Dubai’s man-made islands – ‘The World’

Dubai, a shining exemplar of rapid prosperity, has transformed from a modest desert town to a global hub in less than a century. Yet, amid its opulence lies a reminder of past financial struggles: The World Islands. Just a half-century ago, Dubai was a small desert town. Today, it stands as a luxurious Middle Eastern gem, the capital of the Emirate of Dubai and the most populous city in the UAE. However, the ambitious project of The World Islands, an archipelago of artificial islands shaped like the world map, remains an incomplete testament to the challenges Dubai has faced.

The World Archipelago Unveiled: Stretching across the waters of the Persian Gulf, The World Islands comprise almost 300 small artificial islands, mirroring the global landmass arrangement. The archipelago is located approximately 4 kilometers off Dubai’s coast and covers more than 20 square miles. Orchestrated by Nakheel Properties, in collaboration with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, the development aimed to create a novel luxury haven. Notably, Dutch companies Van Oord and Boskalis, responsible for Palm Jumeirah, undertook the construction.

A Staggered Path to Reality: Initiated in September 2003, The World Islands project faced intermittent progress due to financial constraints and external challenges. Sand reclamation was the chosen method, with millions of cubic meters of sand dredged from the coast and sculpted using GPS technology. Despite the substantial progress by 2008, with over 60% of islands sold, the global financial crisis hit, disrupting the venture. Further problems arose, including sinking islands, legal disputes, and debt-related setbacks.

Financial Struggles and Environmental Concerns: The project encountered hurdles like the 2008 financial crisis, followed by plummeting oil prices in 2014, leading to investor withdrawal and halted works. Furthermore, allegations of sinking islands due to sand returning to the seabed and rising sea levels cast doubt on The World Islands’ feasibility. While Nakheel remains committed, potential environmental impacts and changing economic conditions cloud the islands’ future.

A Glimpse of Hope: Despite challenges, progress resurged in 2021 with the opening of a five-star resort on an island representing Argentina. However, the tourism industry’s recovery from the economic slump remains uncertain. The massive scale of the undertaking, coupled with environmental and logistical complexities, leaves The World Islands’ destiny uncertain, even after 17 years.

In Conclusion: Dubai’s meteoric rise has been an awe-inspiring journey, with The World Islands symbolizing both ambition and adversity. While the islands’ future hangs in the balance, Dubai’s indomitable spirit and ingenuity will determine the path ahead. Will this grand vision ultimately flourish or remain a captivating yet unfinished tale? Only time will reveal the fate of The World Islands in the dazzling landscape of Dubai’s evolution.