MASDAR CITY MASTERPLAN REVIEWED
February 20, 2010
When Masdar City was first announced in 2007 by the Masdar Initiative, it claims that, when completed, it will become the world’s first zero carbon, zero waste development, while maintaining the highest quality of living. Foster + Partners and a team of environmental consultants including WSP and Transsolar have been appointed by Masdar to design the masterplan and the first stage of the project which broke ground in February 2008.
Masdar City’s Master plan is claimed to “meet and exceed” the principals of One Planet Living (OPL), a set of ten guiding principles of sustainability, proposed in a joint initiative by WWF, the global conservation organization and Bioregional Development, whereby everyone lives within their fair share of the Earth’s resources. The principles include Zero Carbon, Zero Waste, Sustainable transport, Sustainable materials, Sustainable water, and Sustainable culture and heritage.
As planned, Masdar City is expected to be home to 50,000 people and to attract an additional 60,000 daily rail commuters to be employed in its planned 1,500 businesses. The project, which occupies a 6 square kilometers site, only half of which is to be occupied by structures, is expected to cost $22bn, which will be provided using a mix of governmental and private investment funding. Construction works are expected to reach completion by 2015.
Source: www.carboun.com
OMAN LAUCHES $15BN BLUE CITY PROJECT
July, 2005
The Omani government in partnership with private investors unveiled the $15 billion Madina Al Zarqa (Blue City) – its most ambitious project yet – early last month.
Sprawling over 35 sq km, this project, which is gearing up for a kick-start by the end of this year, will offer numerous investment opportunities not only to Omani nationals but also expatriates.
Designed to open up tourism and economic avenues in the region, the unique project is set in one of the most interesting of landscapes in the Arabian peninsula.
Blue City features tourist resorts as well as extensive education, healthcare and sports facilities, which will be constructed in multiple phases, making it a tourism and business destination of national, regional and international relevance. “These are aspects that work hand-in-hand with tourism but go beyond it,” Heiko Achilles, CEO, ReeMoon Real Estate Development – owner representative and development manager for Blue City, told Gulf Construction.
Source: www.gulfconstructiononline.com
U-BORA TOWERS WINS CITYSCAPE AWARDS 2012
April 25, 2012
Aedas is honoured to receive an award at this year’s Cityscape Abu Dhabi Awards, at a ceremony held on 23 April at the prestigious Yas Viceroy Hotel in Abu Dhabi. U-bora Towers, which is located at the heart of Dubai’s Business Bay, garnered the Commercial, Office & Retail Project Award in the Built category. This is the fifth award won by this project designed by Andrew Bromberg.
On winning the award, Andrew Bromberg says, “We are very proud to receive this award; this project is a good example of how creativity can go beyond commercial objectives, exceeding the expectations of the client and the end user. We thank Cityscape for recognizing this achievement.”
Source: www.e-architect.co.uk
AEDAS DUBAI DESIGN WINS OFFICE AND RETAIL AWARDS
April 26, 2011
Striking Dubai project Boulevard Plaza, designed by Aedas, was named Best Commercial Office and Retail Project at last week’s 2011 Cityscape Awards in Abu Dhabi.
The recently completed Boulevard Plaza Towers project, developed by Emaar, was designed to introduce a meaningful space that integrated emblematic Islamic patterns while challenging the traditional model of a commercial building. Aedas’ design realised the client’s vision for an elegant commercial development with an iconic silhouette.
Michael Fowler, Aedas’ managing director in the Middle East, said, “The project makes a significant urban contribution to the built environment of Dubai.”
“This ground-breaking development is a true representation of Aedas’ exceptional design abilities and a project we are all very proud of in the Middle East and across the globe.”
Source: www.constructionweekonline.com
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL THEATRE TO OPEN IN DUBAI’S CITY WALK
The Cirque du Soleil Theatre is intended to be the first of its kind Resident Show in the region and become a primary tourism destination. The 1,800 seat theatre is designed to be one of the key anchors of the newly planned mixed use development which focused on arts intertwined in an area offering commercial, residential, hospitality, and retail space.
Source: www.10design.co
HUB ZERO, DUBAI’S NEW HIGH-TECH ENTERTAINMENT ZONE, LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION
July 25, 2016
I am standing in a small, dimly lit town square. Red smoke appears – and the zombies start pouring in. Although I consider myself a serious gamer, experiencing virtual reality for the first time in this way is mind-blowing.
This is Virtual Arena, one of the key attractions at Hub Zero, a brand-new entertainment complex in Dubai’s City Walk.
I am looking forward to revisiting with friends, once the remaining attractions have opened. Until then, it still offers plenty of fun to while away a long summer day.
Source: www.thenational.ae
THE EDGE BUILDING WINS 5-STAR REGIONAL AWARD FOR OFFICE BUILDING
BSBG and Sweid & Sweid were in attendance at the African & Arabian International Property Awards 2017-2018 ceremony, held at the JW Marriott Marquis in Business Bay, Dubai.
