Keeping informed about the Dubai World Islands
The Dubai World Islands project faced the risk of becoming a monumental failure, yet it has shown promising signs of life in recent years despite a whirlwind of speculation since its inception.
Originally, Lebanon Island was the only island to see development, but Anantara Island has recently joined the lineup. This presents an exciting chance to explore parts of the World Islands alongside Lebanon Island and sections of the Heart of Europe. These new endeavors have sparked renewed interest in the coastal destination, hinting that the World Islands might still become a reality.
What exactly are the Dubai World Islands?
The Dubai World Islands consist of a series of smaller islands designed to create a miniature global experience, with each island named after a corresponding country. When the project was unveiled in 2003, the rush from elites to own a piece made it seem like the Dubai World Islands would soon become a sensation.
However, the financial crisis of 2008 halted project development, leading to mixed reports about its revival, but little has materialized since then.
A Brief History of the Dubai World Islands
The vision for the Dubai World Islands was originally conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's ruler, with Nakheel Projects taking the lead as the developer. Construction, overseen by Van Oord and Boskalis—the same team behind The Palm Jumeirah—began in 2003 but was halted in 2008 due to a financial crisis.
At the point of the project's suspension, only Lebanon Island had been fully developed. Since then, another resort has emerged, belonging to Anantara and located on the South American island.
Are there ongoing developments?
So far, only two projects have been completed on the World Islands, with one still underway. Lebanon Island was the sole island completed when the project was put on hold in 2008, featuring a swimming pool, beach club, restaurants, and sandy shores. One of the most promising developments is the recent Anantara resort in the South America area of the World Islands.
The Anantara resort consists of 70 rooms, including beach villas, pool villas, and suites, all boasting outdoor spaces like decks, terraces, or private balconies. The resort is equipped with various high-end amenities, including an open-air cinema, Thailand-inspired spas, a floating lounge, and a diverse array of dining options throughout the property.
Anantara is currently the only resort open for overnight stays on the archipelago, making it a highly desirable location known for its seclusion, privacy, and stunning views of Dubai's mainland.
Can visitors explore the Dubai World Islands?
Currently, two islands are open for exploration. Lebanon Island, the first to be completed, offers day trips that depart daily from Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, running from 10:00 to 18:00. Visitors to Lebanon Island can enjoy two beautiful beaches, a beach volleyball court, a swimming pool, and one of Dubai's trendiest dining venues. Evening access is available from 18:00 to 23:00, but it's limited to adults.
Take the opportunity to sunbathe on one of the two beaches, savor dishes from the beach cafes and shacks, or try thrilling water sports like parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boating. Additionally, boat tours are available, offering scenic views of the other undeveloped islands.
Another developed resort, Anantara, is situated on the South American island and is the only place in the Dubai World Islands that offers overnight accommodations. You can also catch a boat from Jumeirah throughout the day. This unique destination provides stunning skyline views of Dubai's mainland, allowing you to fully relax and embrace the island lifestyle, complete with complimentary high-speed WiFi, exclusive access to a private beach, a swimming pool, and the chance to learn cocktail mixing from a local mixologist.
Anantara offers several unique experiences, including culinary adventures. You can hone your skills with a guided masterclass focused on preparing authentic regional dishes, exploring ways to enhance flavors by blending spices and acquiring techniques to bring home. The cinema under the stars features an open-air theater where you can unwind on comfortable bean bags with loved ones, enjoying the ocean and starry sky as your backdrop. A cinema ticket includes popcorn, a gourmet snack, and a drink of your choice.
Watch also: The best things to do in Dubai
Are any of the islands still available for purchase?
What makes the World Islands distinctive?
Is the project facing challenges?
In 2010, Penguin Marine, a marine company, raised concerns that the Dubai World Islands were sinking, based on safety measurements taken at the time. Photographs from the International Space Station indicated that the islands appeared to be diminishing due to the rising waters of the Persian Gulf. However, Nakheel, the project developer, refuted these claims and successfully prevented Penguin Marine from terminating their contract after winning a court case. Additionally, NASA reported that The Palm Jumeirah, another artificial island along the Dubai coast, was also experiencing gradual sinking due to the rising Gulf waters.
Has the World Islands project been a failure?
For nearly a decade, the Dubai World Islands project was largely forgotten, with only Lebanon Island remaining accessible to visitors. However, in December 2021, another resort opened, now the sole provider of overnight accommodations on the World Islands. Anantara World Islands Resort features 70 rooms, suites, and villas. The Heart of Europe is anticipated to be fully developed by 2023, barring any additional delays. While it might not be deemed a resounding success, it is also not a complete failure; over 70% of the islands have been sold, leaving the potential for further development in a precarious state.
What’s the best way to visit the World Islands in Dubai?
Besides viewing the islands from an airplane, helicopter, or hot air balloon, there are only two islands open for visits. You can purchase a day pass for Lebanon Island online and join a tour that organizes transportation for you. These tours typically depart from The Palm Jumeirah and include hotel pickup, boat transfers, access to sunbeds on the island's beaches, and lunch. For Anantara, transport will be arranged at the time of booking, involving a boat transfer from The Palm Jumeirah.
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