The Lagoons area would have covered an area of 70 million square feet (6.5 million square meters). Seven artificial 
islands, which would each have been linked to each other, were to consist of residential apartments, shopping malls, office buildings, five-star hotels, resorts, a museum, marinas, and Dubai’s first opera house.
The project’s cost was estimated to be around AED 80 billion (US$ 25 billion). It was being developed by the real estate firm Sama Dubai, and managed by Sama ECH. Groundbreaking and soil-testing began in 2008. But the project, originally scheduled for completion in stages between 2011 and 2012.
The seven districts
Al Dana the business heartland of Dubai. Al Dana would have been defined by the presence of blue chip businesses and executive style living.
Al Sedaifa was to be a high fashion district home to numerous clothing boutiques, jewelry stores and interior design firms.
Al Jiwin was to be the social hub of the lagoon.
Al Hassabi would have included a mixture of residential complexes and parklands with many waterways. Healthy living features such as walkways and cycling paths.
Al Naama was planned to be a ‘Health and Mind’ district with health clubs, gyms and spas as well as museums and art centers.
Al Lulu was to be an exclusive gated community with waterfront views of The Lagoon.