Only if You’re Super-Rich You Can Enter the Dubai Man-Made Islands
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Ah yes, rich people. The ones who get the biggest opportunities in the world. From the latest technology to even housing, the rich are always the first to test everything out. And this includes territories as well. Yes, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos have purchased houses on islands. However, what if I told you there are full islands that only rich people can go to? Yes, you read that right! Only those who are super rich are allowed to enter the Dubai man-made islands.
The Dubai Man-Made Islands
The ‘World Islands Project’ is an ambitious project involving the creation of numerous man-made islands in the Persian Gulf. It is designed to mimic the shape of the seven continents when viewed from the sky. The construction process required the use of vast quantities of sand from the Persian Gulf. Additionally, it used millions of tons of rocks to stabilize the islands. The aim was to have approximately 300 islands, each representing a different country on Earth.
Despite its grand vision and considerable investment, the project has not achieved the success it originally aspired to. It remains a costly and largely undeveloped undertaking, characterized by its futuristic and somewhat eerie appearance.
The World Islands project has attracted global icons with substantial financial resources, such as Richard Branson and the late Karl Lagerfeld. Both of them have ventured to some of the islands. Moreover, in recognition of his remarkable racing career, Formula 1 legend Michael Schumacher was even presented with one of these unique islands.
The Financial Crisis of 2008
In 2008, the economic downturn in the United Arab Emirates sent shockwaves through the real estate sector. This severely impacted the ambitious project. Approximately $300 billion worth of development projects were either significantly downsized or completely abandoned due to the economic crisis.
Despite these challenges, only one of the islands was fully completed and made available for tourists to visit at the height of the financial crisis. Then, in 2021, the Anantara World Islands Resort opened its doors on the South American section of the islands, signifying a small step forward.
“The Heart of Europe” Project
The ‘Heart of Europe project’ represents the next phase of the World Islands development, with grand plans for each island to host luxury hotels, private mansions, and even floating villas. The overarching goal of this endeavor is to lure tourists to Dubai and offer them a unique island-hopping experience that transports them through different European destinations as they explore the intricately designed islands.
The Heart of Europe project is a fusion of European culture, architecture, and hospitality with the luxury and innovation of the Emirates, set against the backdrop of tropical island beaches. It promises unique experiences, including underwater living and a climate-controlled “Raining Street.” This ambitious project is expected to be completed by 2026 and is estimated to be worth $5 billion. Currently, only 30 percent of the remaining islands are available for sale, with the remaining 70 percent likely to undergo development soon.
What do you think of the idea of rich-people-only islands? Do you think it is fair, or unacceptable?
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