Damac Properties, a leading luxury real estate developer in the Middle East, has launched Merano Tower, an Italian-inspired luxury development which will overlook the Dubai Canal.

The 29-storey residential project in the Business Bay area of Dubai, UAE - which will debut at Cityscape Global that opens tomorrow - has been conceptualised around the famous Italian spa town of Merano.

The project will benefit from unrivalled views across the Dh2-billion ($544 million) canal district with easy access to the 3.2 km of walkways, restaurants and entertainment, said a statement from Damac.

The striking residential tower also provides direct access to Dubai’s business district, with close proximity to the prestigious platinum square kilometre of the Burj area with two metro stations and two major highways at a very close proximity, it stated.

Niall McLoughlin, the senior vice president, said: "The introduction of Merano Tower comes in line with the continuous progression of the Burj area and the Business Bay area witnessing the development of the best projects in the region, adding more facilities to residents and visitors with a splendid architecture touch."

"Merano Tower is strategically located at the heart of this mixed-use community combining commercial, residential, hospitality, entertainment shopping and leisure facilities. It will serve perfectly the needs of various residents living in proximity of their workplaces or investors looking to invest in one of the hottest real estate areas in Dubai," he added.

Merano Tower includes a basement level, ground floor and three podiums with 26 floors of residential apartments varying from studios, to one, two, and three bedrooms. Units come with a starting price of Dh611,000 ($166,308).

The Dubai Canal is more than 50 per cent complete and is set to open in October next year. The project will see the extension of Dubai Creek by 3 km, turning Bur Dubai into an island ringed by the Creek on three sides and the Arabian Sea on one side, said Damac in its statement.

The project will include around 450 restaurants, tranquil walkways and cycles paths, as well as luxury hotels and shopping districts, it added.-TradeArabia News Service