Bloom Properties launches Bloom Gardens in Abu Dhabi
Sunday, July 20, 2008

The development comprises 640 luxurious detached and semi-detached villas, apartments and townhouses along the seafront. Construction of the landmark project will commence in January 2009.
Being an exclusive gated residential development, Bloom Gardens is just a short distance away from Mangroves. The gardens combine detached villas of four, five, six and seven bedrooms, apart from three and four bedrooms, townhouses, all in a lush landscaped environment, designed by renowned international architects.
Among the other amenities are the concierge services, guard-controlled access for pedestrians and vehicles, restaurants, serviced laundry, clubhouses, coffee shops, safe play areas, tennis and basketball courts, parking space within units, recreational building in the neighborhood, pool house, barbeque and picnic area, apart from retail outlets and convenience stores for everyday use and designer boutiques.
According to Hani Shammah, the CEO of Bloom properties, the Bloom Gardens will be ready by the first-half of 2011.
The Bloom brand takes a fresh approach to property, particularly community-oriented development, bringing about a new generation in property development, setting it apart from other developers in the capital.
Apart from Bloom Gardens, the company is currently developing large scale mixed-use, master-planned communities across the MENA region. The Bloom communities will include unique features with strong operators in hospitality, education, leisure and healthcare facilities, depending on the location.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Community, Luxury Homes, Residential
Abu Dhabi housing rates higher than in Dubai for first time ever
Friday, July 18, 2008
According to latest figures released by HSBC, the average rent per square meter in Abu Dhabi was $272 per square meter during the end of 2007, and is $430 per square meter during second quarter of 2008, marking a growth of 58 percent.
During this period, the average rent in Dubai was $343 per square meter during the last quarter of 2007, and $420 per square meter during the second quarter of 2008, marking a 22 percent growth.
Even for purchasing a house, Abu Dhabi witnessed 61 percent growth in house prices, between the last quarters of 2007 and second quarter of 2008, while Dubai saw an increase of 37 percent during the same period.
According to an analyst at HSBC, the main reason behind such a scenario is that the market in Dubai is much tighter, and delivery delays are more apparent. Abu Dhabi is at a premium, as affordability is higher.
The report states that although delays are happening in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai markets, Dubai is experiencing rapid growth, and basic infrastructure such as electricity, water and sewerage systems are unable to match the pace of development.
About 160,000 units were expected to hit the Abu Dhabi housing market by the year 2010. However, at present, Colliers International estimates that only 31,000 units will be available, due to problem with delays.
In another recent Fitch report, Dubai has been warned of a possible oversupply situation with a major influx of housing units into the market towards the year 2009.
However, the report by HSBC predicts that most units would be delivered by the year 2011. The scarcity of housing in Abu Dhabi has prompted people to shift to Dubai, and commute to Abu Dhabi. This may prevent a possible oversupply situation in Dubai.
Analaysts feel that the housing shortage in Dubai too, will remain so, until 2010, when the bulk of supplies hit the market. However, even an oversupply in 2010 cannot be confirmed, due to the continuous ongoing delays in the market.
The report also states that prices in UAE, although on the rise, are still affordable as per international standards. At present the plot prices are an average of Dh.7000 per square meter, and towards end of the year, a residential property sales price of Dh.28000 is expected, which suggests that price growth rate will slow down since the beginning of the year.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Latest News, UAE
Al Qudra's Lilac Tower open for sale
Friday, July 04, 2008
Lilac overlooks the Central Park at Shams Abu Dhabi and has been designed to offer unparalleled luxury and comfort. This wonderful infrastructure has 50 Storeys to its credit, comprising studios, single and double bedroom apartments, complemented by a range of quality amenities.
Among the other amenities of the tower are a landscaped rooftop terrace, a business and day care center, fitness and entertainment areas, swimming pool, and ample underground spaces for parking.
