Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree: a trunk with apartment blocks and malls, fronds lined with villas, and a crescent-shaped breakwater with resort hotels. At the top of the island stands Atlantis The Palm, its main landmark.

Why go

Atlantis is home to Aquaventure, one of the largest water parks in the world, the Lost Chambers aquarium (renamed The Lost World Aquarium after a renovation and reopened in October 2025) and Dolphin Bay, where you can swim with dolphins. The island's shape is best seen from above, from the observation deck on the 52nd floor of The Palm Tower.

For a free day on the sand there is Palm West Beach at the base of the island, open from 8 am to midnight; for a day with service, beach clubs such as Wet Deck.

Where to stay and who it suits

The Palm is for a resort holiday: almost every hotel here has its own beach and pools, so there is no need to leave. Prices are among the highest in Dubai. Dubai Marina and JBR are 10–15 minutes away by taxi, Downtown 25–35 minutes.

How to get there

A monorail runs along the trunk from the mainland to Atlantis; its first station, Gateway, connects to the Palm Jumeirah tram stop, and the tram connects to the metro Red Line. A taxi is the easiest option: about 35–45 minutes from DXB airport.