The project reflects the Municipality’s commitment to utilize its full potential to support sustainable urban development that meets Dubai’s futuristic urban and economic development goals and plans.

H.E. Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality has set development plans for all the prominent landmarks across the Emirate, including Deira Clocktower roundabout, which is one of the remarkable memorials and architectural landmarks that city is known for. By maintaining Dubai’s historical and architectural landmarks, and safeguarding them for future generations, this project helps the Municipality to achieve its objectives of implementing high-level sustainable urban planning that will improve the city’s appeal.”

He said the project also comes in line with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, which outlines a detailed strategy for sustainable urban development in the Emirate of Dubai with a focus on boosting the quality of life and happiness of people, as well as reinforcing the Emirate’s global competitiveness.

Eng. Jabir Al Ali, Director of General Maintenance Department at Dubai Municipality, stated that the project, which will last for three months, includes decorative gardening, replacing old floors with hard floors, implementing multicolored lighting, and revamping the fountain.

Dubai Municipality will ensure that the new modern design of the roundabout matches Dubai’s theme while also preserving the old structure of the Clocktower roundabout without interrupting its historical or architectural significance.

The Deira Clocktower roundabout is a significant historical and architectural landmark and is one of the most stunning clock towers across the globe. The clocktower, which was built in 1963, holds a significant position in history as it was the first land passage between Deira and Bur Dubai, and is located at the intersection of Umm Hurair Street and Al Maktoum Street, one of the most important crossroads in the Emirate of Dubai. Before the construction of the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Road, it served as the initial point of junction for the main highways heading to Dubai.

The article Dubai Municipality starts Deira Clocktower roundabout restoration first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Declaring that “we have to fix the town of Falmouth,” Minister Bartlett said a proper public education programme has to be carried out in the town to foster public order.

The Minister undertook an extensive walk through of the town recently and underscored the need for improvements to the area. He was emphatic that “the streets problem has to be dealt with and I am going to drive that force as much as we can to make sure that it is dealt with. You can’t have Jamaicans moving around trying to peddle their wares in a toxic environment.”

The walkthrough formed part of a tour of sites in Trelawny and its environs, including Old Folly; the Falmouth Cruise Terminal; Water Square; as well as the Trelawny Parish Church and ended with a meeting with stakeholders at Falmouth Mystic Lagoon Tours. The activities come amid efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and its public bodies to boost destination assurance across the island.

Minister Bartlett has committed to working with Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Colin Gager and other stakeholders in making representation for the relevant agencies to step in and assist in improving the conditions as well as effecting urgently needed repairs to the historic town hall and court house which have been compromised by issues including aging. This has forced the relocation of the courtroom and offices of the municipality.

Mr. Bartlett also had discussions with representatives of the more than 227-year-old Trelawny Parish Church, one of the town’s historic landmarks, which he described as “an absolute treasure and an architectural delight but is now in state of disrepair and we have to deal with that.” It is also a major heritage attraction for visitors to Falmouth.

The Minister outlined that the Falmouth Cruise Terminal will be having larger vessels visiting, while Old Folly is receiving attention from the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo). Following an examination of the area Minister Bartlett said steps would be taken for it to be enhanced even more.

TPDCo had erected a gazebo at Old Folly and added a few other elements, however, the Tourism Minister believes that given its amazing view, with further improvements, the location could become a major point of interest for visitors and fuel economic activity that will benefit the average Jamaican. TPDCo has been tasked with executing the additional improvement work.

He has also suggested that a private-public sector partnership for its maintenance similar to that embodied in a memorandum of understanding signed on Thursday for the upkeep of the Mammee Bay Waterwheel in St Ann, would be ideal for that location as well.

Giving a synopsis of development in Trelawny, Minister Bartlett said currently the parish had 4,000 rooms another 4,000 set to come on stream in the next five to ten years, including the reopening of the Braco Village. “We are in the process of fine-tuning an arrangement with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, which owns the property, to bring Braco Village back in line and hopefully to have it back in operation by winter of 23/24,” said Mr. Bartlett.

