Category: Business Segments

The Emirates Classic Car Festival returns to Downtown Dubai from March 24 to 27. Bigger and better than ever, over 300 classic cars, motorbikes and trucks, some over 100 years old, will take centre stage at the eighth edition of the festival which is widely regarded as the Middle East’s premier showcase of classic cars.

Organised by Emaar Properties, in association with the Automobile & Touring Club of United Arab Emirates (ATCUAE) and the UAE Ministry of Culture, Youth & Community Development, the Emirates Classic Car Festival will enthral auto-enthusiasts of all levels with an unparalleled showcase of automobile-excellence and a packed programme of exciting events, set against the glorious backdrop of Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

In its largest edition to date, the Emirates Classic Car Festival will open doors for visitors to a spectacular breadth of classic European and American cars, motorbikes and trucks by world-renowned manufacturers including Mercedes, Bentley, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin, Harley Davidson and Chevrolet. The vehicles, dating from 1916 to 1986, will be featured along Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

Several of the cars and motorbikes at the festival come from the private collections of classic car enthusiasts in the UAE, while a number of them have been flown in from across the GCC, the wider Middle East, Europe and the US.

The festival’s opening ceremony will be held on March 24, 4pm, at Emaar Pavilion, Downtown Dubai. Following the ribbon cutting, VIP guests will be treated to a tour of an exclusive photography exhibition and a preview of this year’s cars.

Open to public, the Emirates Classic Car Festival has been expanded for 2016 and will now also feature movie screenings on classic cars at Emaar Pavilion and live restorations of a 1926 Ford Model T Coupe and 1974 Honda CB 550 in front of VIDA Downtown Dubai. The restored car and motorcycle will be presented and driven down the red carpet at the end of the festival.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, said: “The Emirates Classic Car Festival has become a highlight of the Dubai social calendar. It is an unmatched opportunity for auto-enthusiasts of all ages to come together to celebrate the aesthetic brilliance and evolution of the ‘classic car’ and we are very pleased to welcome more models than ever this year. Furthermore, with the addition of live restorations, a photography exhibition and movie screenings, the eighth edition of the festival is the biggest and most exciting to date, underlining Downtown Dubai as the lifestyle and cultural destination in the city.”

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE, said: “Once again the Emirates Classic Car Festival will provide a wonderful opportunity for UAE enthusiasts and international participants to share their passion for beautiful and historic vehicles. It is very encouraging to see how the event continues to expand, with new features added this year, and I’m especially looking forward to the live restorations.”

The cars will be evaluated by a panel of judges, including automobile experts, for a number of prizes based on criteria including upkeep, value, originality, uniqueness, finishes, and visual aesthetics. The public will also have the opportunity to vote for their classic car of choice during their visit to the festival. Voting opens on March 24 and the winners will be honoured at the closing ceremony on March 26 at 4pm at Emaar Pavilion.

This year, the Emirates Classic Car Festival has introduced an exciting new category to the awards; the ‘Concours d’Elegance’. This will recognise cars that have been given upholstery, paint, plating and mechanical restoration to a standard that far exceeds that of the car when it was in ‘mint’ condition (when it left the factory).

The Emirates Classic Car Festival is free to visit and is one of the headlining events held in Downtown Dubai, a thriving lifestyle destination, described as ‘The Centre of Now.’

Emaar Properties PJSC, the global property developer, will mark Earth Hour 2016 on March 19, with its developments and lifestyle communities taking part in the global initiative to raise awareness on energy conservation and climate change.

The event, held this year under the theme, ‘Shine a Light on Climate Action,’ is a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative to encourage the world to reduce its energy consumption and usage of power for one hour, by switching off all non-essential lights from 8:30pm to 9:30pm.

The iconic assets of Emaar including Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain, Dubai Marina Mall, Souk Al Bahar, Gold & Diamond Park and The Address Hotels + Resorts, as well as new construction projects such as Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills Estate and residents in various lifestyle communities will observe Earth Hour by switching off all non-essential external and internal lighting and appliances. Only lighting that is essential for security and safety will be maintained.

