Comment by Riaz Haq on January 2, 2012 at 6:08pm

Here's the latest on Emaar's Crescent Bay as reported by Express Tribune:

The Pakistan Defence Officers Housing Authority (DHA) and the Dubai-based international construction giant Emaar are at loggerheads over the much-advertised and much-delayed 108-acre Crescent Bay project in DHA Phase VIII’s waterfront zone E.

DHA has filed a petition against four companies — Emaar Giga International FZCO, Emaar Giga Karachi Limited, Emaar Properties PJSC and CEO Global Marketing Services (GMS) Shaukat Qureshi — in the Sindh High Court. It won a stay order on June 27 until the next hearing scheduled for July 12, The Express Tribune has learnt.

DHA and Emaar Giga International had signed a memorandum of understanding on May 20, 2004 to construct 46 towers in three ‘uniquely designed’ bays.

According to Emaar Pakistan’s website, each of these three bays was to be “encircled by a community with its own unique look and character, which extends from the architecture to the landscaping and the street furniture.” Crescent Bay One was set to feature a hotel, malls, a waterfront promenade, piazza, four office towers, surrounded by green spaces, parks and plazas. Crescent Bay Two was to house residential towers complete with a Waterfront Retail Arcade running along the beach. Crescent Bay Three was termed the most exclusive of the residential neighborhoods, with controlled vehicle access, and a luxurious waterfront promenade.

However, even though more than seven years have passed since the deal was inked, DHA contends that only two towers and that too only till the second floor have been constructed, even though Emaar has collected more than Rs1.5 billion from its customers in advance.

Moreover, out of the 110 people who were allotted plots in Crescent Bay, 100 of them are in litigation against Emaar and many of them are demanding their money back.

Sources in DHA said that their beef with Emaar was not only due to the fact that the international construction giant owes it Rs600 million, but also because “it was trying to create a DHA within DHA.”

DHA maintains that Emaar was trying to “clandestinely” sell Crescent Bay plots without its permission to “unauthorised parties.” The authority says it was “shocked” to learn through a letter on June 13, 2011 from CEO GMS Qureshi that his marketing company was working with Emaar Giga Karachi for the last 15 months to sell land that had been sub-let by DHA.

On June 25, 2011 DHA officers discovered GMS staff taking measurements and dimensions of the land, which the regulatory body believes was in clear violation of its agreement that mentions that no sale can move ahead unless DHA approves it. DHA immediately removed the GMS personnel from the site and took over possession of the land and the Crescent Bay project itself in “public interest”. It now wants to undertake construction of the two towers which, according to them, Emaar has abandoned.

Senior officials with DHA told The Express Tribune that it was extremely unfortunate that Emaar has not completed its commitments to the people, especially since there were huge expectations from them, given their expertise and long list of successful projects. Although DHA’s experience in mega construction projects is negligible compared to Emaar’s, it believes that with its experience of Creek Vista in Karachi, it can take off from where the international construction stopped....

http://tribune.com.pk/story/204627/dha-takes-over-crescent-bay-proj...

Comment by Riaz Haq on September 16, 2012 at 10:02am

Here's an ET report on Emaar Alma Townhomes project in Islamabad:

With Spanish and Portuguese architectural designs, imported electrical and sanitary fittings, ironmongery for doors and design-fitted kitchens, Alma Townhomes offer dream homes for those wanting to invest in real estate.

The second phase of the housing project, that was opened for buyers by international real estate developer Emaar on Saturday, saw a large number of potential home owners from twin cities showing up. The two-day event is being held at a sales centre inside Emaar’s 400-acre gated community — Canyon Views.

Situated on the Islamabad Highway near the Grand Trunk Road (DHA Phase-II Extension), the Alma houses target a major segment in the housing market – end users who are looking for an “affordable” house in a safe and sustainable community, according to Emaar Pakistan Head of Development and Projects Shairyar Salim. The company has completed the first phase, which is fully occupied.

