Known for its stunning architecture and futuristic developments, Dubai is home to some incredible construction projects. In addition to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building that opened in 2010, the city is also known for its mega-malls and luxury developments. However, one of the most ambitious projects, The World Islands, remains a mystery to many.
The World Islands are designed to prove that anything is possible with enough money. Located about three kilometers off the coast of Dubai, these artificial islands are arranged to roughly represent the seven continents. In total, there are 260 islands, each large enough to house palaces or luxury homes.
Despite the initial potential and ambitious plans to include luxury hotels and resorts, little has materialized. The islands remain largely deserted, with a few attractions such as beach clubs and high-end restaurants, but without the infrastructure to make them self-sufficient. Most of the buildings on the islands rely on diesel generators, which require daily fuel recharges, raising questions about the sustainability of the project.
In addition, the erosion of the sand used to create the islands has been a constant problem, casting doubt on the sustainability of the structures. The project has been estimated to cost around $12 billion (€11 billion), an impressive investment that has so far failed to live up to expectations.
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