Man-made marvels: The world's largest artificial islands

[jw5]

Palm Jumeirah, UAE​

Palm Jumeirah was largely financed by Dubai's substantial income from petroleum, and though it's now a world-famous tourist attraction, it was created to serve as luxurious real estate for billionaires.

 

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Palm Jumeirah, UAE​

On the artificial island you can also find more than 500 km (310 miles) of artificial beach, created by spraying sand dredged from the Gulf of Persia.

 

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Chubu Centrair International Airport, Japan​

This first class airport, built on a 6.8-sq-km (2.6-sq-mile) artificial island in Tokoname City, is just one of Japan's five offshore airports.

 

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Chubu Centrair International Airport, Japan​

A number of environmental protection measures were taken, and the island's shores were sloped and partially constructed with natural rocks to help marine life set up colonies.

 

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Palm Jebel Ali, UAE​

Dubai's 8-sq-km (3-sq-mile) cluster of artificial islands began construction in October 2002, and though it was planned to be completed by 2008, it has been put on hold. However, it's still easily recognizable from space!

 

[Leckmichamarsch]

sg island made for CECA

 

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Palm Jebel Ali, UAE​

The island is larger than the Palm Jumeirah, and is supposed to include six marinas, a water theme park, residences for 250,000 people, and boardwalks that spell out an Arabic poem by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

 

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Hong Kong International Airport​

Hong Kong reportedly added 75% of land to expand the existing Chek Lap Kok island, putting it at 9.4 sq km (3.6 sq miles), and making space for its international airport.

 

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Hong Kong International Airport​

The airport is one of the largest enclosed public spaces on Earth. Since it was opened in 1998, it has become an important passenger hub and the busiest cargo gateway in the world.

 

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Kansai International Airport, Japan​

Designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and opened in 1994, Japan's Kansai International Airport is situated on a 10.7-sq-km (4.1-sq-mile) man-made island in Osaka Bay.

 

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Kansai International Airport, Japan​

Built to relieve the overcrowded Osaka Airport, Kansai has now become an international hub, and it was also the first airport to be built on an artificial island.

 

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Yas Island, UAE​

Located in Abu Dhabi, this 25-sq-km (9.7-sq-mile) artificial island can easily be reached by boat, plane, or even car, which has enabled it to become a hot tourist spot.

 

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Yas Island, UAE​

The island offers a plethora of attractions, from water sports, concerts, and racing events to luxury hotels, spas, and fine-dining. It's also home to the Ferrari World Park, Yas Waterworld, the Yas Marina Circuit, and the Yas Links golf court.

 

[jw5]

Flevopolder, Netherlands​

The Dutch have been protecting and expanding Holland's land for over two millennia, and through a persistent process of draining lakes and pumping water, they created the world's largest artificial island, ringing in at 970 sq km (374.5 sq miles)!

 

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Flevopolder, Netherlands​

Flevopolder created the 12th province in the Netherlands, which supports agriculture and offers attractions, including shipyards dating back to the Dutch India Company and nature reserves.

 

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In the works: The World, UAE​

Dubai got tired of palm islands and decided to reinvent the world across an archipelago of 300 private islands in the shape of the continents. Using sand pulled from shallow coastal waters, the islands—covering a total area of 54 sq km (19.4 sq miles)—will be divided into four categories: private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands.

 

[jw5]

In the works: The World, UAE​

Development began in 2003, but halted in 2008 due to the financial crisis. It has slowly been starting up again since then. Each island will reportedly be sold to selected private developers for anywhere between US$7 million and US$1.8 billion.

 

[jw5]

Honorable mention: The Venetian Islands, USA​

Located in Florida is a chain of six artificial islands in Miami. The project was reportedly proposed to be much larger than what exists today, though it's home to a population of nearly 700, with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, schools, and parks.

 

[jw5]

While the islands might be impressive…​

While they're good for commerce, they come at a high environmental cost. Changing wave action could result in coastal erosion, and the destruction of marine habitats threatens the existence of many species.