The World Islands
Three hundred man-made islands shaped like the continents, four kilometres offshore and reachable only by boat or seaplane.
About the District
The World Islands form an archipelago of 300 artificial islands shaped like the continents, set four kilometres off the Dubai coast between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid across 54 square kilometres. Nakheel Properties began the project in 2003; construction slowed sharply after 2008, and fewer than a dozen islands are developed today. Individual islands range from 250,000 to 900,000 sq ft, separated by 50 to 100 metres of water inside a breakwater. Stock includes villas, hotel apartments and the underwater-view Floating Seahorse homes.
Reachable Only by Water
Watercraft are the only transport between islands, with a boat service running every 30 minutes from Fishing Harbour Jumeirah One to Lebanon Island.
The Heart of Europe
Six islands form The Heart of Europe, with European-themed architecture and hotels including Portofino and Cote d’Azur, plus themed villa communities.
The Floating Seahorse Villas
A collection of 130 villas with underwater-level bedrooms and reef views, priced historically between AED 6.44 million and AED 20 million.
Area Overview
The World Islands are Dubai’s most unusual residential proposition: 300 man-made islands shaped like the continents, four kilometres offshore across 54 square kilometres, begun by Nakheel in 2003 under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Momentum stalled after the 2008 financial crisis and fewer than a dozen islands are developed, which makes this a highly selective market rather than a conventional district. The Heart of Europe occupies six islands with European-themed hotels and residences, joined by Amali Island, ZUHA Island and Germany Island. Buyers are ultra-high-net-worth purchasers and hospitality investors, typically buying for exclusivity, short-let income or trophy value.
Location
Frequently Asked Questions
The World Islands lie four kilometres off the Dubai coast between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid, forming 300 man-made islands across 54 square kilometres inside a breakwater.
The archipelago offers island villas, hotel apartments, luxury residences and the underwater-view Floating Seahorse homes, across developments including The Heart of Europe, Amali Island and ZUHA Island.
Returns of around 10% a year have been cited based on Anantara resort performance, driven by short-let and resort demand. Delivery varies sharply between islands, so due diligence is project-specific.
Amenity is resort-based: the Royal Island Beach Club on Lebanon Island with pools and restaurants, Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, and the hotels of The Heart of Europe.
Only by water. A boat service runs every 30 minutes from Fishing Harbour Jumeirah One to Lebanon Island, with private yachts and charters serving other developed islands.
Yes. Properties across the developed islands are available to international buyers. Confirm the tenure and delivery status of a specific island development with the Dubai Land Department.