Major Developments on Palm Jebel Ali

Dubai Palm Islands - Major Developments on Palm Jebel Ali

The mid-sized sister project of Palm Jumeirah and Palm Deira, the Palm Jebel Ali in Dubai is primarily a location for residential living and touristic entertainment. The six marinas, water homes, sea village and a water theme park are all testament to this concept. While the Palm Jumeirah focuses on luxury hotels and residences, the Palm Jebel Ali is inclined towards presenting a marine tourist destination, with some allocation for residences. Similar to the other palm islands, the Palm Jebel Ali's trunk holds most of the interesting locations, such as the Sea Village. Residential communities on the island will be divided as Signature Villas, Town Homes and Garden Homes.

The majority of residences are built on the fronds and the sea region between the crescent and fronds (water homes). The 1060 water homes, built on stilts based under the sea, are the highlights of the developments going on within the Palm Jebel Ali. From an aerial viewpoint, the water homes are structured to display an Arabic verse authored by the current Ruler of Dubai, HRH Sheikh Mohammed. Spanning across 12 kilometres, the water homes hover 8 to 10 metres above the sea water and is built with concrete foundation poles and wooden materials. Each water home consists of 4 bedrooms and is offered with a private mooring berth.

The Sea Village, covering a length of 2.4 kilometres along the island's trunk, is an authentic sea aquarium, presenting deep-sea life forms, including killer whales. The theme park and entertainment venue will have plenty of guests in the near future. There are eight separate hotels offering all modern facilities and amenities, located within easily accessible distance to the Sea Village.

Finally, the crescent of the Palm Jebel Ali, which is also the breakwater, offers 32 luxury hotels and resorts, all based on the marina and beach themes. The Palm Jebel Ali is to be fully completed in 2009.

Dubai Islands - Palm Deira Progress

The Steady Progress of Palm Deira, Dubai

Palm Deira, the largest among the three Palm Island projects, is the newcomer with great expectations. The island's construction was begun in 2005, several years after the two other palm islands were initiated. The Palm Deira was not in the original master plan and was added in 2004 because the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali could not meet the demands of property buyers.

Located on the outer coastal area of the highly residential Deira district in Dubai, the Palm Deira is eight times larger than the original palm island, Palm Jumeirah. Instead of the usual 17 fronds, this development was to have 41, creating a massive land area for various purposes. But, after a substantial alteration in sea levels during mid 2007, the design was redone, leaving just 18 very large fronds in substitution.

The Palm Deira is scheduled for completion in 2015, but 2020 would be a more accurate estimate, because of the existing market conditions and slight decline in the Dubai real estate development sector. According to some experts, minor developments and adjustments will continue until around 2040, although a majority of the residential and commercial complexes will be ready for handover by 2015. Several infrastructural aspects of the Palm Deira project are already complete, including a bridge linking the mainland and the island.

Since the island is gigantic in terms of development, it will be completed in nine phases. Referred to as the Nine Islands, these phases will focus on developing smaller sections of the palm and handing over such completed sections to buyers. This method will eliminate unnecessary delays and buyer impatience.

The nine island phases are Deira Island; Front, Mamzar, North, South, Central and Trunk, as well as the Palm;Crown, Fronds and Crescent. Deira Island Front acts as the portal between mainland Dubai and the island. Luxurious residences, large marinas, massive scale recreational facilities, a central business district, dhow wharfs, shipyards and many other sophisticated residential and commercial amenities are available on the Palm Deira island.

The World Islands Dubai

The World Islands Dubai – Taking On The Miracle of Geographical Creation

The World – 300 islands, 232 kilometres of additional coastline, a total area of 55 square kilometres – the figures can never truly paint the picture. Imagine the world map and make that image about 20 times smaller and you have a visualisation of the World archipelago from an aerial viewpoint.

TheWorld Dubai Map - Click To Enlarge

Dubai is internationally famed for its love of all things big, bright and bold, and the World islands are no exception. Undertaking a project to recreate the world map is no simple task and ensuring it's all safely and securely completed is near impossible, but Dubai has risen to such challenges repeatedly, first with the Palm Island projects and now with the World.

