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Alma Kadragic, Senior Real Estate Reporter

Dr. Alma Kadragic is the director of the Zayed University Media Center in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates where she has been living, working, and studying economic development for three years. She covered the US and Europe during 16 years with ABC News as producer and bureau chief, leaving broadcasting to set up and manage Alcat Communications International, a public relations and marketing agency with headquarters in Poland.

She is the author of two books, A Handbook of Public Relations published in Poland (1996, 1997) and Globalization and Human Rights from Chelsea House (2005); chapters in books on economic development and broadcasting; and numerous articles on public relations, media, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Kadragic earned a Ph.D in English literature from the City University of New York after completing the M.A. and B.A. degrees at City College of New York.

Government Infrastructure Projects Driving Development in Arab GCC Countries

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/11/10 11:39 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are keeping construction alive say the organizers of CityBuild, a new trade show for the region's building and construction industry. It takes place from April 18-21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre ... Read More
Mourjan Marinas IGY Signs Deals in Bahrain and Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/11/10 10:47 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Taking its success in Dubai and elsewhere to Bahrain, Mourjan Marinas IGY signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Global Real Estate Development Co. (GREDCO) to develop two marinas in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Read More
Emaar Industries and Investments Opens State of the Art Manufacturing Plant

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/11/10 10:03 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Emaar Industries & Investments (EII) has opened a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for low voltage and medium voltage switchboards for its subsidiary Dynergy Technologies in TechnoPark, Dubai. Read More
Dubai's New Armani Hotel Opening Postponed to April 22

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/09/10 12:09 PM

Burj Khalifa by Emaar Properties (DUBAI, UAE) -- No one can tell just by looking up at the Burj Khalifa why the Armani Hotel opening is delayed, but according to a report in The National newspaper the world's first Armani... Read More
New Saudi Stock Exchange to be Sustainable Building

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/26/10 10:25 AM

Dr. Fahd Al-Mubarak with Mitsuo Nakamura (DUBAI, UAE) -- A Japanese design and engineering company with an office in Dubai is building the new headquarters of the Saudi Stock Exchange, Tadawul in Arabic. At a cost of $27 million, Tadawul... Read More
Europeans Invest $16.3 Million in Oceana in January

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/23/10 1:34 PM

Ian Hollingdale (DUBAI, UAE) -- The month of January was spectacular for sales at the luxury Ocean Residences as Europeans from Britain, Russia, Holland, France, and Belgium, invested a total of $16.3 million. Apartments were bought at the average rate... Read More
Tax Hikes May Lead UK Residents to No Tax UAE and Low Tax Countries

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/23/10 1:24 PM

Mohammed Nimer (DUBAI, UAE) -- Many professionals in the UK may be leaving soon to avoid the new 50 percent tax rate that will be inaugurated in April, according to a survey by Withers, an international law firm. That could... Read More
Hamptons to Market Du Parc Kempinski Luxury Residences in Switzerland

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/18/10 2:10 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- The importance of the Middle East in international real estate was highlighted this week as Hamptons International signed a contract to market the Du Parc Kempinski Private Residences ... Read More
Emaar Announces 2009 Net Profits of $633 Million

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/16/10 2:47 PM

Burj Khalifa by Emaar Properties (DUBAI, UAE) -- Despite the financial crisis that has hit Dubai hard, Emaar Properties, the emirate's largest developer, announced a net operating profit of $633 million for 2009 after revenues of $2.29 billion. The news... Read More
Cityscape Abu Dhabi to Feature Sustainable Real Estate Model as Dubai Goes Global

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/16/10 2:39 PM

Chris Speller and Rohan Marwaha (ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Things are looking up for real estate in Abu Dhabi which is currently driving the industry in the UAE after a very bad year for everyone in 2009. But this time... Read More
Ibn Battuta Gateway Mixed Use Complex Adds Office Space Near Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/18/10 9:00 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Nothing is small in Dubai, and while the new Ibn Battuta Gateway development owned by Seven Tides might not look that big, its entrance is an archway larger than the Arc the Triomphe in Paris. The... Read More
Rents Stable or Slightly Down during Q4 in Abu Dhabi and Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/14/10 2:04 PM