The project is open for sale to both UAE nationals and expatriates during the two road shows to be held at the InterContinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, the 5th July, and at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina on Sunday, the 6th July.
Due for completion by 2011, the project offers residents a one-stop-shop intelligent home solution with air conditioning, entertainment and other appliances all under a single roof.
The Acting CEO of Al Qudra Real Estate, Claus Peter Rees, said Lilac Tower has been launched in June and is now looking to commence sales and is hoping for great success.
Rees disclosed that the project has been offered with flexible financing options that offer buyers the opportunity to purchase both floors and individual units under an attractive payment scheme with 30% of amount to be paid during construction period and rest 70% to be given on completion of construction.
Morina Residences meet record sales
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, Latest News, Sales
Abu Dhabi realty prices to appreciate more than in Dubai
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The report states that the longevity and strength of the real estate phase in Abu Dhabi, is supported by shortages of all types of real estate, controlled by delivery of supply to avoid a surplus, coupled with greater economic liberalization, and creation of a unique identity.
According to the Author of the report, Sana Kapadia, "A strong government presence supports and caps on the amount of real estate that can be built on any given year to mitigate the risk of an oversupply of property."
No major additions of residential units are likely in Abu Dhabi until late 2009, and with the ever-growing demand, the residential market will remain under-supplied until the end of 2009.
It has been estimated that the average price of residential properties will increase by 20 to 25 percent, during the rest of this year, and by 15 to 20 percent in 2009.
Demand for office space, too, will remain strong, with current vacancy rates at 1 percent, and with newer businesses seeking to make their presence in Middle East, it has been predicted.
However, considerable supplies that are likely to come in during 2009, will help cool the rising rents and prices, it is said.
Meanwhile, in a survey conducted by DSL Exhibitions, an international firm, specializing in organizing conferences and exhibitions, real estate investors expect that prices of properties in Abu Dhabi are likely to appreciate more than that in Dubai and other northern emirates.
The survey was done to find out if there exist any differences in the perceptions and attitudes of real estate buyers, between choosing Dubai, Abu Dhabi or one of the Northern Emirates and to underline any apparent trends.
The survey has revealed considerable differences in the attitudes and perception of investors, who choose between the three regions - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Northern Emirates.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Property Prices, UAE
Aldar unveils Al Ruwais retail realty in Abu Dhabi
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

The project is expected to cater to a growing population of 40,000 by 2010. The Al Ruwais shopping center will house 99 retail outlets, a supermarket, children's entertainment center, food and beverage outlets, and Warner Brothers Cinema Complex.
The Phase One of the project is expected to be complete by October 2010. The second phase would commence next year, the date of which, will be announced later this year. The cost of construction of Phase 2 would be double the cost of Phase one.
According to Ronald Stephen Barrot, the Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, the project is a part of the company's plan to develop other areas in the capital that has the development potential.
"We will own the asset and lease the retail outlets. The built-up area of the shopping center will be about 41,000 square meters." he added.
"We are pleased to see Al Ruwais grow from an industrial complex into a full-fledged urban center, and we feel duty-bound to contribute to the growth. It is a top priority for Aldar to cater to the needs of all residents in the Abu Dhabi emirate," said Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, Aldar Properties.
Al Ruwais retail realty is likely to serve residents in the neighboring cities such as Delma Island, Al Marfaa, Al Ghowifat, Gyathi and Sella, as currently residents of these cities travel to Abu Dhabi for shopping and leisure.
Aldar launches second phase of Al Mamoura, Baniyas Towers
Sunday, June 08, 2008

The two commercial developments, located at the heart of Abu Dhabi, offer about 62,000 square meters of office space, thereby helping to meet the high demand for office space in Abu Dhabi.
Followed by the pre-letting of the 37,000 square meters of entire Al Mamoura A, another 20,000 square meters at Al Mamoura B, is also due for completion, and will be open for lease by the end of this year.
