Sleeping giant Palm Jebel Ali awakens

After 15 years lying silent, the massive man-made island is about to be a hive of construction – adding 110km of coastline to Dubai and providing 35,000 families with luxury beachside living.

There’s no doubt it’s already been an eventful year in Dubai on the real estate front – and now comes the news that after 15 years of inaction, the Palm Jebel Ali project is set to whirr back to life.

This is thanks to a new futuristic development masterplan approved by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai that will see Palm Jebel Ali turn into the newest hot spot.

The development was dredged in 2002 before construction stopped in 2008; it has been dormant ever since.

Palm Jebel Ali covers 13.4 sq. km – twice the size of Palm Jumeirah – and with the new plans will feature seven connected islands offering extensive green spaces and distinctive waterfront experiences. The Nakheel project will add about 110km of coastline to Dubai, providing about 35,000 families with luxury beachside living, not to mention 80 hotels and resorts.

Talking about the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Sheikh Mohammed said that Dubai would continue to innovate and deliver world-class lifestyle destinations that enhanced its status as the world’s best city to live, work and visit.

“We have vast ambitions for the future, and we are confident that we can transform our grand vision for development into reality,” he told the local media.

The project marks the beginning of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate.

“The relaunch of Palm Jebel Ali with the updated contemporary architecture is great news for Dubai,” said Simon Baker, Managing Director, haus & haus Real Estate.

“There’s a feeling in the air this year that the emirate is on an unstoppable trajectory that will push its international profile right to the top. It will be exciting to watch this development take shape – and see the global interest from investors, buyers, tourists and new expats alike.”

Palm Jebel Ali has also been designed with sustainability in mind. The plans include renewable energy resources being incorporated into its infrastructure design, allowing it to become almost completely self-sufficient in power generation once complete. As much as 30% of Palm Jebel Ali’s energy requirements will be obtained from renewable sources.