Nothing illustrates ambitious engineering prowess better than Dubai's artificial islands.
A mark of the city's progress and beauty, these islands are growing places.
If you're curious about Dubai's islands, check out the article below.
Island in Dubai: article summary
Dubai Island: The beginning
When you think of artificial islands, Palm Jumeirah is usually the first that springs to mind. Palm Jumeirah is part of The Palm Islands, which includes the Palm Jebel Ali and the Deira Islands.
Developed by master builder Nakheel Properties, the first residential units at Palm Jumeirah were delivered in 2006. After that, the area enjoyed a meteoric rise as Dubai's entertainment and leisure center. The other two islands are still under construction.
But the Palm Islands are not the only artificial islands in Dubai. The World Islands (a group of islands in the shape of a world map) developed by Nakheel Properties and Bluewaters Island. also offer an unusual destination for tourists.
The creation of the Palm Islands
An ambitious project by Nakheel Properties, Palm Jumeirah was one of the most eagerly awaited real estate projects in the world at the time of its launch.
With its distinctive crescent, fronds and trunk, the palm-shaped island is one of those architectural developments in Dubai that can certainly leave you in awe! David Beckham and Shah Rukh Khan are just some of the celebrities who own homes in Palm Jumeiraha district known for its chic hotels, active nightlife and sumptuous restaurants.
Palm Jumeirah Island has now gained international recognition as one of Dubai's most sought-after residential and leisure destinations. It is also home to one of the region's most luxurious hotels: Atlantis, The Palm. The island even officially became the world's largest artificial island in 2007!
Another palm-shaped island under construction
Palm Jumeirah is not the only artificial island in Dubai that has raised expectations among residents. Once completed, Palm Jebel Ali will be 50 times larger than Palm Jumeirah!
The island will include a magnificent residential area with luxury villas, a water park, six marinas and more. The island's reclamation process has been completed, but no other development has yet taken place.
Once completed, Jebel Ali will feature a unique sprawling promenade sculpted in the shape of the words of a poem written by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
Dubai Island: the Third Palm Island project
While the original plan was to have three palm-shaped islands, Nakheel Properties has revised its idea for the islands Deira. This large-scale project will include a night souk which, in typical Dubai style, will have the honor of being the world's largest night market.
The Deira Islands will become a shopper's paradise with the opening of the endowed Deira shopping mall. a retractable-roof atrium. The mall will also feature over 1,000 stores and will serve as the centerpiece of the site.
What protects these islands?
The inland islands are protected by the 11 km-long crescent-shaped breakwater. This was originally the first section of the Palm to be built to combat seasonal north-westerly winds and strong sea currents.
Now you have to ask yourself what exactly keeps the sand from crumbling. What keeps the sand intact is a geotextile erosion control membrane forming the lowest layer of the breakwater.
This is topped by a layer of rock covered by two layers of large rocks weighing up to 6 tonnes each. Enough to withstand the ravages of time and marine erosion!
Dubai Island: A world map of islands
How about a 3D map of the world made up of little artificial islands? Sounds crazy, doesn't it? Well, it's a project launched by the famous Nakheel properties in 2003. Known as "The WorldThe project focuses on the construction of around 300 small islands in the shape of a world map. Although there were some initial setbacks, many of the islands have now been completed.
Bluewaters Island and the world's largest observation wheel
Bluewaters Island is another artificial island with an estimated net cost of AED 6 billion. Home to the biggest wheel Bluewaters Island is a project by Meraas Holdings. It opened its doors to the public in the second half of 2018.
This location is fast becoming a popular addition to Dubai's list of ultimate tourist destinations with over 200 hotels, apartment complexes, restaurants, retail stores and townhouses.
Now you know more about Dubai's artificial islands. When you're in town, I'd recommend and discover all the wonders they have to offer.
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