Nakheel, developer of Jumeirah Islands, has announced that work for the lakes and canals was progressing as per schedule.

“Using cutting edge engineering technology, Nakheel has already completed the work of filling of the artificial lakes with seawater that is pumped in from the Gulf, using highly advanced pumping and water circulation techniques,” said Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of Nakheel.
Jumeirah Islands, the first development in the world where man-made islands, created in the desert, are surrounded by seawater to form a natural beach-like environment, has a 23:77 water-to-land ratio, making it a one-of-a-kind real estate project. The ratio is said to be the highest in the world for a project of this scale.
The underground pipeline – the main source of water for the path-breaking project comprising 46 clusters of islands spread across an area of 300 hectares – pumps 400 litres of water per second. Advanced technology ensures that fresh seawater is brought into the canals to control salinity. The canal water is flushed out by gravity back into the sea through a discharge chamber at the edge of the canal.
The extensive network of artificial lakes, canals and bridges is now ready, setting the stage for the full-scale development of the signature project. The landscaping in the common areas and around the villas is under way. Sixty per cent of the construction work on villas is complete and the first of the villas would be ready for occupation in May 2005.
“Being the first of its kind in the world, the Jumeirah Islands development had to be powered by technology that meets the particular needs and lifestyles of this pace-setting waterfront community,” said bin Sulayem.
“We have used the world’s best expertise to ensure that this exclusive enclave offers an out-of-this-world experience to its residents, with a focus on waterfront living that replicates the ambience associated with natural seawater,” he adds.