The Dubai Palm Islands - Witness History As It's Made

Witness History As It's Made – The Dubai Palm Islands

Begun as a concept to expand the shorelines of Dubai, the Palm Islands have gone far beyond plans and expectations. Often loosely referred to as the eighth world wonder, the Dubai Palm Islands are three distinctively shaped man-made marvels, boasting high-end luxury living and commercial districts. Located along the Dubai coast in three separate locations, the islands are named Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira.

Each palm island stands true to its name, shaped like a date palm tree, which is a historically and culturally significant icon in the UAE. Complete with a trunk, crown and fronds, each island is different in size, but designed in similar style. Construction on Palm Jumeirah began in 2001, after an initiative by The Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, HRH Sheikh Mohammed. By 2006, most of the residential communities in Palm Jumeirah were completed and handed over to buyers.

Development on Palm Jebel Ali began in 2002, just a few months after Palm Jumeirah was launched. The two islands were in the original development plans, while Palm Deira was added much later, in 2005, because of the high property demand on the original two islands.

All three islands are developed for specific purposes, with Palm Jumeirah as a residential community, Palm Jebel Ali as a lifestyle and tourist destination and Palm Deira as a residential and commercial mixed-use project. The three islands are to increase Dubai's shoreline by an extra 520 kilometres.

The Palm Jumeirah is already occupied by residents, while Palm Jebel Ali is nearing completion at the moment. Palm Deira, the largest and most recent development, is still carrying on dredging works on most parts, although several bridges to the main land and infrastructural foundations have been completed. Developed by government-supported Dubai-based premier real estate developer, Nakheel Properties, the Dubai Palm Islands will be home to luxury hotels, freehold residences and commercial complexes, shopping malls, theme parks, beaches, recreational facilities, resorts and much more.