Jetsettersblog

Ajman Property on the Rise

Unspoilt white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, five star hotels, international restaurants and a booming property market, Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirate states, is currently attracting a lot of interest from savvy property investors.

Unspoilt white sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, five star hotels, international restaurants and a booming property market, Ajman, the smallest of the seven Emirate states, is currently attracting a lot of interest from savvy property investors looking for an alternative to the Dubai property market.

With a population of about 80,000, Ajman is just 30 minutes drive from Dubai’s international airport. Holiday companies such as Kuoni have recently added Ajman to their brochures, offering stays at the five star Kempinski hotel.

The largest new development in Ajman is the recently announced Al-Zorah project, a new ‘city within a city’ which is currently being developed in a joint venture between Solidere Management Services and the government of Ajman at a cost $15billion.

The master plan for the project includes residential buildings and villas, a commercial office district, marina, golf course, entertainment projects, hotels, hospitals and schools. A highway connecting the development directly to Emirates Road will also be built, in order to allow investors in Al Zorah to commute to the other Emirates. The project is currently under development and is scheduled to be finished over a 16 year period.

Rami Dabbas, head of real estate development, Ajman Investment & Development Authority, CEO of Aqaar Properties, said: “We are trying to recreate another Monaco. The project will spread across an area of about 10 million square metres of existing land.

“We are not reclaiming any land and even if we do, it won’t be much, as we have enough space to develop. Al Zora is definitely going to put Ajman on the map as a world destination.”

Sandcastles-property.com, based in Dubai, has seen a 42% increase in enquiries for Ajman property during the first half of 2008. “For property investors looking to get into an area at ground level, Ajman property offers great value for money and is an excellent alternative to buying Dubai property Said Zuber Mohsan, CEO for Sandcastles.

“We currently have a number of properties for sale in Ajman, but when the Al-Zorah project is up and running we expect both interest and prices of Ajman property to rise dramatically,” added Mohsan.

The Emirates has seen its population grow by almost 75% in the past decade. As a result, new property laws have had to be introduced in order to accommodate nationals and non-nationals. Ajman has led the UAE in this respect, being the first emirate to offer 100% freehold rights to non-nationals in 2004.

About sandcastles-property.com

Sandcastles-property.com is the leading property website in the United Arab Emirates; featuring properties for sale and for rent in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman and many other emirates in the UAE.

Address hotels in Downtown Burj Dubai upgraded

• The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, and The Address, Dubai Mall are flagship projects under Emaar Hospitality Group’s new hotel brand• 63-and 43-storey towers totaling 440 luxury rooms/suites and 449 service apartments

• Both scheduled for opening later this yearDubai, UAE; June 18, 2008: Emaar Hospitality Group LLC, the hospitality & leisure business subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has announced rapid progress in developing its first two hotel projects under The Address Hotels & Resorts roster. The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is over 90 per cent complete and The Address, Dubai Mall also located within Downtown Burj Dubai is 70 per cent complete. The structural work has been finished and cladding and interior fittings are ongoing.

A 63-storey tower, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai will feature 196 hotel rooms/suites. The Address, Dubai Mall, featuring 43 storeys, has a gross floor area of 92,397 sq m. The promise of a true 5 star premium experience will be assured in the hotels through speciality restaurants, fully equipped business lounges, meeting rooms, a modern fitness centre, spa, swimming pools and over 1,000 parking lots. Overlooking Burj Dubai, the world’s tallest building, The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai is in close proximity to The Address, The Dubai Mall, located as part of one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations.

Richard W. Riley, Managing Director, The Address Hotels & Resorts said: “The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, and The Address, Dubai Mall, our pioneering hotel projects under the newly launched brand will be spectacular additions to the hotel sector of Dubai. The hotels will uphold our core philosophy of providing a boutique style ‘one size fits one’ experience. The central location within Downtown Burj Dubai and the luxury features of the hotels will be a draw for visitors and cement our positioning of ‘Where Life Happens’.”

Work on The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai and on The Address, Dubai Mall started in April 2005. With structural and block work of the exteriors accomplished, several hundred workers are now employed in fitting out the podium cladding and interior fittings. The work is expected to be completed later this year.

Emaar is currently developing another hotel under The Address brand name in Dubai – The Address, Dubai Marina which is also scheduled to open later this year. Emaar will add more hotels and resorts under The Address banner as the brand develops locally and internationally.

The addition of The Address completes Emaar Hospitality Group’s portfolio as a full-service hospitality company. With total assets of development value US$1 billion (AED 3.67 billion), Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs, and the Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas.

