Dubai growth

Dubai boosts GCC’s emergence as a prominent region in the global financial industry “…With its rapid growth as a financial centre, Dubai is boosting the emergence of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region as a prominent centre of activity in the global financial industry, according to a study undertaken by UK-based global research organisation Chatham House… The study titled ‘The Gulf as a Global Financial Centre: Growing Opportunities and International Influence’ examines the prospects for the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the potential development of the region as a Global Financial Centre…”

The Dubai Mall unveils retail world's most sophisticated multimedia systems
“…The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, has unveiled the retail world's most sophisticated multimedia systems ever installed in a shopping mall. Building on the premise of assuring total 'shopper-tainment', visitors are taken on a visual journey as a combination of dynamic and static images are displayed throughout the mall in a colourful array of shapes, sizes and formats… A key feature of the integrated multimedia network is the ability to capture 'moments of exclusivity' - a single image projected across the entire mall that will ensure total visitor attention. These moments could include displays of live shark feeds to brand launches telecast across the entire network to provide mall-wide entertainment to visitors simultaneously… Displays notable for their size and visual impact include a full 20m x 10m high-definition LED display overlooking the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, a fully retractable LED-clad catwalk in Fashion Avenue and the 22m wide Treasury Dome in the world's largest indoor Gold Souk capable of projecting images similar to a planetarium format…”

Balfour Beatty boosted by Dubai growth
“…Balfour Beatty, the UK's biggest infrastructure firm, has reported a 25pc leap in first-half profits due to "spectacular growth in Dubai"… The company, which is building the world's largest shopping centre in Dubai's Burj tower, reported pre-tax profits of £95m in the six months to the end of June, up from £76m in the same period last year. The order book also increased to £12.2bn, up 14pc from last year… Chief executive Ian Tyler said he was confident a series of projects for the London 2012 Olympics, including the building of the flagship aquatics centre, will help the company through the economic downturn…”

Balfour Net Rises 77% on U.S. Military, Dubai Orders
“… Balfour Beatty Plc, Britain's biggest builder, said first-half profit rose 77 percent as a U.S. acquisition boosted military housing orders and it won civil engineering and maintenance contracts in Dubai... Net income advanced to 106 million pounds ($201 million), or 23.9 pence a share, from 60 million pounds, or 13.9 pence, a year earlier, the London-based company said today in a statement. Revenue gained 32 percent to 3.79 billion pounds… Balfour plans to tap rising demand for public infrastructure and maintenance work to offset a possible commercial construction slowdown in the U.S. and Europe. The builder receives 80 percent of its sales from state or government-regulated industries such as water and power, limiting the effect of an economic slowdown, Chief Executive Officer Ian Tyler said today in an interview…”

Dubai airport posts robust traffic
“…Dubai International Airport has witnessed the busiest period in its history with 18.46 million passengers - more than 3.5 times Dubai's population - travelling through in the first half of 2008 alone, a 13.8 per cent growth from the first half of 2007… In 2007, Dubai International was already the world's fastest growing airport with 34.34 million passengers… In the first half of this year, the airport handled an average of three million passengers a month, or 100,000 every day, Dubai International said in an e-mailed statement…”

Emiratos Árabes Unidos, Dubai ~ دبى

OQYANA
“…Located 4 kilometers off the coast of Dubai, the most exquisite destination in THE WORLD islands is being created. OQYANA is THE WORLD’s first fully master-planned elite island retreat. Located on the famous and much anticipated manmade island, THE WORLD, OQYANA is the first and set to become the leading and one of the largest developments on THE WORLD, covering the countries of Australasia. Brilliantly modeled, OQYANA is bound to be a World First in architectural design and engineering endeavor…. Stylish, contemporary and designed to perfection, OQYANA speaks a language of prestige – a world of supremacy in a place of perfection. Guaranteed to be a one-of-a-kind experience, it's the ideal place to leave the world and focus on relaxation and retreat…”