Baniyas Towers will have another 42,000 square meters of grade A office space to offer in two buildings, that are due for completion by January 2009.
Al Mamoura B and Baniyas Towers will offer 'grade A' office accommodation, including high-end amenities, together with units of flexible size, available for lease. Both developments will have ample parking for its tenants and will be serviced by a high standard of building management.
"Aldar Properties hopes to provide the market with a considerable amount of international grade office space by the year 2009. These projects are being done inline with Aldar’s initiative to meet the requirements of this rapidly evolving city and its high demand for quality office accommodation," said Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman, Aldar Properties.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Aldar, Commercial Property, Construction Projects
Rents in Abu Dhabi to continue to soar
Thursday, June 05, 2008
According to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry The low and middle income expatriates will be the worst affected with the increase in rents, which have more than doubled during the past three years, while the salaries have remained the same.
After years of stability during 1990s and 2000, the property market in Abu Dhabi witnessed a jerk in 2006, due to the strong domestic demand, caused by an economic upsurge that shot up rents to sky-high levels, despite the introduction of rent caps by the government.
The Chamber reports that although the real estate market in the capital was more or less stabilized in 2005, with the 287,000 housing units being able to cover the domestic demand, a surge in demand during 2006, did not meet a similar supply growth. This resulted in a shortage of 3000 units. During the year 2007, the demand-supply gap was more than doubled and touched nearly 8000 and is further expected to touch 20,000 by this year.
The Chamber, in its report, states "Most housing units which will enter the market this year will cater to the hig-income sector, while the low and middle-income category will be the victims of shortage and rent increases."
"We expect a record supply shortage in housing units, which exceeds 20,000. This will aggravate the property situation in the emirate, pushing it from bad to worse, which in turn will affect the economic activities in the emirate and push inflation to new record levels," the report said.
According to property dealers, rents in the capital have increased by more than 25 percent in 2007, and by 15 percent during first quarter of this year. The increase has been attributed to the huge increase in demand and rapid growth in population, an intensifying influx of expatriate workers due to surge in projects in the Capital, failure by landlords to abide by the rent caps, and the concentration of property developers on costlier properties that caters to high-income sector.
"Buildings that are under construction in Abu Dhabi will cater to only 20 percent of the demand. This will only widen the supply shortage, and when coupled with the population growth, it will push rents to record high levels. As rents account for more than 40 percent of consumer spending, this increase will further aggravate inflation in the emirate," states the Chamber report.
Abu Dhabi has one of the highest per-capita incomes in the world, projected to touch Dh.225,000 in 2008. As per figures by the Abu Dhabi Department of Planning and Economy, population in Abu Dhabi has grown by 12.6 percent, and is likely to grow by 7.5 percent his year, which is one of the highest in the world.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Real Estate News, Rentals
MBI unveils first landmark project Deerfields Town Square in the Capital
Monday, May 19, 2008
Mubarak and Brother Property and Financial Investments (MBI), a major real estate, construction and infrastructure company, has announced the unique aspects of their first landmark project, Deerfields Town Square, at the Abu Dhabi Cityscape Exhibition 2008. The exhibition is likely to conclude today, the 16th May 2008.Labels: Abu Dhabi, Real Estate Projects
Plus Properties unveils The Blue Dolphin Center -landmark commercial project in Abu Dhabi
Sunday, May 18, 2008

The world-class Dh.300mn project namely 'The Blue Dolphin Center', which was unveiled at the exhibition, has been designed by Hilal and Partners, and is expected to the first freehold office and retail centers at Abu Dhabi's Al Raha Beach.
The project includes mostly executive suites designed as per highest quality standards and equipped with latest technology services and superior amenities that are ideal for any type and size of the company. The office suites range from 1200 to 6000 square feet in area, and enjoy beautiful views of waterfront.
The Al Raha Beach, which forms the magnificent new gateway of Abu Dhabi, also promises to be the most spectacular new address of the Gulf. Spreading across 500 hectares of land, the development is located on the beach side of the main highway which connects to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.
