Work starts on largest storage facility
Big Yellow Self Storage Company, one of Europe’s leading self-storage operators, commenced excavation earthworks on what will become the world’s largest purpose-built self-storage facility, in Dubai last month.

The civil works will be carried out by Core Construction Company, and Steel Storage Middle East, who were both singled out by Big Yellow FZ for their quality workmanship, and supportive role during the design phase. The construction is expected to be completed in 12 months.
The facility – which will be operated by Big Yellow, a franchise of UK-based Big Yellow Group – will comprise five buildings, offering a total lettable storage space of 280,000 sq ft.
The state-of-the-art self-storage facility, coming up in the International Media Production Zone (IMPZ) in Dubai, will not only cater to the needs of the companies within the IMPZ, but also the residential community in the zone and the neighbouring developments.
Once complete, the facility will provide round-the-clock storage for residential/personal and commercial/ business use. Customers will be able to lease storage space upwards of 25 sq ft for any kind of goods.
Famco installs largest racking system
Al-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (Famco) has announced the successful delivery and installation of the most advanced and sophisticated multi-tier longspan racking system at Home Centre’s new distribution centre at Jebel Ali Industrial Area. Manufactured by Dexion, the racking system will be used for the storage of home furniture products.
Covering a total area of 23,957 sq m, this multi-tier racking system has been designed with a goods-lift, lighting, fire-sprinklers and smoke detectors on all floor levels.
The structural integrity in the design and product ensures safe working for hundreds of personnel to work simultaneously at various locations on the mezzanine floors at peak hours, says a spokesman for Famco.
Abu Dhabi unveils development plan
Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, a major development initiative, is expected to transform the UAE’s capital into a vibrant global metropolis, according to a recent report.
The initiative will lead to a comprehensive urban plan for the city of Abu Dhabi in months.
Projects already announced and those under development in Abu Dhabi are worth Dh1.47 trillion ($400 billion), according to estimates.
The urban planning initiative will create a coherent and sustainable environment for the country’s capital city, the report said.
The specific aspects of the initiative are scheduled for release in the middle if this year and the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 underscores a holistic approach to urban planning policy, it said.
Aldar to start work on $136m city
Aldar will start work immediately on a Dh500 million ($136 million) residential city for labourers in Al Ain, which will be completed in phases up to 2009.
A deal to build the city was signed between Aldar Properties and ZoneCorp, Abu Dhabi recently.
The agreement will see Aldar develop a total of eight clusters for residential development which will house 16,000 workers. Six of the clusters will include seven residential blocks with a main dining hall and spacious open green spaces.
The remaining two clusters will have a central kitchen, shopping mall, medical clinic, an administration building and a mosque.
“The project will fulfil the vision of Aldar to build high quality, fully integrated residential cities for the workers in the UAE,” says a company spokesman. “Several studies have been conducted to ensure that the infrastructure will handle the expected traffic and population numbers.”
Sharjah plans $68m airport
Sharjah has unveiled plans to build a Dh250 million ($68 million) airport on Sir Abu Nu’air, an island off the emirate’s coast.
Halcrow International Partnership is serving as the design consultant for the airport and its facilities.
The first phase will include the replacement of the existing airstrip with a modern runway and airfield capable of accommodating Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft.
Additional infrastructure will include a passenger terminal, control tower and all other facilities needed to ensure operations and safety, said a report.
As part of the development, the existing marina will be dredged and increased in size to accommodate more yachts and leisure boats, the report added.
Facilities at the marina, including the slipway, fuelling facilities and ancillary services, will also be upgraded.
Al Fattan launches Experience Centre
Al Fattan Properties, the Dubai-based company renowned for its strategically-located quality lifestyle developments, has launched the Al Fattan Experience Centre, a unique property marketing hub that will provide individual buyers and investors the opportunity to get a first-hand look and feel of the high quality and splendour of the company’s residential, commercial and leisure projects.
Located in close proximity to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the 700 sq m Experience Centre will provide first-hand detailed scale-models of all past and future developments of Al Fattan Properties.
The centre will act as an ideal resource centre, showcasing show apartments and project models.
i-Rise tower breaks ground
Realty Capital Middle East has recently broken ground on its 37-storey office tower “i-Rise”.
Upon completion in late 2009, the development will feature a striking curvilinear design in a total built-up area of more than 1 million sq ft. Strategically located at Tecom Site-C, Dubai’s Technology and Media Free Zone, the i-Rise Tower will incorporate a modern business infrastructure in a corporate hub, offering investors freehold ownership opportunities.
Commenting on the launch, Marwan Mansour, chief executive officer, Realty Capital said: “The increasing demand for office space in Dubai has encouraged us to create a unique corporate concept based around the dynamics and demands of a challenging business environment. The i-Rise Tower will become an iconic feature of Tecom, with its visually striking design incorporating a high-tech, modern environment conducive to success.”
“With the enabling works already commenced, we are now dedicated to making the i-Rise project a successful investment and a well-known corporate address in Dubai.
In addition to premium office space, the i-Rise Tower will incorporate unique office layouts, restaurants, coffee shops, retail space, a fitness centre and a multi-storey car park. Several executive offices will also be available, featuring office space with maximum levels of natural light, private high speed elevators, helipad access and en-suite restrooms.