THE CITY OF YOU
Projected to sustain a population of 1 million, Dubai South is designed to support any kind of business and industry, while creating 500,000 jobs.
The year 2016 will see numerous mega infrastructure projects coming online in the UAE. Dubai's flagship project, Dubai South—formerly known as Dubai World—is one of the UAE's largest under-construction developments, a 145sqkm city based on personal happiness. Al Maktoum International Airport and the World Expo 2020 site are both within the city's borders, making it attractive to investors and residents alike.
The government of Dubai launched the project in 2006 as the world's first purpose-built “aerotropolis," and following its rebranding to Dubai South, the city now aspires to become a destination where people can empower themselves to achieve their goals while improving society as a whole. It aligns itself with the urban and societal themes of Dubai Plan 2021, shaped by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The city's masterplan is divided into eight districts, namely the Aviation District, Logistics District, a Business Park, Residential District, Exhibition District, Humanitarian District, Golf District, and Al Maktoum International Airport. Some companies that have already chosen Dubai South as their base are Aramex, Nestlé, dnata, and Emirates Sky Cargo. High-profile names that have helped create the necessary infrastructure in the city are Arabtec, Al Naboodah Construction Group and Tristar Engineering and Construction.
The 6.7sqkm Aviation District will be comprised of a repair, maintenance, and overhaul (MRO) zone, as well as well-defined zones for training, education, and all the practical components of the aviation and aerospace industries, from design and development to operation and use of aircraft. DC Aviation Al-Futtaim (DCAF) was the first purpose-built facility in the district in 2013, boasting a 5,700sqm hangar to accommodate heavy business jets. The Executive Jet Terminal, a 6,000sqm facility that caters exclusively to business aviation clientele, will host Jet Aviation, XJet, and Jetex. Khansaheb is conducting the main contracting works at the executive terminal and Faithful+Gould has been selected as the official consultant. The district is open to any aviation-related companies that would help facilitate the growth and expansion of the region's aviation sector, such as Lufthansa Technik Middle East, which will move its operational facility to the district by 3Q2016. The Aviation District also boasts a $108.8 million flight academy, with capacity for 400 students at a time. It hopes to address the shortage of pilots in the aviation industry, but it will also incorporate its own Flight Training Organization (FTO) to train UAE national pilots for Emirates Airlines.
The 21sqm Logistics District is an integrated logistics platform that features all transport modes, enables fast-cycle businesses, and provides value-added services such as manufacturing and assembly. It is connected to Jebel Ali Port thanks to the Dubai Logistics Corridor, a dedicated bridge connecting both areas. Some companies such as DHL, Ikea, Aramex, RSA Logistics, Landmark Group, Mohebi Logistics, Panalpina, and Kuehne + Nagel are already taking advantage of this corridor, which creates a single custom-bonded free zone covering an area of over 200sqm.
The Business Park Free Zone comprises 11 buildings with office spaces suited for all kinds of businesses. Property brokers CBRE and JLL will market office space at the Business Park. HE Khalifa Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation—parent organization of Dubai South—said exclusively to TBY, “The outstanding location offers unparalleled opportunities for aviation and logistics players who want to move their sea-to-air goods in record times to serve the emerging markets of the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia." The Residential area in Dubai South is set to become one of the world's largest real estate hot spots. Knight Frank listed the city as one of the top-five infrastructure projects in the world that will create more real estate opportunities in the coming five years. MBM Holding and MAG 5 have already launched affordable residential projects and Damac Properties is on its way to deliver its first homes. Meanwhile, Dubai South launched a rent-to-own scheme for its upcoming middle-income project, “The Villages." The project will have five community-based settlements of approximately 20,000 units. The $6.8 billion project will deliver 6,000 apartments in 2019 as part of its first phase. Arguably the most important development connected to Dubai South is Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world's largest on completion through a $32 billion investment over the next decade. It is expanding its freight capacity of 1 million tons of cargo per year to 16 million tons and it is expected to handle 220 million passengers a year once it takes over operations from Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Dubai South will play a crucial role in Dubai's economic development and will be a major contributor to the Emirate's GDP. The airport will serve as the transit point for Dubai South and, once Dubai Metro and Etihad Rail are connected to the city, the project will achieve its full potential.
THE CITY OF YOU
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Year In Review
Steady Ship
The drop in oil prices that shocked economies across the region is exactly the scenario Dubai has been preparing for. While the current climate may have dented its armor, the Emirate's role as a center for international commerce and services is keeping the economy growing.
read articleInterview
HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World Group
TBY talks to HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of DP World Group and CEO/Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation, on global economic trends, the “One Belt, One Road” initiative, and investing in India.
read articleInterview
HE Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
TBY talks to HE Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, on business opportunities in Africa, its focus on innovation, and contributing to the development of the private sector.
read articleInterview
Ibrahim Mohamed Aljanahi, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer , Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza)
TBY talks to Ibrahim Mohamed Aljanahi, Deputy CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (Jafza), on priorities, growth strategies, and investment plans.
