ABU DHABI | Saadiyat Island Development News

[Krazy]

http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Real_Estate_Property/10035489.html


Abu Dhabi announces Dh100b project

http://www.gulfnews.com/images/06/04/24/25_bus_saadiyat_4.jpg
A model of the Saadiyat Island project. It will be developed in three phases with total completion scheduled for 2018.

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi yesterday unveiled plans to develop Saadiyat Island into an international tourism destination by attracting about Dh100 billion in three phases through public-private partnerships.

General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supre-me Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced the creation of a public joint stock company to drive the development.

The company, Tourism Development and Investment Co. (TDIC), will have an initial capital of Dh100 million and would be fully owned by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority.

"Saadiyat Island will be the first of many projects falling under" the new company, he said. "This is an important chapter in Abu Dhabi's history. The creation of TDIC ushers in a new era of economic transition for the emirate, while the development of Saadiyat, a unique natural resource, represents one of the most vibrant episodes in the capital's evolution."

"Saadiyat is a symbol of Abu Dhabi's renewed economic openness and a signal to the world that this emirate is very much open for partnerships and business on an international scale."

Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman of the Tourism Authority, said major development parcels were being offered to UAE and Gulf investors on a freehold basis with non-GCC investors being offered 99-year leases or 50-year renewable leases.

"We expect that we will be able to attract investments of about Dh100 billion over the three phases of development," he said.

TDIC will be responsible for the infrastructure of the island, which is estimated to cost about Dh5.5 billion, he said.

Saadiyat will be developed in three phases with total completion scheduled for 2018. The masterplan envisages six highly individual districts with 29 hotels, including a seven-star resort, three marinas, museums and cultural centres, two golf courses, civic and leisure facilities, sea-view apartments and elite villas.

The six island districts are: Cultural District, Al Marina, Saadiyat Beach, South Beach, Saadiyat Park and The Wetlands.

Saadiyat is expected to be a home to more than 150,000 people and will be linked to Abu Dhabi via two 10-lane freeways.

SAADIYAT ISLAND DEVELOPMENT
Stunning Facts

* Infrastructure Cost: Dh5.5b
* Hotels with 7,000 rooms: 29
* Golf Courses: 2
* Villas: 8,000
* Appartments: 38,000
* Home to residents: 150,000

To be managed by: Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC)

* Owned by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA)
* Saadiyat Island covers an area of 27 sq.km.
* It is 500 metres offshore north-east of Abu Dhabi city.
* Saadiyat Island means Island of Happiness.
* The island has sensitive mangrove reserves.
* Saadiyat will be lined to Abu Dhabi city via two causeways. Each with10-lane freeways.
* Provision for light rail transport is made.
* Abu Dhabi has 200 natural offshore islands.
* This will attract Dh100 billion worth of investment

Other mega projects in Abu Dhabi

* Al Raha Beach Development: Dh54 billion n Al Reem Island: Dh45 billion
* Abu Dhabi International Airport Redevelopment: Dh25 billion

[Krazy]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/sahmad1/5d55585f.jpg

[Krazy]

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/sahmad1/3d1ea7bf.jpg

^^ Does anyone spot a possible supertall at the bottom of this picture in the middle? :runaway:

[SaRaJeVo-City]

Abu Dhabi's US$3.3bn desert island dream
By Tony Allison

In 1992 the rulers in Abu Dhabi, the richest of the seven United Arab Emirates states, conceived the idea of an international stock exchange to begin the process of weening the economy from dependency on oil revenue, but it was not until 1999 that the ambitious project gathered significant momentum.

The Abu Dhabi government hired international advisers, public relations experts and financial consultants to lend the project credibility and to convince the international community that it had the ability to complete the development of Saadiyat Market by 2002.

When completed it is envisaged that Saadiyat Market, which will comprise an international stock exchange, a futures and options exchange, a commodities exchange and a clearing house, will be strategically located to access an estimated US$1 trillion in regional assets, plus annual commodities trading of about $400 billion.

Its sphere of influence will cover the key markets of the Middle East, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, eastern and southern Africa, India, Pakistan and the countries of the former Soviet Union.

The project involves building an entire city for 25,000 people on a 26 square kilometer island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, dedicated solely to the pursuit of business and trade. The Abu Dhabi Free Zone Authority (ADFZA), a specially constituted arm of the Abu Dhabi government, has been created to license participants in the Saadiyat Market and supervise and regulate activities on the island.

The authorities plan to attract leading international financial institutions, offering direct stock market participation, mutual funds, insurance products, offshore and local banking and wealth management services, all designed to lure investors into basing their cash management in the new city. It is estimated that Saadiyat will create spin-off benefits to the region's economy in excess of $170 billion in its first 25 years of operation.

The bourses will fill a three- to five-hour gap between the Emirates and the nearest major world trade centers - mainly Europe and London to the east and Hong Kong and Singapore to the east - with an active, regulated capital market where currently none exists. It will also fill a void in the international finance trading week as, in accordance with the Islamic weekend, its markets will be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The regulatory framework for the island has already been established and is based on the "best practices" undertaken by existing international centers. The ADFZA has granted the Emirates Global Capital Corporation (EGCC) a 50-year renewable license to build and operate Saadyiat Market.

EGCC's chairman, Salah al Shamsi, is on record as saying that the corporation's aim is to "build the next Hong Kong or Singapore". Licenses are already being issued for companies wishing to locate on the island, notably the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the largest in the Emirates and the 16th largest in the Arab world by assets.

It has not, however, been revealed whether any major international players have been attracted by the generous incentives being offered, although the ADFZA reports a "very positive and encouraging" response. Critics of the project, who claim the scheme is far too ambitious, have expressed concern that international companies might be standoffish to offshore or tax-efficient finance markets, and that if they are already listed in London of Hong Kong, for example, they would not be likely to seek a further listing in a new and unproven market.

Financing
The Abu Dhabi government is nevertheless firmly committed to the project and it is clear it has the economic clout to push it through: It has a sovereign risk rating of A+ and proven oil reserves of 100 billion barrels, which at the current rate of extraction will last for more than 120 years.

