Al Fara'a Properties hands over award-winning 'Le Grand Chateau' project ahead of 2010 deadline

Al Fara'a Properties hands over award-winning 'Le Grand Chateau' project ahead of 2010 deadline

Developer is first to deliver in Jumeirah Village

September 5, 2009

Al Fara'a Properties, a member of the Al Fara’a Construction, Property and Industrial Group, has announced that the handover of units within its AED 225 million inaugural residential development - 'Le Grand Chateau' (LGC) is complete, well ahead of the 2010 deadline set for the project’s delivery. The announcement also coincides with the welcoming of the first batch of tenants moving into the high profile development, which is the first project to be completed in Jumeirah Village. As a testament to the developer’s achievement in adopting top quality construction standards and in affirming the competitiveness of Dubai-based developments among other landmark projects across the Gulf region, LGC has bagged the 'Best Development' award at the CNBC Arabian Property Awards 2008.

Ideally located at the heart of Jumeirah Village, ‘Le Grand Chateau’ draws inspiration from the architecture of the 16th century Chateaux of the Loire Valley in France. The development comprises 15 luxurious four-bedroom G+2 townhouses and a residential block with a combined total of 185 apartments. In addition to its impressive design, all aspects of the project - from furniture to lighting - have been carefully selected and blended to uphold the highest standards.

"We are thrilled to be the first developer to deliver a project in Jumeirah Village, ahead of our 2010 scheduled completion date,” said Dr JR Gangaramani, President and Executive Chairman, Al Fara’a Construction, Property and Industrial Group. ”Through maximising our ability to deliver world-class turnkey solutions as a truly integrated construction group in the UAE, we believe that we have positioned ourselves as a real estate provider of choice to customers that seek solid investment solutions.”

In line with its commitment to provide excellent care to its investors, the Al Fara’a Group has provided LGC investors access to flexible financing options for the project through Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). Furthermore, the Group has also recently launched a facilities management division, which will help in optimising the costs of maintenance and ensuring the longevity of investments, whether it be through well maintained facilities or stretching the maintenance pool fund as far as possible. As an additional value-add, Al Fara’a Properties has partnered with Al Huzaifa Furniture to bring occupants a range of décor ideas centered on classic Italian furniture in a contemporary modern setting. LGC tenants are also offered special rates on the leading furniture company’s latest collection and its turnkey interior design services such as design consultancy, concept designing and custom interior solutions.

“We are committed to exceeding the expectations of our clients throughout the value chain, whether in terms of providing the right solutions for their needs or actively ensuring the sustained value of their investment. We remain steadfast in our belief that swift, efficient and timely handover of projects is as important as the value of investment driven by construction quality and facilities offered. We will continue to apply these standards to The Manhattan’, and ‘Mulberry Mansions' projects in Jumeirah Village, and bolster the investments of our clients through our recently launched facilities management division within the Al Fara’a Group, which will assume full responsibility for the care and security of the project to ensure the quality of the building is well maintained at most acceptable cost and value,” concluded Natasha Gangaramani, Director, Al Fara’a Properties.

In addition to LGC, Al Fara’a Properties has two other luxury residential projects within Jumeirah Village - the ‘The Manhattan’, and the ‘Mulberry Mansions'. Inspired by the urban residences of 1930’s New York, ‘The Manhattan’ will offer 355 units, which comprise a selection of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms apartments; while ‘Mulberry Mansions' will provide 12 Victorian-styled two-storey townhouses, incorporating four bedrooms, a private two-car garage, a terrace, a balcony, maid’s room with separate access, and a small private garden.

Image 01: Living room area of the show apartment at the ‘Le Grand Chateau’

Image02: Bed room area of the show apartment at the ‘Le Grand Chateau’

Image 03: External view of ‘Le Grand Chateau’ at Jumeirah Village

Construction officially begins on Memon Investments’ AED 150 million ‘Gardenia I & II’ in Jumeirah Village

Construction officially begins on Memon Investments’ AED 150 million ‘Gardenia I & II’ in Jumeirah Village

Developer awards AED 2.4 million shoring and excavation contract to International Foundation Group

March 31, 2009

Memon Investments, a leading Dubai-based property developer and part of the international business conglomerate, the Memon Group of Companies, has kicked off the initial construction works on the AED 150 million ‘Gardenia I & II’ project, located in Jumeirah Village. The groundbreaking ceremony follows the developer’s decision to award an AED 2.4 million shoring and excavation contract to the International Foundation Group (IFG). The developer also announced that it has awarded an AED 520,000 elevator contract to Shanghai & Arabian Electromechanical LLC (SAE). Present during the event were top company officials, including Ahmed Shaikhani, Managing Director, and Rizwan Shaikhani, Joint Managing Director from Memon Investments; and Dr. Khalil Charif, Managing Partner, International Foundation Group.

Under the terms of the contract, IFG will commence foundation works involving shoring and piling excavation using their high rated piling systems, concrete diaphragm walls, excavation support and earth retention systems. The company has appointed a team of industry professionals comprising site managers, project engineers and supervisors to ensure that the completion of the first phase will proceed in accordance with the schedule set by the developer. The success of the project’s recent unveiling and the positive response it generated from potential clients has influenced the decision to proceed with construction.

“The property sector is undergoing a tentative period due to uncertainties in regional and global economies. We are thus pleased with the warm response this project has received, which provides us with the motivation to fast-track development. The uniqueness and quality that we have designed into ‘Gardenia I & II’ will add to Jumeirah Village’s growing reputation as a highly desirable mixed-use destination. Our strategic partnership with International Foundation Group also affirms our commitment to maintaining the highest development standards for this project,” said Rizwan Shaikhani.

