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Dubai: Master developer Nakheel believes expanding overseas is a "natural path", according to the managing director of The Palm Jebel Ali, Marwan Al Qamzi.
"Iconic projects such as The Palm islands and The World are recognised around the globe as symbols of Dubai and as a result, expanding Nakheel's business overseas is a natural path," said Al Qamzi.
"Nakheel International will take Nakheel's expertise in innovative development to countries around the world.
"This will include joint ventures with leading companies in targeted markets and development projects that deliver the innovation and expertise Nakheel is known for to select locations on almost every continent," he said.
The work on Palm Jebel Ali is progressing on schedule and at a rapid pace, with the first properties expected for completion by the end of 2011, according to Al Qamzi.
The Palm Jebel Ali is approximately 50 per cent larger than the Palm Jumeirah and more than 300 million cubic yards of sand and 10 million tonnes of rock have been used in its construction.
The island will add more than 100 miles of coastline to Dubai. Reclamation of the island is nearly complete and Nakheel has begun putting infrastructure in place that will eventually support a population of more than 280,000.
This includes the construction of six bridges by Samsung connecting the island to the mainland, which began in April 2007.
The reclamation began in October 2002 and the reclamation of land from the original masterplan was completed in 2007. Primary breakwater construction was finished in Dec-ember 2006 by Jan de Nul
Blue communities
Nakheel has committed Dh500 million over the next five years to Blue Communities, Nakheel's sustainability initiative launched under the direction of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Nakheel is also in the process of developing its own environmental design of buildings and master planning guidelines, specifically designed for the types of projects it develops.
In addition, Nakheel has also created a sustainability department to ensure the integration of green building design into all their projects. This includes advising on strategies and materials that may reduce energy loads and water usage.
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