Design and construction challenges of sub-sea directional drilled crossings on the Palm Jumeriah, Dubai

摘要

Several offshore exclusive property development projects are underway in Dubai (UAE), as part of the Sheikh's vision, strategy and sustained effort to boost tourism and thus provide revenue from a non-oil related industry. Construction works are in an advanced stage on the Palm Jumeirah island, and reclamation works for two other man made islands -the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira are in progress and will complete the trilogy. The World, consisting of some 250 islands resembling a map of the globe is starting to take shape 4 km offshore and the Waterfront are other major developments. The Palm Jumeirah project involves the reclamation of approximately 600 ha of land in the shape of a date palm tree within a crescent shaped breakwater, some 11.5 km long. The resulting development increases the Dubai shoreline by 75 km. Over 1800 luxury villas, 7000 apartments and town houses, 30 internationally branded hotels, marinas, retail outlets and supporting infrastructure are in an advanced state of construction. The overall project completion is scheduled for 2007.