Lifestyle

Dutco lands $427m Majid Al Futtaim ultra-luxury project deal

Majid Al Futtaim, a leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer in the region, today (April 8) announced Dutco Construction as the main contractor for the Serenity Mansions 
situated in the heart of its flagship lifestyle destination in Dubai - Tilal Al Ghaf.
 
The awarding of the AED1.57 billion ($427 million) contract marks the start of construction for the highly anticipated, ultra-luxury neighborhood within the Tilal Al Ghaf development.
 
The neighbourhood comprises 109 standalone mansions, embodying the epitome of unparalleled sophistication and refined living, harmoniously blending opulence and exclusivity to meet the tastes of the most discerning clientele, said the statement.
 
Serenity Mansions’ innovative residential design was conceptualised in partnership with multi-award-winning architectural firms SAOTA and Nabil Gholam, and features interiors by BLINK Design, recognized for its work on the world’s most luxurious hotels.
 
On the contract award, Majid Al Futtaim Properties CEO Ahmed El Shamy said: "Every detail of Serenity Mansions has been thoughtfully designed to redefine luxury living, raising the bar for sophistication and exclusivity."
 
"The appointment of Dutco Construction underscores our commitment to delivering homes that exemplify exceptional craftsmanship and reflect the tastes and aspirations of our customers. With their impeccable reputation and expertise, we are confident this development will exceed expectations and fulfil this vision," he noted.
 
As per the deal, Dutco will be responsible for the construction and completion of Serenity Mansions, including in-plot mansion construction, interior fit-out, in-plot and public realm landscaping, gatehouses, ancillary buildings and infrastructure work.
 
With over five decades of experience, the company has successfully executed large-scale developments, including residential units, hospitality landmarks, airports, mosques, and other complex infrastructure works. 
 
Dutco Construction also boasts a well-established record for timely delivery and customer satisfaction, making it an ideal partner for Serenity Mansions.
 
Dutco Group CEO Nelson Gibb said: "Partnering with Majid Al Futtaim on Serenity Mansions is an exciting opportunity to redefine excellence in luxury living."
 
"We bring precision, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality to every aspect of this prestigious project. Our extensive experience in creating landmark developments will ensure Serenity Mansions sets new benchmarks for luxury and sophistication," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
 

Lifestyle

Christie’s enters New Zealand with top brokerage team

Global luxury real estate network Christie’s International Real Estate continues its expansion in Asia-Pacific with the launch of its first exclusive New Zealand affiliate, Thomas Estates | Christie’s International Real Estate.
 
According to Christie's, the award-winning agents - Russell and Angela Thomas - are co-leading the firm, which serves the Waikato region on New Zealand’s North Island, including the cities of Hamilton, where the firm is headquartered, Cambridge, and the upscale suburb of Tamahere, as well as Auckland and the Bay of Plenty, along the island’s north coast. 
 
On the South Island, Queenstown, Wanaka and Southern Lakes are on the horizon.
 
The Thomases, who are husband and wife, have received numerous accolades in New Zealand
throughout their 12-year career. 
 
They are known as luxury specialists, frequently representing the most valuable properties in the Waikato region, including sales of up to NZD$18,000,000 ($10,200,000). Luxury properties in and around Hamilton typically range from NZD$2,000,000 to $6,000,000 ($1,100,000 to $3,400,000).
 
As an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, Thomas Estates will offer local, national and
international exposure and referral opportunities through the brand’s global luxury network, with
affiliates in 50 countries and territories. 
 
The new firm’s clients will also enjoy exclusive marketing partnerships with Christie’s, the world-leading art and luxury business.
 
"Christie’s International Real Estate is known around the world as the leader in luxury real estate,
and we feel incredibly fortunate to launch our new firm in partnership with such an iconic and
trusted name," said Russell. 
 
"The brand’s world-class marketing, support and network of affiliates around the world will present incredible opportunities for our clients looking for homes here in New Zealand and abroad,." he stated.
 
"The Thomases are exceptional affiliates who share our commitment to expertise, discretion and
unparalleled client service, and we look forward to sharing in their success as they bring the
Christie’s International Real Estate brand to New Zealand," added Helena Moyas de Forton,
managing director, EMEA/APAC for Christie’s International Real Estate.
 
Located just south of Auckland, the Waikato region is a haven for outdoor pursuits and sport.
 
Perhaps nowhere is this more apparent than in the Waipa District, known as the “Home of
Champions” because it is the seat of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry and the epicenter of
Olympic training in the country, said Christie's. 
 
Numerous Olympic medalists in rowing, cycling and equestrian sports hail from the region. The city of Hamilton offers a vibrant mix of business, cultural and recreational attractions, and tourism. A number of development initiatives are focused around the Waikato River as part of the city’s long-term growth strategy.
 
Like a number of Asia-Pacific Countries, New Zealand currently has limits on purchases of real
estate by foreign residents. 
 
However, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has hinted at a potential relaxation of the country’s foreign buyer policies, which would provide a boost to the country’s real estate market.
 
Thomas Estates is the latest addition to Christie’s International Real Estate’s network in AsiaPacific, which now includes affiliates in Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong,
and multiple states in Australia, it added.-TradeArabia News Service

Lifestyle

Etihad Guest extends key partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank

UAE national carrier Etihad Airways has announced an extension of its long-standing partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), cementing a collaboration that continues to reward loyalty members with Etihad Guest Miles for their daily purchases. 
 
This renewal, building on a successful alliance launched in 2017, amplifies the value for FAB credit cardholders and Etihad Guest members through exclusive perks and enhanced opportunities to earn miles faster.
 
In a limited time offer, UAE residents who sign up for the new Etihad Guest Visa Infinite Credit Card can earn up to 110,000 Welcome Miles, valid until April 30m, said the airline in a statement. 
 
Guests will receive double the welcome miles with 55,000 joining miles and 55,000 miles as a bonus offer. Other benefits include free worldwide airport lounge access and a fast track to earning Etihad Guest Gold status, it stated.
 
Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: "We’re delighted to extend our longstanding partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank to 2027, a move that underscores our dedication to delivering outstanding value to our members."
 
"This renewal ensures our guests can effortlessly earn miles on everyday spending, bringing them closer to their next adventure or coveted reward," he noted.
 
First Abu Dhabi Bank expressed delight at deepening its partnership with Etihad Guest, a collaboration that elevates the rewards experience for cardholders. 
 
This extension reflects the bank’s commitment to offering innovative, value-driven solutions that seamlessly blend lifestyle and travel benefits, empowering customers to explore the world with ease, it added.-TradeArabia News Service