Dubai: Development of the 700-hectare Dubai-Lyon city is on track, according to French delegates overseeing the project.

Jean Paul Lebas, urban planner for Dubai-Lyon city, said: "We are exactly on time for phase one."

He said the project started last January with three main objectives.

"First, to recreate in Dubai a Lyon urban atmosphere that is not pastiche.

"Also, to acquire a specific position in real estate that is totally oriented towards art, culture and education, and finally, to have a sustainable development," said Lebas.

At around 700 hectares, the Dubai-Lyon city is approximately the same size as the Latin Quarter in Paris or Nakheel's Waterfront development in Jebel Ali.

The project is being managed by Lyon municipality and Emirates and Investment Company (Emivest).

It will incorporate seven Lyon institutions transplanted in Dubai. They include the University of Lyon 2, Lyon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Institut Paul Bocuse hotel management school, the Olympique Lyonnais-managed OL soccer Academy, the EM Lyon business school, the Fabric Museum and the Institut Lumiere.