Dubai International Properties assigns contracts for Dubai Towers - Doha to leading regional and international companies

The leading UAE-based global property developer has also appointed the internationally renowned RMJM and Hyder, which together will act as the design consultant, while the interior design will be carried out by global specialist LW Design. Major consultancy, Hill International, will be the project manager, while AKC has been given the task to ensure the most pleasing landscaping for Doha's architectural masterpieces.

"Of the several billions of dollars worth of projects we have overseas, The Dubai Towers - Doha, occupies a very special place in the heart and mind of every member of our team at Dubai International Properties," said Farhan Faraidooni, DIP Chief Executive Officer.

"We are very aware that Dubai Towers - Doha is our first project. We have ambitious plans to be the best in our field and we can only be so, if we have the assistance and services of the best in their respective fields," said Faraidooni.

"All of those who have been chosen to build and fit out the project - RMJM-Hyder, LW Design, Hill International, AKC and Al Habtoor-Al Jaber - are acknowledged specialists in their fields. Each is globally renowned for its projects spread across the world and each is synonymous with the highest levels of quality combined with extraordinary creativity," Faraidooni pointed out.

Lesson in origami

As an example, the DIP CEO cited RMJM's Hazel Wong who was the renowned architect of The Emirates Towers in Dubai.

Hazel Wong. Regional Director - RMJM Middle East said, "The orientation and geometry of the tower will offer magnificent views of the sea. The bold sloping roofs and angular glass facades will glow and sparkle as they will capture the changing sunlight at different times of the day, and transform into illuminations of quiet elegance with shimmering reflections in the water as dusk descends."

"As the design architect, I have tried to create a vision of the Dubai Tower as one of the most memorable and sought after addresses in the city of Doha to live work and play," Hazel Wong added.

The landmark mixed-use development will be an iconic addition to the skyline of Qatar's capital rising up to 80-storeys. It will offer high-end retail, state-of-the-art offices, a five-star hotel as well as top quality apartments. Covering a total of 2.35 million square feet, the development is due for completion in 2007. The upscale property will be leased out and marketed by DTZ.

Kevin McLachlan, Senior Designer, LWDG stated that: "We see Dubai Towers - Doha as a very important project. Its scale will make it the highest structure in Doha and, therefore, it will surely become an architectural icon for Qatar just as Emirates Towers has served Dubai.

"With an iconic building of such importance, comes great responsibility for both the architectural consultants and the designers. We must create a design to fill the demands of a building of this status and position. Our proposed interiors will not look to the past, but to Qatar's future. They will harmonise with the exterior architecture and many of the angular lines of the architecture will continue through to the interior concepts," Kevin McLachlan added.

Five main areas

The complex will house five functional areas: Hotel, Furnished Apartments, unfurnished Apartments, Offices and a Shopping Mall.

The hotel and the furnished apartments to be operated by Jumeirah International, will be mainly aimed at the high-end business traveler and modeled on the successes of Emirates Towers in Dubai. It will offer all the amenities one might expect from a five-star hotel.

Hill International President, Raouf S. Ghali said that: " In view of the challenges associated with the rapid rate of construction to meet the target dates, the site logistics had to be meticulously planned in accordance with the most stringent and closely monitored international Safety and Quality Standards. It will be an addition to our project showcase that we shall be proud of."

Contracts Manager, Nigel Pool of the Al Habtoor - Al Jaber joint venture thanked Dubai International Properties for selecting the Gulf collaborative venture as the main contractor for the unique project.

"This sends out a clear message to the international real estate development and construction industry that the contractors of the Gulf have come of age and are able to take on projects such The Dubai Towers - Doha that require the highest level of quality in their building," Nigel Pool added.

Mohammed Al Rais, Property Development Director, Dubai International Properties said, "As per our commitment to shape a project that will be distinguished in the real estate and hospitality sector and which reflects the tremendous strength of the company, we have put in place a strict criteria to choose our partners in this project. All the companies that are involved in this project are the best in their field and we are sure that they will deliver their best in line with their international standing to build a project that will be an iconic landmark of Qatar and the region as a whole."