Dubai World - Simply Amazing

The 300 islands are not exceptionally large, but the concept has drawn a lot of attention to the development. The islands are arranged to form each continent existing in the world and each continent has areas that vaguely resemble the countries. The development is not an exact replica of the true world map, but comes quite close to it.

Dubai World Lighthouse

Unveiled by HRH Sheikh Mohammed, Ruler of Dubai, in 2003, 60% of the World islands were snatched up by eager investors by early 2008. The initial development phase was completed in January 2008, which was to finish the breakwater structure. The next phase is to hand over the islands to each individual developer. The master developer Nakheel will only complete the dredging and infrastructural foundations of the project, while individual investors have the freedom to develop their own private islands in any way they wish. The islands are only sold by invitation and each costs between $15-$45 million.

Pangkor Laut resort at The World Islands - Dubai

The confirmed individual developments at present include Coral Island, covering the North American continent; OQYANA, spanning the Australasia continent; Jasmine Gardens, which is located on the Thailand region; a pearling and aquatic amusement venue on the Antarctic section and many more. Many Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, as well as globally renowned entrepreneurs, are rumoured to have purchased private islands on the World archipelago, but only a handful are confirmed.

Michael Schumacher World Island


Michael Schumacher Island Closeup

Dubai World and Palm Islands

Dubai World and Palm Islands - Simply Amazing

The World's Largest Land Reclamation Projects

Dubai is perhaps the world's biggest Middle Eastern surprise, with seven-star luxury hotels, massive real estate developments, impressive and an architecturally well-defined skyline and most of all, the Dubai Islands projects comprising the Palm Islands and The World. As the world's largest land reclamation development projects, the Dubai Palm Islands and The World have spiked international attention in many different ways.

First of all, these projects provide excellent investment opportunities for worldwide entrepreneurs. Secondly, the projects offer expatriates and locals luxurious lifestyle concepts for both day-to-day living and retirement. They are also excellent locations for building resorts and themed entertainment venues, as is evident by the renowned investors who have already claimed parts of these islands for their own developments.

The Dubai Palm Islands consists of The Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira. Each of the three islands are shaped like a palm tree, inclusive of a trunk, frond and crown. The Palm Jumeirah was the first gigantic development project undertaken and now offers exclusive residential communities and lifestyle conveniences. The Palm Jumeirah is the smallest of the three islands, spanning just 25 square kilometers.

The largest of the Palm Islands is the Palm Deira, which was added to the project very recently. It wasn't in the earlier development plans, but the high demand for the developed real estate required an additional project and so, the Palm Deira development was begun in 2005. In comparison to Palm Jumeirah, the new Deira Palm Island will be eight times the size. The Palm Jebel Ali is mostly an entertainment destination, with loads of shopping malls, theme parks and variety entertainment, while offering residential communities as well. Palm Jumeirah is already occupied and sold out, with only resale units available at present. The Palm Jebel Ali will be completed within the coming few months and the Palm Deira is expected to be complete for handover by 2015.

The World Islands are a collection of 300 private, man-made pieces of reclaimed land, built to include only four types of constructions within them. They are private homes, estate homes, dream resorts and community islands. Shaped like the world's continents (although not strictly according to the geographic map), the Dubai World Islands can only be reached via air and sea. The World Islands are open to investments, which means they can be purchased by individual developers to create anything they wish out of the islands they buy.

The Dubai Palm Islands - Witness History As It's Made

Witness History As It's Made – The Dubai Palm Islands

Begun as a concept to expand the shorelines of Dubai, the Palm Islands have gone far beyond plans and expectations. Often loosely referred to as the eighth world wonder, the Dubai Palm Islands are three distinctively shaped man-made marvels, boasting high-end luxury living and commercial districts. Located along the Dubai coast in three separate locations, the islands are named Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira.

