The World, Artificial island group off Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The World is a collection of roughly 300 man-made islands arranged to resemble a world map when seen from above, positioned several kilometers off the Dubai coastline. Each island sits between 50 and 100 meters from its neighbors, forming a distinct pattern that stretches across a 9 by 7 kilometer section of the Gulf.
Construction began in 2003 under the direction of Nakheel Properties, using sand dredged from the seabed to shape the islands. The financial crisis in 2008 halted much of the work, leaving only a handful of islands developed in the years that followed.
Each island in the archipelago represents different global regions, with names corresponding to countries and geographic landmarks across continents.
Boat transfers from Jumeirah 4 port are the only way to reach the islands, with journeys lasting 15 to 20 minutes depending on the destination. Only a few islands are currently open to visitors, as most remain undeveloped or privately held.
Some islands bear names like Germany or Australia, yet their actual shape often resembles rough outlines rather than detailed contours. From water level the overall pattern is barely visible, and the map reveals itself only from high above.
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