Next phase of mega project affirms City of Arabia's position as one of the most advanced projects in Dubailand

Dubai, 30 January 2008- 'Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group', one of the region's leading developers, has announced the start of piling work on the first three towers of its City of Arabia project, one of the region's largest private projects and a key development in Dubailand.  Bauer Spezialtiefbau are the selected contractors for this development phase.

The high-rise towers will vary from 30-storeys to 45-storeys in height and are designed for both commercial and residential use. Meandering between these towers will be a 10-km flowing waterway, Wadi Walk lined by the Wadi Residences, low-rise five-storey blocks consisting of 1600 apartments, with shady promenades on either side. At street level, Wadi Walk will consist entirely of cafes, restaurants, convenience stores and boutiques, with basement parking facilities.

The first tower is the Metro Tower, a 45 storey, mixed residential and commercial block, incorporating the latest advanced concepts in international high-rise design. The Metro Tower's dynamic tapering shape and interlocking curves create a unique identity, with a distinctive base framing the grand entrance to the building.  The body of the tower is characterized by a metal skin with well proportioned punched windows.

Commenting on the progress of the project, Mustafa Galadari, Vice Chairman, Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group, said, "Having completed the shoring and excavation operations at the site, through our selected contractors Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH piling work is underway and on schedule. The response to the High-Rise Towers has been tremendous, demonstrating the huge investor interest in the freehold residential and commercial real estate sectors of Dubai."

Commenting on the piling works, Ulrich Emmer, Branch Manager - Dubai, Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH, said, "We, at  Bauer Spezialtiefbau GmbH are delighted to be working on the prestigious high-rise towers project and to be involved with a reputed developer such as the 'Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group'. It is a matter of pride that we have been chosen for this project."

The second of the three towers, the Wadi Apartment Tower is one of ten, 30-storey residential towers situated in the centre of City of Arabia that forms two curves embracing the Wadi houses in the middle. Similar to its neighbors, the tower enjoys a fantastic open view towards the mall and the low-rise apartments.  The tower features a light blue and white wall and the wavy shape and colours simulate the reflections on the following canal, blending the building harmoniously with its environment.

The tower provides around 200 apartments of studio,1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom, ranging from 940 sq. ft to 2700 sq. ft., in addition to one luxurious 3,500 sq. ft duplex penthouse. Every apartment will have a balcony to facilitate the enjoyment of sunshine and beautiful scenery, while the prestigious penthouse will have an ample sky covered garden for the occupant's sole indulgence.

The third tower, the I&M Tower is located in the heart of Dubailand and affords spectacular views of the Wadi Walk and the city of Dubai. This exclusive, 45-storey office tower offers the finest commercial space within the City of Arabia and is only 100 meters from the nearest COA Monorail Station. Meticulously planned to ensure a dynamic and modern environment, the I&M Tower offers a variety of office floor plans to choose from. The areas range from 130 sq.ft to 3,100 sq.ft, with unmatched benefits and facilities. The I&M Tower is appropriate for individual or corporate investment and creates the most convenient working environment.

-Ends-

Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group
The Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group is a dynamic young company owning a number of diversified companies in Dubai. The most high profile of these, the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Management Investment and Development Company, is developing the key downtown area of Dubailand, the City of Arabia.

Sunseeker Middle East has now joined the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, who have declared their intention of increasing the market in the Gulf and Levant for yachts across the whole Sunseeker range, from 35 feet to 120 ft in length. The IMG Group is also a major player on the Dubai transport scene. It owns a large taxi-fleet, Metro Taxi, with an associated driving school, the Galadari Motor Driving Centre, and workshops, (the Metro Auto Repairing Branch), which together operate over 1100 vehicles of all descriptions. In addition the Group owns one of the largest cold stores complexes in Dubai. Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari also own a jewelry company, which deals in gems and precious stones, a kitchen equipment company, and a company which supplies upholstery to the automotive, boating and hospitality sectors, and specializes in customizing Range Rovers, Mercedes, BMWs and other luxury cars.

For more information please contact:
Saba Zaidan
Ilyas & Mustafa Galadari Group
t: +9714-3311022
f: +9714-3322311
info@imgaladari.com
Or call toll free on 800-8-800

Upasna Swain
GolinHarris
t: +971.4.332 3308
f: +971.4.331 6733
uswain@golinharris.com

© Press Release 2008