Are the Man-Made Islands in Dubai Sinking?

By Michael Ferguson

Dubai is known for its extravagant architecture and engineering marvels. One of these feats is the creation of man-made islands that are shaped like different countries on the world map.

These islands have been a source of fascination and wonder for people all around the globe. However, there has been a growing concern about whether these islands are sinking or not.

The man-made islands in Dubai are called The Palm Islands, which consist of three artificial islands – Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and Deira Island. These islands were created by dredging sand from the bottom of the Persian Gulf and then using it to form the shape of the islands.

How were these Islands constructed?
To create The Palm Islands, engineers first installed a crescent-shaped breakwater around each island to protect it from strong ocean currents and waves. Then they dredged sand from the bottom of the Persian Gulf and used it to create a base for each island.

After that, they used GPS technology to precisely place rocks around the perimeter of each island to form a protective barrier against erosion caused by ocean waves. Finally, they transported millions of tons of rocks and sand onto each island to build up its height and shape it into its final form.

Are these Islands sinking?
There have been concerns about whether The Palm Islands are sinking or not. In 2009, reports emerged that parts of Palm Jumeirah had sunk by as much as 5 millimetres. This news caused widespread concern among investors who had bought properties on the island.

However, according to Nakheel Properties, the developer behind The Palm Islands project, this sinking was only temporary settling due to rapid construction work carried out in a short period. Since then there has been no further evidence that suggests any ongoing subsidence or sinking of any part of The Palm Islands.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there have been reports of some sinking on The Palm Islands, it appears to be only temporary settling and not an ongoing issue. The developers behind the project have taken great care to ensure the stability and safety of these islands. With proper engineering and construction techniques, The Palm Islands remain a spectacular example of human ingenuity and innovation in creating man-made structures in the ocean.