Discussions are also ongoing for 1,000 new rooms in the first instance for Harmony Cove “and the arrangements are now fully advanced for the hotel to come on track,” stated Minister Bartlett. Likewise, he said the new Riu hotel will add 750 rooms next to Royalton and a recent discussion with TUI is expected to result in at least another 700 rooms in that location. On top of these, Minister Bartlett said villas are on the drawing board for Silver Sand and Duncans Bay.

The article Tourism growing in Trelawny, Jamaica but Falmouth needs improvement first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The multinational innovation company, founded by scientist Fernando Fischmann, has partnered with A’amal Group, a major holding company with interests in the investment, hospitality, real estate & energy development across the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The company’s Founder & CEO Yassin Al Suroor, is also the Founder & CEO of DANA investment, specialized in the digital economy. He is a board member of several regional and international companies, as well as nonprofit global organizations.

With the new partnership with A’amal Group, Crystal Lagoons consolidate its presence in the Middle East, where it already has ongoing projects in the UAE, Egypt, Israel, Palestine and Oman. In fact, the world’s two largest crystalline lagoons are located in the Middle East: District One in Dubai (30 hectares) and Citystars Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt (12.8 hectares).

“I am very pleased to announce this strategic alliance between A’amal Group and Crystal Lagoons, and the potential that it holds for Saudi Arabia. We believe that this partnership follows our vision for the future, and are confident that working in synergy will lead to the development of unique destinations throughout the country.” said Yassin Al Suroor, President & CEO of A’amal Group

At the center of these PAL developments are large crystalline lagoons suitable for swimming and water sports, surrounded by white sandy beaches, which are open to the public for a fee. The complexes also have commercial areas, restaurants, weddings, hotels, concert venues, terraces, amphitheaters, etc.

“Closing a strategic partnership like this for 10 PAL projects in Saudi Arabia is a milestone that validates our uniqueness and added value as a brand. It also shows that the Crystal Lagoons concept and technology can bring idyllic beaches anywhere in the world, even to the middle of the desert, and create unique tourism opportunities,” said Alastair Sinclair, Regional Director of Crystal Lagoons.

Crystal Lagoons experienced record global expansion in 2022 with its PAL projects. The company entered over 15 new markets and closed mega business deals in countries including Japan, Australia, India, Israel, Palestine, among others.

The article Crystal Lagoons expands Middle East Success with Saudi Arabia master agreement partnership with A’amal Group first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Counselor Ahmed Fahmy, said the meeting followed-up on work progress in the Grand Egyptian Museum, in light of the limited experimental operation and completion of work in several sectors. Those include the museum‘s building, the Grand Lobby, the Great Staircase, the Hanging Obelisk Square, the gardens surrounding the museum, and the service buildings. The meeting also reviewed the executive status of the final work and preparation stages, particularly with regard to the halls and galleries, King Khufu Boats, and preparations for transporting artifacts to their permanent display places.

President El-Sisi stressed the need to give due care to the finest details in the museum as an integrated system, reflecting, in both form and content, the grandeur and magnificence of the ancient Egyptian civilization, and displaying the modern organization and management ability in accordance with the highest international standards.

The President gave directives to continue work underway to develop and enhance the efficiency of the museum’s vicinity and to integrate and link it with the Pyramid Plateau, in an effort to provide a unique, extraordinary experience for the visitors and tourists. This also aims to maximize the added value of the entire area, thus becoming the world’s most important archaeological site, befitting Egypt’s great historical image, present and future which we aspire for and work towards.

The article President El-Sisi follows-up on work progress in the Grand Egyptian Museum first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Across 2023, Samana Developers plans to launch 12 new projects, including 5-star hotels, worth AED 2.5 billion (USD 680 million). The projects house around 2,400 units.

