Palm Jumeirah
Man-made island in a palm tree shape
Type:Man-made island
Location:Dubai, UAE
Year Opened:2001 (construction began), 2006 (handover of first residences) Key features - Luxury residences, hotels, resorts, retail and dining destinations
Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s most iconic and ambitious landmarks, developed by Nakheel as part of the emirate’s series of artificial islands. Designed to resemble a stylised palm tree, it features a central trunk, 16 fronds, and a crescent-shaped breakwater that encircles the island, providing protection from the waters of the Arabian Gulf. The scale and uniqueness of the design make Palm Jumeirah not only a symbol of Dubai’s innovative engineering but also a structure visible from space. Its construction, which began in 2001 and involved land reclamation using millions of cubic meters of sand and rock, stands as a testament to Dubai’s vision of blending luxury with architectural audacity. The island has quickly become a hub of luxury living, offering a variety of residential options, from private beachfront villas to high-end apartments with panoramic sea views. It is also home to some of the world’s most famous hotels, including Atlantis The Royal and the original Atlantis The Palm, which have become landmarks in their own right. These resorts not only provide lavish accommodation but also host a range of entertainment and leisure options, such as aquariums, waterparks, and exclusive dining experiences. In addition to its residential and hotel offerings, Palm Jumeirah features a bustling lifestyle scene. The Pointe, located at the tip of the Palm, is a vibrant waterfront destination with an array of restaurants, cafés, and retail outlets, as well as spectacular fountain shows that attract visitors daily. The island’s boardwalk, which stretches along the fronds, provides scenic walking and jogging routes with breathtaking views of the Dubai skyline, the Gulf, and the surrounding beaches.