Major development work on the coast started on Dubai Creek in the late 1950s with the construction of anti-flooding barriers. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archive
The work also involved dredging to allow large boats to enter. Photo: Arabian Gulf Digital Archive
Land reclamation was to be a major part of the Dubai story. The artificial island that Burj Al Arab would sit on was complete and construction on the hotel well advanced by 1996.
A larger reclamation project then got under way nearby. Dredging for Palm Jumeirah was in full swing by 2002, with Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah beach hotels in the background. AFP
Fronds of Palm Jumeirah emerged by November 2003. AFP
Construction work continued at a fast pace on Palm Jumeirah with villas built by 2008. Reuters
Dubai's Palm Jumeirah today is a famous part of the emirate's coast. Reuters
The Palm Jebel Ali, which is waiting to be developed, as seen in the 2000s. Reuters
Another one of Dubai's land reclamation projects is The World Islands. Sarah Dea / The National
The World Islands, an archipelago of tiny artificial islands in the shape of the world, as seen in July 2020. AFP
Sweden Island on The World Islands. Developers behind The Heart of Europe are reportedly planning to open the first phase of the six-island projects. Antonie Robertson / The National
Dubai's changing coastline: from Palm Jumeirah to The World Islands. Photo: Dubai Media Office
