Cityscape Global is Middle East’s largest and most influential real estate exhibition took place from  6 – 8th September 2016 in Dubai at World Trade Center. This year marks the 15th annual event, and it was no doubt a remarkable turnout.

“According to the latest Dubai Land Department report, the property market saw investments from nearly 26,000 investors comprising 149 nationalities valued at AED 57 billion during the first half of this year. Aside from UAE nationals, close to 16 Arab nationalities from outside the GCC made investments worth AED 7 billion. The diversity of the investor base reflects the wide range of property options, investor appeal and confidence in the sustainability of growth in the economy.” * Written by Business Setup Consultants

Running for several years now, Cityscape Global 2016 saw some really exciting developer stands on display. I would like to highlight below my Top 10 projects from Cityscape Global 2016 launched by Local and International Developers.

PROJECT #1 :DUBAI CREEK HARBOR

A new venture from Emaar Properties, Dubai Creek Harbour will be both a financially viable and ecologically responsible city built with future generations in mind. Offering the best infrastructure, it is a place where people will live, work and play, a community where families can reach their aspirations for generations to come.

Emaar Properties will attempt to deliver the new Dubai Creek tower and a linked “mega-retail district” in time for Expo 2020.

The architect behind the new US$1 billion tower, Santiago Calatrava, says it’s a nation like The Eiffel Tower, while Emmar chairman Mohamed Alabbar said it would probably “be a notch taller” than Burj Khalifa – currently the world’s tallest tower but due to be surpassed by the proposed 1km-high Kingdom Tower in Jeddah in 2018.

The Dubai Creek tower will mainly serve as an architectural tower than a working building, but there will be between 18 and 20 upper floors used for a hotel with restaurants, function rooms, an interior garden space and an observation deck.

Santiago Calatrava’s competition-winning design for Dubai’s new Landmark Observation Tower. Planned for a site in Dubai Creek Harbor, near the Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, the tower was inspired by the “natural forms of the lily and evokes the shape of a minaret, a distinctive architectural feature in Islamic culture.”

“The building’s design is inspired by the Islamic tradition, evoking the same history that brought the world the Alhambra and the Mosque of Cordoba. These architectural marvels combine elegance and beauty with math and geometry,” commented Calatrava. “The design of the tower of Dubai Creek Harbor is rooted in classical art and the culture of Dubai itself.”

The “elongated, oval-shaped bud” that takes shape at the top of the tower will be outfitted with 10 observation decks, including a 360-degree Pinnacle Room and two VIP garden decks. Its “slender stem, reminiscent of the delicate ribbing of the lily’s leaves,” will serve as the structure’s spine while anchoring the building to its ground level Central Plaza that offers world-class retail, a museum, educational facilities and an indoor auditorium.

The facade will be kept clean with the water collected by the building’s highly-efficient cooling system. Integrated shading and solar protective landscaping will also be used to promote efficiency.

PROJECT #2 :EMAAR SOUTH MASTERPLAN

Emaar South is a mixed-use development offering a new concept of tiered townhomes and standard townhouses. Standalone villas and apartments will have views of the stunning 18-hole championship golf course within the community completing the offer of a genuinely fulfilling lifestyle.

Although Phase 1 sold out, Urbana at Emaar South offers 2 & 3 Bedroom Townhomes which is 15 mins to Dubai Marina, 30 mins to DIFC, adjacent to EXPO 2020 site and easy reach to Al Maktoum Int’l Airport.

Key projects from its Residential District at the show, The Pulse and The Villages.

PROJECT #3 :DUBAI RULER REVEALS JUMEIRAH CENTRAL PROJECT 

Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, unveiled the Jumeirah Central project in the city.

More than 19 government and private agencies, international experts, and consultants, led by Dubai Holding, have collaborated for the Jumeirah Central Master Plan over the last two years.

Jumeirah Central will feature smart infrastructure such as a multi-modal transport network, environmentally-friendly transport options, and aerial gondolas, Dubai Media Office reported.

