Dubai, the largest city in the United Arab Emirates, spans approximately 4,000 square kilometers. Despite a population of around 2 million, Dubai stands as a global hub and one of the most significant ports worldwide. It boasts the highest economic growth rate in the Asia-Pacific region, second only to India.
Dubai’s wealth is evident in its construction of some of the world’s most extraordinary buildings. Over the past two decades, Dubai has mesmerized the world with its ambitious mega-projects. One of the most iconic of these is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet. Soaring 828 meters (141 floors) into the sky, the Burj Khalifa cost a staggering $1.5 billion and took 15 years to complete. Another landmark, the Burj Al Arab, is a ship-shaped hotel that has become a symbol of Dubai. Standing at 321 meters, it is the fourth tallest hotel in the world and is situated on a private reclaimed island nearly 300 meters off the coast of Jumeirah.
The World: A Vision of Artificial Islands
Dubai’s artificial island projects have captured global attention, particularly the ambitious project known as The World. Located about 4 kilometers off the coast of Dubai, The World is a collection of 260 artificial islands designed to resemble a world map, with each island representing different continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America.
Valued at billions of dollars, The World aims to attract visitors by offering unique experiences of different cultures in one place. The vision includes private sector development of facilities such as hotels, restaurants, resorts, private mansions, and shopping malls.
The Birth and Challenges of The World
The World project, initiated in 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, followed the success of his first artificial island project, Palm Jumeirah. The Palm Islands, covering 25 square kilometers, are surrounded by 11 kilometers of rock-filled embankments shaped like giant palm trees. This massive endeavor added 78 kilometers to Dubai’s coastline and features luxurious amenities, including 1,400 beach villas, 2,500 luxury apartments, a yacht marina, dozens of hotels, and even a ski dome with artificial snow. The project includes three islands: Palm Jumeirah, Palm Deira, and Palm Jebel Ali, with Palm Jumeirah being the only completed island, costing $3 billion.
Despite its grand vision, The World has faced significant challenges. Created using 321 million cubic meters of sand dredged from the Persian Gulf, the project drew criticism from conservationists for damaging coral reefs. In response, Nakheel, the developer, hired marine biologists to restore the reefs.
When the island reclamation and seawall construction were completed in 2008, 70% of The World was sold to real estate investors. However, the 2007 financial crisis hit Dubai hard, halting development plans and causing real estate prices to plummet. Abu Dhabi’s $10 billion investment in 2009 provided temporary relief, but much of The World remains undeveloped.
Present and Future Prospects
To generate interest and funds, The World built a “model home” on the island, gifting it to seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher. Currently, few facilities exist on the islands, such as The Royal Island Beach Club Resort on Lebanon Island and Anantara World Islands Resort, Villas and Spa, catering to the wealthy.
Most of the islands remain empty sand, disconnected from Dubai, unlike the Palm Islands, which are linked to Dubai Beach. Access to The World is limited to ferries from the Palm Islands, complicating construction and the provision of utilities.
Despite its uncertain fate, future projects like The Heart of Europe offer hope. This $5 billion development aims to bring luxury hotels, private mansions, floating villas, and more to the European-themed islands of The World. One of the highlights is Raining Street, a road with artificial rain to cool down tourists during hot weather.
Dubai’s ambitious artificial islands project continues to evolve, promising to reshape the city’s landscape and offer unparalleled experiences to visitors from around the globe.