Additionally, Emaar has urged its employees to support the initiative on an individual level in their homes and to take part in the social media campaign launched by WWF in this regard.

‘Earth Hour’ is an annual event that brings together hundreds of organisations and thousands of people, all actively participatingin this mass call to action for a greener world.

The iconic Burj Khalifa has unveiled a new attraction that will spellbind visitors to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the popular observation deck on Level 124. A brand-new spiral flight is now open connecting Levels 124 and Levels 125.

While Level 124 is home to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the observation deck that opened in 2010, Level 125 is part of the At the Top Burj Khalifa SKY journey that takes visitors to the World’s Highest Observation Deck on Level 148.

However, from now, visitors who opt for the At the Top, Burj Khalifa experience can also tour Level 125 free of cost with the opening of the new spiral flight, effectively doubling their delight.

Premium ticket holders to At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY now have the opportunity to visit all three levels 124, 125 and 148, which is the crowning glory at 555 metres high. Each of the levels offers a distinguished experience.

They will now have additional space to move about and absorb views of the city, especially during sunset, when the attraction is at its busiest.

The spiral flight, with 36 steps in white oak and spanning a length of 100 metres, is adorned with a crystal LED chandelier, and enclosed in a glass clad facade that open to scintillating views of the city.

After enjoying the views from Level 124, visitors can now explore one level higher, which serves as a tribute to Arab arts and culture. The entire level is slickly designed and features a Masharabiya motif as part of the décor’s central theme.

Here, visitors can take in 360 degree views of the city with signature Viewfinders enabling them to explore the city in vivid details. ‘Dubai – A Falcon’s Eye View’ is another not-to-miss attraction at Level 125 that allows visitors to witness Dubai with an entirely unique perspective.

The construction of the spiral flight too is a construction marvel accomplished with no intrusion into the existing services. Work was undertaken through 24-hour shifts in 1,200 man-hours and conceptualized by deploying 3D modelling techniques.

The spiral flight is built with 60 metric tonnes of steel, 700 square metres of glass, and 350 sq metres of stainless steel cladding. At any point in time, 150 people can pass through the stairway.

Ticket prices are currently an average of AED 125 for At the Top, Burj Khalifa, and AED 500 for At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY. For bookings, log on to: https://tickets.atthetop.ae/atthetop/Step0_BookingInfo.aspx

Tickets can also be purchased from the starting point of the At the Top, Burj Khalifa journey at The Dubai Mall. For more information please call, 800 AT THE TOP (288 438 67) or visit: www.atthetop.ae

Emaar Properties saluted Kuwait and its people on the occasion of the Kuwaiti National Day with a spectacular illumination of Burj Khalifa in the colours of the National Flags of Kuwait and the UAE.

Through the colourful illumination, Emaar joined the UAE’s leadership and people in extending their felicitations to the leadership and people of Kuwait on the joyous occasion. It also marks a visual expression of the spirit of solidarity across the GCC region.

At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), Burj Khalifa holds the Guinness World Records for the Tallest Building, the Tallest Man-made Structure on Land Ever, Highest Restaurant from Ground Level for At.mosphere and the World’s Highest Observation Deck for At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY. For more information, please visit: www.burjkhalifa.ae

World’s tallest building launches new educational programme for schools

At the Top, Burj Khalifa is launching ‘360 Degrees of Learning’, a unique programme for school children designed to educate them on the world’s tallest building. As the region’s iconic landmark, Burj Khalifa is an engineering marvel that serves as inspiration to ambitious kids on the power of hard work and believing in your dreams.

School groups taking part in ‘360 Degrees of Learning’ can choose between a standard visit to At the Top, Burj Khalifa Level 124 or quite literally take learning to new heights, by holding their first lesson of the day in a special classroom on Level 125.

