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28 March 2024

Nakheel tells Q Group to clear dues to start work on Great Britain island

Nakheel launched a number of projects in the retail, hospitality and residential leasing sectors. (AFP)

Published
By Parag Deulgaonkar

Dubai’s Nakheel has asked the developer of the Great Britain island in The World project to ‘pay their dues if they want to proceed with the construction of the project’.

“The announcement by Q Group on its plans for Great Britain island at The World is misleading and misguided,”” the master developer said in a statement.

“We are surprised at and intrigued by the news, given that there are still considerable payments outstanding in relation to the purchase of the island.

No design application will be accepted, nor will construction be permitted, until payment has been made,” the statement added.

Q Group is planning to build a luxury resort, private villas and water villas, hotel serviced apartments, an event and wedding venue, offshore restaurants, and unique water-based experiences on the Great Britain island.

On Wednesday, Q Group signed an agreement with Drydocks World, which will be providing a complete range of offshore marine and operational management solutions that includes designing, engineering and building total marine-based solutions including the utility solutions.

Meanwhile, Safi Qurashi, CEO, Q Group, said, “I am very surprised by today’s statement regarding Great Britain Island at The World. Revised payment terms are being discussed between our respective lawyers, as is standard practice. We are currently awaiting a response from Nakheel to a proposal submitted in early September. Naturally, we have no intention of commencing construction until final designs for our resort on Great Britain Island have been approved by Nakheel.”

“But we remain committed to making this project a major success, and this is why we have signed an agreement with Drydocks World, one of the world’s leading maritime specialists, which can deliver complete solutions to the utilities and  logistical problems which have been associated with The World project.

“This will allow us to develop our Great Britain island resort more effectively. We’re confident that this will help drive development and investment for The World project as a whole.”

Earlier in April, Q Group signed an agreement with Roads and Transport Authority to provide water transport to visitors to the island.

In a statement issued then, Safi Qurashi, said: “We had a plan when we bought Great Britain and it hasn't changed. We are excited about the prospect of delivering our unique vision. In the near future we plan to launch the island project and reveal the exciting plans for this unique destination. I believe the World Islands will offer a unique experience in Dubai.”

In January, ‘Emirates 24|7’ reported that Kleindienst Group, the developer of The Heart of Europe, is starting construction on the project, which will have 'snow and rain-lined streets'.

The World project is nine-kilometers wide and seven kilometers long. It covers an area of 931 hectares and adds 232 km to Dubai’s natural 67ckm of beachfront. There are 300 islands that range from 150,000 to 450,000 square feet in size.

According to Nakheel’s website, The World has five types of island community: Estate Islands, Mid Density, High Density, Commercial and Transportation and Resort Islands. The islands were initially sold by invitation only and were priced in the range of $20 million (Dh73.4m) to $50 million.