Palm Jumeirah is Dubai’s palm-shaped artificial island, extending roughly five kilometres into the Arabian Gulf. Its trunk, residential fronds and surrounding crescent are home to hotels, villas, restaurants and beach clubs, with Atlantis, The Palm anchoring the outer crescent.
Land reclamation began in 2001, and the island has become a symbol of Dubai’s rapid transformation and appetite for ambitious development. The scale is difficult to grasp from the ground: for the clearest view of the palm shape, head to The View at The Palm, an observation deck above Nakheel Mall.
Visitors can ride the Palm Monorail along the trunk, dine by the water at Palm West Beach or explore the resorts on the crescent. Book popular restaurants and beach clubs ahead, especially on weekends, and check access fees: many beaches are attached to hotels or private venues. The monorail requires a separate ticket from Dubai’s Metro.