As part of ‘360 Degrees of Learning’ children will watch a fun and informative documentary that takes them through Dubai’s exotic heritage and tells the story behind the inspiration and construction of Burj Khalifa, as well as detailing some jaw dropping statistics about the world’s tallest building.

Once the film concludes, kids can then test their knowledge on Burj Khalifa with a series of interactive challenges that have been designed especially to encourage team work. A set of age specific work sheets have also been created that can be used by schools after the visit for projects and follow-up work.

For more information, please visit: www.burjkhalifa.ae

Did You Know?

• At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the 200 plus storey Burj Khalifa has 160 habitable levels, the most of any building in the world.

• The building holds four Guinness World Records; the Tallest Building, the Tallest Man-made Structure on Land Ever, the ‘Highest Observation Deck’ for ‘At the Top’ and Highest Restaurant from Ground Level for At.mosphere.

• Burj Khalifa is three times the height of the Eiffel Tower and twice the height of the Empire State Building.

• There are 57 elevators within the tower, with the fastest one travelling at a speed of 10 meters per second.

Rove Hotels reflect Dubai’s cosmopolitan cultural identityRove At The Park complements the appeal of upcoming Dubai Parks and Resorts Theme Park DestinationOne of 10 Rove Hotels being developed by 2020
Rove Hotels, the contemporary lifestyle hotel brand developed as a joint venture between global property developer Emaar Properties and Meraas, a Dubai-based leading holding company, is set to expand its portfolio with a new property, Rove At The Park, adjacent to Dubai Parks and Resorts, the region’s upcoming largest integrated theme park destination taking shape in Jebel Ali.

Rove Hotels will define a new niche in Dubai’s hospitality sector and celebrate the quintessence of the city with its unique approach of delivering value hospitality experiences for the young in age and young-at-heart global traveller, who explore without borders. Rove Hotels plans to operate 10 hotels with over 2,660 keys to support the ongoing preparation for Expo 2020 Dubai. The first property – the brand’s maiden initiative in the region, Rove Downtown Dubai – is scheduled to open in the coming months at a central location in the city.

The new 458-room Rove At The Park will be strategically located off Sheikh Zayed Road, close to Palm Jebel Ali midway between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports. It will complement the ambience offered by the three theme parks and water park which are part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts destination.

Dubai Parks and Resorts will become the region’s largest integrated theme park destination, set to open in 2016. This resort comprises three separate theme parks: motiongate™ Dubai, a Hollywood movie inspired theme park showcasing some of Hollywood’s most beloved characters from DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures Studios and Lionsgate; LEGOLAND® Dubai, the first LEGOLAND theme park in the Middle East; and Bollywood Parks™ Dubai, a first-of-its-kind entertainment destination that will showcase the authentic Bollywood movie experience. In addition LEGOLAND® Water Park, the region’s first water park catering to families with children 2-12 will also open on the site. The destination will also host the Lapita™ Hotel, a Polynesian-themed hotel, and Riverland™ Dubai, a centrally located retail, dining and entertainment district that serves as the gateway to the resort.

Chris Newman, Corporate Director of Operations at Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “Rove At The Park, our latest hotel within the vicinity of Dubai Parks and Resorts, the region’s largest multi-themed leisure and entertainment destination, underlines the spirit of partnership in supporting Dubai Plan 2021 and Dubai Tourism Vision 2020 announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

He added: “A young and trendy brand, Rove Hotels defines a new dimension in the evolution of the city’s hospitality sector. Integrating innovation, sophistication and cultural enrichment, the new Rove property will deliver incredible value as it prepares to welcome guests from around the world, particularly leisure travelers who will arrive in the area to experience Dubai Parks and Resorts’ world-class leisure attractions. We are keen to leverage the significant business opportunity within the proximity of Dubai Parks and Resorts that is set to catalyse Dubai’s leisure and tourism sector.”

Meaning ‘to traverse,’ Rove infuses 21st century innovation with sophistication, and serves as a tech-savvy, social and cultural hub for international explorers. The new property will also reflect all the value propositions that make the brand unique in Dubai’s hospitality sector.

