Dubai targets 20m tourists with magnificent properties

Dubai, the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is to deliver more projects and properties in a move to realize its target of attracting 20m tourists by the Year 2020.
This vision is being pursued vigorously by Nakheel, a leading property developer in Dubai which is championing the development of Palm Jumeirah, a new Island in the coast of Dubai.
The Palm Jumeirah is one of the world’s largest man-made islands, and a growing residential, tourism, and leisure destination.
Located off the Dubai coast, Palm Jumeirah is a landmark in engineering, providing luxury residences, retail, and leisure facilities across three main areas – the trunk, crescent, and fronds.
The new island boasts of nine resorts including Atlantis The Palm, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, One & Only, Rixos The Palm, Anantara, Sofitel, The Fairmont, Waldorf Astoria and Kempinski Residences, with more to come.
Officials of Nakheel told some select Nigerian journalists who toured the newly developed island during a FAM Trip organized by Emirates, the UAE flag carrier that more developments are underway in the new island.
In September this year, the organization unveiled Palm 360 – an iconic, twin-tower hotel and residential projection featuring 12,000 square foot branded penthouses that offer the ultimate in luxury living.
The project is expected to be delivered in mid-2020, it was learnt. 
Nakheel had recently delivered Club Vista Mare, a collection of seven beachfront dining destinations on the islands, Azure Residences, a luxury waterfront apartment and beach club complex on Palm Jumeirah’s eastern trunk and Golden Mile Galleria, the first large scale retail and dining complex on the island.
Upcoming developments for Palm Jumeirah include The Palm Tower, a stunning, 52-storey residential and St Regis hotel complex with a rooftop infinity pool, restaurant and viewing deck; the Nakheel Mall, The Pointe, The Palm Boulevard and The Boardwalk are also under development.
Giving insight into the ongoing architectural masterpiece, Nakheel Chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Palm 360 will take luxury living and hospitality to a whole new level. Another iconic development for Palm Jumeirah and a new landmark for Dubai, this unique creation brings together the very best in location, views and amenities at what will undoubtedly be one of the most sought-after addresses in the world.
“We are proud to unveil yet another shining example how Nakheel uses creativity and innovation to deliver a unique collection of projects that are recognised the world over…”
Nakheel’s current and future retail project portfolio covers nearly 17 million square feet of leasable space.  Developments include Ibn Battuta Mall, Dragon Mart 1 and 2, Golden Mile Galleria, Nakheel Mall, The Pointe, Deira Mall, Deira Islands Night Souk, Warsan Souk, Al Khail Avenue, The Circle Mall and Nad Al Sheba Mall, as well as major extensions to Dragon Mart (renamed Dragon City) and Ibn Battuta Mall.  The retail profile also includes several neighbourhood community centres.
Our growing hospitality project portfolio comprises 14 hotels/serviced apartments with nearly 5,200 rooms at various locations in Dubai, including Palm Jumeirah, Deira Islands, Ibn Battuta Mall, Jumeirah Village and Dragon City.
For many Nigerians, the real estate sector in Dubai provides a veritable model for driving a revolution in Nigeria where there is high housing deficit. It is about thinking creatively and applying the same wisdom and vision with which the Dubai authorities triggered a revolution in the city’s real estate sector.
Experts say government needs to create incentives for developers to deliver even more awe-inspiring architectural masterpieces that would not only serve the housing needs of citizens but meet the demands of tourists as the Nigerian government equally drives the tourism sector to cushion the effect of the shrinking oil earnings.
A private developer, Architect Wasiu Olalekan said Nigerian developers have more expertise and proficiency to revolutionize the real estate sector in the country as obtained in Dubai which has become a model all over the world, saying, "What we need is encouragement and support from government. Government should also guarantee long term loan facilities for developers who are willing and ready to blaze the trail. "