Comprising 11 precincts, the Al Raha Beach is home to a variety of dynamic commercial projects and relaxed beachfront communities.
The development aims to be a leading waterfront home to residents and tourists offering its customers the best parks, hotels, marinas, and other leisure amenities linked together by a wonderful network of bridges and canals.
The CEO of Plus Properties, Georges Chehwane, said "Being a major player in the booming real estate market of the region, with primary focus on UAE, we look forward to consolidate our presence and strengthen our ties with current and prospective business associates and regional and international investors."
"Through Cityscape Abu Dhabi, Plus Properties has got an opportunity to contribute towards the buoyant real estate scene in Abu Dhabi. We also look forward to share some of out future launches including the Ashrafieh and Verdun Residential Towers with professionals in industry and the general public."
In a span of less than a year since its inception, the Plus Properties now owns more than Dh.14.16 billion worth of prestigious projects to its credit.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach, Commercial Property, Freehold Property
Mubadala to launch multi-billion business hub at Sowwah Island
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The project, named Sowwah Square, truly reflects the target that has been designated to Sowwah as the central business district of the city, as per the strategic urban plan of Abu Dhabi. It will host the new headquarters of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and major Banking and Financial Institutions.
Developed through a joint venture between John Buck International (JBI) and Mubadala, the Sowwah Square comprises a total building area of 585,000 square meters, and houses the ADX headquarters at its center.
Offering advanced infrastructure, surrounded by four Grade A commercial towers with 30 to 36 storeys, ADX will occupy the new premises on lease basis, and offers hotel, office and retail amenities. Out of a total of 585,000 square meters of the development, about 285,000 square meters comprises office space.
This is the second mega realty project of Mubadala in Abu Dhabi within a month, after the joint-venture with Singapore's Capital last month, which reflects the growing interest the company has in investing in the promising realty sector of the capital.
The Chief Finance Officer of Mubadala, Carlos Obeid, says "What has been achieved in Abu Dhabi during the past couple of years is nothing compared to the growth expected during the next few years, and we are capitalizing on the growing demand for real estate in this context."
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Sowwah-Island
Bawabat Al Sharq - mixed-use development unveiled in Abu Dhabi
Wednesday, May 14, 2008

The project which include residential, entertainment, retail and sporting amenities, also houses the new headquarters and sports amenities for Bani Yas Sports Club, including the FIFA-standard Football stadium, with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 spectators.
The Phase one of this project is likely to be complete towards early 2010.
Bawabat Al Sharq also features a 134,409 square meters shopping center, and a parking space for more than 2200 vehicles. It includes other amenities such as medical center, schools, health club, speciality training clubs, international hypermarket, 16 food court outlets, pharmacies, banks, cinemas and coffee shops.
The BID Chairman, Jawaan Al Khaili, says "Bawabat Al Sharq, apart from enhancing the leisure and tourism appeal of Bani Yas, will also offer a major impetus to the economy of the region."
Labels: Abu Dhabi, New Developments
Abu Dhabi's iconic development Capital Gate on track
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Capital Gate is scheduled for completion in 2009, and thereafter it is expected to house an executive five-star hotel Hyatt in Abu Dhabi, which will be the first Hyatt hotel in the capital. It will also provide the most exclusive office space ever in Abu Dhabi.
ADNEC is a top class MICe (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) venue in the Middle East.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Business Tower, Office Space
Aldar plans first-of-its kind investment funds in UAE
Saturday, April 12, 2008
The Chief Executive Officer of Aldar, Ronald Barrott, said that the funds, one each for retail, office, residential and hotel property, will be launched next year, with a view to expand the funds so as to eventually make it multibillion-dollar vehicles.