The hotel will sport a contemporary and urban design with Arabesque elements and display local art-pieces throughout the public areas. Assuring a high-tech environment, the new property will have a spaciously designed lobby and lounge, elegantly designed rooms, starting at 26 sq metres and featuring a 42 inch TV screen complete with media hub, designer mattresses and a modern bathroom.

Thirty percent of the rooms will be interconnected making the property a family-friendly destination. The hotel will also serve fresh, locally produced culinary creations and introduce distinctive dining out destinations, including an all-day restaurant.

Rove Hotels across its portfolio will feature a Rove App on smartphones and self-check-in station to reduce guest waiting time. Guests will also be offered the convenience of late check-outs.

In addition to an advanced business centre, a 24-hour gym, pool, sun deck and a self-service laundromat are some of the other features at Rove properties. A 24-hour convenience store will offer a wide selection of day-to-day amenities, fresh food and the choicest snacks.

Rove Hotels adds to the spectrum of lifestyle hospitality experiences offered by Emaar Hospitality Group through its popular hotel brands – The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts, as well as a range of leisure assets and a dedicated Lifestyle Dining division.

Full-year revenue grows 33% to AED 13.661 billion (US$ 3.719 billion)Recurring revenue from shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure businesses in 2015 records 8% increase to AED 5.788 billion (US$ 1.576 billion)Net operating profit for Q4 2015 was AED 1.335 billion (US$ 363 million), 58% higher than Q3 2015 and 28% higher than Q4 2014Total sales value of residential units in 2015 at AED 15.28 billion (US$ 4.16 billion)
Dubai, UAE; February 10, 2016: Global developer Emaar Properties PJSC recorded full-year 2015 net operating profit of AED 4.383 billion (US$ 1.193 billion), 18 per cent higher than the FY2014 net operating profit of AED 3.724 billion (US$1.014 billion).

Emaar achieved full-year 2015 revenue of AED 13.661 billion (US$ 3.719 billion). This is 33 per cent higher than FY2014 revenues of AED 10.301 billion (US$ 2.805 billion).

The shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure businesses recorded recurring revenues of AED 5.788 billion (US$ 1.576 billion), 42 per cent of the total revenue. This is 8 per cent higher than the FY2014 revenue from the two businesses at AED 5.367 billion (US$ 1.461 billion).

Revenue from international operations of Emaar, which has an impressive footprint across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and USA increased by 46 per cent to AED 2.620 billion (US$ 713 million) compared to AED 1.791 billion (US$ 488 million) in FY2014. Emaar’s international operations now account for 19 per cent of the total revenue.

Emaar’s net operating profit for the final quarter (October to December) 2015 was AED 1.335 billion (US$ 363 million), 58 per cent higher than the third-quarter (July to September) 2015 figures of AED 843 million (US$ 230 million) and 28 per cent higher than same period last year. Revenue for Q4 2015 was AED 3.812 billion (US$ 1.038 billion), 15 per cent more than the Q3 2015 revenue of AED 3.329 billion (US$ 906 million) and 58 per cent higher than same period last year.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the positive growth is underpinned by Emaar’s strategy of creating long-term value for its stakeholders by developing premium real estate assets and strengthening its shopping malls & hospitality businesses which provide a recurring revenue stream that supports the company’s sustainable growth plan.

“Our businesses benefited from the positive performance of Dubai’s economy with the core sectors of retail, hospitality, tourism and aviation setting impressive milestones in 2015. We will continue to support the goals of Dubai Plan 2021 announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as the preferred place to live, work and visit. The expansion of our flagship Downtown Dubai, which will see the opening of Dubai Opera this year, and our joint venture mega-developments such as Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills Estate, will further contribute to the smart and sustainable urban infrastructure of the city.”

