Category: Business Segments

Launched in conjunction with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Wevr, VRZOO showcases endangered species in an interactive, fun and educational experience.

Emaar Entertainment, the leisure and entertainment subsidiary of Emaar Properties, is launching a new interactive attraction, bringing guests face-to-face with endangered species from around the world with a new Virtual Reality experience, in conjunction with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Wevr, the leading virtual reality studio and content distributor.

‘VRZOO’ is a new attraction that focuses on awareness and conservation efforts by connecting guests with endangered animals in a uniquely immersive platform. Adventurers can explore two different takes on reality, one based on live-action footage, and the other a CGI virtual experience.

The live-action footage explores a 360-degree reality of locations including Uganda, South Africa, Maldives, Egypt, Australia and Mafia Island, where users experience a 3D encounter with some of the world’s most captivating species, all of which are on the brink of extinction. The CGI animation from Wevr’s iconic VR experience “theBlu: Season 1” directed by Jake Rowell, allows guests to embrace the wonder and majesty of the ocean through a deeply immersive room-scale VR experience. Users will explore multiple underwater habitats and come face-to-face with some of the most awe-inspiring species on the planet. Wevr, the award-winning VR studio, has customised “theBlu” for the VRZOO installation at Dubai Aquarium.

Maitha Al Dossari, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Entertainment, said: “Emaar Entertainment is committed to providing visitors of all ages with interactive edutainment experiences. VRZOO is the latest addition, designed to broaden the mind and provide deeper connections to the world around us, using informative and interactive platforms. VRZOO demonstrates our commitment to education as we work toward a safe and more informed future for animals and humans alike.”

Paul Hamilton, General Manager & Curator, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, said: “Educating the public about endangered species is a key priority at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and we’re glad to be able to reflect that mission in the new VRZOO attraction. As we continue to expand our offering, VRZOO is the next step in diversifying our educational platforms. The experience brings adventurers closer than ever to incredible creatures such as African Elephants and Dugongs, in a safe environment, where they can come face-to-face in a way that’s not possible in the wild. VRZOO carries an important message in that all the species showcased could be lost forever in the near future without intervention. It is frightening to think that in our lifetime, some of these species may become extinct and only live on in VR for future generations.

“For Emaar Entertainment, the conservation journey started at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with the world’s first Sand Tiger Shark artificial insemination programme; with this new initiative, we’re able to build on that, combining interactive technology and education in a fun, new way. We want people to feel a connection to the animals, and hope it leads to awareness and a deeper desire to get involved in conservation initiatives,” he added.

VRZOO is the latest technological addition to the Emaar Entertainment portfolio, following the introduction of the Discovery Channel Shark Week exhibition at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which features the world’s first interactive digital shark cage and a 20-metre long aquarium demi-tunnel, where the back wall of the tank is made up of LG LED screens. More recently, 80-metres of transparent LED screening and interactive robot sharks have been introduced – making The Dubai Mall home to one of the most tech-savvy aquariums in the world.

Emaar Entertainment is raising the bar for educational entertainment, with attractions at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo already including the likes of King Croc, Kraken’s Lair and underwater experiences including the Shark Feeding encounter and Underwater Scooter, designed to educate and dispel common misconceptions about sharks and encourage conservation efforts.

A range of items that support the conservation of wildlife and endangered species are currently available at The Discovery Channel Store at The Dubai Mall, giving guests a chance to begin contributing to worthy causes directly following their close-encounter experience.

Located near the iconic tunnel of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, visitors can experience VRZOO for AED 30 for the 360 experience; or AED 50 for the CGI experience, by visiting Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo ticket counters.

