Dubai-based property developer Nakheel has officially launched its latest iconic property development – International City.

Located on the north side of Dubai in Al Warsan, the pre-designed complex will be set over 800 hectares. Internationally-themed residential, commercial and tourist elements will blend together within the development and complement Dubai’s growing reputation as a significant trade, investment, residential and tourist hub, according to Sultan bin Sulaymen, chairman of Nakheel.
He elaborates: “Like every other project of Nakheel’s, the International City bears our unmistakable stamp of uniqueness, practicality and convenience. From iconic structures including a Forbidden City and Dragon Mart which will be recreated in intricate detail, to the themed architecture and expertly landscaped public areas, International City will be an impressive development for residents, traders, retailers and tourists alike.
“Construction of the project is under way and the grading of the land has been completed. Infrastructure works including access roads, water, electricity, sewage and cooling have also commenced. We expect the first phase to be complete and operational by mid 2004, and total completion is expected by the end of 2006.”
The development will include six key areas: The central district, Dubai Gates, Dragon Mart, residential district, lakes district, and the Forbidden City.
The central district will be the nerve centre of International City. Located in the centre of the development, it will cover 21 hectares and will be the heart of the city’s commercial activity. A series of 11 office and residential blocks will feature prominently throughout this district along with the 34 plots of land that will be sold to independent developers. An impressive tower housing corporate offices and reaching 40 storeys will be the focal point of the central district.
The cultural diversity of International City will be hard to miss in The Dragon Mart, a trade mall for Chinese companies. Designed in the form of a 1.4 km-long colourful dragon, and covering 50 hectares, it will be a tourist attraction in its own right, says Nakheel.
The Dragon Mart will be a commercial area for more than 3,000 Chinese companies, housing shopping areas, showrooms and restaurants. The ornately-designed dragon’s head will serve as a dramatic main entrance with access from the Dubai/Hatta road.
The residential district will host a variety of country-themed zones and cover 300 hectares weaving throughout the entire International City development. Accommodating more than 60,000 people, these zones have been planned using the latest theories and techniques in town planning. The urban layout therefore ensures a mere four-minute walk from any residential zone to the outer limits of International City. The residential buildings will feature 21,000 well-planned studio and one-bedroom apartments covering 44.5 and 66.5 sq m respectively, and will reflect the architectural styles of Italy, Spain, Morocco, Iran, Greece, China, Indonesia, England, Russia, Thailand and France. Developers also will have the flexibility to convert the apartments into two-bedroom apartments, according to Nakheel.
Nakheel’s trademark of extensively-landscaped gardens, water features, recreational areas and amphitheatres will feature throughout the residential district. To ensure a true community setting for residents, there will be a selection of retail outlets, restaurants, schools, hospitals, post offices and extensive parking facilities.
A focal point of the residential district will be the Lake District. Set over 60 hectares and boasting a serene lake, public park and residential buildings, it will serve as a perfect location to reside, relax or entertain, says Nakheel. The development will include 25 residential buildings with Thai and Indonesian architectural influences having 1,375 two and three-bedroom and duplex apartments ranging between 150 and 170 sq m in size – many with lake views. A select number of restaurants and retail outlets along with boating facilities will epitomise the relaxing neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Forbidden City, covering 240,000 sq m, which is a combination of residential and retail outlets and Chinese themed gardens, will ensure the legend of The Forbidden City comes alive, says the developer.
The Forbidden City will feature two open-air performance courts and a museum of performing arts, whilst an impressive central court with pagoda will house an authentic Chinese restaurant. Six gateways will provide access to this fascinating area.
DMJM International, the concept and master planner of the project, is working with local architects on the design aspect, added Nakheel.