Ahmad Dubai Blog

Ahmad Omar

Al Wahda Mall is set to open more than 200 new stores on Saturday 1-9-2012 after leasing 90 per cent of the retail space in a major extension of the Abu Dhabi shopping centre.

Al Wahda Mall

The mall will double in size, with additional shops and food and beverage outlets, including a cinema and fitness centre, all adding to the 200 stores that are already operating there.

Virgin Megastore, H&M, American Eagle Outfitters and Calvin Klein will be among the major new brands in the mall.

“We are 90 per cent leased actually,” said Raja Abdulkhader, the director of Line Investment & Properties, part of Emke Group, the mall’s developer and the owner of Lulu Hypermarket. “It is now just a few small shops left.”

Mr Abdulkhader said the mall would have a big launch later next month, but declined to offer further details.

Already, major Middle East retailers, operating a wide range of international brands, have given their seal of approval to the project, confirming a host of stores to be opened next week.

Kuwait’s MH Alshaya has agreed to open 14 brands within Al Wahda, including Pottery Barn Kids, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge and Bath & Body Works.Azadea Group, from Lebanon, is also offering brands such as Pull&Bear, Bershka, Pepe Jeans, Jules, Piazza Italia, Tezenis and George, the budget value clothing line.

Landmark Group and Liwa Trading Enterprises have also signed up a number of their brands, such as Reiss, New Look and Gant.

M&Co, a Scottish fashion retailer with nearly 300 stores across the United Kingdom, will be the anchor clothing store in the new development, alongside BHS, another British department store.

The Al Wahda extension is the start of a wave of new or extended malls and shopping centres across Abu Dhabi that will change the retail landscape of the capital.

Stores in areas outside malls currently dominate the market in the capital, accounting for half of the total retail supply.

But that will change as retail space in the capital is set to grow from 1.68 million square metres to 2.3 million by the end of 2014, according to Jones Lang LaSalle, the property specialist.

It expects about 300,000 sq metres of retail space could enter the market this year, although some mall projects could be delayed.

Deerfields Town Square in Al Bahia, Emporium Mall at Central Market and Capital Mall are all expected to open their doors this year.

“The extension at Al Wahda Mall is forecast to thrust the mall to the forefront of the shopping experience in Abu Dhabi with a large spectrum of shopping experiences under one roof”, Yusuff Ali, the managing director of Lulu Group, the mall’s developer said earlier this year as he announced the brands going into the extension.

Source

http://www.thenational.ae/

Ahmad Omar

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun construction of 13 new pedestrian bridges in Dubai. RTA proposes to have a 105 bridges by 2016.

The new bridges will have designs inspired by the traditional landmarks of the emirate

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has begun construction of 13 new pedestrian bridges in Dubai. RTA proposes to have a 105 bridges by 2016.
Engineer Maitha bin Udai, Executive Director of the Traffic & Roads Agency, RTA, said out of the 31 new bridges 13 footbridges will be completed in the next fve years.
RTA is making strenuous efforts to serve pedestrians around Merto stations.
"The RTA has opened two pedestrian bridges this year; the first one in Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, and the other in the Emirates Hills. During the past two years, RTA opened many other footbridges in Khalid bin Al Waleed, Al Mankhool, Bani Yas, Damascus, Al Rasheed, and Al Rabat Roads in addition to Abu Baker Al Siddique Road.
"The new pedestrian bridges willcome up on Emirates Road; one near the Fruits & Vegetables Market and others near workers accommodation at Al Awir, in Al Mina, Sheikh Rashid, Umm Suqeim, Al Wuhaidah, Amman, Latifa bint Hamdan, Abu Baker Al Siddique and Al Khaleej Roads.
"The newly designed pedestrian bridges have a lot of features rendering them iconic landmarks of Dubai Emirate as they are fitted with modern electrical facilities featuring designs inspired by the traditional landmarks of the Emirate or depicting contemporary patterns of modern cities.

http://www.emirates247.com/

Ahmad Omar

DUBAI // Residents and local businesses are frustrated after hearing news of a mall opening along the beach of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

Construction along Dubai's JBR Walk. Residents have expressed concerns about a plan to create many more shops.
Sammy Dallal / The National