FY 2016 revenues increase 14% to AED 15.540 billion (US$ 4.231 billion)Recurring revenue from shopping malls, hospitality, entertainment and leisure businesses increased to AED 5.976 billion (US$ 1.627 billion), 38% of total revenueQ4 (Oct to Dec) 2016 net profit increases 56% to AED 1.613 billion (US$ 439 million);Q4 revenue grew by 16% to AED 4.437 billion (US$ 1.208 billion)Total sales of Dubai real estate in FY 2016 valued at AED 14.4 billion (US$ 3.92 billion), 41% increase over FY 2015During FY 2016, witnessed the unveiling of ‘The Tower at Dubai Creek Harbour,’ and opening of the iconic Dubai Opera to public hosting some of world’s best showsOpens the first two Rove hotels, a new contemporary mid-market hotel brand
Dubai, UAE; February 14, 2017: Global developer Emaar Properties PJSC recorded a robust full-year 2016 net profit of AED 5.233 billion (US$ 1.425 billion), 28 per cent higher as compared to the FY 2015 net profit of AED 4.082 billion (US$ 1.111 billion). Emaar achieved FY 2016 revenues of AED 15.540 billion (US$ 4.231 billion), an increase of 14 per cent over FY 2015 revenues of AED 13.661 billion (US$ 3.719 billion).

Highlighting the strength of its diversified business model, recurring revenues from Emaar’s shopping malls, hospitality, entertainment and leisure businesses for 2016 was AED 5.976 billion (US$ 1.627 billion) similar to 2015, despite the ongoing redevelopment at The Address Downtown Dubai. The recurring revenue businesses now account for 38 per cent of the total Group revenue.

Emaar’s international operations recorded revenue of AED 2.665 billion (US$ 726 million) during FY 2016 accounting for 17 per cent of the total Group revenue.

With increase in revenue contribution from real estate, the performance of the malls and hospitality businesses, the fourth-quarter (October to December) 2016 net profit of Emaar increased by 56 per cent to AED 1.613 billion (US$ 439 million) compared to Q4 2015 net profit of AED 1.034 billion (US$ 281 million), and 41 per cent higher than the Q3 (July to September) 2016 net profit of AED 1.145 billion (US$ 312 million).

Revenue for Q4 2016 was AED 4.437 billion (US$ 1.208 billion), 16 per cent higher than the Q4 2015 revenue of AED 3.812 billion (US$ 1.038 billion), and 15 per cent more than the Q3 2016 revenue of AED 3.846 billion (US$ 1.047 billion).

Emaar has handed over around 41,500 residential units, 33,947 of them in Dubai. Highlighting its strong development potential, Emaar has a land bank of 190 million sq m globally including a significant 25 million sq m in the UAE.

Investments in premium real estate contributed to robust property sales in Dubai during 2016 at AED 14.4 billion (US$ 3.92 billion), which is 41 per cent higher than the FY 2015 sales value of AED 10.23 billion (US$ 2.79 billion). Sales across various international markets in 2016 were valued at AED 3.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). The Group now has a backlog of AED 42.977 billion (US$ 11.701 billion) to be recognized in the next few years, underlining its strong financial fundamentals.

Highlighting the confidence of regional and international investors in Emaar, in 2016 the company concluded a US$ 750 million Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai at competitive pricing.

Future Now strategy

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the impressive growth achieved by the company in 2016 underlines the success of the company’s long-term investments in creating sustained value for its stakeholders.

He added: “Emaar’s growth reflects the dynamism of the UAE, which has evolved as a global hub for business and leisure. As the nation sets new milestones in futuristic developments, Emaar will continue to invest in next-generation technology to deliver modern lifestyles that meet the lifestyle aspirations of our youth and future generations.

“This ‘future now’ strategy sets the foundation for our growth in the coming years, which reflects the growth aspirations of Dubai as a smart and sustainable city, steered by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

New icons of the future

Emaar’s strategy of shaping the future today was defined in 2016 with Dubai Hills Estate, the 11 million sq m ‘green city within the city,’ which will also feature a world-class retail hub and is set around an 18-hole championship golf course.

Emaar has set another new milestone in urban development with the launch of The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour, billed to be one of the iconic attractions in the world, and set in the heart of a 6 sq km mega-development. Also featuring a retail district for high-end brands, Dubai Creek Harbour creates a brand-new skyline for the nation.

Emaar has also launched Emaar South, a next-generation lifestyle destination in the new aviation and logistics hub of the city, Dubai South.

Having created tremendous value to the economy through Downtown Dubai, Emaar delivered a compelling icon in the 500-acre mega-development – Dubai Opera in The Opera District. A cultural hub, it serves as a magnet for talent from across the world, and is a must-visit attraction for visitors to the city.