“Our diversified development approach and the emphasis we place on world-class project management enable us to address market challenges efficiently. Through resource use optimisation and by focusing on maximising efficiency across all our operations, we will continue to build on our growth during 2016,” added Mr. Alabbar.

Strong property sales

During 2015, demand for residential property in Dubai has been strong with total sales at AED 10.23 billion (US$ 2.79 billion). Sales across various international markets during the same period were valued at AED 5.05 billion (US$ 1.37 billion).

Emaar Misr, the Egyptian subsidiary of Emaar Properties, which is listed on The Egyptian Exchange, achieved an increase of 22 per cent in year-on-year sales in 2015 to EGP 8.644 billion (US$ 1.108 billion).

To date, Emaar has handed over more than 40,000 residential units in Dubai and other international markets. Of these, to date, over 33,600 units were handed over in Dubai.

Through 2015, Emaar marked the launch of several prestigious projects in Dubai including Dubai Creek Residences, Creekside 18 and Harbour Views within Dubai Creek Harbour, a 6 sq km ultra-modern development located along the historic creek and near the Dubai International Airport. With spectacular views of the Dubai Creek, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary and the Downtown Dubai skyline, the development is anchored by The Island District with a 4.5 km boardwalk, a vibrant retail and leisure precinct, and a new iconic structure.

Recently approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the development will also feature ‘The Tower’, envisioned as another landmark and tourist attraction in the UAE. Inspired by Islamic architecture and meeting requirements of modern times, as well as local environment and culture, the iconic structure is designed by Santiago Calatrava Valls, renowned Spanish/Swiss architect, structural engineer, sculptor and painter. The Tower is planned as an architectural wonder that will be as great as Burj Khalifa and Eiffel Tower. Construction on The Tower will start in the coming months.

A joint venture between Emaar and Meraas Holding, the approximately 2,700 acre Dubai Hills Estate is another innovative development, envisaged as Dubai’s first ‘green city’ with homes set amidst leafy emerald avenues and green corridors. Dubai Hills Estate’s elegantly designed neighborhoods are set around an 18-hole championship golf course.

The ongoing projects of Emaar in Dubai, in various stages of progress, include: The Address Boulevard Dubai; The Address Fountain Views I, II and III; The Address Sky View; Vida Residences Downtown Dubai; BLVD Crescent; BLVD Heights; Boulevard Point; Burj Vista and Downtown Views – all in Downtown Dubai.

Emaar is also developing Opera Grand, Forte and The Address Residences Dubai Opera, premium collections of residences in The Opera District of Downtown Dubai, which is anchored by Dubai Opera, an iconic centerpiece set to open later this year.

Emaar’s development pipeline in Dubai also includes Aseel, Lila, Palma, Rosa, Rasha, Samara, Azalea and Yasmin homes in Arabian Ranches; The Hills and Vida Residences The Hills in Emirates Living; Acacia at Park Heights, Mulberry at Park Heights and Maple – in Dubai Hills Estate.

Growth in recurring revenues

The hospitality & leisure business recorded FY2015 revenues of AED 1.677 billion (US$ 457 million). Hospitality revenues now account for 12 per cent of the total revenue of Emaar.

Emaar’s flagship hotel brands, The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts recorded strong occupancy levels in 2015, reflecting the increase in tourist arrivals to Dubai last year. The average annual occupancy at The Address Hotels + Resorts was 86 per cent, higher than the industry average.

Emaar will roll out the first hotel under the new Rove Hotels brand in the coming months. Developed as a joint venture with Meraas Holding, Rove is a contemporary mid-market lifestyle hotel brand. Emaar currently has over 2,660 keys under the Rove brand in various stages of development to support the ongoing preparation for Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts have also signed management contracts to operate hotels and serviced residences in high-growth international markets such as Egypt, Turkey, Nigeria and Bahrain.

With approximately 6 million sq ft of gross leasable area, Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls & retail business majority-owned by Emaar Properties, posted a net profit of AED 1.656 billion (US$ 451 million) for FY2015. This is 23 per cent higher than the FY2014 net profit of AED 1.351 billion (US$ 368 million).

