š” Quick Answer: Can You Actually Visit The World Dubai?
Yes, but it’s complicated! You can visit Heart of Europe (the main accessible cluster) through hotel bookings (3000+ AED/night), day passes (500-800 AED), or private boat charters (2000-5000 AED). Most of the 300 islands are NOT publicly accessible – only a handful like Heart of Europe, Lebanon Island, and Portofino are developed. You need to book 3-5 days in advance, and there’s no bridge access – only boats or seaplanes can get you there.
ā±ļø Read time: 8 minutes | š Located 4km off Dubai coast
Ok so heres the thing about The World Dubai… when I first heard about it, I thought it was one of those crazy ideas that would never actually happen. Like who seriously builds artificial islands shaped like a world map?? But Dubai being Dubai, they actually did it (well, mostly lol).
Let me share what I wish someone had told me about The World Dubai before I spent hours trying to figure out if its even possible to visit these islands. Spoiler alert: its complicated.
What Exactly is The World Dubai and Why Should You Care
The World Dubai is basically this mega ambitious project thats been around since the early 2000s – were talking about 300 artificial islands arranged to look like a world map when you see it from above. The islands are located about 4km off the coast of Dubai, between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid. Each island represents a different country or region, and tbh the whole concept still blows my mind even after living here for 4+ years.
When I first moved to Dubai in 2021, I could see The World Dubai from the beach at JBR and I was like “wait those islands are actually real??” Cause ngl, it looks almost photoshopped when you see aerial shots. The total area covers about 9km in length and 6km in width, which is absolutely massive.
The thing is, The World Dubai has had a pretty rocky history. Construction started in 2003, but then the 2008 financial crisis hit and everything kinda… stopped. For years, most of the islands just sat there empty. Now in 2025, things are finally picking up again with several islands either completed or under development.
Naz
Your Dubai Insider | 4+ Years Living in Dubai
As a proud resident of this bustling city for over 4 years, I’ve devoted my time to exploring Dubai’s vibrant cultural life, different ways of living, and endless possibilities. My experiences enable me to guide you through job searches, housing hunts, commuting, and vehicle purchases in Dubai – including those crazy ambitious projects like The World Dubai.
š Living in Dubai for 4+ years | šÆ Helping newcomers navigate Dubai life | š Last Updated: December 2025
The World Dubai Islands: Which Ones Can You Actually Visit
Here’s were it gets interesting – and frustrating tbh. Not all islands in The World Dubai are accessible to the public. In fact, most of them arent. After doing alot of research (and making some embarassing phone calls lol), heres what I found out:
Heart of Europe is the main attraction you can actually visit at The World Dubai right now. This cluster of islands includes Sweden, Germany, Main Europe, and a few others. They’ve got hotels, beaches, restaurants, and even underwater dining experiences. I visited in March 2025 and honestly? Its surreal.
Lebanon Island (also called Cote d’Azur Resort) has been developed but access is super limited – mostly private events and stuff. I tried booking a day pass last summer but the prices were… lets just say not budget-friendly lol. Were talking like 1500+ AED per person for basic access.
Portofino Island is another one thats supposedly operational but again, its more exclusive than a VIP section at a club. You basically need to know someone or be staying at one of their villas.
Most other islands in The World Dubai are either still under construction, abandoned, or privately owned with zero public access. Kinda defeats the “world” concept if you ask me, but whatever.
šļø Which World Dubai Islands Can You Actually Visit?
š Reality check: Out of 300 islands, only 3-5 are accessible in any capacity as of 2025
How to Visit The World Dubai (The Real Process, Not the Instagram Version)
Alright, so you wanna visit The World Dubai? Let me break down the actual process cause its not as simple as just showing up:
Booking Your Trip to The World Dubai
For Heart of Europe (the easiest option), you’ve got a few choices:
- Book a hotel stay – The Floating Seahorse or Portofino Hotel are your main options. Prices start around 3000 AED per night but can go way higher depending on the season. I checked in October 2025 and weekend rates were insane.
- Day passes – Available through their website but you gotta book in advance. Usually around 500-800 AED per person including boat transfer. Sometimes they have packages with food credits which tbh makes it slightly more reasonable.
- Private boat charter – This is were it gets pricey. You can charter a boat from Dubai Marina or other marinas, but expect to pay 2000-5000 AED depending on the boat and duration. Plus you still need permission to dock at The World Dubai islands.
