Zabeel Properties launches exclusive Porto Dubai island development

- Luxury villas project off Umm Suqeim beach with unique 'tiered island' concept

Dubai, UAE, 07 March 2008: Zabeel Properties today announced the launch of Porto Dubai; a luxury residential development on a reclaimed peninsular that will feature a pioneering 'tiered island' design concept.

Located in Umm Suqeim, each of the 45 homes and exclusive beach club will enjoy unspoilt views of the iconic seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel thanks to the island's innovative four-tiered design layout. 

 The development is being built off the coast, near the Umm Suqeim Marina and will additionally expand the public beach, which is the last remaining stretch of public sand on Jumeirah Beach. HE Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman Zabeel Investments, says: "There will be no development on any of the nearby public beach areas. We wish to reassure all Umm Suqeim residents and beachgoers that the public beach will be unaffected by our project."

The luxury villas will be arranged in a circular fashion on the peninsula's four platforms, which will rise at intervals of 4m to its highest point of 16m at the centre. The innovative design means that panoramic and uninterrupted views of the Burj Al Arab and seascape can be enjoyed from every part of the site.

Robert Norton, CEO of Zabeel Properties, says: "We are passionate about becoming an industry leader in environmentally sustainable developments and this is underlined by our unique master plan and design for Porto Dubai.

"The development will display our uncompromising focus on developing quality real estate in the region and be a significant addition to this most dynamic centre of the Middle East."

Reclamation of the Porto Dubai island is well underway, with completion set for 2010. As well as its exclusive villa residences, it will boast two restaurants, spa and health club. All will be set amidst lush and verdant landscaping.

Added Mr Norton: "Porto Dubai is an exclusive, high-end, luxury residential development for those who want some of the most stunning views in Dubai. We are confident that it will be the premier and most sought after villa development in the emirate. As with all our projects, we are determined to exceed customer expectation and reinforce our position as a leading niche developer."

Zabeel Properties is the property arm of Zabeel Investments - a multi-diverse company with business interests spanning private equity and asset management in the GCC and other international markets. Its portfolio of developement work also includes:

• An AED 2.1 billion residential, hospitality and lifestyle project, Tiara Residence & Tiara Hotel, which is poised to become one of the premier properties on the Palm Jumeirah.
  
  
• The Tiara United Towers, a joint venture with United Holdings to deliver a landmark commercial and hospitality project on Dubai's main Sheikh Zayed Road. The AED2.4 billion developments' visually striking twin towers will represent a design first for the region.
  
  
• A soon-to-be-launched 800-room 'Americas Hotel & Resort' on the Bawadi development in Dubai. The project promises to become one of the world's most exciting entertainment and leisure destinations offering amusement centres, shopping malls, theatres, restaurants and convention centres.