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'Burj Khalifa' is Unveiled to the World and its Official Height is 828 Metres

 The world's tallest building was unveiled tonight to an estimated crowd of over 400,000 and the world, in a crescendo of fireworks, lasers and fountain displays.

The official height of the tower, unveiled as 'Burj Khalifa', was announced as 828 metres (2,716.5 ft).

'Burj Khalifa', developed by Emaar Properties (http://www.emaar.com), is the world's tallest building according to the three criteria of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat: 'Height to Architectural Top', 'Height To Highest Occupied Floor', and 'Height To Tip'.

The tower is 320 metres taller than Taiwan's Taipei 101, which had held the title of world's tallest building since 2004, the year when the project was announced.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that the tower represented a symbol of hope to the Arab world and a shining example of human achievement.

"Thousands of people from more than 100 countries have contributed to the realisation of 'Burj Khalifa'. The tower embodies the spirit and optimism of global collaboration, and shows to the world what can be achieved when communities work in partnership."

A dramatic sound, light, firework and fountain display described the evolution of the tower, and ended in a breathtaking climax of lasers and fireworks, bathing the tower and the surrounding area in white light.

'Burj Khalifa' comprises luxury residences and offices, the world's first Armani Hotel, and the world's highest observation deck, 'At the Top', which is located on the tower's 124th floor. Around 90 per cent of the tower's offices and apartments have been sold.

'At the Top' opens officially to the public on January 5. The handover of offices and apartments starts in February, and the Armani Hotel Dubai will be opened by its designer, Giorgio Armani, on March 18.

More than 60 leading consultants including South Korea's Samsung Corporation and New York-based Turner Construction International realised the design for Burj Khalifa by Chicago-based Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM).

SOURCE EMAAR

Bahrain Is Best for Expats In Middle East and Africa

KINGDOM AMONG TOP 5 PLACES WORLDWIDE FOR QUALITY OF LIFE

 Bahrain has been voted one of the best locations in the world to live and the top choice in the Middle East and Africa in the world's largest global survey of expats. The 2009 results of the independent Expat Experience poll, commissioned by HSBC Bank International, reveal the Kingdom is one of the friendliest expat locations with the fifth best quality of life worldwide and the very best social life.

In the overall rankings, Bahrain (5) is placed ahead of the likes of the United Sates (8), Hong Kong (10), Malaysia (11), Japan (16), China (22), the United Kingdom (23) and India (25). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) came 18th and Qatar 26th. And while the report revealed the general downside of expat life to be the social scene, Bahrain topped the global league table for "social life". The Kingdom also leads the world in offering improved working hours; ease of organising healthcare; and the number of expats who have joined local community groups.

Andrew Trevis, plant director of Kraft Foods Bahrain, added: "The lifestyle in Bahrain is very good. This is a free country that is not at all restrictive. The fact that you can enjoy a high quality of family life is a strong selling point."

Bahrain was also ranked in the top five countries worldwide for:

1. "Finding somewhere to live" (2)
2. "Organising my finance" (3)
3. "Education / childcare" (4)
4. "Setting up utilities" (4)
5. [Quality of] "Household goods" (4)
6. "Making friends" (5)
7. "Organising school for my children" (5)

Kamal Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), which has the overall responsibility for creating the right climate to attract foreign investment, said: "In Bahrain we have made a commitment to creating an attractive business environment for international companies looking to access the trillion dollar market of the Gulf. This continues to create exciting opportunities for both expats and Bahrainis alike. For those moving to our country, we know the factors they face when organising a new life. And this report shows that Bahrain is not just the ideal location to do business in and from, but a great place to live as well."

Bahrain has adopted a long term strategy of economic diversification which - together with the enviable economic growth rates still enjoyed by the Gulf and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region - holds significant opportunities for international business. The approach is enshrined in Bahrain's Vision 2030 and National Economic Strategy, both committed to maintaining the optimum business environment that will attract foreign investment and ultimately elevate national living standards by creating greater opportunities for Bahrainis.

The Expat Experience poll surveyed 3,146 people working in 30 different industries and 50 countries. Now in its second year, the report examines expats' experiences integrating into local communities, their quality of life and the opportunities and challenges faced living away from home, providing a unique insight into how expat life differs across the globe. It is the second of three reports to be produced from HSBC's "Expat Explorer" research. Results from the first part of the survey released earlier this year found Bahrain eighth worldwide for expats' "economic" quality of life.

SOURCE The Bahrain Economic Development Board

Seawings Soars on 2009 Stay-at-Home Holiday Trend

It is estimated that approximately one in three UAE residents will spend their summer holidays in the country in 2009 compared with one in 10 in the previous three years as cheaper deals keep residents at home. As a result, Seawings, the only seaplane tour operator in the Middle East, sees a spike in local interest in their scenic flights of the region.

Local and regional tourism experts are predicting that around 31 percent of UAE residents will choose to spend their summer vacation in the country compared to the 11 percent seen over the last three years. "Our customers are predominantly tourists visiting Dubai, but we are currently seeing a trend in higher domestic bookings." said Stuart Wheeler, CEO of Seawings.

Dubai hotels are offering good prices and various value added packages, which means that local tourism is bound to grow. Offering more value to residents is important, therefore, Seawings has decided to offer a special promotion over the summer months, Seawings customers can benefit from a buy-one-get-one-free flight experience to the East and North Coast Emirates of Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah when booking directly with Seawings. The summer promotion will run until the end of September 2009.

Seawings packages are priced from AED 895 per flight and include views of Dubai's most iconic landmarks including Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, Burj Al Arab, and the historic Dubai Creek.

Information on packages and bookings are available on the website http://www.seawings.ae and can be booked through the Seawings reservation team +971-4-883-2999.