ArabianBusiness.com

Fino International said on Sunday it was nearing the end of its 33 month project to fit out the Burj Khalifa’s corporate offices, public lobby and Armani Hotel & Residences.

When the Burj Khalifa opened with a dazzling fireworks display earlier this year, the tower was hailed as a marvel of modern engineering, which it certainly is. However, it is also an excellent example of sustainability at work.

Given that he’s talking from a stylish ballroom in the first ever Armani Hotel, within the Burj Khalifa — the tallest and one of the most talked about buildings in the world — it’s hard to argue.

The 2010 outlook excludes the impact of a claim relating to Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower in Dubai, the statement said. The company had made a net loss 103.6 million dirhams in the first half of the year due to the Burj Khalifa claim, it said in August. The firm said it is positioned for about 20 percent growth in 2011 and 2012. It is also expanding into new territories like Yemen, Angola and Abu Dhabi.

A new gallery that will showcase the best in Arab contemporary talent is planning to open its doors in Downtown Dubai during April. The 3,000 square foot Ara Gallery, located near the base of the Burj Khalifa, has also earmarked community engagement as a key pillar of its strategy.

The real estate market in Dubai may be still be in bumpy territory, but for the super-rich, the recession probably regarded as an unfortunate event that happened to someone else. Earlier this month, Arabian Business revealed that apartment sellers in the Burj Khalifa Armani Residences have listed a number of two-bedroom units with asking prices of AED30m ($8.1m) each.

Dubai-based internet startup, Yadig.com, which provides real-time feedback on restaurants and entertainment, has revealed the UAE’s top five most popular restaurants and entertainment outlets, as picked by its uses. The site sourced more than 1,500 local user reviews to rank the best eateries, night clubs, bars and coffee shops in the Gulf state.

More than $6bn worth of hotel projects are due for completion in the Middle East by 2013 but greater emphasis is being put on sustainability, an industry expert said on Sunday. The Hotel Show will place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 17-19, with 400 exhibitors representing 25 countries.

Nominations for the prestigious Arabian Business Achievement Awards have opened, with the winners to be announced at a glittering ceremony on November 30th at Dubai’s Armani Hotel. This year’s awards will span 15 categories, including technology, media, retail and the sought after titles of Businessman and Businesswoman of the Year.

Saudi Arabia will help China build a $1.3bn luxury hotel modelled on Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, according to newspaper reports from Beijing. The People’s Daily Online quoted a senior official as saying that graphics and planning of the ‘seven-star’ hotel had already been completed. The announcement was made at a press conference on Wednesday.