Part 4/9:
The construction and engineering marvel
Building on a 10-phase plan scheduled to span up to 25 years, the project has already made significant progress. The first phases involved massive dredging operations, excavating over 44 million cubic meters of sand to shape the lagoons and shorelines. Ultimately, more than 138 million cubic meters are expected to be moved—comparable to the initial construction of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah.
The process involves precision engineering: specialized cranes drop 15-ton weights to compact the sand in a grid pattern, ensuring stability for future construction. Over 3,000 workers have labored continuously to dredge, move earth, and shape waterways designed with computer models to facilitate water circulation vital for marine ecosystems.