![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EKCKXGO23TQ5ZE7Q3ITOII3P4I.jpg?smart=true&auth=58f6f70a800cfee2bd4d82f49d616e35543070104a7e3bbc053ec86d20dc9198&width=400&height=225)
An impressive Italian fresco on the ceiling of the Portofino hotel
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GYTPSC6AO7GWXO53SZ2EZPON2M.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa2c0826f03430a1d723dc4ecb305c2da49ee0aece779e63c54655d148d1b242&width=400&height=225)
The exterior of the under-construction Portofino hotel - 4km off the coast of Dubai on the World Islands. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RFJXV6B3Q53DPQU7INVYDTLJJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ef9b84d8cc13ded1f460f234357ef8604057ccf0dd369dc84f7bd53a2d4ae72c&width=400&height=225)
In total 1,200 construction workers are on site across the Heart of Europe project
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JFYD56ZATRBKG6JGRY6BXYATTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=beba377a0d16a88a1b7de57558157055ee9a9e89714858274c9c68204b093dcb&width=400&height=225)
The islands feature a mix of hotels, private villas and floating homes. Pictured is a jungle path leading to one of 10 luxury 'palaces', which are largely hidden from view
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HYC22DNHBFFQJFUFOYP4Z3QDXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6f648e389d95b3620c5da88774139973e57cd328d249fe75f3fb5be3b42141c3&width=400&height=225)
The development features more than 70 floating homes
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UIWA6JD6VQWWTWNKKE7GLYWPQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6d68b1665427044cb69c3aa73b1230f32d3c58fe4249c663c1d3da28a84fc18&width=400&height=225)
Some of the structures are at least months away from completion
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3PXJA5M7XK3UW5CUAVXPS3F6ME.jpg?smart=true&auth=df4fe960e7c9eea68eac0d85c4b97ed20a4e91464751a85fea8f9a2eecae1108&width=400&height=225)
While others are closer to being ready and have interiors fitted
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LXMJEDIJF7CVLA4QMR5C4KUWTA.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a7bfe12e4ef73b929d2596af93a00d5dcc89614a7a61853eb483dba6e36d879&width=400&height=225)
A close-up of one of the floating seahorses, which features an underwater bedroom and living quarters on the upper floors
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4UXKTHR7MP2K5EMSYYRCBTTL6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=fca02819201c02af68332dbfdfeff682751cb8989df8a3de36c9074b88592b63&width=400&height=225)
The structures have captured headlines for their novelty - and prices. The first sold for Dh5 million while one of the latest went for Dh20m, developers claim
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LH2EG25QEXISGMRIUN6BJOMIXU.jpg?smart=true&auth=851fcf3c3af76fcb3c1d9b52c2c0fd1602e52161433291b7180abc20ba47c659&width=400&height=225)
Inside the underwater level on a floating villa
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X3UDR7NCSVPZ2JOBHHJ7LKV3YE.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa85c708fbe2cb66364c191be81102d318914f536188c767bc73509e0f6e23da&width=400&height=225)
Developers hope to capitalise on interest in isolated properties, at a time when tourism and global travel is restricted
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6GG7ZFATXVDON55AWBXM64KSQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=581bf2abbc187a48819ed4b6c2a8548bcd4ea484d53da13b3c0355205f5cf108&width=400&height=225)
Kleindienst Group said it was confident of sales picking up and will begin tours for investors on June 15
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IX2GRH6MHAVDV42UBTR67DDGIQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a636953143089a407d27401d881f1bcbd5840a0f0eaa6ec4e875d78e20902f1f&width=400&height=225)
A row of villas that are nearing completion
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ASR52AZ4QRLKZS4PBSU6XLQMMA.jpg?smart=true&auth=d2df4c344d7f1d3fbb3e0713c26aedf005e91df506a40be342034e5792f60bf5&width=400&height=225)
