World Islands

The World Islands is an artificial archipelago located in the Persian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The project consists of around 300 small man-made islands arranged in the shape of a world map, representing various continents and countries.

The idea for The World Islands was conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, as a way to provide additional beachfront property to bolster Dubai's rapidly growing tourism industry. Construction began in 2003, using sand dredged from Dubai’s shallow coastal waters and millions of tons of rock to secure the islands. The engineering feat involved creating approximately 232 kilometers of new shoreline, with a protective breakwater around the islands to maintain their unique shapes.

Two Dutch companies, Van Oord and Boskalis, known for constructing Palm Jumeirah, were responsible for the project’s building work.

Despite promising early progress, development was severely impacted by the global financial crisis of 2008, causing work to halt and many islands to remain undeveloped. By 2008, 60% of the islands had been sold, but only a few were ever developed, including Lebanon Island, which was used for private events and public parties.

Over the years, there have been challenges such as erosion concerns and rumors of the islands sinking, which were disputed by developers. The project has experienced cycles of stagnation and revival, with renewed investment and interest in recent years. Notably, a revival effort began in the mid-2010s through the "Heart of Europe" project by the Kleindienst Group, which is developing several islands to offer luxury European-style resorts.

Set to be completed by 2026, this initiative aims to breathe new life into the archipelago, emphasizing exclusivity and luxury tourism. The World Islands remain one of Dubai’s most ambitious and visually striking developments, symbolizing both its innovative spirit and the challenges of large-scale artificial island construction.