Elaine Jones (ABU DHABI, UAE) -- These days the news is better for renters than for landlords of residential and commercial properties in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. According to reports issued this week by Asteco, the largest property services company... Read More
New Records Set at Dubai's Burj Khalifa Tower

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/06/10 12:49 PM

Highest base jump from Burj Khalifa (DUBAI, UAE) -- Not only is it the world's tallest building at 828 meters (2720 ft), but the Burj Khalifa can't help setting more records two days after it was officially opened on January... Read More
Burj Dubai Renamed Burj Khalifa at Gala Opening

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/04/10 1:34 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- The Burj Dubai was renamed Burj Khalifa tonight at the gala ceremony marking the official opening of the world's tallest building. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Read More
First Armani Hotel Opens March 18 in Burj Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/04/10 10:19 AM

Burj Dubai by Emaar Properties (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- On the opening day of the Burj Dubai, a spokesman announced that the Armani Hotel Dubai, the first hotel created by the collaboration between Giorgio Armani and Emaar Properties, will be launched... Read More
Burj Dubai, World's Tallest Building Opens Today

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/04/10 10:00 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Six years ago, in January 2004, Dubai told the world that it would build the world's tallest building and announced what it called "History Rising." Today the Burj Dubai stands complete, 160 floors, and more than 800 meters high. Read More
First Residents to Move into Burj Dubai in February

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/01/10 9:14 AM

Burj Dubai (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- As the new year begins, the opening on Monday of the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, remains in the news with Emaar's announcement that residents will begin to move in next month. They are... Read More
Luxury Apartment Sales Hot on Palm Jumeirah

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/28/09 8:30 AM

Oceana interior (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Things are different in Dubai real estate these days. Where once buyers bought properties that existed only as renderings and miniature models long before they were actually built, today anyone looking for luxury apartments on... Read More
Burj Dubai Ready to Set Records

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/24/09 9:33 AM

Burj Dubai by numbers (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- No one knows how long the records will last, but with ten days left to the opening of the world's tallest building, the publicity machine is grinding out the numbers that define Burj... Read More
Leading Dubai Developer Calls 2009 a 'Horrible Year' and Looks ahead to 2010

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/24/09 9:25 AM

Mohammed Nimer (DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Now that 2009 is close to becoming history, leading business people are looking back at what happened. That's what Mohammed Nimer, CEO of MAG Group Property Development in Dubai, has been doing using the Latin... Read More
Meeting of Dubai World with Bankers May Lead to Moratorium Proposal in Early January

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/22/09 10:35 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- None of the more than 200 bankers who attended the meeting of Dubai World with its 90 creditor banks yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Center would speak on the record, but one report cited three bankers... Read More
Green Landscaping Ready for Burj Dubai Launch

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/21/09 1:09 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Landscaping around the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, is ready with the building due to open on January 4, 2010. The 800-meter Burj is surrounded by 11 hectares called The Park that includes fountains, ... Read More
Khidmah Sets the Bar for Leasing Abu Dhabi Villas

Posted by Alma Kadragic 09/07/09 11:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The rental market in the capital of the UAE continues to be saturated. The 588 villas in the new Sas Al Nakhl Village community developed by Sorouh in Abu Dhabi began to be marketed in July... Read More
Abu Dhabi Offers Mortgages for Foreign Residential Buyers

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/31/09 12:30 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- People living outside the UAE no longer need a bundle of cash to buy residential property in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Finance is ready to offer mortgages up to 75 percent of the property's value to... Read More
Dubai Holding Merges Property Firms in Run up to Merger with Emaar