The EGCC plans to raise $3.3 billion through local and international offerings - funds which will be used to construct and develop Saadiyat. It will also be the first firm to float on the Saadiyat International Stock Exchange (Sise). The most recent reports indicate that it has so far come up with $1.06 billion, although an initial public offering (IPO) has been delayed indefinitely,

About $400 million of this was from the government of Abu Dhabi, $165 million from the private investment department of Sheikh Zayed, the president of the UAE and ruler of Abu Dhabi, and $165 million from the International Petroleum Investment Co (Ipic). Two international institutions, which have not been identified, have also committed investments of $165 million each. EGCC officials said Global Depositary Receipts (GDRs) in the company would also be floated, probably either in London or Luxembourg, giving the firm more international clout and credibility.

Phase One
The first phase of the development project of Saadiyat Island involves the construction of a mini town with offices, residences, leisure and entertainment facilities, and civil works such as roads and bridges. The Saadiyat Market will also include an exhibition center, commercial and residential real estate development, an airport, a seaport, and a social and leisure infrastructure. The island will be connected to Abu Dhabi by a six kilometer bridge. It will have modern storage facilities, including weatherproof silos and warehouses that can accommodate 9.3 million metric tons of commodities, a seaport and an airport to accommodate huge cargo vessels and aircraft, and other amenities, including a commercial marina, a five-star hotel, a golf course, a car racing track, and an equestrian club.

Besides becoming a regional financial center, Saadiyat Market aims to become a digital city, and cyber laws are being formulated in cooperation with international legal consultants.

Four exchanges
The four exchanges will form the base of Saadiyat Market's financial service activities for investors. The most important will be the Sise, which will be a self-regulated member-owned body responsible for running an equitable securities trading operation. It will be responsible for monitoring all member firms' and listed companies' trading. Initially it will be an electronic, order driven market, but it is expected to become scriptless, with straight-through processing.

The Saadiyat Futures and Options Exchange (SFOE) will provide investors and companies with the ability to trade in financial and commodities derivatives - like futures and options - particularly those connected to the region's natural resources, such as oil and gas. The market will also provide opportunities for risk management among small businesses and other market users, via hedging.

The Saadiyat Commodities Exchange (SCE) will facilitate the trade of physical commodities from the market's hinterland, where there is an estimated annual commodity flow of $400 billion. The SCE will be able to trade in all 67 commodities listed by the United Nations Committee for Trade and Development. The Saadiyat Clearing House (SCH) will be responsible for clearing and settlement services to the Sise, SFOE, the SCE and other exchanges in the Middle East. The clearing house will be the only one of its kind in the world to settle transactions over the traditional Western weekend.

Banking
A key area in the development of Saadiyat will be international banking. The EGCC's plan is to offer incentives which will make the island the global headquarters of the international banking industry. The UAE's banks alone are currently believed to have over $60 billion of excess liquidity, and much of this will be targeted for use and growth in Saadiyat. The island will provide participating banks with the opportunity to establish full banking branches with no minimum capital requirements, and to accept retail and wholesale deposits from local and international residents and residents of other states.

For investment purposes, the market's expected participants are broadly categorized as investment and financing companies - including commercial and investment banks, leasing and investment companies, asset management firms, securities firms and companies specializing in tax-haven investment products, such as mutual fund providers, insurance companies and brokers.

Incentives
In the hope of winning over international investors a number of incentives are being offered:

* Exemption from personal and corporate taxes
* 100 percent foreign ownership, management and board of companies. This is not available anywhere else in the Emirates.
* Full freedom to repatriate capital and profits
* Ability to offer different classes of shares, providing scope for the creation of more financial instruments.
* No requirement of sponsorship from a local partner.
* International standards of accounting and disclosure.
* No local employment quotas and simplified immigration and visa procedures.
* Minority shareholder protection.
* Recourse to international arbitration bodies.

(Special to Asia Times Online)

[Jue]

Ridiculous.

What does Abu Dhabi want this for? Its economy is dependent on oil, not trade like Dubai.

[SaRaJeVo-City]

Ridiculous.

What does Abu Dhabi want this for? Its economy is dependent on oil, not trade like Dubai.

What I think UAE is doing is making a huge tourist attraction place, so when oil dries out, they live on Tourism then!

[Peter The Great]

I think in almost every oil rich/ Middle Eastern country, the rich are finding extreme and innovative means of separating themselves from the lower class. These new man-made islands and astronomical sized developments seem to be zones restricted for the Über wealthy. This intense concentration of wealth I'm witnessing in the Middle East is unlike that of any country in the world. It sort of makes me raise an eyebrow...but at the same time, it's exciting and amazing nonetheless what modern engineering and city planning can concoct.

[luv2bebrown]

Abu Dhabi's US$3.3bn desert island dream
By Tony Allison


The bourses will fill a three- to five-hour gap between the Emirates and the nearest major world trade centers - mainly Europe and London to the east and Hong Kong and Singapore to the east - with an active, regulated capital market where currently none exists. It will also fill a void in the international finance trading week as, in accordance with the Islamic weekend, its markets will be open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The regulatory framework for the island has already been established and is based on the "best practices" undertaken by existing international centers. The ADFZA has granted the Emirates Global Capital Corporation (EGCC) a 50-year renewable license to build and operate Saadyiat Market.

EGCC's chairman, Salah al Shamsi, is on record as saying that the corporation's aim is to "build the next Hong Kong or Singapore". Licenses are already being issued for companies wishing to locate on the island, notably the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, the largest in the Emirates and the 16th largest in the Arab world by assets.


hmmmm... not so sure about this.
this is exactly the driving ideology behind the Dubai International Financial Centre and DIFX. i dont believe there is room for two major financial centres 200km away from each other.

[Jue]

What I think UAE is doing is making a huge tourist attraction place, so when oil dries out, they live on Tourism then!
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are right next to each other. They will either cannibalise, or Abu Dhabi will be left in the dust because of Dubai's head start.

[godblessbotox]

...it is my firm belief that the leaders of the UAE ither 1... have lost there marbles, or 2 have way too much money

[Skyman]

Ridiculous.
It's just perfect project but if it's possible to realise it it'll take tens of years

[Mosaic]

This is a very ambitious plan indeed. We will see what it is going on next.

