Palm Jumeirah – Intro, Facts & Attractions

Palm Jumeirah

Everything you want to know about Palm Jumeirah from Facts and Top Attractions: Dubai is a city full of wonders. Talk about man-made massive buildings or shopping malls, or exotic natural beauty like sun-kissed beaches and azure blue seas, Dubai will make you spellbound with its beauty & magnificence. To witness this beauty, millions of tourists from all across the globe fly into Dubai every year. And one of the key attractions for the tourists – and also locals – in Dubai is the outstanding Palm Jumeirah.

Palm Jumeirah

What is the Palm Jumeirah?

The Palm Jumeirah is a collection of man-made islands (yes, you heard it right!) on the Persian Gulf. It is shaped like a palm tree that is found everywhere in the Gulf countries. Hence the name. it is located off the Jumeirah area. Land reclamation process was followed to create the island and it was built early this century.

Facts About Palm Jumeirah

  • The total land reclaimed is about 1400 acres, with an area about 5 km in diameter.
  • Palm Jumeirah was developed by the renowned developer firm Nakheel. An American architectural firm, Helman Hurley Charvat Peacock, designed the master plan. Sand was dredged from the floor of the Persian Gulf to make the islands. Also, stones & boulders were used to shore up certain parts of the island that were more exposed to the open sea. The stones were obtained by blasting off portions of the nearby mountains.
  • An 11-km breakwater was the first section of the Palm Jumeirah that was built. This acts as a barrier against the strong sea currents and also strong seasonal winds. Both of these can pose a threat to the island’s foundation.
  • Satellite imagery was used to plot the shape of the island in the initial days. Huge fleets of sand dredgers were put into action, 24 x 7, to construct the trunk & the inner fronds. Very high levels of precision were needed to complete this difficult project. Accuracy levels were pinpointed by using the latest GPS technology.
  • There’s a geotextile membrane that protects the sands from being washed away by the seawaters. 3 more rock layers act as additional protection.
  • 200,000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete was used to build a six-lane sea tunnel. Also used were 110,000 tons of rock & 30,000 tons of reinforcing steel.
  • Work on building the island started in 2001. By 2004, the basic infrastructure was in place. Around 2006, buildings began to be constructed and the first lot of residents arrived the following year. By 2009, more than 25 hotels were operational in the Palm Jumeirah.
  • The island is as big as 600 regular-sized football grounds!
  • The main sectors of the Palm Jumeirah are known as frond, crescent, spine, and trunk. A bridge connects the trunk to the mainland Dubai. This is the main entry to the island from the mainland. The trunk is connected to the spine via another bridge.
  • The crescent is like a backwater that almost encircles the other sectors. There are 3 sectors within the crescent. This helps better seawater circulation. The crescent is connected to the spine through a vehicular tunnel.
  • There is a transit monorail that runs from the mainland to the crescent through the spine & trunk, for a distance of about 5 km. The crescent is 650 feet (200 metres) wide and about 10.5 miles (17 km) long.
  • The Palm Jumeirah has everything that one can ask for in terms of luxury living. Top-end residential apartments, grand villas, super deluxe hotels, a plethora of the most renowned global brands in retail, an array of the greatest restaurants offering all forms of global cuisine – there’s no end to the enjoyment opportunities that Palm Jumeirah offers.

Enjoyment Opportunities at Palm Jumeirah

Jetpack in The Palm

Well, the opportunities are unlimited. You will find time running pitifully short as you experience one amazing attraction after another. Be it the marvelous beach clubs, wining & dining, adventure sports, shopping, or simply lazing around – you will have your hands full at the Palm Jumeirah.

Top Attractions of Palm Jumeirah

Let’s take a look at some of the top attractions at the Palm Jumeirah.

1. Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm

One of the most luxurious & remarkable hotels all across the globe, the Atlantis, The Palm is among the last words in magnificent living. Eye-popping luxurious rooms offering the best possible views of the gulf, a range of the most reputed global restaurants, unbelievable range of spa & body care options – you will be made to feel like an emperor here!

