The Palm, Jebel Ali Rises from the Sea

Nakheel, the developers of The Palm in Dubai, today revealed for the first time a satellite and aerial photo of The Palm, Jebel Ali. The photos show that construction of the second island is well underway with the Crescent breakwater already spectacularly emerging from the sea.

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"When people look at the plans for The Palm, Jebel Ali they marvel at the enormous scale and ambition of the project," said Wahid Attalla, Director of Operations, Nakheel. "This island will be 50 percent larger than the first palm - The Palm, Jumeirah and the immense size of the construction is already clear from these first photos. The most striking feature is the Crescent breaking the water but also clearly visible in the photo is the shape of the fronds as they are formed underneath the sea. The eighth wonder of the world is taking shape."

Construction of The Palm, Jebel Ali is on schedule and reclamation is scheduled to finish towards the end of 2005. The first residents are expected to be moving into their homes on The Palm, Jebel Ali by the end of 2007.

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The Palm Jebel Ali is destined to be 'a major destination - a place of discovery, fun and excitement', according to Attalla and will feature a considerable number of new elements over its neighbour The Palm, Jumeirah, including six marinas and a 'Sea Village'.

The most outstanding new elements, however, are the 1,060 Water Homes, which will be built on stilts. When viewed from above these homes will spell out a verse from an Arabic poem written by HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Defence Minister.

The verse from the poem translates to "Take wisdom from the wise people; Not everyone who rides is a jockey".

"The response to the Water Homes can only be described as phenomenal", said Wahid Attalla. "We announced the details about The Palm, Jebel Ali just before the Arabian Travel Market in May of this year and our sales team were busy taking orders for all of the properties throughout the Show. They were, though, overwhelmed by inquiries about the Water Homes - these have really captured the imagination of customers from around the world."

Similar to The Palm, Jumeirah this second island will also be based around the shape of a palm tree, with a Trunk, 17 Fronds and Crescent forming the breakwater. The fundamental changes and additions to the concept design include the Water Homes, which will form a 12km chain between the Fronds and the Crescent; the extension of the Crescents size to 15.5km with a break at the top for boats to enter; and the modification to the ends of the Crescent to include 'fingers' whereby the luxury apartment blocks will be located.

Located approximately 22 kilometres and 17 minutes by boat from The Palm, Jumeirah, it is proposed that this second island will have a dedicated intersection leading to it from Sheikh Zayed Road, which is currently under review with Dubai Municipality. Access to the island from the mainland will be made possible via three bridges - one at the Trunk and one at either side leading to the ends of the Crescent.

The Water Homes are being positioned as elevated retreat homes and will be built in a pattern to form the verse of Sheikh Mohammed's poem. Providing an unparalleled residential or holiday location, they will be made from concrete foundation poles and a wooden structure. The depth of the water below will be approximately 8 to 10 metres and each home will cover a built up area of 3875 square feet. Boardwalk access to a common parking area and private moorings for personal boats will be provided for each 4-bedroom Water Home.

A 'Sea Village' theme will feature on the Trunk, which measures 2.4 kilometres in length and 450 metres in width. Within the 'Sea Village' - the region's only sea aquarium - will be world-class attractions like killer whales and other deep-sea wildlife. It is certain to become a tourist hotspot for young and old alike. Eight hotels up to eight storeys high and with a maximum of 400 rooms will provide unsurpassed ocean views and proximity to the leisure activities of the 'Sea Village'.

At 15.5 km in length the Crescent will once again form the breakwater for the island development. Nakheel will allow investors in certain areas of the Crescent, the freedom to design their purchased plot as per their individual requirements. The Crescent can accommodate a variety of properties ranging from exclusive residential homes such as palaces, villas and mansions to boutique hotels, resorts and exclusive marinas.

In total, there will be approximately 2000 Signature Villas, Garden Homes and Town Homes, together with several luxury apartment buildings and 1060 Water Homes on The Palm, Jebel Ali, which will be 7.5 kilometres in width and 7 kilometres in length. In early April this year the Signature Villas, Garden Homes and Town Homes were released for sale at a cost ranging from 1,870,000 to 5,115,000 dirhams each. The apartments and Water Homes will be released for sale at a later stage.