A Guide to Palm Jumeriah in Dubai: The manmade island

Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island and a self-proclaimed eighth wonder of the world. Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, it is the most eye-catching landmark of Dubai. As the name suggests, it is built in the shape of a palm tree, which is a common plant in the Middle East. The Trunk, Crescent, and 16 Fronds combine to form the island's distinctive shape. It is a world-famous landmark located on the Arabian Sea's coast in the vibrant city of Dubai. Living in Palm Jumeirah is an out of this world experience, with world-class facilities and stunning views. There are a variety of gourmet restaurants, chic cafes, and adventurous entertainment facilities that cater to both the thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies and faint of hearts.

Learn more about this luxurious island in Dubai, here’s all you need to know about Palm Jumeirah.

About Palm Jumeirah:

The Palm Jumeirah is known as one of Dubai's most expensive yet sought-after communities. Its shimmering blue waters, upscale residential areas, and world-class amenities provide a luxurious lifestyle for both high-end expats and tourists. It's no surprise that the area attracts celebrities and socialites, as it provides exclusivity and a luxury lifestyle with private beaches, marinas, and a plethora of luxury amenities.

The Palm Jumeirah, located on Dubai's coast, is the smallest yet the most famous of the three palm-shaped islands. This man-made island is home to several low-rise residential apartments, while the lavish villas are strategically placed across the palm's 17 fronds and the neighboring 11km crescent island forms an innovative long breakwater.

Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock (HHCP) created the architectural design of the Palm Jumeirah. The construction of the palm island took place in 2006 and just a year later Palm Jumeirah welcomes it’s first occupants. The Palm Jumeirah was built to promote upscale the tourism in Dubai and to establish a freehold development where expats could own property.

Facts about Palm Jumeirah:

•  The creation of Palm Jumeirah reportedly costed $12 billion.

• There are a lot of properties on this island, including the extravagant hotels in Palm Jumeirah Dubai due to its advanced technology and top-notch research.

• The essential infrastructure was put in place by 2004 and the island was made available for construction in 2006.

• There are several rental sea view apartments in Palm Jumeirah where tenants can take in take in peaceful views of the Arabian Gulf.

• The first residents of Palm Jumeirah moved-in in 2007, and by the end of the year, about 500 families started residing there.

• 28 hotels had opened on the Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah by 2009.

• No steel or concrete was utilized in the construction of this artificial island in Dubai.

• The Palm Jumeirah's one-of-a-kind structure was built using 120 million cubic meters of sand that was brought from the seabed. In addition, 7 million tons of rocks were obtained from the Hajar Mountains to build the base.

Interesting Facts about Palm Jumeirah:

• Palm Jumeirah covers a total of 5.72 sq. km. an area which is equal to 600 football pitches!

• It is also interesting to know that Palm Jumeirah can’t technically be termed as an island as it is connected to Dubai by a 1.4 km bridge and isn’t surrounded by water all around it.

• The sand and rock used in the development of Palm Jumeirah can form a 2m wall which can circle the earth three times.

• The Palm Jumeirah in Dubai also attracts celebrities from around the world. Renowned English footballer David Beckham owns a $16 million mansion in Palm Jumeirah.

• Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan also has a 6-bedroom mansion in Palm Jumeirah and The Atlantis hotel is his favourite staycation destination.

• Other celebrities who love the Palm Jumeirah hotels include Kim Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra, Robert De Niro and more.

Hotels & Resorts in Palm Jumeirah:

1. Atlantis The Palm

2. Anantara The Palm Dubai

3. One & Only the Palm

4. Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

5. Jumeirah Zabeel Sarray

6. W Dubai the Palm

7. FIVE Palm Jumeriah

8. Dukes the Palm

Dining Options in Palm Jumeirah:

1. Nobu

2. Social by Heinz Beck

3. 101 Dining Lounge & Bar

4. Ossiano

5. Maiden Shanghai

6. Frevo

7. Cinque

8. Wavehouse

Things to do in Palm Jumeirah:

