With substructure work substantially complete, Damac Properties’ ambitious Damac Bay 1 and Damac Bay 2 developments are set to begin their majestic ascent on Dubai Harbour’s prestigious skyline, at the confluence of Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters Island.

In an exclusion interview with Gulf Construction, Chief Project Officer at Damac Properties, Mohammed Tahaineh says: “Enabling works have been completed and the main contractor is onboard with substructure works progressing on both the Damac Bay 1 and Damac Bay 2 developments.”

Positioned strategically between Dubai’s two international airports, Damac Bay 1 and Damac Bay 2 are poised to redefine luxury living in Dubai Harbour, offering residents a blend of sophistication, comfort, and innovation as well as easy access to the city’s key landmarks and attractions. 

Both projects benefit from the expertise of leading consultants and contractors. KEO International Consultants is the lead design and supervision consultant for Damac Bay 1, while AE7 Morse Architecture & Engineering Consultants is overseeing Damac Bay 2. Menasco Electromechanical Contracting and MBM Gulf Electromechanical are responsible for MEP works in Damac Bay 1 and Damac Bay 2, respectively. Reem Emirates will handle the façade construction for both developments.

Damac Bay 1

Damac Bay 1, comprising three high-rise towers spanning 2.9 million sq ft, will house 1,062 luxury and super-luxury apartments, including penthouses, spread across 51 floors, three podium levels, and three basements. 

Residents of the Damac Bay properties will enjoy an array of amenities.

Its signature feature is the Cavalli-inspired bridge connecting the towers across the rooftop, a testament to architectural ingenuity.

The property offers residents a choice of homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom super-luxury duplexes and penthouses across the development’s masterplan. Damac Bay 1 maintains a design scheme inspired by the wonders of maritime life throughout, with interiors that include seashells, pearls and zebrafish patterns and a sleek exterior that pays homage to serene ocean waves.

Residents will enjoy an array of high-end amenities, including infinity pools, rooftop amenities, private gardens, restaurants, state-of-the-art gyms and serene spas.

Damac Bay 1’s lobby ... inspired by the beauty of the sea.

“Damac Bay residents will have access to a white-sanded private beach and a range of food and beverage outlets. In addition, the three-tower property will be built to provide each unit with a beautiful seaside view. Damac Bay’s lobby serves as the property’s welcome point, detailed with high glass windows and an aesthetic sparked by the beauty of the sea,” Tahaineh remarks.

“The towers’ podium level provides a maritime getaway in the form of an elegantly crafted water maze and snorkelling excursions,” he adds.

China State Construction Engineering (Middle East) is the main contractor on the project.

Damac Bay 2

Construction work on Damac Bay 2 is being carried out by a joint venture of Ancient Builders Contracting and Draieh Contracting.

A sequel to the UAE’s developer’s three-building property and located along the same shoreline within Dubai Harbour, Damac Bay 2 features the finest on-property facilities to transport residents into a lavish wildlife-inspired oasis, says Tahaineh.

Featuring two high-rise towers spanning 1.8 million sq ft, Damac Bay 2 promises to deliver an equally opulent experience within its 643 luxury and super-luxury apartments across 55 floors, four podium levels, and three basements.

Inspired by the untamed beauty of nature, Damac Bay 2 opens into a glistening lobby whose interiors feature earthy tones, marble finishes and palatial chandeliers, creating a tranquil yet lavish ambiance.

The tower’s upper-level amenity floor features an infinity pool that overlooks the beach, harbour and clear waters of the Arabian Gulf; a state-of-the-art spa with tropical treatment rooms; and a range of premium amenities.

The seafront tower also hosts a state-of-the-art spa equipped with its own unique tropical treatment rooms.

A unique horizontal strutting system, the Bolted Method, is being deployed during the construction of the basement levels of Damac 1 towers.

Construction Challenges

The construction of Damac Bay 1 and Damac Bay 2 presents unique challenges, which are being addressed with innovative engineering solutions, according to Tahaineh.

These challenges are being tackled right from the early works stage.

“Given the proximity to the sea and the presence of three basement levels, an effective shoring system with struts has been implemented to ensure structural integrity,” he says.

The pioneering use of a unique horizontal strutting system, the Bolted Method, is offering an efficient solution for various support applications, allowing for dismantling without wastage or damage, according to Damac.

To streamline foundation works, hydraulic rotary drilling rigs and robotic pile clipper machines are being utilised, Tahaineh adds.

In addition, the ongoing construction of a bridge connecting the Dubai Harbour area to Sheikh Zayed Road by Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) has had an impact on site logistics. To mitigate this, the different contractors working on the Damac Bay projects are coordinating their work in phases to avoid conflicts and optimise the use of space and resources. In addition, the Damac Bay team is closely coordinating with RTA’s contractors building the bridge to manage traffic flow and deliveries.

“This apart, early crane installation in optimal locations has allowed the team to maintain efficiency and stay ahead of schedule,” he adds.

Among other major challenges envisaged is the construction of the iconic bridges for Damac Bay 1. “The iconic sky bridges with swimming pools will be prefabricated and lifted in single pieces using specialised strand jacking equipment, ensuring precision and efficiency,” Tahaineh reveals.

He continues: “For Damac Bay 2, the large tubular columns for bridge voids require upsized cranes capable of lifting multiple floors in a single lift, to accelerate construction while enhancing the architectural finish,” he explains.

Damac Properties is leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency and precision. Other key innovations that will be utilised on the project are modular MEP systems, which will enhance installation efficiency and reduce on-site labour; and automatic climbing jump form systems with façade access points, to accelerate construction while ensuring quality.