We Think the Dubai World Islands Is Worth the Splurge and Tears
How often do you find yourself thinking, “I just want to drop everything and go to an island where I can chill out all day?” For me, it’s way too often. I grew up with a big family and many noisy kids. And this time, the earplugs aren’t as effective anymore.
Everything’s so loud! If I had a genie, I’d wish to be free from all the drama. So when I heard of the Dubai World Islands, I started saving up with my buddies—and we’re so glad we did!
Although it’s still a work in progress, there are a bunch of luxurious things to enjoy on the islands. Check out my travel guide below and see what you could be missing!
What is The World Islands in Dubai known for?
The World Islands in Dubai is known for being an archipelago made of 260 man-made islands under 7 sets (representing continents) designed to look like the world map.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Dubai World Islands is from October to February. This lets you avoid the intense heat and humidity, so you can enjoy cool temperatures without much rain.
Things to Know
Entry Fee: You can enter the Dubai World Islands for free. However, sightseeing sessions on a boat or airplane start at around AED 450 per person. Extra fees also depend on the activities you plan to do here.
History: The World Islands project kicked off in 2003 but was paused in 2008 because of a financial crisis. By 2013, only some islands could continue to be developed.
Date of Completion: The project is set to be completed in 2026. But don’t fret! Parts of The World Island are already functional and open to the public for commercial use.
Operating Hours: The island operates 24 hours a day. Yet, note that going here will take you about 3 hours off the coast of Dubai.
Duration of Stay: We think you’ll need 3 to 8 hours to explore all the attractions of the Dubai World Islands. For us, it’s better to stay overnight to maximize your trip!
How to Get to the Dubai World Islands
At present, Dubai World Islands is only accessible by marine or air transport, with guests taking a scenic 15-minute boat ride from The Palm.
Just remember that out of the 300 originally planned islands, only Lebanon Island and Anantara are operational for commercial use.
What to Do in the Dubai World Islands
Take a Refreshing Dip
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One of the first things you’ll do on an island is probably to swim. It’s not so different on Lebanon Island and Anantara. Here, you’ll get access to several beaches and swimming pools!
You can play with the sand, get a tan, and take a refreshing dip at the pristine beaches. But if you prefer the pool for some reason, we think you’ll still have a relaxing time on the sun loungers.
Get Active with Water Sports
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Feeling hyped and energetic because of the water? We say channel that energy to playing a couple of water sports on the islands!
For one, you can bring all your loved ones together for an exciting volleyball match—make it competitive! Alternatively, we bet you’ll feel an awesome thrill when you try riding banana boats, jet skiing, or parasailing.
Get a Nice Massage
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For us, there’s something about getting a nice massage amid the magnificent beauty of the Arabian Gulf—it’s true bliss!
At Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort, you can get signature treatments like the Island Lomi Lomi Massage, which comes from Hawaii and allows guests to melt their tension and stress away.
Otherwise, you can get the Island Lava Shell massage. This involves using clam shells, promising deep and uninterrupted relaxation.
Watch a Movie Under the Stars
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Looking for a romantic date idea? On Anantara World Islands in Dubai, you can have the cinema experience under the stars!
Just book an outdoor cinema screening at the Anantara hotel—we love that this is a private experience, catering to you and your loved ones! Whether it’s a classic vibe or blockbuster thrill you’re looking for, we bet this would be memorable for all.
Do Some Yoga on the Float
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Did you know that you can do yoga while floating on the beach? You certainly can! For us, it’s even better to have a buddy to keep you in balance. We think you’ll also be sharing some giggles whenever it becomes unsteady.
Just bring your own vibrant, floating yoga mat, and make sure the size fits you (and your buddy) for a seamless morning exercise.
Where to Eat in Dubai World Islands
LaRive
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Website: https://www.thoe-hotels.com/vocomonacodubai/restaurants-bars/la-rive-restaurant-monaco
Address: 65H5+WR4 – The World Islands
Contact Details: +971 52 126 5893, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
LaRive is a Mediterranean seafood restaurant on The World Islands known for its breezy outdoor ambiance. The signature La Rive cocktail also caught our attention, along with its long list of alcoholic beverages.
For a hearty meal, we recommend the grilled fillet of hammour (brown spotted reef cod), grilled octopus, and red snapper. As for dessert, we like the homemade ice cream and the chocolate mousse!
Qamar
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Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/world-islands-dubai/restaurants/qamar
Address: South America – The World Islands
Contact Details: +971 4 567 8777, +971 4 567 8624, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
Qamar offers a wide array of Arabic and Indian dishes for a flavorful time. You can also watch the sunrise as you enjoy the well-loved Arabic coffee, along with various breakfast options. We love the free Wi-Fi too!
The highlights for us are the spicy chicken tikka (small meat pieces) and the grilled meat. We also appreciate that many red wine options here! On top of that, we believe the lovely, fresh ocean breeze makes all the grub taste better.
Helios
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Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/world-islands-dubai/restaurants/helios
Address: South America – The World Islands
Contact Details: +971 4 567 8777
Pricing: $$$
For us, Helios is the place to be for a wonderful Greek gourmet meal. We find the outdoor beach terrace incredible in the afternoon and evening. You can relax with your feet in the sand as you dine until happy hour!
Our top picks are the Greek cold mezzeh (assortment), seafood pizza, and lobster risotto (rice dish). We say you also shouldn’t miss the coconut crème brûlée (burnt cream with custard) or the lemon cream pavlova as a sweet treat.
Where to Stay on the Dubai World Islands
Anantara World Islands Resort
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Website: https://www.anantara.com/en/world-islands-dubai
Address: South America – The World Islands
Contact Details: +971 4 567 8777
Pricing: $$$
Anantara World Islands Resort is a 5-star accommodation on Dubai World Islands where you can enjoy gorgeous city skyline views from the resort.
You can choose from 70 rooms, suites, and villas. Whichever you pick, we just adore the modern island designs and subtle tones in each option. But what we love most is the private beach—it’s only a few steps away from every room!
There’s also free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool, so we think you can just be lazy and destress. Don’t forget to check the hotel’s website for occasional flash sales too!
voco Monaco Dubai (IHG Hotel)
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/voco/hotels/gb/en/dubai/dxbca/hoteldetail
Address: Europe Island, The Heart Of Europe – The World Islands
Contact Details: +971 4 549 0800
Pricing: $$$
IHG Hotel’s voco Monaco Dubai is the first luxurious hotel in “The Heart of Europe” area at Dubai World Islands. As an adults-only resort, there are plenty of vibrant amenities here, like outdoor pools, a spa, a modern gym, and a business center.
But above all, we recommend the all-inclusive party package! This includes an overnight stay and dining options at La Rive, Lagoon Poolside, and more. Plus, we like that there are free boat transfers, as well as complimentary cake and a bottle of wine.
Tips When Visiting the Dubai World Islands
Now that you’re familiar with the islands, check out some cool insider tips to make your trip a seamless breeze:
Travel light.
You might be hopping on boats a lot here, so it’s smart to minimize your luggage as much as possible.
Apply and reapply sunscreen!
Amid all the fun in the sun, it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen—and even more so to reapply it! Remember to reapply your sun protection every 2 hours to avoid sunburn and future trips to the dermatologist.
Be on time!
It’s best to arrive early for your boat tours so you won’t miss anything. The daytime slot starts from 10 am to 6 pm, while the evening slot starts from 6 pm to 11 pm.
Skip the tour if you’re with kids.
The tours are typically only for adults! We suggest making a personalized itinerary to ensure you and your family can have the best time by yourselves.