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/24/09 9:15 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- During the recent fat years before the worldwide economic slump, Dubai Holding created two property companies, Dubai Properties and Sama Dubai, as well as real estate units in Tatweer, a diversified company that is also part of... Read More
Saudi Arabia's Construction Market Building from Strength Says New Report

Posted by Alma Kadragic 08/03/09 10:32 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Saudi Arabia's construction market is handling the economic downturn better than its neighbours in the Middle East, according to a report issued Sunday by Proleads Global, a research company. Insights Saudi Arabia: An Investigation into the Current... Read More
Dubai Needs to Get Back to Basics Says Veteran Developer

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/30/09 10:34 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- In tough times, some people advise dramatic remedies. Others retreat and wait. One of Dubai's leading developers has another solution. "Dubai must return to the basics which first put it on the map," says Mohammed Nimer, CEO... Read More
Study Shows UAE Construction Stays Active Despite Global Slowdown

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/29/09 1:30 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Construction in Dubai is continuing despite the global slowdown with more than 750 active projects and 450 that were recently completed, according to a new report released by Proleads Global, a research company based in Dubai. ... Read More
Downtown Jebel Ali Development Looking Good as Banks Sign On

Posted by Alma Kadragic 07/29/09 1:00 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- As Dubai expands to the south and Abu Dhabi to the north, one of the places in between is Jebel Ali, site of a huge free trade zone and the future largest airport in the world. Read More
American Architect Designs Iconic Projects

Posted by Alma Kadragic 05/23/09 12:31 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Catching up with architect Gregory Dungan AIA isn't the easiest thing because he's moving most of the time and spends around 50 percent of each year traveling ... Read More

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Abu Dhabi Winning Chunk of Middle East Travel at Arabian Travel Market

Posted by Alma Kadragic 05/08/09 10:29 AM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- While much of the world's tourism business is down in the dumps, the Middle East is doing well especially the emirate of Abu Dhabi. On the last day of Arabian Travel Market ... Read More
Abu Dhabi Projects Win Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in the Middle East

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/20/09 3:50 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- Architectural excellence and energy efficiency were rewarded last night as the Abu Dhabi Capital City District and Masdar City won Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in the Middle East.Winners of Cityscape Awards for Real Estate in... Read More
UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Briefed on Top Projects at Cityscape

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/20/09 3:40 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The UAE's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, got an advance look at major projects from companies exhibiting at Cityscape Abu Dhabi today. The biggest number of exhibitors are from Abu Dhabi emirate, but... Read More
Abu Dhabi Unveils Plan for Capital District at Cityscape

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/20/09 8:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- Cityscape Abu Dhabi opened this morning with a visit by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He was briefed on the massive... Read More
Cityscape Abu Dhabi Opens Tomorrow

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/18/09 10:51 PM

(ABU DHABI. U.A.E.) -- Despite the global economic problems, Cityscape Abu Dhabi opens Sunday bigger than a year ago and better according to the organizers. Exhibition space at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center has increased by more than 30... Read More
Team Abu Dhabi in First Race of Red Bull World Championship

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/14/09 2:22 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The U.A.E. capital continues to collect sports sponsorships at home and abroad from Formula 1 to Manchester City. Today came the announcement that Hannes Arch, the current world champion, has signed up to create Team Abu... Read More
Etihad Takes Formula 1 to the Skies

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/14/09 2:10 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- On November 1, Abu Dhabi's first grand prix takes place at the brand new Yas Marina track on Yas Island outside the city. As title sponsor, Etihad Airways is adding the Formula 1 logo to its... Read More
Etihad Launches Cyprus Service with Holiday Packages

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/13/09 3:11 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- Beginning in June travelers to Cyprus, Athens, and Istanbul will be able to take direct flights from Abu Dhabi and enjoy special vacation deals from Etihad Holidays, a division of Etihad Airlines. Cyprus When flights to... Read More
Nakheel Opens First One & Only Resort in South Africa

