Adnec hands over Capital Centre plots
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (Adnec) has handed over more than 80 per cent of Capital Centre plots to developers, which will be transformed into a mixed-use development of 23 towers spread over an 8 million sq ft site.

The development, situated adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, will provide a mix of hotel, office, retail and serviced accommodation.
Commenting on the announcement, managing director of Adnec Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie said: “Capital Centre has been carefully designed by an international team of masterplanners, architects and engineers.
“Our objective from day one was to create a thriving destination which will complement the success of the exhibition centre and be an icon for the people of Abu Dhabi and for international visitors.”
ADAT starts Etihad hangar work
Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies (ADAT) has begun work on a dedicated Etihad hangar as part of $500 million deal.
The five-year maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) deal includes the construction of a dedicated single bay, line and light maintenance hangar.
Developed to service Etihad’s fleet of 14 A330s, nine A340s, six A320s and five Boeing 777-300ERs, the hangar, to be completed in July this year, will significantly improve turnaround times.
Under the agreement, ADAT will also offer integrated MRO solutions, covering airframe services, including ‘A’ and ‘C’ checks, technical, procurement and logistics and engine services including its innovative total care auxiliary power unit (APU) support product.
$4.4bn alllocated for infrastructure
UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has ordered the allocation of Dh16 billion ($4.4 billion) for infrastructure projects in Northern Emirates in a move to boost economic growth and prosperity, according to a recent report.
The allocation will be used to fund the construction of roads networks, new housing communities, drainage network and other projects which are deemed as necessary for sustainable economic growth, said Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works.
Zenath acquires largest drill machine
Zenath Environmental Engineering Services, part of the ETA Ascon Star Group, has acquired, what the company describes as, the largest horizontal directional drilling (HDD) machine in the UAE, which will give it an unprecedented drilling advantage in the region.
The DD1100 HDD machine from American Augers has a pulling capacity of 500 tonnes, as opposed to the 250-tonne capacity machines that are currently used in the region.
Widely used in the installation of large-diameter pipelines under canals and sea beds, connecting islands and river crossings for the oil and gas industry and other utilities, the new machine will be one of its kind in the UAE, says Hameed Salahuddin, director of ETA Ascon Star Group
DD1100 is a surface-launched, horizontal directional, fluid-assisted, mechanical drilling system on a tri-axle suspension-mounted thrust frame.
Currently, Zenath is developing a mega rig with American Augers DD 1100 spread for drilling 1,800-2,500 m in one drill in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and India.
Halcrow opens Abu Dhabi office
Halcrow, a UK-based design firm, officially inaugurated its Abu Dhabi office last month.
The new office accommodates some 200 planners, designers and other technical specialists, to support the 250 Halcrow people working on construction supervision at local sites.
Across the Middle East, Halcrow employs 1,500 employees in 11 countries – 1,200 based in the UAE. Halcrow provides a wide range of design, planning, engineering and management services to public and private sector clients in urban development, transportation, water and power, marine and waterfront development, and buildings.
IMPZ completes all PBUs
The International Media Production Zone (IMPZ), a member of Tecom Investments, has said that the three remaining phases of its Dh285 million ($77.59 million) pre-built units (PBU) are ready for occupation at the dedicated zone for the graphic arts, printing, publishing and packaging (3P) industries.
With a total of 106 units, the PBU buildings will feature world-class showrooms and multi-use warehouses. Constructed primarily for media production companies that seek to commence operations with the least time delay, the phases have a built-up area of 1.4 million sq ft.
Several business partners of IMPZ have already set up operations in Phase One of the PBUs, which were completed last November.
Dubai Creek bridge opens
The New Al Garhoud Bridge over the Dubai Creek was opened last month, easing the traffic flow between Bur Dubai and Deira.
The bridge has 14 lanes and was completed in a record 24 months. More than 2,000 workers were involved in its construction.
Meanwhile, work on the fifth bridge over Dubai Creek has now started. The bridge will be named Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Crossing after the late ruler of Dubai following the directions of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, who laid the stone for the construction of the bridge.
Construction of the Dh3 billion ($817 million) crossing is expected to be completed in 2012.
The bridge will link Al Jaddaf and Business Bay at Bur Dubai with the road separating The Lagoons and Dubai Festival City.
The bridge will be 1.6 km long, 64 m wide and 15 m above the water. It will have 12 lanes and a track for the Green Line of the Dubai Metro. It will be able to handle about 20,000 vehicles per hour, the report said.
