. These man-made islands have already become iconic symbols of Dubai's ambition and innovation.
The Palm Islands were built to boost Dubai's tourism industry and create new sources of revenue for the city. The sheik of Dubai wanted to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil by attracting tourists from around the world. The islands were designed to provide luxurious beachfront properties, hotels, resorts, and other entertainment options that would appeal to international visitors.
The construction of the Palm Jumeirah, the first and smallest of the three islands, involved massive amounts of sand and rock. South-Asian workers were brought in to assist with the construction, which was completed on time. The Palm Jebel Ali, the second island, is even bigger than the Palm Jumeirah and features a water theme park and multiple marinas. The Palm Deira, the largest island, is still under construction and is expected to be completed in 2015. It is projected to be eight times larger than the Palm Jumeirah and will be a city in its own right.
While the islands are currently mostly vacant, there are plans to attract residents and tourists in the future. The developer, Nakheel, expects the three islands to accommodate over one million residents once fully developed. It is a testament to human engineering and will stand as a true marvel of modern construction.
The Palm Islands have cemented Dubai's reputation as a city of grandeur and innovation. These man-made wonders have become iconic symbols of the city and have put Dubai on the map as a global tourist destination.