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The World (archipelago)

Coordinates: 25°13′00″N 55°10′00″E / 25.21667°N 55.16667°E / 25.21667; 55.16667
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The World Islands (Dubai)
View of the World in 2010
Geography
LocationUnited Arab Emirates
Coordinates25°13′00″N 55°10′00″E / 25.21667°N 55.16667°E / 25.21667; 55.16667
ArchipelagoThe World
Length9 km (5.6 mi)
Width6 km (3.7 mi)
Administration
United Arab Emirates
View of The World from Burj Khalifa
The development's logo

The World Islands (Arabic: جزر العالم; Juzur al-Ālam) are an archipelago of small artificial islands constructed in the shape of a world map, located in the waters of the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[1] The World Islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters and are one of several artificial island developments in the emirate.[1] The World's developer is Nakheel Properties, and the project was originally conceived by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. Construction was done by two Dutch joint-venture specialist companies, Van Oord and Boskalis. The same companies also created the Palm Jumeirah.

Construction of the 300 islands began in 2003, before being halted due to the financial crisis of 2007–2008.[2] Though 60% of the islands were sold to private contractors in 2008, development on most of the project has not started.[3] By July 2012, only one island, Lebanon, had developed an active commercial usage.[4] As of 2024, aside from Lebanon, the archipelago's commercial activities are mainly centered on the Heart of Europe and Clarence islands, where the archipelago's sole two hotels are located.[5]

Features[edit]

Islands in the project range from 1.4 to 4.2 hectares (3.5 to 10.4 acres) in area.[1] Distances between islands average 100 metres (110 yd); they are constructed from 321 million cubic metres of sand and 386 million tons of rock.[1] Designed by Creative Kingdom Dubai, the development is an area that covers 6 by 9 kilometres (3.2 by 4.9 nmi) and is surrounded by an oval-shaped breakwater island. Roughly 232 km (144 mi) of shoreline has been created. The World's overall development costs were estimated at $13 billion CAD in 2005.[citation needed]

The archipelago consists of seven sets of islands, representing the continents of Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Antarctica, and Oceania.[6] Each artificial island is named after its representative country, landmark, or region, such as France,[7] California,[8] Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest,[9] Australia,[10] New Mexico,[11] Upernavik,[12] Buenos Aires,[13] New York,[14] Mexico,[15] St. Petersburg,[16] São Paulo, and India.[17]

The World was supposed to be serviced by four major transportation hubs linked by waterways. Land parcels were supposedly zoned for various uses: estate, mid-density, high density, resorts, and commercial. The plan was for utilities to be routed underwater, with pumping stations at each of the hubs pumping fresh water to the islands. Power was to be supplied by the Dubai grid and distributed through underwater cables.[18]

A resort called Coral Island was planned to cover over 20 islands that make up the North American part of the World. The low-rise development will include a marina and hotel village.[19]

As of 2024, the archipelago has two operating hotels. The first is the 70-key Anantara World Islands Resort, which opened in December 2021.[20] The second is the 198-key voco Monaco Dubai, which originally opened as the Côte d'Azur Monaco Hotel in December 2022[21] before rebranding under the IHG brand in February 2024.[22] IHG has two further hotels (one an InterContinental, the other a Vignette Collection) in the pipeline for 2026,[23][24] while the UAE-based Zaya Group is slated to open a hotel in 2025.[5]

History[edit]

See also: List of Developments on The World Islands
The World 2010 (aerial view)
An island owned by seven-time Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher, given to him by the Crown Prince of Dubai at the time, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Taken from the International Space Station in 2010
Taken from the Hodoyoshi-1 satellite in 2016
Taken from the International Space Station in 2022
Undeveloped islands on 1 May 2007
Undeveloped islands on 11 April 2015
The World islands map, annotated with existing developments

The project was unveiled in May 2003 by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,[25] and dredging began four months later.[25] Initially slated to be completed by 2008, it was planned to have 200 islands and an area of 5,600,000 square metres (60,000,000 sq ft).[26] By February 2004, it was announced that the World would comprise 260 islands, and its area would be 6 km by 9 km, with an area of 23–83,613 square metres (250–900,000 sq ft) for each island, with 50–100 m (160–330 ft) of water between each island.[26] Land reclamation reportedly cost AED 7.3 billion ($2 billion).[26]

In April 2005, Investment Dar of Kuwait announced the purchase of 14 islands that make up Australia and Kuwait, with plans to develop it as a resort named OQYANA.[27] The same month, it was announced that sand dredging was 55 percent complete, and 88 islands had been completed.[26]

