The Palm Jumeirah is an artificial set of islands off the coast of Dubai's mainland. This aerial view from a hydroplane shows the palm tree shape, surrounded by a crescent breakwater that protects the islands from high winds and waves.
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Construction on the project began 20 years ago, in June 2001. No steel or concrete was used to form the islands. Instead, developer Nakheel used sand and rock. Here, the breakwater crescent is being built in 2003.
From Nakheel
Today, the Palm is home to luxury hotels, pristine beaches and nearly 80,000 people, according to Nahkeel.
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Atlantis, The Palm is a luxury hotel resort situated at the apex of the archipelago.
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The Atlantis resort was the first to be built on the Palm, and opened in September 2008.
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Palm Jumeirah also boasts the first monorail in the Middle East, which opened in April 2009, and connects the Palm to Dubai's mainland.
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Aerial views of the Palm were typically reserved for helicopter tours or those willing to skydive out of a plane. You could also catch a glimpse from Dubai's mainland, like this view of the islands behind the Burj Al Arab.
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In April, a new way to see the islands opened, with the 52-story observation deck, The View at The Palm Jumeirah.
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Other attractions include the Palm Fountain, which broke a Guinness World Record as the worlds' largest fountain last year.
