Press Release

Sunday 13th August, 2006

ALDAR to work with World Class Lighting Designers Speirs and Major Associates to Design Public Lighting at Al Raha Beach Development

ALDAR Properties PJSC announced today that it has awarded a contract for the lighting design at Al Raha Beach to United Kingdom designer Speirs and Major Associates - as part of the 10 billion AED infrastructure budget.

The contract awarded is for a project-wide strategic lighting masterplan and lighting concepts for all public realm areas within the development including; parks, canals, pedestrian walkways and footbridges. The appointment will ensure that a lighting masterplan is approved and implemented at the infrastructure stage, allowing Speirs and Major the opportunity to incorporate exterior lighting within all precincts.

Commenting on the announcement ALDAR's Chief Operating Officer, Ronald Barrott said: "The appointment of Speirs and Major Associates adds another leading and world renowned designer to the existing team currently working on the project. Lighting is an integral part of the overall Al Raha Beach Masterplan. Speirs and Major will create a safe and an aesthetically pleasing environment, whilst ensuring that the design of the lighting is in harmony with the environment." Speirs and Major Associates are based in the UK and have completed a wide variety of award-winning projects for both public and private clients. These projects include corporate headquarters, museums, exhibitions, hotels, retail developments and transport projects in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, North America and Asia. They are also the company who won the Award of Distinction, International Illumination Design Awards, 2000 for the external lighting design of the Burj Al Arab in the UAE.

Jonathan Speirs, a Principal at Speirs and Major Associates said: "The Al Raha Beach project will allow exciting and unique lighting opportunities, creating an attractive and varied series of lit environments for relaxation and entertainment in the evenings. This will be the first major development in the UAE that will have a project-wide integrated lighting strategy from the very outset." Al Raha Beach Project Director Michael Cox welcomed the appointment saying: "Speirs and Major Associates are at the forefront of creative lighting design and technology; their designs will add to the offering of the overall development and create a unique atmosphere within one of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious projects."

The design process will begin in August 2006 with construction due to be completed by July 2009.