Dubai Properties will soon begin work on the project, Kuhne saidin the statement. A large portion of the project will be bringingin canals from the Persian Gulf. "Instead of pouring sand into theGulf, we will bring the nourishing waters of the Gulf into a newdesert oasis," Kuhne said. A public relations official for theproject did not return a request for comment.

The development will be broken up into four areas called"Houses." The House of Humanity will have charitable organizationbuildings and museums, the House of Commerce will have towers andoffice blocks of banks and international institutions, the House ofWisdom will have universities, libraries and a mosque, and theHouse of Nature will have parks, gardens, hotels, healthcarefacilities and more college campuses, as well as a zoo. Residencesand shops will surround the canals and the different "House"areas.