The World Island

Community Overview

The World Islands is an artificial archipelago located off the coast of Dubai. Designed in the shape of a World map Island Dubai consists of approximately 300 artificial islands. The project was initiated in 2003 by Nakheel Properties, with construction handled by Dutch contractors. Development was delayed following the 2008 financial crisis, and only a limited number of islands are currently active. Presently, select islands host resorts and private villas, including the Heart of Europe project and Lebanon Island. Access is by private boat or helicopter, as there are no bridges or public transport links to the mainland. Future development plans include luxury resorts, leisure facilities, and residential properties, although timelines remain long-term. The project is mapped as part of the Dubai Insel Weltkarte, showing Dubai’s ongoing focus on waterfront real estate. Current investors face both high potential returns and notable infrastructure challenges.

Public Amenities

Schools

There are no schools located on The World Islands. The closest options are in mainland Dubai, with several private and international schools available in Deira and surrounding areas. These include The Elite English School and Little Flower English School, both within a 15 to 20-minute boat and road transfer from the islands.

Shopping Centers

There are no large-scale shopping malls on The World Islands at this stage of development. Residents and visitors rely on facilities in mainland Dubai, such as Deira Mall and Souk Al Marfa. Retail offerings on individual islands are limited to resort shops and planned boutique outlets.

Dining

Current dining options are mainly located within operational resorts, such as those on Lebanon Island and in the Heart of Europe project. These venues cater to resort guests and visitors, offering a range of international cuisines.

Hospitals

There are no hospitals on The World Islands. The nearest healthcare facilities, including Dubai Hospital and International Modern Hospital, are accessible within a 15 to 25-minute journey to the mainland.

Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are centered around private beaches, resort facilities, and yacht marinas. Public parks or green spaces are not yet part of the island infrastructure. The development continues under long-term plans, with The World Dubai Fertigstellung still ongoing and infrastructure expanding. Discussions around environmental impacts, such as reports that The World Dubai versinkt, appear periodically in media but are not officially confirmed in current project updates (the world dubai - aktuell). The site remains a point of interest in the context of the World map, Island Dubai, and Weltinseln Dubai Deutschland, as a unique real estate concept.

Transportation & Infrastructure

• Access to The World Islands is available by private boat or scheduled water taxi services. The typical journey from mainland Dubai takes about 15 to 20 minutes by boat.

• Some islands also provide helicopter access, with landing pads constructed on specific sites to serve private owners and resort guests.

• There are no bridges or direct road connections linking the islands to the mainland. All transport relies on marine or air connections.

• Internal movement between the islands is limited to private boats. No public ferry network currently connects all islands.

• Basic marine infrastructure such as piers, docking facilities, and marinas has been developed on operational islands. Other areas are still in the early stages of construction.

• Power and water supply are managed through independent systems on each island, supported by connections to mainland utilities where feasible.

• Public transport links such as metro or bus services do not extend to the islands. Visitors must arrange private transfers to and from the mainland.

Completed & Ongoing Projects

• Lebanon Island is one of the earliest completed parts of the development. It features a beach club, swimming pool, event spaces, and dining venues. Access is provided via boat from Dubai’s coastline.

• The Heart of Europe, developed by Kleindienst Group, is the most active ongoing project. It consists of themed islands such as Sweden, Germany, and Monaco, with luxury villas, floating homes, and boutique hotels. Phased handovers began in 2024, with further completions expected through 2026.

• Amali Island, developed by the Sajwani family, includes 24 high-end beachfront mansions. Most units were sold before construction completion, primarily to international buyers.

• Anantara Resort has also been launched on one of the islands, offering hotel accommodations and leisure facilities targeted at short-term visitors.

• Several other islands remain in varying stages of land preparation or early development.

• For investors considering investment in The World Islands, the potential return on investment (ROI) depends on the property type, purchase timing, and individual island infrastructure. Given the unique offshore location, green building practices and marine sustainability considerations are relevant factors in long-term project planning.