On 30 March 2006, Richard Branson appeared at a media conference on the World Islands' Great Britain island to announce direct London-to-Dubai flights by Virgin Atlantic.[28] The following October, seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher was presented with one of the islands by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the occasion of his final Grand Prix, in Brazil. Schumacher's manager, Willi Weber, suggested, "Perhaps he'll build a kart racing track on [the island]".[26] By the end of the year, the reclamation was 90 percent complete.[26]

In October 2007, Nakheel announced the sale of Ireland and Shanghai in October 2007.[26] Earlier in July, the Irish business consortium Larionovo announced plans to develop the Ireland island into an Irish-themed resort.[29] The plans included a large internal marina, apartments and villas, a gym, hotel, and an Irish-themed pub. In July 2007, it was announced that the island would feature a recreation of Northern Ireland's Giant's Causeway. However, on 25 November 2008, a provisional liquidator was appointed for Larionovo. As of October 2022, this has not happened.[30]

By January 2008, 60% of the islands were sold, with 20 being bought in the first four months of 2007.[1][25] On 10 January 2008, the final stone on the breakwater was laid, completing development of the archipelago.[25] The following month, Cinnovation Group acquired a 37,000-square-metre (400,000 sq ft) island as part of a project valued at $200 million USD. Guest and residential villas and a hospitality complex are planned.[31] Also in February, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre announced that it will establish a 6,000-square-metre (65,000 sq ft) pearling and marine entertainment center in association with Paspaley Pearling Corporation. It will be located on an island in the Antarctic region of the World.[32]

Multi-millionaire entrepreneur Safi Qurashi[33] and his business partner Mustafa Nagri paid an estimated US$64 million for the 4.5-hectare (11-acre) piece of land that makes up Great Britain island in March 2008. Two years later, Qurashi was convicted for non-payment of cheques and sentenced to seven years in jail.[34] However, on appeal, he was later found not guilty and released from prison in July 2012, when he was declared innocent of two of the three charges.[35][36]

In April 2008, Salya Corporation announced that it had acquired the islands of Finland and Brunei and planned to develop them into fashion-themed resorts. Salya spent about Dh800 million (US$218 million) to purchase the islands and plans to spend a further Dh2.4 billion (US$654 million) on development. Brunei Island will be turned into a Fashion TV resort and Finland Island into a fashion community called FTV palace. [37]

In September 2008, Dubai's Limitless announced plans to develop a $161 million USD wellness resort on an island in "Siberia". Pearl Dubai paid US$27.2 million for a 150,000-square-metre (1,600,000 sq ft) island nearby.[38] The following December, Nakheel said 70 percent of the World had been sold.[26] The announcement came as Turkey Island was bought by MNG Holding in June 2008 for US$19 million,[38] while China's Zhongzhou International also disclosed that it will be developing a hotel resort on Shanghai island.[38]

In October 2009, an Emirates Business report on 13 October 2009 stated that two islands were sold in July and August 2009.[26] On January 28, 2010, Emirates Business reported that Major Trade had started development of their projects on an island in the Greenland area, a villa and hotel resort.[26]

The Times reported in September 2009 that work on the World had been suspended due to the effects of the global financial crisis.[39][40] Nakheel denied 2010 reports that the islands were sinking into the sea as wholly inaccurate.[41] Despite the denial, The Daily Telegraph reported in January 2011 that an independent company, Penguin Marine, provided verification on the erosion of the islands and the silting of the passageways between the islands.[42] Due to financial and technical problems, Penguin Marine, contracted to provide transportation to the archipelago, attempted to get out of the annual fees of $1.6 million paid to Nakheel properties.[42]

In December 2009, Dubai-based Kleindienst Group said they would start construction of the Heart of Europe in early 2010, which will include Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Ukraine, Sweden, and Switzerland.[26] On 23 February 2010, they started work on the Germany island of the World.[43] By May 6, 2013, Nakheel announced that an out-of-court settlement had been reached between itself and Kleindienst Group, allowing construction on "The Heart of Europe" to resume.[44] The project was officially announced to the public in 2014.[45][46][47][48][49] It is meant to create a fully immersive European experience, with outdoor snow[50][51] and stores accepting only the Euro as a currency.[52] It was set to open in 2020 but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.[53]

On July 17, 2012, the Royal Island Beach Club opened on Lebanon Island, which was reportedly the only island that had been successfully developed commercially, being used for private corporate events and public parties,[4][2] with commercial or residential properties not being constructed on any of the other islands. At the time, property prices in the Emirates had fallen 58% from their peak in the fourth quarter of 2008.[54] However, the world economic recovery from the Great Recession eventually resulted in a rebound for the Dubai real estate market: it was reported that "residential prices [in Dubai] rose by 17.9% from August 2012 to 2013, while rents soared by 14.9% in the same period".[55]