[goschio]

Awesome project!

Arabia is the future!
(If they just get rid of all those terrorists)

[Mosaic]

:laugh: :laugh: ^^^lol!!!. East Asia is actually the future.

[FM 2258]

What? What? What? What? What? What?

These projects in the UAE seriously blow my mind. This is great. :)

[R@ptor]

Amazing project :)

Seriously, people shouldn't question if these project make sense financially all the time. We are all skyscraper fans here and projects like this are simply fantastic.

And it looks like it will also have another supertall (500+m???). Just look at the huge offshore tower in the middle of the beach section!

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e357/sahmad1/3d1ea7bf.jpg

[Dr. Dubai]

These renders are just impressions how it's going to be, the towers aren't already sure to be built. I wished this whole plan was already #UC!:D

[crazyevildude]

Abu Dhabi and Dubai are right next to each other. They will either cannibalise, or Abu Dhabi will be left in the dust because of Dubai's head start.

Hmmm, it is concievible that they are close enough to almost power each other. Certainly in terms of tourism.

[neilio]

that is insane..dubai just doesnt stop with this stuff!

[THE DUBAI GUYS]

its in Abu Dhabi

R

[dubaiflo]

^^ :hahaha: so funny.

again, Abu Dhabi is much richer than Dubai and the captial of the UAE.

they have a lot more oil, and this whole project is govt financed, unlike most of the more recent Dubai projects and towers.

anyway, www.saadiyat.com

and this is an amazing project.
probably the best in AD, i prefer it over Reem Island.

[dubaiflo]

Hmmm, it is concievible that they are close enough to almost power each other. Certainly in terms of tourism.


they are indeed able to exist next to each other, dubai started first but Abu Dhabi is much richer.

Also they focus on different things and diversify their econmoy in different directions, even though this project here is tourists only of course.

[Abu Dhabi Boy]

www.saadiyat.ae (http://www.saadiyat.ae)

http://sniper1980.googlepages.com/saadiyat_abu_dhabi.jpg

[DG]

^ fantasyland

[Dr. Dubai]

Wooow, that's insane! Looks like at least 5 400m+ towers.

[Krazy]

Yup those towers in the middle definitely look like supertalls... we also have reports of AD planning on building a landmark tower on an artificial island.. like the Burj Al Arab is for Dubai... could this be it? The tall ass tower on the tiny island at the bottom of the aerial render???

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a8/sahmad/1c5e4c8a.jpg

[dubaiflo]

can't spot it in the model though.

[>skyscraper<]

Here is the Location of Saadiyat Island: :)

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/3941/location1wj.jpg

[Peter The Great]

To build something like that they must feel that there won't be any political tensions, domestic, economic, or other crises any time soon. This project seems extremely optimistic...in fact I don't think there has ever been a greater investement with as much optimism as this one. It seems they're putting all their eggs in one basket. I wonder what gives them so much confidence.

But hell...if they can pull it off...UAE 2018...here I come.

[luv2bebrown]

www.saadiyat.ae (http://www.saadiyat.ae)

http://sniper1980.googlepages.com/saadiyat_abu_dhabi.jpg

now this is a city i can live in

[lexicon506]

I think these projects in the UAE are fascinating but also a disgusting parade of excess space and wasted money. They're just to show how rich the country is. I mean, look at pictures of Dubai...would any of you actually want to live there?? It's a giant suburb with tall buildings! They're bragging about building the largest mall in the world! I probably should visit these cities before jumping to conclusions but it seems like they're great examples of what a real city shouldn't be.

I would rather spend $15 billion on the Big Dig to improve a real city than some crazy price to build a Disneyland for the rich.

[Matthias Offodile]

mEXICON506; WHY should only Western people have fun and glitzy things in life and write bad things on non-Westrn countries? Should that continue for ages? NO: i AM VERY HAPPY THAT DUBAI or Abu Dhabi show to the Western World that also NON-Western countries are capable of doing great or even greater things that the western World has constructed. The UAE are rich why shouldn´t they spend their money NOW?

Whatever the UAE does, I am a great fan of the country.

[lexicon506]

^^I would respect the UAE a lot more if they didn't make the same mistakes as western countries now that they have even more money. Why do rich people deserve this overly decorated cake of shiny metal and expensive yachts?? Don't they already have enough as it is? If the UAE truely wants to prove that they are better than the West, than why not spend all the money spurting out of the ground for humanitarian causes? Why not actually make a difference in the world now that they can?? What they are currently doing with all their money is not a great thing, it's a load of crap on an island. The UAE has the potential to really improve their image worldwide, but instead they are showing the world that they are just as selfish as the West.

[luv2bebrown]

I think these projects in the UAE are fascinating but also a disgusting parade of excess space and wasted money. They're just to show how rich the country is. I mean, look at pictures of Dubai...would any of you actually want to live there?? It's a giant suburb with tall buildings! They're bragging about building the largest mall in the world! I probably should visit these cities before jumping to conclusions but it seems like they're great examples of what a real city shouldn't be.

I would rather spend $15 billion on the Big Dig to improve a real city than some crazy price to build a Disneyland for the rich.

u should follow your own advice
or maybe just check out the streetscapes link in my signature.

[luv2bebrown]

^^I would respect the UAE a lot more if they didn't make the same mistakes as western countries now that they have even more money. Why do rich people deserve this overly decorated cake of shiny metal and expensive yachts?? Don't they already have enough as it is? If the UAE truely wants to prove that they are better than the West, than why not spend all the money spurting out of the ground for humanitarian causes? Why not actually make a difference in the world now that they can?? What they are currently doing with all their money is not a great thing, it's a load of crap on an island. The UAE has the potential to really improve their image worldwide, but instead they are showing the world that they are just as selfish as the West.

33% of the UAE economy depends on oil my friend.
i think the country needs to first learn to walk on its own two feet before helping others to learn how to run.

the UAE needs to keep doing what its doing. it has its priorities in check.

