An estimated 4,000 residents who invested in the first of Dubai's three palm-shaped islands, Palm Jumeirah, will shortly be able to move in as the project is reportedly proceeding as planned.
Many industry observers were reportedly impressed and even surprised that the plans of the development project are running on schedule, due to both the immense scope of the Palm Jumeira propjet as well as several setbacks faced by developers so far.
The 31squre kilometer Palm Jumeirah island group is a portion of the largest land-reclamation project in the world, according to Gulf Daily News.
Residents will apparently be able to move in to their homes by the end of November, said Issam Kazim, a spokesman for Dubai's state-owned developer Nakheel.
When the project reaches completion, with an expected date of 2010, Palm Jumeirah will house some 60,000 residents and at least 50,000 workers. In addition, 32 hotels will be built along with a multitude of retail stores and other attractions for the island’s residents and visitors.
The immense landmark project has been termed a future “offshore city” by many, and drawn the interest of investors and interested observers alike. "The project has captured people's imagination," said Colin Foreman of the Middle East Economic Digest.
Construction of the project involving the hauling of millions of tons of Gulf sand and quarried rock over five years, with an estimated 14,000 workers on site on round-the-clock. work shifts.
