The World A Dubai, United Arab Emirates story
Cities
Another impressive artificial archipelago best appreciated from above is “The World.” These 300 private islands are in the rough shape of a world map. Each island ranges from 23,226 to 83,613 square meters (250,000 to 900,000 square feet), with 50 to 100 meters (164 to 328 feet) of water between each island.
The total area of these islands is about 9 kilometers (5.4 miles) long and 6 kilometers (3.6 miles) wide. An oval-shaped breakwater surrounds it, which provides shelter for the islands from sea waves. This breakwater actually completes the globe-like shape.
Individual islands are named after countries, regions, and cities. No bridges will connect the islands—the only transportation between islands will be by airplane or boat.
The islands took shape roughly between 2004 and 2008, but the financial crisis also slowed development on these islands. However, development on the islands is starting up again on a collection of six islands called the “Heart of Europe.” The plan for these islands is to accommodate 16,000 tourists for luxury vacations.
Location
Apr. 29, 1984, Landsat 5 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 3, 1991, Landsat 5 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 22, 2001, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Sept. 30, 2002, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 28, 2003, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 30, 2004, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June 2, 2005, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June 21, 2006, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 7, 2007, Landsat 7 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 17, 2008, Landsat 5 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June 6, 2015, Landsat 8 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
May 10, 2017, Landsat 8 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June 1, 2019, Landsat 8 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
June 19, 2020, Landsat 8 (path/row 160/42,43) — The World, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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