Nakheel Properties has launched a new residential development in Dubai known as Jumeirah Islands.

Work has already started on the community of 50 islands which will cover an area of 300-hectares.

Located just off Shaikh Zayed Road between Interchange 5 and 6, the project is aimed at attracting families who are looking for a residential retreat.

The 50 islands will be clustered among spacious, luxuriantly landscaped canals and each cluster will be bounded on three sides by water. A total of 16 villas with private swimming pools will be located on 46 of the islands.

It includes a commercial area called "Jumeirah Islands Village," which will have extensive retail and leisure facilities. There will also be parks, canoeing, and peddle-boating, walking trails, walkway bridges and a community club.

Two clusters of island close to the commercial area will house four deluxe apartment buildings totalling 184 units to be built in the Brazilian Island style. Two fronds will host unique, stylish town houses with 30 houses on each frond.

A variety of elements ranging from cascading waterfalls to bountiful flower gardens, romantic promenades, luxury marinas and an exclusive resort will all come together to form part of the experience that Jumeirah Islands is set to offer.

Residents are expected to begin moving into the development in April 2004.