Nakheel has announced two major new projects, still at their concept stages, which will add to the portfolio of the world’s leading project developer.

The first project, which was announced at an event last month is called The Universe. This reclaimed island development which draws its inspiration from the wonders of the solar system, will feature islands in the shape of the sun, the moon and the planets. The second project is the redevelopment of Port Rashid, where Nakheel plans to preserve and expand the area which has played a central role in Dubai’s development.
The Universe will take shape off Dubai’s coastline close to The Palm Jumeirah, inshore from The World.
The Universe is a further indication of Nakheel’s pioneering approach to waterfront developments and will provide a stunning new addition to Nakheel’s groundbreaking and iconic coastal developments The Palm trilogy, The World and Waterfront. The development will create new luxury living space, commercial opportunities and additional coastline – playing a role in the continued economic growth and success of Dubai as a global business and tourism destination.
The Universe, launched at its initial concept stage, is expected to evolve following engineering, feasibility and environmental studies that are already under way. Once these studies have been conducted, a full masterplan will be created, said a spokesman for the developer.
The Universe will be a flagship development of Nakheel’s recently launched sustainability initiative Blue Communities, reflecting a firm commitment to creating a truly sustainable community, said the spokesman.
Blue Communities seeks to fund research and development activity, and promote active engagement with international experts on the issues of sustainable development, construction, management and governance of coastal communities around the world.
Nakheel is redeveloping the Port Rashid site following moves to relocate most of the port’s operations to Jebel Ali Port.
“Nakheel is committed to preserving and expanding this site of historic importance with a new urban waterfront that will create real estate, generate jobs, attract tourism and help drive economic growth for Dubai and the UAE,” says the spokesman.
Redevelopment plans are under way, which involve the expansion of the existing Port Rashid land area through land reclamation. The proposed development is a vibrant mixed-use urban waterfront set in Port Rashid’s strategic waterside location.
Port Rashid will continue to operate as the main port in Dubai for tourist and cruise vessels and this will be integral to the redevelopment. Most port operations are being transferred to Jebel Ali as a result of increased customer demand for its state-of-the-art facilities.
The development will include a maritime museum, and “we will ensure that the importance of the site and the people who have worked and lived there since its creation are preserved for future generations,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, Nakheel.
Meanwhile earlier last month Nakheel laid the final stone on the breakwater for The World.  The last rock was one of 34 million tonnes of rock that were used to construct the 27 km breakwater which surrounds the 300 man-made islands that make up The World. 
This marked the completion of the first phase of one of Dubai’s landmarks, which included land reclamation requiring 320 million cu m of sand dredged from the sea and the creation of the breakwater that surrounds the 9 km wide and 7 km long island destination. 
The next phase involves handing over islands to developers for construction and building of infrastructure.
The World, set to become one of the most exclusive tourist destinations on the planet will feature more than 40 luxury resorts, when it is completed by 2010. The project will feature different world-class brands and names offering fine dining, spas and luxury boutiques, vacation homes, marinas, yacht and beach clubs and scuba diving, snorkelling and dive centres, according to the developer.