Palm Islands, Dubai

Travel Blog  •  Ben Keene  •  08.11.06 | 6:41 AM ET

Coordinates: 25 18 N 55 20 E
Dubai’s Population: 1,182,439 (2006 est.)
imageAs the relative ease of international travel increases, countries seeking to compete for tourist dollars have become more creative in their efforts to market themselves as unique destinations. The United Arab Emirates, to take one example, chose to adopt the philosophy “Build it, and they will come.” Later this year, the first of the world’s three largest man-made islands (Palm Jumeirah) will be ready to receive visitors and residents. An extremely ambitious project born of millions of tons of sand and rock, the Palm Islands, which are large enough to see from space, include plans to add marinas, resort hotels, luxury apartments, upscale boutiques and water parks. Shaped like date palm trees with 17 fronds and protected from the Persian Gulf by cement seawalls, they will be connected to the growing city of Dubai via two kilometer-long, trunk-like causeways.

—.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) is the editor of the Oxford Atlas of the World.

Tags: Middle East, United Arab Emirates, Dubai

Ben Keene has appeared on National Public Radio, Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio as well as other nationally syndicated programs to discuss geographic literacy and his work updating a bestselling world atlas. Formerly a touring musician, he has written for Transitions Abroad and inTravel.


1 Comment for Palm Islands, Dubai

Mark Bierman 11.13.07 | 10:39 AM ET

I viewed on the Travel Channel that there was an opportunity to win a free trip to Dubai.  Where is that ?  How does one go about entering the “sweepstakes” for a chance to win the prize.  Regarding the Palm Islands;  tremendous vision !!!  Limitless imagination.  Truly spectacular !!  Hope that I can see it someday.  Insa Allah.  Kindest regards;  Mark Bierman

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