Transportation to The World Dubai
Getting to The World Dubai is an adventure itself. Theres no bridge or causeway (which honestly surprised me at first). Your only options are:
Official ferry services run from specific departure points. When I went, we left from a private dock near Dubai Marina. The boat ride takes about 20-30 minutes depending on sea conditions. And ngl, if its choppy, you WILL get wet lol. I learned this the hard way wearing all white š
Private boats and yachts are allowed but you need proper permits and clearance. One of my friends tried taking his boat there without booking ahead and got turned away. Security is tight around The World Dubai islands.
Seaplanes – Yes, this is actually a thing! You can take a seaplane tour that lands at The World Dubai. Its expensive (around 1500-2000 AED) but the views are incredible. I did this for my birthday in 2024 and the photos came out amazing.
š¤ How to Get to The World Dubai
š« Important: There is NO bridge or causeway to The World Dubai – water/air transport only
What to Do at The World Dubai (Based on My Actual Experience)
Ok so assuming you’ve made it to The World Dubai, heres what you can actually do there:
The Beaches at The World Dubai
The beaches at Heart of Europe are pretty nice, not gonna lie. They’ve got imported sand and the water is usually calm cause the islands provide natural protection. In summer (June-August 2025), the water temperature was perfect – warm but not too hot.
One weird thing tho – some beaches have climate control?? Like they pump cold air to keep the temperature pleasant even in summer. Its very Dubai, very extra, very cool (literally lol).
Dining Options at The World Dubai
There are several restaurants across the developed islands. I tried the underwater restaurant at The Floating Seahorse and it was… an experience. You’re eating while fish swim around you. Food was good but overpriced (as expected). Main courses were 200-400 AED.
Theres also some casual dining spots that are more reasonable. Had a burger at one place for like 85 AED which isnt terrible by Dubai standards.
Activities at The World Dubai
- Snorkeling and diving – The coral reefs around The World Dubai are actually pretty decent. They’ve done artificial reef restoration which is cool. Rental equipment is available.
- Water sports – Jet skis, kayaking, paddleboarding. Standard beach resort stuff.
- Island hopping – If you book the right package, you can visit multiple islands in The World Dubai cluster. This is probably the best way to experience it tbh.
š Pro Tips: Making the Most of Your World Dubai Visit
šÆ Book Way Ahead (Seriously)
Don’t even think about showing up without booking 3-5 days in advance, especially during peak season (December-February). The World Dubai has limited daily capacity and spots fill up fast. I tried booking last minute in December 2024 and literally everything was sold out for a week.
Real example: Weekend slots in December-February book out 7-10 days ahead
š° Day Passes Are Your Best Bet
If you’re not staying overnight, day passes (500-800 AED) give you the full experience without dropping 3000+ AED on accommodation. Look for packages that include food credits – they make the price more reasonable since you’re gonna eat there anyway. The premium packages (1200-2000 AED) sometimes include island hopping which is honestly worth it.
Smart move: Book packages with food credits to offset the expensive dining costs
š Prepare for That Boat Ride
The 20-30 minute boat ride can get ROUGH, especially in the afternoon when waters are choppier. Bring waterproof bags for your phone and electronics – I learned this the hard way wearing all white and getting drenched lol. If you get seasick easily, take medication before departure. Also, don’t wear your best outfit for the boat ride.
Worth noting: Waters are calmest in early morning (before 10 AM)
šø Photography Strategy
Take MORE photos than you think you need because the views are insane and you can’t just pop back whenever. The Dubai skyline from The World is absolutely stunning. Pro tip: best lighting is early morning or late afternoon. Don’t even try bringing a drone – photography is heavily restricted and security will shut that down immediately.
Real talk: I didn’t take enough photos on my first visit and lowkey regret it
ā° October-April is Peak Time
Avoid visiting in summer (June-August) if possible – even with climate control, the heat is brutal. The boat ride in summer heat is NOT fun. October to April gives you perfect weather for actually enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. I went in August once and tbh, even the air-conditioned areas couldn’t save me from that boat ride.
Best months: November-March for perfect weather and comfortable boat rides
šµ Bring Cash for Tips
While most places accept cards, having cash for tips makes everything smoother – boat crew, restaurant staff, activity guides all appreciate it. The service is usually pretty good and tbh these people work hard in challenging conditions (boats, heat, logistics). Budget around 100-200 AED extra just for tipping throughout the day.