The earthquake-resistant housing units, which occupy eight to 12 marlas and have three to four bedrooms, start with a price of Rs14 million, which is slightly high compared to Bahria Town’s Safari Villas and Defence Housing Authority (DHA). A 10-marla house Safari Villas and DHA cost Rs12 million and Rs11.5 million on average respectively, according to a Rawalpindi-based real estate agent Waseem Kiyani.

He said that a ready-made house on 10 marlas in Bahria Enclave can cost around Rs15 million with a one-year payment plan.

Facilities at these housing projects seem comparable, although Salim believes Emaar’s designs are more “advanced”, as they draw on the developer’s experience of making international housing projects.

The Alma Townhomes might also have a superior security apparatus. The integrated community has a three-tier security plan which includes two outer boundary walls and a security patrol on the streets.

“With Emaar, you’re confident that your money will not go down the drain,” said Asif Akhtar, a resident of the Alma Townhomes Phase-I who works for the Army Welfare Trust.

“They deliver on their promises, and their quality of construction and services are simply amazing,” he added.

The houses will be made available under a two-year payment plan and the construction is expected to be completed within that time frame, said Emaar Pakistan Head of Sales and Marketing Uzair Adil.

According to Salim, houses in Phase-I were quick to sell out and a similar response is expected from the second phase. The new community will also have access to facilities that were constructed for the first phase, such as a school and markets.

“The advantage of Phase-II is that the infrastructure is already present and the roads are almost complete,” he added.

Salim went on to explain that the houses will be built in groups of 50 to 60 units, with each group having a park, play area and BBQ area. Plans to build a hospital, shopping malls, community club houses and mosques are also underway.

Shaukat Zia, a civil engineer from Rawalpindi, who was present at the launch with his family, seemed quite impressed after being briefed about the project.

However, he was concerned about the investment, saying that a house in the townhomes seemed only feasible for the elite.

Salim said Emaar is looking to sell around 150 units in the first batch, which is approximately one-third of the total units.

Emaar Pakistan has invested over $2.4 billion in the country since 2007, according to information available on its website.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/437366/coming-soon-for-islooites-a-new-...

http://www.emaar.com/pakistan/

Comment by Riaz Haq on May 30, 2015 at 8:01am

ISLAMABAD: Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key markets world-wide. Besides building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competences in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure and financial services sectors.

Emaar Pakistan is operating two projects under its belt Canyon Views Islamabad and Crescent Bay Karachi. Canyon views Islamabad is a housing society, projecting beautifully constructed, luxurious villas based on Mediterranean designs. The community layout follows that of a village, with each village having a separate gate, parks and a community swimming pool. The community provides its customers with options of choosing from plots, mixed use commercial and apartment complexes to the sale of three different types of villas, Miradors, Prados and Almas. Canyon Views Islamabad provides its residents with a wholesome lifestyle experience complemented by serviced amenities and commercial buildings. Crescent Bay Karachi on the other hand, is a seafront wonder, entailing the construction of luxurious apartment towers along the bay of the city. It is planned to be a construction marvel for Pakistan and the world to see. The magnificence of Crescent Bay has already surfaced itself on Google Earth, making the project visible through satellite images. Emaar has gained worldwide repute for its quality under taking and innovative styles of buildings and lay outs. Taking Canyon Views forward, it is an exclusive gated community spread over 350 acres of land, accommodating over 3000 units. The community projects a mix of natural attractions combined with exceptional architecture and the finest leisure facilities. The project is serving as a benchmark in developing master-planned communities. Once completed, it shall be a commitment to our promise of providing landmark lifestyles and shall change the real estate scene in the country.

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/business/22-Mar-2015/emaar-dha-introdu...

Comment by Riaz Haq on January 2, 2023 at 10:39am

Bahria Town Karachi 2 | All You Need To Know

https://pakistanpropertyservices.com.pk/bahria-town-karachi-2-all-y...

Booking of Bahria Town Karachi 2 will start on 5th January 2023. Investors should be ready to invest in Bahria Town Karachi 2 to invest in the property of their choice. It is a golden opportunity for investors who want to invest in Bahria Town Karachi but cannot do so for any reason. They are again getting a chance to invest with the developers of their choice.