Emaar Mall’s FY2015 revenues recorded a growth of 11 per cent to AED 2.992 billion (US$ 815 million), compared to AED 2.694 billion (US$ 733 million) in FY2014. Visitor arrivals across all Emaar Malls assets crossed the landmark 124 million in 2015, an increase of 9 per cent compared to 2014.

Emaar has strong fundamentals with a land bank of approximately 195 million sq m in Dubai and international markets.

An all-encompassing loyalty programme designed by Emaar Hospitality Group in association with Emaar EntertainmentU By Emaar brings together various hotels, restaurants and entertainment attractions of the companyOpen for individuals above 18 years of age, U By Emaar rewards members Upoints for loyaltyUpoints unlock unlimited possibilities across the breadth of Emaar’s hospitality and entertainment attractionsGuests can enroll at www.ubyemaar.com for free access to the programme
Global developer Emaar Properties has unveiled, ‘U By Emaar,’ a unique, customer-focused rewards programme that brings added value for their guests across the breadth of hotels, restaurants and entertainment attractions under the company.

U By Emaar is designed by Emaar Hospitality Group in association with Emaar Entertainment. The distinctively rewarding programme is open for individuals over 18 years from anywhere in the world. Members are rewarded with Upoints, the currency of U By Emaar when they stay, dine or enjoy any entertainment experience offered by Emaar’s diverse participating portfolio of choices.

One Upoint is earned for every one dirham of eligible spend at participating hotels and restaurants, and for every two dirhams of eligible spend at participating entertainment attractions. Ten Upoints are equivalent to one dirham when redeeming Upoints.

Enrolling in U By Emaar is effortless. Guests can enroll online or directly through any of the assets of Emaar Hospitality Group or Emaar Entertainment or the dedicated online portal https://www.ubyemaar.com. Signing up is simple and means that members can start to earn Upoints at participating venues on hotel stays, dining out or entertainment experiences instantly.

Upoints can be redeemed at Emaar outlets with no blackout dates. Subject to terms and conditions, residents of serviced residences of The Address Hotels + Resorts can also benefit from the U By Emaar membership rewards programme.

The participating hotel brands in the U By Emaar programme include all properties under The Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, and its distinctive portfolio of Emaar Leisure Clubs. U By Emaar is also applicable on dining at any of Emaar Hospitality Group’s restaurants, lounges or Lifestyle Dining assets at The Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Dubai Marina Yacht Club. The participating entertainment attractions include all Reel Cinemas, KidZania®, SEGA Republic, Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Njoi.

Khalid Dalil, Head of Customer Relationship Management at Emaar Properties, said: “U By Emaar is our thank you gesture to the valued patrons of our hospitality assets and entertainment attractions that are today among the most sought-after in the city. An innovative rewards programme, it assures incredible benefits to our guests. With U By Emaar, we are creating a distinct experience that combines our hotels and entertainment attractions that will strengthen guest loyalty and also drive our business growth.”

Chris Newman, Corporate Director of Operations at Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “U By Emaar is the only loyalty programme in the market today that combines stays, dining and entertainment attractions. It means whether you are a frequent visitor or a resident, you will be recognised and rewarded at all participating hotels under The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts as well as our restaurants, leisure clubs and entertainment attractions. The programme highlights our commitment to delivering tangible value to our guests through a hassle-free rewards programme.”

Maitha Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Entertainment, said: “Our fast-growing portfolio of leisure attractions is extremely popular with Dubai residents and visitors. The U By Emaar loyalty programme will further enhance the popularity of these attractions by making it simple for our repeat guests to enrol, earn and redeem for unbeatable rewards.”

Members across all tiers can redeem their Upoints at Emaar’s participating hotels, dining and entertainment attractions. They may also use Upoints and cash to match the price of the lifestyle experience they seek. A minimum balance of 10,000 Upoints is required to start redeeming for stays at hotels while only 2,000 Upoints are needed to start redeeming for dining experiences and just 1,000 Upoints to redeem at entertainment attractions.

