The Artificial Island of Palm Jumeirah: The Story of Its Creation & Features of The Location

Dubbed the eighth wonder of the world, a new land, and a symbol of Dubai, the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah has many names. It's one of the largest artificial islands in the world, built in the shape of a palm tree. It hosts residences, five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and luxurious beach clubs. Why everyone dreams of living on this paradise island is what we delve into in our article.

The construction of Palm Jumeirah was one of Dubai's first steps towards global fame. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed, promised to build an artificial island in the shape of a palm with 17 fronds by 2006. He aimed to transform the emirate into a tourist hub and a luxurious global resort.

Work was in full swing by August 2001, meaning Dubai created new land in just 5 years. Palm Jumeirah, intended to extend the coastline by 56 km, was made from natural materials — sand and rock. It might seem easy to source sand in Dubai, but desert sand was unsuitable for island construction due to its fine grains that water could easily wash away. Suitable sand was found in the sea, 11 kilometers off the coast.

The island and the breakwater were constructed simultaneously, a necessity to avoid project failure. For instance, if the Palm had been filled faster than the breakwater was built, water could have eroded the island. The project's unique shape made it challenging to execute. Workers aimed to complete construction by 2006 (as promised by the Crown Prince), which required round-the-clock labor.

By October 2003, the island was formed, and construction began in 2005. Initially, it was planned for 60,000 people to live on the Palm, but in 2004, this number was doubled due to growing global interest in the project. When the Palm was finally unveiled to the public, the first homes on the island were sold out in three days.

Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai's most prestigious districts, offering stunning views, top restaurants, comprehensive infrastructure, and entertainment. Equidistant from Dubai's landmarks, it's perfect for those with the means and no daily office commute. With few tourists, it offers a cozy atmosphere where people walk with their dogs and children, making it easy to feel happy.

This island is one of the best investment options. With almost no space left for development and a growing tourist influx, investors are buying villas to renovate, remodel, and resell.

Real estate on Palm Jumeirah is expensive and continues to appreciate. Villa prices have risen by 146% since January 2020, with the average square meter costing around $13,800.

Palm Jumeirah is favored by wealthy foreigners and celebrities, including footballer David Beckham, actress Victoria Beckham, Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan, and American singer Lindsay Lohan. Russian chanson singer Stas Mikhailov owns three apartments on the island, each worth over $980,000.

Palm Jumeirah has a "big brother" – Palm Jebel Ali, currently under development. This artificial palm-shaped island is twice as large, promising rapid real estate value growth. Villas are available for long-term investment.

Palm Jumeirah enjoys breezes from all directions, making sandstorms less impactful due to higher humidity. On hot days, temperatures are about two degrees cooler than elsewhere in Dubai.

The island boasts necessary infrastructure, including nurseries, shops, malls, and entertainment centers. With over 20 years since its creation, construction is minimal, ensuring comfort.

However, families with school-age children must travel to nearby districts for schooling, facing potential traffic delays. Families with young children will find plenty of entertainment and nurseries.

The Palm's trunk features two public areas: a quieter promenade near Dubai Marina, ideal for evening relaxation, and the central trunk area with a mini-park, jogging track, and playgrounds.

Travel on the island isn't limited to cars; it features a 5.4 km monorail, the first in the Middle East. Stations include:

Nakheel Mall is a comprehensive shopping center with cinemas, entertainment, restaurants, cafes, and stores ranging from budget to luxury brands. It's less crowded compared to the famous Dubai Mall, offering a more relaxed shopping experience.

Asya's Nursery accepts children from 1.5 months to 4 years old, teaching in English.

Babilou Nursery caters to children from 10 weeks to 4 years old, with a blended curriculum including the British EYFS, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and Emmi Pikler methods.

Redwood Montessori Nursery focuses on the Montessori program, emphasizing music, language, math, and sports.

Emirates Hospital, one of Dubai's finest clinics, is equipped with modern medical devices and technologies. Other clinics include Al Das Medical Clinic, ConfiDent Dental Clinic Palm Jumeirah, and Dr. Joy Dental Clinic.

Atlantis The Palm, a five-star beach resort, offers a beautiful beach, world-class restaurants, pools, an aquapark, and The Lost Chambers aquarium with 65,000 sea creatures. The aquapark features one of the world's most thrilling slides and a tube ride through a shark tank. The dolphin bay offers interactions with dolphins and sea lion singing.

The View at The Palm, an observation deck with panoramic views of the Palm, is located in The Palm Tower with direct access to Nakheel Mall.

Palm West Beach is an accessible 1.6 km stretch of sand, restaurants, and entertainment, with a walking path along the beach.

Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is a scenic walkway with stunning sunsets and views of the Arabian Gulf, perfect for selfies and biking.

Palm Jumeirah is a district for the affluent, offering significant investment potential even years after its construction.