Dubai Travel Guide

Dubai Airports has claimed the opening date of Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central is no different from the latest date slated in February 2009.

Confusion has surrounded the official opening date with media reports stating that the airport would be ready by June 2010, but a spokesperson from Dubai Airports said that this was the completion date for the first phase of the project and it had not altered from the original announcement.

“The first phase of Al Maktoum International is expected to be complete by mid-2010, but this has been the case since the announcement made by us in February 2009,” a Dubai Airports spokesperson told Aviation Business.

A completion date for the entire Dubai World Central complex is still to be announced.

Confusion also surrounds the completion date of Concourse 3 at Dubai International Airport.
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Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, announced the commencement of main construction work on Dubai Pearl, the AED15-billion (US$4 billion) integrated luxury development, following the completion of the enabling and piling works by Al Habtoor STFA Soil Group (HSSG).

The main construction is being undertaken by the Al Habtoor Leighton Group , which was awarded the construction work at the end of 2008.

Abdul Majeed Ismail Al Fahim, Chairman of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, said: “The commencement of main construction work on the project strongly illustrates our commitment to ensure a timely transformation of this high-end landmark destination, which will set new industry benchmarks in the region.”

The Dubai Pearl site will witness around 200 workers at the start of construction, and the number is expected to reach 8,000 when work gets into full swing.

Santhosh Joseph, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC said: “We believe we have selected the right partners to create this iconic development and shape it into a world-class destination.”
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This week Damac announced its plans for new projects worth US $544 million (AED2 billion), eight of which will be awarded by the end of this year. Construction Week finds out what they are and when to expect tender documents.

1- DAMAC Heights, Dubai Marina

Description: This is a 90-storey residential tower at Dubai Marina featuring one-bedroom units up to duplexes and penthouse apartments.
Status: Enabling works contract award expected in Q4 2009.
Tender: Enabling works contract expected to be tendered this week, the main contract tender is due in October, while the main contract award can be expected in early 2010.

2- Amber Residence, Dubai World Central

Description: Ten-storey residential complex located at Dubai World Central residential city. The development will have retail outlets on the ground floor and feature studio, one and two bedroom units.
Status: Enabling works have been completed by National Piling and the main contractor is due to be appointed in Q3 2009.
Tender: Main contract expected to be tendered in June.

3- Park Central

Description: This is a 17-storey project designed to give views across the lake from three sides of the tower. It has parking on four levels.
Status: Enabling works have been completed by Al Habtoor STFA and the main contract is due to be awarded in Q3 2009.
Tender: Main contract expected to be tendered in June. Read the rest of this entry »