Inside Dubai’s eerie abandoned islands that cost billions and were built only for the mega-rich

Anyone who likes a bit of alone time would probably love to have their own island - and it turns out there's an entire collection of them sitting empty in Dubai.

I'd be more than happy to take one off the country's hands...

Known as the World Islands, the mostly empty plots of land are located around 2.5 miles off the coast of Dubai in the Persian Gulf, and were first announced in 2003.

The islands have been designed to replicate the entire globe in miniature form, with each island named after its corresponding country - meaning you could get your hands on your own Italy, Australia or even United States if you wanted to.

The islands were inspired by the world. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Naturally, this impressive creation didn't come cheap and caught the attention of the wealthier members of society, with Richard Branson among those keen to get in on the action.

Dubai-based development firm Nakheel Projects put billions into building the islands, but 20 years on, the vast creation hasn't really taken off as they might have hoped.

The trouble began in 2008 - after an estimated $15 billion had been poured into the islands - when the United Arab Emirates' economy was in trouble and the real estate sector was brought down with it.

An estimated $300 billion worth of projects were scaled down or cancelled all together, and during the 2008 financial crisis, only one of the islands was completed and open for tourists to visit.

The rest of the islands have sat largely empty and abandoned for years, until in 2021, they got some action as the Anantara World Islands Resort opened its doors on the South American section of the islands.

Most of the islands have sat abandoned. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

The next phase of the development comes in the form of the 'Heart of Europe project', which promises luxury hotels, private mansions and floating villas among the islands.

The Heart of Europe website explains that the real estate aims to 'combine the best of European culture, architecture, and hospitality with the luxury and innovation of the Emirates and the white, sandy beaches of tropical islands'.

"The Heart of Europe offers novel experiences, from underwater living to the climate controlled Raining Street," it explains.

Properties are still up for grabs with a 'vast choice of floor-plans and options', with offerings on the site including 'Germany Villa' and 'Sweden Palace'.

It sounds like the perfect way to get a taste of Europe without having to cross borders - though you might have to save up a bit first!

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