Water world

Dubai's complement to the world's elegant water fountains, the fountain is roughly 25% larger in area than The Fountains at Bellagio in Las Vegas in area. Powerful water nozzles will shoot water sprays to reach heights of over 500 feet, and over 6,600 lights and 50 colour projectors creating a vibrant visual spectrum.

"The Mansion at Burj Dubai is not only a gateway between the commercial and residential zones in Downtown Burj Dubai, it is also an elegant work of architecture that has been designed in direct response to the surrounding design context," adds Smith, "Its unique façade adopts a subtle, alternating pattern in the directionality of window units, which creates a dynamic woven texture. Vertical ribbons of stone will line the southern façade protecting the units from the harsh sun while allowing light to filter in."

Potential clients at The Mansion can opt from various distinctively-designed duplex units with double volume spaces. The 58th storey houses a striking penthouse featuring two large terraces making it an ideal zone for entertaining. Also at The Mansion will be an international lobby-based restaurant offering stunning views of the fountain.

Additionally, residents can expect elegant interiors which are complemented by onvenient lifestyle features in all kitchens and bathrooms. Further facilities at The Mansion include a fully-equipped gym, business centre, multifunction entertainment areas with a pool and sundeck. Adding to their convenience, The Mansion at Burj Dubai will have a dedicated stop for the Burj Dubai Tram service.

Saif Al Mansoori, sales director, Emaar Properties, said: "The Mansion at Burj Dubai will be one of the crowning residential projects in Downtown Burj Dubai. It blends three elements of appeal: A central location within Downtown Burj Dubai; spectacular views of Burj Dubai and the fountain in Burj Dubai Lake; and a rich spread of retail and lifestyle amenities. The Mansion at Burj Dubai, true to its name, is conceptualised and designed to epitomise sheer luxury."

Al Mansoori added: "Dubai is a preferred investment destination for global investors. By offering a world-class residential project that is on par with any world-class development, The Mansion at Burj Dubai will appeal to the discerning buyers who value a distinctive residential address in the new heart of the city."

The Lagoons by Sama Dubai

The Dubai Creek was the first area to be improved by various infrastructural facilities and it is befitting that the edges of Dubai Creek should house another significant development - The Lagoons. The principal aim of this development is the enhancement of the Creek's shores in order to generate a self-contained and mixed-use development across the seven interlinking islands.

Spread across 70 million sq ft, The Lagoons will feature seven landscaped islands encompassing office buildings, shopping boulevards, residential units, opulent five-star hotels and marinas.

With a projected cost of US$17.7bn, the development is focused on environmental themes of conservation, parkland and open spaces. Developed by Sama Dubai, The Lagoons will ensure harmonious existence with surrounding ecosystems and is already an industry point of reference for sustainable development. It is also one of the UAE's first projects to undergo a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study.

The centrepiece of the development is the dramatic four tower complex called Dubai Towers. Designed by Thompson, Ventulett, Stainback & Associates, the towers are a future Dubai landmark and their unique design is based on the movement of candlelight.

The Lagoons will also host major cultural attractions including Dubai's first Opera house, a planetarium, theatre and art centre. Merging a deluxe lifestyle parallel with a natural environment, The Lagoons will bolster Dubai's status as a unique, contemporary destination.

Palazzo Versace Dubai

It was inevitable that a fashion house would entrench itself in the booming local market. Palazzo Versace Dubai will flaunt 169 apartments entirely designed and furnished by Versace from cutlery to bed linen. Set to be one of the 16 branded global resorts, the property will feature ostentatious elements like hand-cut mosaics lining the floors which will be temperature-controlled. Common areas will boast large aquariums with fish specially imported from the Red Sea.

The bigger residences will feature a private cinema, a library and a sauna. The most expensive ones will include individual mosaic-lined pools, spa bath and outdoor terraces. A majority of the residences will command glorious creek views while the rest will overlook manicured water gardens.

According to Soheil Abedian, president of the Sunland Group who are developing the resort, "This is where you can eat from a plate that costs US$350, then have a bath and emerge into a bathrobe that costs US$3,500." Abedian added, "Living in a Versace condo is an experience only a privileged few will have." Hollywood actress Kate Hudson is rumoured to have purchased a 2,210 sq ft apartment for US$4.45m.

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