The construction of towers is increasing, whether for residential purposes or office use, and the pace with which it is being done is changing the skyline of cities, according to real estate developers.
“What is more, a new vertical smart community lifestyle is emerging, putting into the background the horizontal style of compounds,” Rafal Real Estate Development Co CEO Darwish Bakeer told Arab News.
In the case of business complexes, the demand for 21st Century work spaces combining comfort and privacy with optimum efficiency is rising, added Aldar Alkhasa executive partner Essam Fakeeh, whose The Headquarters Business Park project on the Jeddah Corniche is now in the third phase of construction.
Business continues to boom in the Kingdom, which is boosting real estate and urban development, especially luxurious projects.
Office suites in demand are the most luxurious imaginable, with sophisticated services that meet the demands of the modern businessman, Fakeeh said at a press conference which took place last weekend at the Jeddah Westin.
“Work has commenced on the Western Tower that will offer a home for businessmen and businesswomen who seek smart and environment-friendly office suites, redefining the concept of luxurious business buildings,” he added.
The Central Podium, which is completed, is located midway between the 52-storey Western Tower, rising 240m, and the 15-storey Eastern Tower, which rises 70m above sea level. In addition to the office units, the project includes 250 villas and a variety of facilities such as conference and event halls, restaurants and cafes, and a health club.
Rafal showcased a model of Burj Rafal, its jewel community, at the annual Luxury Motor Show, which ended over the weekend at the Jeddah Hilton. The construction of the project has commenced in Riyadh, reported Arab News.
“The unique vertical smart community has the most luxurious and superb lifestyle,” Bakeer said, adding that the project, set to open in June 2013, will be a mixed-use development landmark of 62 storeys constructed on a 20,000m ² plot in Assahafa District along King Fahd Highway in the capital.