The Sir Bani Yas island will be the first of the 8 Desert Islands to open to the public, on October 2008. It will be an eco-touristic place for people seeking adventure and nature experiences. The island is not man-made this time. It is in fact one of the largest natural islands in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Sir Bani Yas island offers a world of natural wonders, cultural artefacts, exciting adventures and serene escapes.

Saadiyat Island is a $27 billion project with mixed commercial, residential, and leisure. It is currently under construction and it is expected to be completed in 2018. Saadiyat Island is aimed to be Abu Dhabi's cultural center, and it has been planned around a "eco-sensitive philosophy with a special low density masterplan". Saadiyat Island (translated "Island of Happiness") which is situated off the north coast of Abu Dhabi occupies an area of 27 square kilometres. There should be place for 150,000 residents with all the amenities that go with them.

Everybody has been talking about sustainability, but only one puts it to practice, Abu Dhabi (capital of the United Arab Emirates), which will build the first 100% carbon free community in the world: Masdar City. The decision dates back to April 2006, but most of the work is starting now. The project should cost more than $22 billion and be finished by 2023. However, the first phase is scheduled to be complete and habitable in 2009. The city will be entirely powered by renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Foster + Partners describes the city:

The $40 billion development project of Yas Island is under construction since 2007. It is located near Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The project comes from Aldar Properties, a real estate company from Abu Dhabi. It will include a retail development, luxurious hotels, a leisure complex and a motor racing circuit. The racing circuit will be used from 2009 onwards for Abu Dhabi's Formula One Grand Prix (F1 GP). It is the second place in the Gulf region where a F1 GP is hosted, Bahrain being the first one.

We've heard a lot about rich gulf countries and emirates (Dubai, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi,...) that use their wealth to build iconic cities, by copying everything that's best around the world. Some even came to a point there wasn't anything to copy from anymore, and started building in their own style. Next to Doha, Qatar's capital city, an impressive project is under construction. It is called "The Pearl Qatar", and it consists of a group of man-made islands (reminds me of Dubai's palm...) split into 10 themed districts: Porto Arabia, Viva Bahriyah, Costa Malaz, Isola Dana, Abraj Quartiers, Perlita Villas, Giardino Villas, Qanat Quartier, Medina Centrale, Floresta Gardens and The Villas. The US multi billion project that covers 985 acres is developed by United Development Company (UDC).

Bahrain's Financial Harbour (BFH) is currently one of the Middle East's most exciting property developments. This project is mainly designed for the international finance sector. The Harbour district covers 380,000 square metres in Bahrain's waterfront. It will offer high quality office spaces, luxurious residential accommodations, hotels, leisure and entertainment opportunities. BFH will be the confluence of the financial services sector in Bahrain, by aggregating and concentrating the currently locationally dispersed financial services sector into a dynamic purposely designed financial district.

Everybody always talks about Dubai (see posts), and its fabulous buildings and artificial islands, but few people talk about Bahrain. And they've learned from Dubai the key to success, when you have a lot of petrol money and you don't know where to invest it. As for Dubai, Bahrain is preparing its country for the post-petroleum period, and they are trying to bring tourists.