Firms being set up for dam projects
KARACHI, Aug 31: Under a new strategy, the government is setting up companies to take up multi-billion rupee dam projects in the country over the next eight to nine years. The capital for the companies will be raised from the local and international capital markets.“A company for the Neelum-Jhelum dam has already been formed,” disclosed Dr Salman Shah, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance, while talking to a team of journalists in the Dawn office on Friday. “Officials are involved in paper work for putting in place the corporate structure of the proposed company,” he said.
The 1,000 megawatt Neelum-Jhelum project is being built on the Jhelum river, and about $2 billion capital for it is expected to be raised in the local capital market and by floating Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) abroad. Another project to be taken up in a similar fashion is the Diamer-Bhasha dam which will generate 4,500 megawatts of electricity and have a reservoir for 7.3 million acre feet of water.The $6.5 billion project is part of ‘President Musharraf’s 2016 water vision’ that envisages construction of five major dams -- Diamer-Bhasha, Akori, Kuram Tangi, Munda and Kalabagh. “We will put the blueprint of each and every project before the federal and provincial governments and try to convince them of the immense economic benefits of the projects,” the adviser said.Dams, he said, were vital for agriculture and industry and for providing employment to the youth.
The government has also invited private sector to build small dams of 50 megawatt capacity at the canal water falls and run of water in the canal network in the four provinces.“We are planning to build two shipyards, one at Port Qasim in Karachi and the other at Gwadar,” he said, adding that the yards would have the capacity to build ships of 600,000 tonnes deadweight, compared to Karachi Shipyard’s capacity of building ships of 26,000 tonnes DWT.
He said the government was exploring the possibility of German or Korean collaboration for the massive shipbuilding yards in Sindh and Balochistan.Pakistan’s geographical location, its close proximity with South Asia, Middle East and East Asia, its 100 million people aged 25 years and less and its mineral and agricultural resources make it one of choicest places for foreign investment in coming years.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wind Energy in Pakistan
Pakistan’s First Wind Energy Project Launched in Sindh
via www.dailytimes.com.pk
New Park Energy Ltd (NPEL) in Thatta district of Sindh has launched the first wind energy project. It will produce 45 megawatt as a first step towards becoming the 100-megawatt pilot project to be completed by the end of 2007. The wind generated electricity would be provided to the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) to meet the needs of residential and industrial areas of the city, he said, adding that the total 400-megawatt project installation was expected to be completed by 2007.
Pakistan Makes Goal of 650 MW Wind Energy by 2007
Karachi, Pakistan [Daily Times] Air Marshal Shahid Hamid (retd), Chairman of the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), said here on Saturday 13 leading investors had been given letters of commitment to install wind power turbines and as a result 650 megawatts of wind power would be injected into the national grid by the end of 2007. At a meeting with Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Sheikh Muhammad Aslam and members of the FPCCI here in the Federation House, he said that the mid-term development plan of the AEDB included development of wind and solar energy to meet at least 5% of the total installed capacity, that is, 9,700 MW by 2030.
Pakistan: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic Affairs Division of the government of Pakistan have agreed on a feasibility study for a large-scale wind power project. The project, with a total funding of $471,000, will select sites and measure the wind energy potential on the shoreline in the southwestern province of Balochistan and make preparations for a large-scale wind power plant. Technical, economic, and regulatory issues are to be addressed in the assessment of feasibility.
Pakistan:
http://www.awea.org/faq/global2000.html
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic Affairs Division of the government of Pakistan have agreed on a feasibility study for a large-scale wind power project. The project, with a total funding of $471,000, will select sites and measure the wind energy potential on the shoreline in the southwestern province of Balochistan and make preparations for a large-scale wind power plant. Technical, economic, and regulatory issues are to be addressed in the assessment of feasibility.
Alternate Energy Pakistan:
US $875m Windpower Project to Provide 30% of Karachi's Needs
A new US$875 million wind power project will provide 30 percent of Karachi's power needs, a state government official has said. Speaking at the inauguration of the Gharo project, adviser to Sindh Chief Minister for Environment and Alternate Energy, Noman Saigol, said it was the first alternate energy project for Sindh.Sixteen companies from the US, Japan and China are taking part in the project, which will be built on 19,700 acres of government-provided land.The windpower project, expected to employ 30-40,000 locals, will have a 50MW capacity, rising to as much as 900MW by 2010, he said.
