Nakheel plans new offshore "blue" development

Dubai, United Arab Emirates-based developer Nakheel has unveiled plans for a new off-shore development called The Universe.

The project will be located close to its Palm Jumeirah development and inshore from its 500 island World project.

According to the developer's website, The Universe will be a flagship development of its recently launched sustainability initiative ‘Blue Communities', which reflects "a firm commitment to creating a truly sustainable community."

As with almost all developments in the tiny Emirate, it will create "new luxury living space", commercial opportunities and more importantly to its economy, additional coastline.

In a statement Nakheel said The Universe will "evolve" once engineering, feasibility and environmental studies are completed. A full masterplan will then be created and released.

The long term aim of the ‘Blue Communities' initiative, which will benefit from a AED 500 million (US$ 136 million) investment by Nakheel, is to "provide leadership in the development of sustainable coastal communities."

"The investment will fund research and development activity, and promote active engagement with international experts on the issues of sustainable development, construction, management and governance of coastal communities around the world," said a company statement.