA to host Dubai International Projects Management Forum in Sept 2014

The event is held in cooperation with DEWA, Emaar

Dubai - The Roads and Transport Authority:

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announces the hosting of the Dubai International Projects Management Forum in cooperation with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Emaar Properties in September 2014. The event is set to feature a wide participation of an array of international experts of the industry; which is shaping up as a cornerstone of development strategies and modern management science as it has a considerable impact in terms of identifying the frameworks and parameters essential for the success of development efforts in various fields.

H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said: “This initiative stems out of the keenness of Dubai to play a pivotal role in leading the development drive across the region, and establishing the essential ingredients for leveraging the industry based on sound scientific bases aligned with the highest standards and practices. This objective can best be served through attracting an elite bunch of top-class senior experts with wide international repute to international gatherings that can be capitalized on to act as effective platforms for knowledge transfer. It is also a testament to Dubai’s commitment to act as a communication channel contributing to the transfer of expertise & sharing of visions between gurus of various industries across the globe based on its billing as an Arab city with a global orientation.

“The Forum aims to cast light on Dubai as a leading city in Projects Management industry as its success in this field is epitomized in adopting top-notch international standards to a series of mega projects that have commanded the global attention such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Metro, airport projects and giant ports with massive operational efficiency,” explained Al Tayer.
Detailing the contents of the Forum, Al Tayer said: “The Forum will focus on the vital role of projects management in managing and streamlining the business process in public and private entities. The projects management concepts are being applied as a modern style of managing organizations to realize their visions and objectives at the strategic or operational levels through a multi-level matrix of projects management starting from the mechanisms of managing project portfolios for selecting the most suitable projects for realizing the strategic objectives. It also covers managing the program to ensure full coordination between various projects towards realizing the common objectives set for those projects, and applying projects management methods conforming to the approved plan, time and budget limits set.

“Public and private organizations apply projects management in various business fields, particularly when it comes to translating their long-term strategic plans into projects undertaken on the ground to achieve the strategic and operational objectives. The Forum will not only focus on projects management in engineering and technological capacities, but will also shed light on other non-traditional sectors such as sport, media, film-making among others.

“The Forum will touch on a number of key aspects including maximizing the benefit from government investment in infrastructure projects, the link between corporate development projects and corporate strategic plans, highlighting the role of projects management offices in government entities, planning and following-up government projects & electronic systems applied in this field, and the importance of partnering with the private sector in undertaking mega projects,” elaborated Al Tayer.
Concluding his remarks, RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director said: “The Forum will target a global audience comprising of public entities and organizations, semi-government companies engaged in development projects, projects management companies, consultants and contractors as well as university professors & students and research institutes. Events of the Forum will feature main lectures, seminars and the delivery of work papers.”

Mohammed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Dubai has become a focal point for the entire world, thanks to its cutting-edge achievements in developing unprecedented landmark projects based on top quality and excellence standards of project management. Emaar has a wealth of experience in this field which is epitomized in developing mega global projects such as Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.

“In this regard, it gives us honour to team up with the RTA and DEWA in hosting the Dubai International Projects management Forum and we are fully confident that this key event will have a vital contribution to showcasing the solid standing of Dubai as a leading international hub for projects management,” continued Al Abbar.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said: “The staging of this Forum and our effective engagement in the event is part of our endeavours to materialize the aspirations of our prudent leadership in fostering international events capable of boosting the profile and image of Dubai Emirate in the world stage, and showcasing the achievements made in projects management field. It also echoes the achievements made by Dubai on the ground in planning and constructing massive infrastructure projects as well as service & real estate projects. DEWA has therefore been keen on holding this event through lending all support needed by the RTA in preparing and organizing the event to ensure realization of its objectives and turning it into an extravaganza befitting the Dubai Emirate.

“The importance of this Forum stems from the very nature of topics reviewing the best global practices of projects management and opening windows of discussions, research and development with a view to coming up with the best solutions matching to the challenges confronting the implementation of various projects. The gathering will feature the participation of prominent global experts hailing from America, Asia, and Australia, and the presence of more than 30 experts who will discuss their practices, experiences and models.

