It is known across the world for its soaring skyscrapers and colossal malls.
But the UAE’s latest major development has been deliberately designed as an alternative to the urban jungle.
Jubail Island, between Saadiyat Island and Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, is to be transformed at an estimated cost of Dh5 billion, it was announced on Monday.
It is planned that within four years, the currently spartan setting will become home to 5,000 to 6,000 residents, who will live across six newly-built ‘villages’.
And while a trend of falling rents may point to a plentiful supply of homes in the capital already, developers insist their plans will offer something unique, not just in Abu Dhabi but for the whole country.
The island will see the heights of buildings strictly controlled, with no villas higher than 15 metres. A series of other features, such as landscaped walkways and cycle paths, have been designed to lure in nature and fitness enthusiasts.
“It’s everything that [the UAE skyscraper image] isn’t,” said Richard Russell, chief operations officer at the Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC).
“It’s all very controlled, low-rise structures with inter-connectivity between the neighbourhoods. This is a very low-density development. It’s probably the lowest density on the UAE, if not the region.
“We’ve done quite a bit of homework, already reached out to the market, and seen quite a bit of interest because this project really isn’t like the others.
"It’s quite unique the way it’s laid out and integrated with the environment. There’s discovery, wellness, creativity and activities, it’s not a downtown urban development.
“There are ‘green fingers’ connecting the neighbourhoods together, through walking, bicycling, not driving.”
This is a very low-density development. It's probably the lowest density on the UAE. There are 'green fingers' connecting the neighbourhoods together, through walking, bicycling - not driving
The first plots for homes will be available for handover at the start of 2021, Mr Russell said, with new residents free to build their own homes as long as they fit with certain conditions such as a maximum heights and using approved building materials.
Alternatively, new residents can pay developers to construct a home for them, choosing from several designs.
Other properties are to being built by JIIC itself.
Plots range from 1,500 to 5,000 square metres, which will be home to villas of between 300 and 1,200 square metres. Overall it is planned that 800 homes will be constructed, along with two schools, a beach club, sport centres, six mosques and, in a town centre, apartments, a hotel and office space. However, the tallest building will be only 10 storeys tall. There are plans for shops although they will not be in a mall development, but instead built along a high street.
Expats, as well as Emiratis, will be eligible to purchase the properties. Operators are being sought for the hotel, schools and other commercial premises. Earthworks on the island are already underway with a rapid period of construction about to begin.
However, even after the project is finished, only around 10 per cent of the island’s 4,000 hectare surface will have been built upon.
Jubail is earmarked as Abu Dhabi’s ‘nature and nurture’ centre, with Saadiyat the arts and culture hub, Yas designed for leisure entertainment and Abu Dhabi island for commerce and trade.
“The mandate was to respect the natural qualities that we have on the island,” said Mahmoud Dandashly, sales director at JIIC. “This came from our senior management and the authorities.
“The low density allows us to provide a lot of greenery, there are a lot of open spaces, and has allowed us to have big plots which is something that is very much requested.”
Mr Dandashly said interest had been high, even ahead of the formal launch, particularly among Emiratis.
“In the UAE social structure, the family is very important, the family likes to live among each other,” he said. “One of our clients wanted to construct a main villa for the family, and later on, when the kids grow up, he wants to add villas for his children. We are having a lot of interest like that.
“We also have three brothers interested in living next to each other. The nice thing is we are providing the flexibility for such requests.
“[The villas] have been designed respecting the Emirati way of life. At the same time, we offer some units for expats who want one big living space. We have multiple designs.”
At a press conference on the island to announce the launch of the development, Mounir Haidar, the project’s managing director, said Jubail would offer a “unique quality of life” to residents.
“The breath-taking development will significantly enhance the capital’s market offering for quality properties,” he said. “Jubail Island will offer investors well-priced and sizable plots in a low-density community surrounded by spectacular natural elements, such as beautiful waterfronts, beaches, mangroves and neighbourhood parks.
“A five-hectare heritage site, where pottery and other relics of early civilisation that have been discovered on the site will be on display, is set to be another key attraction.”
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The%20Roundup
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More coverage from the Future Forum
RESULTS
1.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winners: Hyde Park, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
2.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
2.45pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.15pm: Shadwell Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 (TB) Dh575,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Blown by Wind, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh72,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh64,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner: Obeyaan, Adrie de Vries, Mujeeb Rehman
4.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
How to report a beggar
Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)
Dubai – Call 800243
Sharjah – Call 065632222
Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372
Ajman – Call 067401616
Umm Al Quwain – Call 999
Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Results
2.30pm: Park Avenue – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 2,000m; Winner: Rb Seqondtonone, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
3.05pm: Al Furjan – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Bosphorus, Dane O’Neill, Bhupat Seemar
3.40pm: Mina – Rated Condition (TB) Dh105,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Royal Mews, Tadhg O’Shea, Bhupat Seemar
4.15pm: Aliyah – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (T) 1,900m; Winner: Ursa Minor, Ray Dawson, Ahmad bin Harmash
4.50pm: Riviera Beach – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 2,200m; Winner: Woodditton, Saif Al Balushi, Ahmad bin Harmash
5.25pm: Riviera – Handicap (TB) Dh2,000 (T) 2,000m; Winner: Al Madhar, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
6pm: Creek Views – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Al Salt, Dane O’Neill, Erwan Charpy
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, semi-final result:
Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
Liverpool win 4-3 on aggregate
Champions Legaue final: June 1, Madrid
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Company profile
Date started: December 24, 2018
Founders: Omer Gurel, chief executive and co-founder and Edebali Sener, co-founder and chief technology officer
Based: Dubai Media City
Number of employees: 42 (34 in Dubai and a tech team of eight in Ankara, Turkey)
Sector: ConsumerTech and FinTech
Cashflow: Almost $1 million a year
Funding: Series A funding of $2.5m with Series B plans for May 2020
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Ferrari
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Day 3, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Lahiru Gamage, the Sri Lanka pace bowler, has had to play a lot of cricket to earn a shot at the top level. The 29-year-old debutant first played a first-class game 11 years ago. His first Test wicket was one to savour, bowling Pakistan opener Shan Masood through the gate. It set the rot in motion for Pakistan’s batting.
Stat of the day – 73 Haris Sohail took 73 balls to hit a boundary. Which is a peculiar quirk, given the aggressive intent he showed from the off. Pakistan’s batsmen were implored to attack Rangana Herath after their implosion against his left-arm spin in Abu Dhabi. Haris did his best to oblige, smacking the second ball he faced for a huge straight six.
The verdict One year ago, when Pakistan played their first day-night Test at this ground, they held a 222-run lead over West Indies on first innings. The away side still pushed their hosts relatively close on the final night. With the opposite almost exactly the case this time around, Pakistan still have to hope they can salvage a win from somewhere.
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