Hospitality to be key in new World islands project

Plans were unveiled on Saturday to build an archipelago of artificial islands forming the continent of Australasia as part of The World development off the coast of Dubai.

OQYANA Real Estate said it has signed a deal with floating island expert Dutch Docklands to create a series of private island villas within the OQYANA World First development.

It is the developer's flagship project and comprises high-end villas opening up onto private beachfronts, contemporary seaside apartments and hospitality and retail elements.

OQYANA is derived from the Arabic word for Oceanic, a statement said, adding that the deal will see Dutch Docklands create a series of private islands which will house just one villa each.

The deal was inked in Dubai between Ali O Alghannam, CEO of OQYANA Real Estate and Paul van de Camp, CEO of Dutch Docklands.

Zeyad Abdullatif Janahi, chairman of OQYANA Real Estate Company, said: "This is a historic day for us all. We are very pleased with our collaboration with Dutch Docklands, and the ability to bring their specific expertise to OQYANA World First, the leading project in The World development.

"Our vision has always been to be leaders in the idea of The World, and it is now the right time to recommence activities and turn concepts into reality. Dubai has always been the right destination for such projects and we will work together to be an integral part of Dubai's real estate sector."

Van de Camp added: "Dubai is an amazing city and The World project is a fabulous development. Having your own private island close by a world class city will be a unique opportunity for a very selective group of people that only want the best.

"Our Amillarah Private Islands are completely self-supporting, scarless and all contain the latest state-of-the-art technology. Each one will be a piece of art that you can live in," he said.

OQYANA is also the company behind the Water Garden City project in Bahrain.