Eye on the Middle East Most notable skyscraper, residential, and hotel development projects.

1. Projects Brief - October 2008
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Eye on the Middle East
Most Notable Skyscraper, Residence, and Hotel
Development Projects

2. Skyscrapers and Residential
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________October 2008
Rotating Tower project:
Moscow/Dubai: 12/7/2008
One project of
particulate interest is
the much anticipated
Rotating Tower of
Moscow and Dubai, where
each
floor will rotate
around the central core
of the building. The
patent for the concept
is owned by David
Fisher, an acclaimed
Italian architect who
works out of
Florence under the name
Dynamic Architecture. He has signed an agreement
with the Russian development corporation Mirax Group
July 12th
of this year. The project is now in the stage of
coordination, but it is already known that the total area
of the tower will be approximately 130.000 mq. With
over 60 floors, office and retail premises will comprise
the ground floors while apartments are to incorporate
much of the rest. Due to its innovative nature,
engineering and method of construction will likewise be
unique; all pipelines connecting to the central part of the
floor while being made section by section; all MEP
systems and furniture to be pre-installed before
adjoining to the core structure. Working costs are
estimated at $4,000/mq, so that total investment is likely
to exceed $400 million. The beginning of construction
is planned for the end of 2008, the commissioning of the
tower into operation scheduled for the first half of 2011.
http://eng.mirax.ru/tabid/75/Default.aspx
Dubai Properties has approached
contractors to build its Signature
Towers at Business Bay : 23/4/08
Formerly known as the Dancing Towers, the project
involves the construction of three mixed use towers with
a shared podium. The
development will also
include a new stock
exchange building for the
Dubai Financial Market.
The prequalifiers for the
project include the local
Al-Habtoor Engineering
Enterprises in a joint
Venture with South Africa’s
Murray & Roberts
Contractors, the local/
Belgian Bel Hasa Six
Construct, and South Korea’s Samsung Corporation.
The UK’s Mace International is the project manager.
Uk-based Zaha Hadid is the architect. Local Dubai
Properties is the client.
http://www.meed.com/construction/news/2008/04/contra
ctors_approached_for_signature_towers.html
Arabtec awarded Mudon contract in
Dubai 5/10/ 2008
Dubai-based Arabtec Construction has been awarded the
AED 550m ($150m) contract to build 12 five story
residential buildings at the Mudon development in
Dubailand
http://www.meed.com/contractsawarded/2008/10/arabte
c_awarded_mudon_contract_in_dubai.html
RMJM to Design "Madinat Al Soor,"
Part of Waterfront City, Dubai -
7/10/2008
UK-based architecture firm RMJM has been selected by
Dubai developer Nakheel to design the Madinat Al
Soor mixed-use development, located at the harbor
entrance to Waterfront City in Dubai, UAE. Madinat
will house approximately 22,000 new residents.
The project will include residences, souks, hotels, and
civic and cultural facilities; the design a partnership
between RMJM's New York and Dubai offices. "The
Madinat Al Soor development will tie together the best
elements of the 'Old Dubai' and the 'New Dubai,'" says
RMJM's New York-based design studio director Steven
K. Gifford. "It will be unlike any other city or
development in the region – livable, walkable, and
sustainable"
http://www.contractmagazine.com/contract/content_disp
lay/design/news/e3ia5f9ba2bc50f0b03f2bf56ed60359cc
7
Dubai Properties awards $544m villa
contract
Local developer Dubai Properties has awarded the local
Dubai Civil Engineering (DCE) the estimated AED2bn
($544m) contract to built 800 villas in Dubailand.