[BinALAin]

^^I would respect the UAE a lot more if they didn't make the same mistakes as western countries now that they have even more money. Why do rich people deserve this overly decorated cake of shiny metal and expensive yachts?? Don't they already have enough as it is? If the UAE truely wants to prove that they are better than the West, than why not spend all the money spurting out of the ground for humanitarian causes? Why not actually make a difference in the world now that they can?? What they are currently doing with all their money is not a great thing, it's a load of crap on an island. The UAE has the potential to really improve their image worldwide, but instead they are showing the world that they are just as selfish as the West.


lol i think you dont know anything about UAE .. i forgive you.. we spend millions and billions as donation for poor countries.. UAE sent only last year 100 Million to Pakistan, millions to indonesia.. and also africa... UAE is spend a lot of many for humanitarian causes but what you need to know to and learn about it before you say anything stupid.......

[SaRaJeVo-City]

www.saadiyat.ae (http://www.saadiyat.ae)

http://sniper1980.googlepages.com/saadiyat_abu_dhabi.jpg

For some reason this reminds me of like a early NYC skyline....

[lexicon506]

u should follow your own advice
or maybe just check out the streetscapes link in my signature.

Thanks for giving me that link, I really appreciate it. I can see that there is a real, vibrant city of Dubai behind all the glitzy developments. But that makes me dislike all the new developments even more. For example, the Burj Dubai, the tower is stunning but it's being built in what seems like its own little subdivision with parks and water and a huge mall....just like suburban America. They took the city away from the tower while it should be smack in the middle of it. With an upbringing surrounded by architects/urban designers, I know that this is what drains a city of its life. Aren't you worried that the Dubai in those pictures will become swallowed up by this massive influx of unurban development? I don't agree with this current trend of trying to emulate the American style on a larger scale, it will just take away the original character that the city has. I'm sure the residents of Dubai want their city to be known as "Dubai" not "Las Vegas of the Middle East"

[luv2bebrown]

no doubt.
but the city is doing much to maintain its older areas.
generally, the burj dubai and business bay is simply creating a new downtown area in what used to be open, empty desert. although the burj looks like it will be in an unurban development, it will be built right next to business bay and will become the high energy enterntainment district of the city. in case u arent familiar with the business bay project, check it out in the UAE forum.

here is the link:
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=286504&page=4&pp=20

and on the other side of the street is the DIFC: http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=106445&page=14&pp=20

the mantra for most of the development takin place is MIXED USE. meaning commercial, residential, retail, entertainment, hotels and landscaped gardens are all built together - so that there is a balance between urbanity and nature + work and play. single use zoning such as "commercial only" or "residential only" wil result in it being a ghost town during different parts of the day.


meanwhile, the older creek area still and will always maintain its traditional vibe.

so basically, its not like theyre building a new city over the old one... theyre building a new city next to the old one.

[soup or man]

Meh.

[BinALAin]

YeeeeeeeeeeeeeAH Boyyyyyyyyyeeee... am going to work in AD very Soon Inshallah :D so i hope i can live over there in the future..

[Mosaic]

This is extremely impressive.

[smussuw]

another project :sleepy:

[Khanabadosh]

Absolutely beautiful and futuristic.

[Manu84]

:eek2: :eek2: :eek2: :eek2:

[michal1982]

just no words

[Makedonec]

Simply Amazing! :eek2: :eek2:

[michal1982]

WHEN THEY PLANING TO START??

[Krazy]

end of this year/beginning of next year

[Dubai-Lover]

abu dhabi and dubai will make the united arab emirates one hell of a country

[BinALAin]

abu dhabi and dubai will make the united arab emirates one hell of a country

Wrong

Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Qaiwain will make the United Arab Emirates One Hell of a Country :)

[Mr Man]

Jealousy is funny!

I hope the economic spin-offs from this mega development pays for itself. I love the UAE and all the cool shit they're building as of late. I'd love to visit one day. But watching people and their sheer jealousy is just hilarious.

Person who has never left the USA: "Why can't my country build the WTB or a $27.4 billion dollar development. Why is it only Dubai. They only do it because they have oil, etc, etc, etc." :lol: too funny.

[zergcerebrates]

Whats the point of always building these islands off the coast? The desert is so huge why don't they develop that instead.

[Krazy]

For the last time.... the island is NATURAL... they are not BUILDING it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dubaiflo]

and even if so, they point is to have beach access and sea view.

[DG]

Whats the point of always building these islands off the coast? The desert is so huge why don't they develop that instead.

cuz we don't want to ruin the desert and it's wild life. :sleepy:

[Jimbu]

www.saadiyat.ae (http://www.saadiyat.ae)

http://sniper1980.googlepages.com/saadiyat_abu_dhabi.jpg

beautiful city, i'm impressed.

[Skyman]

OMG, this shit is awesome I'm impressed the skyline of future is so unbelievable

[Abu Dhabi Boy]

http://sniper1980.googlepages.com/saadiyat.jpg

[dubaiflo]

that island supertall is not sooo tall ;)

but great render.

[R@ptor]

What about the public transportation plans for Abu Dhabi and this island in particular? I hope Abu Dhabi doesn't make the same mistake than Dubai and starts too late with constructing a good public transportation system.

[Krazy]

great render... the zoning looks great. flo the tower looks like it's gonna be something special.. even if it's not more than 400m like BAA.

[DG]

Great, it will be an amazing addition for the UAE cities ;)

[Mosaic]

very nice zoning and impressive setting.

[BinALAin]

Its UAE baby

[Sahil12345]

I think these projects in the UAE are fascinating but also a disgusting parade of excess space and wasted money. They're just to show how rich the country is. I mean, look at pictures of Dubai...would any of you actually want to live there?? It's a giant suburb with tall buildings! They're bragging about building the largest mall in the world! I probably should visit these cities before jumping to conclusions but it seems like they're great examples of what a real city shouldn't be.

I would rather spend $15 billion on the Big Dig to improve a real city than some crazy price to build a Disneyland for the rich.

