Palm Jumeirah: from construction to world-class destination in 21 years – in pictures

  • Artist's impression of Palm Jumeirah. Construction began in 2001 and it took six years for the project to complete. Getty Images
    Artist's impression of Palm Jumeirah. Construction began in 2001 and it took six years for the project to complete. Getty Images
  • Satellite image of Palm Jumeirah shows the distinct palm tree shape emerging from the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Getty Images
    Satellite image of Palm Jumeirah shows the distinct palm tree shape emerging from the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Getty Images
  • A view of the development in March 2004. EPA
    A view of the development in March 2004. EPA
  • The development has become a premium tourist destination and the self-declared 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Getty Images
    The development has become a premium tourist destination and the self-declared 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Getty Images
  • The development is in the shape of a date palm, complete with trunk, 17 fronds and a crescent that acts as a breakwater. Getty Images
    The development is in the shape of a date palm, complete with trunk, 17 fronds and a crescent that acts as a breakwater. Getty Images
  • Construction on the Middle East's first monorail, on Palm Jumeirah, in March 2007. The system cost $381 million to build. Getty Images
    Construction on the Middle East's first monorail, on Palm Jumeirah, in March 2007. The system cost $381 million to build. Getty Images
  • Atlantis, The Palm under construction on Palm Jumeirah in April 2007. Getty Images
    Atlantis, The Palm under construction on Palm Jumeirah in April 2007. Getty Images
  • A view of the project from July 2007. Getty Images
    A view of the project from July 2007. Getty Images
  • Atlantis, The Palm in July 2007. Getty Images
    Atlantis, The Palm in July 2007. Getty Images
  • The monorail opened in 2009, ferrying passengers between Palm Gateway and Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark stations. The fully automatic driverless train was designed to eventually link up with the Dubai Metro. Getty Images
    The monorail opened in 2009, ferrying passengers between Palm Gateway and Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark stations. The fully automatic driverless train was designed to eventually link up with the Dubai Metro. Getty Images
  • Dubai celebrates the landmark grand opening of Atlantis, The Palm, and Palm Jumeirah, on November 20, 2008. Getty Images
    Dubai celebrates the landmark grand opening of Atlantis, The Palm, and Palm Jumeirah, on November 20, 2008. Getty Images
  • Whale shark at Atlantis, The Palm's Lost Chambers Aquarium. Pawan Singh / The National
    Whale shark at Atlantis, The Palm's Lost Chambers Aquarium. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A skydive over Palm Jumeirah in March 2018. Getty Images
    A skydive over Palm Jumeirah in March 2018. Getty Images
  • Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island, spanning 5.72 square kilometres, equal to 600 football pitches. Getty Images
    Palm Jumeirah is the world's largest man-made island, spanning 5.72 square kilometres, equal to 600 football pitches. Getty Images