The World Islands project off the Dubai coast is one of the most ambitious luxury real estate developments ever envisioned. Conjuring up images of a lavish man-made archipelago styled into a world map, it captured the world’s imagination when first announced in 2003.
But years on, the islands remain largely barren and uninhabited. After the 2008 financial crisis stalled construction, rumors swirled that the World Islands were a sandy ghost town sinking back into the sea.
So, do people really live there today? What’s the current status of construction, and are the islands still slated for completion? What are the available amenities?
As someone fascinated by Dubai real estate, I wanted to uncover the facts. Let’s dive in and explore what’s happening on the World Islands!
The Backdrops
First conceived in 2003, the World Islands involved dredging and shaping 300 islands to form a global map. The project was spearheaded by Dubai developer Nakheel, who is known for audacious undertakings like the Palm Islands. The islands, sized 150,000 sq. ft. to 450,000 sq. ft., are about 100 m apart from each other.
The islands went on sale in 2006, with prices from $15-50 million each. That year, one was gifted to Michael Schumacher to generate interest. By late 2008, about 70% of the islands were reportedly sold. In 2009, Seven Tides announced plans to develop 10 islands in the South America section with waterfront chalets.
In late 2009, Kleindienst Group revealed its Heart of Europe luxury resort concept spanning 6 islands. Construction began in 2010 on Germany Island, the first groundbreaking on the project. Kleindienst was granted the first trade license to operate on the islands in 2010.
In 2011, work started on Lebanon Island’s beach resort. Preparations also began on the Taiwan and Kazakhstan islands. But the Heart of Europe stalled briefly from 2011-2013 due to a legal dispute. After the resolution in 2013, the islands were declared ready for investors in 2014.
By 2016, only the Lebanon and Sweden islands saw progress, with villas under construction. In 2017, Seven Tides reaffirmed plans to build a villa resort. Kleindienst unveiled another concept, the Floating Venice resort. In 2018, despite many announcements, only the Lebanon and Sweden islands were developed. But with new ideas from Lindsay Lohan and others, the future looks bright!
Signs of Life
Today, over a decade later, glimmers of hope exist. While inhabited islands remain scarce, new developers are reviving stalled projects.
The Heart of Europe by Kleindienst Group is one promising development. Envisioned as a resort destination on 6 islands, designs include European-themed hotels, villas, estates, and climate-controlled streets. Phases 1 and 2 are underway, and completion is slated for 2025.
The recently opened Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort also brings buzz. Its 70 pool, beach, and lagoon villas offer a new luxury escape just off the coast.
Several other hotels are being developed, like Rixos Dubai and Marbella Hotel. With hospitality active, might residents follow?
What You Can Do Here?
The World Islands give a glimpse into the luxury lifestyles to come. Each island will have its unique daily rhythm once inhabited. For now, residents and visitors soak up privacy and calm away from Dubai’s bustle. Guests at the Anantara resort start days with sunrise yoga or breakfast in bed.
Afternoons are for lounging poolside or exploring the islands’ pristine beaches. Evenings bring drinks at beach bars and dining under the stars at seaside restaurants. The World Islands let you escape the city’s hum for an idyllic island routine focused on relaxation and indulgence.
World Islands Developments
Let’s examine some of the actual projects on the World Islands and separate reality from myth:
The Heart of Europe
Kleindienst Group’s detailed European-themed destination spans 6 islands. The islands are Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Germany, Holland, and Belgium. Renderings depict villages, hotels, mansions, palaces, and more.
After years of minimal progress, Phase 1 and 2 construction has now accelerated. Completion of core infrastructure is targeted for 2026. 10 residential units have already been built on Sweden Island. The Heart of Europe also opened its French Riviera-inspired first adults-only five-star party hotel – Côte d’Azur Monaco Hotel. With 198 keys, It includes eight suites, five party suites, and four suites with private pools.
The Floating Seahorse Villas
Part of Kleindienst’s development, these 133 Floating Seahorse villas are very special. The villas are built partly underwater and spread across three levels, including an underwater floor. The villas are 4,004 sq ft and have 1, 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms. These homes are completed,2. The Seahorses feature underwater levels and cost 9,400,000 AED.
Anantara Dubai Resort
This resort opened in late 2022. It includes 70 rooms, pools, gardens and lagoon villas that channel a Thai island vibe just off Dubai’s coast. The resort offers regular boat services from the main island to Clarence Island, where visitors can canoe around. The Qamar restaurant serves food and offers sunset views.
Lebanon Island Beach Resort
One of the few completed World Islands developments, Lebanon Island offered the Royal Island Beach Club in 2012. It offers a restaurant, pool, volleyball court and more. It’s popular for day trips and events.
Other Notable Projects
- Germany has 32 villas with infinity pools, beaches, and exotic gardens.
