News Headlines

A Word from the CEO

In the NewsReal Estate Sector

Queen Alia International Airport Expansion

Jordan: Marketing and Beyond

Tourism on the Rise

Abdali Makes Headlines

Developers’ NewsDamac

Vertex

Boulevard

Project Focus

Abdali’s New Website

Retail City 2007 Abdali Boulevard Participates at Retail City

2007

The Abdali Effect: Reinventing the Retail

Sector in Amman

Abdali in Cityscape Dubai

Vote for Petra

Abdali - Civic Role

The World of Abdali

ISSUE 3 - 2007

JAMAL ITANI

With these words, HM King Abdullah heralded the beginning of a long-

term vision for the Kingdom of Jordan. Since that time, they have come

to reflect the studied approach His Majesty’s government has taken

towards the Jordanian economy in planning for the country’s future.

Jordan continues to gain prominence as a secure and growing envi-

ronment, luring investors from all over the region. Add to this its strate-

gic location in the Levant and GCC region and a high predicted growth

rate in the coming years, and the vision comes closer to fulfillment

every day.

Amid this vision, it is more than evident that the new downtown, Abdali,

is an integrated major development in the city of Amman. Its advanced

technology solutions, state-of-the-art facilities and services, intrinsi-

cally planned architecture provide the entire area with the necessary

credence in being the foremost developer in Amman that boasts to

impact the city architecturally, economically and socially. Moreover,

this is strikingly evident in the influx of interest received from major

local and international corporations looking to relocate into a better

environment.

This summer has witnessed a considerable amount of activity in

the project site. As we speak, 23 parcels have commenced actu-

al works. By end of year, over 80% will have started excavations

and 50% would have started their concrete works. With such

steady progress, Abdali is right on track to meet its scheduled

completion date in early 2010. Only then will the real adven-

ture begin.

JAMAL ITANI

Chief Executive Officer

A Word from the CEO

“It is more important to do what is strategically right, than what is

immediately more profitable.” King Abdullah II

In the News

In line with that growth, Abdali is strategically positioned to reap the benefits of being Am-

man’s future downtown. Factors contributing to its success include an increased demand

for viable real estate investments from Jordan and Arab countries, a real need for quality

residential, retail and office space and a surge in tourists who expect higher standards of

accommodation and services. According to analysts, the cycle in Jordan is on a rise, and

a healthy demand for real-estate will ensure that it stays that way in the coming years.

REAL ESTATE SECTOR

Real estate is one of the most important sectors receiving attention in the region today.

Besides the obvious example of Dubai, one does not need to look far to find prime ex-

amples. In Jordan alone, the value of real estate transaction has jumped from 1.3 billion

USD in 2003 to 2 billion USD in 2004 and 3.5 billion USD in 2005.

In the News

public. The campaign saw JTB participate in the

2007 Arab Travel Market, held in Dubai from May 1

to 4, 2007. This proved to be a strategic opportunity

to highlight Jordan’s touristic packages, including

historic, entertainment and leisure sites and activi-

ties that cater for the entire Arab and Gulf family.

Complementing the Tourism Board’s initiative, mega-

projects across Jordan have also begun developing

their own marketing plans. Foremost among these

is the Abdali downtown, whose emphasis on premi-

um retail and business amenities and a lively cultural

milieu are ideally positioned to welcome the surge

in tourists that Jordan is experiencing. The future

downtown, with the resplendent Boulevard at its

center, is prime territory for a diverse crowd of tour-

ists from the Gulf and Western countries.

The tourism industry is one of the largest income

sources for Jordan, generating roughly 11.2% of the

GDP. Recently, marketing has focused on a twofold

approach with the Jordan Tourism Board develop-

ing holistic campaigns to lure foreign visitors, while

individual resorts and mega-projects such as Abdali

come up with their own customized strategies. This

has meant that Jordan’s marketing plan is no longer

a hit and miss affair but a focused strategy that tar-

gets audiences in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bah-

rain, UAE, Oman and even further to reach North

Africa and Europe.

