Dubai Pearl achieves key construction milestone

Each of the four towers at Dubai Pearl will have a foundation slab 3.25 metres thick and 3,072 square meters total area. Excavation of the four towers was completed in eight months. Excavation is 8.07 meters in depth from the bottom of the raft to ground level. An elevation of five levels is to be achieved on the main structure by the end of this year. The main construction is being undertaken by the Al Habtoor Leighton Group, which was awarded the construction work at the end of 2008.

Santhosh Joseph, President and CEO of Pearl Dubai FZ LLC, said:

"We are pleased to announce that the project is progressing well. We are forging ahead despite the current economic climate and are well poised to shape a development that will transform the landscape of the TECOM area and Dubai Marina. We would like to thank all our investors for the continued faith in the project and its promise."

Undertaken by Unibeton Ready Mix, the largest and most technically advanced concrete producer in the United Arab Emirates, the first major pour of the project involved 10 mobile concrete pumps with 42 metre long booms and 105 transit mixer trucks that placed the concrete into the foundation, which comprised 2100 tonnes of steel reinforcements. The concrete was supplied from eight plants from five Unibeton factories, with the entire process being completed within 35 hours -well in advance of the planned completion time.

10,725 cubic metres of concrete was poured into the foundation of the tower 1. The overall concrete pouring on the project's four towers will consist of around 44000 cubic meters of concrete in the foundations containing over 4800 tonnes of steel reinforcements.

"We are happy to have yet again completed another massive pour for a high profile community project, which underlines the strong confidence of master developers on our capabilities as a leading concrete producer in the country," said Engr. Mohd. Shehadeh, Sr. Vice President, Unibeton Ready Mix. "We have taken the necessary steps, such as tests to demonstrate that the maximum permitted temperature would not be exceeded during the days following the pour when the concrete is gaining strength."

Located opposite the Palm Jumeirah island in the heart of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone, Dubai Pearl is a landmark destination designed to offer spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Through integrating first-class facilities, it will shape a pedestrian friendly, 24-hour living city boasting a spectrum of commercial, retail, residential, hospitality and leisure components. Dubai Pearl will also feature a 2,000-seater performing arts theatre to cater to the demands of Dubai's growing cultural calendar and complement the project's entertainment offering.

"We believe the future of Dubai is secure as a global destination of business, commerce, tourism and hospitality. The signals coming out of the markets are optimistic and we are confident the first quarter of next year will bring in more positive news about the real estate markets in the region," added Joseph.

Featuring an active business district with a quality urban lifestyle, Dubai Pearl will host some of the world's top brands and include sky palaces with private pools and landscaped gardens, luxury branded apartments, and condominiums.