Plans are in place to begin building model villas on the top two fronds of the Palm.
According to Saeed Ahmed Saeed, managing director - Projects for The Palm, some plots on the residential fronds and crescent are ready for infrastructure and construction to commence, and there are plans to begin building model villas on the top two fronds in early in 2003. "We have teams in place taking care of all aspects of the projects construction. We are aiming to move from phase 1 (reclamation) into phases 2 and 3 (infrastructure and construction) as quickly as we possible can," he continued. In 2002 the vision of The Palm became more of a reality to Dubai with 80 per cent of The Palm, Jumeirah's reclamation and 5 per cent of The Palm, Jebel Ali's reclamation having now been completed. "Throughout the year construction has been taking place 24 hours a day to ensure that the project meets the challenging deadlines set," said Saeed "We are extremely pleased to say, that as at the end of 2002 we are now ahead of schedule and the majority of reclamation of the first of the two islands is significantly finished". Saeed continued: "All fronds are in place underwater and we have passed the critical stages of The Palm, Jumeirah's reclamation. This year is set to be an exciting year for the project and we hope that by the end of the year we will be able to present photos of the first island."