Dubai's man-made islands

Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
In 2003, Nakheel properties a real-estate group based in Dubai, tried to create one of the biggest engineering marvels of the 21st century, “The World Islands”.

This grand meticulous network of about 300 artificial man-made islands took off, promising a unique, luxury and lavish lifestyle. This project quickly captured the world’s attention.

However over the years, this project is an example of GRAND AMBITIONS facing harsh realities. Here’s what went wrong with Dubai’s ambitious project.👇

The project was simple yet meticulous: to create a tiny version of the world off the coast of Dubai. Each island would be sold to private groups which would then renovate the islands with commercial properties, resorts, villas and so on.

But then came the global FINANCIAL CRISIS in 2008, which crushed their plans. Funding dried up and groups investors withdrew their support and the project became a waste, which halted development of most islands.

Currently, only a handful lot of islands have been developed, most successful being the Lebanon island which hosts a beach site and some resorts.

While the project has not really lived up to its promise, it continues to attract attention from investors even today, with some islands being rebuilt into tourists attractions and resorts coming up.

As of today, the Nakheel Group is creating a resort Coral Island, covering over 20 islands. Another resort called the OQYANA is coming up by the Investment Dar of Kuwait.

Josef Kleindienst and his firm JK Properties are developing the Heart of Europe, a collection of seven islands, into another resort. It is meant to create a fully immersive European experience, with Euro as the only currency. It was set to open in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This project is still stands as a remarkable feat of engineering, perhaps they will one day become an eco-resort, a research center, or simply a unique spot to explore. This hasn’t stopped the country from envisioning further possible projects like the Universe and the Dubai Waterfront which could be even more amazing! ✨