2. The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Lost Chambers Dubai Tickets

Home to over 65,000 marine animals of various hues, the Lost Chambers Aquarium is themed on the legendary lost city of Atlantis. Among the key tourist attractions of the island, the aquarium gives you an opportunity to see creatures like sharks, sting rays, reef fish, sea horses, and many others, from up close. You can also participate in activities like aquarium dives, snorkeling, etc. Aqua theatre shows and fish tale tours are also organized for the tourists to know more about the exciting & interesting fauna ecosystem.

3. Nasimi Beach

Want to feel at one with the sand & sea? Want to soak up some sun & recharge yourself? Then Nasimi Beach is the place for you. Relax in the cabanas, go for an invigorating swim, or simply lay down in the sand. And don’t forget to stuff yourself with delectable Mediterranean cuisine at the many beachfront restaurants.

4. Skydiving

Skydiving

This one’s for the adventure junkies! Fly up to a height of 13,000 feet and just – jump! This one’s going to be a once-in-a-lifetime activity for you. The whole Palm Jumeirah is spread out below you in all its magnificence as you descend towards it. The panoramic views of the superb Dubai coastline & the brilliant Persian Gulf beyond it will keep you spellbound. This adrenaline rush will be like the icing on the cake of your Dubai tour.

5. Al Ittihad Park

Spread over more than a million square feet, the Al Ittihad Park is a hot favorite with tourists and residents alike here. Founded in 2012, this eco-friendly park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. With a large number of coastal, desert, and mountainous plants & trees planted all over the park, your tired lungs will receive the much-needed fresh oxygen here. You can go for walking or jogging in the respective designated tracks.

6. Nakheel Mall

Among the most premium shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations here, the Nakheel Mall is a must-visit for shopaholics and entertainment-seekers. More than 300 shops & restaurants are waiting to welcome you here. Visit the Waltrose Supermarket, the MODO department store, and other similar zones to catch a glimpse of – and fill your shopping cart with – some of the best global brands. Once done, you can whet your appetite at the various restaurants here with a variety of cuisine. Finally, visit the viewing observatory of The View at the Palm to catch unparalleled views of the island.

7. Vuvuzela

Are you a sports freak? Do you love watching your favorite game with a glass of your favorite drink in hand? Head straight for Vuvuzela, the latest sports bar in Palm Jumeirah. Located at the Fairmont, this is an excellent pub, where giant screens will telecast games ranging from soccer & rugby to tennis and ice hockey, through a 120-inch projector.

Sip on your favorite drink & stuff yourself with chili cheese dogs, chicken wings, nachos, barbecue beef sandwiches, fish and chips, and many more delectable food items as the game goes on in the screen. Watching your favorite sport has never been more enjoyable!

8. Pro Art Gallery

Arts enthusiasts can rejoice! Here’s a place in the Palm Jumeirah that’s surely going to take their breaths away. Are you one of them? Then you must visit the Pro Art Gallery. A large number of artworks is on display here that includes photographs, painting, sculptures, and also limited edition prints. Featuring the works of both traditional & modern artists, the gallery is a must visit for art aficionados and also budding artists.

And while you are exploring the Palm Jumeirah, you must visit some of the signature eating joints on the island. The Breeze Beach Grill offers excellent grilled seafood of diverse varieties, along with sweet endings like ice creams. Nobu is the place to go for delectable Japanese food, dished up by Michelin star chefs. At the 101 Dining Lounge & Marina, you would get to experience lip-smacking cuisine from all over the world.

How to Reach Palm Jumeirah, Dubai?

By Metro – You can take the Dubai Metro & get down at Dubai Internet City station. From there, it’s a 20-minutes walk to the monorail station. Alternatively, you can take cab to cover this distance.

By Taxi – from all over Dubai, cabs would take you to the Palm Jumeirah.

Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Jumeriah

  • What are the timings for Palm Jumeirah?

The Palm Jumeirah can be accessed 24 x 7 all throughout the week. But the retail establishments & restaurants/bars would have their opening & closing times.

  • What’s the best time to visit Palm Jumeirah?

While you can come here at any time of the year, Dubai summers can be punishing for many. Also, the outdoor activities in Palm Jumeirah won’t be possible in the summer season. So, it’s best if you can come down between November & March.

  • Is there any entry fee for Palm Jumeirah?

No. the island has no entry fee. You would only have to pay for the services that you would avail of there.