Proven strength in malls and hospitality

Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls & retail business majority-owned by Emaar Properties, recorded a net profit of AED 1.874 billion (US$ 510 million) during 2016, an increase of 13 per cent over the FY 2015 net profit of AED 1.656 billion (US$ 451 million). FY 2016 revenue recorded a growth of 8 per cent to AED 3.227 billion (US$ 879 million) compared to FY 2015 revenue of AED 2.992 billion (US$ 815 million).

The shopping malls assets of Emaar Malls together welcomed 125 million visitors during 2016, similar to annual footfall during 2015. The Dubai Mall set a similar footfall level of 80 million visitors for third consecutive year despite ongoing expansion in and around the mall, reiterating its reputation as the world’s most-visited retail and lifestyle destination.

With a gross leasable area of about 6 million sq ft in Dubai, Emaar Malls is on schedule with the expansion of The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue by another 1 million sq ft built-up area this year. Over 150 international brands will be added apart from some of Dubai’s first international F&B and leisure choices. Additionally, The Dubai Mall will undertake the Boulevard, Fountain Views and Zabeel expansions adding new retail and leisure attractions.

The hospitality & leisure, commercial leasing and entertainment business of Emaar recorded revenues of AED 2.749 billion (US$ 748 million) during the year ended 31 December 2016.

Average occupancy of hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group in Dubai during the year ended 31 December 2016 was 85%, higher than the industry average and 5 per cent higher than last year.

Rove Hotels, a new contemporary mid-market hotel and residences brand (a joint venture with Meraas Holding), opened two hotels – Rove Downtown Dubai and Rove City Centre in 2016. In all 10 Rove Hotels will open in Dubai, adding over 3,700 rooms, just in time for Expo 2020. Emaar Hospitality Group is also expanding its portfolio to international markets with projects in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey and a development pipeline of about 35 hotels and serviced residences in Dubai and international markets.

Developer of the Year

Emaar won the prestigious recognition as the ‘Developer of the Year’ at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards 2016. It highlights Emaar’s proven track-record in delivering consistent value for its stakeholders, and its strong competencies in delivering premium real estate assets in Dubai and other international markets.

Global developer Emaar Properties joined the UAE in celebrating India’s 68th Republic Day celebrations with a spectacular illumination of the iconic Burj Khalifa with the colours of the Indian national flag.

The visual expression of the tri-colours underlined the solidarity of the UAE and its people with India, with which the nation shares strong cultural and trade ties. The illumination will be held on January 25, a day prior to India’s Republic Day, as well as on January 26.

The LED show will be at 6:15 pm, 7:15 pm and 8:15 pm on both days with The Dubai Fountain performance complementing the grand illumination.

This year’s celebration is even more special with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attending the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi as chief guest. His Highness is leading a high-level delegation of ministers, senior officials and entrepreneurs to the country.

Emaar Properties has significant presence in India, one of its key international markets. The company had recently restructured its operations in the country to drive its ongoing developments and explore new growth opportunities.

At 828 metres (2,716.5 ft), the 200 plus storey Burj Khalifa has 160 habitable levels, the most of any building in the world. For more information, please visit: www.burjkhalifa.ae

Also secures ISO quality certification for customer satisfaction
The Guest Services Department at The Dubai Mall has been awarded two prestigious citations including a five-star accreditation by The International Standard for Service Excellence (TISSE2012) – making it the first mall in the world to receive the certification; and the ISO 10002:2014 quality management system for customer satisfaction. The accreditations were awarded following a series of comprehensive and in-depth evaluations.

Awarded by The International Customer Service Institute (TICSI), the five-star accreditation is designed to recognise organisations that deliver outstanding customer service, which sets them apart from others in their field and is based on the Seven Pillars Service Quality Model. This model assesses policies, products and services, premises, processes, people, and measures performance in terms of service quality.

The Dubai Mall Guest Services Department achieved 100 percent in six of the 7 categories – a tremendous achievement – with the certification assessment report stating that the score indicated that the organisation had fully adopted all the essential criterion regarding customer service delivery.

The ISO 10002:2014 quality management system for customer satisfaction, assesses organisational systems with regard to enhancing customer satisfaction by creating a customer-focused environment that is open to feedback, feedback handling, and enhancing the organisation’s ability to improve its customer service.

