Despite losing eight out of her first 48 sales as a result of the global credit crisis, the developer behind the ultra-exclusive Nurai island project is pushing ahead to deliver all the homes by the end of 2010.

The 3 million square feet island, which is located about 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi just off the tip of Saadiyat Island, will also boast a 45-room boutique hotel, Nurai Retreats, as well as a spa, two restaurants and a nightspot modelled on a famed club in Ibiza called Café del Mar.

Nadia Zaal, chief executive and co-founder of Zaya, says that she is confident she will sell the remaining 37 homes because luxury home buyers are not as affected by the downturn in the economy as others in the market.

The National