In a significant move within Dubai’s booming real estate sector, Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a contract worth AED 810 million (approximately $221 million) to the Belgian company Jan De Nul Dredging LTD. This contract focuses on extensive marine works at the iconic Palm Jebel Ali, a development set to transform the Dubai coastline further.
The awarded contract tasks Jan De Nul Dredging with a series of crucial operations, including dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling, and sand placement. This marks a key phase in the development of Palm Jebel Ali, which is anticipated to become a major residential and leisure hub in Dubai.
Nakheel has confirmed that the first eight fronds of Palm Jebel Ali will be prepared for villa infrastructure and civil works by the first quarter of 2025.
The marine works are expected to be completed in just over two years, with initial mobilisation activities already underway.
Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, commented on the development, stating: “Partnering with Jan De Nul Dredging reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. As Nakheel intensifies its development activity under Dubai Holding, the expertise of Jan De Nul Dredging in marine, civil construction, and environmental projects is pivotal as we accelerate progress on this transformational development.”
He further emphasized, “Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan vision, Palm Jebel Ali is set to become a global destination that will offer residents the opportunity to experience a luxurious waterfront lifestyle with access to sweeping beachfronts and pristine waters, while setting new standards in quality living and sustainability.”
This new contract follows the recent award of two other major infrastructure contracts related to the construction of a new public access road from Sheikh Zayed Road and the enhancement of roadways and lighting from the mainland to Palm Jebel Ali. Then, these developments align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and signal the emergence of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area.
Launched last year, Palm Jebel Ali’s Phase 1 frond villas introduced over 700 units, featuring eight distinct styles of homes. The expansive island is set to cover 13.4 kilometers, with 16 fronds and 91 kilometers of beachfront. Also, scheduled for handover in late 2026, this ambitious project is poised to set new benchmarks in luxury waterfront living and public beach access, aligning with the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.