Dubai, March 28th, 2006 (WAM) - In a milestone initiative that will create an architectural marvel in Dubai and redefine its stunning skyline, Fortune Group, leading real estate development and consulting firm, today announced an ambitious plan to build Burj Al Alam The World Tower, a freehold commercial tower among the tallest in the world.

To be developed at an estimated value of Dhs. 4 billion, this magnificent project will come to life at the emirate's prime Business Bay area.

Tipped to be the tallest and the most incredible edifice dedicated to commercial space, Burj Al Alam will reflect Dubai's growing eminence in the world of business. Aside from its formidable height, the project's design is also poised to be the most striking in the aesthetic sense.

The Fortune Group will commence construction of Burj Al Alam The World Tower in 2006 and complete it by 2009. This master project will house the world's highest hotel. Rising beyond 480 metres into the sky, Burj Al Alam is designed to resemble a dazzling crystal flower. Of its total 108-storeys, 74 storeys will be dedicated to offices, while 27-storey will be taken up by hotels and service apartments. The balance will be covered by retail spaces.

Burj Al Alam is the most significant initiative in the Fortune Group's proposed investment plan which also includes projects in Dubailand, Sharjah and international markets. The Fortune Group has so far conceptualised and developed real estate projects valued at Dhs. 2.3 billion across the Emirate.

Highlighting its role in Dubai's property sector, Mr. Ahmed Khoory, Chairman Fortune Group said: 'Dubai is fast emerging as a business powerhouse, backed by the creative vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Real estate is among the biggest beneficiaries of Dubai's trial-blazing growth. Encouraged by a vibrant economy and surging capital values, the sector has attracted the attention of international investors and developers alike.' 'The Fortune Group has been an active participant in the growth of Dubai's real estate sector with significant projects on The Palm - Jebel Ali, International Media Production Zone, Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Lake Towers. Our projects reflect a fine balance between innovation, creativity and quality. At Fortune, we visualise concepts that go beyond convention, making our projects truly unique,' he said.

Announcing the group's future initiatives, Mr. Syed Mohammad Ali, CEO Fortune Group said: 'Going forward, the Group will continue to be inspired by the spirit of Dubai that of continually reinventing itself. Our firm commitment to Dubai prompted us to conceive an inimitable project Burj Al Alam, which will symbolise the dynamism and success of the Emirate.

The project will be a defining marker for Dubai both in terms of its incredible height as well as distinctive design besides being a world landmark one that will dominate the top of the tallest list.' Burj Al Alam will illustrate architectural ingenuity, adding a new dimension to Dubai's eye-catching cityscape. More importantly, it will back the economic initiatives of the government by creating the most futuristic infrastructure for businesses to operate and grow. It will also offer local and international investors a sterling opportunity to enhance returns, besides also maximising value for end users, secondary investors and shareholders.

The iconic tower is strategically designed to accentuate the view of Business Bay creek in the south and the Burj Dubai super high rise in the north.

The building features a 6-sty 'crown' that consists of a sky garden, Turkish bath, club facilities and a helipad. Each office floor plate is divided into six 'petals', allowing flexibility for mixed tenancy planning. An extensive podium design with speciality design retail spaces featuring luxury designer brand will serve as first point of approach for pedestrian traffic.

The Fortune Group currently has a total project area of 4 million square feet under development. Each project of the Fortune Group offers an attractive investment opportunity, while also contributing to the growth of the real estate sector in Dubai. The Group's Fortune Tower, off Sheikh Zayed Road, was on of Dubai's first freehold commercial property featuring a unique revolving restaurant. Also within its fold is Casa Marbella, on The Palm-Jebel Ali, which will introduce Dubai to Mediterranean living and the concept of designer spaces. Other projects by the Fortune Group include Fortune Executive Tower offering the first freehold duplex office spaces at the Jumeirah Lake Towers area, Fortune Serene in the International Media Production Zone, which blends luxury, glamour and affordability and Fortune Araames offering commercial space in Jumeirah Lake Towers.

The Fortune Group's up-coming projects include Fortune Bay a commercial tower at Business Bay and Fortune Pavilion another commercial project at Dubai Sports City.