3. Skyscrapers and Residential
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________October 2008
City Palace: Moscow
Approved project of a 46 story
skyscraper meant to resemble 2
ribbons wrapping around each
other. The top of the building
will house a ballroom. The
architect in charge is RMJM
of Edinburgh.
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu?id=citypalace-
moscow-russia
Russia Tower: Moscow
Purported to be the tallest building in Europe when
completed, as well as the tallest naturally ventilated
tower in the world, the Russia Tower is a pivotal point
of interest. The building's green credentials are legion
with a triple glazed low E façade, solar cells which feed
electricity back into the Moscow grid, precipitation
harvesting which reduces the need for the toilets' water
by 30% as well as the potential for thermopiles and
cooling by river water. The architects and companies
involved in the project include:
Foster + Partners
Waterman Group PLC
Halvorson and Partners
Speirs and Major Associates
Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin
http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/bu?id=moscowcitytowe
r-moscow-russia
Burooj launches two Reem Island
towers: 8/10/2008
Abu Dhabi-based developer Burooj has launched two
residential towers on Al Reem Island. The Crystal will
have 322 apartments while the Terraces will have 270
units.
Piling for both projects will start early next year, with a
planned delivery date of 2011.
http://www.ameinfo.com/170759.html
Al-Rihab selects Alec to build 99-
storey tower in Dubai
5/10/2008 Author: Colin Foreman
The local Alec has been selected for the AED1.8bn
($490m) contract to build a 99-storey tower at Dubai
International Financial Centre, the highest yet of a series
of new towers planned for the area.
http://www.meed.com/news/2008/09/alrihab_selects_ale
c_to_build_99storey_tower_in_dubai.html
Al-Habtoor and joint venture firms
win Tameer Towers deal
Published: 01/9/2008 14:37
The joint venture of local Al-Habtoor Engineering,
South Africa's Murray & Roberts and Saudi-based Al-
Rajhi Contracting has been awarded a AED6bn ($1.6bn)
for the construction contract of Tameer Towers, Shams
Abu Dhabi Development being the developer and
Gensler the designer selected. Construction involves a
state-of-the-art 73-storey office building; four residential
buildings, including a five-star hotel and serviced
apartments
http://www.meed.com/contractsawarded/2008/09/aed6b
n_tameer_towers_contract_awarded.html
Lebanon-based Arabian Construction
Company (ACC) wins $142m Pearl Qatar
Contract – 17/9/2008
http://www.thepearlqatar.com/SubTemplate1.aspx?ID=2
03&MID=86
QACC, a subsidiary of Lebanon-based Arabian
Construction Company (ACC), has been awarded an
estimated $142 million contract to build residential
buildings at the Viva Bahriya district on the Pearl-Qatar
in Doha.
Known as VB 29, the project involves the construction
of a 20-storey residential tower with a two-level
podium, a five-storey apartment building, and town
houses in a total built-up area of 91,000 sq m. The
construction is expected to be completed in 26 months.
This is the second contract that QACC has bagged from
the project developer, United Development Company.
The designers to head the project will be KEO and RNL
International architects.

4. Skyscrapers and Residential
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________October 2008
Know Your Dubai Skyscrapers:
Proposed and Approved Projects
Lighthouse Tower
Decription: Supertall, commercial
skyscraper to be built in the Dubai
International Financial District, rising to
400m with 66 floors. The cornerstone of its
design is the environment, engineered precisely to be
ecologically adapt. There will be three large
225 kW wind turbines,
29 meters in diameter,
on the building's south
facing side in order to
generate electricity.
It will also be clad in
4,000 solar panels to
generate additional
electricity.
Estimated Completion:
2010
Architect:
Atkins
Developer:
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
http://www.fgould.com/middle-east/experience/294-
difc-lighthouse-tower-dubai
Dubai Towers Dubai
Description: A four tower complex having between
57 to 94 stories. It is believed the tallest will top
400 metres (1,310 ft) while the two others will exceed
300 metres (980 ft).
http://www.dubaitowersdubai.com/
Their design represents the movement of candlelight
symbolising hope, harmony, growth and opportunity.
They will contain offices, apartments, hotel rooms,
retail, entertainment, gymnasiums, health spas , etc.
Estimated Completion:
2011
Architect:
Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback, & Associates
Developer: Sama Dubai
Trump International Hotel and Tower
Description: The Trump International Hotel &
Tower is a proposed skyscraper hotel to be built at
the trunk of the The Palm Jumeirah. It will be a 62
story hotel and residential building with an
estimated cost of U.S. $600 million.The hotel is
expected to be a 300-room, five-star hotel. Some of
the amenities are projected to include exclusive
access to a private beach and yacht club with tennis
courts, gymnasium and fitness centre, along with
stylized pools and gardens.
Estimated Completion:2011
Architect:
Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback, & Associates
Developer:
Nakheel
Pentominium
Description: Potentially the tallest
residential building in the world,
located at Dubai Marina.
The building has two different
sides that center around a shared
core.
Andrew Bromberg of Aedas is
the lead designer of the project.