Samana’s yearly review says that an exciting line-up of first six projects with new concepts have been phased up for H1 2023.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic-related construction challenges and site workforce restrictions imposed by the authorities in early 2022, Samana Developers was able to manage the construction flow and delivered the Samana Hills project worth AED110 million. The developer also launched Samana Waves, Samana Miami and Samana Santorini projects that were 100% sold out.

Imran Farooq, Chief Executive Officer of Samana Developers, said: “2022 remained bullish for Samana Developers as it set a new trend in the market. I believe innovation and out-of-box approach in real estate are key factors to success in modern Dubai’s real estate market. For example, Samana Developers was the first developer in Dubai which created and set the trend of private swimming pools in residential projects – in non-hotel projects with title deeds. We are proud of it. Today, this trend has been replicated by at least two dozen developers. We will be coming up with new design ideas in our 12 new projects in 2023."

Samana Holiday Homes
In November 2022, Samana Developers launched Samana Holidays which boosted the investment returns of Samana homeowners from 8 per cent to 15 per cent. Samana initially targeted 500 units and convert them into holiday homes (serviced apartments) for short-term rentals to allow tourists, visitors and holiday-makers to reside. The converted units are expected to generate over AED 38 million in revenue in five months.

Moreover, Samana Developers fast-tracked the construction works of AED 130 million Samana Park Views, along Samana Waves and Samana Golf Avenue projects. The Samana Park Views project was launched in September 2021. As of today, four out of its eight slabs have been completed. The superstructure will be completed by end of February 2023 and the project will be delivered in Q2 2024.

“Dubai’s AED 32 trillion (USD 8.7 trillion) Economic Agenda, recently launched by UAE Vice President, ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is a new inspiration for us and for everone. It will play a pivotal role for cross-sector growth, especially the real estate, over the planned next 10 years 2033. We are inspired by it.”, Imran Farooq concluded.

The article Dubai-based Samana Developers to launch 12 new projects worth AED 2.5 billion in 2023 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Located across 9,000 sqm and two levels, the award-winning food and cultural market will bring Riyadh’s best chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences together under one roof, based on editorial curation. It will provide a space and opportunities for award-winning and established as well as up-and-coming culinary and cultural talents. There will be 23 kitchens, five beverage serveries, multiple stages, event and exhibition spaces, a demonstration kitchen, kitchen academy and kitchen lab. With approximately 1,650 seats, guests will have a variety of indoor and al fresco dining options.

Time Out first started in 1968 to showcase the best of the city and today covers content on 333 cities in 59 countries, with Time Out Riyadh having launched last year with franchise partner ITP Media Group. Holly Sands, Editorial Director, Hospitality & Entertainment at ITP Media Group: "The Market comes on the heels of the launch of Time Out Riyadh in 2021, established to help people discover the best of this rapidly developing city – just as we have done globally for more than 50 years. Time Out is about celebrating home-grown creativity, giving local talent a platform and letting a new generation of young, ambitious Saudis in the city share stories about the future they are building. We cannot wait to curate and showcase the best of the city at Time Out Market Riyadh in Diriyah Square."

The Diriyah Square development will deliver a unique retail, leisure, entertainment, hospitality and cultural offering for residents of and visitors to Riyadh. Over 180,000 sqm in size, Diriyah Square will include more than 400 global retail and lifestyle brands and outstanding dining offers as well as over 100 local concepts, seamlessly blending international brands with the best of traditionally inspired  Saudi retail. In addition to the unparalleled retail offer, there will be six luxury hotels, three branded residences, five premium office buildings and over 20 open-air event spaces. This completely walkable district will change the retail and leisure landscape of Riyadh. Whilst respecting the rich history and traditional Najdi architecture unique to the area, the design of Diriyah Square will feature state-of-the-art modern conveniences, delivering a unique place to shop, eat, rest, work and play.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO – DGDA commented: “We are thrilled to announce Time Out Market for Diriyah Square, becoming the first of many major anchors for the development. The team at Time Out Market share our vision – creating a vibrant dining experience for both locals and visitors alike that complements the retail, lifestyle and culture ingrained across Diriyah, and especially here at Diriyah Square.”