84 companies invest $ 8.5 bln in wind energy
http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11656&Itemid=2
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): A sum of $ 8.5 billion has been invested by 84 companies for producing 4200 MW power through wind in the country within a period of next two years, Secretary Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) Brig Naseem Khan said. Talking to CNBC channel he said Letter of Intent (LOI) has already been issued to all the companies. The issuing of LOI to two more companies is also in process.
Country has the potential to produce 246,000 MW power through wind he said and added that 8 to 10 companies have also shown interest for producing wind energy.
A company Newpak has initiated the construction of wind turbines in collaboration with Germany in Nooriabad.
First year they will produce 66 turbines of 100MW.Second year they start production of 200MW capacity wind turbines, he added.
Evaluation is also being done to explore potential for producing power from solar energy as according to experts country has the potential to produce more than one million MW power through it.
The areas of Sindh has the potential of producing immense power through wind. In NWFP areas from Peshawar to Abbottabad have great potential.
Pakistan meteorological department has started to fix gadgets for ascertaining the velocity of wind from Peshawar to Abbotabad.
via www.dailytimes.com.pk
New Park Energy Ltd (NPEL) in Thatta district of Sindh has launched the first wind energy project. It will produce 45 megawatt as a first step towards becoming the 100-megawatt pilot project to be completed by the end of 2007. The wind generated electricity would be provided to the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) to meet the needs of residential and industrial areas of the city, he said, adding that the total 400-megawatt project installation was expected to be completed by 2007.
Pakistan Makes Goal of 650 MW Wind Energy by 2007
Karachi, Pakistan [Daily Times] Air Marshal Shahid Hamid (retd), Chairman of the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB), said here on Saturday 13 leading investors had been given letters of commitment to install wind power turbines and as a result 650 megawatts of wind power would be injected into the national grid by the end of 2007. At a meeting with Acting President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) Sheikh Muhammad Aslam and members of the FPCCI here in the Federation House, he said that the mid-term development plan of the AEDB included development of wind and solar energy to meet at least 5% of the total installed capacity, that is, 9,700 MW by 2030.
Pakistan: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic Affairs Division of the government of Pakistan have agreed on a feasibility study for a large-scale wind power project. The project, with a total funding of $471,000, will select sites and measure the wind energy potential on the shoreline in the southwestern province of Balochistan and make preparations for a large-scale wind power plant. Technical, economic, and regulatory issues are to be addressed in the assessment of feasibility.
Pakistan:
http://www.awea.org/faq/global2000.html
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Economic Affairs Division of the government of Pakistan have agreed on a feasibility study for a large-scale wind power project. The project, with a total funding of $471,000, will select sites and measure the wind energy potential on the shoreline in the southwestern province of Balochistan and make preparations for a large-scale wind power plant. Technical, economic, and regulatory issues are to be addressed in the assessment of feasibility.
Alternate Energy Pakistan:
US $875m Windpower Project to Provide 30% of Karachi's Needs
A new US$875 million wind power project will provide 30 percent of Karachi's power needs, a state government official has said. Speaking at the inauguration of the Gharo project, adviser to Sindh Chief Minister for Environment and Alternate Energy, Noman Saigol, said it was the first alternate energy project for Sindh.Sixteen companies from the US, Japan and China are taking part in the project, which will be built on 19,700 acres of government-provided land.The windpower project, expected to employ 30-40,000 locals, will have a 50MW capacity, rising to as much as 900MW by 2010, he said.
84 companies invest $ 8.5 bln in wind energy
http://www.app.com.pk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11656&Itemid=2
ISLAMABAD, Jun 27 (APP): A sum of $ 8.5 billion has been invested by 84 companies for producing 4200 MW power through wind in the country within a period of next two years, Secretary Alternate Energy Development Board (AEDB) Brig Naseem Khan said. Talking to CNBC channel he said Letter of Intent (LOI) has already been issued to all the companies. The issuing of LOI to two more companies is also in process.