On June 10, 2013, construction reportedly began on Taiwan island.[56] A few weeks later, Nakheel announced that settlements with São Paulo Development Ltd for São Paulo Island and a GCC investor for the purchase of Nord Island, totaling AED 185 million, along with the earlier settlement with Kleindienst Group (valued at AED 622 million), have "put The World back on the map".[57]

Although the islands were initially developed as a closed-off sanctuary with no roads connecting them with each other and the mainland to ensure privacy,[58] in December 2013, Nakheel announced plans to connect the islands with a road.[59] This was further followed up by an announcement in September 2023 that a bridge will connect the islands with Bur Dubai by 2026.[60]

As of February 2015, the archipelago's planned undersea cables had not been laid, and developers had to provide their own power using diesel generators. Wastewater and refuse systems were an individual concern for each island.[18]

In June 2020, a street called Raining Street was being built as part of the Heart of Europe project, with plans to create artificial rainfall once the outdoor temperature exceeds 27 degrees Celsius, with the objective to make a close copy of southern European climate.[61]

In December 2021, the archipelago welcomed its first hotel, Anantara World Islands Resort, which is managed by the Thailand-based Minor Hotels group. It is located on the Clarence island of the South American "continent".[20]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e "Dubai's Palm and World Islands – progress update". AMEInfo. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007. Retrieved 2 February 2008.
  2. ^ a b Spencer, Richard (28 January 2011). "'The World' is sinking". Stuff.
  3. ^ Schaffer, Sierra (23 May 2016). "The "World" Is Sinking Back Into the Sea, Dubai's World Islands That Is – TechMalak". TechMalak. Archived from the original on 24 May 2016.
  4. ^ a b Simpson, Colin (9 May 2013). "The World is back on Dubai's map". The National News.
  5. ^ a b "Check out the out-of-this-world plans for Dubai's new private island resort". What's On. 31 January 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  6. ^ "The World Islands". Atlas Obscura. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 8 July 2018.
  7. ^ 186483481 France on OpenStreetMap 25°13′24″N 55°09′34″E / 25.22334°N 55.15937°E / 25.22334; 55.15937 (France)
  8. ^ 2713321 (x a j h) California on OpenStreetMap 25°12′11″N 55°08′38″E / 25.20300°N 55.14376°E / 25.20300; 55.14376 (California)
  9. ^ 87185503 Mount Everest on OpenStreetMap 25°14′13″N 55°10′31″E / 25.23683°N 55.17535°E / 25.23683; 55.17535 (Mount Everest)
  10. ^ 87185938 Australia on OpenStreetMap 25°13′53″N 55°11′40″E / 25.23149°N 55.19435°E / 25.23149; 55.19435 (Australia)
  11. ^ 8402261 (x a j h) New Mexico on OpenStreetMap 25°12′05″N 55°09′06″E / 25.201379°N 55.151797°E / 25.201379; 55.151797 (New Mexico)
  12. ^ 87184344 Upernavik on OpenStreetMap 25°13′17″N 55°08′22″E / 25.22142°N 55.13939°E / 25.22142; 55.13939 (Upernavik)
  13. ^ 202033673 Buenos Aires on OpenStreetMap 25°12′04″N 55°10′10″E / 25.20106°N 55.1695°E / 25.20106; 55.1695 (Buenos Aires)
  14. ^ 87184265 New York on OpenStreetMap 25°12′51″N 55°09′04″E / 25.21421°N 55.15101°E / 25.21421; 55.15101 (New York)
  15. ^ 8402263 (x a j h) Mexico on OpenStreetMap 25°12′07″N 55°09′16″E / 25.201824°N 55.154394°E / 25.201824; 55.154394 (Mexico)
  16. ^ 200489433 St. Petersburg on OpenStreetMap 25°14′05″N 55°09′53″E / 25.23475°N 55.16479°E / 25.23475; 55.16479 (St. Petersburg)
  17. ^ 170773643 India on OpenStreetMap 25°13′52″N 55°10′47″E / 25.23110°N 55.1796°E / 25.23110; 55.1796 (India)
  18. ^ a b Nakheel. "The World Video Gallery". Archived from the original on 22 June 2008.
  19. ^ "Nakheel unveils super-luxury resort at Coral Island of The World". National Media Council UAE. 5 March 2007. Archived from the original on 26 April 2008. Retrieved 26 March 2008.
  20. ^ a b "Dubai's luxury island where every room opens onto a private beach". CNN. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 3 July 2024.
  21. ^ "Heart of Europe's first hotel opens for bookings 13 years after being unveiled". Hotelier Middle East. 30 November 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  22. ^ "A new hotel is coming to World Islands at Heart of Europe". Time Out Dubai. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  23. ^ "Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai". Hospitality Net. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  24. ^ "InterContinental Resort Portofino". Hospitality Net. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  25. ^ a b c d "The World islands in Dubai complete". ArabianBusiness.com. 10 January 2008. Archived from the original on 11 January 2008. Retrieved 2 February 2008.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Dubai FAQs. "The World Dubai". Dubaifaqs.com. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  27. ^ "Nakheel sells Australasia segment of The World". AsiaTravelTips.com. 13 April 2005. Retrieved 29 December 2006.