Time Out Market Co-CEO (Development) Jay Coldren added: “Time Out has always been at the forefront of urban centres, shining a light on the best of the city. Our Time Out Markets let local culinary and cultural talent showcase their skills, bring people together to connect, create employment opportunities, and provide an open and diverse workplace for the community. Diriyah Square is set to be a landmark, combining history, heritage and culture alongside retail and hospitality – as the country is opening up to tourism and the world, there is a well-established eating out culture that continues to grow, and evolving cultural scenes which both locals and visitors are increasingly enjoying. We are looking forward to offering our unique Time Out Market experience, alongside our partners at DGDA.”

Time Out Market currently has seven open locations with a further seven signed, in addition to several other locations in advanced negotiations.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, Diriyah will be transformed into the Kingdom’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination and one of the world’s most important historic tourism destinations. Diriyah will present a completely new lifestyle experience for residents and visitors alike.

Diriyah is a $63.2 billion development making substantial progress – already opening two elements of the masterplan in Q4 2022: At-Turaif, the UNESCO World Heritage site, and Bujairi Terrace, the new 15,000 sqm culinary destination with over 20 world-class local, international and Michelin star restaurants.

The article Diriyah Gate Development Authority announces new Time Out Market at Diriyah Square, Riyadh first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The “Sobha One” is composed of five interconnected towers, contributing to Dubai's unique skyline. With spectacular waterfront views, the skyscraper will also include elegantly designed one- to four-bedroom apartments and two- to four-bedroom duplexes.

P.N.C. Menon, Founder and Chairman of Sobha Group, said: “At Sobha Realty, we believe in creating unique experiences and Sobha One embodies our values to offer the highest standards of living for all our customers. The project is being developed with keen eye for detail to meet the needs of all our residents, and we strive to imbibe the principles of finesse and form. Our goal is to raise the benchmark of the real estate industry and provide a living experience like none other.”

“Dubai has been attracting a plethora of investors through its lucrative real estate offers and has positioned itself as one of the most modern and progressive markets for luxury properties. We have been making conscious efforts to contribute to the sector in Dubai, along with meeting the increasing needs of customers,” he added.

This masterplan features upscale amenities, among which entails 18-hole pitch and putt golf-course designed by renowned golfer, with clubhouse facilities, polyclinic, mosque, F&B esplanade near the waterbody, smaller scale BBQ, relaxation, and private party sky courts, themed courtyard interconnected on the sixth floor, multiple sky terraces in the project, etc. The sixth floor additionally includes various diverse opulent amenities.

Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty, said: “The Sobha One project reflects our dedication to adhere to the highest quality standards, and we strive to provide our customers with excellence. With an innovative and modern approach, our new project offers a reimagined lifestyle, and is a perfect example of our efforts to meet the increasing needs of the real estate market. We expect that Sobha One will be one of the most-preferred residence options to local, as well as global investors, and we commit to continue developing even more high-quality residences for our customers.”

The new development is strategically located in proximity to major attractions and destinations in Dubai. It also faces Ras Al Khor sanctuary and offers exceptional vistas of the Creek, the Burj Khalifa and downtown.

The article Sobha Realty uncovers its newest project “Sobha One” during Cityscape 2022 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

As lead member of JFK Millennium Partners, the private organization selected by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to finance, build, and manage the new Terminal 6, Vantage will be the principal developer and operator of the new terminal, with Corsair serving as the project’s principal financial sponsor.

JFK Millennium Partners raised a total of $4.2 billion to fund the development of a new international terminal complex anchoring the north side of JFK, including $1.3 billion in equity. Corsair-Vantage is the majority shareholder in the project.

