Key Facts About Palm Jumeirah: Dubai’s Iconic Man-Made Island

Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest man made island, spanning approximately 1,380 acres (560 hectares) and measuring around 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in diameter.

Its unique palm tree-inspired design consists of three main sections: the trunk (home to residential and commercial spaces), 16 fronds (lined with private villas), and a protective outer crescent (featuring luxury residences & some of the best hotels world wide).

Construction began in 2001 and took about six years to complete. The first residents moved in by 2007, and by 2009, 28 hotels were operating on the crescent.

Developed by Nakheel, a company owned by the Dubai government, the project cost an estimated $12 billion.

Palm Jumeirah was built through an ambitious land reclamation process using 94 million cubic meters of dredged sand and 7 million tonnes of rock—remarkably, no steel or concrete was used in the island’s foundation.

Its breakwater system, constructed with geotextile fabric, sand, and rocks, helps shield the island from erosion and rough sea conditions.

A 1.4 kilometer bridge connects the island to the mainland, and a monorail transporting around 20,000 passengers daily. It links key areas within Palm Jumeirah.

The development added about 75 kilometers of coastline to Dubai, significantly contributing to the city's tourism appeal and high-end property market.

As of 2022, over 25,000 people live on the island, which hosts an array of upscale villas, apartments, luxury hotels, fine dining establishments, and popular attractions.

Celebrities like David Beckham, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Kim Kardashian are known to own property on Palm Jumeirah.

More than 12,000 trees were planted across the island to enhance its environmental appeal and landscaping.

The island's creation relied on advanced engineering, including GPS technology for precision shaping and extensive marine and civil engineering studies.

These facts underline Palm Jumeirah’s extraordinary scale, engineering achievement, luxury lifestyle, and enduring status as one of Dubai’s most prestigious and sought after real estate opportunities. There really is nothing comparable when it comes to the Palm Jumeirah. In my opinion it is in a league of its own and the sales transactions are clearly showing this. 

The Trunk

The trunk forms the central base of the island and serves as the main gateway, connected to the mainland by a bridge. On the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah, residents can choose from a variety of luxury apartment options in developments such as the Golden Mile and Shoreline. These complexes feature apartments ranging from one to four bedrooms, catering to diverse lifestyle needs and providing an exceptional urban living experience. Other developments like Marina Residences, Tiara and Oceana are spread across the area, offering high-rise communities with a selection of spacious apartments. These properties deliver an unparalleled lifestyle, boasting amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, private beach access and stunning views of both the city skyline and the Arabian Sea.

The Fronds

Extending from the Trunk are the fronds, which resemble the leaves of a palm tree. For those who prefer the privacy of beachfront villas, the Fronds present a perfect choice. These villas range from Garden Homes and Signature Villas to custom-designed residences, each varying in size and style. Palm Jumeirah’s Fronds offer a diverse selection of luxurious villas, from 3-4 bedroom homes to expansive 6-7 bedroom mansions, all with private beach access. To ensure residents’ safety and privacy, a security checkpoint is stationed at the entrance of every Frond.

The Crescent 

Encircling the Fronds and Trunk is the Crescent, an 11 kilometer long breakwater that protects the inner parts of the island from the open sea. The Crescent, situated in the prestigious Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, is renowned for its luxurious hotels, upscale apartments, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea. This exclusive enclave features a collection of high-end hotels and serviced residences, offering an unmatched blend of luxury and elegance for both residents and visitors. The five-star hotels along The Crescent provide opulent accommodations, including apartments and penthouses, ensuring ultimate comfort and sophisticated living. From every angle, residents enjoy panoramic views of Dubai’s iconic skyline and famous landmarks. One of The Crescent’s most distinctive attributes is its unique location, allowing breathtaking views of both sunrise and sunset. This picturesque setting enhances the luxurious atmosphere, creating a serene and beautiful living experience.