Donald and Ivanka Trump have been in Dubai to check in on progress at the 42 million square foot golf community, AKOYA by DAMAC. The New York-based Trump Organisation is collaborating with DAMAC Properties on The Trump International Golf Course, Dubai and 104 exclusive Trump Estates villas and mansions in the master development.
Landing in his 757 private jet at Al Maktoum International Airport, Mr. Trump was welcomed to Dubai by DAMAC Properties executives and shown the progress at the AKOYA by DAMAC development off Umm Sequiem Road before they unveiled the first images of the new clubhouse.
“We are delighted to welcome Mr. Trump and Ivanka Trump to Dubai and the AKOYA by DAMAC master development,” said Hussain Sajwani, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DAMAC. “AKOYA by DAMAC is one of the most iconic developments we have ever undertaken and the response has been overwhelming. The Trump Organisation holds a global brand reputation for delivering white glove service and five-star standards which will complement the iconic development perfectly.”
At a press conference hosted at the project, Mr. Trump praised the progress of the development and hailed: “This is going to be the greatest golf community in Asia!”
He added: “It is great to be working with DAMAC Properties, a highly professional and established company. Our ethos regarding quality is in synch. It was clearly the right match. We are pleased to be here in Dubai and see for ourselves the impressive progress that is being made.”
Mr. Trump’s comments were supported by the International Property Awards, which named AKOYA by DAMAC ‘the best golf development in the world’ at a recent ceremony in London.
The Clubhouse is designed to be a dignified representation of the global stature of a Trump Golf Clubhouse building. The appealing and modern design includes several features, including the ‘Grand Arrival’ experience.
A bold and curved landscaped arrival sequence, employed to add grandeur to the space whilst at the same time offering a welcoming feeling to the members, is set after a central void in the building, allowing visitors to enjoy a grand view of the golf course.
“The clubhouse design is a strong statement of architectural excellence, combining beauty and functionality. This is another proof of the strong capabilities and talents available in our design department,” added Sajwani.
This imposing and attractive building includes a lobby lounge, pro shop, two restaurants and a luxury spa. The choice of materials and colours takes its cue from grand old American country clubs. A similar warmth and cosiness is achieved while using a more contemporary architectural language.
Mr. Trump did not hide his enthusiasm about the design of the new clubhouse, saying: “It is an inspiring masterpiece and a new landmark in the making within Dubai’s developed architectural scenery. The form and functionality of the building really is a wonderful piece of art. This Clubhouse will raise the bar for all future projects to be developed under the Trump International Golf Club banner.”
The Trump International Golf Club, Dubai, which will run through the centre of the project, is set to be fully grassed by Q1 2015. World-renowned architect Gil Hanse is leading the development of the course and already has the front nine holes shaped, with holes 10 & 11 grassed in addition to the double-ended driving range. The course will reflect the dramatic natural landforms traditional in the UAE and the holes will flow from one into the other creating a seamless natural environment.
Overlooking the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th holes will be the exclusive, private and gated community of The Trump Estates. Just over 100 desirable villas and mansions created with meticulous craftsmanship, thoughtful and ambitious design and glorious finishes, the Trump Estates will be the address of choice for the most de rigueur residents in Dubai.
“It’s so exciting to be in Dubai and see the progress made on the project,” said Ivanka Trump, Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at The Trump Organisation. “The Trump Estates, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai and AKOYA by DAMAC are quickly becoming known as the most desirable places to live, work, and play in this exciting and progressive city.”
The collaboration between DAMAC Properties and The Trump Organisation is delivering the first Trump golf course and the first Trump Estates anywhere in the Middle East and Asia.
More than 250 contractors are currently on-site at AKOYA by DAMAC which will be completed in regular phases from next year through to 2017. Major works are already underway on more than 650 villas and nine apartment blocks throughout the development. The 132kv sub-station is also under construction and the roads and infrastructure contracts have been awarded.
DAMAC Properties has delivered almost 10,000 units to date and currently has a development portfolio of over 25,000 units at various stages of progress and planning.
DAMAC Properties www.damacproperties.com