In pictures: Spectacular coral reef opens for Dubai divers

August, 2013- Dubai, UAE - Provided photo of the coral reef just off the coast of The World islands development. Nakheel moved the reef to here in 2008 to protect it from being damaged by developments closer to shore. Now 5 years after the move the reef is flourishing. Courtesy Nakheel for Martin Croucher story in National section *** Local Caption *** DSC00773.JPG

"Our intent was never to open the corals up in the first couple of years after the move," said Brendan Jack, the head of sustainability and environment at World islands developer Nakheel.

"We wanted to make sure that everything had survived. We had to give things time to make sure they were established before the added pressure of having dive tours."

After five years, Mr Jack said, the coral had not only become established but flourished in its current location on the World breakwater.

The reef, which was moved from the Dubai Drydocks breakwater for its own protection, is now open to diving groups as an attraction.

A spectacular coral reef, thought to be the largest in Dubai, has been opened to the public five years after it was relocated to The World islands. for Martin Croucher story in National section *** Local Caption *** Nakheel coral relocation7.jpg

"Typically most divers will say there's relatively not as much to see on the Gulf side of the Arabian Peninsula as there is on the east coast," he said. "However, that might change. The guys who went out to have a trial dive were very impressed."