Qatar’s property market remains strong as the economy continues to grow

DAMAC Properties believe that with today’s current Qatari economy conditions the government will continue to carry out all projects such as the New Doha International Airport at the cost of $5.5 billion, the $5 billion Lusail real estate project, the $5 billion tourist project in al-Khor and the $2.5 billion Energy City which will contribute to the economy growth in many sectors including Real Estate.

“All indicators in the Qatari market indicate that the economy is expected to perform at least as strongly as 2008 driven by energy production and related industries also in investments aimed at economic diversification,” said DAMAC Properties Chairman, Mr Hussain Sajwani.

DAMAC Properties sees one of the key factors for the market stability is the Qatari authority’s impressive macroeconomic performance in recent years, which has strengthened the economy’s resilience to the current global financial crisis and economic downturn.

“There is no doubt that the domestic investment program that was launched by the government has created diversity in the economic base. The banking sector would be one of the major beneficiaries of these projects and also regional diversification programs have also helped to boost the banks’ capacity to finance development projects,” said Mr. Sajwani.

DAMAC Properties first project in Qatari was “The Pizza” , launched in 2006. Last November DAMAC properties unveiled mega promotion for its residential development in Lusail Qatar by handing over the keys of a brand new 2009 Jaguar X Type with 1 year free insurance for purchase of any residential units during the promotion period.

The move came as part of the company’s commitment to the Qataris real estate market despite the recent changes in the investment climate in the real estate sector.

“Today Qatar’s real estate sector is showing signs of correction, this doesn’t mean the market is falling apart or the demand will stop. Although investors were showing a “cautious” approach to property investment in the region, but by looking at the given facts and figures, the medium term outlook for Qatar is still in good shape”.

“Even with the economic climate getting more and more challenged, there’s no doubt that out of these difficult times comes as a real opportunity, especially for long term investors “.added Mr. Sajwani.

Smart Heights Reaches Half Way Point

Smart Heights development reaches the half way point of construction.
Smart Heights, which will feature some of the latest gadgetry and office technology, has now reached the 15th floor and is on schedule to reach its final 21 storey height and be completed by the end of 2009. The main contractor for the building is ECC.

The development is one of two projects that DAMAC Properties has at TECOM – with its Executive Heights building already completed last year.

Smart Heights will offer 288,000sq ft of office space and already most of the 21 floors have been purchased or leased. Among the ‘smart’ facilities available will be security card access control, energy efficient lighting systems, automated boardrooms and business lounges and touch pad request screens for elevators with LCD response panels.

Currently mechanical, electrical and plumbing works are underway at Smart Heights so that all cabling, pipes and wiring is integrated and contracts for internal fixtures and fittings including signage, lighting and sanitary ware are in the process of being awarded.

Chairman of DAMAC Properties, Hussain Sajwani said that offering the latest technology was now becoming a necessity for developers and that office locations in Dubai had to differentiate themselves in this way.

‘A lot of thought and consideration went into the design for Smart Heights. Today company’s expectations are that they will have an office environment that will be designed to meet their every need and make their lives easier. The use of automation, electronics and also IT facilities should be designed with the customer in mind and we believe that Smart Heights will offer great options for these facilities,’ said Mr Sajwani.

‘TECOM will eventually become a vibrant business community and it will be a great location for companies with excellent access to both the Sheik Zayed and Al Khail Roads – in addition to the TECOM metro station which will be just a few minutes walk away.

‘We already know that Smart Heights will stand out because of its futuristic design – but it will also become synonymous with modern technology.’

In addition to 21 office floors, the building will have a health club and outdoor swimming pool on site for those who want to relax after the working day, with a day care centre, green landscaped surroundings and views over The Greens development.

Mr Sajwani added:‘ Our progress at Smart Heights is there for all to see as the building starts to become a permanent and prominent fixture on the landscape at TECOM.’

Freehold Property in Dubai

In 2002 the government of Dubai created freehold property zones in the city. For the first time foreign individuals could own property in the freehold areas of Dubai. This has resulted in an unprecedented boost in the real estate market leading to massive construction projects that are among the best in the world. The new law was established in order to enhance the confidence of property buyers in the legal system. The legislation was intended to attract foreign investment through international developers that always prefer to work in countries where the laws are straightforward and keeps things simple. Before the law was passed foreign nationals could only get a 99-year lease at a maximum but it was only since 2002 that they could actually own property in the freehold areas of Dubai. Another good thing about the legislation is that it helps to support 80% of Dubai’s population, made of non citizens, to rent out the property and lead better lives. Freehold property owners in Dubai can rent out their property on 99-year leases of their own.

According to the new laws people looking for buying property in Dubai will now have outright ownership of the construction as well as the land below it. There will no going back between freehold and leasehold. The new Dubai property law means that you can register the property under your own name with the Dubai Land Department. The best part of all this is that the Dubai Land Department uses the latest technology to manage everything so there is no need to worry about endless paper work and fussy rules and regulations. Everything is designed to work smoothly for everyone. Before 2002 the buyers kept a contract of the sale from the developer that allowed them to transfer the ownership only through the developer. The contract included an agreement that the freehold property would be granted as the freehold title as soon as it was ready. The new law says that the title deeds can be handed over the owners a lot sooner.

