The World (archipelago)
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The World is an archipelago of artificial islands, shaped like the continents of the Earth, being constructed off the coast of Dubai. The project is inspired by the artificial Palm Islands also being built in Dubai. The World will consist of 250 to 300 smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories — private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands. The entire project is slated for completion in 2008.
Each island will range from 23,226 m² to 83,613 m² (250,000–900,000 square feet or 5.74–20.66 acres) in size, with 50–100 m of water between each island. The development will cover an area of 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. The only means of transportation between the islands will be by boat and helicopter. Islands will be priced from $6.85 million (USD) and average an estimated $25 million (USD) for the $1.8 billion (USD) project. Development has already started on The World, the northern-most breakwater and several unlandscaped islands visible on Google Earth. There will be numerous marinas scattered around the area to shelter and service boats.
It is owned and is being constructed by Nakheel Properties (Nakheel Corp.)
It will be located at approximately 4.1 km off the shore of Jumeirah, close to The Palm, Jumeirah, between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The World is sometimes mistakenly referred to as The Palm World. It is also known as the Globe Islands.
At the end of March 2006, Richard Branson announced that he would be purchasing the island of Great Britain in the development.
Fijian golfer Vijay Singh also owns a piece of land in the archipelago.
On October 24, 2006 Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher was presented with one of the islands by Dubai’s Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Schumacher's manager Willi Weber suggested, "Perhaps he'll build a kart racing track on [the island]."
British celebrities Rod Stewart and David Beckham have also bought into this project.
See also
External links
- Welcome to The World - Official website.
- The World Islands - From United Arab Emirates News.
- Promotional Video, 'The World'
- Satellite view of The World (archipelago) - at WikiMapia
- Typical Island Setup (image)
- The World will consist of hundreds of small islands (image)
Categories
Buildings under construction | Artificial islands | Archipelagoes | Projects by Al Nakheel | Proposed buildings and structures in Dubai