Country has the potential to produce 246,000 MW power through wind he said and added that 8 to 10 companies have also shown interest for producing wind energy.
A company Newpak has initiated the construction of wind turbines in collaboration with Germany in Nooriabad.
First year they will produce 66 turbines of 100MW.Second year they start production of 200MW capacity wind turbines, he added.
Evaluation is also being done to explore potential for producing power from solar energy as according to experts country has the potential to produce more than one million MW power through it.
The areas of Sindh has the potential of producing immense power through wind. In NWFP areas from Peshawar to Abbottabad have great potential.
Pakistan meteorological department has started to fix gadgets for ascertaining the velocity of wind from Peshawar to Abbotabad.
Pakistan to Launch Its First Commercial Wind ProjectGE Energy's Wind Turbine Technology
http://www.gepower.com/about/press/en/2004_press/112404.htm
(Link GE website)
Commercial wind power is coming to Pakistan.New Park Energy Phase I, a 45-megawatt installation that will be the first step of a 400-megawatt wind project, has been approved by the government of Pakistan, through its Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB). NPE has committed to work with GE Energy to reach a goal of 1,000 megawatts. GE Energy, one of the world's leading wind turbine suppliers, has been selected to provide 30 of its 1.5-megawatt wind turbines for phase I.New Park Energy Phase I will be the first commercial wind energy project in Pakistan, where the government has set a goal to have 10% of the country's energy produced from renewable sources by the year 2015. As a significant part of that effort, AEDB has forecast the installation of 1800-2700 megawatts of wind power capacity by 2015, with an annual installation rate of 170-270 megawatts.The New Park Energy project will be located near Port Qasim and will provide wind-generated electricity to the Karachi Electric Supply Company, to help support residential and industrial expansion in the Karachi area. Plans call for the project to be developed in 45-megawatt increments. Groundbreaking for Phase I is scheduled for the third quarter of 2005, with the wind turbine installation to be completed by the end of that year. The total 400-megawatt installation is expected by 2007."We applaud Pakistan's aggressive program to increase its supply of wind power and are very pleased that our technology has been selected for the first commercial project in the country," said Steve Zwolinski, CEO of GE Energy's wind operations. "This strong activity in Pakistan is further evidence of how countries worldwide are embracing the benefits of wind energy."The project owner will be New Park Energy Ltd, a group that includes Dorsch Consult of Germany and Albario Engineering Limited of Lahore Pakistan.The New Park Energy wind project will help to meet Pakistan's energy shortage. It also is expected to open the doors to further wind energy development and encourage other foreign investors. "Special thanks goes to the government of Pakistan who encouraged this development", said Saeed Akhtar, Chief Executive Officer of New Park Energy.The GE 1.5-megawatt wind turbines selected for this project are among the world's most widely tested and sold wind turbines. Earlier this year, GE announced that its 1.5-megawatt machine was the first megawatt-class wind turbine to reach 2,500 installations worldwide.About
GE EnergyGE Energy (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technology, with 2003 revenues of nearly $18.5 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy provides equipment, service and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, transmission and distribution, distributed power and energy rental industries.With wind turbine design, manufacturing and/or assembly facilities in Germany, Spain and the United States, GE Energy's current wind energy portfolio includes wind turbines with rated outputs ranging from 1,500 to 3,600 kilowatts, and support services ranging from project development assistance to operation and maintenance. The company has developed and/or installed more than 6,900 wind turbines with a total capacity exceeding 5,000 megawatts
http://www.gepower.com/about/press/en/2004_press/112404.htm
(Link GE website)