During the course of the day, both BSBG and valued long-term partner Sweid & Sweid, picked up their individual awards for The Edge, a distinguished office building in Dubai Internet city. The Edge was recognised as the winner of hte best office architecture and the best office development Dubai categories, and went on to receive further recognition during the evening ceremony, winning the 5-star regional award for office development.
The International Property Awards recognises and rewards the finest of property, architecture and interior design in the world, and receives hundreds of entries from across the MENA region, which are then scrutinised by the judging committee; comprised of over 70 global experts and chaired by three members of the UK’s House of Lords.
Source: www.bsbgroup.com
HUB ZERO WINS TIME OUT KIDS AWARDS
September 27, 2016
Winner of Best Kids Entertainment Centre: Hub Zero
Highly commended: Adventure HQ, Times Square Centre
Highly commended: SEGA Republic
Source: www.timeoutdubai.com
THE NATIONAL REVIEWS LAGUNA WATERPARK AT LA MER
April 16, 2018
The attractions keep on coming to the La Mer neighbourhood, Dubai’s newest waterfront area on the beach near Jumeirah 2. The Laguna Waterpark, which took two-and-a-half years to build, is slated to open in La Mer Central early next month.
The park is comprised of four distinct zones: a surf zone, an area to lounge and relax, a splash area for kids and the slides area. The waterpark’s five main attractions are: a surf club called the WaveOz 180 FloRider; a water slide tower complex that includes five different water slides, all of which are for those measuring 1.2m in height and above; a SplashPad for children ages four and below; an Aqua Play area for kids ages five and up, which includes a Tipping Bucket that uses between 3,000 to 3,800 litres of water per splash; and finally, a lazy river that is 200 metres in length.
The five slides are the Manta family raft ride, the Constrictor, the Loop, the Aquadrop Freefall and the Mad Racer.
Source: www.thenational.ae
THOMAS COOK REVIEWS PLAY TOWN BY MATTEL
An opportunity to see Mattel’s characters come alive, this play town features an interactive indoor ‘eduplay’ attraction for children between ages 2 and 10. Eduplay is a concept integrated by Mattel Play! A town that encourages the stimulating play experiences derived from children’s imagination and fantasy through the brand’s five most popular and loved characters – Barney™, Thomas & Friends™, Bob the Builder™, Angelina Ballerina™, and Fireman Sam.
ABOUT MATTEL PLAY TOWN
Bob the Builder – Children get to build the city with Bob the Builder and his fun crew. Designing buildings in kinetic sand or hoisting blocks for intricate creative work, the children learn the value of teamwork and problem-solving while having an engaging time.
Angelina Ballerina – Put on your tutu, makeup and dancing shoes to shake a leg with Angelina Ballerina – the little lively mouse. Children learn to gracefully match steps with Angelina at the dance studio wherein every step leaves a trail of glitter, confetti etc. on the floor and absorb the understanding of strength, teamwork, and discipline.
Fireman Sam – a thrilling adventure, children get to dress up as firemen and navigate through the maze of Pontypandy, an accident-prone city in Britain for rescue or emergency services while learning about fire health and safety.
Thomas & Friends – Little adventure seekers get to explore the island of Sodor through themed play structure and team up with Percy and Harold at the Knapford Station to embark on an exciting journey. Later they enter the magical world of Thomas and friends on 4D cinema as their story is brought to life.
Barneys – A family fun, meet and interact with the 200-million-year old lovable T-rex and sing and dance along with him as he teaches the virtues of sharing, caring, positive values and good manners. A fun musical time with Barney, play with props and use lots of creative imagination.
Source: www.thomascook.in
BANYAN TREE RESIDENCES – HILLSIDE DUBAI WINS THREE MAJOR AWARDS
October 11, 2018
Dubai, UAE: Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai project, which is set for handover in Q3 2019, has won three categories in the 2018 International Property Awards.
The luxurious project won awards for the Residential High-rise Development, Residential High-rise Architecture and Architecture – Multiple Residence categories.
Developed by Sweid & Sweid in partnership with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Brewer Smith Brewer Group as the architects, the Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai is setting new standards in development of global branded residences.
Maher Sweid, founder and managing partner of Sweid & Sweid, commented: “These awards are a testament to the innovative design and unique offering of the Banyan Tree Residences. At Sweid & Sweid, we aim to create iconic communities and are delighted to have our flagship residential project recognized as one of the top upcoming developments in the city.”
Apartments at the Banyan Tree Residences start at AED 1.3m, with a range of layouts on offer from one, two, three and four bedroom apartments to garden duplexes and full-floor penthouses.
To book your private viewing at the on-site sale center & show apartment today contact the Banyan Tree Residences’ sales team on 800-BANYAN or register your interest at www.banyantreeresidences.ae .
Source: https://www.zawya.com/
GULF CONSTRUCTION WORLDWIDE ON BANYAN TREE RESIDENCES DUBAI
Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai aims to be the first to offer resort-style residences with all amenities, finishings and overall experience associated with a five-star hotel.
