The developer of a $5 billion luxury project on Dubai’s World Islands has said the project will be completed by 2026.
The Kleindienst Group, which is behind The Heart of Europe, said the first phase of the project will be completed by the end of this year and will include the handover of almost 50 floating “seahorse” villas.
The entire development includes palaces with private beaches, hundreds of smaller villas and apartments, hotels, as well as floating “seahorse” villas on the six-island cluster, situated four kilometres off the Dubai coast.
The project has been much delayed over the years, not least due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
We had 1,370 guests last Saturday alone. We were almost overwhelmed with the challenge of having so many people on one day on the island
Josef Kleindienst,
Kleindienst Group
However, the man overseeing the project is confident an actual end date is in sight, after the first property on the project, the Cote d'Azur Monaco Hotel, opened to the public at the start of the year.
“We had several challenges that led to delays but thankfully we are through and starting to see openings,” said Josef Kleindienst, chairman of the Kleindienst Group.
“We had the soft opening of our first hotel at the start of the year and we have more than 70 properties currently under construction.
“The first phase of those will be made available to tourists by the end of the year. Everything will be completed by 2026.”
Mr Kleindienst, speaking on the closing day of the Arabian Travel Market, which was held at Dubai World Trade Centre this week, declined to say how much the floating villas were likely to cost.
However, a quick glance on propertyfinder.ae shows the floating seahorse villas on sale for a little less than Dh22 million each.
The project, once completed, will also hold 16 hotels as well as “palaces” with private beach access.
“We have a lot of demand for the floating villas,” he said.
“It’s a unique product and people are always interested in something new.”
He said 48 of the floating villas will be handed over by the end of this year.
So far, the company has sold more than 70 of the floating villas, with most buyers coming from Saudi Arabia, followed by Emiratis and UAE residents, according to Mr Kleindienst.
He was confident the project would prove a success, particularly with the local market.
“It will be popular with people who live here because they can just walk across the street with their luggage and check in,” he said.
“It means you can have that holiday experience without having to go the airport and experiencing the hassle that comes with flying.
“We are the perfect location for a staycation as it will be easy to get away from the city and come here.”
Each of the hotels that will be built on the project will have a different theme, he added, pointing to the party vibe of the recently opened Cote d'Azur Monaco Hotel, which is for adults only.
The project has attracted its fair share of scepticism over the years, with many wondering if it would ever open.
However, Mr Kleindienst said the hotel alone was already attracting huge numbers at weekends, proving there is an appetite.
“We had 1,370 guests last Saturday alone,” he said.
“We were almost overwhelmed with the challenge of having so many people on one day on the island.”
The project has certainly attracted its fair share of attention since it was first announced in 2003, before being handed over to the developers in 2008.
It attracted publicity in 2018 when it was reported that one of the floating villas had sunk into the sea, near the Burj Al Arab.
However, Mr Kleindienst insisted it was an events platform that had fallen into the sea.
The same year saw US actress Lindsay Lohan unveiling plans on Instagram to build a themed resort, Lindsayland, at the World Islands.
The post received more than 20,000 likes before being deleted.
Another jewel in Dubai's crown?
Property experts, however, have said it had the potential to be another jewel in Dubai’s crown.
“Floating villas would bring a unique and luxurious option to Dubai’s property offering,” said Wassim Abdallah, head of off-plan and investments with real estate firm Better Homes.
“Such innovative and exclusive offerings often attract high-net-worth individuals and investors seeking distinctive and prestigious properties.
“There is always high demand for sea facing property in Dubai, whether it’s a villa or an apartment, even more so if it’s located on the island.”
The delays in the project's completion will have an impact, he said, but not necessarily an overly negative one.
“It’s true that delays have slightly reduced the interest of clients in the local market but there was always high demand from international clients,” he said.
“They are amazed by the uniqueness and are prepared to wait in order to be part of it.”
Simon Baker, managing director with Haus & Haus Real Estate, suggested the project would continue to create excitement, but a cautious approach would be wise given the delays involved so far.
“When any innovative or ultra-modern new development launches in Dubai, it causes a ripple of excitement and grabs the interest of global buyers,” he said
“However, from an insider’s point of view it’s always better to wait and see before speculating too much on a long-delayed project.
“There’s always an appetite for island destinations — not just in Dubai but internationally. They offer a sense of exclusivity and well-being that’s hard to beat.”
Key interest was likely to come from markets including Russia, China, India, the UK and throughout Europe, he added.
Cases of coronavirus in the GCC as of March 15
Saudi Arabia – 103 infected, 0 dead, 1 recovered
UAE – 86 infected, 0 dead, 23 recovered
Bahrain – 210 infected, 0 dead, 44 recovered
Kuwait – 104 infected, 0 dead, 5 recovered
Qatar – 337 infected, 0 dead, 4 recovered
Oman – 19 infected, 0 dead, 9 recovered
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
THE BIO
Favourite author - Paulo Coelho
Favourite holiday destination - Cuba
New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field
Role model - My Grandfather
Dream interviewee - Che Guevara
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
The%20specs
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
88 Video's most popular rentals
Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.
Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.
Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
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QUARTER-FINAL
Wales 20-19 France
Wales: T: Wainwright, Moriarty. Cons: Biggar (2) Pens: Biggar 2
France: T: Vahaamahina, Ollivon, Vakatawa Cons: Ntamack (2)