“DEWA will have an active role in enriching the Forum with a host of experts and successful models in this field in the form of speakers, and presenting projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park at Al Qouz as models to be emulated.
“In the context of the strategic partnership of DEWA with the RTA, the participation of DEWA will be practical and effective through providing successful models and experiences for all events of the Forum, be it seminars, workshops or an accompanying showcase.

“Furthermore, a bunch of DEWA experts will present work papers about projects management and the best projects management practices adopted by DEWA; which have commanded a global recognition in several international events,” said the Managing Director and CEO of DEWA in a concluding remark.

Captions:
- Mattar Al Tayer
- Saeed Al Tayer
- Mohammed Al Abbar
- Logo of the Dubai International Projects management Forum

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

Emaar to observe ‘Earth Hour’ on March 27 ,Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Address hotels to switch off lights

Emaar to observe ‘Earth Hour’ on March 27

• Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and The Address hotels to switch off lights
• Emaar’s communities and schools to partner in the global initiative

Dubai, UAE; March 24, 2010: Emaar Properties, the global property developer and provider of premier lifestyle, will observe ‘Earth Hour,’ the global initiative against climate change, by switching off the exterior lights of its landmark developments in Dubai on March 27 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building; The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre; and The Address hotels - the flagship hotel brand of Emaar - in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Emirates Living, will add to the cause of conserving energy by switching off the lights. The performance of The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain, will also resume after Earth Hour.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said that the company’s support to Earth Hour highlights its commitment to partner in initiatives that promote environmental awareness and sustainable development.

“As the pioneer of integrated lifestyle projects, Emaar has been at the forefront in creating sustainable communities through a focus on the efficient use of resources. We believe that meaningful change can be brought about through community action, and we are taking the lead by participating in Earth Hour.”

He added: “Emaar is also encouraging all community residents to partner in Earth Hour, and urge them to switch off lights for the hour along with the rest of the world. Our schools will also participate in the initiative. With icons like Burj Khalifa joining in observing Earth Hour, we are confident that the message of sustainable growth initiatives will reach out a large audience across the world.”

Emaar, the recipient of the ISO 14001:2004 certification for environmental best practices, undertakes a series of sustainable development measures across its communities including a recycling initiative. Most developments of Emaar follow the smart home technology for efficient energy use. Several water saving devices have also been introduced in the communities.

Founded by WWF and originating in Australia in 2007, Earth Hour is a global sustainability movement in which over 50 million people from over 35 countries participate. Emaar is encouraging everyone to pledge their support by registering online at www.earthhour.org. Join us in this movement by kindly switching off your lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.

Photo Caption
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, will switch off lights for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on March 27, 2010 to celebrate Earth Hour along with the other iconic developments of Emaar Properties in Dubai.

New Burj Dubai website opens door to life inside the world’s first ‘Vertical City’

New Burj Dubai website opens door to life inside the world’s first ‘Vertical City’

Portal soon to launch online ticketing for the tower’s observation deck on level 124

Dubai, UAE, December 30, 2009: Emaar Properties, the developer of Burj Dubai, has unveiled a comprehensive new website dedicated to the world’s tallest building at www.burjdubai.com

The interactive portal provides a fascinating in-depth introduction to every aspect of life, work and leisure inside the world’s first ‘Vertical City.’

Burj Dubai will be inaugurated on January 4, 2010, which marks the fourth anniversary of the Accession Day of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum as the Ruler of Dubai.

The new website caters to the growing international interest in the tower. Burj Dubai will soon become a vibrant community as well as a breathtaking structure, a city within a city where thousands of people come to live, work and to enjoy its astonishing facilities for entertainment and hospitality.

The website is a window through which any visitor, be they a new arrival in Dubai, a long-time resident, or a foreign traveller planning his or her first trip to the UAE, can gain the most comprehensive knowledge of the world’s tallest building.

The easy-to-navigate website, www.burjdubai.com , has a large portfolio of images of the tower and the surrounding community of Downtown Burj Dubai, a 500-acre mega project including the world’s largest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall, developed by Emaar Properties.

The new website will soon allow visitors to buy tickets to the tower’s 124th floor observation deck, At The Top, Burj Dubai. The site provides a detailed account of the experience awaiting visitors near the summit of Burj Dubai. It also provides visitor information including directions to the At The Top tour, which begins at The Dubai Mall. They can also get insights on the various aspects of the journey.

