Dubai: Nakheel is bringing a new, gated master planned community of 1,000 villas to Dubai, as part of its leasing, hospitality and retail business expansion strategy, the company announced today.

Located in Dubai’s Nad Al Sheba district, 10 minutes’ drive from Burj Khalifa, the development comprises 900 three- to five-bedroom villas for lease and a separate resort-style complex of 100 high-end, serviced homes — all with private swimming pools.

Nakheel has signed a contract for Dh27 million with Dubai-based Arif and Bintoak Consulting Architects and Engineers for design and engineering services for the project, which has an estimated construction value of Dh2.5 billion. The construction tender will be released within three months, with a contract awarded by the end of 2014, the company said. The project is due for completion in 2016.