Enabling works to commence on site within weeks; DAMAC appoints lead consultant to oversee first Qatar project 

Dubai, UAE, 7th July 2009: DAMAC Properties has awarded two contracts that will enable work to commence on site at its Piazza development in Fox Hills, Lusail within the next few weeks.

Enabling works will be carried out by Construction Technologies after it was awarded last week. The work on site which will include fencing, ground clearance, rock excavation, dewatering and shoring work plus general site preparation is expected to last several months.

In addition to the start of the enabling works, DAMAC Properties has also announced that it has appointed the ERGA Group as its lead consultants on the Piazza development. ERGA will over see the entire construction process including the main contractor once they are appointed later this year. Construction is expected to take around two years with completion due in 2011.

DAMAC Properties has been working diligently with master developers Qatari Diar to commence site operations and Chairman of DAMAC Properties Hussain Sajwani said he was delighted that work would be under way on site for all to see.

This is a significant day for DAMAC Properties as work commences on site at our Piazza development. There are always many important procedures and tasks which need to be completed behind the scenes before people see a physical presence on site but we understand that it is always important for customers to see progress of this nature, he said.

 These behind the scenes testing stages are very important to our long term plans so getting them right is critical to the successful progress of the project at later stages.

The Piazza is a modern complex with a Mediterranean style feel using colourful rendering and materials to ensure an eye-catching design. Residents purchasing a property, which are available from studio units up to three bedrooms, can look forward to a range of amenities and services which will all be included within the development including outdoor swimming pool, jogging track and gymnasium. In addition nearby there will be shops, cafes and health clubs for residents to enjoy plus facilities such as libraries, Government offices and medical services.

CEO of DAMAC Properties Peter Riddoch added: The Fox Hills master development at Lusail has been well planned by Qatari Diar and the location of our building within that plan means that all of our residents will have great access to the facilities and good views.

Part of our success in Dubai has undoubtedly been the ability to identify prime locations and then deliver stylish and iconic buildings. In these turbulent times location is proving an ever increasing factor in the decision making process for customers and we believe that adopting this simple but effective principle across all of our GCC locations will stand us in good stead as the market recovers.

Ziad El Charr, General Manager of Operations for DAMAC Properties added: We are firmly committed to the property market in Qatar and are therefore pleased to see the initial stages underway at one of our key sites at Lusail.

In Dubai DAMAC Properties has already delivered more than 3,000 units into the market place and has committed to deliver a further 7,100 by the end of 2010. A total of 25 towers will have been completed by the company by the end of 2011.

Further information is available at www.damacproperties.com

-Ends-

For more information please contact:
Niall McLoughlin,
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications, DAMAC
Tel: +971 4 3732190
Fax:+ 971 4 373 2336
Mobile +971 50 531824
emaiI: niall.mcloughlin@damacgroup.com 

Press Release 2009