EMAAR Properties launches Arabian Ranches, the Desert Paradise in Dubai

The premium multi-billion dirham desert resort constructed around two world-class golf courses, equestrian and polo grounds, a network of man-made lakes and health spas covers an area of 3,000 acres.

Arabian Ranches will comprise luxurious one and two storey single-family homes from 2,500 to 4,000 square feet, incorporating 'smart technology'. Sales of the villas will begin on December 16, 2003 at the Arabian Ranches Sales Centre, which will be open for business daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm.

The company, already acknowledged as the region's premier real estate developers, also confirmed that full-scale construction is underway at the project's unique desert location at the intersection of three key arterial roads to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai. The project will be constructed in several phases and the first phase of luxurious one and two storey detached villas is expected to be ready by 2004.

Mr. Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, EMAAR Properties said: "With the Arabian Ranches development we aim to extend and enhance the EMAAR offer of premium quality lifestyle real-estate. This master-planned community built around a central golfing and equestrian theme will add great value to the positioning of Dubai as an international class destination.

"This magnificent new development brings an exciting new leisure and residential concept to Dubai, which incorporates the natural beauty of our desert landscape and is imbued by the sheer magnificence of the Arabian horse. We have already completed key elements of the project, which includes construction of the main approach road, a state-of-the-art sales centre and an impressive man-made lake. Work on the golf course, the polo grounds, the equestrian stables and a range of luxurious facilities is underway," added Mr. Alabbar.

More than 14 local and international construction companies and consultancies have been awarded contracts for various components of this multi-billion dirham project.

"This upscale gated, residential community project is the culmination of several years of master planning and research that caters to the growing need of a huge global and regional market for themed residential communities. This project will provide the EMAAR shareholders true value and we are very upbeat on its success and the overall company's performance in the years to come," Mr. Alabbar added.

Mr. Robert Booth, Executive Director, (Development) EMAAR Properties, said the two golf courses formed the epicentre of the project development of Arabian Ranches. "The 7,800-yard Ian Baker-Finch/ Nicklaus Design world-class desert course will be the region's first desert style facility and will be capable of hosting international tournaments. The 7,200-yard Lakes course has been designed with a focus on new golfers and family activities," Mr Booth said.

The community will also include other features such as riding trails for residents and visitors, bicycle/pedestrian links to the golf resort, retail, fine dining, indoor leisure/ sport facilities, entertainment complexes, along with a five star spa resort which will be designed to bring alive a unique, traditional Arabic courtyard residence.

Besides Arabian Ranches, EMAAR currently has eight major real estate projects under development including Dubai Marina, Emirates Hills, The Lakes, The Meadows, The Springs, the Greens, EMAAR Towers and the Gold & Diamond Park.

Besides these premium real estate projects, EMAAR also manages its fully owned subsidiaries - Amlak Finance, Dubai Bank, Sahm Technologies and a joint venture company - Emrill.

These projects reflect the company's core focus, which is aimed at optimising the investment of group resources, while actively diversifying the sources of its revenues, in accordance with its vision of shaping the future of Dubai.