SimplyAbuDhabi XXXVII

7 Bedrooms | Full party floor | Roof top majlis | Private beach | Private ocean | Star amenities 7 days a week | Infinity swimming pool | Private gym | Lounge jungle | Lush landscapes | Kleindienst signature quality | Bentley Home furniture | Snow room | Most luxurious mansions in the world | 10 minutes away from Dubai Most sustainable project in the world | Prices upon request. Experiences as rare as your holiday home What strikes home as the shuttle boat approaches the $5 billion megaresort being constructed off the coast of Dubai is its sheer audacity. Nearly two decades in the making, the Heart of Europe forms just one section of The World - a vast collection of man-made islands roughly in the shape of an atlas - but when completed it will be the opulent centerpiece. In the middle of a pandemic, it could yet prove to be a work of genius in its efforts to recreate the continent of Europe for upscale vacationers unwilling to make the trek. Amid a global travel downturn caused by Covid, it also represents a major leap of faith in Dubai's long-term allure. After a four- kilometer boat ride from the mainland The Heart of Europe comes into view. No fewer than 15 upscale hotels, ultra-prime vacation villas and mansions now stand or are beginning to appear on these aquatic plots. Most are still unfinished, awaiting the final touches needed to meet the first handover deadlines at the end of 2020. Six themed islands form the Heart of Europe, with investors able to choose between locations designed to replicate Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, Venice, Côte d'Azur and Europe at large. The concept is that, once they've arrived, guests should be able to convince themselves they've been transported from often sweltering Arabian heat to less arid climates in Europe. The ultra-prime development is attracting investors from across the globe and the handover to owners of the first 2,000 residential and hospitality units is commencing in December ahead of individual customisation. Kleindienst also highlights efforts to improve or preserve the environment. At the Coral Institute, located in the Portofino resort, several aquariums and tanks display a breeding program that centers on 50 local species, including carpet sharks. The Coral Institute is nurturing 10 local varieties of living coral, eventually destined to enrich 500,000 square meters of reef with 100,000 corals a year. Once completed the resort will be an ultra-prime second home and vacation destination. Besides property investors, it will target international tourists seeking enriching hospitality experiences and UAE residents expanding their staycation horizons. See Luxury in a whole new way The Heart of Europe is where the journey begins