The World Islands are artificial islands off Dubai's coast in the Persian Gulf, shaped like a world map. Nakheel Properties developed them under the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The construction involved significant amounts of sand dredged from Dubai's coastal waters, with the assistance of Dutch companies Van Oord and Boskalis. The islands, ranging from 1.4 to 4.2 hectares, are spaced about 100 meters apart, totalling 321 million cubic meters of sand and 386 million tons of rock. The development covers 6 by 9 kilometres, surrounded by an oval breakwater island. 

There are seven sets of islands representing Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, South America, Antarctica, and Oceania. This project showcases Dubai's innovation in artificial island development.