THE WORLD ISLANDS - WHAT TO EXPECT

The Future of The World Islands: The Heart of Europe

The World Islands, an extraordinary archipelago developed by Nakheel Properties, stands as one of Dubai’s most daring projects. Covering an area of roughly 5.4 miles, The World Islands consist of 300 artificial islands, each measuring between 250,000 and 900,000 square feet. 

The history of The World Islands has been characterized by phases of advancement and delay. Despite encountering various challenges and obstacles, the project is now witnessing a revival, sparking new hopes and developments for this distinctive maritime venture. Today, we'll delve into the rejuvenation of this remarkable project and its renewed potential.

THE IDEA BEHIND THE WORLD ISLANDS

The World Islands concept emerged from Dubai's increasing demand for more beachfront property to bolster its booming tourism sector. Initially conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, the project was further developed by Nakheel Properties.

Envisioned as a small-scale replica of the world, the islands were designed to symbolize various continents, with clusters arranged to reflect the symbolic shapes of Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, South America, Antarctica, and Oceania. The aim was to create an exclusive collection of private retreats, luxury resorts, and residential properties, with each island developed by individual investors and developers, adding their unique flair to a designated "country" within The World.

The islands are surrounded by a 27-kilometer breakwater to shield them from long and cross-shore waves, which is crucial for preserving the distinct shapes of each landmass in the archipelago. The meticulous arrangement and formation of these islands offer a breathtaking aerial view, where a ‘map of the world’ emerges from the waters of the Arabian Gulf, making it one of the most visually impressive and ambitious projects ever undertaken in Dubai.

CONSTRUCTING THE WORLD ISLANDS

The project was officially announced in May 2003 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Four months later, dredging operations began, marking the start of one of the most extraordinary engineering accomplishments in modern times. Van Oord and Boskalis, the companies responsible for The Palm Jumeirah, also undertook the construction of these artificial islands.

The islands were formed by relocating sand from the Arabian Gulf to the designated sites. To ensure the islands' stability and durability, several million tons of rocks were used to secure the sand. In total, the construction required 321 million cubic meters of sand and 386 million tons of rock, creating approximately 232 kilometers of new shoreline. Additionally, the process involved installing underwater pipelines and electrical conduits to provide each island with the necessary infrastructure for residential and commercial developments.

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

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND SAFEGUARDS

The World Islands represent an impressive engineering achievement, yet they have sparked considerable ecological concerns. Richard Wilmot-Smith QC, on behalf of Penguin Marine, asserted that the islands were "gradually falling back into the sea" due to erosion and decay. He contended that the channels between the islands were filling up, jeopardizing the project's overall stability. 

Nakheel countered these assertions, claiming their monitoring over the last three years indicated no significant erosion that would necessitate sand nourishment. Despite Nakheel’s assurances, skepticism remains among investors, especially after the sharp downturn in Dubai's property market. 

The creation of The World Islands involved more than dredging and rock placement; it included constructing an oval-shaped breakwater to shield against sea erosion and support ecological balance by encouraging marine life. This emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation is crucial for the project's long-term viability.

Enhancing security and ecological management, Dubai World Security is tasked with providing continuous marine security for The World Islands. Their role is essential in maintaining the safety and integrity of this ambitious development, ensuring that both ecological and security issues are consistently addressed.

THE FUTURE OF THE WORLD: THE HEART OF EUROPE

Despite the obstacles, The World Islands project is set for an impressive resurgence, fueled by renewed interest and substantial investment. New investors and developers have emerged with innovative ideas and significant funding to rejuvenate the ambitious project. 

It took nearly five years for Dubai's economy to fully rebound from the financial crisis's impact. By 2013, the Emirate's economic growth had resumed, allowing the government and developers to refocus on previously deferred construction and infrastructure projects. New funding sources and updated regulatory approaches in the construction sector were pivotal in reviving the stalled developments. The recovery of these projects was driven not only by private investment but also by significant governmental backing and renewed interest in residential transactions.

The revitalization of The World Islands holds substantial promise for Dubai's real estate and tourism industries. As new projects are realized, the archipelago is poised to become a symbol of luxury, innovation, and exclusivity. Despite previous setbacks, the developer Kleindienst Group revitalized The World Islands by launching The Heart of Europe in 2014. This revival project, expected to be completed 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 represents a renewed commitment to fulfilling the original vision of The World Islands, demonstrating resilience and optimism in overcoming past challenges.

REAL ESTATE ON THE WORLD ISLAND

The World Islands in Dubai present unique investment opportunities, emphasizing exclusive, upscale living. Key projects include The Heart of Europe (THOE), which boasts luxury offerings such as the Côte d’Azur Resort, The Floating Seahorse villas, and Sweden Palace. Beyond THOE, The World Islands feature additional premium real estate options, like residential plots, private mansions, and hotel apartments. 

A notable project is Zuha by Zaya, which provides 30 exclusive private residences along 2.5 kilometers of untouched beachfront. Zaya's proficiency in island development is evident from their previous work on Nurai Island, where they overcame major challenges due to the absence of existing infrastructure. The island initially lacked a road network, electricity, grid connection, sewerage system, and clean drinking water. Through detailed oceanographic studies and land surveying, Zaya successfully restored the eroded beaches using exposed geo-bags and sand pumping, effectively doubling the island's original size and creating a remarkable development.

Another significant development is the Anantara World Islands Resort. This luxurious resort, part of the esteemed Anantara brand, offers an exclusive island retreat experience. It includes overwater villas, beachfront suites, and top-tier amenities, delivering an unmatched living and vacation experience. The resort’s design focuses on sustainability and harmony with the natural environment, exemplifying high-end, eco-friendly development within The World Islands.