• HSBC

'The Lagoons' awards winners of 'Architectural Students Design Competition'

  • United Arab Emirates: Monday, September 29 - 2008 at 08:45
  • PRESS RELEASE

'The Lagoons', a freehold, mixed-use project being developed by Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, yesterday gave away the 'Rising Star Awards' to three university students in the UAE, drawing the 'Architectural Students Design Competition' to a successful close with a grand ceremony.

Amani Abdulnaser Qaraqish, Hany Mohammed Mohammed Zakout and Farah Al-amin, all from the Ajman University of Science and Technology pursuing undergraduate programmes in architectural and engineering studies, walked away with the top three prizes, including coveted internship opportunities with Sama Dubai and attractive cash prizes.

The Architectural Students Design Competition mandated participants to submit innovative designs for the Observation Tower that will be developed at the Al Sedaifa District of 'The Lagoons'. The brief demanded architectural concepts that are 'iconic, modern, and contemporary', and reflect the overall ambience and aesthetic ideology that inspired the creation of 'The Lagoons'.

The competition drew 32 submissions from 41 students from the Ajman University of Science and Technology, the American University of Sharjah, and the UAE University in Al Ain.

A jury panel comprising international industry experts was instituted by Sama Dubai to evaluate and select the best three prize-winning entries.

Farhan Faraidooni, Executive Chairman of Sama Dubai, said:
"We at Sama Dubai are constantly looking for ways to engage the community in all aspects of our landmark projects. The Architectural Students Design Competition reflects our commitment to tap home-grown talent, and provide motivation that ignites their creativity and professional development."


"Although the designs submitted by students will not necessarily be adopted as the final design for The Observation Tower at 'The Lagoons', they represented a mature understanding of the brief. The submissions varied from a cube inspired structure and a flamingo-like tower to impressions inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon," he added.

The Observation Tower, a place where visitors to 'The Lagoons' can view a spectacular panorama, including the city's skyline, the adjacent sanctuary, and stunning Dubai Towers - Dubai, will occupy centre-stage within Phase-1 of the 'The Lagoons', a development that is being crafted by Sama Dubai adjacent to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
(L-R): Amani Abdulnaser Qaraqish (1st place), Farah Al-amin (2nd place), and Hany Mohammed Mohammed Zakout (3rd place) - Ajman University of Science and Technology. 
(L-R): Amani Abdulnaser Qaraqish (1st place), Farah Al-amin (2nd place), and Hany Mohammed Mohammed Zakout (3rd place) - Ajman University of Science and Technology.
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Notes and Media Contacts »

About 'The Lagoons':

Sama Dubai's 'The Lagoons' development is located in the heart of Dubai. Spread over an area of 70 million sq. ft it will feature seven beautifully landscaped islands, comprising of residential units, shopping centers, office buildings, and marinas. 'The Lagoons' will enhance Dubai's position as an international destination with its cultural attractions, including theatres, museums, an arts center and Dubai's only Opera House.

Regional corporations and multi-nationals can establish their headquarters in the Central Business District (CBD). 'The Lagoons' will offer freehold property with 100% ownership to all nationalities. Half of the project will be sold to third party investors and the remaining 50% of the area will be developed, marketed and operated by Sama Dubai.

Sama Dubai has committed to undertake comprehensive Integrated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), following international standards, across all phases of 'The Lagoons' project.

'The Lagoons' is a proud winner of 'Best Developer - Mixed Use Project' and 'Best Developer - Corporate Social Responsibility' at the 2008 Middle East Real Estate Awards.

About Sama Dubai:

Sama Dubai is a private company wholly owned by Dubai Holding. The international real estate investment and development company focuses on leveraging synergies across international, regional and local real estate sectors. Its aim is the creation of a world class portfolio of partners, properties and investments which distinguish it as a market leader.

Sama Dubai is active across several segments of the real estate development sector including tower buildings (under the 'Dubai Towers' brand), large scale resorts (under the 'Salam' brand), business developments, mega malls and more.

Sama Dubai's existing projects are:
• Dubai Towers - Doha, Qatar
• Dubai Towers - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• Amwaj - Rabat, Morocco
• Salam Resort- Bahrain
• Salam Yiti - Oman
• The Creekfront Development - Dubai, UAE
• The Lagoons - Dubai, UAE
• Mediterranean Gate, Tunisia

For further information please contact:

Sherif Shafie
Sama Dubai
Tel: +971 4 4279100

Kholoud Arif
Senior Media Relations Executive
JiWin Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller in the Middle East
Dir: +971 4 3613599
Fax: +971 4 3688001

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