As Corsair’s strategic airport development and operating platform, Vantage is a seasoned airport investor, developer, and manager. Since 1994, Vantage has worked with more than 30 airports around the world, transitioning 20 from public to private management, exceeding project objectives, delivering value for partners, and redefining the passenger experience through best-in-class airport facilities.

“Today’s milestone is the result of significant, dedicated efforts of the Vantage team to lead this complex project and bring the shared objectives of JFK Millennium Partners and our other project partners to life at Terminal 6. The team’s commitment to the project reflects Vantage’s deep, specialized, and tested airport development expertise, which is unmatched in the sector,” said George Casey, Chair and CEO, Vantage, and Board Chair, JFK Millennium Partners. “We know airports and will leverage our expertise to deliver another world-class airport terminal in the New York market; one that will maximize opportunities for community involvement and employment, transform the guest experience for millions of visitors, and demonstrate the power of strong partnerships to deliver best-in-class airport infrastructure.”

“In the complex world of airport and infrastructure development, institutional investors must look to more than a standalone fund for deploying capital. Together, Corsair and Vantage offer a unique combination of development, execution, and management expertise, regulatory knowledge, and active equity sponsorship to support meaningful and complex infrastructure public-private infrastructure projects of this kind, particularly as the need for North American infrastructure investment has never been greater,” said Hari Rajan, Partner and Head of Infrastructure, Corsair and Lead Director, Vantage.

Vantage will lead the construction of the new JFK Terminal 6 in two phases, managing both the existing Terminal 7 until its demolition in 2025, and the new international Terminal 6 from completion through 2060 via a long-term lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Once completed, the new Terminal 6 – scheduled to be delivered in 2028 – will connect international and domestic flights from Terminal 5 and feature a 1.2 million square foot terminal, capacity for ten gates, more than 100,000 square feet of commercial amenities, airline lounges, and spacious gate areas. Custom art works and the latest advances in technology, security and sustainability will also figure prominently in the new terminal complex.

JFK Terminal 6 is Vantage and Corsair’s second airport terminal development project in the New York market. One of the largest public-private partnerships in American aviation history, the new $5.1 billion LaGuardia Terminal B reached completion on time and within budget in July 2022, delivered and operated by Vantage.

Recipient of multiple awards and recognition for financing, sustainability, management, design, construction, and guest experience, LaGuardia Terminal B is proof of Vantage’s proven ability to partner with the public sector to solve complex transportation infrastructure challenges, and a catalyst for future airport development.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and McCarthy Tétrault LLP served as legal counsel.

The article JFK’s $4.2bn. new International Terminal 6 development project reaches financial close first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

After three years of implementation, AIA is pleased to announce that two major milestones of this flagship programme, which consists of five interrelated and concurrent projects, have been achieved successfully, in collaboration with international industry partners.

The first completed milestone refers to the development of the new Advanced Concept of Airport Operations (ConOps), carried out in collaboration with ALG Globe Infrastructure Advisors SLU and Innovare. Its objective is to develop new and advanced concepts for airport operations and collaborative management, thus enhancing the operational efficiency in accommodating the traffic and optimizing the available capacity on ground and in the air. The new concept is based on a new performance framework, in line with best industry practices, while taking into account the needs of the Airport Users, and also addressing the organizational structure and technological enablers for the core airport operational cell, the Next-generation Airport Services Operations Centre (Next-Gen ASOC), setting the basis for planning of the next steps, regarding its phased implementation.