DHCC
“...The Government of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is developing Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) with the goal of creating a regional center of excellence for medical services, medical education, and life science research and development in the Middle East… As a locus of political and economic stability and innovation, Dubai is in a position to serve the region's needs for high-quality health care, and to be a model for institution-building in the region. The leadership of DHCC is committed to the principle of accessibility for all, to professional and academic development, and to international recognition for quality of care as well as patient privacy, rights, and satisfaction…”

International City
”…International City, as its name suggests, is a true melting pot of the diverse nationalities and cultures that lend Dubai its modern, cosmopolitan air. Built to provide over 60,000 people with an affordable living experience, International City is divided into nine distinct residential districts, with low-rise blocks offering studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. The architectural styles of Russia, Italy, Spain, England, France, Morocco, Persia, Greece and China are all represented, neatly weaving numerous elements of different cultures into a single society… The fabric of International City is further enhanced by the range of business activities, retail opportunities and tourist attractions that complement the residential offering. Stretching over an enormous 800-hectare plot, this development has generated considerable interest from many investors including retail giants, multinational companies and real estate developers. The neighbouring DragonMart Complex is considered the largest trading hub for Sino products outside mainland China. Another neighbouring development will be the Dubai Design Centre, which aims to become a one-stop destination for everything in the world of design and interiors. Al Warsan Lake offers unprecedented opportunities for wildlife observation and the meticulously recreated Forbidden City will ensure all the mystery and wonder of this ancient imperial palace is on tap to mesmerise us today…”

International City, Dubai

International City will have a country themed architecture of residences, business opportunity, and tourist attractions. It will cover 800 hectares and its geometry was inspired by the intricately patterened traditional carpets of the Middle East. Once completed, the project will contain studio, one and two bedroom apartment units and accommodate over 60 thousand residents.

International City is located in the Al Warsan region of Dubai, which is along the Dubai-Hatta road and between Interchange 5 and 6 of Emirates Road, opposite to the Dubai Central Fruit and Vegetable Market. It is located 9 kilometers (5.4 miles) from the Dubai International Airport, which is around a 15-20 minute drive from the center of the city. It will comprise of 6 key areas, including The Central District, Dubai Design Centre, The Dragon Mart, The Residential District, Lakes District and the Forbidden City.

The Central District
The Central District is spread over 21 hectares and comprises of 34 plots that will be sold to independent developers. It will act as the nerve center of International City and will be home to retailers, wholesalers and corporate offices.

Dubai Design Centre (Dubai Gates)
Dubai Design Center is an exclusive area for permanent and temporary exhibitions and it occupies three sides of the Internet City. It will also contain two hotels with 3 to 4 hundred rooms each, to accommodate exhibitors and visitors alike.

The Dragon Mart
The Dragon Mart spreads across 50 hectares and is a large trade mall designed in the form of a colorful dragon, with a 1.4 kilometers (0.85 miles) long Central Spine. The dragon's head serves as the main entrance, which is accessible from the Dubai-Hatta road. With 2 thousand parking spaces, it will serve as a commercial center for more than 3 thousand Chinese companies.

The Residential District
The Residential District is spread out across 300 hectares of land, featuring 2,100 studio (44.5 square meter) and one bedroom (66.5 square meter) apartments. These freehold apartments will feature unique architectural styles of Italy, Spain, Morocco, Persia, Greece, China, Indonesia, England, Russia, Thailand, and France, divided into large and medium-sized neighborhoods. The apartment units were designed to be converted into two bedroom flats and they will accomodate more than 60,000 people.

Lakes District & Public Park (The Lakeside)
The Lakes District will comprise of 60 hectares of lush green landscape that borders a serene lake. It will contain 24-26 buildings with a total of 1375 apartments, which are either 2 and 3 bedroom duplex apartments from 150 to 170 square meters each.

Forbidden City
Forbidden City will be a replica of the biggest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China and will spread over 240 thousand square meters. It will accommodate authentic residential and retail outlets set amidst awe-inspiring gardens, museums and performance courts.