The World Islands: The Grand Revival
What is The World Islands?
The World Islands is one of the most farsighted concepts. It is an iconic archipelago that stretches for some 5.4 miles with a set of 300 custom-made islands ranging in size from 250,000 to 900,000 square feet. The World Islands have seen their fair share of numerous milestones of rapid growth and long delays during these years. While several setbacks have beleaguered the mega-project, it has finally regained its ground and is once more promising new prospects that bring new life. For this reason, today, Lotus Bella takes you on a journey through the rebirth of this icon of Dubai and into its future.
Content
- About The World Islands
- Construction Process
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Environmental Impact and Solutions
- Future of The World: Heart of Europe
- Real Estate Investment Opportunities
About The World Islands
The World Islands is an initiative that was made to fulfil Dubai's growing demand for beachfront real estate, augmenting the main economy of this booming tourism city. It was initially conceived by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, and then developed further by Nakheel Properties.
Modelled after a world map, the World Islands replicate continents with clusters in an indicative manner of Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. The idea was to create a luxury collection of private retreats, resorts, and residential developments that would be designed by investors to bring their special style and taste to a specific "country" in The World.
Protected by a 27-kilometre breakwater, the islands are sheltered from cross-shore waves while remaining uniquely shaped. From an aerial perspective, this fantastic concept is unveiled as a real "map of the world," rising up out of the waters of the Arabian Gulf, and therefore one of the emirate's most aesthetic and audacious ventures.
Construction Process
In May 2003, The World Islands launched one of the most innovative engineering feats in history. Construction began with large-scale dredging works to build the artificial islands from sand out of the Arabian Gulf.
Stability was ensured by using millions of tons of rock to secure the islands, thereby creating 232 kilometres of new coastline. Land was created along with necessary infrastructure such as underwater pipelines, transportation hubs, and utilities in order for the islands to be fully prepared for further development.
Overcoming Obstacles
Although initially received with much optimism, the project encountered many substantial challenges, especially during the financial crisis in 2008. The World Islands witnessed a stunning downturn in the real estate market and development only trickled along with a number of islands still unfinished.
All funding ceased, and electrical and water systems, among other vital infrastructure, remained incomplete. Rumours of islands disappearing further did not help the future of the project. But Nakheel Properties continued on all fronts and against investor confidence.
Environmental Impact and Solutions
The World Islands was created with the environment in mind especially since it can cause major erosion and sustainability issues. Solutions were integrated into the design such as the breakwater protective wall to supposedly stop the sea from causing erosion while creating a habitat for marine life.
Environmental stewardship will always be a priority, with marine security put by Dubai World Security ensuring long-term stability and ecological balance of the islands.
Future of The World: The Heart of Europe
The World Islands have been revamped despite several setbacks in the past, thanks to new investments and projects that are innovative, such as The Heart of Europe. Being developed by the Kleindienst Group, the six central islands- Germany, Sweden, Honeymoon, Main Europe, Floating Lido, and Switzerland-give a feel of luxurious, European-inspired living to the islands themselves.
Scheduled to be completed by 2026, The Heart of Europe will instead launch what will become a new horizon for the project-a renewed era of luxury and exclusivity on The World Islands.
Real Estate Investment Opportunities
