Why Dubai Builds Artificial Islands That Are Sinking
Routes & Trade5 min readMarch 15, 2026

Why Dubai Builds Artificial Islands That Are Sinking

Palm Jumeirah sinks 5 to 10 mm per year. The World is 95% abandoned. And Dubai launches an island twice the size. The geological, economic and climate story of the Persian Gulf's artificial islands — and what they reveal about our relationship with risk.

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