Emaar currently offers the loyalty programme in four tiers: Black for up to 9,999 Upoints; Silver for 10,000 to 24,999 Upoints; Gold for 25,000 to 59,999 Upoints and Platinum for 60,000 Upoints and above.

Silver, Gold and Platinum members also benefit from a wide range of benefits such as late hotel checkout at 4pm, while Gold and Platinum members receive complimentary buffet breakfast while staying at The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts. Gold members can further benefit from 10 percent off on food and beverage bills and spa treatments, while Platinum members receive 20 percent off in addition to 10 percent off on membership fees at participating leisure clubs, to name a few.

A call-centre operates from 9am to 9pm, seven days a week, and can be reached on 800 LOYALTY for UAE calls or +9714 567 2000 for international calls. Alternatively, members can email: customerservice@ubyemaar.com or visit the website: https://www.ubyemaar.com for more information.

Follow on: Twitter https://twitter.com/ubyemaar; Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ubyemaar

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has signed a partnership agreement with Emaar Properties and Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based property developer, to establish a new real estate company in Sharjah called Omran Properties. The aim of the partnership is to boost joint cooperation between the three parties and expand economic investments in the emirate.

The MoU was signed by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and HE Mohammed Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties and Board member of Eagle Hills, on behalf of Emaar and Eagle Hills developers at Al Qasba in Sharjah. Through the agreement, Omran Properties will develop and manage the real estate sector in the emirate and beyond, as well as provide management and maintenance services to projects that concern all parties.

The agreement follows the three parties’ intention to strengthen inter-cooperation and exchange expertise in the field of property investment and to further develop it in the emirate of Sharjah and the UAE as a whole. Under the agreement, Shurooq acquires 34% of the company’s capital, while Emaar and Eagle Hills acquire 33% each.

The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation in the area of investment, support commercial, industrial and real estate projects in Sharjah. It also aims to set up companies that might help achieve the goals of Omran Properties, as well as share investment information that encourages development of the emirate’s economy. The two parties will offer all the support needed to promote investment in the emirate or abroad.

Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi expressed her happiness at the signing of the agreement to establish Omran Properties. She said, “The agreement falls within Shurooq’s commitment to strengthen cooperation between corporates and organisations in the UAE, widen channels of investment in the emirate’s vital sectors, and apply the best practices pertaining to economic development and advancing vital facilities in Sharjah.”

She said: “We will seek through the new company to solidify relations based on trust and help develop and grow investments in the UAE, and Sharjah in particular, capitalizing on Emaar’s exceptional experience in property development and management of shopping malls, retail trade, and the hospitality and leisure industry.

Sheikha Bodour said that Sharjah’s economic sector is witnessing remarkable growth and further development thanks to the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

She said, “His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi has instructed authorities to keep updating the comprehensive development strategy, and support investors and provide them with the needed facilities, as well as to persify the emirate’s sources of income to boost its economic resilience.”

The agreement will help all partners to achieve more as it acts as a starting point for mutually beneficial cooperation in launching new and high-end projects that serve economic and investment persity in the emirate and the UAE.

As per the agreement, the headquarters of Omran Properties will be based in Sharjah, with a possibility of further offices being set up in the region. The company will carry out investment business directly or through any of its subsidiaries or other related companies. The company’s activities will involve development and ownership of investments in the real estate sector, providing management and maintenance services, as well as the use and investment of corporate funds in a manner deemed appropriate.

HE Mohammad Al Abbar, said, “The emirate of Sharjah has made significant achievements and progress in persifying its economic resources, which is reflected in the investments in seaports, free zones and industrial sectors. Shurooq’s methods are in-line with the wise vision and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, towards economic persification. Shurooq has a powerful portfolio of investments that play a crucial role in advancing economic growth. The joint venture between Shurooq, Emaar and Eagle Hills is an example of the constructive public-private partnerships that can achieve economic growth. We are confident that investments and projects undertaken by ‘ Omran ‘ will have a good impact on increasing the performance of key development sectors in Sharjah, and enhancing the emirate’s economic competitiveness.”