The Dubai Mall is the first retail and leisure destination globally to hold both of these certifications, highlighting its unique level of international excellence.

The five-star rating, coupled with the ISO certification, cements The Dubai Mall Guest Services Department’s commitment and dedication to providing the highest quality service to all visitors.

Visitors to The Dubai Mall can experience the five-star service at any of the Guest Services counters located throughout the mall.

For more information, visit www.thedubaimall.com or call 800 DUBAI MALL (800 38224 6255).

Dubai has once again mesmerised the world with a magnificent New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacle by Emaar Properties, bidding farewell to 2016 and welcoming in 2017 in resplendent style. Hundreds of thousands of spectators from all over the world joined the celebrations in Downtown Dubai, Emaar’s mega-development in the heart of the city, centred around the iconic Burj Khalifa. The dazzling event reached billions more through live television feeds and a real-time experience via Twitter Live Stream.

Moments before the stroke of midnight, Downtown Dubai was enveloped in a blanket of darkness. And then to the sounds of a special musical composition by Dhabiwood Studios, played by more than 80 musicians and recorded in studios in Dubai and Cairo, the spectacle unfolded.

A glittering falcon took flight in the night sky to announce the imminent arrival of the New Year, and then the countdown commenced with a fascinating play of lights and laser, leading to the moment that the world waited for as Burj Khalifa, the towering icon, glittered in a million lights and was lit by thousands of fireworks. New Year greetings in Arabic and English then appeared on LED screens on Burj Khalifa.

The celebrations that followed had no parallel. Across Downtown Dubai, fireworks, pyrotechnics, laser shows and LED displays in multiple hues created intricate motifs and patterns – each one more impressive than the last, and every act spellbinding visitors with an electrifying performance that lit up the sky in festive illumination.

Swirling comets, Arabian dance forms and other designs drawn from Emirati heritage and culture were created through the fireworks in fascinating precision. Adding more magic to the show was The Dubai Fountain, specially choreographed with water and fire.

And still the best was yet to come. With all lights dimmed once again, the glittering falcon reappeared against the dark sky. It took flight towards the newly opened Dubai Water Canal and from there, to the site of Dubai Creek Harbour. Fireworks and pyrotechnics followed, setting a brilliant continuum of lights from Burj Khalifa through the Dubai Canal to Dubai Creek Harbour, where the glorious architecture of The Tower, the city’s future icon currently being developed by Emaar, was simulated in lights and fireworks. The panoramic vista served as a visual link between the two grand icons that define Dubai’s present and its future.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Dubai has charmed the world once again. This celebration is our message of positivity to the world, and our welcome to everyone to come, visit and live in our city. This magnificent display is also our salute to our leadership, our mark of gratitude for making Dubai such a great place to be as a result of their futuristic vision.”

This year’s New Year’s Eve Gala stood out for its exceptional artistic interpretations in pyrotechnics and LED graphics. The sequence of the fireworks, all the way up to Dubai Creek Harbour, could be watched on big screens in Downtown Dubai as well as online at www.mydubainewyear.com. The Twitter Live stream of New Year’s Eve Gala was available @DUBAINYE.twitter.com.

Special viewing galleries were set up for visitors to Downtown Dubai to take part in the celebration. Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, Roads & Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defence and Dubai Health Authority, among other governmental entities, supported Dubai’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

For further details, please visit www.mydubainewyear.com.

Emaar Properties PJSC today announced the appointment of Olivier Harnisch as the Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, its hospitality & leisure business. Olivier brings to Emaar over 30 years of international experience in the hotel and tourism industry. He joins Emaar from Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in Brussels, where he was Chief Operating Officer, responsible for a portfolio of over 350 leased, managed and franchised hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Olivier has acquired in-depth expertise in all aspects of the hospitality business through multiple leadership roles across four continents. His experience will be a significant asset for Emaar in delivering ambitious growth plans for its hospitality business. Emaar has over 35 new hotels and serviced residences in the development pipeline in the UAE and international markets.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: “Emaar Hospitality Group has created exceptional experiences for guests through its portfolio of hotels. We are now taking the operations of our hospitality group to the next level, to meet the aspirations of the next generation of travellers, and to drive Dubai’s growth as a global tourism hub. Olivier Harnisch’s significant regional and international experience in both hotel and restaurant operations will be an asset in driving our onward growth, with a focus on bringing innovative and value-added guest experiences, and managing our growing number of hotels that serve distinct market niches.”

