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The World (archipelago)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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This article or section contains information about a structure currently under construction. It may contain information of a speculative nature, and the content may change dramatically and frequently as construction progresses and new information becomes available. |
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The World is a man-made archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map currently being built 4 km (2.5 miles) off the coast of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.[1] The World is one of a series of artificial island projects in Dubai, along with the Palm Islands, and like the other islands The World is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea. The only access to the islands is by boat, helicopter, or seaplane.[1] The World is being constructed by Nakheel Properties and is the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
Each island ranges from about 14,000 square metres (150,000 square feet) to 42,000 square metres (450,000 square feet).[1] The distance between each island will be an average of 100 metres (328 feet).[1] The entire development will cover an area of 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. 232 km (144 miles) of shoreline will be created upon completion.[1]
According to the National Geographic Channel (The Best of Megastructures) the overall price for the World is 14 billion USD. As for the individual islands, prices range between 15 and 45 million USD.[1].
Dredging for the project began in 2004. By May 2007, 45% of the islands had been sold, 20 of which were bought in the first four months of 2007.[1] As of early October 2007, land reclamation was "nearly complete" and was expected to be finished in 2008.[1] Once that occurs, owners will be able to construct their own developments and properties.[1].
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Since the project's commencement, there have been many unconfirmed reports of celebrities who have purchased, or intend to purchase, an island.
At the end of March 2006, Richard Branson appeared at a media conference on the "Great Britain" island; however this was to announce direct London–Dubai flights by Virgin Atlantic, and was not related to his investing in any of the islands.[2]
Fijian golfer Vijay Singh has been linked to the archipelago, but it is not confirmed that he has bought or intends to buy an island - he is involved with another Nakheel Properties development in Jumeirah on the Dubai mainland.[3]
On October 24, 2006 Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher was presented with one of the islands by Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the occasion of his final Grand Prix, in Brazil. Schumacher's manager Willi Weber suggested, "Perhaps he'll build a kart racing track on [the island]."[4]
British celebrities Rod Stewart and David Beckham have also been rumoured to have bought into this project, but neither of these have been confirmed. Beckham does however own a villa on the nearby Palm Jumeirah.
On May 3, 2007, Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee announced that he was buying the Greece Island for Pamela Anderson, his ex-wife and the mother of their two children. Lee said he chose the island because of his own Greek heritage, and he hopes Pam, the kids and he can spend time there together.
On November 15, 2007 Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were reported to have purchased the island Ethiopia. This has since been denied by the couple. [5]
One of the few confirmed developments is the purchase of 14 islands that make up Australia and New Zealand by Investment Dar. The islands are being terraformed to be developed as a resort named OQYANA.[6]
Irish business consortium Larionovo has plans to develop the 'Ireland' island into an Irish-themed resort[7]. The plans include a large internal marina, apartments and villas, a gym, hotel, and Irish-themed pub. In July 2007 it was announced that 'Ireland' Island would feature a recreation of Ireland's famous Giants Causeway.
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i Dubai's Palm and World Islands - progress update. AMEInfo (4 October 2007). Retrieved on 2007-10-29.
- ^ Sir Richard Branson 'Stakes his Claim' on The World in Dubai. AsiaTravelTips.com (2006-03-30). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
- ^ "Vijay 'Singhs' Dubai's praises during visit to Nakheel developments", Property World Middle East, 2006-01-30. Retrieved on 2006-12-27.
- ^ "Schumacher given an island by Dubai prince", Yahoo! Sport, 2006-10-24. Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
- ^ "Brangelina buy island in shape of Ethiopia", Ninemsn entertainment, 2007-11-15. Retrieved on 2007-11-15.
- ^ Nakheel sells Australasia segment of The World. AsiaTravelTips.com (2005-04-13). Retrieved on 2006-12-29.
- ^ The Island of Ireland. Retrieved on 2007-07-23.
- Welcome to The World - Official website.
- The World Islands - From United Arab Emirates News.
- Promotional Video, 'The World'
- The World Dubai - Development Profile
- Satellite view of The World (archipelago) - at WikiMapia
- Typical Island Setup (image). This seems identical to the one developed island which can be currently seen on Google Maps.
- The Unofficial Video Of The World as seen on YouTube.com
- Independent marine biologist, Professor Valencic's views on The World
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| Burj Al Arab · Burj Dubai · Dubai Creek · Dubailand · Dubai Marina · Dubai Waterfront · Emirates Towers · The Palm · Sheikh Zayed Road · Ski Dubai · The World |
| Shopping Malls: Dubai Mall · Mall of the Emirates · Ibn Battuta Mall · BurJuman · Mall of Arabia |