JBR Dubai

Meraas Holding is set to construct a mall with shops and restaurants that will extend nearly a kilometre along the beach from the Hilton Hotel at one end to the Sheraton Hotel at the other.
The beachfront regularly attracts residents and tourists because of its leisure attractions, restaurants and walkways. Although Dubai Properties Group (DPG), the owner of JBR, promises that the new project will add value to the area, residents strongly disagree.
"It's a pretty stupid idea," said Joe Nicolas, who resides in the Al Bahar sector of JBR. "First of all, there's already Marina Mall, which is very close and always empty. Second, they are going to mess up the whole neighbourhood and no one is going to find a place to park."
The streets of JBR are heavily congested on weekend evenings. The one-way, two-lane street that leads from one end of JBR to the other is often backed up to the bridge leading to its entrance.
In addition to the traffic, parking was a particular concern for many residents.
"For us it's alright because we have parking in our buildings, but what happens to visitors who are not allowed to park there?" said Evguenia Demenko, from Russia.
Many businesses along the beachfront were not aware that a mall was opening across the street. Nor were they happy about the news.
"I really hope they've studied this well," said Wael Khodor, assistant manager at Il Caffe Di Roma. "If there's a mall it's going to be a disaster. It will get even more crowded and soon it's going to be a dead area."
Makeshift walls and fences block the view across most of the cafés along the beachfront.
"View, what view?" Mr Khodor said. "All you can see is boards and construction."
Mohammed Selim Mohammed, manager of El Chico Mexican Restaurant, said the number of customers at his place has halved since Eid because of traffic.
"We had a customer who came in the other day saying he loves our food, but might stop coming because the traffic is so bad," he said. "If they're going to do this, I really hope that the property management will help us find a solution."
A few merchants were optimistic about the foot traffic a mall might drive to their stores.
"The more people we get, the more customers we'll have," said Maher Mrabet, assistant store manager of Tim Hortons. "If they can accommodate the parking needs, all of us can benefit from this."
DPG said the new development that is due for completion in less than 18 months would not drastically affect the area.
"During the construction phase, Meraas Holding - the developer of the project - has put plans in place to minimise inconvenience to the community and include additional temporary parking as well as traffic management," said a spokesman. "Residents and visitors will continue to have access to the beach through pedestrian crossings adjacent to the car park."
He said DPG was looking at strengthening the police presence at The Walk to assist pedestrians and to better manage the traffic.
As for JBR residents, DPG insisted the new project was planned so as to ensure that their sea views would not be blocked.
Dubai Traffic Police believe the addition to JBR Walk will make traffic worse.
With heavy traffic leading to blocked intersections and long waiting times near the beach, authorities said some staff could be relocated to the scene if necessary.
"The traffic in Dubai Marina in general is definitely worse than other areas," said Lt Imran Abdullah from Dubai Traffic Police. "There is traffic and congestion there every day and it will make it worse if there is an extra mall.
"There is already traffic police present in the Marina now and more than the usual because of the recent holidays. A lot of people have been complaining to us already because there are too many cars on JBR Walk."
Lt Abdullah said, however, that traffic police would have to wait until the project is complete before they could determine the scope of the problems and find solutions.
Residents are also concerned that a mall will reduce the value of their beachfront property.
"JBR was first marketed as a lifetime experience of luxury and relaxation with beautiful views of the beach," Mr Nicolas said. "Now it's turned into completely the opposite. I just don't understand why kill a beautiful beachfront for another mall."

Ahmad Omar

Dubai Marina is set to get almost 700 new apartments after the handover of a building that is said to be the world’s third-highest residential tower.

Dubai Marina is set to get almost 700 new apartments after the handover of a building which is said to be the world's third highest residential tower. Jumana El Heloueh / Reuters

Dubai Marina Tallest Block In The World

Elite Residence, fifth from left in the photo above, a 91-storey structure, that stands at 381 metres, has 696 apartments and is capable of housing 1,500 people.

Princess Tower, fourth from right, is the world’s tallest residential building. The Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 metres, includes apartments but is not considered to be a residential tower.

To qualify for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat residential list, a building must be at least 90 per cent residential. Dubai is currently home to the world’s top four tallest residential towers.

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Ahmad Omar

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced the opening of a new driving center named, "Drive Dubai," at the Investment Park "2," Jebel Ali, thus adding the sixth driving cen

ter in the Emirate of Dubai.

RTA DUBAI

An announcement to this effect was made following the signing of a joint agreement by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the RTA's Licensing Agency; and Amer Belhasa, Executive Director of the Dubai International Driving Center, providing for the practicing of activities of training, qualifying and licensing drivers in Dubai.
"This cooperation comes first in the best interest of customers, especially residents of the Investment Park "2", Jebel Ali; a fast growing areas featuring high construction & urbanization rates, and attracting large numbers of residents who are in need of a center specialized in driving and issuing driver licenses. Such a requirement is tangible as the place is far away from the city center rendering it difficult for residents to join any of the other five driving centers in Dubai: Al Ahli Center, Galadari Center, Emirates Institute, Belhasa Center, and Dubai Center," said Bahrozyan.
"The new driving school will provide a diverse cast of driving services for trainees, including driver licenses for all types of vehicles & buses, be it light or heavy, motorcycles, and mechanical equipment. It will also run training courses for novice drivers or holders of foreign driver licenses, and provide other services that include drivers testing, eyesight testing, and knowledge testing through the approved languages," he added.
"The RTA is keen on granting a permit to open the Drive Dubai Center, Jebel Ali, as we are fully aware of the importance of establishing such a center in this area and confident of its success in attracting large numbers of the public. The facility will save much of their time & effort, and enable them achieve their prime objective of availing training and obtaining driver licenses, besides minimizing the pressure on other driving schools in Dubai," said Bahrozyan, adding that "the Center will abide by the standardized training contract approved by the RTA in contracting with trainees, as well as the fees structure agreed upon with the Licensing Agency as regards the training and services rendered to trainees."