Ahmed Al Matroushi, Managing Director of Emaar, said: “We would like to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to Shurooq for their confidence in the ability of Emaar to implement high-end real estate projects that bring added value to the national economy. Omran Properties aims to promote the persification of investment channels and the development of real estate projects that make the most of Emaar’s global expertise and capabilities in this area.”

He added: “There is no doubt that the innovative projects that will be launched by the new company will attract significant investment within vital sectors, including real estate development, shopping malls and hospitality, which would result in providing new job opportunities while supporting the small and medium-sized companies in Sharjah, and the UAE in general. ”

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah into an investment, tourist and business destination. Shurooq also works dedicatedly to evaluate and follow-up on tourism, investment, and heritage-related infrastructure projects, as well as to contribute to the comprehensive development in the emirate. It provides facilities related to investment activity in collaboration with other bodies and organisations through the setting up of a comprehensive information centre that highlights investment opportunities in the emirate of Sharjah.

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building by global developer Emaar Properties, marked its sixth anniversary by releasing its first dedicated postage stamp. The commemorative stamp, launched in partnership with Emirates Post, depicts Burj Khalifa rising majestically above Downtown Dubai at sunset in all its resplendent glory.

Ahmad Al Falasi, Executive Director – Group Operations, Emaar Properties, said: “Burj Khalifa is a global icon and the pride of our nation. One of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, it is also a compelling testament to the can-do ability of Dubai and the city’s focus on promoting global partnerships. An architectural marvel that pushes the boundaries of engineering and construction, Burj Khalifa has become one of the most photographed monuments in the past six years. The launch of the commemorative stamp is a fitting tribute to the vision behind Burj Khalifa and the years of hard work by thousands of professionals around the world that went into building it.”

Fahad Al Hosani, Acting CEO of Emirates Post Group, said: “Emirates Post Group is delighted to issue stamps on Burj Khalifa, which is a symbol of pride and the pinnacle of international achievement for the UAE. For six years Burj Khalifa has been in the international spotlight and we are very happy to commemorate the 6th anniversary of its opening through these beautiful stamps.”

Ibrahim Bin Karam, Chief Commercial Officer of Emirates Post Group, added: “It gives us great pleasure to release these special stamps on the sixth anniversary of Burj Khalifa. Emirates Post Group always goes the extra mile to support projects that bring glory and prestige to the UAE. These stamps will help promote Burj Khalifa and the UAE in all corners of the globe.”

The stamp now officially released will also be on sale at the retail kiosks at At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the observation deck. They have been issued in denomination of AED 3, along with a souvenir sheet and first day cover.

A ‘post office corner’ will also be introduced to At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY world’s highest observation deck. Here, visitors can send friends and family the special souvenir post card, with the official stamp, from ‘Burj Khalifa Heights’.

The At the Top, Burj Khalifa journey includes two experiences: Visitors can experience At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY tours, which cover both Level 125 and Level 148 and features an outdoor terrace and premium lounge, while At the Top, Burj Khalifa takes them to the observation deck on Level 124.

At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the 200 plus storey Burj Khalifa has 160 habitable levels, the most of any building in the world. The building holds four Guinness World Records; the Tallest Building, the Tallest Man-made Structure on Land Ever, the ‘Highest Observation Deck’ for ‘At the Top’ and Highest Restaurant from Ground Level for At.mosphere. At the Top, Burj Khalifa, has been voted as the ‘Best Attraction in the World 2015.’*

Burj Khalifa is one of Top 3 tourist attractions globally for taking selfies, just behind after Eiffel Tower in Paris and Disneyland, Florida, and ahead of Empire State Building in New York City and London’s Big Ben.**

For more information, please visit: www.burjkhalifa.ae