A huge impact of all this can be seen in the mortgage market because of the high rate of construction and property trading going on in Dubai. The resale market is boiling hot and international banks, especially Standard Chartered Bank, are vying to enter the market to offer financial loan options. Hitherto the same institutions were unwilling to enter the market because of legal uncertainties. It is now fully expected that many banks are going to aggressively enter the market and lower the mortgage cost and offer highly competitive prices and several new services. Introductory discounts are going to make a huge difference to the mortgage market. It has generally been noted that the lower the cost of the money the higher the price of property. One of the reasons for high rates of property in the world is the low cost of money.

Park Towers Dubai, Another Floor Every Week

Park Towers development now rising at one floor every week Luxury lifestyle provider DAMAC Properties, has announced that its iconic twin tower development – Park Towers - at DIFC is currently rising by a floor every week. The Park Towers mixed use development, including residential commercial office and retail offerings is now starting to appear on the DIFC landscape with the North Tower at floor five and the South Tower at level three. The seven podium levels have already been completed and the distinctive shape of the towers is starting to be revealed. Contractors Shapoorji Pallonji are currently completing a floor every six days – and are making good progress with the building which is expected to be completed next year. The impressive rate of progress at DIFC comes just a few weeks after DAMAC Properties also announced that its Ocean Heights tower at Dubai Marina had already reached the 37th floor with contractors completing a floor every five days. Park Towers is DAMAC Properties’ only development at the rapidly expanding new financial centre of Dubai and will offer more than 400 apartments in a range of sizes. These will be combined with ten floors of commercial space – three for shops and seven which will offer state of the art offices. The building will offer freehold facility for UAE nationals and expatriates. In addition it will have excellent connectivity with direct pedestrian access to the DIFC retail spine and financial centre and within easy walking distance of the several metro stations serving the area. By car the Sheik Zayed or Al Khail roads are minutes away. Commenting on the Park Towers construction progress, CEO of DAMAC Properties Peter Riddoch said: ‘DIFC has already attracted huge interest from world renowned firms who want to establish a base in Dubai and we designed Park Towers with these very companies and their employees in mind. “To be able to live at the heart of a financial district and be at the centre of the action with stock markets, banks and financial institutions just minutes away is both convenient and important to the people who work in this sector. ‘However to combine with this with well designed apartments set in lush green landscaping with walkways and waterways helps to creates an ambience of home and a sense that you can still get away from the stresses of every day – even in the middle of a buzzing city like Dubai. ‘In addition DIFC already has a number of parks, cafes and entertainment facilities so it offers the best of both worlds to those customers who chose to live there.’ Each apartment at Park Towers has been designed to optimise views with its curved fully glazed façade. There will also be a number of hotel type services which will be available for residents including a restaurant, room service, regular housekeeping and also individual post boxes. For those looking to extend their working day there will also be high-speed Internet access, faxes, photocopying and a round the clock manned help desk. A banquet hall and meeting room facility designed for private parties, gatherings, special occasions and business meetings has also been included together with a residents health club with tennis court, male and fem,ale changing rooms, saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools, gym, crèche, children’s play area, barbeque areas within landscaped gardens . Mr Riddoch said that the progress at Park Towers was now typical of the emphasis being placed on delivery by DAMAC Properties. He said:’ We are working hard with our contractors to ensure they understand how important it is for us to move forward in a positive direction together. ‘In these times of market rumour and uncertainty we feel that there is no better way to demonstrate our commitment to our customers than by achieving the level of progress seen at Park Towers – and also recently at Ocean Heights. This sends out a strong signal to customers that it is business as usual.’

Business Bay Building Works Continue

Enabling works have been completed on site at its Executive Bay development at Business Bay in Dubai. Executive Bay is one of eleven properties that DAMAC Properties has planned for the Business Bay area. The site has been shored and excavation for basements completed, by the enabling works contractors Al Habtoor STFA for the development which will include a shopping arcade on the ground floor together with state of the art office space overlooking a waterfront location. DAMAC Properties’ eye catching Executive Bay towers will feature hi-speed internet connectivity, security, and recreational facilities, such as a gymnasium, health club facilities and swimming pool. . Each tower comprises a series of three interconnected triangular buildings and will have a common landscaped courtyard and café. Welcoming the progress on site at Executive Bay, CEO of Damac Properties Mr Peter Riddoch said that the next stage of construction would begin as soon as tenders had been assessed. ‘It is pleasing to note that we are in a position to go ahead with construction as soon as we have appointed the successful contractor, he said. DAMAC Properties will eventually have a total of eleven projects in the Business Bay area. The company has also recently announced that its XL Tower development has reached Podium 3 level and enabling works have also been completed at both its Capital Bay and Park Central projects. Business Bay will eventually cover an area of 64m square feet along the banks of the extended Dubai Creek and is expected to attract a number of regional and international companies. It has been designed as a commercial and business cluster in line with Dubai’s growing global business community base and will be similar in nature to Manhattan in New York with upscale residential complexes also available on site. Mr Riddoch added:‘We are delighted to see progress at so many of our sites across Business Bay and know that reaching these different milestones is important for our customers who have invested in these properties at such a prime location and are looking forward to seeing them rise in the skyline over the next year. ‘We believe that Business Bay will eventually become known as one of the best locations in the world for international businesses and look forward to being at the centre of this exciting new development in Dubai’s future.’