Sama Dubai's "The Lagoons" Commissions Environmental Study,

Champions Global Stature of Site as Part of Ongoing Ecological Initiative

Dubai: 30 July 2006: Results of an environmental study conducted by the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands, are expected to confirm Dubai's Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary as the UAE's first internationally recognised and protected wetland area, and the third such site in the GCC.

Ramsar experts agree that the excellent ecological health of the mangrove forest is a vital source of the ecosystem which has great potential to be self-sustaining. The mangrove forest, which is a result of human plantation, is regenerating and supports good fish stocks and a wide range of bird species.

The study was commissioned by "The Lagoons" developer, Sama Dubai, the international real estate investment and development arm of Dubai Holding, as part of a joint initiative to evaluate the candidature of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary as a Ramsar site.

Abdulsalam Almarri, General Manager of "The Lagoons" said: "We are proud to have taken another step forward in the efforts to include the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in the Ramsar List. This will allow the valuable site to acquire a new status at the national level in addition to being recognized by the international community as being of significant value not only for the UAE, but for humanity as a whole."

"This accreditation will be a major milestone in Dubai establishing itself as an environmentally conscious entity."

"The Lagoons" is also to set up a Dhs 10 million visitor centre at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in collaboration with Dubai Municipality. Protection of the environment is a key component of "The Lagoons'' development, which will boast a wide range of parks and green belts as well as reduced density housing and lowered building heights in the ecologically sensitive buffer zone.

Fears over the environmental impact of the "The Lagoons'' construction work and planned extension of Dubai Creek were also discounted.

"A thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been conducted and environmental management plans have been developed to ensure that the construction and operational phases have minimal impact on the environmental habitats," added Almarri.

Ramsar Convention Secretary-General Peter Bridgewater explained in his report: "We are convinced this site is an excellent potential Ramsar site in an arid region. I was really interested to see how good a system it has, in ecological terms it is very healthy indeed. The opening of a new creek and extension of the existing waterways will further improve the water circulation and flow of the lagoon".

Ramsar experts were impressed with the diversity of fascinating species of animals and birds including flamingos and birds of prey which will prove to be the main attraction for avid birdwatchers from across the globe.

"The sanctuary, which attracts a large number of flamingos amongst other birds, is a well-balanced and healthy system," said Bridgewater.

During their visit, Ramsar experts met with UAE national government authorities and NGOs to discuss the accession of UAE to the International Ramsar Convention. The UAE must first accede to the convention before Ras Al Khor is officially distinguished as an internationally protected wetland.

"We look forward to the UAE entering the Convention to allow registration of this sanctuary as a Ramsar site," added Bridgewater.

The 'Ramsar list' aims to develop and maintain an international network of wetlands which are important for the conservation of global biological diversity and for sustaining human life through the ecological and hydrological functions they perform.

There are currently more than 1600 Ramsar listed sites around the world and more than 150 signatories to the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Most of the sites are naturally occurring though many are formed through 'ancient' human intervention.

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About 'The Lagoons'
'The Lagoons' sales office provides receipts for all deposit payments. Working hours for the new sales office are Saturday to Thursday 8am-6.00pm. 'The Lagoons' Sales Office can be reached at +9714 369 4829 and 'The Lagoons Call Centre' caters to the needs of customers and enquiries through the local toll free number 800 7771.

About Sama Dubai
Sama Dubai is a private company wholly owned by Dubai Holding. The international real estate investment and development company focuses on leveraging synergies across international, regional and local real estate sectors. Its aim is the creation of a world class portfolio of, partners, properties and investments which distinguish it as a market leader.

Since its inception, Sama Dubai assumed immediate control of Dubai International Properties (DIP) as the first element of the company's portfolio. DIP was active across several segments of the real estate development sector including tower buildings (under the Dubai Towers brand), large scale resorts (under the Salam brand), business developments, mega malls and more.

Sama Dubai's existing projects are:
Dubai Towers - Doha, Qatar
Dubai Towers - Istanbul, Turkey
Dubai Towers - Casablanca, Morocco
Amwaj - Rabat, Morocco
Salam, Beach Resort & Spa - Bahrain
Salam Mountain Beach Resort & Spa - Yiti, Oman
Marina de Casablanca, Morocco
The Lagoons - Dubai, UAE

For further information please contact:
Sherif Shafie
Sama Dubai
sherif.shafie@sama-dubai.com
+971 4 3300055

Reem Sadek
JiWin
The Public Relations arm of Dubai Press Club
Reem.Sadek@jiwin.ae
+971 4 3616666

© Press Release 2006