DigestQ4 2015 | DSA DIGEST | VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

DSA winS ‘Top UAE ArchiTEcTUrAl consUlTAnT 2015’ awa r D

• SarayaBandarJissah,Oman

• OneandOnly,Bahrain

• Crescent,Baku,Azerbaijan

• MalloftheEmiratesCapex

• AdayinalifeofConradBurger

• TimelineofProjects

• AstecoMarketReview

• EndofYearFunction2015

DSA

In a recent survey by Emirates Projects Magazine, DSA were proud to be selected as the No. 1 Architectural Consultant in the United Arab

Emirates for 2015.

The nomination was based upon recognition of a number of key attributes required to be regarded as ‘truly great architects’, including imagination, creativity, passion and the ability to achieve a vision that stands out as both a practical solution and a work of art.

We are delighted to have received this accolade, which was presented by Eddie Rayner, Managing Director of TPG Publishing at an awards ceremony at our Dubai office in December.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Floris Smith, Design Principal of DSA commented: ‘We are very pleased to have received this recognition, which is testimony to the efforts of our hard-working staff. We approach all of our projects with the same passion and enthusiasm, with the aim of always producing buildings which are timeless, but of their time’.

in THiS iSSUE:

www.dsa-arch.com

As a further example of DSA’s world leading and renowned expertise in the hospitality and leisure sector, we are pleased to be able to announce our appointment as lead consultant for The Crescent Hotel, (named “La Luna” Hotel), within The Crescent Development, a prestigious 450,000 square-metre mixed-used development located on an island in the Caspian Sea in Baku Azerbaijan, known as ‘the land of fire’.

La Luna Hotel comprises a 120,000m² 27 storey 144m tall crescent-shaped tower with a 5 storey podium structure basement built on an artificial island and surrounded by a crystal clear lagoon with hotel and apartments above grade and parking and mechanical space below grade.

The Hotel will be connected with the shore through a bridge and two tunnels.

We will be covering the progress of the project in future editions of DSA Digest.

DSA AppointeD for BAku Hotel AnD leiSure reSort

STOP PRESS

I am pleased to bring you this edition that captures some of the current and recently

completed work we have been busy working on, as well as some of the more ‘human’ aspects of our business.

Whilst I have the opportunity, I would like to thank our clients and partners for their support and trust in allowing us to work with them throughout this year, and we very much look forward to continuing and building on these relationships into 2016 and beyond.

Equally to all our suppliers and associates who have provided us with their products and services, helping us to achieve and deliver our projects over the past 12 months.

Finally, a big thank you to our staff – we are privileged to have such a dedicated and loyal group who often ‘go the extra mile’ for the company – we are very grateful to you all.

As 2015 draws to a close, we are in a strong position with a full order book to take us into the New Year.

This gives us a solid foundation on which to build and plan for our future and will enable us to make ongoing investments into further staff development and also into the technological advances we wish to make, something that our clients rightly expect from us.

So it only remains for me to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2016... STEVE KELSHAW

Managing Director

Welcome to the 2nd and 2015 year end DSA Digest Newsletter

Q4 2015 | DSA DIGEST | VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

Low oil prices are affecting the UAE’s economy as a whole, with the slowest Dubai’s private-sector economy growth in 5 years resulting in the rate of new hires increasing at the slowest rate in nearly four years.

At the same time, Dubai’s key travel and tourism sector has contracted during the year and the construction sector has also slowed although it is relatively resilient with growth in new orders despite heightened concerns about government spending in the face of sustained low oil prices.

2016 has been challenging for the Dubai sales market due to key factors such as the strong dollar affecting investment appetite from the traditional overseas buyers especially from Europe & Russia where the local currencies have been particularly hard hit, which was also compounded by a negative global economic outlook.

The result has been a steady decline in property values throughout the year in the residential and commercial sectors with low transactions levels and developers increasingly focusing their marketing efforts to the near and far east.

The off-plan market has suffered the most, particularly for product launches in the more secondary locations by third party developers, despite attractive incentives being offered in terms of extended payment plans and price reductions. Even the major master developers, who enjoyed some success in the first half of 2015, have experienced significant drops in sales volumes since the summer.

Regulatory issues are also affecting the market specifically the LTV limits imposed on expatriate buyers in the market, the quantum of the transfer fees and more recently the date for payment of these fees. All of these issues combined mean that there is a significant barrier to entry for interested buyers in terms of upfront equity required to buy property.

