Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah
An artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. From above you can see it in full — the fronds, the trunk and the crescent breakwater.
Description
Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island shaped like a palm tree, one of Dubai most famous engineering projects. Its full shape can only be seen from above or by satellite: a crown of "fronds", the trunk and the surrounding crescent breakwater.
The island is home to hotels, beach clubs and residences, as well as the famous Atlantis The Palm with its water park. A monorail runs along the trunk with four operating stations, from Palm Gateway to Atlantis Aquaventure. The Pointe, the waterfront at the tip of the trunk, has been closed since 2023 for redevelopment, and its monorail station is closed too.
Tip: Ride the monorail along the trunk to Atlantis Aquaventure — the end of the line and the best view of Atlantis.
Photos
Photos: Unsplash
Planning your visit
Best time
Sunset — for views from the waterfronts; daytime — beach clubs.
How much time to allow
Half a day if combining the monorail, a beach and Atlantis.
Tickets & prices
Prices are approximate and depend on the slot and conditions — check when buying.
On the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the place and its surroundings.
Good to know
How to get there
Frequently asked questions about Palm Jumeirah
How can I see Palm Jumeirah in full?+
The palm shape is only visible from above — from The View at The Palm observation deck, from a helicopter or on a satellite map.
What is there to see on Palm Island?+
Atlantis The Palm hotel, Aquaventure water park and The View at The Palm observation deck. The Pointe waterfront has been closed since 2023 and is not an option.
How do I get to Palm Jumeirah?+
The Palm Monorail runs along the trunk from Palm Gateway; the tram stop of the same name is on the mainland, about 370 m from the monorail station. A taxi through the base of the island also works.
What's nearby
Nearby spots — easy to combine into one route.
Architecture The View at The Palm
An observation deck on the 52nd floor of Palm Tower — the only spot from which you can see the entire palm island.
Tip: Come closer to sunset, when the water and the palm's quarters are bathed in soft light.
Beaches Black Palace Beach (Al Sufouh Beach)
A quiet free beach between Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, known as the 'secret' beach — a postcard view of Burj Al Arab without the crowds or facilities.
Tip: Bring water, food and an umbrella with you — there are no cafes, rentals or showers on the beach.
Entertainment Aquaventure Waterpark
One of the world's largest water parks, at the Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah, with dozens of slides, record-breaking drops and a lagoon of marine life.
Tip: Arrive at opening: by midday the queues for the headline slides grow noticeably.
Similar places
Architecture Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world — 828 metres. At the Top observation decks on floors 124, 125 and 148.
Tip: Buy sunset tickets in advance — on-site they cost noticeably more.
Architecture Burj Al Arab
A sail-shaped hotel on its own island, the symbol of Dubai luxury. One of the city's most recognisable silhouettes.
Tip: The best shot is from Kite Beach or Umm Suqeim Beach.
Architecture Dubai Frame
A giant golden frame 150 metres high in Zabeel Park — a bridge between old and new Dubai.
Tip: From the upper gallery you can see the contrast: the old city on one side, skyscrapers on the other.