The Palm Islands are an archipelago of artificial islands. The archipelago includes three islands, each having the shape of a palm tree: Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Palm Deira. Each island is crowned with a crescent moon at the top. It performs the function of a breakwater and at the same time is a Muslim symbol. Also, the islands are surrounded by protective barrier reefs.
Palm Islands became the first major projects that conquered the world with their uniqueness - the state company Al Nakheel Properties cost $7 billion to build. Palm Islands is the second man-made structure on Earth (along with the Great Wall of China) that can be seen from the Moon with the naked eye. They have become a symbol not only of the city of Dubai, but of all the Arab Emirates.
The Palm Jumeirah project was launched first in June 2001. In October 2002, the Jebel Ali project was launched, which is about 40-50% larger than Jumeirah and has a more exotic shape. The construction of the Palm Deira started in October 2004. Deira is planned to be eight times the size of the Palm Jumeirah and five times the size of the Palm Jebel Ali. This project is the largest and longest-term one. After its completion, the “third palm” will become the largest man-made island in the history of mankind, which will serve as a habitat for 1 million people. The work is planned to be fully completed by 2015, however, due to the large volumes and costs, most likely, the significant date will again be postponed for several years.