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/13/09 2:55 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Nakheel Hotels opened its first One & Only resort in South Africa last week. Like the world-famous Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, the One & Only in Cape Town is the result of a partnership with Kerzner International.... Read More
Nakheel and Amburaya Hotels in Thai Resort Joint Venture

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/03/09 10:00 AM

(BANGKOK, THAILAND) -- As the Dubai real estate market remains uncertain, Nakheel, one of the emirate's two master developers, is looking to the Far East. Today Nakheel Hotels and Amburaya Hotels & Resorts announced a joint venture to create a W-branded luxury ... Read More
Etihad Airlines Wins Best Business Class Award

Posted by Alma Kadragic 04/02/09 4:22 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- Etihad Airways jumped four places to win the 2009 award for the best business class in the world. Last year the airline placed fifth. The award was the result of votes cast by 16 million air... Read More
Nakheel Communities Make a Difference during Earth Hour

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/30/09 7:33 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Residents in Nakheel's communities turned off the lights during Earth Hour Saturday after being encouraged by the developer. Read More
Sustainable Model Villas at alghadeer Sorouh on Abu Dhabi-Dubai Border

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/27/09 12:59 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- One of Abu Dhabi's leading real estate developers is planning for the future when the two main cities of the UAE are expected to look more like one metropolitan area. This week Sorouh Real Estate PJSC... Read More
6th Annual Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival Opens

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/23/09 8:00 AM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- The 6th Annual Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival opened tonight at the Emirates Palace auditorium with an opera gala featuring Angela Gheorghiu, one of the world's most dynamic sopranos. Angela Gheorghiu Partnering with tenor Jonas... Read More
61 New Hotels Valued at $8.8 Billion in Gulf by end 2010

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/15/09 6:00 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Sixty-one new hotels are due to go on line by the end of 2010 in the countries of the Arabian Gulf, according to a new survey released today. The total value of the properties is $8.8 billion.Maggie... Read More
Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival April 3-4

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/03/09 3:20 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Good news for dragon boaters in the Middle East or anywhere if they are willing to travel. The Dubai International Dragon Boat Festival that started last year is back the weekend of April 3-4 in Festival Marina. ... Read More
Cirque de Soleil and Alegria Back in Dubai for a Month

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/03/09 3:11 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- Cirque de Soleil opens its touring show Alegria tomorrow in Dubai in a big tent outside Ibn Battuta Mall. Shoppers there got a preview last weekend as some of the performers came out of the big top... Read More
Free Berths at Anchor Marina for Some Dubai Boat Show Visitors

Posted by Alma Kadragic 03/03/09 3:02 PM

(DUBAI, U.A.E.) -- The Middle East's largest boat show opened in Dubai today with a special bonus for visitors to the Island Global Yachting (IGY) booth. For filling out a form, they get a week free berthing for their boat... Read More
Five Abu Dhabi Developers Join for $10 Billion Project in Jordan

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/27/09 1:53 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- Five Abu Dhabi developers have teamed up to invest $10 billion in a waterfront project in Aqaba, Jordan. It will be the largest tourism and real estate project in the history of the country.Named Marsa Zayed... Read More
Abu Dhabi to Show Off Culture and Sustainability at Cityscape, April 19-22

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/27/09 12:53 PM

(ABU DHABI, U.A.E.) -- While many of the world's real estate projects are frozen as the credit crisis unfolds, there are places where development continues. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, has bet at least some of... Read More
Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airlines and International Airport Keep Growing

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/06/09 7:48 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE)-- More than nine million passengers traveled through Abu Dhabi International Airport in 2008, an increase of 30 percent over 2007. The increase reflects the continuing prosperity of Abu Dhabi, the growth in business and tourism despite the... Read More
Nakheel's Week: Good News and Bad News for Dubai Developer

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/05/09 4:01 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- This was the week that Nakheel announced it was handing over 300 homes at Jumeirah Village. The development which will be completed in 2013 will ultimately house some 300,000 people. Read More
Half of UAE Construction Projects Delayed Says Report