5. Skyscrapers and Residential
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________October 2008
Eye on Dubai:
Sea View Club Hotel & Apartments
Developer: Palm Jumeirah Dev.
Description: Design and construction of Sea View
Club Hotel & Apartments comprising (246) hotel
rooms and (92) apartments, including associated
facilities.
Territory: Dubai
Updated: October 6, 2008
Status: New Tender
Shah Rukh Khan Boulevard Project
Developer: TSA Group/Arch. Tony Ashai
Description: Development of Shah Rukh Khan
Boulevard comprising beachfront residential
apartments and townhouses, including cafes, high-
end stores, hotels, boulevards and businesses
Territory: Northern Emirates
Updated: October 6, 2008
Status: New Tender - Thorough master planning
by an international team of designers and architects
is set to begin soon
Nakheel Harbour & Tower Project
Developer: Nakheel
Description: 19.000 residential units, 250.000 mq of
hotel and hospitality space, and 950,00 mq of retail
space, including eight hectares of canal, and 800
metres of continuous indoor walkways
Territory: Dubai
Updated: October 6, 2008
http://www.emiratestenders.com/CategoryResult.asp?Ca
tegoryId=40
World Island Mixed-Use Resort Project
Developer: Limtiless Ltd
Description: Design and construction of mixed-use
World Island Resort composed of 53 villas and a
hotel with spa, conference facilities and library
Territory: Dubai
Updated: October 5, 2008
Status: New Tender
Luxury Hotel
Developer: Palm Jumeirah Development
Description: Design and construction of a luxury
hotel, including associated facilities.
Updated: October 5, 2008
Status: New Tender
6 Star Hotel - Madinat Al Arab
Developer: Dubai Waterfront Development
Description: Development of a mixed-use scheme
comprising a six-star hotel, apartments and shopping
mall at Madinat Al Arab.
Updated: September 28, 2008
Status: New Tender
Courtyard Marriott Hotel Project
Project Manager: Edara LLC
Description: Design and construction of four-star
Courtyard Marriott Hotel comprising (235) rooms,
including restaurant, conference facilities, swimming
pool and business centre.
Updated: September 28, 2008
Status: New Tender
Great Mall Dubai Project
Designersr: Nakheel/Cubellis/Buchan Group
Description: Construction of Great Mall Dubai
comprising buildings to host permanent or temporary
exhibitions by international companies; including
construction of two hotels, each consisting of 300-
400 rooms; and some residential components.
Territory: Dubai
Updated: October 5, 2008
Status: New Tender
Hydra Village Project
Developer: Dubai International City Development
Description: Design and construction of Hydra
Village comprising low-rise and high-rise buildings,
townhouses, shopping outlets, luxurious residential
apartments, commercial buildings, mosques, a
hospital, a five-star hotel and (2,600) villas.
Territory: Dubai
Updated: October 5, 2008
Status: New Tender
Harmony Towers Project
Developer: Dubai International City Development
Description: Construction of 32-storey Harmony
Towers comprising a twin tower complex
of residential units and hotel apartments providing a
number of luxurious studio and one-two-bedroom
apartments
Territory: Dubai
Updated: September 10, 2008
Status: Current P