To date, an extensive marketing plan has been kicked

off by the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) to further

promote the country’s cultural treasures. Its slogan

is «Marhabakom» (“Welcome”) and it aims at pro-

moting Jordan as a tourist destination for the GCC

JORDAN: MARKETING & BEYOND

In the News

port for a period of 25 years. Foster & Partners, the

architects behind Beijing, Hong Kong and the UK

airports, have designed the new terminal. Minister

of Transport Saud Nseirat described the project as a

“key milestone in Jordan’s move towards attracting

private participation in the country’s transportation

sector and offering tourists high-end facilities.” The

latest move towards updating Amman’s infrastruc-

ture, QAIA’s expansion is a necessary step that will

facilitate tourist flow into the capital, especially into

what is expected to become Amman’s busiest dis-

trict, the new Abdali downtown.

QUEEN ALIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTEXPANSION

Passenger capacity at Queen Alia International Air-

port (QAIA) is set to rise from 3.2 million to 9 million

a year based on a 550 million USD airport expansion

project planned for 2010, just in time for Abdali’s fi-

nal completion date. Under a deal signed during the

World Economic Forum, the Airport Development

Project (ADP) Consortium, an international group of

investors, will upgrade the existing airport facility,

construct a brand new terminal and manage the air-

TOURISM ON THE RISE

Visitor numbers have continued

to grow in Jordan during the first

six months of the year, with tour-

ist arrivals 13.8% higher than the

same period of 2006, according

to the Ministry of Tourism. Tour-

ists from Arab and Gulf countries

formed the bulk of arrivals, rising

9.4% to 844,441 visitors between

January and June this year, com-

pared to 772,032 visitors in the

same period of 2006.

The figures reveal that Jordan is

becoming an increasingly popu-

lar itinerary for tourists, especially

those from the Gulf countries.

Currently, the most popular desti-

nations within the country remain

Petra, Aqaba, the Dead Sea and

the capital, Amman. While Am-

man lacks a truly defined core,

Abdali will definitively fill that void,

exceeding visitor’s expectations.

with a downtown created to truly

world-class standards.

In the News

ABDALI MAKES HEADLINES

Abdali has been making headlines across the region. Reporters are following closely on the progress and so

far media coverage has been massive, with several prominent national, regional and international publica-

tions all taking an active interest in the development of what is to become the new downtown of Amman.

In the News

Among the references in the field who recently took notice was the Oxford Business Group, one of the most

renowned and leading sources of information for Eastern Europe, North and South Africa, the Middle East

and Asia, with a series of on-line and print publications. In their article, “Amman’s Urban Regeneration”,

published on September 5, 2007 OBG credited Abdali Investment and Development for “currently con-

structing Amman’s largest mixed-use development project.”

According to OBG analysts’ team, which reported the story, Abdali Investment and Development succeeded

in being a major player in an unprecedented investment influx into the city, by offering a strategic location in

the Middle East backed by a sustainable proposition that

encompass major business hubs in the world with and in-

tegrated master plan that offers advanced technological

facilities, traffic and parking solutions, district energy, and

a perfectly planned tenant mix.

The article concluded: “Amman’s New Downtown Abdali’s

was officially declared by the Grand Amman Municipality

as the new central business district of Amman.”

BOULEVARD: 300 MILLION USD CONTRACT AWARDED FOR THE CONSTRUC-TION OF THE ABDALI BOULEVARD

service basement levels), it stands to be one of the

most ambitious projects yet to grace the city of

Amman.

Saudi Oger, notable for its experience in the field and

extensive projects across the region, commenced

works on August 4th, 2007 and has assigned a

completion date for February 2010.

Work has started in full force on what is to become

Abdali downtown’s glittering center: the Abdali Boul-

evard. In a deal worth 300 million USD, Saudi Oger

Construction was awarded the contract to build all

components of this multifaceted project. A fascinat-

ing mix of retail, residential and business develop-

ments, the Abdali Boulevard cuts a unique figure in

Amman’s cityscape and will prove to be major draw

once finished. At 224,000 sqm (including 118,000

sqm above ground and 106,000 sqm of parking and

Developers’ News

DAMAC: LAUNCHING INNOVATIVE SITES IN ABDALI’S NEW DOWNTOWN Damac Properties announced its appointment of Issa Haddadin & Part-

ners Construction Co. as the enabling works contractor for its projects:

The Heights, The Lofts, Courtyard 1 and Courtyard 2 in Amman. Exca-

vation works have already commenced and are scheduled to be com-

pleted in 120 days. Damac’s projects in Abdali will be created accord-

ing to the highest construction criteria and offer the latest in services

and living standards. With expectations running high, Damac guaran-

tees to meet them and assist Abdali in becoming a truly dynamic hub

for business and tourism throughout the region and beyond.