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/05/09 2:07 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- According to a new report to be published Sunday, more than half of the construction projects in real estate, infrastructure, and leisure Read More
Moody's May Downgrade Emaar and Five Other Dubai Firms

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/03/09 5:07 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Moody's Investors Service said yesterday it is looking at six major Dubai government companies to decide if their ratings should be downgraded. Read More
Program for Sixth Annual Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival Announced Today

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/03/09 1:15 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) -- For the sixth year, the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival features a stellar line up led by tenor Andrea Bocelli who is coming to the UAE for the first time and a repeat appearance by... Read More
Nakheel to Complete 1042 Homes at Waterfront's Badrah Section in 2009

Posted by Alma Kadragic 02/02/09 11:31 AM

(DUBAI, UAE)-- This year Nakheel plans to complete more than 1000 homes in Badrah, the first gateway to Waterfront, the world's largest seaside master planned development. Waterfront is slated to house 1.5 million people and cover more than twice... Read More
Pros Test Drive Golf's New Most Challenging Mile in Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/27/09 11:08 PM

(DUBAI) -- The stars came to Earth today at Jumeirah Golf Estates where the Dubai World Championship takes place in November. Read More
Monorail Opens Route from First to Last Stations on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/27/09 10:21 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- It won't open officially until April this year but last week VIPs from Nakheel and Dubai's Road Transport Authority (RTA) took the first ride on the long awaited monorail that will serve people living or vacationing on... Read More
Nakheel Keeps Going in Tough Times

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/11/09 10:04 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- The economic climate is tougher than it used to be for Nakheel, one of Dubai's two giant developers, but this week the company reached a milestone at Waterfront and extended a helping hand to The World or... Read More
Dubai Hotels Cut Prices as Visitors Are No-Shows

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/10/09 5:38 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- Hotels and hotel chains with properties in Dubai aren't used to normal times. For the past few years, they've benefited from a boon in tourism and business that filled their rooms. During the big expos like Cityscape and the Dubai Air Show, hotel rooms went up and up in price and the visitors paid because they had no choice. Read More
Is Nakheel Preparing IPO?

Posted by Alma Kadragic 01/05/09 9:00 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- What is Nakheel, one of Dubai's two biggest developers, up to in London? Are the rumors true? Whoever knows for sure isn't talking, but according to a report in the Sunday Telegraph, the company is considering an initial public offering to raise up to $15 billion. Read More
Dubai Says It's OK as Stock Exchange Declines

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/26/08 10:17 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- When Dubai's stock exchange closed Thursday for the weekend, it was down to its lowest point since August 2004. Leading developers including Emaar, the biggest, contributed to the tumble that has been going on for several months.... Read More
Nakheel Says It Can Fund Current Projects but Not New Ones

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/23/08 5:30 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) -- As experts question where Dubai's real estate market is going, the CEO of Nakheel, one of the biggest and flashiest developers in the emirate, tried to calm fears at a meeting with reporters today. Chris O'Donnell said that Nakheel has no problem funding current projects but will not start new ones because the company has not made sales in the past two months. Read More
Dubai's Nakheel Recognized for Atlantis Opening and QE2 Arrival

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/22/08 9:00 AM

(DUBAI) -- Today the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper recognized two recent events in Dubai among the top-ten travel and tourism milestones of 2008. At number six was the spectacular opening of the Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah which tied with... Read More
Singapore Airlines to Fly Daily to Abu Dhabi

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/19/08 7:32 PM

(ABU DHABI) - Many of the world's airlines are cutting back on the number of flights, but in the UAE air traffic continues to increase. The latest evidence is the announcement by Singapore Airlines that it will fly to Abu... Read More
First of Leisurecorp's Big Three Tournaments Starts in South Africa

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/17/08 7:05 PM

(CAPE TOWN, South Africa) -- A three continent trio of international golf tournaments gets under way today in Cape Town at Leisurecorp's Pearl Valley Golf Estates with the 99th South African Open Championship. The South African Open is Africa's oldest tournament. Read More
MAG 218 Tower Growing on Schedule in Dubai