July 2018
A tower hosting unique resort-style residences that aim to provide a spiritual retreat and an environment that helps residents to re-invigorate the senses is currently taking shape in Dubai, UAE.
“The developer’s concept was to provide resort-style residences with all the amenities, finishings and amenities that distinguish them from similar residential developments, and an overall experience one might readily associate with a five-star hotel,” Valeria Sevilla, development manager at Sweid & Sweid, tells Gulf Construction.
“This concept attracted internationally renowned hotelier Banyan Tree, who will manage the property, bringing with them all of the unique characteristics with which they have made their name,” she adds.
“The project is focused on delivering a serene, luxury experience to its residents, who will benefit from an environment that provides the finest materials and finishings, a beautifully sculpted outdoor environment with plenty of activities for children, and the Banyan Tree Spa, designed as an urban oasis, exuding a balance and natural beauty within a sanctuary of wellness,” she remarks.
Source: www.gulfconstructionworldwide.com
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: BANYAN TREE RESIDENCES DUBAI ON TRACK FOR SCHEDULED OPENING
October 23, 2018
Banyan Tree Residences – Hillside Dubai, a residential resort-style project developed by Sweid & Sweid in partnership with Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Brewer Smith Brewer Group, is on track to open in September 2019 as the project celebrates reaching the roof level this week – a key marker in the construction of the luxury development stretching over 2.5 acres.
With ground first broken in May 2016, the commencement of construction was far ahead of the sales launch – a Sweid & Sweid strategy to showcase its commitment for quality and timely delivery.
In addition to the recently completed on-site sales centre, work has commenced on the adjacent landscaped gardens and amenities to give early purchasers a glimpse of their upcoming lifestyle and provide the 10,000 plants and trees the opportunity to mature prior to full project completion.
View Original: http://www.gulfconstructiononline.com/
NEW BEACH DISTRICT LAUNCHED AT DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR
October 11, 2018
A new beach district has been launched in the Dubai Creek Harbour development, which will feature low to mid-rise residences along with lifestyle amenities and a dedicated metro station.
The Creek Beach district will serve as ‘seaside retreat’ with a boardwalk, parks, F&B outlets and sand bar mounds, a statement said.
The project will feature one, two and three bedroom residences as well as four-bedroom penthouses offering views of the waterfront canal.
Amenities include two neighbourhood plazas, a private swimming pool, a town centre with retail and F&B offering, a waterfront VIDA Hotel, a gym within a private courtyard, outdoor play areas, barbeque areas, lawns and a shared community room.
The mega Dubai Creek Harbour – being developed by Emaar and Dubai Holding – features over 7.3 million sq m of residential space, nearly 940,000 sq m of retail precincts, 300,000 sq m of commercial space, over 66,000 sq m of cultural space, 700,000 sq m of parks and open spaces, and 24 hotels with 5,800 rooms.
It will feature the Dubai Creek Tower – set to become the tallest tower in Dubai when complete, as well as Dubai Square, a mega ‘tech-driven’ retail project which will offer 8.07 million sq ft of gross floor retail space – nearly double the gross leasable area of Dubai Mall.
Source: gulfbusiness.com
DUBAI CREEK HARBOUR RIPPLE EFFECT
Dubai is famed for its glamorous waterfront communities, whether on paradise isle Palm Jumeirah or at the futuristic Dubai Marina. Joining these dazzling districts is Dubai Creek Harbour, a green haven from Emaar Properties.
Its location, on the banks of the historic Dubai Creek and Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary, has very much defined this district. Green spaces add to the area’s flora and fauna, while the cutting-edge community is set to harness solar power and use water-purification systems to minimise its impact on the environment. You can even cross the creek on an eco-friendly tram. It’s set to be a stunning area with nine districts to explore, from the waterways of The Canal District to The Island District’s marina. Parks and tree-lined promenades weave around 22 hotels, shops and restaurants. Cultural attractions include a major new museum (currently in the planning stages). But the real appeal is that it all sits on the fringes of a beautiful nature reserve. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO-protected mangrove ecosystem that has sheltered migratory birds, flamingos and many more species of plantlife for decades.
Source: cntraveller.com
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS NEWS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OF THE MIDDLE EAST’S FIRST BANYAN TREE RESIDENCES IN DUBAI
November 28, 2018
Development manager Valeria Sevilla told CBNME: “The Banyan Tree Residences is a 31-storey tower featuring 235 units and a number of unique amenities that give the development a distinct presence within the Dubai architectural setting. The emphasis of the project was on creating a standout high-rise tower maximizing the large amount of space provided by the plot for the residences’ amenities. These include two levels of basement parking, a Club House, spa, squash court, gymnasium, café, a 31m adult pool, a children’s pool, a promenade, landscaped gardens and a pristine lawn, a courtyard and a play area, and a climbing wall for children.
The development is comprised of 235 units which are split between garden duplexes on the ground floor, studios, 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments within the tower, as well as 2 penthouse units on the 2 top floors of the tower.”
The construction is set to be completed by Q3 2019.
Source: www.cbnme.com