Commercial wind power is coming to Pakistan.New Park Energy Phase I, a 45-megawatt installation that will be the first step of a 400-megawatt wind project, has been approved by the government of Pakistan, through its Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB). NPE has committed to work with GE Energy to reach a goal of 1,000 megawatts. GE Energy, one of the world's leading wind turbine suppliers, has been selected to provide 30 of its 1.5-megawatt wind turbines for phase I.New Park Energy Phase I will be the first commercial wind energy project in Pakistan, where the government has set a goal to have 10% of the country's energy produced from renewable sources by the year 2015. As a significant part of that effort, AEDB has forecast the installation of 1800-2700 megawatts of wind power capacity by 2015, with an annual installation rate of 170-270 megawatts.The New Park Energy project will be located near Port Qasim and will provide wind-generated electricity to the Karachi Electric Supply Company, to help support residential and industrial expansion in the Karachi area. Plans call for the project to be developed in 45-megawatt increments. Groundbreaking for Phase I is scheduled for the third quarter of 2005, with the wind turbine installation to be completed by the end of that year. The total 400-megawatt installation is expected by 2007."We applaud Pakistan's aggressive program to increase its supply of wind power and are very pleased that our technology has been selected for the first commercial project in the country," said Steve Zwolinski, CEO of GE Energy's wind operations. "This strong activity in Pakistan is further evidence of how countries worldwide are embracing the benefits of wind energy."The project owner will be New Park Energy Ltd, a group that includes Dorsch Consult of Germany and Albario Engineering Limited of Lahore Pakistan.The New Park Energy wind project will help to meet Pakistan's energy shortage. It also is expected to open the doors to further wind energy development and encourage other foreign investors. "Special thanks goes to the government of Pakistan who encouraged this development", said Saeed Akhtar, Chief Executive Officer of New Park Energy.The GE 1.5-megawatt wind turbines selected for this project are among the world's most widely tested and sold wind turbines. Earlier this year, GE announced that its 1.5-megawatt machine was the first megawatt-class wind turbine to reach 2,500 installations worldwide.About
GE EnergyGE Energy (www.gepower.com) is one of the world's leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technology, with 2003 revenues of nearly $18.5 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy provides equipment, service and management solutions across the power generation, oil and gas, transmission and distribution, distributed power and energy rental industries.With wind turbine design, manufacturing and/or assembly facilities in Germany, Spain and the United States, GE Energy's current wind energy portfolio includes wind turbines with rated outputs ranging from 1,500 to 3,600 kilowatts, and support services ranging from project development assistance to operation and maintenance. The company has developed and/or installed more than 6,900 wind turbines with a total capacity exceeding 5,000 megawatts
Pakistans Push for Energy
Dam expansion project awardedISLAMABAD, Aug 30: The government on Thursday allowed a consortium of Kohinoor Group and the UAE-based Al-Nahyan Group to undertake $500 million Tarbela dam expansion project to enhance its generation capacity by 960MW.
The project, which is expected to be completed in 2015, would raise Tarbela dam’s generation capacity to about 4,550MW.
A meeting of the board of directors of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) presided over by minister for water and power Liaquat Ali Jatoi decided to issue a formal letter of intent (LoI) to the consortium, Tarbela Hydro Limited and Associates comprising Kohinoor Group and Al Nahyan Group of the UAE.The consortium will be required to complete feasibility study within 18 months and complete the project by 2015. The PPIB had sought proposals from local and international firms a few months ago and 13 companies expressed interest in the project. However, only three firms submitted their statements of qualification, and the offer of Kohinoor and Al-Nahyan Group was declared successful.This will be the fourth extension of Tarbela hydropower project.The board also approved the setting up of 139MW Chakothi Hattian Hydropower Project in Azad Kashmir
It is is estimated to start commercial operation by 2015, according to a press release.The statement said the meeting was informed that the PPIB had recently signed implementation agreements (IAs) with five companies for a total of 992MW and four IAs for 715MW are ready for signing.The projects for which IAs have been signed include
165MW Attockgen by Attock Group of Companies,
225MW Atlas Power of Shirazi Group,
202MW Foundation Power, a company of Fauji Foundation,
200MW Nishat Chunian and
200MW Nishat Power by Nishat Group.
Qatar Investment Authority's (QIA) proposal for setting up 500 MW thermal power project at Chichoki Mallian. GoP and QIA signed an MoU during the visit of Qatari Minister for Finance to Islamabad on May 31, at the Prime Minister House, with the EPC contractors ie Alstom Marubeni.The company which is being assisted by Saif-ur-Rehman, former Chairman Ehtsab Bureau, had quoted $350 million project. This deal is being finalized.