The second milestone reached in cooperation with SITA Information Networking Computing B.V. is the commissioning of the new Collaborative Integrated Airport Information Systems, called AMS (Airport Management System), which will form the core platform for high-performing airport operations. AMS contributes to the Airport’s Digital Transformation Roadmap, enabling the simplification of functions, the strengthening of collaboration in data exchange and the effective management of processes and resources. It covers a set of airport information systems, such as the Airport Operational Database providing flight-related data consistently and efficiently at a strategic, pre-tactical, tactical and post-operational level, the new Resource Management System for efficient capacity planning and allocation of operational resources, the new Flight Information Display System for real-time and accurate operational information to the travelling public and airport personnel, the Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) platform, serving as the single common set of operational data during aircraft turnarounds, and other complementary modules. 

Mr. Alexandros Aravanis, Chief Operations Officer at Athens International Airport, stated on the occasion of the first phase implementation of the two important milestones that: "The implementation of this Programme, an important part of which has already been successfully completed, is fully in line with the strategy decided by the AIA Management to create Sustainable Development conditions and for the operation of the airport as a responsible operator and prudent manager and stakeholder." 

"The benefits from this Programme progress are already significantly enhancing the complex airport operations in terms of efficiency, collaboration and increased operational predictability."

"The completion of the Programme is expected to optimize performance through the homogenization and simplification of operational processes of wider groups of operational partners with beneficial results in increasing the overall efficiency of the European Air Traffic Management Network as well. Consequently, it will significantly improve the passenger experience and it will reduce the environmental footprint, saving energy and reducing pollution for the benefit of passengers, the Mesogaia region residents and the Hellenic economy more broadly.”

The article Two projects to upgrade the Athens International Airport have been completed first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The commencement of departure operations at T2 will add to Changi’s capacity and spread out passenger operations more evenly across the airport’s terminals as travel demand continues to grow in the lead-up to the year-end travel peak.

Airlines operating at Terminal 2
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be the first airline to use the new check-in rows at T2. From 11 October, SIA flights to Malaysia and Thailand will depart from T2. All other SIA flights flying to the rest of South East Asian destinations (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines and Vietnam) will depart from T2 from 13 October.

SIA flights arriving in Changi will continue to be assigned gates at Terminals 1, 2 or 3. Meeters and greeters are advised to check the terminal assigned two hours before the estimated flight arrival time.

Two other airlines – Air India (AI) and Air India Express (IX) – will also move to T2 to start operations on 18 October. The list of other airlines using T2 will be announced subsequently.

Refreshed design features in Terminal 2
Passengers will be greeted with a refreshed terminal design that is not only welcoming, but also more spacious. T2’s contemporary design concept is inspired by elements of nature. For instance, the extensive use of natural materials for wall cladding and flooring, coupled with giant green columns displaying a unique plant palette, engenders a sense of calm and relaxation for passengers and visitors.

T2 has been designed to enhance the check-in and wayfinding experience for passengers. Automated check-in kiosks will be available for passengers who prefer to self-serve, before dropping off their luggage at the baggage check-in counters. Thereafter, they can proceed to clear immigration via the automated immigration clearance gates.

The southern wing of T2 will offer various F&B and retail offerings in the public and transit areas. A number of familiar shops and services will also be returning to their original store locations prior to T2’s upgrading, such as Starbucks and SingPost. T2’s transit hotel and pay-per-use lounge will be open to departing and transit passengers. Eligible Singapore Airlines customers may use the SilverKris Lounge at T2.

When the northern wing of T2 is fully completed by 2024, passengers can expect even more interesting F&B and retail options, as well as new attractions that will enhance their travel experience through Changi.

In the weeks ahead, CAG will be conducting more operational readiness trials with airline and airport partners to ensure that all systems and processes are in place for a smooth opening of T2’s southern wing.

Mr Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s Executive Vice President of Airport Management, said, “With a refreshed design, upgraded systems and a high degree of automation across the passenger journey, T2 will enable Changi to serve our passengers better as we prepare for a busier year-end holiday peak. CAG will work closely with our airline and airport partners to welcome more passengers at T2.”

The article Southern wing of Changi Airport Terminal 2 Departure Hall to start operations on 11 October 2022 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.