Angsana Hotel & Suites Dubai Opening rate

Dubai – Marking its first hospitality foray in the United Arab Emirates, Angsana Hotels and Resorts has announced the soft opening of the Suites Tower of Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai. Part of Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading international operators of boutique resorts, hotels, residences and spas, this is the first city hotel to open under the Angsana brand.

“With an ever-escalating demand for quality hotel accommodation in Dubai, we are pleased to open our doors to the public with the Suites Tower which offers hotel-standard services and amenities. Guests will also enjoy top-notch facilities, including our signature award-winning Angsana Spa, which is one of the largest and loftiest spas – being located on the 45th floor – in the United Arab Emirates. To complete the experience of staying at Angsana, we have the perfect ‘heartware’ in place – guests’ needs will be attended to by our discreet associates, who will deliver our unique blend of contemporary hospitality with a touch of Asia,” said Mr Kamel Ajami, general manager of Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai, and area general manager Dubai, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Kuwait.

“To celebrate this occasion, we would like to share a piece of good luck with our first guests to Angsana Dubai. The numeral eight is a metonym for ‘prosperity’ and is considered auspicious according to popular Chinese culture”, he added. With this in mind, Angsana Hotel and Suites Dubai is pleased to announce an introductory rate starting from AED 888, subject to 10% Municipality fee and 10% service charge, for the soft-launch of the Suites Tower. This rate is inclusive of breakfast on a single or twin-share basis, and is valid from July through to September 2008.

Consisting of 417 studios, one-bedroom, premier one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, the Suites Tower promises a peaceful urban retreat and uncompromised functionality that is bound to revitalise the mind and body. Amenities available in all suites include IDD telephone, wireless Internet connection, the latest entertainment system, in-room safe and dining area.

Discover Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – The countdown to one of the most highly anticipated openings of the year is underway at Atlantis, The Palm, the flagship resort on The Palm Jumeirah. Set to be the ultimate must-see destination, Atlantis will be opening its doors on September 24th and is giving residents of the UAE the chance to be among the first to experience the action with celebration prices.

As the region’s first truly integrated entertainment resort, Atlantis, The Palm is home to 18 million litres of water themed amusement at Aquaventure, extensive fresh and salt water pools and lagoon exhibits, an open-aired marine habitiat, 17 restaurants (including 4 celebrity chef venues), luxury boutiques and endless stretch of beach amongst its impressive offering.

The spectacular new 1,539 room resort embodies executive chairman Sol Kerzner’s vision to transport guests into a dazzling, inspiring world throughout a 46 hectare site of exhilarating attractions for the family group, the business traveler or the single connoisseur.

Be the first to experience the adrenalin rush of Aquaventure with its myriad of nail-biting slides, near vertical drops and tidal pools. Be thrilled by shark experiences, educated by dolphin interactions at Dolphin Bay and amazed by the exotic marine life throughout The Ambassador Lagoon and The Lost Chambers.

After all the action, pamper and rejuvenate at the world class spa and fitness club with its water-themed treatments and exotic therapies or indulge in some retail therapy at the exclusive boutiques of The Avenues. Relax into the evening by dining at one of the exclusive celebrity restaurants, including the famed Nobu, Rostang’s French Brasserie, Locatelli’s Ronda Locatelli and Santamaria’s first foray out of Spain with his gourmet seafood restaurant Ossiano.

The special UAE residents package*, DIVE IN, of AED2,260 per room per night is now available and includes breakfast, and 2 return complimentary Aquaventure passes which retails for 220 AED per visit, and beach access for two. The DIVE IN offer applies to Deluxe Guest rooms and all reservations must be made by July 31st 2008.

All guest rooms feature private balconies and boast enviable views over the Arabian Gulf or The Palm Jumeirah. Designed by Wilson and Associates, the interior design of the rooms reflects an oceanic theme with tributes to the surrounding sea, fused with elements of Arabia.

Book the UAE residents package now to experience all this and more and be the first to discover the wonders of Atlantis, The Palm!

*Terms and conditions: Applicable to UAE residents only upon presentation of ID and visa. Offer inclusive of municipality fee and service charge. Valid until 1st October and bookings must be made by July 31st. Aquaventure pass, six months validity from issue.

Air Arabia takes off to Dhaka

• Air Arabia’s 40th destination globally, second destination in Bangladesh

• Flights to operate four times per week initially

Sharjah: Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, today launched non-stop service to Dhaka, Bangladesh, from the carrier’s main hub in Sharjah. Flights will initially operate four times per week.