Friday, August 24, 2007
US to pour 750 million into Pakistan's tribal areas
US to pour 750 million into Pakistan's tribal areas: report
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WASHINGTON (updated on: July 16, 2007, 09:53 PST): The administration of President George W. Bush plans to pour 750 million dollars worth of aid into Pakistan's tribal areas in a bid to wrest it away from al Qaeda and Taliban militants, The New York Times reported on its website late Sunday.But citing unnamed officials involved in the planning, the newspaper said some people were warning of the dangers of disturbing so much money in an area where oversight is impossible who will be given the aid has quickly become one of the most contentious questions between local officials and American planners concerned that millions might fall into the wrong hands, the report said.A draft of the US Agency for International Development plan given to The Times by an official who worked on it warns that the "severe governance deficiencies" in the tribal areas will make it virtually impossible for the aid to be sustainable or to overcome the "area's chronic underdevelopment and consequent volatility," the paper pointed out.The plan was highlighted during a visit to Pakistan in June by Richard Boucher, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, as a measure of Washington's support for President Pervez Musharraf, The Times said.
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WASHINGTON (updated on: July 16, 2007, 09:53 PST): The administration of President George W. Bush plans to pour 750 million dollars worth of aid into Pakistan's tribal areas in a bid to wrest it away from al Qaeda and Taliban militants, The New York Times reported on its website late Sunday.But citing unnamed officials involved in the planning, the newspaper said some people were warning of the dangers of disturbing so much money in an area where oversight is impossible who will be given the aid has quickly become one of the most contentious questions between local officials and American planners concerned that millions might fall into the wrong hands, the report said.A draft of the US Agency for International Development plan given to The Times by an official who worked on it warns that the "severe governance deficiencies" in the tribal areas will make it virtually impossible for the aid to be sustainable or to overcome the "area's chronic underdevelopment and consequent volatility," the paper pointed out.The plan was highlighted during a visit to Pakistan in June by Richard Boucher, the assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, as a measure of Washington's support for President Pervez Musharraf, The Times said.
Europe, ME companies eye stake in Karachi Stock Exchange
Europe, ME companies eye stake in KSE
KARACHI: Nordic and Baltic bourse owner OMX has shown interest in buying a stake in the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), due to be listed by the year-end, the country’s chief regulator said on Tuesday.OMX was among interested parties vying for a sizable minority stake, said Razi-ur-Rahman Khan, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. “Yes, it includes OMX,” Khan told Reuters.The main stakeholders of the exchange are its 200 members, whose stake will be converted into shares. They will then sell some of those shares through an initial public offering.Khan said companies from the Middle East and Europe have inquired about taking a stake in the Karachi bourse. “We are definitely looking at it and will develop a policy in a couple of months,” he said.“It’s not yet been decided how much stake would be sold, it could be more than 5 to 10 per cent, it could be less.”Khan said the most important criterion in choosing a partner would be that if it would bring value to the exchange.Shaukat Tarin, Chairman of the Karachi Stock Exchange, said in June that Deutsche Bank has been appointed to value the exchange and advise on its listing.OMX, which owns and runs exchanges in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and the Baltic states, is itself a takeover target of US exchange Nasdaq.London’s Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday that the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which owns the Dubai International Financial Exchange, also had funding in place to bid as much as 250 Swedish crowns ($37.66) per OMX share.The bid by Nasdaq Stock Market Inc, the largest US electronic stock exchange, was worth roughly $3.6 billion or about 199 crowns per share.The KSE 100-share index has gained about 40 per cent since the beginning of the year, boosting the total market capitalisation to about Rs4 trillion ($66.22bn).
