Dubai's artificial islands

The first image is a larger scale image of "The World", which is a collection of artificial islands constructed off of the coastline of Dubai.  The design of the islands roughly mimics the view of the Earth's continents from space.  The second image is smaller scale so it also captures the "Palm" islands. 

The construction of these islands was a feat of modern engineering but they have also been criticized for potentially harming the local aquatic environment.  The logic of investing billions of dollars to create a small amount of new land that is barely above sea level is also questionable. 

http://news.mongabay.com/2006/10/satellite-photo-of-dubais-artificial-islands-the-world-and-the-palms/

Posted by Steve Vosberg