One-half of Emaar Properties' flagship Dubai Marina - which will have six towers in all - is ready for occupation.

The towers that have been put on the market are Al Mass, Fairooz and Al Murjan Towers. Construction of the remaining three high-rise towers is well under way and will be ready in March 2004.

When complete, Phase One will consist of 1,026 deluxe waterfront apartments, 64 luxury villas and up to 40 retail outlets built on a two-storey car park podium structure.

The Marina represents a 3.5 kilometre long waterway and an 11 kilometre waterfront.

Mansour Al Othaimin, corporate director of sales and marketing, said: "Dubai Marina is the region's first master-planned waterfront development and we are proud to be announcing the completion of the first stage of Phase One.

"As homeowners start to move in they can look forward to an exclusive waterfront lifestyle featuring a host of amenities for their enjoyment and comfort."