Jumeirah Islands has a 23:77 water-to-land ratio, making it a one-of-a-kind real estate project.
The ratio is said to be the highest in the world for a project of this scale.
Nakheel announced yesterday that work on the lakes and canals was progressing on schedule.
It has already completed filling the artificial lakes with seawater that is pumped in from the Gulf, using highly advanced pumping and water circulation techniques.
The project is the first development in the world where man-made islands created in the desert are surrounded by seawater to form a natural beach-like environment.
The underground pipeline, the main source of water for the project comprising 46 clusters of islands spread across 300 hectares, pumps 400 litres of water per second.
Advanced technology ensures that fresh seawater is brought into the canals to control salinity. The canal water is flushed out by gravity back into the sea through a discharge chamber at the edge of the canal.
The extensive network of artificial lakes, canals and bridges is now ready, setting the stage for the full-scale development of the signature project. The landscaping in the common areas and around the villas is underway.
Sixty per cent of the construction work on villas is complete and the first of them will be ready for occupation next May.
"Being the first of its kind in the world, the Jumeirah Islands development had to be powered by technology that meets the particular needs and lifestyles of this pace-setting waterfront community," said Sultan Bin Sulayem, chairman of Nakheel.
"We have used the world's best expertise to ensure that this exclusive enclave offers an out-of-this-world experience to its residents, with a focus on waterfront living that replicates the ambience associated with natural seawater."
Nakheel has also announced the completion of the district cooling system at Jumeirah Islands.