Pro tip: Small bills (20s and 50s) are more useful than large denominations
šļø Set Realistic Expectations
The World Dubai isn’t a theme park or massive entertainment complex – it’s more about luxury, exclusivity, and the unique experience of being on artificial islands. Don’t expect non-stop action or tons of activities. It’s more chill beach resort vibes than adventure park energy. Come for the novelty, the views, and the Instagram content, not for all-day entertainment.
Reality check: It’s about the experience and ambiance, not theme park-level entertainment
š« Compare All Booking Options
Don’t just book through the first website you find. Prices can vary significantly between booking directly through Heart of Europe’s website versus third-party tour operators. Sometimes tour packages include better deals with extras like meals or activities. I’ve seen the same day pass range from 500 AED to 800 AED depending on where you book.
Worth checking: Official website, tour operators, and hotel direct booking for price comparison
The World Dubai Prices: What You’re Really Looking At
Let me be straight with you about The World Dubai costs cause this is were alot of people get sticker shock:
Accommodation at The World Dubai:
- Floating Seahorse villas: 3500-8000 AED/night
- Portofino Hotel: 2800-5500 AED/night
- Main Europe resort: 3200-6000 AED/night
Day visits to The World Dubai:
- Basic day pass with transfer: 500-800 AED
- Premium packages: 1200-2000 AED
- Private tours: 2000-5000 AED
Dining at The World Dubai:
- Casual meals: 80-150 AED
- Fine dining: 300-600 AED per person
- Drinks: 50-80 AED (non-alcoholic)
Compare this to regular Dubai beach clubs where you might spend 200-400 AED for the whole day, and yeah… The World Dubai is definitely positioned as a luxury experience.
š° The World Dubai Accommodation Costs
š” Note: Prices vary significantly based on season – expect 40-60% higher rates during peak months (December-February)
š« Day Visit Options & Pricing
ā ļø Tip: Packages with food credits offset expensive dining – main courses are 200-400 AED at island restaurants
Is The World Dubai Worth It? My Honest Opinion
After visiting The World Dubai three times (once for research, once for my birthday, and once when family visited), here’s my take:
Its worth visiting if:
- You’re really into unique experiences and dont mind paying premium prices
- You’ve already done most of the major Dubai attractions
- You want killer Instagram content (fr, the views are insane)
- You’re celebrating something special
- You’re curious about ambitious engineering projects
Skip The World Dubai if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You’re expecting a full-day entertainment complex (its more chill than that)
- You get seasick easily (that boat ride can be rough)
- You prefer easily accessible beaches
Personally? I think The World Dubai is one of those things you do once or twice. Its impressive, its unique, its very Dubai. But its not somewhere I’d regularly hang out, mostly cause of the accessibility and cost. The beaches at La Mer or Kite Beach give you 80% of the beach experience for like 5% of the cost lol.
The Future of The World Dubai
Heres were things get interesting. As of late 2025, there are big plans for The World Dubai expansion:
Marsa Al Arab is this massive project connecting some of The World Dubai islands with new resorts, attractions, and entertainment options. Construction was happening when I last checked, with completion expected sometime in 2026-2027.
Private island development is picking up. More islands are being sold to developers and private buyers. Some super wealthy people are literally buying their own countries lol. I heard one island sold for like 200 million AED but cant confirm that.
Improved accessibility is supposedly coming. There’s talk of better ferry services and potentially even a bridge connection, but tbh I’ll believe it when I see it. This is Dubai though, so anything’s possible.
The thing about The World Dubai is its potential. If they actually develop more islands and make access easier, it could become a major tourist destination. Right now its kinda like this exclusive thing that most people can only look at from afar.
Practical Tips for Visiting The World Dubai
Based on my experiences, here are some things I wish I knew before my first visit to The World Dubai:
Best time to visit: October to April when the weather is perfect. I went in August once and ngl, even with climate control it was tough. The boat ride in summer heat is not fun.
What to bring: Sunscreen (obviously), light clothing, swimwear, cash for tips, waterproof bag for your phone. The boat ride to The World Dubai can get splashy.
Booking in advance: This is crucial. You cant just show up at The World Dubai. Book at least 3-5 days ahead, more during peak season (December-February).
