Palm Islands & the World

The basics

Always in constant renovation, the Palm Islands and the World are home to a mix of leisure, residential, marina, and commercial structures. Visit the islands on a speedboat, rigid-inflatable boat (RIB), or Jet Ski tour, which typically takes visitors from the Dubai Marina to the Palm Jumeirah archipelago.

You can also take in bird’s-eye views over the islands on a "flightseeing" tour aboard a helicopter or seaplane. Heading to the observation deck at the Burj Khalifa or one of the city's many other skyscrapers is another way to see the sprawling development from above.

Things to know before you go

• There are a wide variety of small-group and private tours that allow you to view the islands either by boat or helicopter, some in combination with Dubai city tours.

• The layout of the islands is best appreciated from above.

• Expect soaring temperatures of up to 110°F (43°C) in the summer.

• Dubai's famed Atlantis hotel, Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, and Lost Chambers Aquarium are set on Palm Jumeirah.

• January and February are considered peak season on the islands, and prices are hiked accordingly.

How to get there

Getting to the islands is easiest by car or an organized tour with transportation included. Travelers can also take a 10-minute ride out to the tip of the palm from the Palm Gateway Monorail station, situated on the coast.

When to get there

Visiting—or staying on—the Palm Islands and the World is possible year-round, and the islands' attractions, such as shops, beach clubs, and resorts, are open all year. However, the best months to visit for a quieter (and slightly less sweltering) experience are November–December and March–April.

More things to do in Dubai

After your visit to the luxurious Palm Islands and the World, take in some more of Dubai's extravagance. Scale the world's tallest skyscraper, the Burj Khalifa; snap a photo with the record-setting Dubai Frame; or zipline through the city on the XLine Dubai Marina.

Is visiting the Palm Islands & the World worth it?

Yes, visiting the Palm Islands and the World Islands is worth it, particularly if you're interested in land use innovations or want to spend some time hanging out at the beach or shopping. They're home to all sorts of attractions, including Atlantis Aquaventure and the Lost Chambers Aquarium.

What is the best month to visit the Palm Islands & the World?

If weather is your sole consideration, the best month to visit Palm Islands and the World Islands is January, as it's the coolest month of the year. However, the winter season is also the high season in Dubai, with accommodation prices to match. March and November are cheaper, attractive alternatives.

How can I get to Palm Islands & the World?

The Palm Islands are accessible by car and taxi from the mainland, and there’s plenty of parking if you drive. You can also take the Dubai Metro to the Palm Gateway Station and switch onto the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. To get to the World Islands, book a boat trip.

Are there any guided tours available for exploring the Palm Islands and the World, and what do they include?

Yes, there are many guided tours that visit the Palm Islands or the World Islands. They typically include transportation (including boat transportation for the World Islands) and guide services, and some include other perks such as lunch or admission fees. Many also include round-trip transportation from Dubai hotels.

Are there any resorts, hotels, or dining options available on the Palm Islands or the World?

Yes, the Palm Islands and the World Islands have accommodations and dining options. The Palm Islands are particularly developed, with family-friendly resorts like Atlantis drawing overnight guests. Resorts on the World Islands include Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort and the Côte d'Azur Resort.

What nearby attractions or activities complement a visit to the Palm Islands and the World?

Plenty of attractions near the Palm Islands and the World Islands are worth visiting. Jumeirah Beach and La Mer Beach are close to the World Islands, while the Dubai Marina is right by the Palm Jumeirah. Other nearby attractions include the Dubai Frame, Jumeirah Mosque, and Safa Park.

Ways to explore

Always in constant renovation, the Palm Islands and the World are home to a mix of leisure, residential, marina, and commercial structures. Yacht, speedboat, RIB, and hop-on hop-off bus tours visit the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, where highlights include the 5-star Atlantis The Palm hotel, Aquaventure Waterpark, Nakheel Mall, and The View at The Palm observation deck.

Boat charters and guided tours also explore the other islands. Book a spa day at the Anantara World Islands Resort, relax at a private beach club on the Dubai Islands (Palm Deira), take a scenic boat cruise around Palm Jebel Ali, or fly overhead on a helicopter.

Accessibility

While many tours, boat cruises, and island attractions are wheelchair-accessible, it’s best to check ahead before booking.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, camera, reusable water bottle

What to wear

Modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is recommended in Dubai (especially for women). Swimwear is allowed on the beach, but bring a sarong or kaftan to cover up

Not allowed

Public displays of affection, being drunk in public, taking photos of locals without permission (especially women and children), swimwear outside of beach areas, loud music and parties outside of authorized areas (keep your boat’s sound system at a reasonable volume), access to privately owned islands

Amenities

Palm Jumeirah: public beaches, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping mall, supermarket, children’s playgrounds, parking lots. Public amenities are limited on the other islands: most beaches, restaurants, and facilities are within private resorts.

Address

The Palm Islands and the World are located in the Arabian Gulf along Dubai’s coastline. Palm Jumeirah is the most accessible, as the only island that can be reached by public transport. The World Islands can only be reached by boat.

Driving

While driving in Dubai isn’t always recommended, it’s a convenient way to access Palm Jumeirah. Take the bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and make the most of the free parking at Nakheel Mall. Driving is also the only way to reach Palm Jebel Ali—continue south along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), then follow the signs to the island.

Public transportation

The most scenic way to reach Palm Jumeirah (unless you can afford a helicopter ride) is riding the monorail, which has three different stops along the island: Atlantis Aquaventure station, Golden Mile station, and Nakheel Mall station. To reach the starting point, take Tram line 1 to Palm Jumeirah tram station and walk over the overpass to Palm Gateway Monorail station.

Best times to visit

Sightseeing on Palm Jumeirah is best in the morning, before the tour groups arrive. However, it’s worth battling the crowds to enjoy the golden hour along the seafront, and watching the sunset over the islands is a highlight.

Best days to visit

Any day is a good day to explore the less-visited islands, but Palm Jumeirah can get busy, especially on weekends. Monday through Wednesday is the quietest time for sightseeing, while Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are the best time to party by the beach.

Best months to visit

The best weather for beach days and boat cruises in Dubai is in winter (November through March) when humidity is lower and the heat is much more manageable. However, to avoid peak-season crowds and prices, travel in the shoulder seasons of October or April instead.