Zaha Hadid Designed Tower Enters Second-Phase of Construction

Dubai, UAE, 17 May 2010: Omniyat Properties, one of the region's most innovative developers, has announced the completion of first phase construction work on Dubai's AAA-rated commercial and retail tower, The Opus. Construction of the iconic AED 1.7 billion development is well into its second stage with Brookfield Multiplex, the main contractor, recently erecting the four large capacity tower cranes for the project with two levels of basement already complete.

The Opus is strategically located in Dubai Business Bay, the regional business hub which borders the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and is easily accessible to Sheikh Zayed Road and to the Business Bay Metro.

Omniyat Properties Head of Commercial Mark Phoenix said, "With the completion of the enabling work and the second phase of construction well underway, we are confident that Omniyat's most iconic project to date, Opus, will be completed on schedule."

"There are over 400 construction workers on site at the Opus and we expect this number to increase as we continue through 2010. Our progress on Opus is in line with Omniyat's mandate to deliver all launched projects to investors. We look forward to partnering with Brookfield Multiplex on the second phase of construction and benefiting from the contractors' commitment to quality and timely delivery," added Phoenix.

With piling works and first basements completed Brookfield Multiplex is going forward with structural works towards the ground level. When this process began, it took the contractor 22 consecutive hours to pour more than 5,000m3 of concrete for the first two large foundations, reinforced with over 1,000 tons of steel.

The Opus' total built up area is 85,000 square metres and consists of 23 levels; 5 floors are allocated for retail use, with the remaining 18 floors for commercial use.   Designed by multi-award-winning architect Zaha Hadid, the tower challenges traditional concepts of office space. Visually stunning, The Opus aims to be a workable space that allows every occupant to experience a better quality working environment using the very latest technological advances. The development's unique design, which is located on its own island site, gives an impression of a glowing cube hovering over the ground. 

Billed as the world's most prestigious office tower - The Opus won the LiveCom External Experience Award in 2007 from the UK's International Visual Communication Association, Europe's largest professional body for business and public sector communicators.

Omniyat Properties is committed to delivering all its launched projects. The developer has already completed and handed over two commercial towers, Bayswater and One Business Bay in addition to the first two phases of The Square in Al Mamzar, Deira.

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For more information please visit: www.omniyat.com

© Press Release 2010