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Iconic desert island archipelago development

The iconic desert island archipelago development the World is due to have its first tenants within weeks, with World Island Beach Club on Lebanon island set to open for exclusive membership. The island, part of Dh51.4 billion 300 island development, lies just kilometres from Dubai's coastline. But how was this amazing man-made feat of engineering made possible?

The World islands are composed mainly of sand dredged from Dubai's shallow coastal waters, and are one of several artificial island developments in Dubai.

Islands in the archipelago range from 14,000 to 42,000 square metres in area. Distances between islands average 100 metres; they are constructed from 321 million cubic metres of sand and 31 million tons of rock. The entire development is an area that covers six by nine kilometres and is surrounded by an oval-shaped breakwater island. Roughly 232 km of shoreline was created.

The project was unveiled in May 2003 and dredging began four months later in September 2003. By January 2008, 60 per cent of the islands were sold, 20 of which were bought in the first four months of 2007. On 10 January 2008 the final stone on the breakwater was laid, completing development of the archipelago.

Islands are sold as contiguous plots with both land and water areas. The developer can then use their imagination to reshape the islands to create unique features such as private beaches, coves, harbors, and marinas, by merely moving the sand within the designated setbacks and regulations. This Terraforming allows the developers to create their own environment within The World.

Terraforming opens an unlimited series of options for development. There are many ways land can be sculpted and arranged to create different island experiences, densities, and ultimately greater return on investment.

Boats will be the primary mode of transportation in The World and to and from The World. Water taxis and ferries will handle a large portion of the transportation, however, it is also anticipated that a majority of property owners on The World will own, maintain, and or operate a boat. There are four distinct strategies to meet the marina demand on The World.

Island marinas will service estate or customers of resort islands. The island slips will be maximized while maintaining a pleasant island environment and without disrupting nearby islands or canals.

Commercial marinas: The islands situated along the open water or major waterways have the capability to integrate larger marinas. These islands are high density, best suited for resorts or multi-family developments. These areas will support commercial marinas.

The four transportation hubs comprise the space to accommodate public marinas of which a percentage of berths can be designated for island owners. This would allow boat owners to leave their boats at transportation hubs to better facilitate transport to and from the mainland via ferry.

And finally, mainland hub marinas which will accommodate various requirements of The World such as vehicle parking. A designated number of slips will be required for customers who require a permanent mainland dock.

A centralised infrastructure system would provide basic services to residents of The World by way of utility plants located at service hubs, however, each island may be responsible for their individual connection to the distribution and collection mains. This system comprises two central plan sites located on opposite ends of The World, central water and power plants. Combined central sewage system and reuse systems will be located strategically where reuse demand will be high. As an alternative, central utilities may be brought from the main land to serve The World.

There will be four main types of island. Low Density: Located on the perimeter of the master plan ensuring maximum privacy, these land parcels provide distance between the higher density areas of the development with open vistas to the large water bodies within The World allowing for convenient access for mega yachts and other large vessels.

Mid-High Density: Both mid-density and high-density multi-family residential developments are featured on The World. Low-rise mixed-use communities, complete with commercial offerings to meet the needs of residents, form an idyllic full-time or vacation home.

Resort: These islands are dedicated to hotel and resort developments and may also include residential and limited commercial uses. Land parcels are conveniently located near marinas providing the ideal location for an array of holiday escapes, from intimate boutique hotels, spa sanctuaries or world-class resorts.

Commercial: Strategically located adjacent to major transportation centers or navigation channels, the commercial islands of The World will offer a wide range of retail venues and varied shopping offerings. Fine dining, casual seaside cafes and leisure options will also be available for residents and guests of the development.

In its current state, near the completion of the land reclamation, The World exists harmoniously with the diverse, surrounding marine life that inhabits its waters, and this is the basis for its future standard towards the environment. The quality of seawater surrounding the islands was superior to that tested along the shoreline of Dubai. There exist today at least 31 different types of flora and fauna, including asparagopsis which creates a protective canopy above the seabed. As a result, colonies of pearl oysters and other molluscs are beginning to proliferate.

Various sea life, such as coral anemones and sea squirts, thrive along and in between the breakwaters surrounding the islands, accepting it as part of their natural environment. The shoreline areas comprise diverse marine life such as sea cucumbers, oysters, sponges, plankton, butterfly fish and jellyfish. Marine life in and around The World is flourishing. Initiatives, such as the water treatment plan to reuse water and recycle waste, or the incentives provided for "Green" developers, will aid in the continued harmony of The World, its customers and its environment. 

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