Dubai Palm Island or Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago located on the Jumeirah coastal area of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, is considered the eighth wonder and the largest manmade island in the world. These offshore islands created from reclaimed land are some of the popular tourist destinations in Dubai. Stretching 5 km into the Arabian Sea, The Palm Jumeirah, when viewed from above, is shaped like a palm tree. This unique island, visible from space, consists of a 10-mile-long outer crescent, a 3-mile-long trunk, and a fan of 17 fronds. It is home to peaceful beaches, elegant apartments, and many lavish resorts, including the world-famous rose-hued Atlantis, The Palm.
Dubai’s Palm Islands house around 1000 water homes, 4000 lavish villas, 5000 elegant waterfront apartments, 60 luxury hotels, several restaurants, spas, shopping malls, beach clubs, bars, cinemas, water parks, and dive sites mainly positioned in the crescent and the trunk. The Palm Jumeirah has attracted many celebrities to buy residential properties like David Beckham, Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Kim Kardashian, Robert de Niro, etc. This place has many elegant beach clubs and bars, which make the nightlife of the city of Dubai exciting for the locals as well as the tourists.
Interesting Facts about Palm Jumeirah
- The Palm Jumeirah is created from 7 million tonnes of rock blasted from the nearby Al-Hajar Mountains. More than 94 million cubic meters of sand were excavated from the bottom of the sea to form the island.
- The rock and sand used for the construction of the island can be imagined as a 2 m high wall encircling the earth three times.
- An immense amount of study and research was carried out before starting the construction of the Palm Islands. Expert divers explored and examined the stability of the rocks underneath the water.
- The cost of construction of Palm Jumeirah Island is 12 billion dollars.
- The construction of Palm Jumeirah began in August 2001 and took six years to complete.
- It covers an area of 5.72 sq km.
- A satellite guided by a hi-tech GPS was used to place the sand into the sea at the perfect place with accurate precision to get the palm tree shape of the island. Vibro-compaction technology, which is a technique that makes the soil particles denser, was also used. This was to ensure that the island could withstand any construction on it.
- Palm Jumeirah is protected from storms or typhoons by 11 km artificial breakwaters that were made using rocks, geotextile fiber, and sand. The breakwaters surround the island in a crescent shape.
How to Get to Palm Jumeirah
Dubbed as the Gateway to Atlantis, the state-of-the-art Palm Monorail is the most exciting way of getting around the island, providing access to visitors. It is a 5.4 km rail route connecting the Dubai Mainland to the Atlantis resort in Palm Jumeirah through a 300 m bridge. Numerous shops and attractions lie between these stations. The Monorail is computer-guided (has no driver on board) and has large panoramic windows offering nice views along the entire path.
There is the Palm Jumeirah Tunnel, an underground six-lane bridge connecting the top most frond of the Palm with the crescent. Another way to visit Palm Jumeirah is to take the Hop-on Hop-off service by Big Bus. This double-decker tourist bus offers a beautiful view of this island as you make your way up the Palm trunk. The glass top of the bus gives you a chance to click photographs. Each tour includes commentary, background, and narration in 12 different languages.
Things to do in Palm Jumeirah
There are so many things to do and places to visit at Palm Jumeirah that you will not be disappointed. From unwinding at the beach clubs to relishing delicacies prepared by celebrity chefs, from splashing at the water parks to relaxing on the white sandy beaches. From playing with dolphins and swimming with sharks and sea lions to pampering yourself while enjoying a relaxing spa treatment, there is no moment to get bored here.
Take a Tour of The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Even though Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers incredible indoor marine sightings, you can amp up the experience with underwater strolls and diving sessions at Lost Chambers Aquarium. Enjoy the underwater thrill as you visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to more than sixty thousand species of aquatic life. You can swim along with the dolphins at Dolphin Bay for a unique experience.
Splash at Aqua venture Waterpark
The favorite waterpark in Dubai provides a day full of adventure and fun for the whole family, with over twenty rides and attractions. Discover the best waterslides, unique rides, relaxing beaches, and lazy rivers.
Watch The Palm Fountain at the Pointe
Launched in October 2020 and spanning across the boulevard, The Pointe on the Palm Jumeirah is the world’s largest fountain, which is also known as the Palm Fountain. This dancing fountain towers up to 105 mt, using 3000 LED lights.
Visit Al Ittihad Park
Visit the Al Ittihad park in Palm Jumeirah, a breathtaking green oasis, where you can take a stroll and enjoy the beautiful sights of the local fauna of the region.
Walk the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk
The Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk is along the East and West Crescents built over the rocks of the Palm’s breakwater. This 11 km stretch is the perfect place to run or walk in the early morning or take stroll in the evening as you soak in the views of the sunset.
See the Sunset at The View
The perfect way to enjoy the beauty of Dubai is by enjoying the sunset atop The View at The Palm. A 3-minute ride to the observation deck on the 52nd floor provides a stunning 360 degrees panoramic view of the Dubai skyline as well as the Palm Island.