Large barges and cranes are required to build on artificial islands
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QWPC635GVSLTOX3NVNH4XX5QMY.jpg?smart=true&auth=1a56b816edc329d0d9306cdb1e78b84d1b7571e5d06595187fcd1a8ec7584417&width=400&height=225)
Developers anticipate the islands opening in stages, with some structures only just taking shape now
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KE6H7BAK7WJWGZLQQUYPCUIIQQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=adfab18837f42ea6d4740dca0dfb8ff0174f9347cbd2f3b98a1befedbfd74cba&width=400&height=225)
The under-construction Portofino hotel, named after the famous fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2F64GBXZC2HPFGG2HRAYTZBZJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae8a638dd4a4f3cfb351b4f57a60771e32f9d48819ab5c91fff629291369476a&width=400&height=225)
A typical bedroom inside the hotel
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U2WJLP2QGRAIGEKSTUWJXS2D4I.jpg?smart=true&auth=8f8b1204585afa6931899887e11bc417acca8f8388c130b89fb707d6a93949ce&width=400&height=225)
Drawing in tourists as well as buyers is crucial to the project
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RJXVQRB72PRWBG6WT7X463TTL4.jpg?smart=true&auth=1891b1f83c6b9fea8225517c68d2bcddde02709725ebc4b6a39da92e621e0c35&width=400&height=225)
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 18 MAY 2020. The Heart of Europe project located on the World Islands of the coast of Dubai is progressing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and is planning to sell units in the coming months to be delivered in October 2020. Detail of the Portofino luxury hotel. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Patrick Ryan. Section: National.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EKCKXGO23TQ5ZE7Q3ITOII3P4I.jpg?smart=true&auth=58f6f70a800cfee2bd4d82f49d616e35543070104a7e3bbc053ec86d20dc9198&width=400&height=225)
An impressive Italian fresco on the ceiling of the Portofino hotel
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/GYTPSC6AO7GWXO53SZ2EZPON2M.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa2c0826f03430a1d723dc4ecb305c2da49ee0aece779e63c54655d148d1b242&width=400&height=225)
The exterior of the under-construction Portofino hotel - 4km off the coast of Dubai on the World Islands. All photos by Antonie Robertson / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RFJXV6B3Q53DPQU7INVYDTLJJA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ef9b84d8cc13ded1f460f234357ef8604057ccf0dd369dc84f7bd53a2d4ae72c&width=400&height=225)
In total 1,200 construction workers are on site across the Heart of Europe project
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JFYD56ZATRBKG6JGRY6BXYATTU.jpg?smart=true&auth=beba377a0d16a88a1b7de57558157055ee9a9e89714858274c9c68204b093dcb&width=400&height=225)
The islands feature a mix of hotels, private villas and floating homes. Pictured is a jungle path leading to one of 10 luxury 'palaces', which are largely hidden from view
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/HYC22DNHBFFQJFUFOYP4Z3QDXQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=6f648e389d95b3620c5da88774139973e57cd328d249fe75f3fb5be3b42141c3&width=400&height=225)
The development features more than 70 floating homes
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/UIWA6JD6VQWWTWNKKE7GLYWPQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=f6d68b1665427044cb69c3aa73b1230f32d3c58fe4249c663c1d3da28a84fc18&width=400&height=225)
Some of the structures are at least months away from completion
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3PXJA5M7XK3UW5CUAVXPS3F6ME.jpg?smart=true&auth=df4fe960e7c9eea68eac0d85c4b97ed20a4e91464751a85fea8f9a2eecae1108&width=400&height=225)
While others are closer to being ready and have interiors fitted
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LXMJEDIJF7CVLA4QMR5C4KUWTA.jpg?smart=true&auth=4a7bfe12e4ef73b929d2596af93a00d5dcc89614a7a61853eb483dba6e36d879&width=400&height=225)
A close-up of one of the floating seahorses, which features an underwater bedroom and living quarters on the upper floors
