The Palm, Jebel Ali is on schedule with 60% of land reclamation complete and a staggering six million tonnes of rock already placed.

The Breakwater and Crescent are now visible above sea level, with the remaining reclamation to be completed by the last quarter of 2005. Eight fronds have also been reclaimed on the western half of the project with fronds on the eastern side to follow in rapid succession.

The half moon extension, known as The Crescent`s Headland, is also complete. Situated at the centre of the 16 kilometre Crescent, the headland extends out into the Persian Gulf adding a further 15 per cent of land to The Palm, Jebel Ali. The enhancement will improve the overall land and water interface, while creating a natural beachfront.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Nakheel, said: More than 80 million out of an immense 140 million cubic metres of land has already been reclaimed; it`s an amazing achievement and puts The Palm, Jebel Ali well on course to completion.

The master plan has recently been developed to include the newly completed headland at the centre of The Crescent. This will become a hub for business exuding dynamism and energy, while at the same time offering a retreat of discovery, fun, and activity - an enchanting place where residents will be able to experience the wonders of island living.

The 24-hour operation sees the delivery of more than 30,000 tonnes of rock transported from around the UAE to the construction site by 700 trucks each day. Nakheel is using five trailing hoppers and one cutter dredger, along with a 250-strong team of professional engineers, surveyors, machine operators, seaman crew, divers and construction workers.

Bin Sulayem added: Our accomplishments with The Palm, Jumeirah have taught us some invaluable lessons and enabled us to move forward with great speed and efficiency during reclamation for The Palm, Jebel Ali. We have learned a great deal and we are using this experience to great effect, working closely with urban designers to create some of the most breathtaking architectural landscapes imaginable.