The website has dedicated sections on the exclusive residences and offices inside Burj Dubai, and a full account of the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai. There is also a detailed overview of the surrounding Downtown Burj Dubai community, including a virtual tour of its many retail and hospitality attractions.

Burj Dubai stands at more than 800 metres (over 2,625 ft) high and is already the world’s tallest man-made structure.

About Burj Dubai:
A mixed-use tower featuring the world’s first Armani Hotel Dubai and Armani Residences, alongside corporate suites, residences, retail and leisure facilities, Burj Dubai is at the centre of Downtown Burj Dubai, a 500-acre mega-development by Emaar Properties. Among an array of lifestyle amenities, the tower will have a public observation deck - At the Top, Dubai - on level 124.

Described as the new heart of Dubai, Downtown Burj 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 over 800 metres, the Burj Dubai has already achieved the distinction of being 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 Dubai 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 Dubai 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.

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, education, healthcare and financial services sectors.

Emaar is set to inaugurate Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building and free-standing structure, and has opened The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. 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. The company is also opening educational institutions and healthcare centres in South Asia, Middle East and North Africa and the Subcontinent.

Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE's leading Islamic home financing company. For more information, visit www.emaar.com

Emaar celebrates Dubai's cultural diversity with International Village at Emaar Boulevard

Emaar celebrates Dubai's cultural diversity with International Village at Emaar Boulevard

Dubai, UAE,

Dubai, UAE; April 14, 2009: Celebrating the cultural diversity of the city, Emaar Properties has announced the International Village, a two-week cultural and retail festival that will take place at Emaar Boulevard in Downtown Burj Dubai. Featuring 41 pavilions, the festival will showcase a diverse array of products from close to 20 countries and will be held from April 17 to May 2, 2009 from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and from 4pm to midnight on weekends and holidays.

Billed to offer a taste of varied cultures right in the heart of the city, the festival will have on display products, artifacts and general paraphernalia from countries panning Africa, Europe, India, China, Korea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Tunisia, Vietnam, UAE and several countries in the Middle East. Each participating country will represent its cultural ethos through its retailed products, which will be further complemented by country-specific cultural programmes and entertainment.

Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said: “With over 180 nationalities living and working together, Dubai is the cultural hub of the region and Emaar is highlighting that cultural plurality with the International Village at Emaar Boulevard. The event is not only our tribute to the city’s cosmopolitan ethos but also aims to strengthen its tourist appeal while establishing Downtown Burj Dubai as a must-visit destination.”

He added: “International Village mirrors Emaar Boulevard’s promise to be the region’s lifestyle centre that further complements the other attractions in Downtown Burj Dubai including The Dubai Fountain, water-music-light-spectacle and Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest tower. Visitors to the family festival will be treated to a rich diversity of shopping choices from various parts of the world and cultural performances.”

The International Village will have pavilions set up along the Emaar Boulevard and will showcase a collection of jewellery, handicrafts and artifacts, clothing and traditional dresses, home accessories, crystals and silverware, perfumes, food items, among others.

Indigenously hand-crafted or imported exclusively for the festival, most products are unique in design, adding to their exclusivity. While there will be plenty of products to choose from, the boulevard will also be dotted with a mix of food & beverage tents and will be further enlivened with music and dance performances, all designed to create a family fun and carnival atmosphere.

International Village is envisioned to be a periodic event that will be held at Emaar Boulevard as part of Downtown Burj Dubai’s plans to enliven the boulevard. Emaar Boulevard has been designed to be the city’s nerve-centre of activity and entertainment and a celebration of downtown culture with cafés, high-fashion shops, hotels and walkways.

International Village follows the success of the first Burj Dubai Classic Car Show and the recent Renault F1 Roadshow both of which attracted thousands of visitors to Downtown Burj Dubai. This two-week festival is set in close proximity to The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, and The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain that is currently being tested.

Described as the new heart of the city, Downtown Burj Dubai is a definitive lifestyle destination in the city and features four hotels – The Address Downtown Burj Dubai; The Palace – The Old Town; Al Manzil and Qamardeen. Apart from The Dubai Mall, the community also features Souk Al Bahar offering several al fresco and indoor dining out options and retail outlets.

