The World is a series of 223 man-made islands, strategically positioned to form the shape of a map of the world. Located five kilometers off the coast of Dubai, The World will be 3.4 miles in both length and width, covering 60 million square feet, including 10 million square feet of beach. The concept was conceived by General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and UAE Minister of Defense.
“The World is set to be the most exclusive private water retreat available in Dubai,” says Nakheel Chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem. “It will provide an intriguing and one-of-a-kind haven for investors looking for an exclusive and world-class real estate opportunity.”
Each of the islands will be themed to reflect the countries and regions they represent. Nakheel has placed tight restrictions on the height of developments to ensure the correct ambience is retained within the islands, and a series of waterways, canals and lakes have been integrated into the overall design. The development is aimed squarely at the elite residential and tourist market.
“We will be creating 223 islands,” says Mr. Bin Sulayem. “Each island cluster will be positioned in a way to look like a continent and islands clustered together will make a country. The design is now finished, the tender is analyzed, and we are about to begin work on reclamation, which will take around two years.”
Prior to finalizing the exact design, a team of international professionals researched existing islands around the world in order to ensure the individual island’s shapes are as functional and appealing as possible.
To ensure maximum security and exclusivity, access to the island will be strictly by marine transport – there will be no road link to The World. Two breakwaters will be built around the island network - including an above-water revetment and a submerged reef - to protect it from the ebb and flow of the tides, which could wash away the shoreline if it weren’t protected. Construction work is due to begin in late 2003, with the project due for total completion by 2008.
Thought it was a pretty good article.I was shocked when I saw this while coming to Hyderabad,saw it in the Emirates In-Flight Book.
that would be funny! what if the management were too?