PROJECT #4: LA MER PROJECT BY MERAAS HOLDING

Meraas showcased its highly anticipated project La Mer, a beachfront destination combining distinctive retail and leisure attractions with a range of retail and F&B concepts, waterfront living and a hotel.

La Mer, set in a spectacular location along the shoreline, will be spread over 9.5 million square feet of existing and reclaimed land and will comprise four distinct zones – a beach, an entertainment hub, North Island, and South Island. 60 percent of construction has already been completed and La Mer will welcome visitors in Q4 2017.

His Excellency Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman, Meraas, commented: “La Mer will be a world-class development that will help diversify the fabric of Dubai’s offering for tourists and residents alike, and will set benchmarks for mixed-use developments worldwide. In line with the Tourism Vision 2020 outlined by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as the first choice for the international leisure and business traveler, Meraas has successfully introduced new destinations which have strengthened Dubai’s landscape across retail, residential, hospitality, leisure and entertainment. Our innovative and creative approach to design makes our destinations stand out, and each destination provides a distinctive and memorable experience.”

La Mer joins Meraas’ extensive line-up of unconventional destinations which are designed to create unique experiences for residents and tourists alike and include: City Walk, The Beach, Box Park, The outlet Village, and Last Exist.

PROJECT #5: DAMAC TO DELIVER 1,350 AKOYA UNITS

Damac says it will hand over 1,350 units at its flagship Akoya project during October, one of a string of announcements made by the Dubai developer at the Cityscape Global show.

Around 450 villas and townhouses spanning four clusters are completed at the Dubai development Akoya by Damac, ranging in size from three to six bedrooms, the developer said.

The awarded contracts, across the GCC and UK, include the public realm landscaping works at Akoya by Damac, villas at both Akoya by Damac and Akoya Oxygen, and infrastructure and the Golf course construction at Akoya Oxygen.

The developer has appointed the likes of China State Construction Engineering, Al Arif Contracting, Ghantoot Gulf Contracting, KEO International Consultants, LACASA Architects & Engineering Consultants.

Akoya Imagine 2.0 at the heart of Akoya Oxygen

PROJECT #6: RAK PROPERTIES UNVEILED $1.3 bn MIXED-USE PROJECT

Ras Al Khaimah-based developer RAK Properties has revealed details of its latest development within its Mina Al Arab project.

Measuring 811.4m², the $1.3bn (AED5bn) project at Ras Al Khaimah’sMina Al Arab was showcased during Cityscape Global 2016. Set to become the new social hub in Ras Al Khaimah, the development features a shopping mall, entertainment zones, luxury hotels, and residential properties, including waterfront apartments, villas, and townhouses with a private beach clubhouse. Along beach, there will be al fresco dining and entertainment venues.

PROJECT #7: DUBAI’S NAKHEEL LAUNCHES PALM 360

Master developer Nakheel unveiled Palm 360 – an iconic, twin-tower hotel and residential project on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah featuring 12,000 square foot branded penthouses that offer the ultimate in luxury living.

Palm 360’s unique features include a rooftop infinity ‘sky pool’ and specialty restaurant complex connecting the two buildings at the 30^th floor, more than 170 meters above ground. At 155 meters, the pool is longer than a football field.  There will also be two further pools located above a range of beachfront restaurants.

PROJECT #8: GULF FINANCIAL HOUSE GROUP TO DEVELOP DUBAI CALIFORNIA VILLAHE

GFH showcased its newly announces California Village. A gated residential community is planned to be a vibrant new community with state-of-art facilities and a full range of services and amenities within a pedestrian oriented environment. California Village will comprise of California Residences and Heights that includes 234 villas in addition to more than 150 highly specified apartments.

“With the launch of GFH Real Estate, a specialist subsidiary of the group, we continue to build our development capability and our focus on bringing to market exciting and new landmark projects like Harbour Row and Harbour North,” remarked Majed Al Khan, the chief executive of GFH Real Estate.

The properties of California Residences are designed with unique modern facades which give a way to well proportioned and considered interior spaces. The properties in California Residence create feeling of community whilst retaining your family’s sense of privacy.

