Europe of the Middle East? Dubai developers bring European architecture - and weather - to The World islands

A new Dubai mega project on The World Islands will feature a complete European experience, from the architecture down to the weather.

Consisting of six islands, The Heart of Europe project will feature villas, houses and hotels showcasing the continent's style and boasts the world's “only outdoor climate controlled areas".

Lying about 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) off mainland Dubai in the Gulf, it will feature classic Italian, Spanish and German architecture as well as landscaped gardens and streets that in some cases will be lined with artificial snow, project developers Kleindienst said.

The company said they would use "state-of-the-art technology" including a 1.6 kilometre climate-control system that will pump the artificial winter air onto the development.

The project is expected to be completed by end of 2016 at a reported cost of over $800 million.

"This will be a truly unique vacation destination providing an authentic experience of some of Europe’s most charming and timeless features,” Josef Kleindienst, chief executive of Kleindienst Group, said. “The six stunning islands will offer leading hotels for families and wedding parties, landscaped gardens, climate-controlled plazas, street performers, snow and rain-lined streets and much, much more.”

The largest of the islands, Mainland Europe, is inspired by Austrian, Italian, Spanish, German and French architectural influences. The remaining islands will showcase Monaco, Sweden, Switzerland, as well as St Petersburg in Russia.

Kleindienst told the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) the project will be self-sustaining and not require access to the mainland Dubai grid. He expects 13,000 people will occupy the islands daily, either as guests, visitors or employees.

The land will be sold at AED 3,7000 ($1,000) per square foot, WSJ reported.

The Heart of Europe will be the first big project to go ahead on The World islands, which were completed six years ago.

(with input from Reuters)