Only very recently completed as far as construction of the artificial islands which compose the archipelago is concerned, The World coexists harmoniously with the surrounding marine environment, thanks to planning which is entirely based on respect for natural equilibrium, which will be the watchword for future standards in the area. The objective of this vision, which is so radically in favour of the environment is not just that of conservation, but also to favour the development of species previously at risk, by means also of the reuse of water and recycling of waste products. Strong incentives are also foreseen for green projects, which will contribute in a substantial fashion to the maintenance of environmental equilibrium and, in certain cases, to its improvement.
Yet, what does the World consist of? It is a project of stunning range: 300 artificial islands, situated at a distance of 4 kilometres from the coast of Dubai, surrounded by 27 kilometres of bulwarks and arranged in such a fashion as to form, all together, a terrestrial planisphere. It will therefore have huge significance from the point of view of its grandeur. The World in effect will modify the geomorphology of the coastline and its waters (as the incredible satellite pictures already show), apart also from its evident importance in terms of economics, tourism and real estate. At the time of writing, December 2008, 55% of the islands have already been acquired, while those remaining are still on the market. Naturally, each has its selling rate, which also depends on size, yet in any case they will all be equipped with excellent services, such as yacht docks, links to dry land and every other kind of comfort and privilege.
The next step, after completion of the construction of the islands, which took place in January 2008, will be delivery of the islands themselves to the companies which will be responsible for building of the infrastructures.
The project is universally considered to be among the most significant of the modern era, in which extraordinary beauty is fused with complete potential and functionality: the width of the canals, the strategically allocated tourist ports, the excellent links to Dubai and the other Emirates, the high class shopping malls - merely to cite some of the "tangible" characteristics of The World. To which is united an additional value which is unique and unrepeatable: its fascination and charm, its hypnotic capacity to attract and conquer the heart and the imagination.
Once the purchaser has taken possession of his island, which also includes a determined area of surrounding water, he can please himself in constructing his ideal habitat: grottoes, inlets, private beaches, tourist ports, also by means of the movement of sand. Thus each island will be even more unique and exclusive.
Sea links will be guaranteed also by taxi boats and ships distributed across the four port centres, although, naturally, each proprietor will enjoy the most complete independence, thanks to his own private vessels. The journey from dry land to and from one of the ports will last between 4 and 15 minutes, depending on the location of the island in question in the "marine planisphere" of The World.
The islands of The World are of low, medium and high density, and this represents a graded and different approach on the part of those who become the proprietors, so they can range from family residences, to those which are more reserved and lastly to the most exclusive of islands.
Some of the islands include, on the other hand, tourist resorts (hotels and residences), flanked by commercial services of every kind: from shopping to daytime and night time entertainment, to high standard catering. All of which is aimed therefore not just at the resident owners, but also at tourists whether on a holiday stay or a day trip.
Photograph provided courtesy of Daniel Cheong