Photo: Member of the Expedition 22 crew., Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: giggel, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: NASA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Area guide
The World Islands is an artificial archipelago of around 260 islands off Dubai's coast, arranged in the rough shape of a world map about 4 km from the mainland. It was developed by Nakheel, conceived under Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with construction carried out by Dutch specialists Van Oord and Boskalis. The islands are grouped into sets representing different continents, with select islands developed into private resorts. We see it suit buyers looking at private island living, with sea access rather than a road connection to the mainland.
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FAQ
Questions about The World Islands
Do people live in the World Islands Dubai?
Yes, on a limited scale. As of 2026 only 10 to 15% of the World Islands are developed or under active construction, with Heart of Europe's floating villas and the Anantara resort among the projects already operating; most of the archipelago remains undeveloped.
Is World Islands sinking?
There's no credible evidence that the World Islands are sinking. Development has been slower than planned, and by 2026 only 10 to 15% of the islands are built out, but that is a construction pace issue, not a structural one.
When will the World Islands be finished?
There's no confirmed completion date. As of 2026, only 10 to 15% of the islands are developed or under construction, and one developer has described full build-out as still a decade away.
Who owns the World Islands in Dubai?
Nakheel is the master developer of the World Islands, having sold around 70% of the individual islands to private investors and developers after completing the protective breakwater in 2008. Individual islands are now owned and developed separately, such as Heart of Europe by Kleindienst Group.
Location
The World Islands, Dubai. The map shows the area, not the exact plot.
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