Olivier Harnisch said: “Emaar Hospitality Group has set a high standard with its portfolio of innovative hotel brands. The brand identity of Emaar and its commitment towards offering memorable guest experiences are strong foundations to take the hospitality business to a new era of growth. Going forward, we will focus on further enhancing guest experiences, implementing new strategies that create long-term value for all stakeholders, and expanding our footprint within and outside the UAE.”

Olivier started his career in 1986, and was initially associated with individual hotels, food & beverage operations and airlines for over 13 years. This enabled him to gain strong insights in classic hospitality and in developing compelling guest experiences. He then worked at Hilton Worldwide for over 14 years where he held the position of Vice President for Northern and Central Europe, before joining Carlson Rezidor Group in 2012. Having worked across the globe, Olivier is fluent in six languages.

He holds an MSc in Organisational Labour from the University of London, an MBA in International Finance from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh and a Degree in Hospitality Management from Berlin School of Hotel Administration.

Emaar Hospitality Group has defined its credentials in the hotel industry with the launch of three brands, each with a distinct niche – The Address Hotels + Resorts, a premium luxury hotel and residences brand, Vida Hotels and Resorts, an upscale boutique lifestyle hotel and residences brand and Rove Hotels, a contemporary new midscale hotel and residences brand. The leisure assets of Emaar Hospitality Group include Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and Dubai Marina Yacht Club.

Abraj Al Hilal 1 residences fully handed over; now a fully established neighbourhoodLocated centrally in Jeddah, Emaar Square has 63 modern offices overlooking the central plaza to be handed over starting this monthAn array of lifestyle amenities including F&B and retail outlets add to the ambience
Emaar Middle East will hand over its Emaar Square offices in Jeddah Gate, an elegant masterplannned community located centrally in the city, to investors and business owners starting this month.

With the final touches to the dedicated office precinct being completed, Jeddah Gate is billed to become a vibrant commercial destination offering 63 world-class office spaces in three buildings that overlook a central plaza.

Emaar Middle East has also launched a third luxury residential project in Jeddah Gate under its Emaar Residences brand of homes. Customers now have the opportunity to buy into one of the most sought-after communities in the city that offers a wide range of lifestyle amenities.

The first residential project – Abraj Al Hilal 1 – has been fully handed over and is now a vibrant family neighbourhood. The Abraj Al Hilal homes are designed for Saudi families, spacious and rich in exclusive amenities including fitness centres, daycare, and swimming pools.

A spokesperson of Emaar Middle East, said: “The handover of Emaar Square offices from this month, and the launch of the third residential project prove our commitment to deliver and create sustained value for our investors. Emaar Square is an office precinct like no other in the city with a central location and being part of an elegant master-planned community with all lifestyle amenities in walking distance. With the growth in demand for homes and offices in Jeddah, our projects are ideally suited for homeowners and investors for its exceptional designs, luxury services and amenities and the high quality of construction.”

Emaar Square comprises three centrally commercial buildings overlooking a central plaza with spectacular water features. A number of luxury retail outlets and a diversity of F&B attractions are situated by the plaza, while an executive office on the top of each building offers business centre amenities. Each office ranges in size from 239 to 400 sq metres. A spacious lobby with reception, high-speed elevators, fine selection of restaurants and retail outlets, dedicated parking, round-the-clock security services, and surveillance system with advanced technology are other features.

Emaar Residences are set in three towers, 17 to 21 storeys high, offering only 283 elegant 1 to 4-bedroom apartments and upper villas (penthouses) for an exquisite lifestyle. The homes range in size from 69 to 298 sq metres. Each of the towers has a welcoming lobby.

Other amenities include children’s playground, outdoor swimming pools for men, a spa for women with fully-equipped gym, aerobics area and other amenities. There is also a male’s fitness centre and a multipurpose hall for social occasions. A childcare centre, 24×7 security, concierge services, and assured parking add to the convenience.

