Palm in Dubai - How was the famous artificial island created?

How the artificial island in Dubai was created

Dubai has not always been known around the world for its bold architectural designs and modern landscape. It was His Highness Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid Al Maktum, Emir of Dubai and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, who decided to transform this image. The Sheikh wanted to transform Dubai into a tourist hub and expand its limited coastline. The construction of artificial islands in the UAE was to provide travellers with access to luxury flats with direct access to beaches and views of the waters of the Persian Gulf. Dubai wanted to keep tourists at home and become a holiday destination for several million people a year. Such was the creation of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deirah, or the Palm Islands. Today we'll be looking at the most famous of the Palm Islands - find out the most important information about Palm Jumeirah.

History of Palm Jumeirah

How are the artificial islands in Dubai created? The design of artificial islands involves piling the ground with sand and rocks and forming these components into solid ground. In Dubai, the authorities wanted modern symbols of luxury, so they decided to build the Palm Jumeirah. The palm-shaped island was first only in the minds of the designers, but in June 2001, Nakheel Properties proceeded with the idea.

You can see the idea of building a luxury artificial island in the shape of a palm tree every day and from your balcony. All you have to do is choose a holiday in Dubai and stay in one of the Dubai Marina flats from Two Continents. Book your accommodation in Dubai and enjoy the panoramic view of the Palm Jumeirah from your window during your holiday.

Palm Jumeirah: from concept to completion

The palm-shaped island was the idea and goal of Sheikh Muhammad ibn Rashid Al Maktoum. Developers in Dubai quickly moved from idea to realisation, starting construction of Palm Jumeirah in 2001. Why was a palm tree shape chosen for an island in Dubai? The island is shaped like a date palm, a symbol of Dubai that has been present in the city's culture and history for hundreds of years. The date palm is part of the identity of Dubai's desert and coastal people, so it has also become a symbol of the city's progress and development.

The construction of the Dubai Palm

What technologies were used to build the artificial island in Dubai? It is crucial to know how artificial islands in Dubai are built. Complex marine structural engineering was required to build the Palm in Dubai. Palm Jumeirah was created from 110 million m2 of sand dredged from a day in the Persian Gulf. The sand was first pulverised and then, using vibro-press technology, moulded into a shape predetermined by the designers. Stone breakwaters were also built to defend the palm tree from the erosive activity of the sea waves. The island is unable to maintain its shape permanently without help, so engineers fill in the sand deficiencies from time to time, leaving the perfect shape of the palm tree in perfect condition.

The tourist paradise and eighth wonder of the world was built from 2001 until 2008. In 2006, the first residential facilities on the island were completed. November 2008 saw the official opening of the project. The Palm Jumeirah cost $20 million to open, with the largest fireworks display in history, and the opening featured celebrity guests from around the world. The event was closed with a performance by Kylie Minogue.

The estimated cost of building the Palm Jumeirah was $10 billion. The construction of the island gave the city as much as 75 kilometres of coastline. Tourism on the Palm Jumeirah significantly influenced the number of visitors to Dubai in the following years and made the city famous worldwide. A well-developed transport system was established on the Palm, consisting of a wide selection of access roads to every point on the island and the Palm Monorail, which runs from the beginning to the end of the Palm, having its last stop at the Atlantis Hotel.

What did the construction of the Palm look like from an ecological perspective?

The construction of the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai is one of the world's greatest engineering achievements, and has transformed Dubai's landscape. The project required the precise placement of millions of tonnes of sand and rock, affecting the local marine ecosystem and water circulation. During construction, changes to the bottom sediments and temporary turbidity of the water were noted, affecting marine vegetation and organism life. To minimise the impact, the constructors introduced openings in the breakwater, allowing for better coastal water flow and improved water quality.

In addition, techniques were used to help reduce beach erosion and control sediment transport, which was inevitable with such a large project. The project has created new habitats for some marine species, as well as enhancing the region's tourism and economic development. Palm Jumeirah is an example of how advanced technology and planning make it possible to realise ambitious projects while taking care to reduce their environmental impact.

What tourist attractions does Palm Jumeirah offer?

The Palm in Dubai is not only a luxury island with opulent villas, but also a place with great tourist attractions. Palm Jumeirah attracts millions of visitors every year due to its tourist appeal. What attractions can you find on Palm Jumeirah?

• Atlantis Aquaventure water park - water fun lovers shouldn't miss this attraction. The largest water park in the Middle East, this is the place for the little ones but also the older ones to spend an amazing day of fun.
   