KARACHI: Nordic and Baltic bourse owner OMX has shown interest in buying a stake in the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), due to be listed by the year-end, the country’s chief regulator said on Tuesday.OMX was among interested parties vying for a sizable minority stake, said Razi-ur-Rahman Khan, Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. “Yes, it includes OMX,” Khan told Reuters.The main stakeholders of the exchange are its 200 members, whose stake will be converted into shares. They will then sell some of those shares through an initial public offering.Khan said companies from the Middle East and Europe have inquired about taking a stake in the Karachi bourse. “We are definitely looking at it and will develop a policy in a couple of months,” he said.“It’s not yet been decided how much stake would be sold, it could be more than 5 to 10 per cent, it could be less.”Khan said the most important criterion in choosing a partner would be that if it would bring value to the exchange.Shaukat Tarin, Chairman of the Karachi Stock Exchange, said in June that Deutsche Bank has been appointed to value the exchange and advise on its listing.OMX, which owns and runs exchanges in Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and the Baltic states, is itself a takeover target of US exchange Nasdaq.London’s Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday that the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which owns the Dubai International Financial Exchange, also had funding in place to bid as much as 250 Swedish crowns ($37.66) per OMX share.The bid by Nasdaq Stock Market Inc, the largest US electronic stock exchange, was worth roughly $3.6 billion or about 199 crowns per share.The KSE 100-share index has gained about 40 per cent since the beginning of the year, boosting the total market capitalisation to about Rs4 trillion ($66.22bn).
Dubai building boom in Pictures
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/03/dubai/index_01.htm
Dubai's Architectural Wonders
As oil reserves dwindle, Dubai's attention-grabbing construction projects, including an underwater hotel, are aimed at drawing tourist dollars.
There's more than one Dubai drama playing out on the world stage these days. Besides the fracas over whether U.S. ports should be overseen by Dubai Ports World the emirate is gaining widespread attention and generating buzz in architecture, design, and real-estate circles. Dubai, one of the seven United Arab Emirates, is engaged in a building boom of epic proportions.
By the beginning of the next decade, relatively tiny Dubai -- it's smaller than Canada's Prince Edward Island, and has a population of about 1.4 million citizens -- will be home to an astonishing number of superlative architectural projects. These include Earth's tallest skyscraper, the first luxury underwater hotel, and a man-made archipelago of private, residential islands (yes, the biggest development of its kind) that will resemble a map of the world when seen from above.Most of Dubai's ambitious building projects are in planning or early construction stages. The emirate's current skyline is dotted with cranes. According to the most recent study published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dubai's construction and building sector contributes 12.2% of the emirate's non-oil GDP and has grown annually at an average rate of 27%.CONSPICUOUS CONSTRUCTION. Why the sudden construction boom? Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the president of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), has set a goal to attract 15 million tourists in the year 2010 (up from 5.24 million in 2003). Interestingly, that's the same year that, according to The Economist, Dubai's known oil reserves will be tapped.The DDIA reports that today, 90% of Dubai's diversified economy is fueled by non-oil sectors, indicating that Dubai is clearly racing to fuel new industries such as tourism. To rev up its tourism industry, Dubai's developers are engaged in an intense reshaping of the urban landscape.The ambitious scale and breakneck pace of building echoes what's happening in China, a much, much larger nation engaged in its own race to redefine its skylines (see BW Online, 12/23/05, "China's New Architectural Wonders") in preparation for the 2008 Olympic games. As if competing in an unofficial architectural Olympics, Dubai is striving to break as many records as it can in terms of "tallest," "largest," or, simply, "first."PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. Dubai's developers hope