Work begins on Al Marjan Island Phase II
Ras Al Khaimah property developer Rakeen announced it is set to commence Phase II of its infrastructure work on Al Marjan Island. The contract was awarded to Rizzani to complete the works in 18 months, covering Island 3 and Island 4 of Al Marjan at a cost Dhs365m. Al Marjan Island is the first man-made island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Dubai Investments to reimburse Mirdiff Hills buyers
Dubai Investments Real Estate Company (DIRC), the real estate arm of Dubai Investments, is giving a 100% refund to its investors on the Mirdiff Hills project, which it has put on hold due to unavailability of mortgage financing, Emirates Business has reported. Khaled Kalban, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Investments has said DIRC would continue with the project should the lending scenario improve in Dubai.

Al Mazaya to deliver stage one of The Villa in July
Al Mazaya Holding Company has said that it will start delivering units of its Dhs1bn project 'The Villa', located in Dubailand, to its owners in three stages; stage one plots (104 villas) will be delivered in July, stage two plots (150 villas) in October this year, while stage three plots (446 villas) will be handed over in March 2010.

Emaar may have to raise funds after merger, says analyst
Emaar Properties, which had announced a plan to combine with part of Dubai Holding last week, may have to raise funds if it proceeds with the transaction, according to Nomura Holdings. 'Emaar may have to raise equity, and possibly a lot, to support its private development counterparts because of their combined debt,' Chet Riley, a Dubai-based analyst at Nomura, wrote in a note to clients.

Moody's to review Emaar rating
Moody's Investor Services has announced that it has downgraded Dubai Holdings Commercial Operations Group (DHCOG) to A3 from A2, and has placed Emaar's Baa1 rating on review for downgrade. The group says that these actions reflect: 'continued fundamental challenges to both companies' business and financial profiles in the wake of difficult conditions on Dubai's property market, despite a recent agreement to merge both entities.'

Standard Chartered to offer 'Easy Loan' mortgages
Dubai Properties has said it has forged an alliance with Standard Chartered Bank to offer 'Easy Loan' mortgages, a funding option to prospective buyers and existing owners of residential units at the Executive Towers in Dubai's Business Bay development. The bank will directly evaluate the customer's property through independent surveyors and offer the finance with minimal documentation requirement from the client. In order to benefit from the Easy Loan mortgage product, customers must be resident in the UAE and should meet the minimum eligibility criteria of the bank.

Emaar shares tumble on merger concerns
The stock price of Emaar Properties has plunged due to concerns that a potential merger could result in asset writedowns and increased liabilities for the company. The shares lost 4.2% to Dhs2.77 at 11:50am in Dubai, bringing the slump for the month to 20%, according to Bloomberg. The shares are heading for their lowest close since May 21.

Ajman Sewerage contract bids in final phases
Ajman Sewerage is in the final phases of contract negotiations with contract bidders to connect properties in the emirate to the new sewerage system it has set up. It is in talks with specialist companies and the contract will be awarded within two months. The project will be implemented in phases over two years.

Dubai Holdings, Emaar to consolidate
Emaar Properties Dubai Holdings LLC have announced advanced discussions on their plans to consolidate real estate businesses of Emaar, Dubai Properties, Sama Dubai and Tatweer. According to a press statement, the companies are assisted by financial advisers, Royal Bank of Scotland and Merrill Lynch International in finalizing a thorough assessment of the merits of the proposed consolidation, including valuation of various entities as well as assessment of the potential transaction structures.