Dubai-based Nakheel to offer The World at Newbury

Nakheel will also use the opportunity to present its newest iconic island development to what it describes as a very interested UK market - The World.

"This time last year, the UK market had shown a keen interest in The Palm development with many properties having been sold to UK investors," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Nakheel. "We expect The World to receive a similar response from the UK's discerning top end buyers. It offers the ultimate status symbol - your very own island sanctuary sculpted according to your vision of paradise."

Its most flamboyant project to date, The World is positioned four kilometres offshore from Dubai and is made up of 300 islands, strategically positioned to form the shape of the world map. Island sizes vary between 140,000 to 950,000 square feet with approximately 100 metres of water between each. In total, The World will cover an area nine kilometres in length and seven kilometres in width and be surrounded by an oval shaped breakwater. Once reclamation, which commenced in 2003, is completed in 2008 the development will comprise of 30 million tonnes of rock and 300 million cubic metres of sand.

The islands of The World are being offered to a select portfolio of investors on a freehold basis with prices ranging from £6 million to £21 million. Only those investors with the ability to purchase, develop and maintain one of the islands will be afforded the chance to purchase. Once the reclamation process is over Nakheel will hand over control of the islands to investors who will have the freedom to create their own personal vision on the islands for private or commercial use. Access to the development will be by marine or air transport only.

Commenting on The World, Sulayem said, "The world offers a very unique experience to buyers. Apart from the obvious attractions of year round sunshine, sea-side living, modern infrastructure, stunning scenery, tax-free living and safe environment, The World offers investors a perfect opportunity to own their very own island."

Nakheel forecasts a myriad of different developments taking place on the islands of The World, from luxurious private villas, to awe inspiring theme parks to sweeping marinas and deluxe five-star hotels.

According to Sulayem, The World has already generated a lot of interest from buyers all over the globe, thanks to the extraordinary scope to create. "What makes The World so attractive to buyers is the flexibility it affords owners. Islands can be used for private or commercial use and developed alongside any theme they so desire, whether that is to create the archetypical Caribbean island or a European medieval castle. The ideas and plans being showcased to Nakheel are unbelievable. The only limitations are the imaginations of buyers," explained Sulayem.

Whilst in the UK this week, Executives from Nakheel will be promoting The World and The Palm developments from The Carlton Towers, London on the 18th floor between 10 am and 7 pm, from 12th to 17th July, and in Newbury at the Dubai International Arabian Race Day Exhibition, Newbury Race Course from 16th to 18th July.