6. Hotel Developments
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________October 2008
Qatar Entertainment City
Developer: Abu Dhabi Investment House (ADIH)
Designer: Vertex Productions
Description: Covers a total area of 1 million square
meter of the development, and 180,000 meter of
international leisure, retail, entertainment and
restaurants located within a waterfront location.
The five districts of the city are: Down Town – a
retail, leisure and entertainment hub, Board Walk –
located at the Gulf Shore with beachfront
restaurants, five-star hotels and shopping malls,
South Shore- resort style apartments, villas and
beach hotels with retail, dining and leisure
amenities, North Shore – with residential and hotel
towers and theme park, and Villas.
Territory: Lusail
Schedule: Planning phase will be complete by 2010
Managing Director: Rashad Y Janahi
MGM Grand Abu Dhabi
Developer: Mubadala
Designer: Gensler (global design and planning
firm)
Description: The entertainment and convention
district includes approximately 1,000 hotel rooms
and suites offered at the MGM Grand Abu Dhabi,
Skylofts and Signature hotel brands, plus a new
lifestyle hotel brand under development by MGM
MIRAGE. There will be approximately 400 hotel
residences and 500 waterfront apartments which
shall be made available to investors, with exclusive
access to hotel services, facilities and private yacht
berths. The master plan includes 25,000 square
metres of high-end retail, dining and entertainment
venues, and a 10,000-seat indoor arena with a 3,000-
seat outdoor amphitheatre to host year-round
performances and events
Territory: Abu Dhabi
Scheduled for: Design and Planning Stages
underway, construction to start 2009, with phase one
of the master plan to be complete by 2012.
Capital Center Abu Dhabi
Developer: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions
Company
Designer: ONL Oosterhuis-Lénard
Description: The most distinctive feature of the
development will be the iconic 35-storey Capital Gate
which will include a 200+ room five hotel and 20,000
square metres of office and retail space. It’s design has
been particularly praised for its Feature Tower which
will rise from the ground in a gravity defying form.

7. Hotel Developments
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________October 2008
Asia Asia Hotel / Bawadi Project
Architect: Pelli Clarke Pelli
Developer: Government Owned Tatweer
Description: Asia Asia Hotel & Resort is part of the
first phase of the AED 100 billion Bawadi project,
and will be operational by 2012. It will provide 6,500
rooms, combining 5,100 four-star and 1,400 five-star.
Bawadi will have more than 29,000 hotel rooms,
nearly double the number currently available in
Dubai. The resort will be able to host more than three
million tourists by 2016.
http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&sl=de&tl=en&
u=http://hottelling.wordpress.com/category/hotel-
development/&usg=ALkJrhgIt8KsRi1MzieqKagTGxoy
Bmi9Bw
Aqua Dunya Resort and Residences
Architect: Forrec
Assistant Architects: Mott MacDonald Ltd/ Aedas
Project Manager (Including Design Management
and Procurement):
Turner and Townsend International Ltd
Description: In total the resort includes two world class
theme parks, three themed hotels, a retail and dining
district, a 1,800 seat waterfront theater, a nine-hole golf
course, and 755 timeshare apartments. In addition, an
adjacent residential community will offer over 3,400
freehold residences for sale, projected to open in 2010.
http://www.uaepropertytrends.com/ptrends/mvnforum/vi
ewthread?thread=2228
Diyar al Muharraq
Master Planner: International
Consultancy Firm Scott Wilson
Description: The project, which is located
off the coast of the northern natural island of
Muharraq approximately 10 kilometres from
Manama, will form a new city for 100,000 people
when complete.
Territory: Bahrain
Schedule: The first phase of the project is
expected to be complete by the end of 2010.