Dubai Live Cam
Dubai’s revolutionary island, live view from the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf
Exploring the Surroundings of Atlantis, The Palm: A Jewel on Dubai’s Iconic Palm Jumeirah
Situated on the apex of the world-renowned Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis, The Palm stands as one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts, an architectural marvel that offers a gateway to an unparalleled experience. Beyond its striking façade, which merges Arabian and marine-inspired elements, the resort is set against one of the most impressive man-made islands in the world: Palm Jumeirah.
Palm Jumeirah: The World's Largest Artificial Island
Palm Jumeirah is an artificial archipelago that extends into the Persian Gulf, crafted in the shape of a palm tree—a symbol deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. Spanning over 5 kilometers in diameter and covering 560 hectares of land, it is a feat of human engineering and an embodiment of Dubai's ambitious vision. The palm's "trunk" houses residential and commercial properties, while the "fronds" host luxury villas with private beaches. Atlantis, The Palm, resides on the crescent-shaped breakwater that surrounds the palm, providing both a protective barrier and a unique panoramic view of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Sea.
Engineering the Palm: A Technical Marvel
The construction of Palm Jumeirah was a colossal project that combined cutting-edge technology with a sustainable approach. Engineers used 120 million cubic meters of sand and rock, dredged from the seabed and meticulously arranged to create the palm shape. One of the challenges was the need for a solid foundation in an aquatic environment; as a result, GPS precision and hydraulic technology were employed to lay the groundwork, while modern techniques were used to minimize environmental impact. To stabilize the structure, a geotextile membrane was placed beneath the sand, preventing erosion and ensuring the island's longevity.
The crescent, on which Atlantis, The Palm is located, acts as a protective breakwater against tidal waves and sea currents. It was designed with small gaps to allow for water circulation, ensuring that the waters surrounding the island remain fresh and vibrant, a key factor in preserving marine life. This careful balance of natural forces and engineering brilliance ensures Palm Jumeirah remains not only visually stunning but also ecologically sustainable.
The Waters Around Atlantis: A Marine Paradise
Atlantis, The Palm is encircled by the shimmering waters of the Arabian Gulf, providing its guests with views of tranquil seas and access to a variety of water-based activities. The marine life in the region is rich, with the waters home to dolphins, rays, and a plethora of colorful fish species. At the heart of this marine experience is "The Ambassador Lagoon," one of the largest aquariums in the world, situated within the resort. It holds over 11 million liters of water and houses 65,000 marine animals, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean.
Beyond the man-made aquarium, Atlantis offers direct access to the surrounding waters, where guests can engage in activities such as snorkeling, diving, and dolphin encounters. The expansive waterpark, Aquaventure, sprawls across 42 acres and features exhilarating water rides, including one that passes through a shark-filled lagoon—seamlessly blending the resort’s luxury with nature’s wonders.
Beachfront Luxury: Views and Serenity
One of the most remarkable features of Atlantis, The Palm’s surroundings is its pristine beachfront, which stretches for 1.4 kilometers along the crescent. This private shoreline offers uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and the iconic Dubai skyline. Whether during sunrise or sunset, the beach provides a tranquil escape for visitors, contrasting the vibrant energy of the city with the calming presence of the ocean.
The beach also offers direct access to a marina, where yachts and boats are docked, further adding to the exclusivity of the location. For those interested in maritime activities, Atlantis provides options such as luxury yacht charters and boat tours around Palm Jumeirah, allowing guests to explore the island from the water. The curvature of the crescent provides Atlantis with a unique vantage point, offering unobstructed views in all directions—from the sparkling waters of the Gulf to the glittering cityscape of Dubai.
Surrounding Attractions: A Hub of Luxury
Beyond Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah itself is home to a plethora of luxury amenities and attractions. The "Golden Mile" on the trunk of the palm is a boulevard filled with upscale shops, gourmet restaurants, and cafes, providing a leisurely shopping experience. The Nakheel Mall, located at the heart of Palm Jumeirah, offers a blend of retail, dining, and entertainment, with over 300 stores and attractions, making it a bustling hub for visitors and residents alike.
