Nakheel has enjoyed an `excellent response` following the announcement of several significant initiatives at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Pride of place has gone to `The World`, the highly ambitious offshore island development to be built just off the coast of Dubai, which was unveiled at the opening of the Show. But there has also been `phenomenal interest`, according to The Palm, in properties on The Palm, Jebel Ali following the release of details earlier last week.

We have watched people come to our stand throughout the week and look open-mouthed at the concept image of The World, said Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman, Nakheel Corporation. The vision and scale of this project has clearly captured the popular imagination. We have also been overwhelmed by interest in The Palm Jebel Ali and our sales staff have been worked off their feet taking orders. More than 40% of the Water Homes were sold on the first day.

`The World` will consist of a series of 200 islands positioned strategically to form the shape of the world map and will be positioned five kilometers off the coast of Dubai. It will be 5.5 kilometres in length and width and will cover 60 million square feet including 10 million square feet of beach. It is set to be the most exclusive and private water retreat available in Dubai. The first stages in construction of the islands, known as reclamation, are expected to commence in late 2003. Total completion of the project is forecast for 2008.

Similar to The Palm, Jumeirah this second island will also be based around the shape of a palm tree, with a Trunk, 17 Fronds and Crescent forming the breakwater. The fundamental changes and additions to the concept design include the Water Homes, which will form a 12km chain between the Fronds and the Crescent; the extension of the Crescents size to 15.5km with a break at the top for boats to enter; the modification to the ends of the Crescent to include `fingers` whereby the luxury apartment blocks will be located.

The Water Homes are being positioned as elevated retreat homes and will be built in a pattern to form the verse of Sheikh Mohammed`s poem. Providing an unparalleled residential or holiday location, they will be made from concrete foundation poles and a wooden structure.

The Palm also announced the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Lum Chang Holding Limited (LCH) of Singapore to develop an exclusive athletics style club with hotel facilities on The Palm, Jumeirah and an intriguing underwater world in the `Sea Village` on the trunk of The Palm, Jebel Ali.

A further announcement prior to the Show revealed further details on the `Dive Experience` which will be located at The Palm, Jumeirah. Various artificial reefs will be created and placed to stimulate the coral and bottom topography to recreate the experience that you might find while diving in the famous dive destinations of the Red Sea, Maldives, Bali, Palau and The Great Barrier Reef.