Development of The Palm, Jebel Ali the second of Dubai's three man-made Palm islands is on schedule with 60 per cent of land reclamation complete and six million tonnes of rock already placed.

This satellite image of The Palm shows the project is now emerging from the water

Each day, 700 trucks transport more than 30,000 tonnes of rock around the clock from around the UAE to the construction site.

Simultaneously, five trailing hopper suction dredgers and one cutter dredger collect and discharge sand to build the islands.

The manpower involved in the project includes a 250-strong team of professional engineers, surveyors, machine operators, seamen, divers and construction workers.

"More than 80 million out of an immense 140 million cubic metres of land has already been reclaimed; it's an amazing achievement and puts The Palm, Jebel Ali well on course to completion," said Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, executive chairman of Nakheel.

The company's other projects include The Palm, Deira, The World, The Jumeriah Islands, International City, Ibn Battuta Mall and Discovery Gardens.

The Breakwater and Crescent are now visible above sea level, with the remaining reclamation to be completed by the last quarter of 2005.

Eight fronds have also been reclaimed on the western half of the project, with fronds on the eastern side to follow in rapid succession.

The half-moon extension, known as the Crescent's Headland, is also complete.

Situated at the centre of the 16 kilometre Crescent, the headland extends out into the Arabian Gulf adding a further 15 per cent of land to The Palm, Jebel Ali.

The enhancement will improve the overall land and water interface, while creating a natural beachfront.

"The master plan has recently been developed to include the newly completed headland at the centre of The Crescent. This will become a hub for business exuding dynamism and energy, while at the same time offering a retreat of discovery, fun, and activity an enchanting place where residents will be able to experience the wonders of island living," Bin Sulayem said.

"Our accomplishments with The Palm, Jumeirah have taught us some invaluable lessons and enabled us to move forward with great speed and efficiency during reclamation for The Palm, Jebel Ali," Bin Sulayem said.