Ahmad Omar

In a formal function held recently at The Address Hotel in Dubai, the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC), Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), raised the curtain on the "Deluxe Cars" service through 20 black cars; 10 Infiniti M37, and 10 Lexus S350. The event, which was sponsored by Arabian Automobiles Company and Al Futtaim Motors Co, and supported by Dubai Airports, aimed to deliver excellent services to DTC customers and enhance their satisfaction rating.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Licensing Agency cum Chairperson of the Committee Overseeing DTC; Mansour Al Falasi, Acting CEO of DTC; Michel Ayat, CEO of Arabian Automobiles Co; Saud Abbasi, General Manager of Al Futtaim Motors-Lexus; Mohammed Yousef Saleh, Director of DTC Fleet Operations; Ammar Bin Tamim, Director of DTC Fleet Drivers Affairs; and Ammar Al Buraiki, Manager of DTC Fleet Operations, in addition to senior officials of all parties.
"The DTC is giving value-added to its unique array of services rendered to clientele in a testament of its endeavors aimed to realize its strategic vision, "Pioneers in Passenger Transport Services," by way of launching a distinguished service under the theme "New dimension of transport luxury". The deluxe cars service is launched in collaboration with DTC strategic partners: Al Rostamani Auto Center, Al Futtaim Motors, and Dubai Airports, who have always been key supporters of DTC strategic initiatives & projects," said Al Falasi.
He added that the idea of this new service evolved from a study conducted to introduce new DTC services, and the special overtures of both the Arabian Automobiles Co, and Al Futtaim Motors to supply these vehicles under favorable terms and deploy them to serve the VIPs segment.
"Under the theme "New dimension of transport luxury," the objectives of this service will be achieved by delivering a quality service to DTC customers at the airport and other vital facilities in the emirate. The new service differs from the normal cab service as customers will be treated to high standards of luxury, privacy and affluence inside and outside the Dubai International Airport via DTC's Booking & Dispatch Center," added Al Falasi.
"This service has been launched since June 2012 and more vehicles and brands will be deployed on demand. The DTC will make every endeavour to ensure the success of this initiative in order to meet the needs and expectations of its esteemed customers, which can only be achieved through our partners' support so that we all become pioneers," he further added.
For his part, Mohammed Saleh said, "Under the theme "New dimension of transport luxury" the service is launched with 20 vehicles of Nissan-Infiniti and Toyota-Lexus. The service can be ordered directly from the designated service counter in the arrivals exit point of Dubai International Airport, or by calling the Booking & Dispatch Center's number 04-2080808, or from some public facilities. The flag-down rate is AED 50, whether the service is ordered from the airport or the Booking & Dispatch Center."
"The service is packed with lots of features, as it has a logo of its own, in addition to the vehicles' black color, white number plate, and elegant driver. Another additional feature is the privacy, which appeals to a certain segment of customers and make them feel as if they were in their own vehicles, in addition to using a special taxi-meter system: "Samsung S2 device" without extensions, attached to a stylish bracket mounted inside the vehicle. Some other relevant high-level services will be provided at a later stage," he elaborated.
"45 distinguished taxi drivers were selected from the airport cabbies working on commission basis, who have scored 100% in their assessment rates i.e. with accident-free, offence-free & complaint-free driving record. They underwent a series of initial tests in English language, general appearance and psychological aptitude, and were then subjected to practical and theoretical training in various areas including customer service & VIP service, and at the end of their training, they were given a final test on how to provide such distinguished service," he stated.
"Cabdrivers don special uniforms commensurate with the quality of the service, which will be followed up by a qualified work team to oversee follow-up reports, distribution of questionnaires to the public to evaluate the service, and follow up results on a monthly basis.
For his part, Michel Ayat, said, "We have been strategic partners of DTC since its inception and have witnessed its remarkable achievements. The Arabian Automobiles Company is proud to have been selected as a DTC supplier of "deluxe cars" through our Infiniti M37 Sedan to raise the bar for new transportation services in the interest of Dubai residents and visitors. The Infiniti M model is known for its high performance thanks to its smooth V-6 cylinder engine with a capacity of 3.7 liter and 328 hp."
Saud Abbasi, said "Al-Futtaim Motors-Lexus is pleased to be part of the deluxe cars service, through supplying our Lexus ES 350 2012 to the DTC, as this vehicle is a benchmark of luxury and elegance, and features front-to-rear sophisticated design lines, spacious interior cabin, luxurious fittings and safety features.