Joseph Klindienst, the head of Klindienst Group, the developer of the "Heart of Europe" project within the "World Islands" in Dubai, confirmed that the group plans to launch 2,000 residential units alongside Expo Dubai. In statements to “Al-Bayan”, he mentioned that work is currently underway to complete the first phase, which includes 2,000 residential units within the six artificial islands that make up the "Heart of Europe," visible from space. He pointed out that preparations are in full swing to open the islands, the latest tourism project, before or during Expo.
Klindienst noted that the "Blue Beach" island, "Côte d'Azur," will be the first island to open its beaches to visitors, followed by the "Honeymoon" islands, then the "Germany" and "Portofino" villas, and then Sweden. He highlighted the strong demand from investors for the "floating villas" Sea Horse. He added that the company recently started construction for the second phase of the project, which includes an additional 2,000 units to be completed by 2022 and 2023, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to following all preventive measures, health checks, and regular sterilization processes to ensure the health and safety of the workers on the islands.
The waters surrounding the Heart of Europe, which are just 20 minutes (4 km) from Jumeirah Beach, host over 500 species of marine life, in addition to more than 500,000 square meters of coral reefs surrounding the islands, overseen by marine biologists. There are also several aquariums. Klindienst pointed out that the investors in these islands are looking for a unique and innovative home for vacations and short getaways within a sustainable and eco-friendly environment. He added, “There are three key points regarding investment in this project: the islands are designed to resemble the Maldives, they open the door to innovation in architectural design, and there is the potential to apply sustainability concepts, which receive significant support from the esteemed UAE government, while offering the best hospitality to visitors at the same time.”
Klindienst highlighted other sustainable initiatives, including the absence of pesticides and fungicides, and the islands' commitment to being completely car-free by providing sustainable transportation options, as well as using clean energy and recycled water for irrigation of gardens. He noted that while the coronavirus led to disruptions in some economic activities and halted several projects, work on the Heart of Europe continued to progress, thanks to the decisions made by the UAE government during the crisis, with the company's efforts in following all precautionary measures contributing to the smooth continuation of operations and the safe completion of work plans.
He added, “We sought expertise from the East, through feng shui expert Li Dexiong, to accompany our expertise from the West in designing exquisite homes in a destination that would appeal to Chinese investors. Li helped us make the environment on the six islands more comfortable and serene, with practical designs that follow feng shui principles, and we eagerly anticipate the results he can achieve, working alongside many of the world's leading brands.”
**15 Hotels**
The islands will include 15 hotels, with 13 located on the main Europe Island, one with four units on the floating Lido Island, and one standalone hotel named "San Empress Elizabeth," situated between the main Europe Island and the floating Lido Island – the world's first hotel dedicated to weddings, featuring just one room.
**Hologram Circus**
The Heart of Europe Circus will be fully sustainable and one of the first circus shows in the world to replace real animals with holograms. Laser beams will project images onto a grid in the arena, creating the perfect illusion of three-dimensional creatures – aimed at providing a distinctive entertainment show without harming animals or the environment, aligning with the project’s vision of being the most sustainable project in the world.
**First-of-its-Kind Features**
The "Heart of Europe" project will present several first-of-their-kind features in the world, such as outdoor artificial rain, a snow street, planting 100,000 coral branches annually to preserve the ecosystem and enhance the scenic beauty for residents and visitors, cultivating olive trees, along with the initiation of marine turtle and rare fish releases in the waters surrounding the project.