Downtown Burj Dubai is an established residential and business community, and is set in 500 acres in the heart of the city, offering easy access to financial and business nerve-centres.
(Emaar,Dubai)

Emaar Properties records 2008 annual net operating profit of AED 5.578 billion (US$ 1.519 billion)

Emaar Properties records 2008 annual net operating profit of AED 5.578 billion (US$ 1.519 billion)

Dubai, UAE; February 12, 2009: Global property developer Emaar Properties PJSC has recorded annual net operating profits of AED 5.578 billion (US$ 1.519 billion) in 2008, 15 per cent lower than the net operating profits of AED 6.575 billion (US$ 1.790 billion) in 2007. Annual revenue was lower by 10 per cent to AED 16.015 billion (US$ 4.360 billion), from AED 17.869 billion (US$ 4.865 billion) in 2007. Earnings per share for the year relating to profit from operating activities in 2008 was AED 0.92 (US$ 0.25) compared to AED 1.08 (US$ 0.29) in the previous financial year.

Following the policy of conservative accounting, the Company recorded an inventory write down AED 0.919 billion (US$ 0.250 billion) relating to real estate inventory in J L Homes, US in the fourth quarter of 2008, where the economy is facing an unprecedented economic crisis. The Company recorded a profit of AED 0.924 billion (US$ 0.252 billion) prior to considering the aforementioned inventory write down in the fourth quarter and recorded a profit of AED 6.662 billion (US$ 1.814 billion) for the year prior to considering the total inventory write down during 2008. The lower revenue of AED 3.495 billion (US$ 0.952 billion) and operating profit of AED 0.924 billion (US$ 0.252 billion) for the fourth-quarter (October to December) 2008 (prior to considering the impact of inventory write down) has resulted in lower overall results for the year 2008. This is primarily due to slowing down of the real estate market in Dubai resulting from the current state of the global financial climate.

Emaar is concentrating on completing all the projects, which have commenced construction and have put new projects/ launches on hold to assist in reducing the real estate property supply in Dubai. The new launches in 2009 will be dependent on the review of the demand and supply situation at various income segment levels.

In view of the unprecedented slow down in the US real estate market, Emaar also decided to write down its investment in J L Homes by a total of AED 1.773 billion (US$ 0.483 billion) during the fourth quarter in order to be conservative in accounting for such an investment. This has resulted in the complete goodwill amount of AED 2.523 billion (US$ 0.687 billion) relating to J L Homes having been written off during 2008.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The primary focus of Emaar in the last quarter of the year was to mitigate the negative impact of the global financial crisis by facing up to the new economic realities and identifying innovative strategies to sustain businesses in an unprecedented downturn. We have placed emphasis on optimising resource use efficiency and maximising productivity, and will continue to build on our strategy of business segmentation and geographic expansion.”

He added: “This will continue to be our business approach in 2009 too, as we continuously strive to maximize shareholder value. Our expansion into other countries and new businesses including shopping malls, hospitality & leisure and education gained traction in 2008. We are thankful to our shareholders, who placed their unwavering trust in our efforts to maintain long-term sustainability.”

Mr Alabbar said that Emaar’s strategic growth objectives have been complemented by the initiatives of the Dubai Government under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. “Rising up to face the economic concerns and boost market confidence, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed initiated several measures including the setting up of The Advisory Council, a high-level committee that will evaluate and recommend policies for economic growth. The Dubai Government is also focused on encouraging public spending and infrastructure development, which will in turn boost the property sector in the coming months.”

Business consolidation:
Emaar Properties marked year 2008 with several milestones in its growth including the opening of The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations, and The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the first hotel brand to be owned and operated by Emaar.

Emaar also opened the Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Marina Yacht Club, further additions to the company’s shopping malls and hospitality & leisure portfolio. This year, Emaar will open two hotels – The Address, Dubai Mall and The Address, Dubai Marina. “The emphasis on our new businesses also highlights our commitment to create integrated, self-sustaining neighbourhoods that energise the economy,” said Mr Alabbar. “Our varied projects have created several hundred direct and indirect jobs, thus assisting the economy during a crucial phase.”

In Dubai, Emaar is progressing with the construction of Burj Dubai, which will open this year. “Revisiting the project pipeline is a natural response to the new economic realities. We have also been negotiating with our partners to rationalize the project cost benefiting our shareholders and customers,” added Mr Alabbar.

