Da Jiaxiang reaffirms Chinese government's support through his visit to Sabban Towers and a leading Chinese construction company

May 15, 2006

A high level government delegation from China headed by Da Jiaxiang, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Trade & Economic Cooperation, recently visited the Sabban Towers on Porto Arabia, the main marina of The Pearl-Qatar, and reiterated the support of the Chinese government to the property development sector in Qatar.

Da Jiaxiang also visited the offices of leading Chinese construction company in Qatar, China Jiangsu Hanjian Group Ltd, which recently formed a joint venture with Afrina Construction Company, the prime contractor for the construction of Sabban Towers by Sabban Property Investments (SPI).

The visiting Chinese delegation was welcomed by the senior management of Afrina, including Engineer Abdul Hannan Mohammed, CEO, Engineer Sadek Madani, General Manager and Engineer Yahia Bedir, Logistics Manager, and was taken to the construction site of the prestigious Sabban Towers. Da Jiaxiang was proud of the fact that a Chinese company is associated with such a high profile project in the Middle East.

John A. Browne MBE, Managing Director, Sabban Property Investments, said, "The rapidly growing property development industry in Qatar has received a further boost with the visit of eminent officials from the Chinese government. China has a crucial role to play in the development of Qatar's real estate and property market, as Chinese construction companies are involved in some of the biggest projects that are coming up across the country."

"We are glad that the progress of Sabban Towers is on schedule, with nearly 60 per cent of the piling work complete. With the construction of the project being entrusted to Afrina, who are working in tandem with China Jiangsu Hanjian Group Ltd, we can be assured of the highest standards of quality," added Browne.

During his Qatar trip, Da Jiaxiang also visited the offices of Lifestyle Homes & Properties, the dedicated sales office to manage the marketing and sales of the Sabban Towers. Lifestyle Homes & Properties has a team of highly qualified professionals who have proven proficiency in successfully managing marketing and sales aspects of large- scale real estate projects in the region.

Sabban Towers is designed on the European-Mediterranean architecture, and is unique as all three towers will be built on one podium leading to significant economies of scale and the ability to offer better facilities. The total plot area for all three towers is 19,692 square meters, including 6,115 square meters for recreational activity. Sabban Towers provide upscale residential apartments and luxury penthouses, with a picturesque view of the sea and marina. Some of the amenities at the towers include swimming pool and Jacuzzi, child day care, function rooms, squash and multi-sport courts, spas, gyms and landscaped garden areas...

Afrina Construction Company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming construction industry in Qatar. Soon after its establishment, Afrina formed a joint venture alliance with China Jiangsu Hanjian Group Ltd, one of the most respected constructions companies in China, which strengthened Afrina's portfolio and gave it a competitive edge in the market place.

-Ends- 

About Sabban Property Investments (SPI)
Built on solid values that exemplify stability, social orientation, dynamism, personnel relations and commitment to ideals, Sabban Property Investments was established with a vision to lead the field by creating opportunities for people to own their part of the region's prosperity. By building strong bonds with people, SPI aims to claim its share of the promising future of the Gulf region and to contribute to it in a significant and meaningful manner.

More than 50 years ago, Sheikh Abdulrahman Alsabban founded the Sabban Group of Companies comprising of diverse industries - property investment, hotels, hospitality, construction, furniture, tourism and car parking management. His foresight helped lay the solid foundation on which the Group prospers today. The sky is the limit for the Sabban Group of Companies, which continues to invest in new business opportunities.

In May 2005, Sabban Property Investments (SPI) announced its plan to build three residential towers (the Sabban Towers) on Porto Arabia, the main marina of The Pearl-Qatar, a US $2.5 billion island being reclaimed offshore from the Qatari capital of Doha. This makes SPI one of the first companies to build on the unique development, Qatar's first international freehold real estate venture.

For more information, please contact:
CommuniGate Middle East
PO Box 65922,
Dubai,
UAE
Tel : +971 4 3988134
Fax : +971 4 3988137
Email : info@communigateme.com
Website : www.communigateme.com

© Press Release 2006