Samarah Rift is one of four key zones in Samarah Dead Sea Resort
Samarah Rift features convention centre, hotels, apartments, villas and retail space
International consultants to assure world-class facilities
Amman, Jordan; January 8, 2008: Emaar International Jordan, the wholly owned country-subsidiary of Emaar Properties, has appointed design consultants and pre-construction contractors for the Samarah Rift component of Samarah Dead Sea Resort.
The multiple-award winning US design consultant JZMK has been contracted for the concept, schematic representation and design development of Samarah Rift while F+A Architects, California, and Koray Insaat, Turkey, will provide pre-construction services.
JZMK has worked with Emaar on several international projects in the UAE, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, India and the US, and has proven its cutting edge capabilities in master-planning and design of single and multi-family houses. F+A Architects, a leading US architectural firm, specializing in retail, will undertake the design of Samarah Retail and other mixed-use components with a focus on delivering international design excellence. Koray, which recently completed Kings Academy, will complement the team on pricing, procurement and build-ability.
Samarah Rift is a one of the four components of the JD354 million (AED 1.84 billion, US$500 million) Samarah Dead Sea Resort owned by The Dead Sea Touristic and Real Estate Company, a venture of Emaar Properties PJSC and a group of regional and Jordanian investors.
The Samarah Rift comprises two distinct zones - the North Rift Area featuring the King Hussein Convention Centre, a business hotel, residential villas and the Emaar Sales Centre; and the South Rift Area with a mixed-use Retail Village and Rift apartments.
Mr Steve McCartt, General Manager, Emaar International Jordan, said: "We are bringing in truly world-class design and construction expertise to Samarah Dead Sea Resort. The project, in fact, becomes a true meeting ground for ideas from around the world as is proven by the collaboration of JZMK, F+A Architects and Koray."
He added: "The various components of Samarah Rift are being thoroughly evaluated and appropriate design elements will be introduced to enhance the lifestyle experience for residents and maximise returns for commercial investors in the retail village, business centre and hospitality projects. The design influences range from Mediterranean to vernacular, which extends through the retail village architecture."
JZMK has won a string of awards including the 2007 Elan Award, the 2007 Builder's Choice Merit Award and the 2007 Gold Nugget Grand Award for Laing Luxury Homes in the US. F+A will concentrate on creating a cutting edge design that sets Samarah Rift apart from other developments, and Koray will provide advise on site use and man-material availability, and identify long lead items in addition to optimizing the construction schedule.
Samarah Dead Sea Resort is in line with the growth plan for Jordan as outlined by the King Abdullah II Fund for Development, and features the Samarah Hillside with residences and a community centre; Samarah Beach with residences and a Spa and Wellness Village; and Samarah Rift. Emaar has also opened a fully-equipped Presentation Centre, the first of its kind in the Kingdom.
Emaar's expansion into Jordan is in line with its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world. The company today has a significant presence in 36 markets globally and has also expanded into education, healthcare, malls, financial services, and hospitality & leisure.
-Ends-
About Emaar International Jordan:
Emaar International Jordan is the subsidiary of Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC, a global property developer with six business sectors, more than 60 active companies and a collective presence in over 36 markets spanning the Middle East, North Africa, Pan-Asia, Europe and North America.
The Dead Sea Touristic and Real Estate Investment Company, formed by Emaar Properties PJSC along with a group of regional and Jordanian investors, owns the project in line with the growth plan for Jordan as outlined by the King Abdullah II Fund for Development. The Dead Sea Touristic and Real Estate Company unveiled the Samarah Dead Sea Resort, a mixed master-planned community, in November 2006. The project features luxury villas, beachside amenities and an extensive retail spread.
Emaar International Jordan has opened its corporate office in Amman at the Rabia Towers.
About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest real estate companies and is rapidly evolving to become a global provider of premier lifestyles. Powered by its Vision 2010 to become one of the most valuable companies in the world, Emaar, ranked on the FT 500 Global companies, is charting a new course of growth with a two-pronged strategy of geographical expansion and business segmentation.
Listed on the Dubai Financial Market, part of the Dow Jones Arabia Titans Index and certified to ISO9001:2000 for quality standards, Emaar is developing Burj Dubai, on its way to become the world's tallest tower. Emaar's portfolio currently covers the following countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Algeria, Libya, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, the US, the UK, France and Canada.
Emaar has strengthened its product sale competencies, market reach and best practices through strategic acquisitions and joint ventures. Emaar acquired John Laing Homes, America's second largest privately held home builder; Hamptons International, UK's premier realtor; and formed a joint venture with US-based Turner International to strengthen execution capabilities. Emaar has joined hands with Giorgio Armani, Accor Hotels and Premier Travel Inn to strengthen its presence in hospitality, and will launch ten luxury Armani Hotels & Resorts world-wide and 180 budget hotels in India.
Emaar holds 30 per cent equity in Dubai Bank, focused on retail and commercial banking. Emaar is also the largest shareholder in Amlak Finance, UAE's leading Islamic home financing company. For more information, visit www.emaar.com.
For further information, please contact:
Kelly Home / Nivine William
ASDA'A Public Relations
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East & North Africa
Tel: (+971 4) 335 5969;
Fax: (+971 4) 335 6080
E-mail: k.home@asdaa.com, n.william@asdaa.com
© Press Release 2008
