Dubai's The Palm begins to take shape

Construction work for The Palm, the ambitious off-shore project in Dubai previously known as Palm Islands, is right on schedule. The project, which was announced in May last year and involves the creation of the world's two largest man-made islands, is progressing rapidly with one-third of the foundation already built for the first island off the Dubai coast in the United Arab Emirates.

This first phase of construction, known as 'reclamation', involves sand transfer and rock placement to create the land foundations. This phase is expected to be completed by December 2003, the projected completion date for the reclamation of the first Island, called The Palm, Jumeirah. The full completion of the first island, primarily a residential area, is expected by end of 2005. Reclamation on the second island, known as The Palm, Jebel Ali and positioned as the ultimate entertainment destination in the Middle East, has already begun and full completion is expected by end of 2006.

click picture for large image	click picture for large image

 The huge amount of sand that has been dredged already to create the palm tree shape of the first island is beginning to be clearly visible in satellite photos taken of the area. 

The concept of the islands, which are being built 'from scratch' off the Dubai coast, was developed from the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, to create an entertainment and residence haven for both the local population and incoming tourists. 

The project is expected to greatly contribute to the status of Dubai as a premier international tourist destination. After undergoing careful planning and feasibility studies for four years, work on the first island began in June 2001. 

Upon completion of the reclamation process, the project will enter phase II which involves the building of the infrastructure and services, and will be followed by the final stage of the project involving the construction of homes, townhouses and apartments. A similar process will follow for the second island. The end-result will be the creation of two virtually self-contained communities on the islands. 

About The Palm

The Palm involves the creation of the world's largest two man-made islands known as The Palm, Jumeirah and The Palm, Jebel Ali. Located just off the coast of the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the two palm tree shaped islands are expected to contribute to the city's position as a premier tourist destination. The project will increase Dubai's shoreline by a total of 120 km and create a large number of residential, leisure and entertainment opportunities, all within a unique and inspiring setting. 

Comprised of approximately 100 million cubic meters of rock and sand, the islands will eventually support 50 luxury hotels, 2,500 exclusive residential beachside villas, 2,400 shoreline apartments, two marinas, water theme parks, restaurants, shopping malls, sports facilities, health spas and cinemas.