Despite the poor performance of the residential property market in 2015 and with potentially further drops forecast in the short term as substantial supply comes online, the real estate sector in Dubai still offers attractive post tax returns to investors compared with other global cities.

Despite the numerous property launches over the past couple of years, it is likely that a substantial proportion of potential supply from these projects will be curtailed due to market conditions which will allow for the absorption of the stock currently under construction and due for delivery in the next 2/3 years and a resultant recovery in values.

Diversification initiatives announced by the UAE government total some AED300 billion to be spent on diversification in sectors such as educational sector, health, energy, transportation, space and water with the objective to build a knowledge based economy.

The policy includes the establishment of funds for science, research and innovation in the UAE as well as targets to increase investment on research and development in the UAE and increase the percentage of knowledge workers in the country to 40 per cent by 2021. This would drive demand for real estate over the medium to long term with the growth in employment opportunities and overall population levels.

Despite the unrest in the region the UAE remains one of the safest locations in the world, with excellent connectivity, strong economic prospects, a low tax regime and a stable political system which assists in paving the way for its success as a global hub.

In addition, despite the reduced hospitality performance in Dubai in 2015 as new supply continues to be added during a time of relative slowdown Dubai continues to perform well compared with international benchmarks and the new supply will offer diversity in terms the hospitality offering and the price point which will attract a much broader market in the long term.

SHORT TERM PROPERTY OUTLOOK

MEDIUM/LONG TERM PROPERTY OUTLOOK

MARKET REVIEW FROM OUR PARTNER

SHORT TERM cHaLLENGING bUT MEDIUM/LONG TERM POSITIvE

John Allen, Director (Valuation & Advisory) at Asteco provides us with

his views on the UAE property market.

www.dsa-arch.com

As featured in our previous edition of DSA digest, the Saraya Bandar Jissah development south of Muscat in Oman will set the standard of integrated tourism in the country when it opens in 2017.

We had a chance to pose some questions about the development to CEO Sheikh Hamood bin Sultan Al Hosni.

“Saraya Bandar Jissah is an integrated tourism complex (ITC) located in the touristic hub of Muscat, nestled between the Al Hajar Mountains and looking out onto a pristine secluded bay.

What makes this project different is firstly, the scale. Saraya Bandar Jissah has 398 exclusive residential units spread over five zones and two luxury five-star Jumeirah hotels perched on the beachfront, on a site that covers 2.2 square kilometres. It also includes a recreational complex, staff accommodation and a technical zone. Saraya Bandar Jissah effortlessly balances the best aspects of an ITC while maintaining the natural beauty of the site.

Furthermore, great effort has been made in marrying together a sleek and individual modern design with the traditional surroundings of Bandar Jissah, the traditional Omani architectural

methods and design elements. Saraya Bandar Jissah will be a recognisably Omani development through use of local materials (over half of the development materials) and include locally-sourced cabling and wiring, window materials and marble – as well as design elements specific to Oman.

Specifically, what sets this project apart is that we plan to develop only 20% of the land area, leaving the remaining landscape untouched, mindful of the pristine environment and special history of the area – something that is yet to be seen by a developer in the region”.

Finally, Saraya Bandar Jissah is developing a recreational centre with a large park for the community which will become the social heart of the development.

“Globally, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts are synonymous with luxury and unrivalled service, providing guests with a luxurious and relaxing home away from the day-to-day rigours of life.

Our association with such a reputed hotel operator is a significantly strategic one as both hotels in Saraya Bandar Jissah will front onto the

Bandar Jissah beach where guests can enjoy the magnificent seascapes framed perfectly by the ancient rock formations which connect the land with the sea on either side. To make this experience one of utmost luxury and world-class hospitality, we are pleased to have partnered with Jumeirah”.

What makes Saraya Bandar Jissah a

different offering?

Saraya Bandar JiSSah Oman

CURRENT PROJECT

Q

What does the partnership

with Jumeirah mean to you as developers

of such an ambitious mixed

development?

Q

Q4 2015 | DSA DIGEST | VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

“Our Company has come a long way in establishing a positive and fulfilling relationship and forming strong bonds with the local community through a wide range of community based initiatives that make thoughtful and meaningful contributions to local society.