Again, if you are not contributing your tax to the project why should it matter???? Ever city has its ability to prosper! And every city should excersise that right! I love the ambition in UAE's projects...and if they want to cater to the rich, thats great. Every city does not build large public housing. And LOL at these replies of jealousy..."OMG Dubai is too much! I live in a trailer and how come I CANT live in these villas and skyscrapers! So fukk you oil arabs, friggen terrorists. You can live in ur artificial worlds hehe *begins counting down till Dubai's oil runs out*"

[Krazy]

Abu Dhabi to build Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum (http://www.strategiy.com/realestatenew.asp?id=20060708102452)

http://www.strategiy.com/news/20060708102452/saadiyat-island-shaking-handa.jpg

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates in the Arabian Gulf has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New York-based Guggenheim Foundation to establish a world-class museum devoted to modern and contemporary art. To be called the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (GAD), the museum, designed by internationally-acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, will position the emirate as a leading international cultural destination.

At 30,000 square metres, the Abu Dhabi museum will be the only Guggenheim museum in the region and will be larger than any existing Guggenheim worldwide. It is expected that the museum will be constructed within five years.

The museum will form its own major collection of contemporary art and will also exhibit masterworks from the Guggenheim Foundation’s global collections. The museum will be built in the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island – a natural island lying 500 metres offshore the UAE capital which is being transformed into an international tourism destination. The Cultural District will also be home to a national museum, classical art museum, maritime museum, performing arts centre and an expansive arts centre park. “Today’s signing represents the determination of the Abu Dhabi Government to create a world-class cultural destination for its residents and visitors,” said HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and member of the Executive Council. “It also demonstrates the commitment of UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to demonstrably establish this emirate as a quality destination of international standing, one capable of achieving and maintaining relationships with the very highest calibre of global partners.

“This is a major step forward in our plans for Saadiyat Island and its Cultural District which will become an international cultural hub for the Middle East on par with the best in the world. The signing also represents a significant development in the creation and nurturing of international cultural ties which we believe will do much to forge greater understanding between all nations.”

Thomas Krens, Director of the Guggenheim Foundation, said the signing reflects the visionary spirit and forward-looking approach that are the Guggenheim’s hallmarks.

“Our commitment to international communication and global cultural exchange - realised through our museums, collections, and programmes - is inclusive. The Guggenheim implicitly regards all contemporary cultures and their traditions as potential partners in the field of aesthetic discourse - we are both respectful of difference and excited by it.

We also believe that the Middle East is one of the world’s most important emerging regions in terms of contemporary culture.

“In Abu Dhabi,” Krens continued, “we have had the good fortune to discover a partner that not only shares our point of view, but expands upon it. The plans for Saadiyat Island and the cultural district, envisioned and developed by the Abu Dhabi Government, are, quite simply, extraordinary. When this comprehensive and inclusive vision is realised, it will set a standard for global culture that will resonate for decades to come.” William Mack, Chairman of the Guggenheim Foundation, led a delegation of Guggenheim trustees to Abu Dhabi for the project launch. He said: “It is with a keen sense of historical precedent and with an abiding commitment to cultural exchange as a bridge to international understanding that the Guggenheim Foundation enters into this agreement to establish a Guggenheim museum in Abu Dhabi.

“I congratulate the Government of Abu Dhabi for its foresight in the redevelopment of Saadiyat Island and for its realisation that art and culture have a central role to play in enhancing international relations and understanding, and in encouraging greater educational initiatives locally, regionally and internationally.”

According to the MOU, Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), which manages the authority’s tourism assets, will own the museum. The Guggenheim Foundation will establish and manage the museum’s programme, which will include collection development, exhibitions and educational initiatives.

The MOU was signed on behalf of Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and TDIC, and Thomas Krens.

“Abu Dhabi’s museum will join a highly exclusive Guggenheim museum network which currently includes New York, Venice in Italy, Bilbao in Spain, Berlin in Germany and Las Vegas,” said HH Sheikh Sultan. “The MOU is testimony to Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become an upscale destination and to ensure that the Abu Dhabi name resonates worldwide.”

His Highness Sheikh Sultan, who is also Chairman of Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Authority, also signed an agreement appointing the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry to design the museum. Gehry is the architect of the celebrated Guggenheim Museum Bilbao.

“When the museum, made of titanium, glass and limestone, opened in 1997 it was instantly hailed as the most important building of its time,” explained HH Sheikh Sultan. “Just as Bilbao established a new level of design excellence, Gehry’s GAD design brief is to push the boundaries of his own architectural practice and set the benchmark for museums in the 21st century.”

Architectural distinction will be a defining feature for all of the major new structures which will comprise Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District.

“We are currently in negotiations with other world-class international cultural institutions and anticipate making further announcements on the Cultural District’s outstanding projects in the months to come,” said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA and Managing Director TDIC.

“Cultural tourism is an important component of our redevelopment plan. The power of the arts to attract an international audience is borne out by the fact that with its global locations, the Guggenheim has seen its worldwide attendance triple over the past 15 years. It now welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the world’s most visited museums.”

[WhiteMagick]

Im loving the island. The skyline, i find it very similar to NY! Has anyone else noticed?

[ZZ-II]

Amazing Project

[SNT1]

wow, that's impressive, I gotta say.

I'm just wondering though, why just now? I'm pretty sure UAE had some oilz discovered some few decades ago already, but why is the boom just starting now?

[smussuw]

penis envy

[brunob]

I've been working on a potential trade show project for the hospitality sector industry for Abu Dhabi the last two weeks as a researcher, there's much money to be made, much money being moved around, i've had access to many huge local company databases, it's easy to see how this is going to be a huge success, on every imaginable scale and more. Very impressed with it.

[dubaiflo]

SNT 1, the boom started , at least in Dubai, in the 70s with the reclamation of Jebel Ali ports which made Dubai one of the most important trade cities in the middle east.


penis envy

think it wasn't meant offensive :)

[smussuw]

^^ lol, I know. I was just answering him.

penis envy is the main reason why the boom is starting now.

Every one is envy from Dubai :D

[dubaiflo]

:lol: ok i did not get this one, but i guess he was asking for the reason why the UAE boom in general did not, according to his opinion, started in the 60s when oil was discovered.