Skydiving over the Palm
For an ultimate adrenaline rush, jump off a plane and cruise over the Palm Jumeirah. Experience the thrill of free-falling at a speed of 120 miles per hour, offering incredible views of The Palm and Dubai Marina, amidst the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Reading a guide for skydiving in Dubai will help nervous first-timers. However, there are instructors and trainers who will provide all necessary assistance and details to make your first skydive in Dubai a smooth and memorable experience.
Take a Helicopter Tour
Climb aboard a luxury helicopter and fly along the coastline and across the World Islands. This 25-minute tour delivers a bird’s eye view of Palm Island and the nearby World Islands, along with Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, and Dubai Creek.
Enjoy Paddling in a Kayak or Riding a Jet Ski
Have fun exploring the calm waters surrounding Palm Jumeirah and the coast by enjoying paddling on a kayak or riding away on a jet ski while watching the fantastic views of the Dubai Marina, Burj Khalifa, and Burj Al Arab.
The best time to visit Palm Jumeirah is from November to April. The peak tourist months are December to February. It is better to book your flights and accommodation in advance to get some good deals. A Dubai visa or a Dubai tourist visa allows you to visit this haven for vacationers. No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting this iconic manmade island. So what’s stopping you? Indulge yourself in the luxuries that this architectural wonder has to offer.
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Find your stay options near Jumeirah Beach
Search and book your stay cations near Jumeirah Beach as per your travel requirements. Five-star to four-star properties, luxurious brands, and fine-dining restaurants and lounges dot JBR’s landscape. You will hardly find any three-star property here as Jumeirah is among the prime locations in Dubai. For budget options, you will have to head to Dubai Marina.
JBR hotels allow you to enjoy the secluded moments on the private beach strip and haveeasy access to the JBR Walk and the Dubai Marina district. The most luxurious hotels are Banyan Tree Dubai, Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, Address Beach Resort, Fixe Luxe JBR, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, which do not compromise on quality and luxury. All the above mentions are renowned for their luxurious indulgences, gourmet fine dining options, and private beaches, which are available for all in-house guests.
Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, Amwal Rotana, Movenpick Jumeirah Beach, and An Ocean View Hotel are other luxurious five-star properties near the JBR. They are renowned for their excellent dining options, diverse menu spread, and fantastic amenities to complete your overall guest experience.
You will also find excellent four-star properties on JBR Beach: Double Tree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Ramada Hotel & Suites & Wyndham Dubai JBR, Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, and Roda Amwaj Suites.
Wet adventures at Jumeirah Beach
Several mind-blogging water sports are available for the wet adventure seekers at the JBR. No matter the wet adventure in your mind, JBR has something for all age groups to fulfil their request for the ultimate wet adventure. Be ready to be spoilt for choices as you opt for jet-skiing, scuba diving, a private yacht cruise, a self-drive boat trip, a jet car ride, parasailing, or kayaking.
Aqua Fun is the latest addition to crazy wet adventures in JBR Dubai, as participants have to bounce over inflatable obstacles in the open water. Challenge your friends and family as you indulge in these crazy wet adventures to enjoy a marvelous time exploring the JBR.
Fine Dine options near Jumeirah Beach
There are several deluxe dining options featuring amazing food and gorgeous vistas. One of the noteworthy mentions is Mott 32, a 73rd open-air terrace offering Cantonese cuisine with a Michelin-starred heritage. Zeta Seventy-Seven is another great rooftop lounge.
Black Tap has a great collection of signature Crazy Shake creations and fantastic burgers. Wave breaker is famous for delicious smoked and grilled meats. Asil, known for its traditional décor, is another option for some fine Moroccan, Lebanese, and Turkish cuisine.
If you are really into seafood, then the menu at Urban Seafood The Beach – JBR, The MAINE Oyster Bar & Grill, JBR, Aprons & Hammers, the Dibba Bay Restaurant at Sheraton JBR, and Catch 22 JBR will surely excite you.
La Mezcaleria at Pavillion serves excellent Mexican cuisine. Tamoka at the Ritz-Carlton has a diverse menu offering Argentinian, Latin American, and Caribbean cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the operating hours for the JBR?
The public can access JBR 24×7,without any cost.
How much do you pay for visiting the Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)?
JBR is a free indulgence open to public, where you can enjoy beach activities from sunrise to sunset. Private beach strips allow you to sunbathe and enjoy a lazy afternoon atan additional cost.
Are people allowed to swim in JBR Beach?
Yes. The JBR Beach is open and free for access throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. You will find numerous water sports and beach activities for an awesome time at the JBR Beach.
Is there a metro connectivity to reach the JBR?
Yes. You can take the red line to DMCC or Sobha Realty metro station and then head to the Dubai Tram, which will take you to JBR’s destined location.
What is the length of the JBR Walk?
JBR Walk is 1.7 km long.
Is Dubai Marina and JBR the same?
JBR and Dubai Marina are adjacent districts that offer distinctively unique architectural styles, state-of-the-art amenities, amazing indulgences, and endless retail outlets.
How is the nightlife at the JBR?
The nightlife at the JBR is buzzing and vivacious. No matter which day you land up here, you are welcomed by numerous concerts, events, and activities that attract the crowd’s attention.