DUBAI, 23 Nov, 05, (WAM) - The construction of the Dubai MaritimeCity island, the world's most comprehensive maritime complex,is now well underway. This was announced yesterday at a presentationconducted by Helen Sell, Marketing Manager of Dubai MaritimeCity on behalf of Amer Ali, Project Manager of Dubai MaritimeCity to international journalists at the Dubai InternationalBoat Show held from November 20-22.

She further explained that construction is divided into phasesof development which are also sub-divided into individual designand construction packages. Breakwater & rockworks constructionas well as land reclamation works commenced nearly 2 years ago,and the formation of the peninsula can now be clearly seen.

The land reclamation work runs parallel to the ongoing constructionof the peninsula's breakwaters. When finished, Dubai MaritimeCity will be over 200 hectares located just off the coast ofDubai, close to the existing Port Rashid, according to a pressrelease.

The dedicated facility will provide a globally strategic locationfor seven main industry sectors - maritime management, maritimeservices, maritime retail and recreation, maritime educationand research, ship repair and maintenance, yacht repair and maintenance.

When complete, Dubai Maritime City will serve the needs of adiverse global marine and maritime audience - comprising industrialprecinct, showrooms, commercial towers, development plots, aresearch & education facility, a marina, hotels, retail and residential.

Commenting on the significance of the project, she said: "Dubaihas witnessed the creation of numerous commercial and residentialdevelopments at a phenomenal rate of growth over the past fewyears - but the challenge set for Dubai Maritime City is to createnot just a real estate project but a thriving business communityfor the maritime industry." "This development is driven by theneeds of the international community for a hub that is dedicatedto providing every element of infrastructure required by keymarine and maritime-related industries and services. Dubai'srich legacy of sea-going traditions and its enviable geographicallocation at the focal point of the 2-hemispheres makes it theperfect location for such an undertaking," she emphasized.

Dubai Maritime City will be a 216-hectaremanmade peninsula, and will create an iconic, multidimensionalmaritime centre providing a unique world-class environment forthe global maritime community.

Dubai Maritime City is headed by Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, ExecutiveChairman.