Leading property developer Emaar has signed a contract with a national company to sell 25 residential apartments in Dubai Marina, one of four world-class property development projects launched by Emaar in Dubai, UAE.

The national company has signed the contract to purchase prime real estate in Dubai because of the wide range of sophisticated facilities and services offered by the state-of-the-art Dubai Marina, which was officially opened to real estate buyers, companies and individuals last November, says a spokesman for Emaar.

Abdul Razaq Mohammed Al Jassim, Emaar's executive director, corporate services says: "We are delighted to sign the first contract with a national company for the sale of 25 apartments in Dubai Marina. This reflects the importance attached by national companies to a mega project like Dubai Marina. We are preparing to sign three other contracts with local and international companies who wish to purchase apartments and villas in Dubai Marina"

Al Jassim adds: "This contract is the first step towards establishing partnerships with other companies that are seeking the best and most sophisticated properties in Dubai. The Dubai Marina project is a concept that aims to lay the groundwork for raising the social standards and the development of residential areas in the UAE."

The recent opening of a 3 5 km creek at the Dubai Marina by Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister, demonstrates Emaar's significant contribution towards the development of Dubai, he says.

The Dubai Marina, which covers an area of 60 million sq ft, is Emaar's flagship project. The other three world-class projects are Emirates Hills, Gold and Diamond Park and Emirates Lakes.

The first phase of Dubai Marina will include six towers housing more than 1,200 apartments and villas equipped with advanced technology that will help transform Dubai Marina into what will perhaps be the world's true e-city, says Al Jassim.

On completion in a number of phases over the next 12 years, Dubai Marina will provide housing for more than 80,000 people and contain a number of shopping and entertainment centres.