Remarkable features unveiled for the second Palm - The Palm, Jebel Ali

The Palm, today revealed the entire concept for the second of The Palm islands known as The Palm, Jebel Ali. With a considerable number of new elements added to this island, including six marinas, a 'Sea Village' and Water Homes built on stilts, it is set to become a major global destination.

The Palm, Jebel Ali - Water Homes (click image for larger version)

Most outstanding of the new elements are the 1060 Water Homes being built on stilts, which when viewed from above spells 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 Palm, Jebel Ali (click image for larger version)

"The Palm, Jebel Ali is being positioned as a major destination - a place of discovery, fun and excitement", said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman of The Palm. "We have designed several new elements for this second island and hence it will be 50 percent larger than The Palm, Jumeirah".

"With the addition of Water Homes, four more marinas and a 'Sea Village' boasting the Middle East's first sea aquarium, it is set to become a major tourist attraction. Luxury hotels, apartments and villas with sea views will ensure it becomes a desired place to reside, whether you are a full-time resident or part-time holiday maker", Sulayem continued.

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; the modification to the ends of the Crescent to include 'fingers' whereby the luxury apartment blocks will be located. Two smaller 'pocket islands' just off each end of the Crescent will host shopping facilities for residents daily needs.

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.

With construction of the island already underway, the project, which is estimated at two billion Dollars for the first two stages of reclamation and infrastructure, is expected to be completed towards the end of 2007.

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 amaximum 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. The Palm Developers 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.