VERTEX: CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ONTHE ICONIC VERTEX TOWERAND RESIDENCES Dubai Construction Company (DCC) announced the start of construc-

tion on the Vertex Tower and Residences. Located in the Abdali down-

town, the project is set to cover a total built-up area of 66,000 sqm. De-

signed by prominent Italian architect, Claudio Nardi, the Vertex Tower

and Residences is a projection of modern Italian design, marrying su-

preme functionality and sleek aesthetics, breaking the mould of current

prevalent work. As with each new project in Abdali, the Vertex Tower

exudes a stunningly distinctive flair while perfectly complementing the

overall vision that will become Abdali.

Developers’ News Project Focus

ABDALI NEW DOWNTOWN: TODAY & TOMORROW For Abdali, Jordan’s foremost ur-

ban regenerative project, 2007 was

a busy year as significant progress

was made on several key fronts.

Earlier this year, many developers fi-

nalized their projects’ designs, and

for some investors it was the begin-

ning of actual construction.

Today, full speed work is invested in

one of the most important develop-

ment projects, the Abdali Boulevard.

The Boulevard is set to be Abdali’s

glittering center and a showcase for

the best in urban elegance. In Par-

allel, 23 parcels have commenced

actual works. With such progress,

Abdali is right on track to meet its

completion date scheduled in 2010,

In fact, by the end of this year, the

majority of the developers would

have started excavations and most

of them would have initiated con-

crete work.

The following pages will inform you

of the latest news of our develop-

ers and their projects, a follow up of

what was already presented in ear-

lier issues.

MARWAN SALEHUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Marwan Saleh

2

CAPITAL BANKUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Fosters & Partners

DCC-TURNKEY MANAGEMENTUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Claudio Nardi

4

3

4

35

2

ADNAN SAFARINIUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Adnan Safarini

1

ABDALI BOULEVARDUse of Building:Recreational DevelopmentArchitect:Laceco International

5

1

8

76

8

Developments in Abdali: Project Focus

7

PHILADELPHIA TOWERSUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Symbiosis Designs Ltd

DAMAC BUSINESS HEIGHTSUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Architecture Studio

PARADISE TOWERSUse of Building:Commercial DevelopmentArchitect:Norr Group Consultants

6

Abdali’s New Website

ABDALI PSC LAUNCHES ITS NEW INTERACTIVE WEBSITE

Abdali’s new downtown will no doubt change the urban lifestyle in Jordan, seeing as it includes the latest

in entertainment, business and real estate. Until that time, Abdali Investment and Development PSC. has

given visitors something to look forward to by launching a totally renovated website that offers visitors an

all-encompassing tour of Jordan’s expansive mega-plan, the new luxurious downtown in the center of the

capital.

www.abdali.jo

Modern, stylish visuals, a user-friendly interface and the latest updates all contribute to make it a unique ex-

perience for information seekers. It allows browsers to explore all aspects of the upcoming project in detail.

Now, visitors can not only take a breathtaking visual tour of the entire one million sqm area, but can also live

the true experience of Abdali through a highly innovative and interactive medium.

Simultaneously cosmopolitan and international in character, Abdali’s cutting-edge design and superior syn-

ergy are already earning praise. The project blends perfectly with Amman’s urban identity and is set to be

completed by early 2010. Until then, abdali.jo serves as a doorway to what will be the most popular district

in Jordan.

It was Abdali Boulevard Compa-

ny’s time to shine as it revealed

its highly anticipated Boulevard

project to a crowd of international

investors. ABC’s unique endeavor

was hailed by numerous retailers

who expressed their enthusiasm

at being part of Amman’s retail

transformation. With the project

progressing swiftly, and some of

the most renowned names in re-

tail and fine dining waiting to take

part in it, Abdali’s Boulevard is

clearly on the right track to suc-

cess.

ABDALI’S BOULEVARD SHOWCASED TO GREAT ACCLAIM

Retail City 2007

THE ABDALI EFFECT:REINVENTING THE RE-TAIL SECTOR IN AMMAN

One of the highlights of Retail

City 2007 was the presentation

of ABC’s Sales Director Mr. Se-

lim Majzoub. Entitled “The Abdali

Effect – Reinventing the Retail

Sector in Amman,” the presen-

tation gave a present picture

of Amman’s retail industry and

the potential factors that could

lead to its resurgence including:

the steady increase in tourists

visiting Jordan and the 37.4% of

Jordan’s inhabitants now living

in the capital.

