Water world

The UAE is a haven for waterfront properties, especially ludicrously expensive ones. prepare to be swept away by some of Dubai and Abu Dhabi's most ambitious water-fringed offerings. First Class reports.

Dubai

From the iconic villas on the Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Palm Deira to The World and Business Bay's ‘most prestigious kilometre', Dubai is soon to be the home of the rich and famous.

With such monumental developments, cliques of international celebrities and business luminaries have already flocked to the UAE to be part of the colossal real estate phenomenon. From property mogul Donald Trump and the Beckhams to ultimate film star couple Brangelina, they all possess a piece of the property pie that is Dubai.

The World by Nakheel

When it comes to monumental luxury properties, one cannot fail to mention the first-of-its-kind development: Nakheel's The World. Originally conceived by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, this man-made archipelago of 300 islands are constructed and strategically placed in the shape of a world map.

Located four kilometres off Dubai's coast, each island ranges from approximately 150,000 to 450,000 sq ft with an average of around 100 metres between the islands.

The total development cost of The World was estimated at US$14bn with individual islands ranging form US$15m to US$50m. Access to The World islands is only by boat or helicopter. Individuals who own the island include Rod Stewart, said to have bought ‘Britain' for US$36m and Formula 1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher.

Not content with just one iconic development The World is just one of several artificial island projects being constructed off the coast of Dubai by Nakheel. Other developments include the famous three Palm Islands.

The Tower by Nakheel

Dubai's passion for glinting skyscrapers is boundless. Some would attest that there's a sense of pride in the simultaneous and relentless pursuit of soaring towers and setting records. The latest edifice to create a buzz is Nakheel's The Tower.

Rumoured to reach a height of 1200 metres, The Tower would exceed the internationally famous Burj Dubai's 900 metres to capture the world's tallest structure crown. Speculation over Nakheel's launch of a venture to trump Burj Dubai has been rife for a while.

However, Nakheel's Head of Building Division, Robert Lee said, "Once a building reaches a certain height, going a few hundred metres extra doesn't require as much of additional design, materials and time as one would think."

Lee added, "The same amount of effort will be taken whether it's 888 metres or a kilometre. There will always be someone who wants to challenge the imagination."

The proposed location of The Tower is the Arabian Canal, a US$61bn project being developed by Limitless.

The Mansion at Burj Dubai by EMAAR

Not to be outdone, Emaar, the developers of the world's current tallest structure - Burj Dubai - are building The Mansion which aspires to redefine sumptuous living. Designed by the acclaimed Adrian Smith, who also designed the Burj Dubai, The Mansion at Burj Dubai is an architectural tour de force, with the unique value proposition that all residences within the 60-storey tower have spectacular views of Burj Dubai and the splendid fountain on Burj Dubai Lake.

Mr Adrian Smith said: "In designing The Mansion at Burj Dubai, the chief consideration was to create another aesthetic referral point within Downtown Burj Dubai, which complements the architectural appeal of Burj Dubai. The distinctive woven glass façade has been specifically conceptualised to maximise views, with the innovative design also allowing for reduction in energy consumption, thus building further on Dubai's green building vision."

Picturesque vistas of Burj Dubai are assured from all living rooms with balconies and terraces carefully aligned to provide unmatched views of Downtown Burj Dubai. Residents can watch the enthralling water, light and music display at Burj Dubai Lake from the convenience of their homes. The jets are orchestrated to splash in perfectly choreographed rhythm in tune with the musical and illumination pattern creating a mesmerising effect.

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