Each palm island stands true to its name, shaped like a date palm tree, which is a historically and culturally significant icon in the UAE. Complete with a trunk, crown and fronds, each island is different in size, but designed in similar style. Construction on Palm Jumeirah began in 2001, after an initiative by The Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HRH Sheikh Mohammed. By 2006, most of the residential communities in Palm Jumeirah were completed and handed over to buyers.

Development on Palm Jebel Ali began in 2002, just a few months after Palm Jumeirah was launched. The two islands were in the original development plans, while Palm Deira was added much later, in 2005, because of the high property demand on the original two islands.

All three islands are developed for specific purposes, with Palm Jumeirah as a residential community, Palm Jebel Ali as a lifestyle and tourist destination and Palm Deira as a residential and commercial mixed-use project. The three islands are to increase Dubai's shoreline by an extra 520 kilometres.

The Palm Jumeirah is already occupied by residents, while Palm Jebel Ali is nearing completion at the moment. Palm Deira, the largest and most recent development, is still carrying on dredging works on most parts, although several bridges to the main land and infrastructural foundations have been completed. Developed by government-supported Dubai-based premier real estate developer, Nakheel Properties, the Dubai Palm Islands will be home to luxury hotels, freehold residences and commercial complexes, shopping malls, theme parks, beaches, recreational facilities, resorts and much more.

Dubai Islands - Palm Jumeirah - The First Major Man-Made Island Development

Dubai Islands - Palm Jumeirah - The First Major Man-Made Island Development

Inaugurated in 2001, the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is the first massive man-made island development project undertaken anywhere in the world. Quickly gaining international attention for its myriad possibilities, the Dubai Palm Jumeirah was completed by the end of 2006 and most properties were handed over to the owners. Spanning 25 square kilometres, the structure of the island resembles the date palm tree,which is highly significant to the United Arab Emirates. The island consists of a trunk, crown and 17 fronds, adding 78 kilometres to the shoreline of Dubai.

The Palm Jumeirah is a destination built for family living, but without compromise on the facilities such as luxury leisure, entertainment, retail and resort venues. The island is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in the entire world, including the Trump International Hotel and Tower and Atlantis-The Palm. Central to the Palm's design, the trunk holds a two-kilometre stretch of bustling residential, tourism and retail areas.

The trunk is linked to mainland Jumeirah via a monorail system and the gateway bridge. The entire region houses a range of luxury living units, marinas, shops, restaurants and several five-star hotels. The 17 depicted fronds are home to a region housing beachfront residences. Accessible via the monorail and a sub-sea tunnel, this is the region with the most luxurious residential community on Palm Jumeirah. The popular Palm Jumeirah Villas and Garden Homes are located here.

The island's crescent acts as the breakwater and is a high-end tourism destination by its own. The recently launched Atlantis-The Palm is located on the crescent, as well as other luxurious hotel properties such as Kempinski Hotel Emerald Palace, Kingdom of Sheba, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa and Royal Amwaj.
The Dubai Palm Jumeirah is the smallest out of the three palm island under development at present. Over 4000 residents currently call the Palm Jumeirah their home and some properties are already on the resale market from those who bought villas and apartments as investments. Since the property is available on a freehold basis, the Palm Jumeirah is home to a large number of Western and European expatriates.

A Star With Worldwide Fame – The Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai

Dubai Islands: A Star With Worldwide Fame – The Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai

The Palm Jebel Ali is non other than the sister project begun immediately after the Palm Jumeirah development was launched. This second palm island is expected to provide accommodation to 1.7 million residents by 2020. From the three palm islands belonging to the massive land reclamation project, Palm Jebel Ali is the mid-sized development and will primarily be an entertainment and leisure-oriented venue. Upon completion in 2015, the Dubai Palm Jebel Ali will be among the highest tourism revenue-generating locations in the Middle East.

Located on the Dubai coast, jutting out from the Jebel Ali area, the artificially created geographical and infrastructural marvel is shaped as a date palm tree, a staple of sustenance in ancient Arabia. A trunk, a crown and 17 fronds make up the island. The trunk holds the majority of lifestyle venues, while the crown acts as the breakwater and the fronds are mostly residential communities.

