Dubai has long been a hub for real estate development, with some of Dubai’s most innovative building projects, including the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest free-standing building), the Museum of the Future, and the Dubai Mall. Equally fascinating are the city’s artificial islands, all in various stages of development: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Islands, Palm Jebel Ali, World Islands, and Blue Water Islands.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (and ruler of Dubai), is the mastermind behind these mega projects, which aim to boost tourism and expand Dubai’s coastline.
The islands were built through land reclamation, a process that involves dredging sand from the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Gulf seafloor. The sand is then sandblasted and “vibrated” with GPS technology to achieve a precise shape and protected with millions of tons of rock around it.
The process is labor-intensive and costly, so many of Dubai’s artificial islands still need to be finished. Here’s everything you need to know about the status of each project.
Palm Islands: Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali
Palm Jumeirah is probably the best-known of these and is shaped like a palm tree. It consists of a tree trunk and 17 leaves and is surrounded by a crescent-shaped island nearly seven miles long. Real estate development company Nakheel Properties launched the project in 2001, and today, it is home to many of Dubai’s most luxurious residences and hotels, including Atlantis and The Palm.
Visitors can drive to Palm Jumeirah from mainland Dubai through the underwater tunnel that connects the very top to the Crescent or take public transport such as the Palm Monorail. Highlights include visiting the Palm Tower, which houses the St. Regis Dubai, the Island of the Palm, and the observation deck on the 52nd floor. The tower connects to the Nakheel Shopping Centre, where you will find more than 300 shops, restaurants, and attractions. To appreciate the island’s shape from a distance, there’s no need to settle for Google Earth’s view: Thrill-seekers can take a skydiving trip to free-fall at 120 miles per hour and admire this handiwork.
Construction of the second Palm Island, Palm Jebel Ali, began in 2002 and is still underway. Nakheel has assured reporters that Jebel Ali is not canceled but is a “long-term project.” If built, the island would be more significant than Palm Jumeirah and feature beachfront villas, marinas, expansive boardwalks, and beaches that would contribute to Dubai’s lofty goal of having 65 miles of sandy coast by 2040.
Islands of Dubai
The concept for the Dubai Islands (formerly known as the Deira Islands) has been in the works since 2004 when Nakheel set out to build a third – and even more significant – Palm Island. Over the years, the project has encountered its fair share of hurdles. Still, in 2022, Nakheel unveiled a new vision for the islands, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 City Master Plan.
When completed, the artificial archipelago along the city’s northern coast will span over 4,000 acres across five islands and include resorts, cultural centers, golf courses, beach clubs, and more. Some properties have already opened, including the family-friendly Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, which has a children’s water park. Want a glimpse of the island’s retail offerings? Take a boat ride from the mainland to Souk Al Marfa, a wholesale market with over 400 shops and kiosks offering everything from handicrafts to traditional street food.
World archipelago
Nakheel’s other project, the World Archipelago, started in 2003 and consists of 260 small islands that look like a world map. In 2008, the world’s development stalled due to the financial crisis, and by 2013, only a few islands continued to develop.
Over the years, some stakeholders have claimed that the islands are being eroded back into the sea, further hindering construction. Despite these issues, developer Kleindienst Group brought The World back to life with The launch of The Heart of Europe in 2014. Due for completion in 2026, the project comprises six islands (Germany, Sweden, Honeymoon Island, Continental Europe, Floating Lido Island, and Switzerland), each offering a (very high-end) slice of European living.
For now, visitors can stay at the first hotel, the Cote d ‘Azur Monaco, which opened in 2022 on the continental island. It has a French Riviera-style beach, live entertainment, and a climate-controlled street with sprinklers that spray artificial rain and snow. All are conveniently located just a 15-minute boat ride from Palm Island.
Lanshui Island
Competing with Nakba is Meraas Holdings, whose Blue Water Island project opened in 2018 after five years of construction. Its centerpiece is Ain Dubai, the world’s most giant observation wheel, which stands 820 feet tall. However, the record-breaking attraction closed in 2022 and has yet to reopen. Despite this, Bluewater still attracts tourists, with around 200 retail and dining venues, beach clubs, and attractions such as Madame Tussauds Dubai. The best part? You can easily reach the island by car or on foot via the footbridge that connects Jumeirah Beach residences.
Burj Al Arab
Did you know that one of Dubai’s most iconic luxury hotels is on its artificial island? The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands 1,053 feet tall (just a few hundred feet short of the Empire State Building) and is supported by 250 underwater columns held together by sand. The project was completed in 1999 after five years of construction, two of which were used to form the island. Today, Burj Al Arab offers guests a private beach, a helipad that can be converted into a tennis court or golf driving range for special events, and an outdoor terrace that juts out over the sea.