The funds will be the first of its kind for Aldar and the UAE. The company, which has about 25 percent of its shares directly or indirectly owned by the government, has its remaining shares floated on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market, with a development portfolio of $65bn. Aldar is responsible for atleast one-third of the development happening in Abu Dhabi.
The final details are yet to be worked out, but, Aldar will manage the funds and carry a certain percentage of shares, with the remainder kept open to domestic and foreign investors.
Abu Dhabi is the richest emirate in the UAE and home to 95 percent of its hydrocarbon resources.
Just as in Dubai, even Abu Dhabi is going through an extraordinary boom to develop and diversify its economy and raise its profile.
ACI, Al Odaid deal signed to launch new development at Al Reem
Friday, April 04, 2008
The development comprises five residential towers, all built on a single podium. Each tower will comprise about 17 to 22 storeys on a total built up area of 1.2 million square feet. Apart from this, the residents will have the opportunity to enjoy a plethora of state-of-the art amenities such as the gymnasiums, roof top pools and Jacuzzi.
Located along the northern shores of Abu Dhabi, The Al Reem Island is a natural paradise, anchored on the pristine blue waters of the Arabian Sea.
The Managing Director of ACI, Robin Lohmann, said "The partnership with Al Odaid opens a new chapter in our expansion across the UAE. Moving in to Abu Dhabi will not only add value to our portfolio, but, will also signify our commitment to align ourselves with industry leaders, who share our passion for innovative realty projects."
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, New Developments
Details revealed for Aldar's Al Dana in Raha Beach development
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The plan details of the $5billion commercial development, Al Dana, located at the center of the Raha Beach development in Abu Dhabi has been revealed by Aldar Properties.With this, the total projects that are under construction in Abu Dhabi exceeds $90bn, including the $40bn Yas Island, and the iconic Old Market in the Abu Dhabi City Center.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Al Raha Beach, Aldar
Hydra Properties launches Hydra Heights Tower at Al Reem Island
Monday, March 10, 2008
A leading UAE realty developer, Hydra Properties has revealed the launch of Hydra Heights Towers at Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi.The Hydra Heights Towers will be a group of three residential towers, each being 30-storey in height, so designed that it will adhere to the eco-friendly concepts while also utilizing the finest in state-of-the-art technology.
The 'Hydra Heights Towers' are a unique realty development with tenants offering the latest in smart home technologies, apart from facilities of convenience and comfort required for today's fast-paced lifestyle.
The CEO of Hydra Properties, Dr. Sulaiman Al Fahim, said "Today's modern and connected lifestyle requires that applications within a living space are in tune with the lifestyle behavior of its occupants. In this development, we have ensured that the needs of all tenants are well addressed through the smart home concept."
Dr. Sulaiman also assured that this luxurious development would be one of the most prestigious developments by Hydra Properties.
The Abu Dhabi-based Hydra Properties has been rated as one among the most influential fifty realty developers in the Middle East and Arab World, according to Arabian Business Magazine.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island, Residential
Prices of Abu Dhabi homes likely to shoot-up by 20 percent
Saturday, March 08, 2008
The report indicated that demand surpasses supply, and negative real interest rates are contributing to more investments. The Europeans are investing in the UAE, with an intention to make better use of their Euros, while the dollar is declining, taking the UAE dirham with it.
The five-fold increases in oil prices during the past six years have boost Abu Dhabi's economy and the low interest rates have led to more investments in real estate.
The Chief Property Development Officer of Sorouh, Gurjit Singh, said "We easily notice a growth of 20 percent this year. We are seeing the growth phase and it is still very early on the clock."
He said that the average prices for residential sectors range between Dh.1300 and Dh.1700 per square foot. The numbers of Europeans investing in Abu Dhabi residential sector falls between 8 and 12 percent, and the numbers are on the rise due to the strength of Euro and the Pound.
Sorouh is also developing realty projects worth Dh.40bn, Singh revealed.
Labels: Abu Dhabi, Latest News, Rentals


