Palm Jumeirah is the artificial archipelago built off Dubai’s coast in the shape of a palm tree.
The development consists of a trunk, a crescent-shaped breakwater, and 16 fronds. Construction began in 2001, and the project was developed by Nakheel. Sand and rock were used to create new land in the Persian Gulf, making Palm Jumeirah one of Dubai’s most recognizable real-estate and tourism projects.
The island contains hotels, apartments, villas, restaurants, beaches, and leisure attractions. Its design was intended to increase Dubai’s shoreline and provide space for waterfront development. The crescent helps protect the inner island from waves, while transportation links connect the development with mainland Dubai.
Palm Jumeirah is often confused with Dubai’s other large artificial projects. Palm Jebel Ali and Palm Deira were planned as additional palm-shaped developments, while The World is a separate collection of artificial islands arranged to suggest a world map.