Work is proceeding on The Heart of Europe, a cluster of six islands forming part of The World, the Emirate’s iconic man-made island development, it has been confirmed by UAE-based Kleindienst Group
Around 600 tons of materials and equipment has already been dispatched from the main land to the islands, according to the developer's official statement. The islands will initially be readied via a process caled ‘vibro-compaction’, which will enable foundations to be laid into the sandy ground. The construction process is anticipated to last until the end of 2016.
The new resort’s largest island, Mainland Europe, is inspired by Austrian, Italian, Spanish, German and French architecture, concepts and traditions. Monaco, Sweden, Switzerland, St. Petersburg and Germany will make up the other five.
Once complete, The Heart of Europe will offer visitors and holidaymakers an experience based on each of European countries listed. According to Kleindienst Group, Monaco will boast the ‘elegance and opulence’ of the French Riviera with its contemporary villas and luxury yachts, while Sweden will feature a central marketplace that encompasses the tradition of Stockholm’s famous Saluhall markets.
There has been a lot of interest in the project and the concept villas, a spokesperson told Emirates 24/7. Developers are currently negotiating with investors looking at hotel villas in our family hotel at a price of AED 3,700 (US $1,007) per square foot, the representative added.
A large, floating bridge will link Monaco, Switzerland and St. Petersburg to the main island. Lagoon bridges will also be affixed over an open aquarium, reported to be the largest in the world – pool of saltwater home to a coral reef and various sea creatures.
LET IT SNOW?
“This will be a truly unique vacation destination providing an authentic experience of some of Europe’s most charming and timeless features,” said CEO Josef Kleindienst.
The islands will offer hotels for families and wedding parties, landscaped gardens, climate controlled plazas, street performers, snow and rain-lined streets, he added.
Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, first announced plans for the World islands in 2003. The development spans approximately nine kilometres in width, seven kilometres in length, and is 4.5 kilometres from the Dubai mainland coast. Its 300 islands and 27km breakwater were completed in 2008.
The development adds an additional 232 kilometres of beach-front to Dubai’s natural 67 kilometre coastline. The development was created by placing 320 million cubic metres of sand and 34 million tonnes of large rocks. The World covers over 9,340,000 square feet and is visible from space.
It was reported in May 2013 that the project would commence as soon as The World, a Nakheel subsidiary, resolved a legal dispute with Kleindienst Group.