For those seeking adventure, the Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residences (JBR) are just a short drive away from Atlantis. These neighboring districts offer high-energy activities such as skydiving, parasailing, and wakeboarding. Additionally, the Dubai Eye—Ain Dubai—rises majestically on Bluewaters Island, offering stunning panoramic views of the city, the sea, and Palm Jumeirah itself.
A Technological and Architectural Masterpiece
The surroundings of Atlantis, The Palm showcase not just nature’s beauty, but also mankind's ability to innovate and create harmony between luxury and the environment. The infrastructure of Palm Jumeirah has been meticulously planned, with advanced irrigation systems, sustainable building materials, and eco-friendly energy solutions integrated into its design. The island’s roads and transportation system, including the Palm Monorail, provide seamless connectivity between Atlantis and the mainland, further enhancing its appeal as a modern paradise.
Atlantis, The Palm is more than a luxury resort; it is a gateway to one of the most remarkable man-made landscapes in the world. The surroundings—an awe-inspiring blend of azure waters, pristine beaches, and a thriving marine ecosystem—are a testament to Dubai's vision and technical expertise. Palm Jumeirah, with Atlantis at its apex, represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved when human ingenuity meets natural splendor, offering visitors an unforgettable experience that combines relaxation, adventure, and a touch of magic.
World-class tourism destination
As one drives north from Dubai, through Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Qaiwain and as far as Ras al Khaimah, the countryside gradually changes as the low coastal plain narrows and the rocky mountains of the Musandam peninsula push everything towards the shore. The southerly part of the route is across a low flat, or gently rising, desert.
Whilst the main road runs almost through the heart of Sharjah, one needs to branch off to visit the coastal cities of Ajman and Umm Al Qaiwain. Sharjah's main attractions are its spectacular souk and recently completed museum; in Ajman one can still see traditional boat-building; Umm Al Qaiwain offers examples of traditional falaj irrigation and a quiet backwater, away from the bustle of cities like Dubai; whilst Ras Al Khaimah, Julfar of olden days, has a rich history and some spectacular scenery. The former can be studied at its fascinating museum whilst the latter can be enjoyed by walking or driving into the hills.
The UAE's east coast offers much to the tourist: history, architecture, nature, shopping and some wonderful Indian Ocean/Gulf of Oman beaches, not to mention diving, sailing and even whale-watching. With the Fujairah Tourism Board beginning operations in autumn 1995, the attractions of this 'Arabian jewel' should rapidly become more widely known. If one heads inland, into the Hajar mountains, one can explore up fascinating rock gorges with their own unique wildlife.
It was here that the Arabian tahr was recently rediscovered. Khor Fakkan is an attractive natural harbour, whilst the oldest mosque in the UAE can be seen nearby in the village of Bidiya. Other old and equally interesting sites include Fujairah's old fort, an old palace in Wadi Hail, and the citadel at Bithna.
Camel rides, camel races, gold souks, silver souks and fabrics from around the world. Barren mountains and remote villages - red sands, yellow sands, oasis and wadis - water-parks and wonderful architecture - Dubai is like no other city in the world - to visit Dubai is to experience both the traditional and the ultra modern - the sophisticated city and the rugged terrain of mountains and desert. A true adventure which attracts increasing numbers - both on business and in pursuit of a new and exciting holiday destination.
The desert is an opportunity to experience an adventure like no other - take a four wheel drive vehicle to spectacular desert terrain where the dunes reach 100 metres and the landscape is at once awesome and picturesque. Guests enjoy candle-lit suppers in traditional bedouin tents whilst being entertained by exotic belly-dancers. And no trip to the desert would be complete without a camel ride.
Water sports in Dubai are truly impressive. On the Jumeirah beach a coral reef has been constructed some 2 kilometres off-shore and diving is just part of a huge range of water based activities. Sailing, water-skiing and of course swimming are available at numerous locations.
Variety is at the heart of the Dubai experience - whether its peace and quiet on secluded beaches - or adventure and challenge on a desert safari - has sufficient depth to satisfy even the most seasoned traveller.