The location of Emaar Residences is unique as it is part of an integrated development. It is located close to King Abdullah Road, facing Emaar Square, and offers direct access to the community services and amenities through walkways and plazas.

Designed to suit the Saudi modern lifestyle choices yet upholding traditional values, Jeddah Gate is an integrated master-planned development with residential, commercial and hospitality projects, leisure facilities, walkways, beautiful plazas and gardens, as well as the wide range of services, retail outlets, mosques, schools and sidewalk dining and cafés.

Spread over a total area of 413,000 sq metres, when completed, Jeddah Gate will have 2,009 residential units, 230,000 sq m of office space, and 68,000 sq m of retail space. Green walkways link the entire neighbourhood with public plazas surrounded by retail outlets, restaurants and cafes.

Jeddah Gate is located on King Abdullah Road, close to King Fahad and Prince Majed Roads, the new gateway to King Abdul Aziz International Airport. It is only five minutes away from the new express-train station, Al-Haramain, which will offer direct access to the Holy Cities of Makkah in less than 25 minutes, and Al-Madina in less than 90 minutes.

The development is also close to the new Jeddah Metro Station at Al-Muntalaq and in close proximity to the central business district, commercial institutions, banking headquarters, the Jeddah Islamic Port, educational institutions, hospitals, malls and governmental offices.

Emaar will develop hospitality projects in Saudi Arabia in the near future that will be managed by Emaar’s Vida Hotels and Residences brand that offers a refreshing new hospitality concept aimed at the new generation of travellers and entrepreneurs.

For more details on Jeddah Gate, please visit the Emaar Sales Centre on King Abdullah Road or call: +920022566; visit: www.emaarme.com.sa

Emaar Middle East is a subsidiary of Emaar Properties, which has developed Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the ongoing Dubai Creek Harbour. Emaar Middle East’s portfolio includes Al Khobar Lakes, and the Emaar Residences at the Makkah Royal Clock Tower.

Global developer Emaar Properties PJSC has won the prestigious recognition as the ‘Developer of the Year’ at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards 2016. At a gala event held at Armani Hotel Dubai, Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, received the award from Ali Akawi, Managing Director of ITP and APP.

The ‘Developer of the Year’ recognition underlines Emaar’s proven track-record in delivering consistent value for its stakeholders, and its strong competencies in delivering premium real estate assets in Dubai and other international markets. The award also honours Emaar’s proven competencies in the shopping malls & retail and hospitality & leisure segments, which today contribute about 39 per cent of the recurring revenue of the company.

Chosen by an expert panel following a rigorous process of evaluation, the winners of the Arabian Business Achievements Awards are chosen from a shortlist of nominees created by the executive editorial team of ITP based on business activity in the past 12 months.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi said: “Our founding vision in 1997 was to ‘shape the future’ and we continue to uphold this commitment by creating premium real estate assets that contribute to the national economy. Today, we are developing another icon for the UAE – the Dubai Creek Harbour, one of the world’s largest mega-developments. We are also strengthening our footprint in the hospitality business, having launched our third hotel brand – Rove Hotels this year, and building on our shopping malls business with a dedicated retail district in Dubai Creek Harbour and expanding The Dubai Mall. Across all our operations, our focus is on creating long-term value for our stakeholders.”

In the award citation, Emaar has been feted for its pioneering role in creating master-planned communities in Dubai and developing icons that add to the civic pride of the nation. Highlighting the transformational growth that Emaar has brought to the property, hospitality and retail sectors of the UAE, the panel of judges also congratulated Emaar’s leadership on creating outstanding value – defined by a growth in net profit by 19 per cent in the first nine months of 2016. The bellwether property company of Dubai, Emaar also recorded 54 per cent growth in property sales this year, a testament to its commitment to world-class project execution and timely delivery.

Today, Emaar has assets valued at over AED 165.7 billion (US$ 45.1 billion) and a land bank of 196 million sq. m in Dubai and international markets. Emaar has handed over more than 40,865 homes to date, cementing its strong track-record in project delivery. The company has a backlog of AED 47.576 billion (US$ 12.953 billion) to be recognised in the next few years, demonstrating its financial fundamentals of the company.

