Tenders have been floated for the infrastructure package of what has been billed as the first skyscraper project in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.

The contract is expected to be announced imminently to enable work to start this month (May), a spokesman for the developer told Gulf Construction.
The SR2 billion ($533 million) Lamar Towers is a luxury development comprising two stunning skyscrapers which rise above a crescent-shaped lower-rise podium. Set along a palm-fringed esplanade with majestic fountains at the entrance, the towers will be developed at the fashionable North Corniche on the Red Sea in the city of Jeddah in close proximity of Jeddah Hilton, Qasr Al-Sharq, and Jeddah Westin.
As well as being the first high-rise development in the Western Region, Lamar will also be the first to offer residential, commercial and a shopping mall – plus a luxury spa – as part of a single development in that region.
Lamar – literally translated from Arabic is molten gold – was launched in March by Cayan Investment and Development and Zahran Property Investment.
The name was inspired by the way the setting sun will reflect off the glass walls of Lamar, “turning them into dazzling sheets of molten gold”, according to Zahran Property chairman Bader Al Zahrani.
Lamar offers a unique futuristic architectural design, with its twin glass towers aligned in a V-shape to provide stunning panoramic sea views for all its residents. Each tower is topped by a spire and is clad in metallic reflective glass, the bulk of which will be silver that will be interlayered with gold to give the impression of three stepped-back façades.
 “The site is ideal for this project,” Al Zahrani says. “It is a prime location on the Red Sea coastline, has great views and is large enough to accommodate our development.”
The Cayan-developed project will feature two residential towers, an upmarket mall, luxury spa, offices, indoor squash courts, outdoor tennis courts, swimming pools for adults and children, plus fully-equipped gymnasiums and beauty salons.
The two towers are of different heights – one reported to be 310 m with 58 storeys and the other being 350 m with 65 storeys –  and rise from a crescent-shaped podium that is topped by roof gardens.
The residential towers have one- to four-bedroom apartments, three-bedroom lofts, half- and full-floor penthouses, all spacious with high ceilings and balconies offering stunning views of the Red Sea. Each tower will also have a luxurious VIP lounge where residents can entertain guests.
“The standards of design, quality of materials and choice of décor is unsurpassed, with every apartment enjoying marble flooring, built-in wardrobes and fully-fitted kitchens with premium-quality appliances to suit each resident’s taste,” says a spokesman for Cayan. “In addition, penthouses also have their own luxurious amenities and landscaped gardens. Residents can also avail of covered parking, 24-hour security and round-the-clock concierge service. Driver apartments are located in the basement.”
A 13-storey commercial development – Lamar Business Centre – will curve its way between the two residential towers and offer offices in various sizes. All will have access to a stunningly-appointed executive floor with a selection of meeting and conference rooms, plus covered parking, and a high-tech security system. Visitors are greeted by a spacious and uniquely designed lobby area, reflecting the prestige and importance of the tower’s occupants, says the spokesman.
As well as covered parking for all the offices, the towers maintain a high-tech security system, and feature the latest technology and high-speed internet connections and facilities required for today’s modern office.
The towers also have prayer room facilities.

Lamar Mall
“The proposed three-storey mall will become the premier shopping destination for the elite of Jeddah, being home to many iconic international brands and haute-cuisine restaurants,” says Ahmad Mohammad Al Hatti, chairman of Cayan Investment and Development.
The mall has been designed as a spectacular attraction in its own right, featuring haute-cuisine restaurants, chic coffee shops and bistros, With its relaxed, stylish and secure atmosphere, the mall is certain to become a ‘must-visit’ destination for the sophisticated shopper and the first of its kind on the Jeddah corniche, says the spokesman.

Lamar Spa
“The proposed Lamar Spa will also be among the best of its kind in the Middle East, offering up-to-date treatments in truly elegant surroundings,” he adds.
Hammam baths, Jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms offer total relaxation, while the spa staff can provide massage, facial, skin and body treatments in specially-dedicated treatment rooms.
All of Lamar’s amenities have been designed to provide separate areas for men and women. The fully-equipped gym will have a full range of machines and a well-staffed and equipped beauty salon will provide a host of services, from hairdressing and manicures to facials and other treatments.
Cayan has commissioned internationally-recognised firms RMJM as the main architect, Turner as project manager, and Saudi Diyar Consultants (SDC) as local consultant.
“RMJM is the international consultant handling the concept and schematic stage, while Saudi Diyar is the local consultant handling the detailed design and construction supervision,” says the spokesman. “RMJM was picked for its world renowned designs and SDC was chosen for its expertise and knowledge of local requirements. Cayan has worked previously with RMJM, when it designed The Jewels in Dubai Marina. The brains behind the design is Hazel Wong – the regional director of RMJM, known for designing the Emirates Towers, the Dubai Federal Aviation headquarters and the National Bank of Dubai building.
Tenders for the main construction contract for the project are expected to be issued in October. The towers are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010.
The excavation depth for the foundations is still under study while another study is being conducted to assess the wind effect on the towers.
Commenting on the project, the Cayan spokesman says: “This is a very upmarket development aimed at a discerning audience. The unique nature of Lamar, being the first of its kind in Jeddah, means it will have most appeal to people looking for a high-class lifestyle surrounded by luxurious amenities. It is in keeping with Cayan’s overall mission to provide high quality, innovative residential properties for personal occupation or investment.
“The residential units will be separate from the offices, hence they will be located within the two tall structures while the offices will within the curved structure that flows between the two towers.”
Cayan Investment and Development, with a total investment portfolio exceeding SR15 billion, is the company behind the international award-winning “twisting” Infinity Tower in Dubai, UAE. The project at Dubai Marina is one of three Dubai residential developments under construction for Cayan, with the other two being DorraBay and The Jewels. A fourth, La Residencia Del Mar, has already been handed over to the owners. Cayan also has a SR6 billion strategic partnership with Baraka Real Estate to develop a multi-use project on 5 million sq m of land in Makkah.
Zahran Property Investment is a Saudi joint stock company specialised in real estate developments in the region. Beginning in building maintenance in 1975, the company has diversified into brokerage, investment, stocks, property development, construction and general trading. It operates in many markets: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Lebanon and India, and intends to enter new markets.
Infinity Tower was the first joint project between Cayan and Zahran and is an example of how both companies have combined their engineering and architectural expertise to provide innovation in the real estate industry.