The Palm Deira has started work on the first phase of its Palm Deira Corniche, being developed at a cost of around Dh300 million ($81.7 million).

The 9 km-long and 30-m wide corniche will comprise a string of leisure facilities, parks and a marina when fully complete.

Inspecting the development works on Palm Deira, Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World and Nakheel Properties, developers of Palm Deira, said:  “Unique projects like the Palm Islands will boost the tourism industry in Dubai, and the corniche being developed will allow residents and visitors to enjoy enhanced lifestyle facilities.  This project is in line with the strategic vision of Dubai, which places great emphasis on economic and social development, supported by world class infrastructure.”

Abdullah Bin Sulayem, executive director, Operations, Palm Deira, said:  “The corniche is being developed over an area of 5 million square meters, and forms 11 percent of the total Palm Deira project.  It will be developed in multiple phases, with each phase consisting of several stages.  We are now executing the first stage of Phase I, which is a 900 m long strip facing the Hyatt Regency complex. Work on this part will be completed by mid-December this year.”

The Palm Deira Corniche is being designed to attract families by offering large green open spaces, flower beds, water fountains and an advanced lighting system to create an atmosphere of relaxation, especially in the evening.

The entire Phase I of the project extends over 4km along the old Deira corniche, and will be separated from it by a 170 m wide, 6-m deep water channel. The two areas will be connected by a two-way passage for vehicles and pedestrians.

Abdullah Bin Sulayem said: “The water channel itself will be an important feature of the project, and will be used by water buses, and leisure boats in addition to traditional dhows and floating restaurants, enhancing the overall tourism value of the area.”

The massive Palm Deira development will consist of 24 islands in all, including the Deira Island, which will accommodate around 200,000 inhabitants out of a total of 1.1 million people who are expected to live on Palm Deira.

The Palm Deira Sales Center, which is currently under construction, will occupy a central location on the corniche, and will be receiving visitors from the beginning of 2008, while bookings of properties on the Palm Deira will start shortly thereafter.

The iconic Sales Center building will be constructed on a 29,000 sq meter plot, with a covered area of 17,500 sq m.

The two-storey building will accommodate 450 employees, as well as a suite for VIP visitors who wish to see the master plan of the landmark project, said Bin Sulayem. – TradeArabia News Service