The Palm Jebel Ali has attracted international attention mostly because of its 'water homes' concept. The water homes are built on stilts based on concrete foundations under sea level. All of the water homes are located between the palm's fronds and crown. Six marinas, water theme parks and a sea village are all to be included in the completed Palm Jebel Ali. Luxurious garden villas and signature villas are available as residential units, all of which face private beaches.
Beyond the island's residential and entertainment aspects, the Palm Jebel Ali is an incredible real estate investment opportunity as well. Many expatriates have chosen to live and retire here, but more than that, many have purchased units and complexes with the idea of reselling. Currently, the least expensive property unit (1 bedroom apartment) sells for a rate over $400,000. The beach front residences and water homes are priced between $1.5 million and $5 million.

The selection of apartments, penthouses and town homes on the trunk will stretch beyond the original Palm, and include exclusive sub-developments from global names in property. Perhaps the newest addition to the selection of freehold property in the Jebel Ali Palm is the development of water homes. These unique properties will be built on stilts and will be set out over the Arabian Sea, for a truly unique living experience. The location of the Palm Jebel Ali will be a bit further out from the city, right in heart of Jebel Ali and in close proximity to other freehold properties, with the intention of expanding the city even more.

Dubai Islands - Palm Deira - Simply Amazing

Dubai Islands - Palm Deira - An Incredible Afterthought

When the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali were master-planned, the developers didn't realise one major fact: the investment demand on the unique properties. By the time it was 2004, just two years after the Palm Jumeirah was launched, investors were running out of opportunities available on the world's latest man-mad marvels. So, as a way to appease the disappointed investors, the Palm Deira was born.
In 2005, the construction began on the Palm Deira, which is the largest palm island out of the three similar developments. Instead of the usual 17 fronds, this palm island will have 18, deviating from the original plan to include 41 fronds. Covering approximately 120 square kilometres in area, the Palm Deira will be home to hundreds of residential properties, marinas, sports and leisure facilities, shopping complexes, nightlife venues and business districts.

The residential regions are to be located on the 18 fronds, including 8000 units of two-level residences. These residences are defined by design and include Premier Villas, Vista Town Homes and Grand Villas. The Palm Deira is slightly elongated in design, when compared to the other two palm projects. This is because there was quite a considerable change in the Gulf sea depth after the development was planned. The adjusted design in 2007 requires the new look it has now. The Palm Deira is expected to be completed in 2015, although a more realistic completion date would be 2020, because of the current market conditions.
The Palm Deira is eight times bigger than the original palm island, the Palm Jumeirah. The island is too large to be completed within a few years, unlike the Palm Jumeirah. It's being developed in several small phases and at the moment, only parts of the infrastructure is fully finished. A bridge connecting to the mainland via Al Hamriya Port and Dubai Creek and some areas of the Deira Island Front are now complete. Other phases to complete over the years include the remaining Deira Island phases – Mamzar, North, South, Central and Trunk - as well as the Palm Crown, Fronds and Crescent.

Recreating the Geography of the World – The World Islands In Dubai

Recreating the Geography of the World – The World Islands In Dubai

Creating the world we live in was once the inclusive realm of nature, which made sure continents, islands, seas and everything else was formed over millenniums of geographical reactions. But today, it's no longer in Mother Nature's hands, because of projects like The World Islands and Palm Islands in Dubai. Among the world's two largest land reclamation projects (other being the Dubai Palm Islands), The Dubai World Islands project is a rough replica of the actual world geographical map.

Comprising 300 private and exclusive artificially created islands, the World is divided into four main classifications, which depict what can be built in the specific islands. They are private homes, estate home, dream resorts and community islands. Located four kilometres off Jumeirah shore, within easy reaching distance from the Palm Jumeirah, the World islands development can be seen from the Burj Al Arab hotel and Port Rashid. The completed project will span across 54 square kilometres. The Dubai World islands will only be accessible via sea and air transport.