Photography: Bring a good camera or phone. The views of Dubai skyline from The World Dubai are stunning. Also, drone photography is restricted so dont even try lol.
Seasickness: If you get motion sick easily, take medication before the boat ride. The waters can be choppy, especially in the afternoon.
Common Misconceptions About The World Dubai
Let me clear up some stuff I hear people getting wrong about The World Dubai:
“You can visit any island” – Nope. Most islands in The World Dubai are not accessible. Only a handful have any infrastructure.
“Its a failed project” – Not really? Its had major delays and setbacks, but development is actually happening now. Its just way slower than originally planned.
“You can see the world map from the beach” – You cant see the pattern from ground level. The World Dubai only looks like a map from aerial view. From the beach it just looks like random islands.
“Its cheap to visit” – Lol no. The World Dubai is firmly in the luxury category.
“Theres tons to do there” – Ehh, its more about the experience and ambiance than like theme park level entertainment.
My Final Thoughts on The World Dubai
Look, The World Dubai is peak Dubai ambition – building literal islands in the shape of the world because why not? After 4+ years of living here, this kind of thing doesnt even surprise me anymore lol.
Is it practical? Not really. Is it necessary? Definitely not. Is it impressive? Absolutely. That’s basically Dubai in a nutshell.
If you’re visiting Dubai and have the budget, I’d say do it once. Book a day pass to Heart of Europe, take the boat ride, explore a bit, get your photos, enjoy the beach. Its a unique experience you wont find anywhere else in the world (literally, cause its the only island development shaped like a world map lol).
For residents, maybe save it for special occasions or when you have visitors who want to see something different. The novelty wears off but its still a cool flex to say you’ve been to The World Dubai.
The potential is definitely there tho. If they keep developing and make it more accessible, The World Dubai could evolve into something really special. As of now, its kinda like that exclusive club you’ve heard about but most people never actually get into.
Just dont expect it to be like a theme park or something super action-packed. The World Dubai is more about luxury, exclusivity, and the “wow I’m literally on artificial islands in the Arabian Gulf” factor.
ā Frequently Asked Questions About The World Dubai
P.S.: This info is from November 2025 but tbh things change FAST with The World Dubai – new islands open, prices change, access policies get updated. Always check the official website or call ahead before planning your visit. And if ur reading this in like 2026 or later… hope they’ve finished more islands and made it easier to visit lol.
Also, if you end up going to The World Dubai, take more photos than you think you need. I didnt take enough on my first visit and lowkey regret it cause the views are just chef’s kiss šø
āØ Key Takeaways: The World Dubai
- ā
Access is Limited: Only Heart of Europe and 2-3 other islands are publicly accessible out of 300 total islands. Most remain under construction, abandoned, or privately owned. - ā
Budget Accordingly: Day passes cost 500-800 AED minimum, but realistic total spend is 1000-1500 AED per person including meals and activities. Overnight stays run 3000-8000 AED. - ā
Book 3-5 Days Ahead: No walk-ins accepted. Peak season (December-February) requires booking 5-7 days minimum with 40-60% higher prices. - ā
Ferry is Your Only Easy Access: Official ferry from Dubai Marina takes 20-30 minutes and can get rough. Bring waterproof bags and don’t wear your best outfit for the ride. - ā
Visit October-April: Perfect weather and comfortable boat rides. Summer (June-August) is brutal even with climate control, and that boat ride is NOT fun in the heat. - ā
It’s About the Experience: Don’t expect theme park entertainment – The World Dubai is more about luxury beach vibes, unique setting, killer Instagram content, and the novelty factor. - ā
Take LOTS of Photos: You can’t just pop back whenever, so document everything. Aerial views from seaplanes (1500-2000 AED) are worth it if you want the full world map perspective. - ā
Do It Once: Perfect for special occasions, unique experiences, or when you’ve already done major Dubai attractions. Not a regular hangout spot, but definitely worth trying once if budget allows.
š Final Verdict
The World Dubai is peak Dubai ambition – absolutely impressive, kinda impractical, definitely unique. If you’ve got the budget and want an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the world, go for it. Just set realistic expectations (luxury vibes over theme park action), book way ahead, prepare for that boat ride, and bring your camera. It’s not perfect, but it’s quintessentially Dubai! šļø