The inaugural flight took off from Sharjah International Airport today and was received upon its arrival by Bangladeshi delegates in Dhaka Airport.

“Air Arabia is committed to the Bangladeshi and wider South Asian market,” said AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia. “Dhaka marks our second destination in Bangladesh, after Chittagong, giving the people of Bangladesh more options than ever for convenient and low-cost air travel. Bangladesh, like its South Asian neighbours, has a growing trade and business relationship with the economies of the Gulf, and we are proud to be a part of those strengthening ties.”

Air Arabia flies to Dhaka four times per week, with flights on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays departing Sharjah at 12:35PM and arriving at Dhaka at 18:55PM. Return flights depart Dhaka at 19:40PM and arrive in Sharjah at 22:45PM. Dhaka is Air Arabia’s 40th destination worldwide and the carrier’s 17th destination in South Asia.

Emaar Hospitality Group’s 4 for 3 offer

• Pay with Visa and your fourth guest goes free
• Experience the ultimate in dining, sports, hotels, spas, golfing
• Save big at participating outlets

Dubai, UAE: Emaar Hospitality Group in association with Visa International is welcoming the summer with arms wide open. Emaar Hospitality Group’s 4 for 3 summer offer allows guests to enjoy exciting benefits throughout their leisure destinations when using Visa International. Until September 30, Visa card users will experience the highlife for less.

Whether it is a delicious meal, a relaxing round of golf, a luxurious spa treatment, gym membership or a thrilling charter cruise, more can be experienced for less with Visa. Wherever customers pay with Visa, their fourth guest goes entirely free. Below is a summary of where guests can avail of this exclusive offer:

Golfing: Book a round of golf for 3 and a fourth person plays for free at The Montgomerie, Dubai and Arabian Ranches Golf Club.

Hotel Guest Accommodation: If you have family or friends coming to stay or just want to relax and unwind with a mini break, book a stay of 4 nights and pay for just 3 at:

• The Palace, The Old Town
• Al Manzil Hotel
• Qamardeen Hotel
• Nuran Marina Serviced Residences
• Nuran Greens Serviced Residences
• Arabian Ranches Golf Club
• The Montgomerie, Dubai

Dining: With a wide choice of venues and cuisines, enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner for 4 people and pay for only 3 at:

• Palermo Restaurant, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club
• Nineteen, The Montgomerie, Dubai
• Ewaan, The Palace, The Old Town
• Thiptara, The Palace, The Old Town
• Asado, The Palace, The Old Town
• Conservatory Restaurant, Al Manzil Hotel
• Esca Restaurant, Qamardeen Hotel
• The Seafood & Grill Restaurant, Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Spa Treatments: Escape the stresses of modern life and indulge in a pampering spa visit. Book 4 signature spa treatments and enjoy the fourth one for free at The Palace, The Old Town.

Equestrian Pursuits: Whether you are a serious sportsman or a beginner, you can experience a range of thrilling and exciting equestrian pursuits, including desert hacks and stable tours, in a unique setting. Book for 3 people and a fourth goes for free at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club.

Health Club Memberships: For family fun in the sun, the latest in fitness facilities, indulgent spa treatments and a relaxing social atmosphere, Hayya! Clubs offer everything you need to enjoy your leisure time. Sign up for a 3 month membership to any Hayya! Club and receive a complimentary fourth month. Membership is valid for memberships joining in the month of June and July 2008 at:

• Hayya! Lakes Club
• Hayya! Meadows Village
• Hayya! Meadows Town Centre
• Hayya! Al Yansoon, Downtown Burj Dubai

Marine Offers: The stunning new Dubai Marina Yacht Club is the perfect setting from which to cast off on a bespoke charter yacht cruise. Book a 4 hour cruise and pay for 3.

For those with their own yachts, 4 nights visitor Marina Berthing is available for the price of 3.

Westin Hotels signature social experiences

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina aims to encourage guests to embrace the cultures, tastes and sounds of the Middle East through its signature social experience programme, Westin Unwind.

Part of the global ‘Unwind… A Westin Evening Ritual’, which is a brand standard at all Westin properties, the Unwind programme aims to provide guests with tastes, sights and sounds of each of its destinations.

Evening Unwind rituals at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina will include teaching guests how to write their name in Arabic to provide guests with an authentic Middle East experience. Hand reflexology, and a Jing Tea Ritual are also on the programme. We will also have a creative cocktail making session with our resident mixologist and a wine and cheese tasting session with our sommelier. The Westin Unwind events will be carried out by staff at departments across the hotel, from the spa and restaurants, to the kitchen, front office and recreation teams.

