Palm Jebel Ali, Artificial archipelago off Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Palm Jebel Ali is an artificial archipelago off the coast of the Emirate of Dubai, shaped with fronds and a crescent, covering an area roughly 50 percent larger than its sister island Palm Jumeirah. The structure extends from the mainland into the sea and consists of radiating arms with a protective outer breakwater.
Construction began in 2002 using around 94 million cubic meters of sand from the seabed and 5.5 million cubic meters of rock. The project largely halted after the economic downturn in 2008.
The layout of the fronds forms an Arabic poem composed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, woven into the geometry of the branches. The verses become visible from the air and connect modern land reclamation with traditional poetry.
Most of the site remains unfinished, and there are no firm plans for housing or shops at present. A visit offers mainly views from the mainland or from the water over the outline of the development.
Special breakwaters protect the island from erosion and are constantly monitored to limit damage to coral reefs and marine life. The technique combines dredgers, sensors and diving teams to safeguard water quality around the artificial landmass.
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