The World Islands: The Grand Revival

What is The World Islands?

The World Islands, a remarkable archipelago by Nakheel Properties, is one of Dubai’s most ambitious projects. Spanning an area of approximately 5.4 miles across, The World Islands comprise a collection of 300 man-made islands, each ranging from 250,000 to 900,000 square feet. 

The journey of The World Islands has been marked by periods of both progress and stagnation. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, The World Islands project is now experiencing a resurgence, bringing new aspirations and developments to this unique maritime endeavor. Today, we'll explore the revitalization of this extraordinary project and its renewed potential.

Content:

• The Idea Behind The World Islands
• Constructing The World Islands
• Overcoming Challenges
• Environmental Concerns and Safeguards
• The Future of The World Islands: The Heart of Europe
• Real Estate on The World Islands

 The Idea Behind The World Islands

The concept of The World Islands was born from Dubai's growing need for additional beachfront property to support its flourishing tourism industry. Initially, the idea of the project was created by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, but further developed by Nakheel Properties.

Designed as a miniature replica of the world, the island aimed to represent various continents of the globe, with clusters arranged to evoke symbolic outlines of Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Antarctica, and Oceania. The goal was to establish a unique collection of private retreats, luxury resorts, and residential properties, with each island crafted by individual investors and developers, bringing their unique touch to a respective "country" within The World.

The islands are encircled by a 27-kilometer breakwater to protect them from long and cross-shore waves. Additionally, it is essential for maintaining the distinct shapes of each landmass on the archipelago. The careful placement and shaping of these islands create a stunning aerial view, where one can see a ‘map of the world’ rising from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, making it one of the most visually striking and ambitious projects ever undertaken in Dubai.

Constructing The World Islands

The project was officially unveiled in May 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Four months later, dredging operations commenced, marking the beginning of one of the most remarkable engineering feats in modern history. Van Oord and Boskalis, the companies behind The Palm Jumeirah, also handled the construction of these artificial islands.

The islands were created by taking sand from the Arabian Gulf and moving it to the planned locations. To secure the stability and durability of the islands, several million tons of rocks were used to secure the sand in place. In total, the construction involved 321 million cubic meters of sand and 386 million tons of rock, resulting in approximately 232 kilometers of new shoreline. Moreover, the process included the installation of underwater pipelines and electrical conduits, ensuring that each island would have the necessary infrastructure to support residential and commercial developments.

The plan for The World likewise included four major transportation hubs connected by waterways, allowing easy access across the islands. The land parcels were zoned for different uses, including estate, mid-density, high-density, resorts, and commercial purposes. Essential utilities, such as fresh water, were designed to be routed underwater, with pumping stations at each hub to distribute water to the islands.

Overcoming Challenges

Initially launched with great enthusiasm, the project aimed to transform Dubai's coastline into a collection of 300 artificial islands. However, the development faced a significant setback during the 2008 financial crisis, which severely impacted Dubai's economy, particularly its real estate sector: factors such as oversupply and speculation led to a dramatic decrease in demand for property. The financial downturn, therefore, saw work grind to a standstill, and by 2013, only a few islands had continued development, with many left abandoned. In the first three months of 2009, Dubai's property prices plummeted by 40%. As the real estate bubble burst, many investors couldn’t repay their loans, leading to defaults and foreclosures.

Another issue was the lack of investment and resources. Developers struggled to proceed with construction due to the absence of essential infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and building materials. The market crash had dried up funding, and the economic instability made it difficult for developers to sustain the ambitious project. 

Amidst these challenges, rumors began circulating that the islands were eroding back into the ocean, further stalling any potential progress. This speculation added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of The World Islands, with some stakeholders expressing concern over the viability of the project.

Environmental Concerns and Safeguards

The World Islands has been a remarkable feat of engineering, but it has also raised significant ecological concerns. In particular, Richard Wilmot-Smith QC, representing Penguin Marine, claimed that the islands were "gradually falling back into the sea" due to erosion and deterioration. He argued that channels between the islands were filling in, threatening the stability of the entire project. 

Nakheel disputed these claims, stating that their monitoring over the past three years showed no significant erosion requiring sand nourishment. Despite Nakheel’s reassurances, doubts have persisted among investors, particularly following the sharp decline in Dubai's property market. 

The construction of The World Islands involved more than just dredging and rock placement; it included the creation of an oval-shaped breakwater designed to protect against sea erosion and support ecological balance by fostering marine life. This focus on sustainability and environmental conservation is critical for the project's long-term success.

Adding to the security and ecological management, Dubai World Security is responsible for providing round-the-clock marine security for The World Islands. Their role is vital in maintaining the safety and integrity of this ambitious development, ensuring that both ecological and security concerns are continuously addressed.

The Future of The World: The Heart of Europe

Despite the challenges, The World Islands project is poised for a remarkable comeback, driven by renewed interest and significant investment. New investors and developers have stepped forward with fresh ideas and substantial funding to revive the ambitious project. 

It took nearly five years for Dubai's economy to fully recover from the damage caused by the financial crisis. By 2013, the Emirate's economic growth had resumed, enabling the government and developers to refocus on previously postponed construction and infrastructure projects. New sources of funding and revised regulatory approaches in the construction sector played a crucial role in revitalizing the stalled developments. The recovery of these projects was not only driven by private investment but also by significant governmental support and renewed interest in residential transactions.

The revitalization of The World Islands holds significant promise for Dubai's real estate and tourism sectors. As new projects come to fruition, the archipelago is set to become a symbol of luxury, innovation, and exclusivity. Regardless of previous setbacks, the developer Kleindienst Group breathed new life into The World Islands by launching The Heart of Europe in 2014. This revival project, slated for completion in 2026, focuses on six islands—Germany, Sweden, Honeymoon, Main Europe, Floating Lido, and Switzerland—each offering a luxurious European lifestyle experience. The Heart of Europe symbolizes a renewed commitment to realizing the original vision of The World Islands, showcasing resilience and optimism in the face of past challenges.

Real Estate on The World Island

The World Islands in Dubai offer exceptional investment opportunities, with a focus on exclusive, high-end living. Notable developments include The Heart of Europe (THOE) that features luxury assets like the Côte d’Azur Resort, The Floating Seahorse villas, and Sweden Palace. In addition to THOE, The World Islands provide other premium real estate options, including residential plots, private mansions, and hotel apartments. 

A standout project is Zuha by Zaya, offering 30 exclusive private residences surrounded by 2.5 kilometers of pristine beachfront. Zaya's expertise in island development is well demonstrated by their previous work on Nurai Island, where they overcame significant challenges due to the lack of existing infrastructure. In particular, the island originally had no road network, electricity, grid connection, sewerage system, or clean drinking water. Through extensive oceanographic studies and land surveying, Zaya successfully transformed the eroded beaches by using exposed geo-bags and sand pumping, effectively doubling the island's original size and creating a magnificent development.

Another prominent development is the Anantara World Islands Resort. This luxurious resort is part of the renowned Anantara brand and offers an exclusive island retreat experience. It features overwater villas, beachfront suites, and world-class amenities, providing an unparalleled living and vacation experience. The resort’s design emphasizes sustainability and harmony with the natural environment, making it a prime example of high-end, eco-conscious development within The World Islands.