Dubai’s fake ‘World Islands’ are being built again – 15 years after they launched
The set of 300 floating islands in the shape of a world map were first announced in 2003, but the project ground to a halt after the 2008 financial crisis
DUBAI seems like the kind of place where anything could happen.
Back in 2003, a set of floating islands in the shape of a world map were announced and work began on them – but the project ground to a halt after the 2008 financial crisis.
But development of the islands is now fully underway again, ten years on.
Construction work has begun on the site that sits 2.5 miles off the coast of Dubai.
The 300 man-made islands are made from sand that was dredged from the Gulf.
Plans are now back in business for an Ibiza-style island, as well as “Floating Venice”, which will come complete with canals and gondolas.
Situated in a development called the Heart Of Europe, it’s being billed that it will bring the "serenity and culture of Venice to the tranquil shores of Dubai".
Other islands that are being developed include St Petersburg, which is being made into a heart shape and marketed at honeymooners.
There’s also Sweden, which currently consists of a half-built palace.
You’ll also be able to buy a floating “Sea Horse” hotel, which will cost up for £2.9million (when they’re ready).
The work began in 2003 but stopped when Dubai was badly affected by the financial crisis – after an estimated $14billion (£9.9billion) had already been spent.
At the time, Richard Branson posed in a Union Jack suit on the British island, while Karl Lagerfeld announced that he wanted to build a fashion-themed island.
Developer Nakheel said that 70 per cent of the islands had been sold – but that came to a halt and the resort-to-be became a ghost town.
Currently, only the Dubai version of Lebanon has been fully built.
"Lebanon Island" is actually currently up for sale - for a cool Dhs80 million (£15.5 million).
According to What's On Dubai, the 419,157-square-foot island has a private beach club, an 80-seat restaurant and a swimming pool that would 250 people.
It also has two separate beaches and a licensed bar.
The Guardian reports that one famous client after an island is Lindsay Lohan – who is reportedly designing her own island called Lohan Island.
She revealed on US talk show The Wendy Williams Show: “I have a lot of little projects [in Dubai] because I like to keep busy.
“I’m out Trump-ing Trump with the name Lohan.”
This isn't the only ambitious project happening in the region right now.
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