Nakheel, the master developer of ‘The World Islands’ project, has given the go-ahead to Oqyana Real Estate for its unique floating private islands project off the coast of Dubai.

With this move, Oqyana World First has become the first floating island project which has been officially approved by Nakheel.

Oqyana has signed up Amillarah Private Islands, a major developer of ultra-luxury floating private islands, to create a series of floating private islands on ‘The World Islands’ project, said Oqyana chairman Zeyad Abdullatif Janahi.

Oqyana World First is the developer’s flagship project, composed of an archipelago of artificial islands together forming the continent of Australasia in ‘The World’ development.

Janahi said the development comprises high-end villas opening up onto private beachfronts, contemporary seaside apartments and hospitality and retail elements.

“The co-operation with Amillarah Private Islands will add 33 ultra-luxury turnkey floating private islands to the development. Each island will be completely self-supporting and comprise its own residence, garden, pool and beach,” he said. “Nakheel has now granted this project with all the necessary permits to take the next step to create one of the most exclusive developments in ‘The World Islands’ project.”

 Amillarah Private Islands CEO Paul van de Camp said: “We are the only company in the world offering floating private islands, tailor-made to the clients specifications, based on our Dutch heritage of hundreds of years of working with water.”