Crystal Lagoons Corp., the patented technology developer of giant crystalline lagoons, has appointed Carlos Salas as regional director, ME, to head up the company’s strategic growth, inheriting an impressive existing portfolio with a total of 40 active, under-development and pipeline projects spread across the Middle East, valued at over US$13 billion.
Based in Dubai, Salas brings with him extensive regional experience, having spent the last six years as head of the Embassy of Chile in the UAE’s economic department and GCC commercial representative for ProChile.
“Carlos has a thorough understanding of the Middle East business environment as well as an extensive network of governmental and commercial contacts, which places him – and Crystal Lagoons – in prime position to take our existing projects forward and capitalise on new opportunities in the region,” said Uri Man, CEO, Crystal Lagoons.
Crystal Lagoons has projects located in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, including the high profile Meydan mega lagoons project.
Part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBRC) mixed-use development, situated close to the Meydan Racecourse, and a joint venture between Meydan Group and Sobha Developers, Ltd, the MBRC – District One lagoon project will be the world’s largest manmade lagoon upon completion in time for Expo 2020 celebrations, and covering an area of 40 hectares.
A 1.43-hectare pilot lagoon is already in operation and features a show home community of nine houses for a taster of the overall master planned development, which will eventually include residential areas, hotels and commercial opportunities.
The next phases of the lagoon project will cover around eight hectares and are to be delivered in 2016, with a further nine hectares completed by 2017.
