The World Islands

"The World" is an archipelago of artificial islands located about 4 kilometers off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Initiated by Nakheel Properties, this ambitious project aimed to create a collection of islands shaped like a world map. The construction began in the early 2000s and involved dredging sand from the sea to form the islands.

The islands are categorized for various purposes, including residential, commercial, and leisure. Private residences, resorts, hotels, and entertainment facilities were planned to make "The World" a luxurious residential and tourist destination.

Despite its grand vision, the project faced several challenges. Environmental concerns, financial difficulties, and the global economic crisis contributed to a slowdown in development. As of my last update in January 2022, not all islands had been fully developed, and progress was slower than initially anticipated.

Ownership and development were distributed among different investors and companies. Private individuals and corporations had the opportunity to purchase individual islands for their own development projects.