to win tourists not only from the Middle East, but from Europe and even Asia, where rapid economic development is creating a new wealthy class.If all goes as planned, there will be plenty for future tourists to capture in keepsake digital photos. Dubai will soon be home to world's tallest building, the sleek and spectacular Burj Dubai, designed by American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). When it is completed in 2009, it will knock Taiwan's pagoda-shaped Taipei 101 from its roost as Earth's loftiest. Another Western firm, Britain's Foster & Partners, has designed One Central Park, a mixed-use, eco-friendly building 80 stories high.One Central Park will be the world's highest residential apartment building when it opens its doors in 2008. And Singapore's DP Architects have designed the 1,000-store, 5-million-square-foot Dubai Mall, which will be the biggest shopping center on the planet when it opens this year.FLY ME TO THE MOON. While impressive, these structures are rather traditional compared to some of the construction efforts in Dubai. There's Hydropolis, an underwater hotel developed and designed by Germany's Joachim Hauser, scheduled to open at the end of 2007. And there's Palm Islands, a set of man-made resort islands shaped to look like a palm tree when seen from a jet, which will open later this year. This year the same developer will also complete The World, a series of manufactured residential islands that, when seen from above, resemble smaller versions of the seven continents.And speaking of space, the American firm Space Adventures (known for launching the first civilian orbital space flights) is developing the UAE spaceport, the first commercial spacecraft flight center in nearby emirate Ras Al-Khaimah, minutes away from Dubai. Dubai's citizens, no doubt, will consider the UAE spaceport their hometown spaceport, just as New Yorkers look upon Newark Airport, in nearby New Jersey, as one of their local hubs. No completion date has been set for the spaceport.That Dubai is pushing for extreme architecture shouldn't come as a surprise if you look at the emirate's history of firsts. In 1979, the biggest man-made port opened at Jebel Ali in Dubai, and in 1999, Dubai became the site of the world's first 7-star hotel, when the iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab opened for business.WORLD WORLD. A particularly ambitious project in the works is Dubailand, partially funded by Dubai's government and developed by Dubailand LLC. It's a massive, sprawling, and totally built-from-scratch city-as-tourist attraction that suggests the theme-park atmosphere of Disneyworld (DIS) or Las Vegas, only more so. Located only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, Dubailand will cover 3 billion square feet and feature six different "worlds."Dubailand's more "conventional" family-oriented offerings are Attractions and Experience World, devoted to roller coasters, waterslides, and other mechanical rides; Sports and Outdoor World, with a variety of stadiums (designed by German architectural firm von Gerkan Marg & Partner) and other athletic venues; and Downtown, which will be a downtown center with movie theaters, restaurants, and bowling alleys.Eco-Tourism World, which will present "natural" environments and biosphere structures, promises to be the most forward-thinking offering. Leisure and Vacation World -- a spa environment, and Retail & Entertainment World, which will house low-end to high-end retail, seem to be giant playgrounds for grownups. Currently, initial infrastructure (utilities, roads) is being built, and the goal is to have a portion operational by 2008.While all of Dubai shouldn't be conflated with Dubailand and its pure entertainment value, it's clear that the emirate will soon be overflowing with attractions, whether amusement-park rides or serious architecture. Like Las Vegas, Dubai's dramatic new developments won't be without their critics. Love them or hate them, these new wonders of the world are just that -- wonders.
Dubai's Architectural Wonders
As oil reserves dwindle, Dubai's attention-grabbing construction projects, including an underwater hotel, are aimed at drawing tourist dollars.
There's more than one Dubai drama playing out on the world stage these days. Besides the fracas over whether U.S. ports should be overseen by Dubai Ports World the emirate is gaining widespread attention and generating buzz in architecture, design, and real-estate circles. Dubai, one of the seven United Arab Emirates, is engaged in a building boom of epic proportions.
