[imagesource:facebook/holidaysbydesigncleethorpes]

Dubai, a city synonymous with wealth and extravagance, boasting marvels like the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, as well as a smorgasbord of new expensive developments, has been exposed for a slew of unfinished projects situated amongst 300 artificial islands.

This man-made archipelago area of Dubai is known as the World Islands project and tells a jarring tale of ambitious dreams and unfinished realities.

The cluster of 300 man-made islands was built to resemble the world’s continents, and were once envisioned as an exclusive paradise for the ultra-wealthy.

These islands, located two miles off Dubai’s coast, were part of the city’s grand plan to demonstrate that anything was possible with enough investment. However, despite their initial promise, the islands have largely remained empty, their grand plans unfulfilled. A case of counting your islands before they’re populated, it seems.

A recent video by YouTuber Mike Thurston sheds light on the project’s very first successful venture – the Heart of Europe. This development features islands that echo the charm of various European countries, complete with some of the most luxurious properties imaginable.

Thurston teams up with luxury realtor Farooq Syed in the YouTube clip, who introduces the ‘Monaco’ hotel within the Heart of Europe development, renowned for its 24-hour jols and upmarket party scene.

While the hotel itself is a sight to behold, Syed explains to Thurston that the standout property in the area is undoubtedly the ‘Floating Seahorse’.

This unique, three-level villa offers 4 000 square feet of living space above the sea. The lower level houses two underwater bedrooms with en-suites, while the ground level includes a living room and kitchen, and the upper deck features a sun deck and jacuzzi. Buyers can even choose the coral to plant outside their underwater windows, essentially selecting the type of fish they want to see each morning. A whole new meaning to sea-side gardening.

It’s hard to believe unless you see the ‘Floating Seahorse’ for yourself:

While Thurston points out that many of the islands are still uninhabited, some are growing in their success, such as the ‘Germany island’, which features inclusive villas and a central lagoon.

The villa’s expansive lounge even boasts a miniature replica of the completed Heart of Europe, complete with Venice-like canals and islands representing each European country.

Construction on these lavish properties is still ongoing, offering prospective buyers the opportunity to customize interiors to their preferences. However, deep pockets are essential, as these luxury homes come with hefty price tags, naturally.

Despite Dubai’s reputation as a playground for wealthy tech-bros, the World Islands have faced significant challenges. Initially unveiled in 2003, the $12 billion project saw ambitious plans for luxury hotels, resorts, and private homes. However, the economic troubles of 2007-2008 led to a halt in many real estate projects in the UAE, leaving the World Islands largely undeveloped.

Only Lebanon Island within the World Islands project is completed and open to the public. This luxury resort features two beaches, a swimming pool, a beach volleyball court, and a restaurant.

Dubai’s tourist authority insists that construction on the World Islands will continue, promising new residences, mansions, and resorts. However, the islands face a plethora of practical challenges, such as reliance on diesel generators for power and ongoing erosion of the sand used to create them. Sounds a bit dodge, to be honest.

Given the project’s staggering cost and limited development over the past two decades, many have labeled the World Islands a failure. Elite Traveller magazine called it a “sandy ghost town,” while Top Luxury described it as one of “The Most Useless Megaprojects in the World”. Dubai seems to be

That being said, with celebrities like David and Victoria Beckham, Lionel Messi, and Giorgio Armani having purchased properties, the city of Dubai remains hopeful for the growth of the World Islands.

Optimism and cold hard cash can only go so far; Dubai may truly be the ‘Icarus’ of contemporary man-made development.

[source:uniladtech]