- Jordan features 65 houses, a beach club, a boat lock, and a sandy shore.
- Main Europe is a heart-shaped archipelago named after famous sights
- Sweden has fancy 5-story villas with sandy beach access
- Switzerland includes 100+ lavish homes, a spa, and an ice cave
- Floating Venice has dwellings and apartments where you can see sea creatures through the floor.
Property types in The World Islands
At The World Islands, you can become an island owner or just visit for a getaway. Buy or rent luxury villas and mansions designed in different countries. Or book a room at one of the gorgeous hotels and resorts on the islands.
There’s also office and retail space available for commercial real estate. All the buildings use quality materials and feature terraces and gardens amid lush vegetation. Whether you’re a resident or tourist, The World Islands offers high-end accommodations with beautiful architecture and surroundings.
Visiting The World Islands
You can visit and view the World Islands even if you’re not staying overnight:
- Lebanon Island Beach Club is perfect for day trips to sunbathe, dine, and enjoy beach activities.
- Boating and yacht tours take you around the islands to view Dubai’s spectacular skyline.
- Helicopter tours provide aerial views of the World Islands and key Dubai landmarks.
- Luxury seaplane charters can even land on the islands for ultra-exclusive access.
Access and Transportation
With limited development, transportation infrastructure remains sparse:
- Generally, Water transport, like boats and yachts, is the only way to reach most islands.
- Lebanon Island has a ferry service.
- Helicopters can land on some islands like Sweden Island in the Heart of Europe.
As more homes and amenities arise, increased road, ferry, and public transit access will follow.
Amenities on the World Islands
Let’s examine what’s actually available on the islands for residents:
Schools
Dubai mainland schools serve world island residents. Nearby popular schools are
- Jumeirah College: 9.4 km
- Al Ittihad Private School Jumeirah: 9.5 km
- GEMS Jumeirah Primary School: 9.7 km
- Collegiate International School: 9.7 km
Hospitals & Clinics
Developers are working on this. Currently, hospitals in the mainland of Dubai serve future residents. The nearest hospitals are in the coastal area of Dubai.
- Gargash Hospital, Umm Suqeim Street
- Dubai London Clinic and Specialty Hospital, Jumeirah Street
- Med Art Clinic
- Zia Medical Center, near Jumeirah Beach.
Supermarkets
As the development progresses, more supermarkets will be available in the area. The following are the closest supermarkets on the mainland:
- Al Labeeb Grocery near Jumeirah Beach
- Spinneys Supermarket, Umm Suqeim.
- Grandiose Supermarket in Jumeirah 2
Public Beaches
Lebanon Island offers a public beach with water activities. More public beaches are planned as islands built. Nearby, Palm Jumeirah’s water parks, such as Splashers Cove, offer slides and attractions for all ages.
Malls
The World Islands are just a boat ride away from Dubai’s famous coastal malls. You can explore the huge Mall of the Emirates, or the massive Dubai Mall, home to an aquarium and VR park. For dining and boutiques, visit Sunset Mall. And don’t miss the unique Ibn Battuta Mall, divided into themed country zones with shops, restaurants, and cinemas.
Parks & Trails
Beyond hotel pool areas and resort beaches, recreational green space is minimal and no large public parks or walking trails exist yet.
Restaurants & Cafes
A handful of dining options exist at Lebanon Island Beach Club and Anantara Dubai. More F&B outlets are planned. For now, World Islands has the Côte d’Azur Monaco Hotel. It is a French restaurant. Other restaurants in The World Islands include:
- Luna
- Helios
- Qamar
- HamacLand
Gyms & Fitness
Hotels like Anantara Dubai provide gym and spa amenities. Future residential projects will also incorporate fitness centers.
Marinas
Marinas serve private yachts and boats at developed islands like Anantara Dubai. More marinas will support transport and recreation.
The Future: Fact or Fiction?
Can the World Islands fulfill their grand potential after years of inactivity? Recent progress provides reasons for optimism:
- Hospitality expansion: Anantara, Rixos Dubai, and other hotels/resorts signal investor confidence.
- New developers: Kleindienst, Seven Tides, and others are reviving stalled projects.
- Pre-sales launched: residential developments like Amali Island and Sweden Island are marketing off-plan homes.
- Infrastructure: Nakheel is progressing with roads, utilities and transport links.
- Government support: authorities are incentivizing foreign investment to boost tourism.
- Attractions: islands like The Heart of Europe offer unique experiences to draw visitors.
The most ambitious designs may never materialize on The World Islands. But with so much time and money invested already, there are strong incentives to see this through. With Dubai’s boom lifting the local real estate market, the environment looks more promising.
If luxury buyers stay interested and developers can deliver, brand-new island neighborhoods could yet emerge from the azure waters.