Optimistic Forecast for EMEA Hotels Investment Market in 2010, Following Static First Half of Year

The first half of 2010 has demonstrated that the EMEA hotel investment market is starting to pick up, with growth expected to accelerate even more in the second half of 2010 according to Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. Transaction volume rose marginally to €1.6 billion at the end of H1 2010, representing a 6% year on year increase. There is strong sense that the latter part of 2010 will witness stronger investment activity, with expectations that the second half of 2010 could see transaction volumes double on H1 levels.

As anticipated by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels EMEA forecast at the start of the year, the UK has been the most active market in 2010, with over €300 million of investment transacted which represents a 19% market share compared to 14% in 2009. Last year’s leader, France, is not far behind with just under €270 million invested. Read more

Middle East investment banking sector shows strong start in 2010

The Middle Eastern Investment Banking Industry continues to grow with second quarter activity contributing to an impressive overall first half of 2010. The analysis, compiled by Thomson Reuters, shows that although the second quarter activity was at a lower level than the first quarter, there is still a strong foundation for which to build on for the remainder of 2010.

Managing Director of Thomson Reuters Middle East ‘&’ Africa, Basil Moftah, commented, “Although the second quarter was modest in comparison to a highly impressive first quarter, the two have combined to build a solid start to 2010. The levels of fees, M’&’A, capital market and loan activity are fuelling a growing confidence among the Middle East investment banking community.” Thomson Reuters released its first half 2010 review of the Middle East investment banking industry, which covers the region’s M’&’A, debt and equity capital markets. The review includes rankings of banks and advisors operating in the Middle East based on deal activity and fees and provides and independent assessment of the market. Read more

National Bonds Corporation PJSC launches dedicated Customer Service Team for handover of Skycourts project

National Bonds Corporation PJSC, the leading Sharia compliant saving scheme, has announced the launch  of a new dedicated Customer Service Centre for its Skycourts project. This Unit will operate as a single point of contact for all updates, queries and general communications in relation to the Skycourts project.

Mohanad Alwadiya, Project Director of Skycourts LLC, said: “The Skycourts handover process to homeowners will begin in the third quarter of 2010. With construction progressing at a accelerated pace to meet the expected delivery date, the Skycourts Customer Service Centre is gearing up for the handover process that will be done with a phased approach depending on the completion of the towers. Read more

Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi leads Damascus meeting to present regional Arabian Oryx conservation strategy

• Representatives from a number of Arab governments are meeting in Damascus to ratify strategy for regional conservation programme
• The brainchild of the late Sheikh Zayed and supported by H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Arabian Oryx conservation programme is recognized as one of the most successful global conservation projects ever
• Declared extinct in the wild in 1972, EAD now oversees a thriving population of Arabian Oryx in Al Gharbia

Representatives of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) will meet fellow counterparts from around the region at a meeting in Damascus on the 10th June 2010)to present and agree a collective strategy aimed at re-establishing a population of wild Arabian Oryx in the region.

The Coordinating Committee for the Conservation of the Arabian Oryx (CCCAO), which is chaired by H.E Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD, comprises of a number of member Arab governments, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen, which have committed to unifying and intensifying efforts to conserve the Arabian Oryx, which once roamed freely across an area stretching from the south of Syria to the Omani and Yemeni borders with Saudi Arabia. Read more

Capital Gate tower in Abu Dhabi certified by Guinness World Records as “World’s Furthest Leaning Man-made Tower”

The Capital Gate tower in Abu Dhabi, has been certified by Guinness World Records as the “World’s Furthest Leaning Man-made Tower.”

How far does it lean? Nearly five times farther than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

The 35-story Abu Dhabi building has an 18-degree slope, compared with four degrees for the freestanding bell tower.

But unlike the tower in Pisa, the Capital Gate building has been deliberately engineered to slant. Read more

Dubai Sports City Architectural Visualization

Dubai Industrial City Animated Visualisation

Reem Developers announces completion of infrastructure work at Rawdhat, Abu Dhabi

Reem Developers, one of Abu Dhabi’s leading property development companies, today announced the completion of infrastructure works at Rawdhat, Abu Dhabi. Infrastructure services such as sewerage, storm water, telecoms, electrical cables, gas, irrigation, and water, and internal road works and streetlights are now completed.

Rawdhat is located in the prime position at the entrance to Abu Dhabi. The development is centered on a courtyard design and is married with Mediterranean, traditional and modern themes that flow from the residential apartments through to the office buildings, retail outlets and amenities that sprawl over the 28 hectare site. When fully developed, Rawdhat will comprise approximately 9 million square feet of residential and commercial space. Read more

TDIC showcases Saadiyat Beach Apartments at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010

Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), the master developer of cultural, residential and tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, today unveiled the full plans and designs for the Saadiyat Beach Apartments, with all 495 phase one apartments due to open for leasing in Q2 2011, and for completion by Q4 2011.

The Saadiyat Beach Apartments neighbourhoods will provide modern and dynamic living spaces in private gated communities, from simple studios to multiple bedroom apartments. The apartments are minutes away from the world class attractions of the Cultural District, and close to the facilities of the vibrant Saadiyat Beach Marina Village, due to open in Q4 2012 and set to become the premier residential, shopping and entertainment destination in the Saadiyat Beach district. Read more

Capitala highlights Rihan Heights progress at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010

Capitala announced today on the back of Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010, significant progress for Rihan Heights, the first residential phase of its maiden project – Arzanah.

Arzanah, Capitala’s flagship project, is a 1.4 million square metre development encompassing residential, retail, commercial, sports and leisure components. Strategically located in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque District on Abu Dhabi Island, Arzanah will offer a unique active urban lifestyle for both residents and the community at large. Read more

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