By the beginning of the next decade, relatively tiny Dubai -- it's smaller than Canada's Prince Edward Island, and has a population of about 1.4 million citizens -- will be home to an astonishing number of superlative architectural projects. These include Earth's tallest skyscraper, the first luxury underwater hotel, and a man-made archipelago of private, residential islands (yes, the biggest development of its kind) that will resemble a map of the world when seen from above.Most of Dubai's ambitious building projects are in planning or early construction stages. The emirate's current skyline is dotted with cranes. According to the most recent study published by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dubai's construction and building sector contributes 12.2% of the emirate's non-oil GDP and has grown annually at an average rate of 27%.CONSPICUOUS CONSTRUCTION. Why the sudden construction boom? Dubai's Crown Prince, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the Defense Minister of the United Arab Emirates and the president of the Dubai Development and Investment Authority (DDIA), has set a goal to attract 15 million tourists in the year 2010 (up from 5.24 million in 2003). Interestingly, that's the same year that, according to The Economist, Dubai's known oil reserves will be tapped.The DDIA reports that today, 90% of Dubai's diversified economy is fueled by non-oil sectors, indicating that Dubai is clearly racing to fuel new industries such as tourism. To rev up its tourism industry, Dubai's developers are engaged in an intense reshaping of the urban landscape.The ambitious scale and breakneck pace of building echoes what's happening in China, a much, much larger nation engaged in its own race to redefine its skylines (see BW Online, 12/23/05, "China's New Architectural Wonders") in preparation for the 2008 Olympic games. As if competing in an unofficial architectural Olympics, Dubai is striving to break as many records as it can in terms of "tallest," "largest," or, simply, "first."PHOTO OPPORTUNITY. Dubai's developers hope to win tourists not only from the Middle East, but from Europe and even Asia, where rapid economic development is creating a new wealthy class.If all goes as planned, there will be plenty for future tourists to capture in keepsake digital photos. Dubai will soon be home to world's tallest building, the sleek and spectacular Burj Dubai, designed by American firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). When it is completed in 2009, it will knock Taiwan's pagoda-shaped Taipei 101 from its roost as Earth's loftiest. Another Western firm, Britain's Foster & Partners, has designed One Central Park, a mixed-use, eco-friendly building 80 stories high.One Central Park will be the world's highest residential apartment building when it opens its doors in 2008. And Singapore's DP Architects have designed the 1,000-store, 5-million-square-foot Dubai Mall, which will be the biggest shopping center on the planet when it opens this year.FLY ME TO THE MOON. While impressive, these structures are rather traditional compared to some of the construction efforts in Dubai. There's Hydropolis, an underwater hotel developed and designed by Germany's Joachim Hauser, scheduled to open at the end of 2007. And there's Palm Islands, a set of man-made resort islands shaped to look like a palm tree when seen from a jet, which will open later this year. This year the same developer will also complete The World, a series of manufactured residential islands that, when seen from above, resemble smaller versions of the seven continents.And speaking of space, the American firm Space Adventures (known for launching the first civilian orbital space flights) is developing the UAE spaceport, the first commercial spacecraft flight center in nearby emirate Ras Al-Khaimah, minutes away from Dubai. Dubai's citizens, no doubt, will consider the UAE spaceport their hometown spaceport, just as New Yorkers look upon Newark Airport, in nearby New Jersey, as one of their local hubs. No completion date has been set for the spaceport.That Dubai is pushing for extreme architecture shouldn't come as a surprise if you look at the emirate's history of firsts. In 1979, the biggest man-made port opened at Jebel Ali in Dubai, and in 1999, Dubai became the site of the world's first 7-star hotel, when the iconic, sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab opened for business.WORLD WORLD. A particularly ambitious project in the works is Dubailand, partially funded by Dubai's government and developed by Dubailand LLC. It's a massive, sprawling, and totally built-from-scratch city-as-tourist attraction that suggests the theme-park atmosphere of Disneyworld (DIS) or Las Vegas, only more so. Located only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, Dubailand will cover 3 billion square feet and feature six different "worlds."Dubailand's more "conventional" family-oriented offerings are Attractions and Experience World, devoted to roller coasters, waterslides, and other mechanical rides; Sports and Outdoor World, with a variety of stadiums (designed by German architectural firm von Gerkan Marg & Partner) and other athletic venues; and Downtown, which will be a downtown center with movie theaters, restaurants, and bowling alleys.Eco-Tourism World, which will present "natural" environments and biosphere structures, promises to be the most forward-thinking offering. Leisure and Vacation World -- a spa environment, and Retail & Entertainment World, which will house low-end to high-end retail, seem to be giant playgrounds for grownups. Currently, initial infrastructure (utilities, roads) is being built, and the goal is to have a portion operational by 2008.While all of Dubai shouldn't be conflated with Dubailand and its pure entertainment value, it's clear that the emirate will soon be overflowing with attractions, whether amusement-park rides or serious architecture. Like Las Vegas, Dubai's dramatic new developments won't be without their critics. Love them or hate them, these new wonders of the world are just that -- wonders.
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