Saraya Bandar Jissah focuses on ‘joining hands’ with the local community with long term, visionary initiatives. On completion, the development will generate over 800 direct jobs for locals, thus contributing actively to the Sultanate’s economy.

Saraya Bandar Jissah is committed to encouraging health and community oriented lifestyle facilities for residents of Qantab, and recently had the pleasure of commissioning a ‘one of a kind’ football pitch constructed to international FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) standards for the young football enthusiasts of Qantab.

The 60m by 90m football pitch has synthetic grass installed by Saraya Bandar Jissah and is now ready for players to enjoy.

Furthermore, Saraya Bandar Jissah recently awarded a construction contract to Ghantoot Transport & Construction Development (GTGC) for the new Qantab Village Majlis. The Majlis is set to become a central community venue for events and gatherings for the members of the Qantab village. The Majlis which will be a great source of pride to the community as well for Saraya Bandar Jissah.

The company has made special contributions for the young children of Qantab at Qantab Public School. Working closely with the school, Saraya Bandar Jissah’s initiative involved designing a modern and dynamic environment in order to create a great learning space for youngsters, both to engage with their teachers and be stimulated in their classroom environment.

The initiative gained recognition by the Social Committee of Muscat when it was nominated as one of the best three CSR Initiatives in a competition conducted recently.

The Saraya Bandar Jissah team, mindful of the deep connections to the sea by Qantab residents, has been actively working with the local fishermen of Qantab. In the near future we intend to build a comprehensive marine facility for the fishing community to securely store equipment and tools.

Saraya Bandar Jissah looks forward to unveiling more initiatives in the future”.

“Once the development is operational, hundreds of employees will be working at the two hotels as well as within Saraya Bandar Jissah as the management company.

Normally in the tourism industry any direct job that the sector creates will generate 3 to 4 employment opportunities in other downstream sectors. That is why tourism projects create lots of jobs on a macro level as well as contributing to the national economy. Once completed, the project will provide direct employment to roughly 800 people and both we and Jumeirah have placed a special emphasis on training and creating meaningful employment opportunities to members of the local community wherever possible”.

“Since 2007, no new ITC has been introduced to the Oman market. The global financial crisis put a lot of projects on hold, but now that the conditions and sentiments have improved, we are feeling very optimistic.

The significant rise in demand for residential units, the Sultanate’s focus on diversifying away from its reliance on oil, increasing privatisation and Omanisation, and the country’s carefully calibrated focus on tourism is synonymous with our own development strategy.

Interested buyers from the residents of Oman,

GCC nationals as well as foreign investors have been showing great interest in the residential offerings – boosting our confidence about being a project that not only increases the Sultanate’s tourism infrastructure, but also attracts investment.

We believe that tourism development is a shared goal, and we are certain that Saraya Bandar Jissah alongside other high quality real estate and tourism development projects will increase the net worth of Oman’s market in the years ahead”.

“DSA is a well-known specialist design consultant in hospitality sector, the selection of DSA as a lead consultant during tendering stage passed through an intensive evaluation criteria and process.

For more than a year of comprehensive design process & technical workshops, DSA has proven commitment, professional attitude, transparent communication and team inspiration.

Saraya Bandar Jissah team is proud of the iconic landmark Boutique Hotel designed by DSA and specialist sub-consultants ( WSP, ADEAS, LMS, H&A, C&A, Tenable, PPS, DPA etc).

Due to the performance of DSA during Hotel 1 ( H1) design stage, we are very pleased to have awarded the supervision phase of H1 & H2 to DSA as well as the design enhancement & re-master planning design phase for some of the residential zones”.

What is your policy in regards to the local community and the overall integration of the resort? Q

Q

Q

As the first major tourism development to be launched in Oman for some 8 years, how important is it for you to be seen as a

leader in the type of quality offering that SBJ will provide to future investment considerations ?

Will the hotels provide employment opportunities

for Omani’s and if so in what roles?

Q Could you summarize how the experience has been working with DSA as part of your design delivery team, and what you believe we have been able

to contribute to the project to date ?

www.dsa-arch.com

Recently promoted to an Associate within the business, his current role is as Senior Site Architect, heading a team of 10, on the Nikki Beach Hotel project on Pearl Jumeirah which is a totally new concept for Dubai, and one which will set a benchmark for high-end entertainment and food & beverage offering in the Emirate. It follows similar developments in other glamorous locations such as St Tropez, Miami Beach and St Barts in the West Indies.