Posted by Alma Kadragic 12/01/08 8:37 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Among the slowdowns and cutbacks in Dubai real estate, it's important to remember that some developments are continuing on schedule. One example is the MAG 218 residential tower in Dubai Marina that is now 75 percent complete... Read More
Nakheel Announces Cuts in Projects and Employees

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/30/08 9:07 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Nakheel, one of Dubai's leading developers, has been in the news the past two weeks for the starry opening of the Atlantis resort and the arrival of QE2 to its new home on Palm Jumeirah. But today Nakheel is in the news for making cutbacks. Read More
First Corporate Jet Airport in Middle East Opens

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/29/08 2:57 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - The new City Airport, Abu Dhabi is the first private jet airport in the Middle East and North Africa. Situated at the former Al Bateen Airbase, City Airport is five kilometers from the central business district... Read More
QE2's Arrival Another Reason to Party

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/26/08 4:33 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - They like to do things big here, and the arrival of QE2 after 16 days at sea was a good reason to throw a party especially as the UAE is celebrating its 37th National Day on December... Read More
Abu Dhabi Airport Increases Passengers by 33%

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/25/08 6:25 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - While air travel has slowed down in much of the world, passenger numbers at Abu Dhabi International Airport are up 32.8 percent in 2008. At this rate, more than nine million people will have traveled to,... Read More
QE2's Last Voyage to New Life as a Hotel

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/25/08 6:03 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Perhaps the most famous ocean liner in the world is on her way to a permanent home at Palm Jumeirah, one of Dubai's famous artificial islands, to begin a new life as an ultra luxury hotel. When... Read More
Stars and Fireworks Mark Atlantis Opening

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/24/08 12:39 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - It was a big night in Dubai yesterday, perhaps the most celebrities in one place since the Oscars and definitely the most spectacular fireworks since the opening of the Beijing Olympic games last summer, all for the... Read More
Countdown to Richest Golf Tournament on Earth

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/20/08 10:00 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - One year from now the world's richest golf tournament begins in Dubai on the brand new Greg Norman course called Earth with a total of $20 million in prizes. The Dubai World Championship in 2009 will be open to the 60 golfers with the best season record in the Race for Dubai that will replace the current European Tour Order of Merit series of tournaments. Read More
Trump Ocean Club Panama Targets Middle East Clients

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/19/08 12:33 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - For those interested in buying real estate, Dubai is a year round shopping festival, and what's on offer is around the world as well as in the Middle East. At the recent Worldwide Property Show, agents showed... Read More
Is Dubai's Property Boom Over or Just Back to Normal?

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/17/08 5:17 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - For the first time in several years, property prices in Dubai are falling, as much as 19 percent in October over the previous month according to a report issued this week by HSBC Holdings PLC. The lower prices are related to the worldwide credit crisis and to local problems including accusations of corruption at some big developers and mortgage lenders. Read More
Minthis Hills: A New Way to Live on Timeless Cyprus

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/15/08 5:06 PM

(CYPRUS) - The whole world comes to Dubai to sell property, and as the once-overheated UAE market cools, international investors and vacation seekers attend property fairs in Dubai to find places like Minthis Hills in Cyprus, a luxurious development of... Read More
Nakheel Building 3 Bridges from Mainland to Palm Deira

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/14/08 3:24 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - As work continues on Palm Jumeirah and its other major developments in Dubai, Nakheel is building the first of three bridges to connect the mainland with Palm Deira, another project involving manmade islands positioned to form a... Read More
ArtParis-Abu Dhabi Back for Second Year

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/13/08 10:54 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - In another sign of Abu Dhabi's determination to be the cultural capital of the Middle East, ArtParis-Abu Dhabi is returning for the second year, bigger and organizers say better than last time with 57 galleries from... Read More
Emaar Chairman Stays Bullish on Dubai Property

