Dubai International Financial Centre appoints project manager for its real estate development unit

Mr. Al Felasi was educated at George Washington University, in Washington DC, where he completed a Masters in Engineering Management (1997) and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (1996). Previously he was a Project Engineer at Emarat from September 1997, until he joined The Executive Office in April 2001.

Commenting on this appointment, Hussain Al Qemzi, DIFC COO said, “In order for us to realise this ambitious task, we have assembled a team comprising of both individuals and consultants of the highest caliber. In Marwan’s position as Project Manager, he will manage this team to ensure that each element of the development is delivered within the optimum time-frame, cost and quality to facilitate the DIFC’s vision of creating a world-class financial center in line with New York, London and Hong Kong.”

The DIFC real estate development is progressing considerably well and is on the fast track for delivering the DIFC Master Plan by the beginning of December 2002. Commenting on their progress Mr. Al Felasi said,

“As an essential first step we are establishing an appropriate master plan for the entire DIFC land, where we will define the layout, structure and mix of buildings and amenities for the development. To achieve this we are working with Turner International and DTZ Middle East to fast track the planning process.”

The Real Estate Development Unit have scrutinised the world’s best Master Planners and short-listed three, including Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Gensler & Associates International (GAI) and Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF).

SOM has significant master planning experience in the financial sector, including the Canary Wharf in London, Kuwait Waterfront and the Central Beirut District. GAI’s key planning projects include Barcelona Convention Center, Disneyland in Europe and the King Fahad International Airport in Saudi. KPF was responsible for planning the World Trade Centre in Holland, River City in Prague and the Marina Towers in Beirut.

The final appointment will be made by end September 2002, signifying yet another key milestone in the evolution of the Dubai Financial District.