Each of the 300 private islands span 250,000 to 900,000 square feet and has approximately 50 to 100 metres of sea between them. To be sold exclusively to private developers, the islands are priced at US$ 15 million and above. Since the World islands are built to fit continental themes (Asia, Africa, Europe etc), the master developers expect private developers to follow the same themes, although it's not strictly enforced. As such, the area which is Thailand in the original world map is named the Jasmine Gardens and is developed as a resort with a distinctively oriental theme. Australia of the new World consists of 19 islands and is named the Oqyana, which is also a resort.

Several Hollywood and Bollywood celebrities, as well as some of the world's wealthiest entrepreneurs, have already purchased private islands at the Dubai World. While most of the names are kept confidential, it's rumoured that Brangelina, Rod Stewart, David Beckham and Shah Rukh Khan have invested in the islands. The confirmed developments at present are mostly belonging to those of business world tycoons, such as John O'Dolan, Larionovo and Salya Corporation.

Things To Do In Dubai

Things To Do In Dubai - 2008-2009

It's not your average tourist destination, but Dubai is certainly worth a prolonged visit. From the traditional souqs and dhows to the modernised shopping malls and luxury yacht cruises, Dubai can offer a tourist many insights into both Bedouin and modern living in this land of golden Arabian soil.

Typically, tourists have several tour packages to choose from, depending on their budget and time constraints. The standards list includes dhow cruise, desert safari, big bus tour, beaches, shopping malls and souqs. When you visit Dubai, experience it from a different perspective and deviate from the usual sites and activities to gain a wonderful, unique and enchanting experience to last a lifetime.

First, think of how many days you are willing to spend just exploring and discovering Dubai. Ideally, you will need three days, because the areas to explore are conveniently divided into three, as Bur Dubai, Deira and Jumeirah. Everything a tourist could possibly want to see are contained within these three sections of Dubai. Other areas, such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Barsha are all commercial or industrial districts.

Starting with Bur Dubai, you should take in the traditional architecture and atmosphere at the Bastakiya, which is a pedestrian-only area. You can pop into the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding for an authentic Emirati breakfast or simply enjoy a more contemporary meal at the Basta Art Cafe. The Bastakiya area was once the abode of majestic Persian traders and is now a prosperous artistic display. The Dubai Museum is housed within the Al Fahidi Fort nearby and beyond that, the Meena Bazaar, famed for its inexpensive textiles, accessories and fascinating novelties provides a refreshing difference from the overly elaborate Dubai shopping malls.

Along Dubai Creek, you find Sheikh Saeed's house with historic photos and the restored ancient residence and adjacent, it's the Heritage & Diving Village, offering traditional song and dance performances by Emirati youth.
On the second day, you can head down to Deira, where an abra (water taxi) ride is a must. After you are safely across the gleaming Dubai Creek, you can do some exploring around the dhow wharf. Step over to the spice and gold souqs, a favoured place for bargain shopping. The Deira City Center is worth a visit if shopping until you can 'shop no more' is on your agenda. The night can be spent on a quiet dhow cruise lasting 2 hours, up and down good old Dubai Creek.
Jumeirah is more contemporary, with mostly recreations of traditional and cultural attractions, rather than housing any of the actuals. It's still well-worth visiting, because the majority of the high-end aspects of Dubai are found in Jumeirah, such as luxury hotels and restaurants, beaches and yacht cruises.

Dubai Islands - Residential Developments – The Palm Deira

Dubai Islands - Residential Developments – The Palm Deira

The largest out of the three major Dubai Palm Islands developments, the Palm Deira covers 14 kilometres in length and 8.5 kilometres in width, with an area of 80 square kilometres. The purpose-built island will house residential property, commercial districts, shopping malls, clubs, sports facilities, extensive leisure developments and marinas.

