NEWS

In a sunny gallery on the second floor of the museum, compelling large-scale reproductions of the Empire State Building, the Sears Tower (the Chicago landmark now known as the Willis Tower) and the current highest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, stand next to one another, as if relocated to form an ideal city of overachieving architecture. The Burj Khalifa model, which took 340 hours to build, is 17 1/2 feet high and incorporates 450,300 bricks.

The highlight of second quarter 2010 was the opening of the world's first Armani Hotel in Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. In addition, the handover of units in Burj Khalifa started during the quarter with approximately 24% handed over until June end. In the process of implementing the strategy of concentrating on its core business, Emaar transferred the Hamptons International business in the UK, Europe and Asia to Countrywide at a consideration, which was similar to the purchase value of the business (in Sterling terms) it acquired in 2006.

Dubai’s economy passed important milestones yesterday as the Dubai World conglomerate presented its final debt restructuring plan to bankers while the emirate’s largest developer posted a big rise in quarterly profits. After more than a year of subdued property sales, Emaar Properties posted a net profit of Dh802 million (US$218.3m) for the second quarter after a loss of Dh1.2 billion in the same period last year. Profits also rose 6 per cent from the first quarter this year as homes were delivered in Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world.

Emaar Properties, the developer behind the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, reported second quarter sales of AED 2.6 billion (US$ 722 million), up +37% on the AED 1.9 billion (US$ 528 million) recorded for the same period last year. Pre-tax profits for the quarter rose to AED 896 million (US$ 244 million) up from AED 390000 (US$ 106000) 12 months ago.

Maybe the Ritz-Carlton saw the Armani Hotel Dubai in the Burj Khalifa--the current tallest building in the world--as a challenge. Or, maybe the hotel group just wanted to create some local competition with the Park Hyatt Shanghai (to date the highest rooftop observation deck in Asia).

This relentless reiteration of the brand starts in the lobby of the Armani Hotel Dubai, where a series of bronze columns arch overhead, meeting at a point to create a towering collection of artful As. Beneath the arches, mirroring their shape, lie two oversized sofas. The combined result is a consciously contemporary, highly fashionable take on the traditional majlis. Armani Hotel Dubai occupies floors concourse to eight, as well as levels 38 and 39 of Burj Khalifa.

Hot Hoteliers is holding its next networking event at Armani Prive at the Armani Hotel Dubai. Attendees are invited to explore the VIP lounge, which features a resident DJ and overlooks the Dubai Fountain. Hospitality industry employees are welcome on July 26 from 7:30.

The Chicago-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill was recognised for its work on the Burj Khalifa, which was opened this year. The world’s tallest building, it stands 828 metres high. Construction on the skyscraper started in 2004 and was completed in October 2009.

Al Shaer praised the efforts of the corporate sponsors and their support for the course that have effectively contributed to its success and effectiveness, and these supporters included Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium, Kidzania, Knowledge and Human Development Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, and Modern Bakery

The Palace — The Old Town has introduced complimentary in-room fitness kits to guest rooms. The indoor kit includes an exercise DVD, Swiss ball, medicine ball, dumbbell set, exercise mat and resistance band, with personal trainers available on request to conduct training sessions in guest rooms.