The Palm Jumeirah

The Palm Jumeirah is the most famous artificial island in the world, a staggering feat of engineering off the Dubai coast where millions of tonnes of sand and rock were reclaimed from the Gulf to form the shape of a giant palm tree, visible from space. Its fronds are lined with luxury villas and beach resorts, a monorail runs its spine, and the vast Atlantis resort and its waterpark crown the outer crescent.

What you actually see

• The palm-shaped island - the giant reclaimed archipelago, seen from above.
• Atlantis The Palm - the vast resort and Aquaventure waterpark on the crescent.
• The beaches and resorts - the luxury beach clubs along the fronds.
• The View at The Palm - the observation deck over the whole island.

When to go

November to March for the pleasant cool season and beach weather; summer is fiercely hot and humid. The full palm shape is best appreciated from the observation deck, a helicopter or a seaplane.

Honest expectations

From ground level you cannot really see the palm shape, which is only clear from the air or the observation deck, so the island itself feels like an ordinary strip of resorts and villas up close. It is dominated by luxury hotels and private residences, so much is exclusive or pricey.

Nearby

The Burj Al Arab, the Dubai Marina and the JBR beach are close.