The Palm Deira will have approximately 8000 villas classified according to three specific styles, namely the Premier Villas, Grand Villas and Vista Town Homes. The villa owners will be permitted to choose from a wide range of architectural themes once the plans are drawn and finalised. All three villa types will consist of two floors and have direct access to the beach and private swimming pools. Land plots for the villas are larger than the areas available for the other Palm developments in Jumeirah and Jebel Ali. 

As part of the residential development, the Palm Deira villas will be complemented by private and public beaches, marinas, dining options, shopping malls, recreational facilities and many leisure activity centres.

The Palm Deira is the third and newest island in the Palm Islands developments, and was not in the original plan. However, the massive demand for property in the Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali developments created the need for more similar developments and the Palm Deira was approved in 2004. Residential property at the Palm Deira are open for all buyers, regardless of nationality, and will be sold on a freehold basis.

The island development project consists of nine separate islands, with varied purposes for each. The residential developments are mostly available within the Palm Crescent, Palm Fronds, Palm Crown and Deira Island Mamzar. The Palm Deira is located within a distance of six kilometres from the other major development, The World. The island project adds 400 additional kilometres to the Dubai shoreline.

Dubai Islands - Perseus Resort & Spa – The World

Dubai Islands - Perseus Resort & Spa – The World

A group of 300 artificial islands away from the coast of Dubai forms ‘The World.' These islands are situated at such positions that they form the outline of the world map. Dubai is famous for many of its seaward developments and this particular sketch is so striving and so elite that only a little is known about the real purpose of the islands, except that they increase the city's shoreline.

Dubai established creators Perseus Property Management Ltd has bought two islands from chief plan creators Nakheel.
The two island are to be developed into a Perseus Resort and Spa. Designers LW Design have captivated the serenity of the seaward surroundings and produced a design that mixes Mediterranean architecture with a clue of Ancient Greece. The innermost detail of the evolution is the Boutique Hotel and Spa and Marina. Visitors can unwind about the pools, bars and therapeutic arenas. They can also pair with the marine life and swim among the remains and coral reefs.

The World and the different islands will become a tourist spot for holiday makers, visitors and local inhabitants. Some islands will be confidential, while others will be residential areas. The plan is to alter the area into a water bound environ so that visitors or tourists can investigate the islands by private boat or water taxi. Golf, shopping, restaurants, bars and cafes including entertainment areas are the other world facilities which would be available.
Life at the resort will not be ordinary. The environment will be dreamlike and special, peaceful and calm. Inhabitants will take pleasure in a lifestyle unheard of in any other part of the sphere. The two islands which are to be presently master designed are Rostov and Orenburg and these islands are part of Euro Asia and are selected as regions inside Russia.

Dubai Islands - Infrastructural Developments – The Palm Jumeirah

Dubai Islands - Infrastructural Developments – The Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is often promoted as a prime property destination for luxury residences and commercial towers, but the foundation of it all is in the elaborate infrastructure, which is rarely discussed. Since the development is located approximately four kilometres away from the main land, there's a lot of advanced infrastructural work done to provide the ultra luxurious facilities offered at the Palm Jumeirah.

IGY Anchor Marina
The main marina for access into the Palm Jumeirah island has the capacity for 700 or more yachts and megayacht docking. The high standard facility also provides retail, dining, clubhouse and special events venues, along with beautiful sea views and modern berthing services. Managed by th Island Global Yatching (IGY) company, the Palm Jumeirah's Anchor Marina will have two complementary marinas located on either side of the island's Trunk.

IGY Anchor Marina

Monorail
The Monorail is developed with the aim of providing convenient accessibility to the Palm Jumeirah island's various sites and attractions. Starting from the Gateway Station located on the Trunk and extending to the Atlantis Station on the Crescent, the Monorail is a 5.4 kilometre transport system. The rail tracks will pass through the island's Trunk, Fronds and Crescent, with intermittent stops at the Trump International Hotel & Tower and the Luxury Retail Centre.

Dubai Monorail

The Park
Flanking the sides of the iconic Trump International Hotel & Tower, a 7-hectare recreational park will be the centrepiece of Palm Jumeirah's attractions.

