Palm Jumeirah, Artificial archipelago in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Palm Jumeirah is a land reclamation project off the coast of Dubai shaped like a palm tree with 17 fronds radiating outward. A crescent-shaped breakwater wraps around the entire structure to shelter it from open water.
Work started in 2001 using dredged sand and reached completion six years later as the first finished project of its kind in the region. Engineers used millions of tons of rock to stabilize the outer barrier and protect inner structures from erosion.
The palm tree shape can only be fully appreciated from the air, making aerial photography tours popular among visitors arriving from across the world. Residents include both permanent inhabitants and vacationers staying in beachfront resorts scattered along the fronds.
A monorail connects the central trunk to the mainland and runs at regular intervals throughout the day. Roads also lead across a bridge onto the island, allowing visitors to arrive by car or taxi.
The crescent outer barrier stretches over eleven kilometers and houses luxury resorts with direct views of the open gulf. Some underwater suites allow guests to watch marine animals through glass walls from their beds.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
