A Dh16 billion ($4.36 billion) masterplan for the enhancement and development of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) complex has been approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Minister for Finance and Industry, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The UAE is considering building a railway network covering major cities in the emirates of the country as part of a GCC-wide rail network currently under study, said officials.

The first electricity inter-connection between Abu Dhabi and Dubai as part of the Dh850 million ($231.4 million) Emirates National Grid will be commissioned next March. Full commissioning of the project is expected to take place by the last quarter of next year.

Dubai to build new bridgeDubai: Dubai has announced plans to build a new bridge, the fourth one, over Dubai Creek. The municipality is also planning to widen the Emirates Road into a five-lane highway.The new projects are part of Dubai Municipality’s five-year plan to ensure a smooth traffic flow.

Aldar Properties has unveiled two major projects – Ferrari World and Al Gurm Resort – which will boost the residential, commercial and tourism facilities in the UAE capital. Ferrari World follows an agreement between Ferrari and Aldar to develop an innovative and exciting concept in Abu Dhabi themed around the  renowned Ferrari brand.

Aldar Properties has shortlisted four dredging and reclamation contractors for the Al Raha beach development, a new city district in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital. The shortlisted companies are Van Oord Gulf FZE, Dredging International NV, National Marine Dredging Company, and Boskalis Westminster Middle East.

The tendering process for the multi-billion-dollar Jebel Ali Airport City (JAAC) project will begin next month and the infrastructure and facilities construction will start by the second quarter of 2006, a report said. The project is claimed to be the world’s first integrated logistics and multi-modal transport platform.

Dubai’s rapid growth is overtaking its infrastructural capacity, according to Hussain Nasser Lootah, assistant director general of building and planning for Dubai Municipality. The emirate’s population has grown at an average annual rate of 6.

Wafi Property has announced plans to develop a replica of an ancient suq as a key phase of the current Wafi expansion plan.

Ras Al Khaimah has issued a freehold decree allowing foreigners and expatriates to enjoy complete ownership of properties within RAK Properties’ projects in the UAE emirate.

Dubai Municipality has completed final designs of five different projects across the emirate that would offer a variety of services to the residents. Works on the projects, costing Dh203.86 million ($55.48 million), would begin by early next year.

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), Abu Dhabi’s leading hospitality group, has announced the launch of one of the UAE capital’s most prestigious projects, The Gate. Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart (SRSS) has been selected as the architect and consultant for the project, while Hill International will be the project manager.

Dubai developer Nakheel’s Al Burj tower, proposed to be built as part of the Dubai Waterfront project, is expected to rival the Burj Dubai, which is being built to be the tallest tower in the world when completed. Burj Dubai is being developed by another prominent Dubai builder Emaar Properties and construction is now under way.

Foundation works have been completed on the Armada Group’s Dh 1 billion ($272 million) Armada Towers, a massive undertaking located at the Jumeirah Lake Towers, in the heart of new down-town Dubai. CSHK Dubai Contracting (LLC), which is currently undertaking this massive project, has already begun the next stage of construction work.

Arabian Profile Company Limited (APL) of Sharjah has celebrated its 20th anniversary year with a number of milestones: a huge expansion, a major accolade for quality, the completion of its biggest-ever project in Doha, Qatar; and the unveiling of a new corporate logo.