Last month Nakheel revealed that 50 million cubic metres of sand has already been reclaimed on The Palm, Deira — more than 55 per cent of the total material used to create The Palm, Jumeirah.  Further progress has been made, with more land reclaimed, including the area, which joins the island to the shoreline of Dubai.

For the first time, land vehicles will be able to travel on to the island, thus expediting the construction process. Access to the island will be on a stretch of reclaimed land close to Al Hamriya Port.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Nakheel, was the first person to make the over-land journey from Deira to The Palm, Deira.

He said: "The Palm, Deira's connectivity with Deira is a fundamental element of the project. Although the island will be a city in its own right, it will also act as an extension of the existing Deira, the area on which our great city of Dubai was founded around. It was a fascinating experience to travel from Deira by car to The Palm, Deira and to look back towards our great city."

"Connecting the land that we have reclaimed to date with the Deira shoreline is the first step in the expansion of the historic centre and most loved section of Dubai, which will ultimately reinforce the importance of this area," he added.

Marwan Al Qamzi, Head of Procurement and Contracts, Nakheel, said: "The progress of land reclamation is remarkable. This island is growing before our eyes. The reclamation of the land — the first stage in the creation of a magnificent new city for Dubai — is truly a sight to behold, especially now that we have connected the landmass to Deira.  With the latest reclamation, we can now transport materials on to the island, thus moving the development on to the next level."