Work on Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) City – District One project is making headway, with Phase 1 villas units scheduled for a mid-2016 handover, the developer announced on Thursday.

The first phase of the iconic destination community project of Meydan Sobha covers 1,100 acres, and includes the development of a seven-kilometre stretch of Crystal Lagoons to give residents a beachside lifestyle.

The lagoons, billed as the world's largest man-made waterbody of its kind, is spread across 90 acres, will have a minimum width of 40 metres and a maximum depth of 2.5 metres. District One, launched in mid-2013 as the first project at MBR City, is being developed through a 50:50 joint venture between renowned India-based developer Sobha Group and Meydan.

Sobha Group's founder and chairman PNC Menon Dh37 billion project has four phases.

The current prices for the units start from Dh16 million for a four-bedroom unit, while that for an eight-bedroom unit it is Dh90 million and over. Of the 630 units so far launched, more than 80 per cent is sold out.

"With Phase 1 villas being fully sold and Phase 2 villas nearly sold out, the company is focused on delivery of homes and has completed 90 per cent of Phase 1 villa foundations,” Menon said.

Work on vertical structures as well as infrastructure, including an 8.8km bicycle and jogging track, are progressing rapidly. Currently there are more than 4,000 workers on site, with numbers expected to reach more than 7,000 workers in a few months.

Meydan Sobha is committed to delivering to its Phase 1 residents a beautifully landscaped and well-appointed community. The developer has differentiated its new community through a master plan of more than 60 per cent open and green space among its homes and amenities.

The careful planning of District One makes it one of the lowest density residential developments in the world and a truly unique proposition on the Dubai property market.

Mohammed Ahmed bin Abdulaziz Al Shehhi, Board member of Meydan Sobha, said with construction hitting targets for both Phase I and Phase II "we are looking forward to another successful year ahead as we gear up for delivery of Phase I starting in mid-2016.”

With its three distinct villa styles — Modern Arabic, Mediterranean and Contemporary, ranging from four to eight bedrooms, the development raises the bar for luxurious living and is set to redefine suburban community living in the heart of Dubai, located just four minutes from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

Menon said with its range of facilities and community atmosphere the project is the perfect residential getaway in the heart of Dubai. "Our main focus, beyond timely delivery, is to employ best of breed construction methods and controls to handover the best quality villas in the market. In sum, the project promises to deliver a new, vibrant ‘green' heart for Dubai,” said Menon.

The state of the art 31,000 sq. ft. sales centre and model homes offers customers a glimpse into their future life surrounded by nature in the heart of Dubai. "This spectacular green heart for Dubai will also be one of the lowest-density residential environments in any major international city,” said Menon.

MBR City — District One will deliver a range of features and activities including parks, man-made lagoons as well as beaches, water sports and an 8.8km bicycle trail along with jogging tracks. The development will also feature a promenade with a wide selection of stores, restaurants, cafes, lively bistros and entertainment options.