History of Palm Jumeirah in Timeline

The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago in Dubai, UAE, is a remarkable feat of engineering and a significant landmark. Part of the larger Palm Islands project, it increases Dubai's coastline significantly and houses over 25,000 residents. This ambitious development showcases Dubai's commitment to luxury, tourism, and architectural innovation.

June 2001: Construction Begins

Construction of the Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001.

2006: First Residents

In 2006, developers announced the handover of the first residential units on Palm Jumeirah.

October 2007: Handover and Residents

By October 2007, 75% of the properties on Palm Jumeirah were ready for handover, with 500 families already living there.

April 2009: Monorail Launch

The Palm Jumeirah Monorail, connecting the Atlantis Hotel to the Gateway Towers, began operating on April 30, 2009, becoming the first monorail in the Middle East.

2009: Hotel Openings

By the end of 2009, 28 hotels had opened on the Crescent of Palm Jumeirah.

2009: Sinking Concerns and Developer Response

In 2009, The New York Times reported on NASA measurements suggesting Palm Jumeirah was sinking. Developer Nakheel Properties denied structural issues and questioned the accuracy of the measurements.

2009: Property Density Controversy

In 2009, it was reported that the developer had increased the number of residential units on Palm Jumeirah from the initial announcement, leading to reduced space between properties and complaints from early buyers.

2020: Wildlife Increase During Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, a surge in marine wildlife, including dolphins, was observed around Palm Jumeirah due to reduced human activity.

2022: Environmental Study

A study published in the journal Water in 2022, revealed that the construction of Palm Jumeirah had led to an increase in water-soluble materials, changes in the water's spectral profile, and a rise in surface water temperature around the island.