[Krazy]

penis envy

Not really. Planning for Abu Dhabi's projects started more than 15 years ago when they first worked on the Lulu Island - long before Sheikh Mohammed even came up with the idea of artificial islands.

The only reason we are seeing Abu Dhabi's projects pop up now about 8 years after Dubai first started its own projects (Palm Jumeirah, Emaar Towers) is because AD has given planning top priority. On the other hand, Dubai's projects seem to be rushed and not gone through thorough planning. That's why the lack of quality in many of Dubai's completed projects and problems arrising from them shows today. This will not be the case with AD's projects.

Ask any professional in the real estate management/construction business and he will tell u planning for even a skyscraper of 20 floors should take a long time since it's a critical step. Prime example of Dubai rushing its projects is Palm Jumeirah not being given time to settle the reclaimed land - the buildings were built right after reclamation was completed.

[dubaiflo]

^^ :runaway:

Samir i know u only like Dubai and u love Abu Dhabi, but i am pretty sure also AD will face those issues if the boom really starts (if it will)... this is nothing as of now.

And i am still rather convinced of Dubai's projects, even in terms of quality..

of course, we heard bad things about Jumeirah Islands, Marina Terrace.. but actually taking the massive amount of development into consideration, i don't think it is that bad.

I agree, some projects are "rushed" even though i can't find one which really is right now, but i guess you are talking about redesign etc, but you will find out it won't be much different in Abu Dhabi...
Another thing, the Jumeirah Palm reclamation was done by van oort which is pretty experienced in these kinda things, and they themselves claimed they found a way to allow immediate construction on the land.

and AD still has to prove it will make it different anyway..

[Krazy]

NCT&H to develop 400-room waterfront resort on Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi-headquartered National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels (NCT&H) has signed an agreement with the UAE capital's Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to develop an 809,000 square feet plot of land on Saadiyat Island, which lies just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city, for a new five-star waterfront resort.

http://www.ameinfo.com/images/news/3/27763-tdic.jpg
Al Romaithi (left) and Al Muhairi sign the Saadiyat Beach plot deal. Looking on are HH Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADTA and TDIC (centre), Ahmed Hussein, Chief Operating Officer, TDIC (right standing) and Fahad Ahmed Al Awadi, Deputy Managing Director, NCT&H.

The huge resort, which will be set among natural beach dunes and in an eco-environment on the shores of the Saadiyat Beach district - one of six in the masterplan for the 27 square kilometre island, will feature a six-storey hotel with up to 400 rooms.

'Design of the resort is progressing with the concept focussing on a tranquil resort sanctuary with beach-front restaurants and cafes and a wellness centre,' explained Abdullah Al Romaithi, Managing Director, NCT&H.

'NCT&H has the greatest confidence in the transformation of Saadiyat into a signature destination and believes it is central to the tourism offering of Abu Dhabi for which it needs to be a part. We anticipate opening the resort within three years."

'This resort will benefit from the proximity of Saadiyat Beach to the new international airport and to the down-town hub of Abu Dhabi city, providing guests with ease of reach and access not only to a haven of relaxation, but to the bustle of the capital, if they choose.'

The new resort may be operated by an international brand and discussions with a key industry name are already underway.

'Since the launch of plans to transform Saadiyat Island into an international tourism destination we have received intense interest from investors locally, regionally and internationally,' said Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Managing Director, TDIC.

'Saadiyat Beach will be the first area to be developed and the NCT&H resort an anchor proposition in this flagship destination.'

Saadiyat Beach, to the north west of the island, will have a range of five-star resorts flanking nine kilometres of pristine beach, a championship golf course with freehold villas, dedicated sailing club and private beach clubs all creating a celebrity see-and-be-seen atmosphere.

Saadiyat Island, which translates from Arabic as 'Island of Happiness,' is to be developed in three phases from 2006-2018. Saadiyat is the Middle East's largest single natural island development.

Enabling works to clear the ground for infrastructure development of Saadiyat Island are currently underway.

[Krazy]

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/9900/saad2ek1.jpg

[Indyman]

Im not sure I like the idea of a city being built at once. I like a city like New York or London that is the culmination of years or buildings and styles and variation.

[robertooo]

abu dhabi is a nice city and they have a lot of money!
hi to all

[Krazy]

saadiyat island is not a brand new city.. it is one of the barren natural islands that belongs to the emirate of abu dhabi... and this will be just an extension to the current AD island... in 20 years time AD will be a collection of around 10 islands instead of just 1

[Krazy]

posted in the UAE section.. this project is awesome :eek:

Celebrity Architects Reveal a Daring Cultural Xanadu for the Arab World
By HASSAN FATTAH nytimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/01/arts/design/01isla.html)

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/02/01/arts/Hadid600.jpg
Zaha Hadid’s design for a performing arts center for an island in Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 31 — In this land of big ambition and deep pockets, planners on Wednesday unveiled designs for an audacious multibillion-dollar cultural district whose like has never been seen in the Arab world.

The designs presented here in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and one of the world’s top oil producers, are to be built on an island just off the coast and include three museums designed by the celebrity architects Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel and Tadao Ando, as well as a sprawling, spaceshiplike performing arts center designed by Zaha Hadid.

Mr. Gehry’s building is intended for an Adu Dhabi branch of the Guggenheim Museum featuring contemporary art and Mr. Nouvel’s for a classical museum, possibly an outpost of the Louvre Museum in Paris. Mr. Ando’s is to house a maritime museum reflecting the history of the Arabian gulf.

The project also calls for a national museum and a biennial exhibition space composed of 19 pavilions designed by smaller names and snaking along a canal that cuts through the island. Art schools and an art college are also planned.

In all, the project, known as the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island, would create an exhibition space intended to turn this once-sleepy desert city along the Persian Gulf into an international arts capital and tourist destination. If completed according to plan sometime in the next decade, consultants predict, it could be the world’s largest single arts-and-culture development project in recent memory.

At times astonishing, at times controversial, the district is part of a far broader $27 billion development project on the island that includes hotels, resorts, golf courses and housing that could accommodate 125,000 residents or more.

