Palm Islands

Dubai is building a series of islands off its congested coastline to create space for more hotels and beachfront villas. The first, Palm Jumeirah, was completed in mid-2004, and building has started on apartments and villas that will be home to, among others, David Beckham and his family. The first owners took up residence in early 2007, although the island was still basically a building site.

Critics argue that the giant island, in the shape of a palm tree, with 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent, spoils the view from Dubai’s beach and is damaging the marine eco-system. Fans say it is a brilliantly audacious answer to the problem of Dubai’s crowded beaches, and coo over its alleged visibility from the moon. Work has started on a second Palm, which will be 40% bigger than the first, and a third, Manhattan-sized Palm—to be finished around 2015—is emerging off the coast of Deira.

Whatever your feelings about Dubai's mega-projects, it is worth taking a look at Palm Jumeirah. Al Muntaha restaurant, 200 metres up at the Burj Al Arab hotel, has spectacular views of Palm Island, though you’ll have to buy lunch at around $100 a head for the privilege. The less salubrious and cheaper Oasis Beach hotel also has decent views, as does Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. The more adventurous can enjoy an excellent view parasailing behind a speedboat. Most beach clubs and hotels offer a 15-minute ride for around 100 dirhams ($30).

The first batch of homes on Palm Island sold out within three hours, but there is now plenty of availability for those with the money and the inclination. Prices start at around $250,000 and rise sharply. The sales centre of master developer Nakheel is open daily, near the Royal Mirage hotel on Jumeirah Beach Road.