For years, Dubai has transformed from a dusty city and a small fishing village into a shining gem of the UAE. The city is recognized as a global trade hub, offering unparalleled opportunities in tourism, business, infrastructure, and real estate to both citizens and tourists.
Bluewaters Island is located 400 meters off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and near Dubai Marina. This project started in 2013 and was completed in November 2018.
The dredging work for the island was assigned to the Dutch company Van Oord by Meraas Holding. This is the same company that built Palm Jumeirah at an estimated cost of 6 billion dirhams.
The artificial Bluewaters Island includes recreational areas, residential spaces, beach clubs, retail shops, and attractions like the Madame Tussauds Museum in Dubai. It is expected that the island will attract over three million visitors annually.
One of the most attractive structures on Bluewaters Island is a 5-star resort named Banyan Tree Dubai, which reopened in November 2023. Bluewaters also has 200 retail stores and 10 residential buildings.
This artificial island is connected to Jumeirah Beach Residence via a bridge, allowing easy access by car or foot between the two parts of Dubai.
Dubai Islands
The Dubai Islands, previously known as Deira Islands, consist of four artificial islands along the Deira coastline. The project was initially called Palm Deira and was meant to be part of the Palm Islands, but development slowed down significantly after the 2008 financial crisis.
In 2004, the Emirati company Nakheel Properties launched Palm Deira as an 11-billion-dirham real estate project along the Deira coast, intended to house 800 villas.
The dredging work for the artificial island was also undertaken by the Dutch company Van Oord. By early October 2007, 20% of the island’s initial reclamation was completed, using 200 million cubic meters of sand.
However, in 2008, operations were halted due to the financial crisis. In October 2013, the project was renamed Deira Islands, and developments such as a night market, shopping centers, towers, and an island boulevard were added. In December 2016, the island was connected to the mainland by a bridge.
In 2022, the project was renamed once again to Dubai Islands, and over 80 hotels are expected to be built there. Currently, active hotels on the artificial island include the RIU Hotel, Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, and Park Regis Hotel.
If you are heading to Dubai on a tour and are interested in visiting the lesser-known artificial islands, make sure to add Deira Islands or Dubai Islands to your travel itinerary.
Dubai Maritime City
Dubai Maritime City is an artificial island recognized as the international hub for maritime trade in Dubai. It offers multiple services and a specialized environment for the maritime industry.
The island includes warehouses, workshops, ship repair yards, ship lifts, retail stores, and support exhibition spaces. Spread over 249 hectares, it has easy access to key areas of Dubai, including the Jumeirah Beach Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the international airport.
The aim of the artificial island is to create a dynamic community and reinforce Dubai's position as a leading maritime destination in the Middle East and the world. Dubai Maritime City is divided into five main areas and offers world-class infrastructure, services, and regulations.
Jumeirah Bay Island
Jumeirah Bay Island, built by Meraas Holding at a cost of 448 million dirhams, is an artificial island shaped like a seahorse, located on the Jumeirah Road.
Covering 6 million square feet, Jumeirah Bay Island offers an exclusive destination for tourists. With advanced facilities and stunning surroundings, it is an ideal spot for experiencing a luxury lifestyle with breathtaking sea views.
The island is home to the luxurious Bulgari Resort, which has 101 rooms and suites, 20 hotel villas, and a range of high-end amenities. It was designed by the Italian architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners.
The island also features a collection of low-rise buildings and villas with gardens and pools. It includes 165 residential units, 15 mansions, and 8 penthouses, all featuring a blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.
Other amenities include shared spaces such as pools, gardens, gyms, dining options, sports facilities, and a sailing club. To access the island, a 300-meter bridge is available.
Pearl Jumeirah
Pearl Jumeirah is another artificial island developed by Meraas at a cost of 44.9 million dirhams. Located between Al Diyafah Street and Al Safa Park in the Al Satwa Jumeirah area, it covers 8.3 million square feet.
One of the attractions of Pearl Jumeirah is the availability of residential properties, including villa plots, allowing you to build your own house to suit your preferences.
The island includes 7 excellent residential districts, retail centers, mosques, schools, a 2-kilometer promenade, and beach hotels. If you visit this island on a Dubai tour, you will have access to a variety of leisure and entertainment options.
Palm Jebel Ali
Construction of the artificial "Palm Jebel Ali" archipelago began in October 2002. Initially, the project was supposed to be completed by mid-2008, but it was put on hold for a long period.
In 2023, the project resumed and is currently under development. Palm Jebel Ali is 50% larger than Palm Jumeirah and will feature six marinas, a water park, and a seaside village.
In the seaside village, homes will be built on foundations in the water, and walkways will curve around the palm fronds.
Conclusion
The modern and magnificent artificial islands of Dubai are some of the UAE's greatest achievements. These islands boast luxury hotels, private villas, lush gardens, and dreamy beaches. If you’re seeking a unique experience, book your flight to Dubai and visit its artificial islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Dubai’s artificial islands constructed?
To build Dubai’s artificial islands, sand is dredged from the Persian Gulf, washed, and then sprayed by specialized ships.
Do artificial islands in Dubai harm the environment?
Environmental activists have raised serious concerns about the construction of Dubai's artificial islands. They believe that it disrupts the natural sea waves and harms marine life, such as shells and corals. Over time, this could lead to the pollution of the Persian Gulf waters and endanger the region’s ecosystem.
