Porto Dubai island development forging ahead

A seven-week reclamation project to create an artificial peninsular off the coast, near the Umm Suqeim Marina, has been completed, involving the reclamation of almost 1 million metres3 of sand and rock. The Dubai-based luxury property developer says that basic infrastructure and basement excavations for villas on the island has now begun, whilst piling works is carried out on other parts of the site.

The luxury villas will be arranged in a circular fashion on the peninsula's four platforms, which will rise at intervals of 4m to its highest point of 16m at the centre. The innovative design means that panoramic and uninterrupted views of the Burj Al Arab and seascape will be enjoyed from every part of the site, including the exclusive beach club.

Conscious not to waste any materials, Zabeel Properties will use excavated sand at a later stage to construct the four platforms. In the meantime, the sand has been stored in a large sand bank on the side of the development, which faces the road.

Robert Norton, CEO of Zabeel Properties, says:

"The reclamation has been a total success and caused minimum disruption to local residents and wildlife. Porto Dubai is a high-end, luxury residential development with some of the most stunning views in Dubai. We are confident that it will be the premier and most sought after villa development in the emirate. As with all our projects, we are determined that Porto Dubai will exceed customer expectation and reinforce our position as a leader in environmentally sustainable developments."

Completion is set for 2010. As well as its exclusive villa residences, Porto Dubai will boast two restaurants, a spa and health club, for the exclusive use of residents. All will be set amidst lush and verdant landscaping.

Zabeel Properties is the property arm of Zabeel Investments - a multi-diverse company with business interests spanning private equity and asset management in the GCC and other international markets.