Meraas

Meraas is a privately held holding company headquartered in Dubai with operations and assets in the United Arab Emirates.

Meraas Holdings
Private company
Founded2007
HeadquartersDubai, United Arab Emirates
Key people
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, (Group Chairman)
ProductsReal estate, tourism, retail, F&B, leisure and entertainment, hospitality, healthcare
Number of employees
circa 2,000 (2018)
Websitewww.meraas.com

History

Since its founding in 2007,[1] the Dubai-based conglomerate has launched several projects in multiple sectors including real estate, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, leisure and entertainment and healthcare. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum serves as the Group Chairman of Meraas.[2]

The Meraas real estate portfolio comprises property development sales and asset management across Dubai. Projects include Port de La Mer,[3] Central Park at City Walk,[4] Cherrywoods, Bluewaters Residences, Bvlgari Residences,[5] Nikki Beach Residences and Villa Amalfi.

In 2019 Meraas launched its latest destination, Dubai Harbour. When complete, the development will become the Middle East's first yachting community hub and the largest marina in the Middle East and North Africa, comprising a total of 1,100 berths [6]. It will also be home to the Dubai Lighthouse - a 135-metre structure set to become another key landmark in the city. [7]

In 2020 Meraas is set to open Ain Dubai.[8] Standing at more than 250-metres tall and has over 9,000 tonnes of steel, the Ain Dubai is located on the Bluewaters island destination. The structure is set to break the Guinness World Record for the tallest observation wheel once complete in time for Expo 2020 Dubai. [9]

Lines of business

The firm's real estate division comprises property development sales and asset management. Projects include City Walk, Bluewaters Island, Jumeira Bay, Pearl Jumeira, La Mer, and Dubai Harbour, a new waterfront destination which will feature the Middle East and North Africa region's largest marina.[10] Recently, Meraas launched its first townhouse community in Dubai, Cherrywoods.[11]

Leisure & Entertainment

The Leisure & Entertainment division develops and operates entertainment destinations and venues in Dubai to support Dubai's 2020 Tourism Vision. In 2018, the firm added Dubai Safari to its portfolio.[12] Projects also include The Green Planet in City Walk,[13] a destination that recreates a tropical forest and houses over 3,000 plants and animals, Hub Zero in City Walk, an indoor entertainment centre comprising rides, virtual reality experiences, adventure climbing and experiential zones [14], Hawa Hawa in La Mer, the first inflatable playground of its kind outside of East Asia [15], and Ain Dubai in Bluewaters, the world's tallest observation wheel.[16]

Retail

The retail division covers retail outlets at City Walk, The Beach, Boxpark, The Outlet Village, Al Seef, La Mer, Bluewaters and Last Exit. These include international retailers such as Michael Kors, Le BHV Marais, Lush, Sephora, Swarovski, Karl Lagerfield, Coach, Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange and Mothercare.

Hospitality

The hospitality division handles hotel operation for the group and has partnered with hotel operators such as Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts [17], Jumeirah, Marriott, Nikki Beach Hotels and Resorts, Caesars Entertainment. Meraas Hospitality properties include La Ville Hotel & Suites, Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai, Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai, Zabeel House, Zabeel House MINI and Al Seef Hotel.

Food & Beverage

As part of its food and beverage division, Meraas has a range of more than 15 concepts in 35 different locations around Dubai. These include both owned home-grown concepts such as Pots, Pans & Boards, SIKKA Café, Retro Feasts, Dri Dri, Poco Loco, Boutique Le Chocolat, Al Mashowa and The Brass as well as international franchises such as Lima, TORO+KO, Galvin, Big Chefs and Butcha Steakhouse & Grill, Bvlgari Café and LIMA Dubai.

Healthcare

Meraas healthcare division comprises Valiant Clinic,[18] a multi-specialty outpatient clinic located in City Walk, offering wellness and healthcare services including preventive care and diagnostic services.

Real Estate

Meraas’ real estate division comprises property development, sales and asset management across Dubai.

Bluewaters Residences

Bluewaters Residences is a collection of one to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and townhouses located on the man-made island of Bluewaters. The properties are set over a podium that is designed to capture views of the Persian Gulf. Handover to first residents started in February 2019.[19]

Bvlgari Residences

Bvlgari Residences is located in Jumeira Bay and comprises one to three-bedroom apartments, four-bedroom penthouses and three to six-bedroom mansions. The development has been designed by Italian architect Antonio Citterio and is one of only six Bvlgari branded residences globally. First handover to residents was announce in February 2018.[20]

Central Park at City Walk

Central Park at City Walk is a residential neighbourhood which will surround a 40,000 square metre private park in the heart of Dubai. The one to four-bedroom apartments will offer residents views of the park as well as of Dubai's skyline.[21]

Cherrywoods

Cherrywood, launched in 2019, is a high-end community featuring three to four-bedroom townhouses. The neighbourhood is home to retail and dining experiences, a community centre and a central park.

City Walk Residences

City Walk Residences is a collection of one to four-bedroom apartments that are set to accommodate over 2,500 residents. City Walk's high-street retail theme also extends into the residential boulevard with a cluster of boutique car showrooms, art and craft galleries, designer home décor boutiques, as well as art and music studios and dining choices from around the world that add to the destination's distinctive, urban ambience.

Port de La Mer Residences

Port de La Mer is the first freehold master developed community in the heart of Jumeirah, comprising a collection of one to five-bedroom apartments located at the tip of the North Peninsula at La Mer. The development is split into two distinct communities, the first one being La Rive and the second being La Cote.