Taking a thought-leadership role in strengthening investor confidence, Emaar had announced the ‘To Own’ scheme featuring the ‘Plan to Own’ and ‘Rent to Own,’ programmes - both of which have enabled customers to own property under more affordable terms within Emaar’s world-class master-planned communities in Dubai.

Strategic partnerships:
The 11-year-old company also strengthened its long-term growth goals through strategic partnerships locally and internationally. One of the highlights of year 2008 was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Emaar Misr for Development, Emaar’s Egyptian subsidiary, and the Abu Dhabi Municipality to develop the 2.2 million sq m Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Residential City in Cairo. The social housing project also marks Emaar’s all-encompassing development approach of meeting the lifestyle needs of all sections of the society.

Emaar also entered into a joint venture agreement with His Royal Highness Prince Meshal Bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, Chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Bayah Council, and owner of Al-Shoala Group of Establishment, to develop a 31 million sq m master-planned community, Rawabi Rumah, located near Riyadh.

Mr Alabbar said: “These global partnerships are an indication of the forward looking policies that govern the growth of Emaar. We are committed to enhancing value for all our stakeholders, and will look at building the company’s success further through innovation, by leveraging the opportunities that co-exist with current challenges.”
(Source:Emaar,Dubai)

Burj Dubai Fountain and Downtown Burj Dubai , 04/February/2009

Maysan Towers,Asmaran,Bawadi , Dubai construction photos 26/January/2009

Burj Dubai is now over 780 metres and climbing...

Burj Dubai is now over 780 metres and climbing...


Dubai, UAE; December 30, 2008: Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building developed by Emaar Properties, set several global milestones in high-rise construction in 2008, an epoch-making year for the tower. On course to open in 2009, Burj Dubai has reached a record 780 metres (2,559 ft) height, and has over 160 storeys, the most number of floors in any building.
In 2008, Burj Dubai achieved the distinction of being the world's tallest structure surpassing the KVLY-TV mast (628.8 metres; 2,063 ft) in North Dakota, USA. The tower is already 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 Dubai 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.
Mr Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director – UAE, Emaar Properties, said: "This has been a landmark year for Burj Dubai, as it consolidated its global leading position in the construction of high-rises. Every aspect of Burj Dubai, now, is a world-first, and highlights the new aspects of construction technology employed for the tower."
A mixed-use tower, Burj Dubai will have residences and commercial spaces apart from The Armani Hotel Dubai, and Armani Residences, luxury hospitality ventures by Emaar in association with haute couture major Giorgio Armani S.p.A. Burj Dubai will also have recreational facilities and entertainment venues including four luxurious pools and a cigar club, a library, exclusive residents’ lounge, serviced residences, 15,000 sq ft of fitness facilities and a public observatory on level 124.
When completed next year, Burj Dubai will meet all four criteria listed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), which classifies the world’s tallest structures. CTBUH measures the height of buildings to the structural top, the highest occupied floor, the top of the roof and the tip of the spire, pinnacle, antenna, mast or flag pole.
Designed by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Burj Dubai is constructed by high-rise experts South Korea’s Samsung Corporation. Turner Construction International is the project and construction manager.
Currently, some 8,500 professionals and skilled workers are employed on-site at Burj Dubai. Cladding work is nearing completion and work on interiors, spire and other support systems is progressing.
Mr Matrooshi added: "Burj Dubai also positioned Dubai in the global spotlight, and several plans are currently underway to mark the opening of the tower in 2009. This includes our exclusive publishing contract with Kraken Opus, a leading publisher, to create the Burj Dubai Opus, a definitive account charting the creation of the iconic tower."
The Burj Dubai Opus will showcase the various facets of developing Burj Dubai, featuring exclusive content and never-before-seen photography. The flagship book will be housed within Burj Dubai for public display following the opening of the tower in 2009.
Burj Dubai anchors Emaar’s flagship mega-project, the AED 73 billion (US$20 billion) Downtown Burj Dubai. Described as the new heart of the city, Downtown Burj Dubai is a mixed-use neighbourhood with premium hotels, exclusive business facilities, modern residences, shopping malls and leisure facilities.
Source:Emaar,Dubai