CB: “Nikki Beach is totally about the overall experience created for its’ customers. The simplistic approach in the design of the project creates a unique outdoor experience where a seamless fusion of indoor and outdoor environments reflects the harmony for which ‘Nikki Beach’ is known. Combined with sensory lighting and audio design, the resort will create a luxury lifestyle atmosphere for guests established around sport, entertainment, fine

dining and leisure activities, which will encompass the exclusive high and low energy Nikki Beach lifestyle.

It really will be like nothing ever seen before in Dubai or the region in fact”. This development is also a little unusual compared to other Nikki Beach’ as there are villas and a separate hotel being built as part of the overall scheme.

Conrad Burger has been with DSA Architects International for the past 7½ years, and has worked on some of the most challenging and iconic projects in Dubai, including Four Seasons Hotel, Kempinski Hotel Mall of Emirates, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Fairmont Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah.

DSA Digest (DSAD) recently caught up with Conrad during his busy schedule to understand what a typical day comprises and to experience at first hand some of the exacting demands and challenges heading-up such a high quality and fast track development brings:

DSAD: “Conrad, can you firstly

give us an introduction to what ‘Nikki Beach Dubai’

is all about?”

Meet Conrad Burger...

Q

CB: “I am an early starter, so I am up every day at around 5.00am, I will watch the early news, have some breakfast, and leave the house at round 6.00am, reaching the project at 7.00am.

I then try to get an hour or so clearing as many emails as I can before too many other people arrive, and spending time preparing what my team and I need to be doing that day.

At 8.00am the day really starts, and I will be launched heavily into dealing with issues that may need addressing on site, and beginning to distribute all necessary construction documentation to members of the clients’ design and construction teams, sub consultants and contractors, in order that all pre engineering approvals and actions can be executed, bearing in mind we probably do on average of 500 inspections and 650 shop drawings and RFI’s per week. There is a lot of information to be captured, processed and issued.

The morning will then be filled up with coordination meetings, workshops and, ideally, I try and get to do at least one ‘project walk’ a day, the first normally being before lunch if possible.

Lunch itself comprises a quick sandwich and me grabbing a few minutes in the office with the door closed, so I can try and get a little ‘thinking time’.

After lunch I meet with my team for a thorough review of what has been done so far that day and what is still pending to be done during the remainder of the day.

Then I spend a few hours or so reviewing drawings and discussing design issues with the relevant project teams and contractors

The final part of the afternoon is a catch up with a number of different people to either chase them up on outstanding items or to close out issues and actions from the day.

If I’m lucky I might get to do a final walk round the project, or have a client review meeting at 5.00pm.

I normally try and leave the office by 5.30pm and head for the gym in our compound, where I try and work off any lingering stress or frustrations from the day. My wife (who normally drags me there) will also join me and we spend an hour or so exercising together (although I tend to have my favourite music playing through my earphones while I watch the news on mute), before we head home for some dinner.

Following dinner I like to close out the day chilling with a little TV news or current affairs, or if we fancy something different we might watch a good documentary or ‘foody’ type programme to try and improve our culinary skills !

STAff PROfILE

DSAD: “So what would a typical

day comprise for you?”

Q

On behalf of the Directors of DSA Architects International, it gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Conrad Burger as an Associate of the business.

Conrad has shown resolute commitment to DSA and demonstrated his leadership potential by being a team player, when engaging with Clients, Consultants, and his fellow DSA Staff colleagues.

Thank you Conrad for the positive contribution you have made to DSA Architects International and we look forward to your future growth and development within the company.

“

Q4 2015 | DSA DIGEST | VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

One&Only, Bahrain

Kerzner International and Sevens Holding are developing a new world-class, luxurious One&Only resort in Bahrain,

which is being designed and delivered by DSA Architects International.

The new resort being built in Seef, on the northwestern coast of Bahrain, will have its own private beachfront, and 178 luxurious guest rooms and suites as well as villas and residences - the One&Only aims to bring a heightened luxury experience to the country.

Alan Liebman, Kerzner CEO recently commented “I am thrilled we are able to partner with Seven Holding to develop this world-class destination. More and more visitors are discovering Bahrain for both Leisure and business and I am looking forward to introducing the resort to our loyal One&Only guests and new guests alike. The beachfront location is remarkable and I am very confident that the resort will define ultra-luxury in Bahrain.”