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/11/08 9:24 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Mohamed Alabbar, CEO of Emaar Properties, used his platform as co-chairman of a prestigious summit of global financial leaders over the weekend to express confidence in the economic soundness of Dubai and real estate in Dubai. Mohamed... Read More
Emaar Gives Mortgage Payers More Time

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/07/08 10:07 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Even in the UAE where the world crisis in liquidity has been answered by sizable injections of money into the banking systems, some are feeling a pinch in available credit that they haven't experienced during the past... Read More
Economic Slowdown May Affect Dubai Mall

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/07/08 9:37 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Today is the beginning of weekend sales at Dubai Mall, so crowds are expected to fill the stores and food outlets ready to serve customers. In the UAE, the weekend is Friday and Saturday with Friday roughly... Read More
Emaar Announces Slowdown in Saudi Arabian Flagship Project due to Tight Credit

Posted by Alma Kadragic 11/01/08 5:45 PM

(SAUDI ARABIA) - In a report published by London-based MEED (Middle East Economic Digest) magazine late yesterday, an Emaar official said that because of a shortage of credit in Saudi Arabia, work on King Abdullah Economic City is being delayed.... Read More
Eco Towers Project Launch: First Platinum Rated Building in Middle East

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/29/08 4:22 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - Today's launch of the dual Eco Towers demonstrates a new level of concern about the environment in the Middle East and continuing faith in the economy of Abu Dhabi at a time when real estate investment... Read More
Dubai Mall Opening Postponed Again: New Date is November 4

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/29/08 2:59 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - The opening of Dubai Mall, the largest shopping center in the Middle East, has been postponed again because traffic systems, telephones, and some stores are not ready. The original opening date of August 28 was pushed back... Read More
Emirates Airlines' New Terminal Ready for More Tourists as Flights to the US Increase

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/29/08 6:38 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - The world's largest airport terminal, Dubai's Terminal 3 or T3, is approaching full function today as Emirates Airlines begins routing 60 percent of its arrivals and departures through the new facility. Opened two weeks ago on October... Read More
World's Largest Mall Opens in Dubai Thursday

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/24/08 1:38 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Dubai Mall's12 million sq ft of shopping includes more than 1200 stores and 120 food and beverage outlets, an Olympic size ice rink, the Aquarium and Discovery Center, the world's largest indoor gold market or souk, 22 cinemas, a SEGA Republic videogame center, and KidZania, a children's edu-tainment facility. Read More
After Cityscape: 14th Worldwide Property Show Opens in Dubai Today

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/23/08 11:30 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Included are 85 exhibitors from 32 countries at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and companies from Australia, the Middle East, Turkey, Europe, and the US. Read More
Future Formula One Track Shows Abu Dhabi's Commitment to Lifestyle Marketing

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/22/08 6:40 PM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - The Formula 1 track is related to Abu Dhabi's attempt to attract wealthy visitors, both tourists and potential investors by allying itself to top sports brands. Read More

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Nakheel May Follow Emaar to Saudi Arabian Projects

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/11/08 3:11 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Big developers in the UAE are looking at opportunities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Read More
Cityscape Dubai Closes after Four Days and Record 70,000 Visitors

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/09/08 5:32 PM

(DUBAI, UAE) - Cityscape offers access to some of the wealthiest and most liquid property investors in the world. Read More
Cityscape Dubai, Oct.6-10: World's Biggest Business To Business Real Estate Event Opens

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/05/08 11:50 AM

(DUBAI, UAE) - 1000 exhibitors have signed up, according to the organizers, and they expect at least 60,000 participants from 150 countries during the four days of Cityscape. Read More
2nd Annual Middle East Film Festival Boosts Abu Dhabi As Region's Cultural Capital

Posted by Alma Kadragic 10/03/08 8:08 AM

(ABU DHABI, UAE) - This "cultural project" is the decision by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to focus on attracting high net worth investors and visitors. Read More