The second offering within California residence are the townhouses where you will find yourself at home in a contemporary living space that creates a high quality living experience.

PROJECT #9: WATERFRONT CITY DEBAYEH 

Waterfront City is a strong joint venture between Lebanese contractors Societe Joseph G. Khoury et Fils and regional owner Majid Al Futtaim Properties.

Located on the 700-berth La Marina Joseph Khoury in the Greater Beirut area, Waterfront City blends maritime lifestyle and vibrant neighborhood environments with leisure, hospitality, business and retail components to deliver an unparalleled living experience.

• Premium Living:
  • The Promenade Residence offers luxurious and vast apartments with a choice of 2 to 5 bedroom homes that grant you breathtaking views of the marina and the sea.
• Duplex Living:
  • By owning a deluxe two-floor apartment in Marina Duplex, you can enjoy 260m2 of comfort, health clubs, exclusive leisure facilities, and a private 108m2 garden overlooking the yachts with direct access to the promenade. It is simply the elegant choice for premium living.
• The Plaza Residence:
  • Is uniquely located to offer a choice between a vibrant environment and serenity.
• Piazza Residence:
  • 1 to 4 bedroom apartments that are thought out for a family life and guest entertainment in mind, with each unit providing a well-designed living and dining area comprising balconies, separate kitchens, and washrooms
• Boulevard Residence:
  • 1 to 3 bedroom apartments with practical interiors, courtyards with secure play areas for children, dedicated underground car parking, and basement storage space, Boulevard Residence is the ultimate combination of modern and classic family life.
• Business Hub:
  • Grade A offices, Retail and other facilities.
• Shopping Mall:
  • A lively Shopping Mall of 65,000 sqm Waterfront City Shopping Mall features the best in retail, food and beverage, and entertainment offerings.

PROJECT #10: KNIGHT DRAGON LAUNCHED LONDON’S LARGEST SINGLE REGENERATION PROJECT GREENWHICH PENINSULA

 

Leading London developer Knight Dragon showcased exceptional investment opportunities within London’s largest single urban regeneration project at Cityscape Global 2016. Greenwich Peninsula and its latest residential development Upper Riverside are being unveiled to international investors in Dubai for the first time, with opportunities for GCC investors to purchase prime waterfront real estate directly on the River Thames.

With a gross development value of £8.4 billion, Greenwich Peninsula is a fast developing  ‘island’ community in East London. Just 2 minutes to Canary Wharf it is a key area of the UK capital in which to invest. The masterplan includes central London’s first major film studio, a design district, seven new residential neighbourhoods with 15,720 new homes, two schools, independent shops, hotels, restaurants, green landscaped squares and parks, a major new transport interchange and a 5km sculptural running trail.

 

UPPER RIVER SIDE: Five towers alongside the rolling river. At their feet, pavement cafes, destination restaurants, and 5 km sculptural running rail.

LOWER RIVER SIDE: Riverside neighborhood, courtyard gardens, jetty, aperture, and modern village hall.

PARK SIDE: A place of picnics and family time. There is a school, an open air cafe, and kids play area.

BACKFIELDS FILM DISTRICT: A block buster neighborhood built around the MEGA business of Motion Pictures. Film stages, production houses, and music studios.

PENINSULA CENTRAL: The neighborhood that never stops in the heart of it all. Cinemas, towers and garden bridges.

DESIGN DISTRICT: A design hub for startups, entrepreneurs and free thinkers, independent brands and artists.

 

Please take a moment to maneuver through their virtual 3D tour Greenwhich Peninsula and its districts:

http://greenwichpeninsula.co.uk/paperpeninsula/

 This year was an exciting opportunity and a proud moment for me to be standing alongside our client Gulf Financial House in Cityscape Global 2016 showcasing California Village Master Plan Project. It received lots of positive feedback from both our client and investors, which leaves us very optimistic for upcoming future opportunities in the region.

I would like to conclude with one of my favorites quotes for every design driven architect:

 

“ARCHITECTURE SHOULD SPEAK OF ITS TIME AND PLACE, BUT YEARN FOR TIMELESSNESS”

FRANK GEHRY