The resort will feature world-class fine dining with only the 12th Hakasan restaurant being planned for the prime beach front location - in addition a One&Only Spa in partnership with Givenchy, designed with water features and indoor relaxation gardens, offering the latest treatments for both men and women, it will undoubtedly become a destination for both business and leisure.

Seven Holdings CEO Mohamed Kayed stated “We are committed to having the best partners internationally, regionally and locally to provide the best experiences for guests of the One&Only Bahrain”

Final design on the 45,000m2 development is currently nearing completion and construction on site is already ongoing.

www.dsa-arch.com

In an effort to further improve and enhance the shopping experience of its’ customers, Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) appointed DSA to design the ‘Capex’ works at the flagship Mall of the Emirates development.

Our design intent for the works to be undertaken ensures delivery to a world class standard and in a time-frame which meets the requirements of MAF.

The works involve upgrading of a number of the Mall areas that MAF believe are needed to meet the expectations of both its own Brand as well as the philosophy of providing ‘an ultimate shopping experience’.

The works cover three distinct areas :-

MAll of ThE EMirATEs

‘cApEx’

1. internal / interior Upgrades – these works follow the successful redevelopment of the old ‘Arabian Treasures’ area, now re-launched as the ‘Fashion District’. Other customer ‘touch points’, such as the Welcome Courts and WCs are also being brought up to a standard befitting the MoE stature as one of the most successful malls in the world. Wayfinding Signage and Customer Service Desks are also upgraded.

2. car parks – upgrade and reorganisation with the introduction of VIP valet areas and bus drop offs.

3. External Works / façade – with the aspiration to bring the mall back to a fresher state façade repainting and alterations to tenant signage.

The first part of this complex project is the first of its kind ‘VIP Valet Drop-off’, which was accelerated to corresponds with the recent expansion of the mall, and was handed over recently.

Comprising a luxury arrival experience with a dedicated customer concierge and lounge experience, the facility is already proving immensely successful and popular with Dubai’s elite shoppers.

To All,

IwouldliketoextendmythanksandcongratulationstoyouforthesuccessfulcompletionoftheMalloftheEmiratesVIPdrop-off.TheproductlooksfantasticandisreceivingverypositivefeedbackfrombothMAFandourcustomers.

Themanner inwhichthedeliveryof thespacewascarriedout isagreatcredit toyourorganization.Withoutsinglinganyone inparticularout,ImustmentionMalcolm’s(DSASiteArchitect)tirelesscontributiononsiteandhismeticulouseyefordetail.Itreallywentalongwaytocontributingtothesuccessoftheproject.

Kindregards,Gavin De Klerk Project Director DeliveryMAJID AL FUTTAIM PROPERTIES LLC

CURRENT PROJECT

Q4 2015 | DSA DIGEST | VOL 1 | ISSUE 2

End of Year Function

2015

The annual DSA End of Year Function was held on Thursday 3rd December on the beachfront of the beautiful Mina Seyahi Hotel in Dubai.

Around 250 staff members, partners and their children attended the event, and were treated to a range of entertainment and sumptuous food and beverages.

These included a bouncy castle and slide for the children and a quiz for the adults, compered by the evening’s ‘Master of Ceremonies’ - Glen Beresford.

The event was also attended by the DSA Directors from South Africa and Portugal: Clive Shepherd (Group MD), Pierre Deckers, Rob Low and Mike Scott.

During the evening DSA Middle East MD Steve Kelshaw thanked all the staff for their ongoing support and hard work throughout the year, and wished them and their families a merry Christmas and happy and healthy 2016.

DSA Architects International (Middle East)

address: Office 204, Level 2, Convention Tower, Road 312, Zabeel, Dubai, United Arab Emiratestel: +971 4 329 2288 | fax: +971 4 329 2289mail: dsa.dubai@dsa-arch.com web: www.dsa-arch.com

A TiMElinE of sUccEss

2015Swiss International School Dubai

2013

Four Seasons at Jumeirah Beach

2005

Park Hyatt Resort & Spa

2007

Fairmont, The Palm

2009Old Town Burj Khalifa District

2011

The OberoiDubai

2001One & Only

Royal Mirage Arabian Court

2003

Madinat Jumeirah

D S AA R C H I T E C T S

INTERNATIONAL

www.dsa-arch.com

D S AA R C H I T E C T S

INTERNATIONAL