Cultural and Social Features

The World Islands is currently shaped more by private leisure and tourism activity than by permanent residential life. The open islands tend to focus on hospitality and themed entertainment, with cultural features varying by project. The Heart of Europe development introduces European-inspired elements such as seasonal events and architecture, while Lebanon Island offers dining and beach facilities used for private events and day visits.

Social interactions on the islands are typically linked to resort stays, yacht visits, and organized events. There is no established year-round community or broad cultural scene comparable to Dubai’s mainland districts.

In terms of demographics, most property buyers and early residents come from European, Russian, Indian, and Middle Eastern backgrounds. Permanent residency remains low due to the islands’ early stage of development and reliance on external infrastructure. The area currently attracts high-net-worth individuals and short-term visitors seeking exclusive recreational experiences.

Future Outlook 

The World Islands remains a long-term development project. While selected islands, such as those within the Heart of Europe cluster and Amali Island, are progressing, the majority of the archipelago is still underdeveloped. Plans include expanding leisure, hospitality, and residential offerings, though exact delivery timelines vary by developer and individual island. Continued infrastructure improvements and marine connectivity will be key factors influencing the pace of progress.

Ownership of properties on The World Islands is classified as freehold. This allows both UAE nationals and foreign buyers to purchase land and property with full ownership rights. However, buyers should carefully evaluate each island’s development status, access to essential services, and ongoing maintenance commitments before proceeding with a transaction. The project’s scale and offshore location introduce distinct investment considerations compared to more established mainland communities.

Investment Considerations

Investment opportunities on The World Islands are highly specialized. Properties are positioned at the premium end of the market, with prices for villas and floating homes starting at several million dollars. The potential return on investment depends on factors such as island location, project completion, and long-term demand for unique waterfront experiences.

Rental prospects are niche, targeting high-net-worth individuals and short-term luxury visitors. However, the limited number of completed units means rental yields are not yet broadly established. Investors should account for the additional costs of marine access, property maintenance, and potential service fees, which are higher compared to mainland developments.

Market risks include the project's extended development timeline and dependency on private infrastructure. The offshore nature of the community also exposes properties to environmental factors that may influence their long-term asset value. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence on the specific island, the developer's reputation, and the readiness of supporting facilities before proceeding.

Buyer and Renter Considerations

Those looking to buy in The World Islands should be prepared for a highly specialized market. Properties here are targeted at buyers seeking privacy, distinctive design, and a unique offshore setting. However, the project's gradual development means that amenities, transport links, and community infrastructure vary significantly between islands. It is essential to assess each island's stage of completion and service provisions before finalizing a purchase.

For those considering whether to rent in The World Islands, options are currently limited to select resorts and a small number of completed villas. Renting offers an opportunity to experience the lifestyle without a long-term commitment, but accessing daily services requires careful planning due to the island's isolation from the mainland.

Both buyers and renters must factor in the logistics of marine transport and the associated costs. A clear understanding of ownership terms, property management arrangements, and future development plans will help inform sound decisions in this niche real estate environment.

Final Overview

• The World Islands project consists of approximately 300 artificial islands shaped like a World Map Island Dubai, located offshore from Dubai.

• Development progress varies across the islands, with several active projects, such as the Heart of Europe and Amali Island, while others remain undeveloped.

• Properties are freehold, allowing international buyers to buy in The World Islands.

• Visitors can access certain islands by boat or helicopter, with resort stays and events available via The World Island Dubai tickets.

• Ownership and ROI potential depend heavily on the specific island and developer, with higher risks linked to long build-out timelines and infrastructure demands.

• There is no large-scale public transport to the islands; access requires private arrangements.

• Market reports and media occasionally raise concerns about long-term maintenance and environmental impact, including discussions on whether The World Dubai Versinkt.

• The project remains a reference point in the Dubai Insel Weltkarte and continues to attract niche interest, particularly from European buyers (Weltinseln Dubai Deutschland).

• Those looking to rent in The World Islands should note that options are limited to operational resorts and a small number of villas.

• Full project completion is expected to continue gradually over the next decade.