  28. ^ smh (30 March 2006). "Sir Richard Branson 'Stakes his Claim' on The World in Dubai". Asiatraveltips.com. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  29. ^ "The Island of Ireland". Retrieved 23 July 2007.
  30. ^ "Larionovo".
  31. ^ "Cinnovation acquires Nova Island on The World (UAE/SG)". Europe-re.com. 1 June 2010. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  32. ^ "Dubai unveils 'Pearls of Arabia' at The World | DMCC". AMEinfo.com. 20 June 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  33. ^ Leftly, Mark. Anger over pay is just the free market in action, The Independent 10 June 2012
  34. ^ Syal, Rajeev (23 July 2010). "Owner of Dubai's 'little Britain' jailed for non-payment of cheques". The Guardian. London.
  35. ^ McGinley, Shane (23 July 2012). "Exclusive: Two Safi Qurashi judgements quashed". Arabian Business. Dubai.
  36. ^ Hyslop, Leah (24 July 2012). "Briton Safi Qurashi has convictions overturned in Dubai". The Telegraph. London.
  37. ^ "World's Finland and Brunei to be hub of fashion". Emirates Business 24/7. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 April 2008.
  38. ^ a b c "'The World' three-quarters sold out – The National". Thenational.ae. 6 June 2012. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  39. ^ McLean, James (12 September 2009). "Credit crunch signals end of The World for Dubai's multi-billion dollar property deal". The Times.
  40. ^ Hari, Johann (7 April 2009). "The dark side of Dubai". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 May 2022.
  41. ^ Shane McGinley (4 February 2010). "Island owners hit back at 'sinking' claims". Arabian Business. Archived from the original on 6 February 2010.
  42. ^ a b Spencer, Richard (20 January 2011). "The World is sinking: Dubai islands 'falling into the sea'". The Daily Telegraph.
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  44. ^ "The World LLC settles with Kleindienst Properties". Nakheel PJSC. 6 May 2013. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  45. ^ "The Heart of Europe". Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  46. ^ "JK Properties Newsletter (February 2014), "The Construction of the Heart of Europe Islands is Now Well Underway"". JK Properties. February 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  47. ^ "JK Properties Monthly Newsletter (January 2014), "Kleindienst Group launches iconic The Heart of Europe project"". JK Properties. January 2014. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  48. ^ "Phase two of The Heart of Europe project launched". Khaleej Times. 17 December 2014.
  49. ^ "Work continues to progress at a pace on the heart of Europe". JK Properties. February 2014. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  50. ^ "Heart of Europe in Dubai: Streets with snow". Emirates 24/7. 20 January 2014. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  51. ^ Fahy, Michael (7 December 2016). "Heart of Europe development at The World Islands off Dubai coast takes major step forward | The National". The National.
  52. ^ "Video: Plans to make it snow in Dubai are not a gimmick, says CEO". 7Days. Archived from the original on 14 August 2015. Retrieved 14 February 2016.
  53. ^ "Dubai's The World islands: inside the first 'country' set to open at The Heart of Europe". The National. 14 August 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2019.
  54. ^ "The End of The World". Kompas.com. Archived from the original on 24 January 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2012.
  55. ^ "JK Properties Monthly Newsletter (Nov. 2013) "A bright Outlook for Dubai's property Market"". JK Properties. November 2013. Archived from the original on 14 March 2014. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  56. ^ System Administrator (10 June 2013). "Dubai's The World: Construction on Taiwan begins post-Ramadan". Emirates 24-7. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  57. ^ "Settlements worth AED807 million put The World back on the map". Nakheel PJSC. 2 July 2013. Archived from the original on 3 November 2013. Retrieved 14 March 2014.
  58. ^ "No roads will link World islands to ensure privacy". Edge Middle East. 23 April 2004. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  59. ^ "Road could be built to man-made World development". Archived from the original on 6 January 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  60. ^ "New 1.4km bridge to connect Bur Dubai with Dubai Islands". Gulf News. 13 September 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  61. ^ "Dubai to construct 'Raining Street' where it pours down all year round". The National. 23 June 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.

External links[edit]

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