In The Beginning, there was Sand, Sea, Money, and Big Plans. Dubai’s World Islands was such a wild idea. A billionaire’s dream. And, at some point, a near financial disaster. Back in the early 2000s, Dubai was on a mission. Bigger. Taller. More outrageous. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wanted the city to be a global icon. Enter the World Islands. A collection of 300 artificial islands shaped like a world map. Each island was meant to be a different country. Buy your own Japan. Own a piece of Brazil. The rich could buy the world.
It was a genius marketing move. Developers rushed in. Celebrities showed interest. Plots were sold. Money flowed like the water in the Arabian Gulf. Life was good. Until it wasn’t.
The Crash: A Sinking Dream?
Then came 2008. The global financial crisis hit. Hard. Property sales dried up. Developers went bankrupt. Many islands remained just piles of sand. Some reports even claimed the islands were sinking. The dream seemed over.
For years, the World Islands sat there. Empty. Quiet. A reminder that even Dubai’s biggest ambitions could stumble. But Dubai never gives up. The city isn’t built for failure. Slowly, things started to change.
The Comeback: What’s Open Now?
Fast forward to today, and the World Islands are making a comeback. Slowly but surely, they’re coming to life. A few islands are now open to the public. Some are ultra-exclusive. Others? Still sand and seagulls.
- Lebanon Island – The first to open. Home to a beach club, pool, and restaurant. You can visit for the day. Swim, sunbathe, sip a cocktail. Pretend you own an island.
- Anantara World Islands – A luxury resort on the South American part of the map. Fancy overwater villas, private beaches, and five-star service. You’ll forget you’re even in Dubai.
- The Heart of Europe – The biggest project happening right now. It’s a collection of islands with different European themes.
- Monaco Island – It looks exactly like Monaco. Because why not? Beach clubs, yachts, and rich people vibes.
- Sweden Island – Home to Viking-style villas. And no, there aren’t real Vikings.
- Germany Island – Beachfront villas inspired by the German seaside. Beer garden included.
- The Floating Seahorse Villas – Half the villa is underwater. Yes, you sleep with the fish. But in a fancy way.
England? It Rains There Too!
One of the more bizarre additions? England Island. Apparently, they’ve designed it to rain. Yes, in Dubai. Artificial rain to give it that gloomy British feel. Because why enjoy endless sunshine when you can have drizzle?
The Future?
The World Islands are far from finished. Many are still empty. Some may never be developed. But Dubai is patient. Investors are returning. Slowly, this crazy dream is turning into reality.
Would you buy an island? Or just visit for a drink? Either way, Dubai proves once again: nothing is impossible.
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