Nikki Beach Residences

Nikki Beach Residences are a set of branded homes adjacent to Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai in Pearl Jumeira. The development includes one to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses and apartment townhouses. Handover to residents started in March 2018. [22]

Zabeel Saray Royal Residence

Zabeel Saray Royal Residence is a collection of 38 exclusive Royal Residences located on the Palm Jumeirah. The exclusive set of homes offer access to a private beach and a range of five-star amenities.

Villa Amalfi

Villa Amalfi is a community of three to five-bedroom villas set in the centre of Jumeira Bay. The homes are surrounded by a private park and feature views of the Persian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.

The company also owns a number of real estate plots in Dubai, including Jebel Ali Hills [23], Jebel Ali Industrial Development, Jumeira Bay, La Mer, Nad Al Sheba Gardens, Al Mamzar Front, Al Satwa, Al Warsan First Redevelopment and Al Warsan Industrial Plot.

Destinations

Meraas develops and operates a range urban destinations all across Dubai.

Al Seef

Al Seef is a 1.8-kilometre waterfront promenade designed to reflect the role the unique natural waterway that Dubai Creek has played in shaping the culture and heritage of the city. Al Seef also has a marina with 56 berths for private yachts [24], a traditional souk, floating markets and an events plaza that hosts events and activities taking place along the water's edge.

Bluewaters

Bluewaters features residential, retail and hospitality zones bordered by walkways and a private beach, located off the coast of JBR and within touching distance of Dubai Marina. The destination is home to Ain Dubai, the world's tallest and largest observation wheel that stands at a height of 250+ metres. [25]

Boxpark

In February 2015 Meraas launched Boxpark,[26] a destination spanning across 1.2-kilometres located on Al Wasl road, combining contemporary architecture with the aesthetics of warehouse containers. An industrial character dominates the project's aesthetic, including fixtures and open spaces.

City Walk

In December 2013, Meraas launched City Walk [27], an open-air lifestyle destination, spanning an area of more than 10 million square feet.

Dubai Harbour

In January 2017, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled Dubai Harbour [28], offering berths for yacht owners, with views of some of Dubai's landmarks – Ain Dubai at Bluewaters and Palm Jumeirah. Featuring a cruise terminal and three main areas of the 1,100-berth marina – Harbour Marina, Bay Marina and Palm View Marina, Dubai Harbour is to become the largest yachting community in the Middle East. It will also include a Harbour Master building and a 150-metre lighthouse.

Jumeira Bay

Jumeira Bay is a destination that has been sculpted in the shape of a seahorse. It has views of the ocean and is home to the Bvlgari Resort & Residences Dubai.

Kite Beach

Spanning over 1.1 million square feet, Kite Beach features a 14-kilometre running track as well as a variety of retail outlets and eateries. The destination regularly hosts community art fairs and markets, sports tournaments and races [29], as well as endurance and live entertainment events that attract thousands of visitors from all around the world.

La Mer

La Mer, launched in October 2017,[30] is a beachfront destination located on 2.5-kilometres of beach.

Last Exit

Last Exit is a themed food truck concept offering a selection gourmet street food. [31] Each of its locations has its own theme with a range of entertainment options. Last Exit currently includes four destinations – Last Exit AUH Bound, Last Exit DXB Bound, Last Exit Al Qudra and Last Exit Al Khawaneej.

Pearl Jumeira

Pearl Jumeira is one of the newest neighbourhoods in the Jumeira 1 district. It is home to Nikki Beach Resort and Spa Dubai that opened its doors on December 20 and features 132 keys including 117 rooms and suites, 15 villas and 63 private residences. [32]

The Beach

The Beach is a beachfront destination that houses leisure and entertainment, F&B, retail and water sports concepts, as well as an outdoor gym. Set against the backdrop of the Persian Gulf, the destination is a place for people to eat, shop, relax and socialise.

The Outlet Village

Launched in September 2016, The Outlet Village is an indoor retail destination.[33]

Enterprises

The enterprise division is responsible for the management of shareholders’ investments, joint ventures and commercial partnerships. The division assesses businesses opportunities and engages partners that add value to the firm's portfolio. This division manages Dubai Parks and Resorts, Rove Hotels, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Water Canal, Caesars Bluewaters Dubai and Dubai Cruise Terminal[34].

Dubai Cruise Terminal located in Dubai Harbour, will include two cruise terminals, capable of accommodating up to three cruise ships concurrently and up to 13,200 passengers. [35]

Caesars Bluewaters Dubai A strategic partnership by Meraas and Caesars Entertainment Corporation to bring two luxury hotels, a beach club and theatre to the man-made island of Bluewaters_Island [36]

DXB Entertainments The largest leisure and entertainment company in the region and the owners of Dubai Parks and Resorts, the region's largest integrated theme park destination [37]

Rove Hotels A contemporary hospitality brand [38]

Dubai Hills Estate A joint venture by Meraas and Emaar Properties, it is one of the largest master-planned communities in Dubai [39]

Dubai Water Canal Has been developed by Meraas, Meydan and the Roads and Transport Authority (Dubai), and is spread across 4 million square foot of land [40]

Initiatives

In 2018, Meraas launched Visit Hatta [41], an initiative aimed at developing the mountainous region of Hatta and establishing it as a national park and a leading ecotourism destination. It comprises Hatta Wadi Hub, an adventure and activity centre, Hatta Damani Lodges Resort, which includes luxury cabins, and Hatta Sedr Trailers Resort, the first-ever trailer hotel concept.

The company is also responsible for implementing Hala China, a joint initiative by Meraas and Dubai Holding [42] which is aligned with Dubai's Tourism Vision 2020 and aimed at enhancing economic and cultural exchange to drive investment cooperation between Dubai and China. The initiative seeks to attract Chinese visitors and investors to Dubai through an annual calendar of tailored events and tour packages that span seven categories – stay, shop, eat, play, explore, wellness and concierge.[43]

References

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