Finnish firm wins contract to build the UAE’s first floating homes in Dubai

A Finnish company has won the contract to build the UAE’s first water-homes, as part of the Marasi Business Bay project in Dubai.

The first phase of the waterfront project – being developed by Dubai Properties – was awarded to Admares, a statement said.

Admares said its scope of work will include constructing 10 water homes, two restaurants and a yacht club, all of which will be floating buildings.

The company said it has started the production of the floating buildings in October 2016, with all of the manufacturing and outfitting being done in Finland. The completed structures will be transported by sea to Dubai in Q3 2017.

Admares CEO Mikael Hedberg, said: “Our objective is to create unique, innovative and eco-friendly real estate products, utilising ground breaking, multi-disciplinary off-site construction technology.

“We started at the top with our first project in the Emirates, working with Jumeirah and Dubai Holding for the Burj Al Arab Terrace. Having successfully delivered the new resort extension – the biggest-ever undertaking of its kind in the world – we now have another project where the client was looking to create a landmark development with a high degree of innovation and quality.”

Launched in May last year, the Dhs1bn Marasi Business Bay project will extend 12 kilometres across the Dubai Water Canal and offer a mix of residential, retail and leisure projects.

Featuring the UAE’s first-ever homes on water with pedestrian and boat access, the project will have five palm tree-lined yacht marinas with approximately 700 berths and floating retail and food and beverages outlets.

Dubai Properties group CEO Abdulla Lahej said: “We are pleased to partner with Finland’s Admares to develop the first-of-their-kind homes on water in DP’s Marasi Business Bay destination.

“Their use of innovative technologies and unique construction techniques to deliver this type of pioneering structures will ensure that these unique homes on water, and the surrounding promenade, parks and marina, will be one of the most sought after residential destinations in the city.”

At the time of launch, officials said a “substantial part” of the Marasi Business Bay development is set for completion by 2020, with overall works concluded by 2023.

Read more: Water homes part of Dhs 1bn mega project launched in Dubai