The museum designs, displayed at an exhibition attended by dignitaries and the United Arab Emirates leadership, are a striking departure from Abu Dhabi’s crumbling 1970s-style concrete buildings and more modern glass-and-steel high-rises. Still, because Saadiyat Island is undeveloped, architects faced the unusual challenge of an aesthetic and contextual tabula rasa.

The daring designs, some teeming with life and color, others more starkly formal, have one aspect in common: it probably would be hard to build them all in one district anywhere else.

“It’s like a clean slate in a country full of resources,” said Mr. Gehry, who appeared at the exhibition to show off his model for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. “It’s an opportunity for the world of art and culture that is not available anywhere else because you’re building a desert enclave without the contextual constraints of a city.”

No cost estimates were given for the buildings unveiled on Wednesday, but each is certain to run into the hundreds of millions of dollars.

For the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Mr. Gehry envisions a 320,000-square-foot structure with 130,000 square feet of exhibition space built around a cluster of galleries, a space far larger than his Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain, which cost about $100 million. A jumble of blocks, glass awnings and open spaces, the Abu Dhabi Guggenheim would be centered on a core of galleries of varying height atop one another and forming a courtyard. A second ring of larger galleries is followed by a third ring of galleries housing raw industrial-looking spaces with exposed lighting and mechanical systems.

The design for the classical museum enters into a dialogue with its surroundings, suggesting a submerged archaeological field with a cluster of one-room buildings placed along a promenade. The complex is covered by a massive translucent dome etched in patterns that allow diffused light into the spaces below.

Mr. Ando’s maritime museum design borrows from the maritime history of the emirates, with a reflective surface merging sea and land and a shiplike interior with floating decks.

Ms. Hadid’s performing arts center concept, which seems part spaceship, part organism, is to house a music hall, concert hall, opera house and two theaters, one seating up to 6,300. Transparent and airy, the center hovers over the azure waters of the Persian Gulf.

“It’s an inspiration from nature and an organic design, with a fluid design, as well as a space with good sound,” Ms. Hadid said.

Abu Dhabi’s sheiks dreamed up this sweeping cultural project in late 2004, after brainstorming ways to attract more tourism to the emirate, which is the richest of the seven in the United Arab Emirates confederation, but has largely missed out on the flood of visitors attracted by its neighbor Dubai.

Flush with cash from the oil boom, the emirate has embarked on a development spree intended to update its infrastructure after years of limited development. Abu Dhabi’s tourist board insists it is not trying to one-up Dubai, but instead wants to complement Dubai’s emphasis on other forms of entertainment.

“The real strategic decision here is that Dubai has established itself as a tourist destination, and Abu Dhabi is complementing what Dubai is doing,” said Barry Lord, president of Lord Cultural Resources, which has helped manage the development of the cultural project. “Cultural tourists are wealthier, older, more educated, and they spend more. From an economic view, this makes sense.”

Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company announced a deal to build the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi last year. Recently it reached a $1 billion accord to rent the name, art and expertise of the Louvre for a museum to be built on the island. Protests quickly arose in France that that country was selling its patrimony to the highest bidder. The emirate’s tourism officials played down the Louvre plan on Wednesday, insisting the deal was not final.

Mr. Lord noted that the arts project was taking shape against the backdrop of continued turbulence in the Middle East.

“They are very conscious here that this can change the cultural climate in the region,” Mr. Lord said. “To be able to add high culture at the high end of international culture, this is a tremendous change.”

After oil booms in the 1970s and 80s in which their proceeds were not always used wisely, Persian Gulf governments are now focusing on spending their surpluses on infrastructure projects and real-estate development. A new generation of leaders in the gulf, especially in the emirates, where a new ruler was installed only in late 2004 and where several ministers are still in their 30s, has looked beyond traditional real-estate projects to efforts that would help their cities stand out on the world stage.

Other Persian Gulf countries have turned to the arts too. In Qatar the final touches are being added to I. M. Pei’s latest structure, the Qatar Museum, built just off the coast of the capital, Doha, to house a new Islamic arts collection. In Sharjah, another emirate, which has fashioned itself as the cultural capital of the Persian Gulf, the Sharjah Art Museum continues to expand its collection and is planning its eighth biennial. And even Dubai is building a Culture Village, centered on an opera house also designed by Ms. Hadid and other arts and culture institutions.

“This is not just about tourism; it also has global cultural dimensions,” Mubarak Muhairi, the director general of the Abu Dhabi tourism authority, said. “We believe the best vehicle for crossing borders is art. And this region is in need of such artistic initiatives.”

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/02/01/arts/Hadid3650.jpg
Visitors survey an exhibition unveiling designs for a vast and architecturally ambitious cultural district planned for Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, part of the United Arab Emirates.

http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2007/02/01/arts/Hadid4.jpg
The cultural district is part of a larger plan for the Persian Gulf.

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/8335/0102079163100nb8.jpg

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/678/0102079161700qn1.th.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079161700qn1.jpg)

(http://img169.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079162100xv3.jpg)

[IMG]http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/3460/0102079162300rd7.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079162300rd7.jpg)

(http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079163100nb8.jpg)

[IMG]http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/249/0102079163300dr9.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079163300dr9.jpg)

[img=http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/887/0102079163600rx5.th.jpg] (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079163600rx5.jpg)

[img=http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/7122/0102079163900gy1.th.jpg] (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079163900gy1.jpg)

[img=http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/151/0102079164700pj4.th.jpg] (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079164700pj4.jpg)

[img=http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/5476/0102079165100zc3.th.jpg] (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=0102079165100zc3.jpg)

[RSG]

I cannot get over the amount of money these states have.

[ZZ-II]

wow, that's a futuristic design

[Skoulikimou]

the island layout is simply stunning :bow:

[The Cebuano Exultor]

First of all...RESPECT...RESPECT! :bow:

This project kicks the crap out of Dubai Waterfront! The layout of Saadiyat Island is far more superior to Dubai Waterfront (now moreso because of the stupid re-designs of the later).

I'm guessing this project will be a long-term one. Perhaps, it'll be fully completed within the next decade or two.

[elliot]

"Zaha Hadid’s design for a performing arts center for an island in Abu Dhabi."