• The Viewpoint - Palm Jumeirah - looking for a good vantage point on the Palm? The terrace, located on the 52nd floor of the Palm Tower, will give you 360-degree views of the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the blue waters of the Gulf and the impressive city skyline.
   
• Lost Chambers Aquarium - The Lost Chambers Oceanarium is located in the famous Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah and is a unique place to admire the diversity of marine life.
   
• Skydive over Palm Jumeirah - Fancy a dose of adrenaline and bored with the standard views? Skydive and admire Palm Jumeirah from above, plummeting more than 200km/h from a plane.
   
• Balloon Flight at Atlantis Hotel - if skydiving is too much and the usual viewpoint is not enough, try The Dubai Balloon at Atlantis. This is a unique attraction, providing unusual and breathtaking views of the Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline.
   
• The Palm Monorail - This monorail is the means of transport around Palm Jumeirah, but not only. Do you want to get to the end of the artificial island, or do you want to enjoy the incredibly panoramic views from the windows of the monorail? Buy a ticket for the Palm Monorail and choose your mode of travel.

You can also admire Palm Jumeirah from the perspective of the water on a luxury yacht cruise around Dubai. A sightseeing cruise is the perfect way to admire Dubai and its most important sights. If you are interested in other attractions in Dubai, go in and book them on the Two Continents website and enjoy an unforgettable Dubai holiday.

What hotels are located on Palm Jumeirah? There are many luxury hotels on Palm Jumeirah that attract tourists from all over the world. The most famous is Atlantis The Palm, an iconic hotel located at the top of the island, offering luxurious rooms, the spectacular Aquaventure Waterpark and the underwater aquarium The Lost Chambers. Another famous property is the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, which impresses with its elegant design, private beach and exceptional restaurants. The Ottoman palace-inspiredJumeirah Zabeel Saray offers sumptuous interiors, a luxurious spa and fine dining, while Raffles The Palm Dubai stands out for its European style and top-notch service. The Palm is also home to FIVE Palm Jumeirah, known for its contemporary style, vibrant events and exceptional restaurants overlooking the Persian Gulf.

Interesting facts about the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai

The Palm Jumeirah is an engineering marvel, showing what a journey Dubai has gone through in the last hundred years. From a small fishing village to the most modern city in the world. Learn the most important interesting facts about the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai at a quick glance:

• The largest artificial island in the world - Palm Jumeirah is the largest and only completed island in the three Palm Islands plan. It was built with more than 110 million tonnes of sand dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf and 7 million tonnes of rock.
   
• Visible from space - Palm Jumeirah is so huge that it can be seen from space. Thanks to its unique palm tree shape, it has become one of the most recognisable landmarks on the world map and a symbol of Dubai's engineering genius.
   
• Home to luxury hotels and residences - Palm Jumeirah is home to luxury villas, flats and world-class hotels such as Atlantis The Palm and Atlantis The Royal. The island also offers private beaches, exclusive clubs and fascinating attractions for tourists.
   
• Precision construction technology - Palm Jumeirah was built using GPS technology and advanced engineering methods. The process required precise sand placement to maintain the island's ideal shape and ensure its stability against waves and currents.
   
• Eco-friendly solutions - Although the construction of the island affected the environment, the designers made improvements, such as openings in the breakwater, which improved water circulation. Additionally, the island has become a new habitat for some marine species, supporting the partial recovery of the local ecosystem.

Latest developments in Dubai

Dubai is a city of unstoppable growth and continuous progress. New developments continue to emerge in the city, attracting investors from around the world. Dubai's property market has never been so open to potential buyers. With Two Continents real estate agency, you can purchase your first property in Dubai. Experienced experts will introduce you to the realities of the local market, secondary market listings and the latest off-plan investments. The return on investment rate worldwide is the highest in Dubai, so the coming years are the best time to make an investment in Dubai Real Estate.

Questions and answers (FAQs)

• Who designed Palm Jumeirah?

  The designer of the Palm Jumeirah artificial island in Dubai was the US firm Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock (HHCP), while the contractor for the project was a Dubai-based company, Nakheel Properties.

• How long did it take to build the Palm in Dubai?

  The construction of the Palm Jumeirah Dubai took about eight years, from 2001 to the end of 2008. The official opening of Palm Jumeirah took place in November 2008. The event was one of the most expensive and lavish openings in the history of not only Dubai, but the world.

• Is Palm Jumeirah the largest artificial island in the world?

  According to many sources, Palm Jumeirah is the largest artificial island in the world. It has an area of approximately 5.6km². The current permanent resident population on the Palm in Dubai is approximately 25,000 (figures for 2022).