Located centrally within Jumeirah Village, near the Cultural Centre and the renowned Central Park, ‘Gardenia I & II’ is splendidly designed and meticulously crafted to offer residents a charming yet authentic Mediterranean experience. Incorporating a mixture of residential, commercial and retail spaces, the project features residential apartments including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units and loft apartments, with retail units on the ground floor. The 5-storey residential development has been designed by Dimensions Engineering Consultants (DEC) and incorporates stuccoed walls, tiled roofs, rustic arches, solid wrought iron balcony grills, carved doors, ornamental spiral columns, marble flooring and thematic and floral designs to create a Mediterranean ambience.

“It is critical that the proper foundations are put in place during the initial phases of property construction, which is why we have been chosen to perform shoring and excavation for this major project. Our extensive technical expertise ensures the creation of an understructure that meets Memon’s strict quality and scheduling standards. We look forward to working on this high-profile property and are confident that we can easily meet Memon’s completion schedule,” said Dr. Khalil Charif.

An integrated master community spread across 811 hectares, Jumeirah Village is a mixed-use development that when complete will comprise of residential and business units, retail outlets, international schools, hospitals, shopping malls, connected parks and boulevards, sports fields, mosques, cafes and restaurants. Developed by Nakheel, one of the leading developers in Dubai, the project is 20 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, five minutes from JAFZA, and 50 minutes from the Abu Dhabi airport. The combination of strategic location and the conveniences of a luxury community project have attracted Memon Investments to choose Jumeirah Village as the home for its latest projects.

“The largest inland project in our portfolio, Jumeirah Village is a major part of Nakheel’s vision to transform the desert of Dubai into a series of vibrant communities. Memon Investments meets the high standards we demand from all of our partners across project delivery, quality and sustainability,” concluded Marwan Al Naqi, General Manager, Jumeirah Village.

Sungwon OBO signs contracts worth AED 6 million to provide full facilities management services to Jumeirah Village projects

Sungwon OBO signs contracts worth AED 6 million to provide full facilities management services to Jumeirah Village projects

Serena Residence and Al Duaa Residences adopt Sungwon's maintenance, cleaning, security and consultancy services

January 15, 2009
Sungwon OBO, a member of Makateb Holding, the first Office Building Operator Company in the world, has announced that it has recently signed two contracts with a combined value of AED 6 million for the provision of a full line of facilities management services to premium development projects in Jumeirah Village. Sungwon OBO will provide maintenance, cleaning, security as well as consultancy services for three years to A&A Investments' Serena Residence project and to the Al Duaa Residence project of Al Duaa Residence Limited.

The new facilities management projects are part of Sungwon OBO's growing portfolio of major clients in the UAE as the company aims to grow between 15 to 20 per cent within the next three years. Eric Raes, CEO of Sungwon OBO, signed the contract with A&A Investments for the Serena Residence project and with Al Duaa Residence Limited for Al Duaa Residence Project.

"Core services such as building maintenance and security remain high priority concerns among developers and building owners. Sungwon OBO provides customised facilities management solutions that enhance the overall condition of our client's properties while helping them streamline the overall building costs, which ultimately result in bigger investment returns. As such, Sungwon OBO continues to have very good long-term business prospects as we have seen a conscious effort by developers and building owners to deploy world-class facilities management solutions to offset the effects of present and future economic challenges," said Eric Raes, CEO of Sungwon OBO.


Sungwon OBO will also provide consultancy services throughout the entire cycle of the developments, including the construction phase, which is expected to begin shortly. The Sereena Residence is a 100-unit complex that will offer investors a residential building containing townhouses with private gardens and a swimming pool; one and two-bedroom apartments; and duplex apartments in the fourth floor with spacious terraces overlooking the gardens and the swimming pool. The Al Duaa Residence consists of 146 units with 23 studios, 95 one-bedroom apartments, 21 two-bedroom apartments and seven lofts, and includes premium amenities such as a gym, steam room, sauna and swimming pool with Jacuzzi.

Sungwon OBO, the pioneering facility management company in South Korea and the Facilities Management Division of Makateb, delivers a full range of integrated facilities management services, including consultancy, mechanical and electrical maintenance, lifecycle costing, energy management and building maintenance.
- Ends –
About Makateb Holdings:

Makateb Holdings is the world’s first star-rated office building operator, offering a revolutionary concept designed to enhance the working environment and deliver optimum business value to tenants. Buildings with the Makateb Holdings logo carry a signature of quality and are managed in an eco-friendly manner, which facilitates more competitive office rates, creates a solid return on investment, extends the lifecycle of the building, and ensures optimal environment for both residents and working staff.

Makateb Holdings is the first to offer in the UAE a unique rating system similar to that used in the hospitality industry that ranks the office buildings from 1 to 5 stars to reflect the facilities and services available, such as gyms, coffee shops, libraries and business centers among others. The system ensures the same level of luxury and quality services clients would expect from premium hotel operators.

Presently headquartered in Dubai, Makateb Holding will soon branch out to other locations across the UAE and the Middle East. Makateb is set to establish more partnerships and joint ventures with high-end specialty companies such as facility and cleaning management firms, concessionaires, gyms, and business centre operators to strengthen its end-to-end offerings and gain additional leverage to expand its activities in the international market.

Further information can be found on the website www.makatebholding.com