“Unwind is a unique concept brought to Dubai by the Westin. It enables guests to find ways to unwind in every aspect of their stay at the resort and provides them with a chance to touch the culture and heritage of our beautiful destination here in Dubai,” said Michael Scully, Complex General Manager, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

“Unwind will transform many of our public areas into an inviting social and sensory setting. The events provide a meeting place for guests, some of whom may be travelling alone, encouraging them to socialise,” Scully added.

A study by Westin Hotels & Resorts found that 34% of frequent travellers feel lonely away from home and the Unwind programme can provide the perfect antidote, creating a sense of community among guests.

Westin Unwind programmes are delivered at all Westin properties worldwide, with each event taking on elements of its destination. In order to set the stage for its signature evening rituals, the Westin lobbies evolve from day to evening through a variety of subtle sensory cues — everything from music, to scent, to lighting. Warm, natural lighting is dimmed at the start of the evening while scented candles are lit and carefully placed around the lobby. Westin music moves from the background to the foreground with musical cues and selections that change from day to night.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina offers the full array of Westin’s signature products, services and amenities including The Heavenly Bed®, WestinWORKOUT Gym®, Kids Club®, Express Checkout®, and the new Sensory Welcome®, comprising white tea scents, muted music, soft lighting and botanical products.

Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina will feature 294 rooms, including 216 deluxe rooms, 52 Westin Executive rooms, and 24 suites, in addition to a spa, a health club, four bars and four themed restaurants. The resort is located on a stunning 1,200 metre private shoreline, and will feature a 238-berth marina, five swimming pools, a water sports centre, a sailing academy, and facilities for deep sea fishing and boat chartering.

Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills in Lebanon

FA Hotels & Resorts (IFA HR) and JV partner Kuwait Real Estate Company announced the launch of Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills, branded serviced apartments, located in the freehold Alabadiyah Hills resort in Lebanon’s picturesque Dhour Abadiyah village overlooking Beirut and the Mediterranean.

Talal Jassim Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director, IFA HR stated: “Lebanon is one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the Middle East, popular among tourists from the Gulf and expatriates alike. We witnessed great success with our first phase of Alabadiyah Hills which is now nearing completion. Despite the recent unrest in Lebanon, we continued with the construction of the project as we have always had strong faith in the country. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests to the property in the near future. ”

Phase two of the mixed-use complex comprises four towers of four floors each, offering penthouses and one, two and three-bedroom apartments for sale, with all the extras of a five-star hotel and optional furniture packages. The complex will be managed by Europe’s oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels, and will also house a number of upscale restaurants and cafes.

Piaras Moriarty, VP Sales Middle East, IFA HR said: “Kempinski Residences Alabadiyah Hills are branded apartments that come with an optional rental programme. Targeted at high-net worth individuals living overseas, the arrangement allows this segment of investors to holiday in their own luxurious apartments and gain an income from letting out idle properties when not in use.”

Ulrich Eckhardt, President Middle East and Africa for Kempinski Hotels said: “This project with IFA Hotels & Resorts creates an ideal platform for us to enter the Lebanese market, and will set the standard for future projects in the region. Kempinski is known for exceptionally high standards of quality and service, which is one of the main advantages for investors in this luxury residence, who would be sure to receive superior five-star services all year round.”

Alabadiyah Hills is comprised of 15 private villas, 30 townhouses and 220 luxury apartments with their own swimming pools and gardens. The development also hosts recreational facilities including a members-only health club, gymnasium and tennis court.

Al-Bahar concluded: “This is another clear message to our investors that we intend to maintain our quality integrated resort development, by partnering with Kempinski, and where we are delivering on the promise made to further invest and develop in the beautiful country of Lebanon.”

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Talking Taste in Dubai

Dubai - Jumeirah Branded Restaurants, part of the Jumeirah Group, the dynamic Dubai-based luxury international hospitality management group, has launched its official name, The Taste Department, to reflect its tasty, fun and successful casual dining restaurant concepts which are rapidly expanding worldwide.

In line with the division’s drive for continued expansion, The Taste Department has signed a license agreement with TECOM Investment that will see four restaurants open at the Dubai Outsource Zone in September this year: two existing concepts, Sana Bonta and Bytes as well as two brand new concepts, The Flaming Revolution and Rice & Spice.

Steven Grey, The Taste Department’s General Manager & Chief Taster said: “In two short years, the restaurant division has seen numerous the noodle house, Sana Bonta and Bytes restaurants signed, open and under development in eight countries in the Gulf region and beyond. With a target to expand to 150 restaurants worldwide by 2012, we are excited about our agreement with TECOM that will further our expansion and see the exciting launch of two brand new casual dining restaurant concepts: Rice & Spice and the Flaming Revolution”.