Bahria Town Karachi 2
Bahria Management is well-known for the amenities and facilities it provides. Bahria Management will follow the same international standards in Bahria Town Karachi 2. One of its main facilities is its location in the prime spot, which is very easy to access from different sides.

Bahria Town Karachi 2 Location:
Bahria Town Karachi 2 or BTK2 is located ideally 30 km from Bahria Town Karachi near Nooriayabad on M9 Motorway. This location is easy to access from different landmarks of the area, like the new Karachi Airport and DHA Phase1.

Bahria Town Karachi 2 and Bahria Town Karachi will be developed as Twin cities. Bahria Town Karachi will join Bahria Town Karachi 2 through the back gate.

Nearby areas:
M-10 Motorway is almost 30 minutes away
Jinnah International Airport is nearly 30 minutes away
The super-Highway toll plaza is nearly 34 minutes away
Malir Cantonment is nearly 50 minutes away
Gulzar E Hijri Scheme 33 is almost 55 minutes away
Dream World Family Resort is nearly 20 minutes away
Karachi Northern Bypass is nearly 39 minutes away
Al Ghafoor Green City is roughly 45 minutes away
North Town Residency Gadap Town is nearly 50 minutes away
Memon Medical Institute Hospital is almost 45 minutes away
Shah Faisal Town is almost 40 minutes away
Fiesta Family Water Park is nearly 30 minutes away
Development status:
The development of Bahria Town Karachi 2 is 40% completed. The gatehouse’s grey structure and roads with green belts on the 40% area are 100% finished now.

BTK2 Rates | Bahria Town Karachi 2 Rates | Payment Plan, Location and Map
These roads feature street lights too. The management has promised to complete the rest of the development within no time. The development time for Bahria Town Karachi 2 will be less than Bahria Town Karachi.

Daily Updated Bahria Town Lahore Rates – Updated Prices of Bahria Town Lahore
Sector A Bahria Town Karachi 2 will be the priority for the developers to develop.

Successful developers:
Bahria Management has always offered projects offering luxurious and contemporary facilities for their investors and huge profits. They are well-reputed among investors, who want to invest with them to increase their profits. Bahria’s management has a great demand in their market. Each of the previous projects has been completely sold out.

Daily Updated Bahria Orchard Lahore Rates – Updated Prices of Bahria Orchard Lahore
Investing with Bahria’s management is the priority of the investors.

Approval:
Bahria Town Karachi 2 is already approved by SDA and SBCA. All the documentation is 100% complete for the process of leasing Bahria Town Karachi 2. Investors can rent their property after completing their payment too.

Limited plots available:
Bahria Town Karachi 2 is offering limited plots for investment. The investors will have to hurry to book their properties as the demand will be higher and the supply of the properties will be low. Invest in Bahria Town Karachi 2 as soon as the booking opens.

Updated Bahria Nasheman Lahore Rates – Updated Prices of Bahria Nasheman Lahore
Considering these project factors, it can be the investment that delivers unmatched dividends and is a golden opportunity.

Comment by Riaz Haq on January 2, 2023 at 10:40am

THE VIEWS TOWER 2 BY EMAAR
DHA Phase 8, Defence, Karachi


https://hspropertypk.com/property/the-views-tower-ii-by-emaar/

Description
The Views Tower 2 is in Emaar Ocean Front with state-of-the-art 2 and 3 bedroom apartments embodying the finest coastal luxury. Residents of The Views Tower 2 will have the unique blend of modern facilities and a serene waterfront lifestyle on their doorstep. With views of the Arabian Sea, the Views Tower II lifestyle promises to be truly one of a kind.