Jumeirah Park

Sub-Sea Tunnel

The Sub-Sea Tunnel is a 1.4 kilometre long, 6-lane underwater tunnel. Built as the chief transportation connection between the main Palm Jumeirah section and the circumferential Crescent, the Sub-Sea Tunnel accommodates 3 lanes per traffic direction and is equipped with service/emergency cell as well.

Dubai - Sub-Sea Tunnel

Logo Islands
Besides the main Palm Jumeirah development, there are two identical artificial islands measuring 4.9 million cubic feet built in the shape of The Palm trademark logo (a liberal palm leaf design) located on either side of the Trunk. These two islands are personally owned by the Vice President & Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Dubai - Logo Islands

Dubai Islands - Themes & Dreams – The World

Dubai Islands - Themes & Dreams – The World

The World development on Dubai's ocean has peaked a lot of interest from investors and developers alike and with the development's completion in early 2008, the islands of The World are now ready to be developed into anything a particular buyer wishes it to be. Over 50% of the archipelago's islands are sold out at the moment, with more sales within vicinity.

The majority of buyers are corporate developers and world-renowned figures, who intend to develop these private islands into their own sanctuaries in a multitude of ways. However, the general consensus is, the islands will retain their original intended themes, while still adhering to the owners' wishes.

The mega project's master developer, Nakheel, has claimed that there'll be a balance between how private owners and commercial investors 'redo' their islands and how they keep the original idea intact as well. Possible commercial ventures include themed islands, such as a tropical rain forest eco-island, a history resort with a medieval castle and a culinary island for presenting international cuisine.
There are confirmed reports of several themed developments on The World islands. Irish business consortium Larionovo is reported to be developing the Ireland section into an Irish-themed resort, including a number of apartments, villas and luxury leisure facilities. It's also expected to have a recreation of Northern Ireland's Giants Causeway. An island on the Antarctica region will be developed by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre as a 6000 square metre pearling and marine entertainment centre.

In April 2008, the Salya Corporation purchased Finland and Brunei for US$218 million, with the aim of further developing the islands into fashion-themed resorts based on FTV concepts. A Fashion TV resort will be built in Brunei, while Finland will be developed into the FTV Palace, a fashion community. An Irish group of investors led by John O'Dolan has purchased the England region in September 2008, although the exact development plans are not confirmed yet.

Dubai Islands - Oqyana – The Pride of The World

Dubai Islands - Oqyana – The Pride of The World

Oqyana, also known as Oqyana-World First, is a growing undertaking being constructed on the artificial islands of The World, which is away from the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The name means Oceanic in Arabic and it will reside in 22 islands of The World, which communicate to the islands of Australasia and New Zealand.

Oqyana will have stunning scenes of the Dubai shoreline and be reachable from the terra firma by a ferryboat service. It is anticipated to be the dwelling of 10-12 thousand people as it will include above 1650 sea-view flats and mansions, 90 aqua homes, about 170 duct homes, and two expensive hotels, and a spa resort.

It is proposed that the islands will have opulence apartments, harbor views, reclusive homes, and a number of residences. The construction of Oqyana will also include a trade hub, an extravagant hotel, a spa resort, restaurants and cafes. Passing through each island will be private passageways with water bridges linking the islands.

Oqyana will inhabit an entire area of 1.87 million square metres and a total inland region of 417 thousand square metres. It will enclose 17 kilometres of interconnected waterways, 5300 metres of shore front and a marina with more than 1500 private yacht moors. The cost of constructing it is US$ 3.5 billion and it's being built by a section of Kuwait-based Investment Dar and was the brain child of Australian-based Woods Bagot. The construction is expected to be completed by 2012.

Oqyana will include an artistic centre for performing arts, a meeting centre, spare time amenities, restaurants, coffee bar and island lifestyle detailed retail. OQYANA World First is bounded by sea, a field fixed against the spectacular Dubai skyline. The islands were chosen as they are one of the neighboring groups of islands to Dubai, and also give the best view of the city.