Contractors selected for DSO projects
Al Manal Development has appointed two firms to build its La Vista Residence project in Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO).
Zahrat Al Safa Construction and Al Qandeel Contracting won the combined contract worth Dh250 million ($68 million) to begin work on the residential property development last month. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2009.
La Vista Residence project will comprise seven residential buildings each eight storeys high, offering a total of 832 residential units. Zahrat Al Safa Construction will work on the first five buildings, while Al Qandeel Contracting will build the remaining two. The project has a total built-up area of approximately 943,000 sq ft, which will cover 290,000 sq ft of DSO land.
Meanwhile, Memon Investments has awarded a Dh40.35 million ($10.9 million) contract to Cairo Construction Company (CCC) for the construction of its Dh80 million Cambridge Business Centre.
CCC will complete the high-profile project at  DSO in 19 months.
Hydra Heights launched at Reem Island
Hydra Properties has launched Hydra Heights towers at Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. The project will consist of three 30-storey towers, designed and built to comply with eco-friendly concepts and use state-of-the-art technology.
The towers will offer tenants the latest in smart home technologies, conveniences, facilities and comforts associated with modern-day living, says the developer.
Villeroy & Boch unveils new range
Villeroy & Boch has unveiled a high-quality wellness concept featuring the innovative material Quaryl that combines enhanced bathroom aesthetics with ergonomic comfort.
With this, the company is extending its Squaro product range. The focal point of this concept is a new walk-in shower solution with pedestal element and two integrated glass elements that, depending on the level of comfort required and room layout, offers individual applications for both the shower and bath.
Added to this is the new Squaro super flat shower tray that, together with the new shower solution, has already been awarded the high-profile IF Product Design Award 2007. A large corner bath is also new; this features the clear, minimalist design of the Squaro product range.
EllisDon to manage CBC Tower work
Aakar Developers, a leading Canadian real estate developer, has appointed EllisDon Project Management as the client representative for its Canada Business Centre (CBC) Tower in Dubai’s Business Bay.
The Dh200 million ($54.4 million) tower is expected to be among the first developments to be completed in Business Bay.
EllisDon Project Management’s role will revolve around monitoring the progress of the project in conjunction with other consultants appointed by the developer, and ensuring that the project adheres to its predetermined delivery schedule, budget, quality and performance, it said.
Al Mamoura Complex Phase 1 ready
Aldar Properties has announced the completion of the first phase of its Al Mamoura office complex.
The development will house many international and regional companies, including the headquarters of Mubadala Development Company and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Boasting an Arabesque-style atrium, the building will provide a high-quality working environment for its users who will benefit from a range of amenities including a 150-seat auditorium, cafe and multi-storey car park.
Construction continues at the site on the project’s second building, which will see tenants taking occupation in early 2009.
Skycourts completes raft pour
National Properties has announced the completion of raft pour on its Dh1.5 billion ($408.44 million) Skycourts development, its first real estate project in Dubai.
“The development works at Skycourts are proceeding to plan,” said Adel Ahmad Lootah, CEO of National Properties.
“The raft pour development marks a new milestone in Skycourts with the first apartment scheduled to be delivered in 2009. With this complete, the above ground construction work of the 24-level towers will commence.”
Skycourts, located in Dubailand on the Al Ain road, comprises 2,300 luxurious yet affordable apartments.
Genint protects Capital Plaza
Genint Group has won a Dh3 million ($816,860) contract to install fire protection systems at the Capital Plaza.
The move comes as Genint launches an intensified campaign to assist companies to comply with a new ‘checklist’ based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regulations, and help address the alarming increase in fire incidence among high-rise structures, says a spokesman for the company.
Genint will provide fire alarm systems to four basement levels, seven podiums levels, and five high-rise towers ranging from 35 to 45 storeys each. Genint’s work will involve a series of intricately networked systems installed in Capital Plaza’s shopping mall, residential towers, commercial tower and hotel, the company said.
Steel prices near $1,000 mark
Reinforcing steel bar (rebar) prices in the UAE have risen at least 12 per cent last month as demand from construction contractors has increased and supply has tightened, according to a report.
A tonne of rebar fetched around $970 in the third week of March, and was around $860 last week of February, traders said.
“Demand for steel is increasing everyday, and many contractors want to meet the deadline for their projects at any cost,” one dealer said.
“On the other hand, the availability of steel is decreasing, and that is why prices are rising and they may soon hit $1,000,” the dealer said.