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The World is a man-made Archipelago of 300 islands in the shape of a world map currently being built off the coast of Dubai , United Arab Emirates . The World is one of a series of artificial island projects in Dubai, along with the Palm Islands , and like the other islands The World is being built primarily using sand dredged from the sea. The World is the brainchild of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum , ruler of Dubai. Each island ranges from 23,000 m&2 to 84,000 m&2 (250,000–900,000 square feet or 5.7–21 acres) in size, with 50–100 m of water between each island. The development will cover an area of 9 km in length and 6 km in width, surrounded by an oval Breakwater . The only means of transport between the islands will be by boat and helicopter. Prices for the islands will range from $15-45 million ( USD ). The average price for an island will be around $25 million ( USD ). Dredging started in 2004 and as of March of 2007 The World is around 90% complete. According to the National Geographic Channel (The Best of Megastructures) the overall price for the World is $14 Billion US Dollars. It is owned and is being constructed by Nakheel Properties (Nakheel Corp.) It will be located 4.1 km off the shore of Jumeirah , close to Palm Jumeirah , between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid of Dubai, United Arab Emirates . The World is sometimes mistakenly referred to as The Palm World. It is also known as the Globe Islands. UNCONFIRMED DEVELOPMENTS Since the project's commencement, there have been many unconfirmed reports of celebrities who have purchased, or intend to purchase, an island. At the end of March 2006, Richard Branson appeared at a media conference on the "Great Britain" island; however this was to announce direct London – Dubai flights by Virgin Atlantic , and was not related to his investing in any of the islands.1 Fijian golfer Vijay Singh has been linked to the archipelago, but it is not confirmed that he has bought or intends to buy an island - he is involved with another Nakheel Properties development at Jumeirah on the Dubai mainland.2 On October 24, 2006 Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher was presented with one of the islands by Dubai ’s Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the occasion of his final Grand Prix , in Brazil. Schumacher's manager Willi Weber suggested, "Perhaps he'll build a Kart Racing track on island ."3 British celebrities Rod Stewart and David Beckham have also been rumoured to have bought into this project, but neither of these have been confirmed. Beckham does however own a villa on the nearby Palm Jumeirah development. On May 3, 2007, rocker Tommy Lee announced that he was buying the Greece Island for ex-wife, and mother of their two children Pamela Anderson . Lee said he chose the island because of his own Greek heritage, and he hopes Pam, the kids and he can spend time there together. CONFIRMED DEVELOPMENTS One of the few confirmed developments is the purchase of 14 islands that make up Australia and New Zealand by Investment Dar. The islands are being Terraformed to the investors specifications to create 19 islands, to be developed as a resort named OQYANA .4 Irish business consortium Larionovo has plans to develop the 'Ireland' island into an Irish-themed resort5. The plans include a large internal marina, apartments and villas, a gym, hotel, and Irish-themed pub. In July 2007 it was announced that 'Ireland' Island would feature a recreation of Northern Irelands' famous Giants Causeway . SEE ALSO REFERENCES EXTERNAL LINKS
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