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Development to pick up pace as Dubai gears for Expo 2020
Development to pick up pace as Dubai gears for Expo 2020 (Wam) / 28 January 2014 The ongoing Destination Dubai 2020 event is the first conference to detail the very latest developments in Dubai’s preparations for Expo 2020. Development is expected to pick up pace beginning next year as Dubai sets into motion its master-plan for World Expo 2020, key government agencies revealed at the ongoing Destination Dubai 2020 conference. The Dubai Expo 2020 event will require GBP 6.45bn (Dh 39.23 billion) of investment to develop all of the required facilities and host the event – a figure that, according to Helal Saeed al Marri, Director-General at Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), would be needed for the development and operational costs until the end of the event. Al Marri said a “significant amount” of the funding will come from the government, but there was also an opportunity for the private sector to invest during the build up to Expo 2020 and during the event itself. “There was a significant opportunity for foreign direct investment (FDI) from the event,” he said in the opening keynote session at the conference which opened today at Dubai’s JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. Al Marri said preparation for the event involved two main areas, development of the actual Expo site and the development of the city. “The Expo site requires significant infrastructure and development, and the team is working on designs for this. This will be very project based,” he said. “The other side is city readiness. [The event] will require significant development around the city.” Al Marri highlighted that doubling the number of hotel rooms was a key part of preparing the city to handle the 25 million visitors expected to attend the event, 70 per cent of whom will come from outside the UAE. This will include a number of “good quality” three- and four-star hotels. The DTCM chief said the newly created Higher Committee would coordinate the activities of all the different government entities to ensure all projects are delivered on time. Another exciting development set to take off next year is Burj 2020, which when completed is expected to be the world’s tallest commercial tower, revealed Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). “We have put out tender to work with consultants, the architect will be announced this year, and construction will start next year [2015]. It will be built by 2020,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC. The tower is planned as the world tallest commercial tower. It will be a steel structure meaning that it can be built quickly. “That tower is likely to be a steel structure and very efficient,” continued bin Sulayem. “We are leaving nothing to chance with that building.” For leasing, DMCC expects that the tower will attract large international companies. “It is catering to multi-national corporations that need 10-20 floors,” he added. The ongoing Destination Dubai 2020 event is the first conference to detail the very latest developments in Dubai’s preparations for Expo 2020. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
More technology for public schools in UAE
More technology for public schools in UAE Muaz Shabandri / 28 January 2014 Ministry of Education announces opening of its first technology centre to connect students in different emirates. It is raining technology and e-learning for public schools in UAE. After the successful launch of a YouTube channel for students of UAE public schools, the UAE Ministry of Education has now announced the opening of its first technology centre to connect students in different emirates. The hub is equipped with massive touch screens that can work as demonstration units for technology solutions and smart education tools. The whole centre is equipped with video conferencing capability that will enable up to 60 people to have a live session and connect all future technology hubs together. Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami, UAE Minister of Education, said: “The centre will be a hub for smart education, R&D and experiential educational tools that is located at the UAE Ministry of Education offices in Dubai and across the country connected over etisalat network. The centre with its state-of-the art equipment is in line with our direction towards the implementation of digital schools and smart learning.” The centre also has a multimedia production room that will be used for making of tutorials and videos which can be shared via the Internet and social media immediately upon filming. The multimedia room is equipped with an electronic white board that is used to create electronic content. Saleh Al Abdooli, CEO of etisalat UAE, said: “Our role is to utilise the best technology available in the world to provide the best to our people and especially the student community. Etisalat is proud to work with the Ministry of Education again as well as technology partners enabling government initiatives and smart education in the country.’ The ministry has partnered with etisalat and Microsoft for creating the first technology hub as similar hubs are planned for other emirates in the future. “We believe that empowered educators, supervisors and school leaders will help bring innovation in teaching and learning to the students inside and outside the classroom and enable them with 21st century skills for lifetime employability and entrepreneurship,” said Khalil Abdel Massih, academic programme manager, Microsoft Middle East and Africa. muaz@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
DH, Emaar to develop The Lagoons
DH, Emaar to develop The Lagoons Staff Report / 8 October 2013 Dubai Holding (DH) and Emaar Properties on Monday signed a joint venture agreement to develop The Lagoons, a magnificent waterfront city that will define the ambitious new face of Dubai’s future, within Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR City). “The six million square metres development will feature a business district, residential units and hotels,” the companies said in a statement on Monday. The project stretches from the banks of the Dubai Creek, through central parcels of land linked to Al Khail Road and across Ras Al Khor. It serves as a modern architectural continuum from Dubai Creek to the modern business and lifestyle centres of the city today. Inspired and built by the banks of the Dubai Creek, this prestigious project will bridge modernity with tradition by upholding the core values that have shaped Dubai as a cosmopolitan hub that is home to over 200 nationalities. At the heart of the project is The Dubai Twin Towers, a mixed-use iconic development that defines a new skyline for the city, and is envisaged to join the rank of the world’s most prestigious skyscrapers. In a joint statement, Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, and Ahmad bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, constantly reminds us that Dubai has achieved less than 10 per cent of its development potential. Dubai has always been a forward-looking city, and today, as we enter our next phase of growth led by our youth, it is important that National Champion companies such as Dubai Holding and Emaar work jointly to launch projects that are important to boost the city’s future development. “As the city further underlines its credentials as a global hub by welcoming professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world, and led by the Dubai Tourism Vision to record 20 million visitors by the turn of the decade, it is important to continue to build our world-class infrastructure to meet future needs. The project, which will be a new catalyst for growth and create robust opportunities for commerce and entrepreneurship, will set new benchmarks in urban development, with its focus on the tech-savvy and connected youth population who are taking centrestage in driving Dubai’s impressive growth. “We are thus creating a vibrant destination that will not only address their lifestyle requirements of modern retail, entertainment and hospitality, but also connect them to their Arab heritage. This prestigious development fulfills His Highness Sheikh Mohammed’s vision by creating a world-class infrastructure that will firmly establish Dubai as one of the Top 10 global cities by 2020. Truly world-class in design, it will be an inspiring work, play and live environment with several iconic developments, further driving the city’s growth.” The distinguishing feature of the development is its focus on creating distinctive neighbourhoods, which are pedestrian friendly. It will be supported by several sustainable transport modes including a direct link with Dubai Metro’s Red and Green Lines, an eco-tram system, light monorail, and water taxis. The sweeping waterfront of the project lined by retail, commercial and residential zones will be built around two central parks. The ‘green’ theme will further resonate in several environmental-friendly features including eco-resorts, water features, and gardens. A number of small marinas will also be developed across the waterfront. — business@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
