Dubai's latest residential and commercial development, the net.community is set to open this month (February) with more than 90 per cent of the apartments already leased out.

The complex offers a refreshing approach to living in Dubai, incorporating a comprehensive range of amenities right from Internet connections to supermarkets and a well-equipped health club.

Located off Zabeel Road, Bur Dubai, one of Dubai's residential and commercial locations, the building is within walking distance of Al Nasr Cinema and Lamcy Plaza. It also enjoys easy access to major highways.

Build at an approximate cost of Dh60 million ($16.35 million), the project is owned by Union Properties, which was also the project manager.

Describing the project, Khaled Mohammed M Elayyan, project manager for Union Properties, says: "The building has an oriental design: it is simple yet rich in quality and texture."

The building, which has a total built-up area of 30,036 sq m, comprises ground, mezzanine plus four storeys, encompassing 180 spacious apartments. These include 82 studio flats (35 sq m each), 68 one-bedroom (114 sq m each) and 30 two-bedroom (140 sq m each) apartments.

The building also features a large supermarket covering an area of 1,567 sq m, a coffee shop (235 sq m) and two retail outlets (175 sq m each).

"All areas in the complex have Internet facilities, making this one of the first such projects in Dubai," says Elayyan. "It is an ideal place for those involved in the field of information technology. Rents are also in the medium range.

"The building also features a fully-equipped health club with a large swimming pool in a landscaped area on the first floor. The health club has a gymnasium, steam room and sauna. The gymnasium will be sponsored and managed by the Nautilus Academy, which is successfully running one at Al Mussallah Towers," he says.

"All apartments have a good view, with some overlooking the swimming pool and landscaped area, and others overlooking the roads around the site. Some apartments will have terraces.

"Other features of the building include tilt-and-turn windows and semi-furnished kitchens with a centralised gas system. Chillers are from UTS Carrier and incorporate the low-noise and energy-saving concept.''

The building has three entrances and is serviced by six lifts. A two-level car-park on the ground and mezzanine floors can accommodate 234 cars.

Externally, the building is GRC-clad with a sand-colour finish.

"It was a well-planned project and due to excellent teamwork we finished the project as per schedule," says Ibrahim Abu Kuhail, civil engineer, Union Properties.

Commenting about the facilities offered by the building, he says: ''In view of today's lifestyle, all apartment types have been carefully designed to provide the highest levels of comfort to its residents. Clever design has resulted in well-shaped and equipped apartments with ample living and storage space for a single professional or a small family, recreational facilities, sophisticated security systems, high-quality finishes, ample car-parking space and the convenience of a variety of retail shops on the ground floor - offering a complete home for any potential resident of the net.community," he says.

Dar Consultants was the consultant on the project and Belhasa Engineering and Contracting Company was the main contractor.

Major subcontractors include Trans Gulf Electro Mechanical - MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing); Middle East Foundation - piling and shoring; Techno Lift - elevators; Fibrex Co - GRC; Multiforms - aluminium; ECC - joinery (doors); Union Properties Fitout Division - joinery (other items); United Pools - swimming pool; Ostermeier - garbage chutes; Integrated Gas Services - LPG system; Nigma - car-park barriers; Albayader - soft landscaping; and Al Kamda General Trading - steam room and sauna.

Established in 1987, Union Properties has since its inception been committed to developing sound property opportunities.

The company says it is poised for expansion through increased acquisition, the development of its turnkey range of premium real estate services and as a result of its special alliances with members of the Emirates Bank Group itself and with other leading property services organisations.

"The company continues to anticipate and respond keenly to market trends, inviting independent quotations for the highest standards of design and construction, whilst sustaining its reputation for environmental sensitivity," says a company spokesman.

"Furthermore, Union Properties' ability to protect its clients' investments through superior property management has put the company ahead of its competitors," he says.

Some of the projects being developed by Union Properties include the Dh650 million Green Community project and a 50-storey residential tower adjacent to the Emirates Towers.