Get to know the 7 most exotic artificial islands in GCC

Artificial islands are considered the future of real estate development in the GCC states. This kind of construction emerged by the turn of the third millennium and met great reception then from customers and investors in the Gulf region who adapted the idea.

States like UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar are known of famous artificial islands projects due to investors’ interest, either foreign or local investors, in this sort of construction, scarcity of lands, and availability of enough liquid for building such extravagant projects.

The following part includes the most significant artificial islands in GCC, mostly concentrated in UAE, however, Qatar and Bahrain have a remarkable fraction of man-made islands, and moreover, carry great potential for more in the future.

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The World Islands

The most famous artificial archipelago including 300 islands forming the world’s map and located in Dubai. The project groundbreaking took place in 2003 by Dubai Group while its construction cumulative cost is estimated at 14 billion dollars.

Around 70% of the whole project has been already sold to businessmen, actors, as well as famous footballers and sportsmen like Beckham, Michael Owen, and Michael Schumacher.

Durrat Al Bahrain

A prime real estate development project reshaping the geographical as well as the economic figure of Bahrain. Durrat Al Bahrain  includes 15 man-made islands with a total area of 20 million meters. The cumulative project cost reached 6 billion dollars covered by a partnership of Bahrain Government and Kuwait Finance House (KFH).

Qatar Pearl

Qatar Pearl is a modern and integrated city in the heart of the sea off Doha coast. The island is 350 meters from Doha shoreline and sprawls on 4 million square meters. The pearl includes a comprehensive set of facilities and amenities, in addition to 18 residential units to occupy roughly 40,000 dwellers.

The project’s cost estimation is 15 billion dollars to rank the second most expensive artificial island in GCC after Yas Island which we will tackle later. Qatar Pearl project is developed by Qatar-based United Development Company, and is expected to be completed by 2018.

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Jumeirah Palm

One of the three palm islands in Dubai Emirate developed by Palm Real Estate. It depicts in its formation the shape of a palm and consists of three main parts; trunk, crown, and 16 fronds. The island is surrounded by 11 kilometer-long crescent that acts as a breakwater.

Jumeirah Palm includes many resplendent and luxurious touristic traction points like Fairmont the Palm, Anantara Resort, and a wide array of high-end restaurants featuring different cuisines and plates.

Panoramic view of Jumeirah Palm

Amwaj Islands

Situated North-East Bahrain off Muharreq Island and extends on a total space of 2.79 million square meters.

Amwaj Islands include different sorts of properties varying between residential and administrative buildings, villas, and apartments all enjoying unparalleled sea views.

The project is linked to the main island through North Manama causeway which is 1.8 kilometer long. The islands include also many amenities like restaurants and retail stores, in addition to substantial facilities for perfect living like schools, university, and hospital. It’s worth mentioning that Amwaj is only 8 kilometers from Bahrain International Airport and lies in the proximity of many other vital areas.

The total cost of Amwaj project is 1.5 billion dollars. The project main developer is Osos Real Estate partnered with a number of contractors working on several projects in Amwaj like Saray Real Estate Co. which is developing Saray Al Bahr and Palm Beach projects, in addition to Bwabat Amwaj Co. developing a residential compound carrying the same name.

Marjan Island

That’s not the whole story, still there are fabulous islands we didn’t mention like this one, Marjan Island.

Marjan Island is a qualitative addition to the artificial islands in GCC and it’s the first man-made island in Ras Al Khaima Emirate.

The island is 4.5 kilometers long and covers a total area of 2.7 million square meters. Marjan includes hotel and residential top-tier projects like Marjan Spa, Rixos Bab Al Bahr Hotel, and Double Tree Hotel. The island is regarded as one of the best leisure destinations in UAE for local and foreign visitors.

Marjan Island

Yas Island

The biggest between all artificial islands in GCC states. The construction cost of Yas is estimated at 40 billion dollars to top other islands in respect of value. The project was launched in 2006 by Aldar Real Estate Co.

The island hosts many prime leisure destinations like Yas Formula 1 Circuit, Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Theme Park, and Yas Mall which includes international retail shops. The island has also many luxurious hotels like Viceroy Yas and Radisson Blue.

Yas holds a number of renowned festivals and events every year. Beside the Formula 1 race the island witnesses major music festivals, international exhibitions, fashion shows for the world’s top fashion designers, etc.