OQYANA World First launches 'The World's' first snorkeling lagoon

The Reef Lagoon will be located on the Great Barrier Island, one of the 22 islands comprising the Australian continent; with the first phase of construction commencing in summer 2008.

Serviced by the adjacent International Diving Centre, the Reef Lagoon will also offer diving, snorkeling and boat-related activities and facilities.

'Around 60% of the development area is freed from any construction to avail open spaces for lagoons, parks, promenades, playgrounds, beaches and extensive landscaping - to offer residents and guests the most comfortable surroundings possible,' commented Dr. Wadad AlSuwayeh, CEO of OQYANA World First. 'We have reshaped our islands to ensure that water is continually circulated for purity and can sustain marine life, which makes the quality of seawater surrounding our islands superior to that tested along the shoreline of Dubai.'

'It is our goal to maintain and protect a stable and healthy environment, within and around OQYANA islands; and ensure that a luxurious lifestyle is not achieved at the expense of nature. As such, we are considering a full range of alternative green solutions, such as solar-powered ferries among others,' he added.

Derived from the Arabic word for 'oceanic', the entire OQYANA development incorporates a number of environmentally friendly features, such as the use of natural cooling, saline-friendly landscaping, and the re-use of grey-water and storm water for irrigation.

In addition, the innovative shape and orientation of the islands' waterways ensure that, in the event of pollution within the waterways, 50% of full water cleanliness will be achieved naturally in 24 hours and 100% in 72 hours.

The launch of the Reef Lagoon comes only days after OQYANA announced The World's first and only exclusive utility hub next to the breakwater, during its participation at the Arabian Travel Market 2008, which wrapped up on May 09, 2008 in Dubai.

OQYANA World First is the first and largest of all developers on The World with 22 islands and water villas that form the shape of the Australian and New Zealand islands.

In addition to a world-class retail hub, luxury hotel, spa resort, restaurants and cafes, stylish apartments, water homes, villas, canal homes, hotels and serviced apartments, OQYANA World First will also feature a waterfront promenade with boutiques, world-class restaurants, cultural and entertainment facilities.

Construction of OQYANA, The World's first luxury island community, will start in summer 2008, while the completion date is slated for 2012.