Largest man-made 'heritage' island

When you mention 'I live in Dubai' to people abroad, they probably imagine fast and expensive cars, a fancy house on the beach situated on palm tree-shaped island, butlers and, overall, a luxury lifestyle.
This scenario may not be a reality for majority of the residents in Dubai. However, there are several expats here that do have these luxuries. Most of the community on the Palm Jumeirah Island, for example, are living that resort-lifestyle that you'd experience on an over-the-top, expensive, holiday in the Maldives.
But that's exactly the purpose the palm tree-shaped island is meant to serve since it was first launched in 2001 all the way to what it is now - hundreds of luxury villas and apartments and lavish restaurants and hotels.
Palm Jumeirah Island is often called an 'architecture wonder' and is the world's first and largest man-made island. It has a 2km-long trunk and a crown, which is made up of 17 fronds and a surrounding crescent. Another popular element among the Palm residents is, obviously, the beach.
But it isn't all about just the wealthy; the palm tree-shaped island also holds a very rich historical meaning behind it. It is perhaps, one of the most famous landmarks in not just Dubai, but all of the UAE.
But, why build the island in the shape of a palm tree? According to historian and author David Heard, the date palm played a very important role in the olden days.
"The date palm was central in the life of people here in the old days. It was used to construct houses, the fronds in walls and roofs, the trunk was used as support for walls and roof, when no other wood was available," he said.
"The fishing boat, the shasha, was constructed from the branches. The fronds were woven to make containers for food and other purposes such as a fan for cooling or swatting flies.
"The fibres were used to make ropes. The fruit was enjoyed fresh or due to its sugary content, it could be stored for months. Also, a useful syrup could come out of a sack in storage. This is just a short note to remind you of just how important the palm was in everyday life."
Palm Jumeirah is Nakheel's flagship project and was launched in 2001. By the end of 2006, the island's first residences were handed over during a phased period, which included 4,000 luxury villas and apartments.
Sophie Tannous, a British mum and make-up artist, lives in a four-bedroom and four-bath flat by the beach on the Palm. Her husband is a businessman and her eight-year-old twin sons - Sebastian and Ethan - are international models. The Tannous family's mornings usually start off with exercise and a healthy breakfast.
But, keeping fit and healthy is a focus for most of the community. A 3.2km-long running track on the Golden Mile is popular among residents.
"The children and I wake up at 6am to start our day, while my husband would already be down on the Golden Mile running track or on our beach by 5.30am, most mornings. The sea is also beautiful most of the year for an early morning swim."
Also popular on the Palm are its restaurants and clubs. Samantha Marshall, resident on the Golden Mile in the Palm, said: "The Golden Mile is a great community area, whether it's ladies coffee mornings or fitness sessions, there is always something you can include yourself in."
The Palm Jumeirah community is also known for their over-the-top parties. "Some of the parties we have attended here on the Palm are lavish with no expense spared," Tannous said.
"There have been a lot of incredible yacht parties and we have also attended parties in beautiful palatial villas here on the Palm. There are also some extremely lavish children's parties like the one we went to. It was held in a five-star hotel here where the children arrived in limousines."
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
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