James Bond stars join exhibition curators and dignitaries for the launch of ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’Exhibition runs from November 14, 2016 until February 13, 2017
Dubai, UAE; November 13; 2016: ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ exhibition officially opened today at Burj Khalifa ANNEX at a press event attended by stars, exhibition curators, VIPs and dignitaries.

Marking over 50 years of the Bond franchise, the event was fronted by a star-studded panel, which included Caterina Murino – who played the leading lady in Casino Royale; Irka Bochenko – The Blonde Beauty in Moonraker; and Tonia Sotiropoulou – who starred in Skyfall; alongside EON Archive Director, Meg Simmonds; and guest curator, Bronwyn Cosgrave. They took an in-depth look at the craft behind creating a multi-billion-dollar franchise and the difficult process of selecting the very best props, costumes and memorabilia for the exhibition, from the extensive archive.

Irka Bochenko, Bond Girl, Moonraker commented on the exhibition: “Launching this fantastic exhibition in the incredible city of Dubai – which I have come to cherish throughout my many visits – is a beautiful way to celebrate the invincible agent, 007. It’s a privilege to be part of the ‘Bond’ family and I’m honoured to be in Dubai to attend the event launch of the celebrations at Burj Khalifa. Welcome to Dubai Mr. Bond!”

‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ is expertly curated to highlight the craft behind the cinema icon – James Bond – focusing on its distinctly British luxuriance. Presenting the design and style of the, now, more than half-century old franchise, ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ unveils the craft behind the sets, the music, gadgets, vehicles, technology and fashion – in a showcase never seen before in the Middle East. On showcase are items including Scaramanga’s Golden Gun from The Man with the Golden Gun and Daniel Craig’s wardrobe from Casino Royale, the Spectre Aston Martin DB10 and more.

Ahmad Al Falasi, Executive Director – Group Operations, Emaar Properties, said: “Designing 007 is shaking up the Dubai entertainment landscape, as the latest international high-profile event and another first for the Middle East. Dubai is an ideal host for the exhibition, offering a distinct synergy for design masterpieces, and a unique level of excitement that Burj Khalifa and James Bond evoke. Over the next three months, visitors to Downtown Dubai can revel in all things ‘Bond’ in a series of exciting showcases.”

Since its successful debut at the Barbican Centre, London, in 2012, ‘Designing 007’ has been exhibited in Toronto, Shanghai, Melbourne, Moscow, Rotterdam, Madrid, Mexico City and Paris.

Neil McConnon, Head of Barbican International Enterprises, Barbican Centre, said: “Barbican Centre is delighted to have the opportunity to bring ‘Designing 007’ to Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Dubai’s dynamism, glamour and energy are in many ways the perfect setting for Bond. We hope the audience here will enjoy taking a journey through the craftsmanship and artistry that have made Bond so enduring.”

The ‘Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style’ exhibition is staged in Dubai by Colina Capital and Koutoulou Art+Events, in association with Emaar; it is brought to you by Visa in association with OSN.

Ibrahim Selim Ergoz, Country Manager, Visa – UAE, Qatar and Pakistan, said: “James Bond is perhaps the most iconic movie franchise of all time and many of the exhibits on display will be instantly recognisable to visitors. Our association with the franchise stretches back to the Pierce Brosnan era and connects Visa’s innovation with Bond’s iconic gadgets. Throughout the exhibition’s run, Visa cardholders will be able to enjoy a number of exclusive benefits, including discounted tickets, giving them unrivalled access to what is sure to be a must see attraction in Dubai.”

Emad Morcos, Chief Content Officer at OSN, said: “As the region’s leading pay-TV network, OSN not only brings the latest Bond movies straight into homes before anyone else in the Middle East, but by offering an exclusive and dedicated Bond channel, we truly set ourselves apart from the competition. The new OSN Movies HD 007, is a 7-week Bond spectacular, marking the first time in the region that all 24 blockbuster movies will appear together, on one channel, and all in stunning High Definition. The lineup of timeless classics will give fans across the region the chance to binge-watch their favourite Bond films back-to-back, anywhere, any time and on any device.”

Tickets for ‘Designing 007’ are now available at www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/jamesbond with special packages which include At the Top, Burj Khalifa access, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo entry, or Reel Cinemas James Bond screening tickets also available. The exhibition runs from November 14, 2016 until February 13, 2017.