The World Islands
An offshore archipelago where the address is the island itself.
A private, man-made archipelago — Dubai’s skyline on one horizon, open water on the other.
The World Islands is Dubai's private, man-made archipelago: each island its own address, Dubai's skyline on one horizon and open water on the other.
1111 represents Zuhha Island here — built by Zaya with FIVE Holdings, 29 villas in total, one of which remains: a finished, ready villa, not a render.
What it is
The World is an archipelago of man-made islands off the Dubai coast, laid out by Nakheel so that from above the islands form a map of the world. The islands sit inside a protective breakwater, with the Dubai skyline visible across the water.
Each island is developed separately by whoever owns it. Some are finished and lived on, some hold resorts, and many are still undeveloped sand. So the question here is never only “The World”. It is which island, who built it, and what is finished on it today.
Getting there
There is no road. The islands are reached by boat from the mainland. That is the point of the place: nobody passes through, and nobody arrives by accident.
It also shapes daily life. Arrivals, guests, staff, deliveries and maintenance all move by water, and sea conditions occasionally decide the timetable.
Who it suits
Buyers who want real privacy and a home that feels removed from the city while still looking at it. It works best as a second home or a retreat. It suits daily commuting and school runs less well.
The World Islands, answered.
General answers about the location. For anything specific to a home, ask the desk.
How do you get to The World Islands?
By boat from the Dubai mainland. There is no road or bridge to the islands.
Are all of The World Islands developed?
No. Each island is developed separately by its owner. Some are finished, some hold resorts and many remain undeveloped, so it matters which island a home is on and what is complete there today.
Who is island living on The World suited to?
Buyers who put privacy first and want a retreat or second home with the Dubai skyline in view. It is less practical for anyone who needs to commute daily.
Further reading.
Plain guides to how buying works here: ownership, escrow, the process from abroad, and how to judge a waterfront address.
All insights
What to check before choosing a waterfront address
“Waterfront” covers open sea, lagoons, marinas and canals. They live very differently. A checklist for telling them apart before you buy.
Read the guide
Buying property in Dubai as a non-resident: the process, step by step
You do not need to live in the UAE to own a home in Dubai. Here is how the purchase runs, for off-plan and for finished homes.
Read the guide
Freehold areas explained: where foreign buyers can own outright
Freehold is the word every buyer hears first. What it gives you, where it applies, and how to check it for a specific home.
Read the guide