Ismail Alnaqi, Executive Director of Dubai Outsource Zone, added: “Offering our business partners and visitors a comprehensive service be it in terms of location, infrastructure or quality of life is at the topmost of our priorities. With The Taste Department’s proven track record we see this as a lifestyle offering and the partnership with the Jumeirah Group as a manifestation of our ultimate goals.”

The license agreement will undoubtedly complement the services that Dubai Outsource Zone already offers creating a working environment that is not only business friendly but also comfortable and convenient for business partners to choose from a marketplace of food outlets and restaurants within the freezone.”

The noodle house, a vibrant casual dining restaurant where chefs prepare aromatic South East Asian dishes within minutes over an open flame and in full view of the guests, was the first restaurant brand to be developed by Jumeirah’s dedicated division and will be growing exponentially over the coming years with master license agreements already signed in the UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon and India. The noodle house provides a unique combination of wholesome food and an energetic ambience that very few restaurants have been able to perfect.

A second concept, Sana Bonta, which literally translates to ‘wholesome goodness’ in Italian, was launched in April 2007 with the very first outlet open in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and master license agreements about to be signed in two locations outside of the UAE. This modern eatery with stylishly informal ambience is undoubtedly Italian where you can make your own menu, choosing from a wide selection of fresh, high quality ingredients cooked to perfection to create a multitude of antipasti dishes, fresh pasta, giant salads and wood fired pizza exactly to your liking.

The third concept, Bytes, The Taste Department’s ‘grab and go’ deli concept mirrors the urban cool of a New York City deli. It is serving busy Dubians everyday with five outlets open or under construction in Dubai as well as a license agreement in Bahrain.

A brand new concept, The Flaming Revolution is a modern trendy and fast service rotisserie style restaurant that will bring back memories of how good food used to taste with uncomplicated food and natural wholesome flavour. Rice & Spice is a fast, noisy and authentically buzzing casual restaurant with eclectic cuisine inspired by the North and South of India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

Visit us at: www.thetastedepartment.com

 

Radisson Dubai Trade Centre District

The Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world’s fastest growing hotel companies, has announced its 50th hotel in the region Middle East and Africa - the Radisson Dubai Trade Centre District – a 450-room hotel, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2011.

“Dubai is an exciting and competitive market where we see big potential – already by today our pipeline in the emirate features eight hotels in operation and under development. This new hotel, which will be built next to the World Trade Centre Apartments, as part of the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, is an excellent addition to our portfolio. Dubai has developed over the last years as a leading MICE destination – in 2007 alone Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC’s) venues hosted over 100 exhibitions that attracted over 1 million visitors”, said Kurt Ritter, President & CEO, Rezidor.

Upon completion, the Radisson Dubai Trade Centre District will provide 450 guest rooms, comprising a mixture of standard, deluxe and executive rooms as well as junior suites and a presidential suite. An all-day dining restaurant, covering 980 square meters, will also offer private dining with a satellite kitchen area.

The new property’s F&B offering will also feature ground floor restaurants, a bar/nightclub and a rooftop bar & terrace. The hotel will offer 1,490 square meters of meeting & banqueting facilities, a fitness centre, 150 parking spaces, a pool area, an executive lounge and a business centre.

“The developing of our Radisson Dubai Trade Centre District property is another feather in Rezidor’s cap. We view the UAE, and the wider Middle East, as one of our most important emerging markets, and our investment here is clear indication of our confidence in the dynamic market,” said Jean-Marc Busato, Area Vice-President, Rezidor.

The property’s strategic location, which is owned by Dubai World Trade Centre, is a major boost for the company as it looks to attract a higher business traveler market share. Also, the Dubai Metro, which is being billed as a critical solution in alleviating the emirate’s traffic issues, will have a primary station just 200 meters away from the site.

“Dubai Trade Centre District is being designed as a world-class urban destination in the commercial heart of Dubai and the Radisson will be a key addition to the mix of high-end hospitality, Grade A -office and luxury retail facilities being provided here,” said DWTC Director General Helal Saeed Almarri.

In Phase One, DTCD will offer over 240,000 sq. metres of sophisticated office infrastructure, along with a premium range of meeting, retail and hospitality facilities, creating a vibrant commercial hub for Dubai. In addition, state-of-the-art conference and convention facilities to be developed subsequently will attract some of the world’s most prestigious events.