Palm Jumeirah
Introduction
The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago located in the United Arab Emirates, specifically within the city of Dubai. It is one of three islands that make up the Palm Islands, along with the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira, which are also artificial islands. The Palm Jumeirah is the smallest of the three, yet it is the most densely populated and developed.
Design and Construction
The Palm Jumeirah was designed by the UAE-based company, Nakheel Properties, which is also responsible for its construction. The design of the island resembles a palm tree within a circle, which is a unique and distinctive feature. The construction of the Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001 and was completed in 2007. The island was built using sand dredged from the bottom of the Persian Gulf, which was then sprayed and 'vibro-compacted' into place using GPS technology to create the palm-tree shape.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of the Palm Jumeirah is highly developed, with a variety of residential, commercial, and leisure facilities. The island is divided into three main sections: the trunk, the fronds, and the crescent. The trunk of the Palm Jumeirah is the main gateway to the island and houses a variety of retail outlets, restaurants, and residential apartments. The fronds are home to luxury villas, each with private beach access. The crescent, which surrounds the palm, is home to many luxury hotels and resorts, including the famous Atlantis, The Palm.
Transportation
Transportation on the Palm Jumeirah is facilitated by a monorail system, the Palm Jumeirah Monorail, which connects the island to the mainland. The monorail runs along the trunk of the Palm, providing access to the various facilities and residences on the island. In addition to the monorail, the island is also accessible by road via a bridge that connects it to the mainland.
Environmental Impact
The construction and development of the Palm Jumeirah have raised several environmental concerns. The creation of the artificial island has led to changes in the marine ecosystem, including damage to coral reefs and changes in the distribution of marine species. Additionally, the high level of development on the island has led to increased energy consumption and waste production.