read articleInterview
Arif Obaid Al Dehail, CEO of the Departmant of Planning & Development , Trakhees
TBY talks to Arif Obaid Al Dehail, CEO of the Departmant of Planning & Development of Trakhees, on the achievement of the Dubai Special Development Zone, opportunities for investors, and his outlook for the year.
read articleFocus: Government Restructuring
Change for good
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is known for his innovative approach toward his country's future, but no one saw this change coming. The 12th Cabinet, with new ministers of happiness, tolerance, and youth, amongst other changes, is set to lead as an example not only in the region but also around the globe.
read articleInterview
Masood Ahmed, Director Middle East and Central Asia , Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
TBY talks to Masood Ahmed, Director Middle East and Central Asia Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the effects of reduced government spending, the benefits of tax revenues, and having a robust financial system.
read articleInterview
Wissam Khoury, Managing Director, SunGard Financial Systems
TBY talks to Wissam Khoury, Managing Director of Middle East & Africa of SunGard Financial Systems, on working with the Dubai Financial Market, using technology for Islamic banking, and making social media work for companies.
read articleInterview
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO & Managing Director , Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
TBY talks to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, CEO & Managing Director of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), on mitigating excess energy demand, new initiatives, and conserving water resources.
read articleFocus: Energy Sustainability
Make Hay While The Sun Shines
Dubai has long accepted the importance of energy diversification and environmental responsibility as a means of economic development. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, solar energy presents itself as a clear candidate to substitute traditional sources of power, but it is not the only renewable to play a part in Dubai's clean energy goals.
read articleFocus: IoT
It's a Dubai Thing
The IoT, or Internet of Things, is catching the attention of both the media and IT companies as they begin to see the value in a growing network of physical objects that can connect to the internet. And it certainly hasn't escaped the attention of Dubai, which is looking at every possible avenue to lead the race to become the smartest city in the world.
read articleReview: Transport
Fasten Your Seatbelts
Recent developments in the aviation industry mean that Dubai is well placed to benefit from increased passenger numbers—and an already well-established and international sector is about to accelerate its growth even more. Despite regional instabilities and the stubbornly low price of oil, the industry shows no sign of losing its pep.
read articleInterview
HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & CEO, Emirates Airline & Group
TBY talks to HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, on the future of the aviation industry, staying ahead of the competition, and developments in the pipeline.
read articleInterview
HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General & Chairman of the Board, Road and Transport Authority (RTA)
TBY talks to HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General & Chairman of the Board of the Road and Transport Authority (RTA), on rail projects in the pipeline, a new water canal project, and going green.
read articleReview: Maritime
A Look to Seaward
In less than half a century, Dubai has transformed its coastal maritime industry into a force to be reckoned with. Through the development of more facilities and the creation of a more robust regulatory environment, Dubai is looking to cement its place as a center of the global maritime industry.
read articleInterview
Yu Tao, President & CEO, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East)
TBY talks to Yu Tao, President & CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East), on potential projects, doing business in Dubai, and the challenges the company has faced.
read articleInterview
Alharith Bin Salem Al Moosa, Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager, Falconcity
TBY talks to Alharith Bin Salem Al Moosa, Vice Chairman and Deputy General Manager of Falconcity, on the inspiration behind Falconcity, current progress, and keeping up with the latest technologies and ideas.
read articleInterview
HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General , Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
TBY talks to HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), on key goals of the Dubai Health Strategy 2016-2021 and the booming medical tourism sector.
read articleInterview
HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)
TBY talks to HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), on how the dynamic free zone model of Dubai Healthcare City is leading as a health and wellness destination.
read articleFocus: Dubai Health Strategy 2021
Healthy choices
Dubai's booming health sector was in need of a robust model that could facilitate and implement the highest international standards. The new Dubai Health Strategy 2016-2021 has laid out the path and aims to put the Emirate's healthcare sector at the forefront of global standards.
read articleInterview
Majid Kaddoumi, Vice President & Regional Managing Director of Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Turkey, Medtronic META FZ-LLC
TBY talks to Majid Kaddoumi, Vice President & Regional Managing Director of Middle East, Africa, Central Asia & Turkey of Medtronic META FZ-LLC, on leveraging combined capabilities, formulating strategies, and developing the healthcare industry.
read articleReview: Education
Privately Prospering
The education sector in Dubai is entering a period of rapid expansion, growing by 10% YoY, with new schools outpacing population growth. In 2015 alone, 11 new schools opened, including eight British, two Indian, and one Canadian school. There are already 173 private schools in Dubai, and by 2020, 80 new private schools are expected to have opened across the Emirate.
read articleInterview
Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President & CEO, American University in the Emirates
TBY talks to Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President & CEO of American University in the Emirates, on the Dubai job market, graduating responsible citizens, and the security of education.
read articleCommuniqué
The Immortality of the Pen
<strong></strong><strong>For many people, fountain pens bring back memories of school days full of inky fingers, smudged exercise books, and piles of pink blotting paper. For others, an elegant silver fountain pen is not only associated with long, sinuous lines of cursive script, but is also a treasured item.</strong>
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