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4UXKTHR7MP2K5EMSYYRCBTTL6M.jpg?smart=true&auth=fca02819201c02af68332dbfdfeff682751cb8989df8a3de36c9074b88592b63&width=400&height=225)
The structures have captured headlines for their novelty - and prices. The first sold for Dh5 million while one of the latest went for Dh20m, developers claim
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LH2EG25QEXISGMRIUN6BJOMIXU.jpg?smart=true&auth=851fcf3c3af76fcb3c1d9b52c2c0fd1602e52161433291b7180abc20ba47c659&width=400&height=225)
Inside the underwater level on a floating villa
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/X3UDR7NCSVPZ2JOBHHJ7LKV3YE.jpg?smart=true&auth=fa85c708fbe2cb66364c191be81102d318914f536188c767bc73509e0f6e23da&width=400&height=225)
Developers hope to capitalise on interest in isolated properties, at a time when tourism and global travel is restricted
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/6GG7ZFATXVDON55AWBXM64KSQI.jpg?smart=true&auth=581bf2abbc187a48819ed4b6c2a8548bcd4ea484d53da13b3c0355205f5cf108&width=400&height=225)
Kleindienst Group said it was confident of sales picking up and will begin tours for investors on June 15
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/IX2GRH6MHAVDV42UBTR67DDGIQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=a636953143089a407d27401d881f1bcbd5840a0f0eaa6ec4e875d78e20902f1f&width=400&height=225)
A row of villas that are nearing completion
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ASR52AZ4QRLKZS4PBSU6XLQMMA.jpg?smart=true&auth=d2df4c344d7f1d3fbb3e0713c26aedf005e91df506a40be342034e5792f60bf5&width=400&height=225)
Large barges and cranes are required to build on artificial islands
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QWPC635GVSLTOX3NVNH4XX5QMY.jpg?smart=true&auth=1a56b816edc329d0d9306cdb1e78b84d1b7571e5d06595187fcd1a8ec7584417&width=400&height=225)
Developers anticipate the islands opening in stages, with some structures only just taking shape now
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/KE6H7BAK7WJWGZLQQUYPCUIIQQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=adfab18837f42ea6d4740dca0dfb8ff0174f9347cbd2f3b98a1befedbfd74cba&width=400&height=225)
The under-construction Portofino hotel, named after the famous fishing village on the Italian Riviera coastline
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/2F64GBXZC2HPFGG2HRAYTZBZJU.jpg?smart=true&auth=ae8a638dd4a4f3cfb351b4f57a60771e32f9d48819ab5c91fff629291369476a&width=400&height=225)
A typical bedroom inside the hotel
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/U2WJLP2QGRAIGEKSTUWJXS2D4I.jpg?smart=true&auth=8f8b1204585afa6931899887e11bc417acca8f8388c130b89fb707d6a93949ce&width=400&height=225)
Drawing in tourists as well as buyers is crucial to the project
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/RJXVQRB72PRWBG6WT7X463TTL4.jpg?smart=true&auth=1891b1f83c6b9fea8225517c68d2bcddde02709725ebc4b6a39da92e621e0c35&width=400&height=225)
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES. 18 MAY 2020. The Heart of Europe project located on the World Islands of the coast of Dubai is progressing amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and is planning to sell units in the coming months to be delivered in October 2020. Detail of the Portofino luxury hotel. (Photo: Antonie Robertson/The National) Journalist: Patrick Ryan. Section: National.
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/EKCKXGO23TQ5ZE7Q3ITOII3P4I.jpg?smart=true&auth=58f6f70a800cfee2bd4d82f49d616e35543070104a7e3bbc053ec86d20dc9198&width=400&height=225)
An impressive Italian fresco on the ceiling of the Portofino hotel
Dubai's World Islands developer insists outbreak will not kill off Heart of Europe project
A search for isolation by buyers and holidaymakers could deliver a sales boost, builders claim
![Patrick Ryan](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/https%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Farc-authors%2Fthenational%2Fb4432acf-0cbd-43ef-bbf7-b903a0cba2bf.png?smart=true&auth=20b2c1ccbfa88518daf6fca336b04db526eccdfdd1ed279fd34cb8af25265a9e&width=70&height=70)
Patrick Ryan
24 May, 2020
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