1.  Atlantis The Palm

The Atlantis the Palm Hotel singlehandedly dominates the Palm Jumeirah and is one of the must- The Atlantis the Palm Hotel stands alone on the Palm Jumeirah and is a must-see attraction in Dubai. It is situated in the center of the Palm's crescent. The rooms are of the highest quality, being both modern and spacious. Even the smallest room here is 45 square meters! The suites are fit for a king, with an underwater suite complete with crystal walls that overlooks the underwater life. It has a vast range of award-winning restaurants. For an unforgettable dining experience, you must book a table at Atlantis the Palm's eclectic and glamorous Nobu Restaurant, or at the world-renowned Hakkasan. The Saffron Buffet Restaurant is also one of the most popular in Palm Jumeirah and is well worth a visit.

2. Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

If you are a water baby or just enjoy water parks, then this is the perfect place for you! This thrilling waterpark is the largest waterpark in Dubai and has achieved the title of “Middle East’s Leading Water Park” in 2016. Spread over 42 acres this waterpark is filled with exhilarating rides and slides. Enjoy a day filled with exotic marine creatures as you get the chance to swim with sharks and stingrays. Apart from the thrilling rides at this park you can also find The Lost Chambers Aquarium which is Dubai’s largest aquarium with over 65,000 marine animals. You even get a chance to meet dolphins at the Dolphin Bay. Kids can join the adrenaline-fueled fun on smaller waterslides and pools in the Children’s Play Area. Aquaventure is known for its list of impressive gravity-defying rides like the largest waterslide – Aquaconda or the Poseidon’s Revenge which drops you 75 feet down and then takes you through a mind-boggling double loop.  The slides are surrounded around an ancient pyramid-like structure which is also the theme of this park. Apart from enjoying the water rides and slides, you can also relax by the 700-meter-long beach.

Read more about - Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

3. Sky Dive Dubai

Get a truly unique experience that will get your adrenaline pumping at the Sky Dive Dubai! Experience something truly exceptional right in the skies of Palm Jumeirah. The rush of freefalling at over 200 km/h in one of the world's most incredible scenarios is truly out of this world. Skydive Dubai's experience allows anyone to try this extremely thrilling adventure in complete safety. They supply everything you require, including action cameras to record your unforgettable performance! You must experience this one of a kind at least once in your life. Enjoy the thrill of falling from above while also enjoy the magnificent view of the palm shaped Palm Jumeirah as you come close to the ground.

Know more about - Top Adventurous Activities to do in Dubai

How to get to Palm Jumeirah:

Reaching Palm Jumeirah is quite easy as there’s a vast network of roads, tunnels and public transport options connecting to the Palm Jumeirah. You can arrive in Palm Jumeirah by taxi, car or by water on a yacht or speedboat. You can also use the Palm Jumeirah monorail which runs the entire trunk of Palm Jumeirah up till the entrance of the Atlantis the Palm. There is no bus service available in Palm Jumeirah, but you can hop on to the Big Bus which offers the perfect view of the island. You can also book taxi services like Dubai Taxi, Uber or Careen to reach the Palm Jumeirah.

The Palm Jumeirah Monorail:

The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is undoubtedly the most exciting way of getting around the island. It is a computer-guided rail that has large panoramic window offering a nice view along the path that runs along the entire trunk of Palm Jumeirah. You can access the Monorail by reaching the Damac Properties Metro Station and from there take a tram to Palm Jumeirah Tram Station. After that, you can just follow the signs to the Palm Gateway Station which is where the Palm Jumeirah Monorail starts.

Timings: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm | Ticket price: AED 20 (one way) AED 30 (round trip)

Other things to see and do around Palm Jumeriah:

Other things you can see and do around Palm Jumeirah include – Speed boat, Jet Ski or Helicopter ride to breathe in mesmerizing views around you, Be at peace at the AL Sufouh Beach, Visit the Pointe for exceptional fun activities and indulge into a long list of delicious restaurants, Visit the Palm Tower to view the Palm Jumeirah from a distance, The Dubai Marina and Burj Al Arab are nearby and can be easily accessed through the monorail and metro. You can also enjoy the various parks, gyms, yoga studio, spas, and beauty salons along with the Nakheel Mall in Palm Jumeirah.