Offering:
– 2 Bed Cityscape View Apartments
– 3 Bed Oceanfront View Apartments
– 4 years Easy Payment Plan
– LIMITED INVENTORY

Highlights Of The Project:

Luxury Iconic Lifestyle
Uninterrupted Views of The Arabian Sea
Footsteps Away From The Beach
Safe & Secure Gated Community
Waterfront Promenade
Outstanding Dining & Retail Destinations
24/7 Security and CCTV Surveillance
Card-controlled Access for Vehicles and Pedestrians
A Safe Investment for Your Family and Your Future
Central Park
Perfect Location:

5 minutes drive to DHA Golf Club
5 minutes drive to Dolmen Mall
5 minutes drive to Outstanding
5 minutes drive to South City Hospital
Prices Starting From:

1 Bed Apartments PKR69.2M
2 Bed Apartments PKR 81.5M
3 Bed Apartments PKR 158.8M
4 Bed Apartments PKR 212.4M

Fall in love with the breathtaking sunsets over the Arabian Sea from the luxury of your living room. Each property has its own unique design aesthetic.

Comment by Riaz Haq on June 11, 2023 at 1:12pm

ALIZEH KOHARI
The road to the city of the future: evictions, demolitions and land reclamation.

https://www.thedial.world/issue-4/karachi-coastline-waterfront-deve...


“WHO WOULDN’T WANT A SKYLINE IN KARACHI, YAAR?”

WHEN: December 2022

WHERE: An under-construction development on land reclaimed from the Arabian Sea, Defence Housing Authority, Phase-VIII extension, Karachi

The apartment I was being shown did not exist, but no matter — until some decades ago, the ground beneath us didn’t either. On Google Earth, you can see this coastal appendage mutate over time, lengthening and fattening: Little rectangular plots divide and multiply amid fading foliage, extending an expensive Karachi neighborhood, pushing back the Arabian Sea. Inside the apartment that did not yet exist — we were inside a temporary model unit — the sales associate clacked past a six-person dining table to the far end of the living room.

“And here, you have a floor-to-ceiling oceanfront view,” she said brightly. I nodded appreciatively at the blank wall.

Later, we climbed up to the roof of the sales office and watched the construction taking place along the water’s edge. A paraglider swooped over mounds of upturned earth; a black kite dodged the long arm of a tower crane. The sea was pockmarked with distant trawlers. Ground broke on the first of 19 towers last year; when the project is completed, by the end of 2025, this sales office — including the model apartment we just toured — will be dismantled: Its glossy floors and gilded chandeliers exist only to pitch high-end vertical living to deep-pocketed Pakistanis. Alina, whose job it is to sell this dream, grew up in Dubai and is afraid of heights.

“I’d consider it, maybe, if someone gave me the penthouse,” she said, with a shrug.


✺

In Karachi, facts are always in flux. The city is home to 15 million people— or 20, or 30, depending on which account convinces you. It has long been touted as one of the world’s fastest-growing cities, but preliminary census data indicates a possible downtick in population in recent years, findings that will no doubt be hotly contested in coming months. It is a city of opportunity: Like New Yorkers, most Karachi-wallahs are originally from somewhere else, drawn like moths to the metropolis.

Still, to appreciate the current contestation over Karachi, take any small stretch of land — say, along the city’s coastline, which is 90 or 48 or 27 kilometers long, based on whom you cite — and watch it morph before your eyes, like an optical illusion, depending on who is telling its story.
It is a city of danger: Last year, more than 78,000 vehicles and 30,000 mobile phones were snatched at gunpoint; dozens of people were killed when they resisted. (Most people in Karachi can relate multiple genres of mugging stories: absurdist comedy, thriller, tragedy.) A hundred years ago, it was no more than a cluster of small fishing villages. Seventy-five years ago, it was the capital of the new state of Pakistan, welcoming hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighboring India. Today, it is violently remaking itself into a city of the future, through evictions, demolitions and land reclamation

[Read: The Dispossession of District Six]



All cities contain multitudes; this is not a particularly astute observation. Still, to appreciate the current contestation over Karachi, take any small stretch of land — say, along the city’s coastline, which is 90 or 48 or 27 kilometers long, based on whom you cite — and watch it morph before your eyes, like an optical illusion, depending on who is telling its story.

✺

The developer of this particular gated community is the scion of a United Arab Emirates-based Pakistani magnate,

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