Island Dubai “The World” Artificial Archipelago
The World Islands is an artificial archipelago consisting of about
300 small islands constructed in the rough shape of a world map, located
4.0 kilometers off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The
islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal
waters. 321 million cubic meters of sand and 31 million tons of rock
were used to build the islands that cover an area roughly 6 by 9
kilometers, and is surrounded by an oval-shaped breakwater island. The
islands, which are named after countries such as Great Britain, Germany,
Switzerland, etc., themselves range from 14,000 to 42,000 square meters
in area and located roughly 100 meters from each other.
The
project debuted nearly 10 years ago, but work has been stalled
periodically ever since due to the global recession. Two years ago, the
entire project came very near to derailment when Penguine Marine, the
company contracted to provide ferrying services to and from the shore,
alleged that the islands were sinking into the shallow sea. Nakheel
Properties Group, the property’s developer, denied these reports.
Although nearly 70 percent of the islands have been sold, according
to a January 2012 report, the islands have remained mostly untouched due
to the delay and lack of infrastructural necessities. Only two islands
out of the 300 islands have any buildings on it. One of them, the
Lebanon Island, is the only one that has so far been developed
commercially. It’s owned by Abu Dhabi-based businessman Ravi Raman who
plans to use it private corporate events and public parties.
Other
plans are abound. Dubai-based Kleindienst Properties announced on May
this year that it would soon start construction work on the “Heart of
Europe”, an ambitious development that is planned to spread across six
of the islands. Nakheel Group is itself developing a resort named “Coral
Island” over 20 islands that make up the North American part of The
World. Another investment group from Kuwait has purchased 14 islands
that make up Australia and New Zealand where there’ll be another resort.
Finland, Ireland, Great Britain and Moscow are acquired by different
businesses groups with plans to transform them into villas, pubs,
fashion-themed resorts and more.
source : Amusing Planet