Nakheel unveils Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates

Nakheel, famed for its iconic landmarks such as The Palm, and The World, is bringing the same pioneering ingenuity to the game of golf. Launched in September 2004, Nakheel Golf aims to raise awareness of golf in Dubai on a global platform by developing unique and unforgettable courses.

Inspired by the elements of Fire, Earth, Water and Wind, Jumeirah Golf Estates draws on the remarkable talents of some of the game's most famous names - among them, the legendary 'Great White Shark', Greg Norman. Jumeirah Golf Estates will offer homeowners the rare opportunity to live in a community that has been carefully planned to meet the needs of the modern family, featuring a variety of housing opportunities, world-class amenities and premier services. Beautifully landscaped, the estates will feature abundant parkland, nature strips, lakes and ponds - surrounded by some of the world's most scenic golf courses.

Phase A of Jumeirah Golf Estates, which occupies approximately 375 hectares of the northern section of the total 1,119 land parcel and includes the first two golf courses, Fire and Earth, both designed by golfing legend Greg Norman. Phase A will incorporate 10 planned residential communities, comprising more than 1,000 individual properties, each set in beautifully landscaped surroundings with estates ranging from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet. Approximately 75% of all properties will have absolute golf course frontage, with the balance facing lakes, nature strips and parks.

Norman, a World Golf Hall of Famer and an Australian legend, is personally involved in the creation of the first Eco-Signature courses designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design. Both courses are being created exclusively for Nakheel and will focus on eco-friendly principles and practices, featuring flora and fauna that are indigenous to the region.

Norman said: "Earth and Fire are interlinked with the elements of nature. They are designed to inspire and motivate players on some of the most exhilarating fairways and greens anywhere in the world. We have worked to achieve a seamless integration between the natural features of the site, the golf course and the residential community. It is our hope that these two Eco-Signature courses will help educate the region on the environmental advantages inherent in modern design and construction.

"Earth will enhance the surrounding scenery, providing players with sweeping views of the development and beyond. For the first time in Dubai, a course will have dramatic natural elevations, and native plants will provide environmental balance to the existing landscape. Fire is designed to be tough and fiery, and it will certainly challenge those who play it from the back tees. It will be a unique golfing experience created with minimal land disturbance and enhancement of the environment.

"I will be working very closely with the Nakheel Golf team to make their grand vision become a stunning reality, and in a few years time it will be possible to label Dubai as one of the golfing capitals of the world."

Jumeirah Golf Estates will also feature a world-class learning and training academy inspired by Norman; his work ethic along with his approach and dedication to practice are legendary. The academy will be available to all ages and abilities, a place of learning where instructors will be dedicated to the development of each person's own game.

David Spencer, Director for Nakheel Golf, said: "Nakheel aims to create an unparalleled collection of courses in Dubai that are developed with premier superstars, meticulous planning, comprehensive research and a passion toward protecting the environment. Jumeirah Golf Estates is a product that Dubai has been crying out for; there were 260,000 rounds of golf being played in Dubai in 2004, but the demand is much more than this. The appetite for the game is growing dramatically and our courses will be purpose-built to satisfy the demand from Nakheel's property owners, hoteliers on The Palm, and as a much wider-based tourism attraction for Dubai."

Dina Al Jaflah, Jumeirah Golf Estates, General Manager, said: "Aside from the overwhelming demand for genuinely world-class courses in Dubai, there is a strong market for properties within residential golf developments and this is rapidly increasing. This trend follows global patterns where consumers want to live in a community that is not only secure but also provides world-class amenities and encourages indigenous flora and fauna. Perhaps more importantly, properties within golf course communities have proved to be very sound investments in all parts of the world - we expect demand to be overwhelming."