^^ That..... is flippin' gorgeous. ^^ That.... is spectacular.

[JoshYent]

amazing absolutely amazing


i think that these projects are perfect

i love the PRE-planned cities

:)

[ahmed007]

i don't like the idea of this project. The UAE should not try to be a tourist attraction because it simply has no attractions. Dubai is the only city going down that path and it should be the only emirate to do so. dubai is a tourist attraction bcz its the first city that is trying to attract tourists by offering luxury, which is somehow dangerous. dubai should try a new idea to diverse the economy. its already alot of competition in the financal hub, trade hub, and aviation hub stuff.

[SaiGoNeseKiD]

Wow reminds me of the Theater in Fith Element

[Krazy]

Louvre comes to Abu Dhabi as UAE and France seal pact


http://www.gulfnews.com/images/07/03/06/07_ae_louvre_abudhabi1_4.jpg
The computer image shows a view of the Louvre museum to be built in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi: Months of speculation ended yesterday with the signing of a historic cultural accord between the UAE and France to set up the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.

The one-billion euro museum covering an area of 24,000 sq metres is expected to open its doors in 2012, as part of Saadiyat Island's Cultural District project.

The 30-year agreement was signed by Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Tourism Development and Investment Company and the French Minister for Culture and Communications Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, in the presence of Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Following the signing of the agreement, President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the UAE is striving to achieve a cultural renaissance through revival and promotion of the country's cultural heritage.

"We are embarking on massive cultural projects that are not only aimed at preserving our country's heritage and history but also meant to bridge the gap between world cultures," he said in remarks during a meeting yesterday with de Vabres.

The bilateral pact provides for long-term loans from the Louvre and other French museums such as the Musee du Quai Branly, Centre Georges Pompidou, Musee d'Orsay, Versailles, Guiment and Rodin.

De Vabres insisted that the accord was not a 'market'. "It is a magnificent project, in that it is humanistic and it is a call for intercultural dialogue," he said.

"But we are not selling our art. Some art works will never leave France to go anywhere, but still, some important pieces will." The French Louvre, established in 1793, is the world's most visited museum.

[Quebec16]

Impressive... I don't know where they find all this money...

I guess they already paid all the country 'debt

[cyborg81]

Impressive... I don't know where they find all this money...

I guess they already paid all the country 'debt

what debt?.mate the u.a.e (abu dhabi) is a credit giver to other countries.they gave $100 million when katrina struck new orleans!

[Siopao]

:laugh: :laugh: ^^^lol!!!. East Asia is actually the future.

Gotta say.. AGREED.

[E -zone ³]

Jean nouvels building (the louvre) will be a master piece if built.

[emzeti]

hmm amazing design..but for what? to attract tourist or to show to the world..?
hmm maybe thay so rich..

[Rahmani]

what debt?.mate the u.a.e (abu dhabi) is a credit giver to other countries.they gave $100 million when katrina struck new orleans!

According to the CIA. UAE has an External debt of 39.1 billion USD, 30.2% of GDP

Examples of other countries

USA 10040 billion USD, 77.4% of GDP
UK 8280 billion USD, 435,1% of GDP (financially bankrupt!)
Japan 1547 billion USD, 36.7% of GDP
China 306 billion USD, 3.1% of GDP
India 132 billion USD, 3.3% of GDP
Saudi Arabia 47 billion USD, 12.6% of GDP
Kuwait 19 billion USD, 36.4% of GDP
Iran 15 billion USD, 2.5% of GDP
Bahrain 7 billion USD, 39.6% of GDP

[TORONTOCOPENHAGEN]

What's going in the Gulf is surely a teenage "mine is bigger than yours"-thing!

P

[Alle]

What's going in the Gulf is surely a teenage "mine is bigger than yours"-thing!

P

They are investing their money. Altough you have to say that they have high ambitions, at least.

[Imperfect Ending]

Why is the UAE acting as if it's Singapore-that's out of land...?

[AltinD]

^^ Why is that you can't put it in your skull that Saadiyat Island is NATURAL.

[Krazy]

posted earlier by dubai_26

http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07253/szmusiem.jpg

[FM 2258]

I love what the U.A.E. is doing with their country. I can't wait to visit via Emirates and Etihad first class. :cheers:

[asfar]

great stuff UAE keep it up

[Insane alex]

This project is great!

[systema magicum]

This is a fantastic project, 4 star architects, 4 impressive buildings!!

[JJules]

Yes this project is awesome.

[MKTJ]

This is a fantastic project, 4 star architects, 4 impressive buildings!!
i know one of them is zaha hadid ... who is the other three ??

[systema magicum]

Jean Nouvel, Tadao Ando and Frank Gerhy, here for more information:
http://www.arcspace.com/architects/aghn/aghn.html:)

[JPBrazil]

Abu Dhabi's skyline will be a lot better than Dubai's, AD looks more like a normal city, not like Disneyland.

[Brummyboy92]

But DisneyLand is great!

Hmmm I guess not on the same scale as Dubai

[AltinD]

Abu Dhabi's skyline will be a lot better than Dubai's, AD looks more like a normal city, not like Disneyland.

- Abu Dhabi looking more like a normal city - :yes:
- Dubai looking like Disneyland - :wtf:

[Puntagorda]

http://xs216.xs.to/xs216/07253/szmusiem.jpg
For my share, this looks too much like a "pre-calculated success", an assembly line of star architects portraying themselves and their standard works without any regard to each other.
But let´s wait and see...

[systema magicum]

This is very true but we may observe this phenomenon everywhere during this period when this huge antagonism between the cities incorporates star architects at this world game of impression, this huge effort to draw attention to a city or a project. Sometimes the results are controversial or bad…but we have to wait for this project as it seems that the city of Abu Dhabi invests in culture which is important, especially if you compare with other neighbor cities at the area. Well Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry repeat their style but the projects created by Tadao Ando and Jean Nouvel are very interesting.:)

[JPBrazil]

- Abu Dhabi looking more like a normal city - :yes:
- Dubai looking like Disneyland - :wtf:

You know, like a fanstasy land...

[MKTJ]

the Gehry’s design of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum looks like :puke: