NEWS

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the emirate is recovering after state-controlled holding company Dubai World reached a debt restructuring settlement with creditors. Dubai’s vision is unchanged after projects such as Meydan’s racecourse and Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building developed by Emaar Properties, were completed on schedule, Sheikh Mohammed said. “All the projects that were there are going ahead,” although some may be delayed for six months to a year, he said.

Little noticed in the furore over the state of facilities for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi and in particular the Athletes’ Village is that the contractor who built the Village is the Dubai developer behind the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. You might think there were two odd things about this. One is that it has been little noticed. The other is that there is something of a contrast between the glitz of the Burj Khalifa, with its Dubaian (Dubish?) trappings of expensive souvenirs, Armani hotel and Armani-designed apartments up for sale, and Delhi’s “filthy” rooms and unworking toilets.

Middle East aviation executives James Hogan and Samer Majali were amongst the winners at this year’s CEO Awards in Dubai. The event, which took place at The Armani Hotel on 20th September, brought together over 240 senior figureheads to recognise the outstanding achievements of industry leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in the region. Meanwhile, Gulf Air boss Samer Majali – also in attendance – picked up the award for “Aviation CEO of the Year,” with the judges saying Majali “has probably had to make more difficult decisions than anyone else in this room tonight.”

Drake & Scull boss Khaldoun Tabari has scooped the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the CEO Middle East Awards. Tabari was presented with the award at a special ceremony held on Monday night at The Armani Hotel, Dubai. The judges remarked that “under Tabari’s stewardship Drake & Scull has become one of the Gulf region’s most prominent MEP contractors.”

Also, the terrace is so structured that guests can be entertained by the amazing views of the water fountains, the glittering marvel Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall while relishing their dinner." He adds, "The design elements of the lounge area and terrace are extraordinary and will compliment the dining and bar area of Karma Kafe. With the Buddha-Bar brand we strive to capture the attention of each Karma Kafe’s guest by combining amazing taste sensation, a tranquil vibe and authentic oriental decorations in order to deliver an unsurpassed experience."

Sculpted like a sand dune, the much-acclaimed UAE pavilion, which was rated as one of the most popular pavilions at the Shanghai World Expo, has added the immensely popular attraction – a model of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. Visitors to the UAE's unique pavilion are mesmerised by the tall showcase displaying the eye-catching model, which was provided by the Burj Khalifa's developer, Emaar Properties, the global property developer with significant presence in key international markets.

"Vacancies will continue to rise across the Dubai market in the short term, as the level of office stock increases ahead of demand," the property consultancy firm said in a report. Demand for office space in Dubai is centered on two locations, it says: the financial district, which includes the Dubai International Finance Center and Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower, and the TECOM freezone, which includes Media City and Internet City.

The Women Committee, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has recently held a unique entertainment tour for as many as 120 RTA female employees and wives of RTA employees, to the top of Burj Khalifa during which they enjoyed a thrilling sky-high view of the Dubai City from the tallest man-made structure in the planet. The tour, which will remain live in the memories of all participants, included taking a lunch high in the sky, attending water shows, a tour of the tower and taking memorable photos.

It was the first of its kind, which means The Armani Hotel's Armani/Privé club just has to keep pushing the boundaries. Introducing the all-mysterious From the Speakers opening night tonight from 10.30pm.

The mastermind behind the LEGO Architecture: Towering Ambition exhibit is Adam Reed Tucker, a trained architect and longtime LEGO enthusiast. He began experimenting with LEGOs as a medium for his art back in 2003, and the result is nothing short of spectacular: 15 famous buildings made entirely from LEGO bricks.