Oqyana World First, the first fully master-planned elite island community of ‘The World’ off the coast of Dubai, has launched a snorkeling lagoon.

The lagoon will provide an interactive opportunity to swim and snorkel among coral reefs and underwater sea life in a safe environment.

The Reef Lagoon will be located on the Great Barrier Island, one of the 22 islands comprising the Australian continent; with the first phase of construction commencing in summer 2008. 

Serviced by the adjacent International Diving Centre, the Reef Lagoon will also offer diving, snorkeling and boat-related activities and facilities.

“Around 60 per cent of the development area is free from any construction to avail open spaces for lagoons, parks, promenades, playgrounds, beaches and extensive landscaping – to offer residents and guests the most comfortable surroundings possible,” said Dr Wadad AlSuwayeh, CEO of Oqyana World First. “We have reshaped our islands to ensure that water is continually circulated for purity and can sustain marine life, which makes the quality of seawater surrounding our islands superior to that tested along the shoreline of Dubai.”

“It is our goal to maintain and protect a stable and healthy environment, within and around Oqyana islands; and ensure that a luxurious lifestyle is not achieved at the expense of nature.  As such, we are considering a full range of alternative green solutions, such as  solar-powered ferries among others,” he added.

Derived from the Arabic word for ‘oceanic’, the entire Oqyana development incorporates a number of environmentally friendly features, such as the use of natural cooling, saline-friendly landscaping, and the re-use of grey-water and storm water for irrigation. In addition, the innovative shape and orientation of the islands’ waterways ensure that, in the event of pollution within the waterways, 50 per cent of full water cleanliness will be achieved naturally in 24 hours and 100 per cent in 72 hours. 

The launch of the Reef Lagoon comes only days after Oqayana  announced The World’s first and only exclusive utility hub next to the breakwater, during its participation at the Arabian Travel Market 2008 in Dubai. 

Oqyana World First is the first and largest of all developers on The World with 22 islands and water villas that form the shape of the Australian and New Zealand islands.

Construction of Oqyana, The World’s first luxury island community, will start in summer 2008, while the completion date is slated for 2012. – TradeArabia News Service