According to Mr. Majzoub, despite

an estimated population of 2

million and 7.5 million tourists

annually, Amman still lacks a

high-end retail destination. Enter

Abdali Boulevard whose role

is to literally re-invent the retail

sector, with global brands and

an exciting outdoor experience.

By catering to the well heeled

Jordanian crowd and the ever-

growing number of visitors from

abroad, the iconic Boulevard is

destined to enjoy bright pros-

pects for the future.

CITYSCAPE DUBAI 2007 PARTICIPATION

For the third year in a row, Abdali has decided to participate in the region’s biggest real estate event. With

over 70,000 sqm of space being rented out to exhibitors and more than 400 billion USD of projects pre-

sented, Cityscape’s organizers say this year’s fair is likely to smash all last year’s figures, which were already

world records.

The Jordanian master developer will once again be in the spotlight, face to face with a dream audience

composed of Arab and international investors as well as the biggest names and senior professionals in the

industry. Representatives from Abdali, the Abdali Boulevard Company and major developers in the new

downtown will be on-hand to field questions about Jordan’s foremost regenerative project and its exciting

potential for investment. Participation in Cityscape is a crucial touchstone for any serious developer who

wishes to make their mark and interact with a lucrative pool of investors from around the world. Abdali’s

presence in the fair confirms its status as a leading master developer alongside the big industry players.

Abdali in Cityscape Dubai

ABDALI ENHANCESINNOVATION AMONGJ.U.S.T. STUDENTS

Abdali believes in the importance of

building people’s capacities and en-

gaging with the wider communities to

understand their needs and respond

accordingly. In line with its vision,

Abdali supported a group of archi-

tecture students in their gradua-

tion project at Jordan University of

Science and Technology (JUST).

This support represents a milestone

for enhancing young people’s inno-

vative skills and potentials to become

active members in the workforce.

The students, who presented their

projects on the 30th of May 2007 to

a jury made up of experts in the field,

focused on the notion of urban liv-

ing and designed mix use high rise

towers with the Abdali PSC specifi-

cations and regulations.

“I never imagined such a huge

company would support us

or believe in our efforts. Our

graduation project started as a

dream, thinking of the Abdali down-

town and imagining how we could

become part of it. Abdali’s response

overwhelmed us and gave us

that extra motivation to create

a truly successful and innovative

project. If Abdali believes in us, we

have the confidence that we can

get any job easily. Our graduation

project was a milestone that helped

open doors to find a career. I now

work in a local architecture firm

utilizing the skills I gained at uni-

versity and learning the practice.”

Nancy Hashimeh, group member

Abdali – Civic RoleVote for Petra

ABDALI PARTICIPATES IN MAWARED’S CAMPAIGN TO VOTE FOR PETRA

On July 7th, 2007 Petra was named one of the

Seven Wonders of the World as result of the united

efforts of individuals, communities and corporations,

in one of the widest global competitions held in

recent history. Chosen by around 100 million voters

around the world, the 7 winning sites were selected

and announced on 07-07-2007 during a ceremony

in Lisbon.

Abdali PSC, always dedicated to participating in the

promotion of Jordan’s rich heritage, backed

Mawared’s «Vote for Petra» campaign by encouraging

its staff to vote and support the city’s bid on June

28th. Employees from Abdali PSC and its affiliates

such as Abdali Boulevard Company, AREMS,

Jordan District Energy, to name but of few, turned

out in force to vote for the ancient city.

According to the New 7 Wonders organizers, a tally

of 100 million votes had been cast since voting for

the global campaign kicked off in March 2006. Local

officials said 22 million votes were cast for Petra,

which was officially listed as a UNESCO World Her-

itage Site in 1985. The 2000-year-old rose red city

was crowned a World Wonder alongside the Great

Wall of China, Brazil’s Statue of Christ Redeemer,

Peru’s Machu Picchu, Mexico’s Chichen Itza pyra-

mid, the Colosseum in Rome and India’s Taj Mahal.

Abdali Investment & Development PSC

4th & 5th Floors, Al Salam 2 Building, Wadi Saqra

P.O. Box 925309, Amman 11190 Jordan

Telephone: +962 6 5610560, Fax: +962 6 5610577

Email: abdali@abdali.jo, Web: www.abdali.jo