Palm Jumeirah Dubai: everything you need to know

Palm Jumeirah is undoubtedly one of the most iconic places in Dubai. When you think of Dubai, the first things that come to mind are:

• Burj Khalifa (the world's tallest skyscraper)

• Burj Al Arab (the most luxurious hotel in the world)

• Palm Jumeirah (the palm-shaped island with the famous Atlantis The Palm hotel, which has become one of Dubai's symbols).

This extraordinary piece of engineering is now one of the most exclusive and visited places in the city. With its high-end hotels, luxurious private villas and dreamy sandy beaches, Palm Jumeirah is undoubtedly one of the best places to see in Dubai.

Palm Jumeirah Island: 3 facts to know before visiting

1. Palm Jumeirah was built in less than 6 years

Palm Jumeirah is a man-made coastal island built between 2001 and 2006.

The archipelago has a characteristic shape that has become famous around the world: from above, it represents a palm tree in a circle.

2. There are other islands in Dubai similar to Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is part of the Palm Islands, a complex of three palm-shaped islands that should have been built in Dubai in the first decade of the 2000s.

The second island is called Palm Jebel Ali and is located in an outlying area of Dubai. It is also a palm-shaped archipelago, very similar to Palm Jumeirah but almost 50% larger. Work on it was interrupted by the 2008 financial crisis and to this day it is still on hold.

The third island should have been called Palm Deira, should have been built off Deira and should have been the largest of all. The Palm Deira project was cancelled due to the 2008 financial crisis and reduced to what is now called Deira Island.

3. Palm Jumeirah is an archipelago of islands connected by bridges and tunnels

In reality Palm Jumeirah is an archipelago formed by a main island which forms the trunk and is connected to the mainland by two road bridges and one for the monorail, the branches that extend from the trunk and a crescent that surrounds the palm tree.

The fronds are arranged symmetrically on the sides of the trunk and each frond is crossed by a road on the sides of which is a row of private luxury villas, each with a private beach. These parts of the island resemble a residence: access is closed by a bar and surveillance allows entry only to residents and their guests.

The trunk is connected to the crescent by an underwater road tunnel and a bridge for the monorail. Along the crescent are resorts and luxury hotels (including the iconic Atlantis The Palm).

The best hotels in Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah is known for its high concentration of5-star hotels and dream resorts in Dubai.

Contrary to popular belief, prices can be quite affordable for a standard room and can soar for the luxurious 1000+ square metre mega suites with all the amenities.

Atlantis The Royal Dubai

The most anticipated hotel opening in the region, the new Atlantis The Royal is one of Dubai's cult locations.

The magnificent building offers an architectural design that pushes the boundaries associated with lavish palatial interiors.

Opening on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah in January 2023, the team behind the stunning structure describes it as a "deconstruction of the traditional tower"; the hotel and residence stretching sideways across intersecting blocks of 500 metres of prime waterfront.

The property houses 795 rooms, suites and signature penthouses. Each offering incredible views of Dubai's skyline and the Arabian Gulf; while 44 have their own private infinity pools.

The design of the series of blocks also means that you can experience the seclusion and privacy of your own space; while enjoying the amenities and pleasures of a much larger property.

Dine in style at Atlantis The Royal

Atlantis The Royal will be home to more celebrity chef restaurants than anywhere else in the world. Those on the programme include Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which offers a contemporary twist on British gastronomic flavours from medieval to Victorian times.

You can take a trip across Europe with cutting-edge Spanish flavours at José Andrés' Jaleo and vibrant Greek delights at Costas Spiliadis' Estiatorio Milos.

If you have a sweet tooth, you'll want to visit Mich Turner's The Little Venice Cake Company; which is famous for serving pastries and other delights to royalty and celebrities.

If you feel like indulging in flavours from further afield, you'll find delicious Peruvian seafood dishes at La Mar by Gastón Acurio and a Japanese-Peruvian fusion of dishes at the famous restaurant Nobu by the Beach.

In addition to the celebrity names, there are also 10 other restaurants, nightlife venues, cafes and branded lounges at Atlantis The Royal - ensuring there's always something to delight your taste buds and captivate your senses.

Swim among the clouds

Guests can enjoy over 90 pools, including a dip in the dazzling Cloud 22 rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views of the Gulf.

Continuing the aquatic theme, there are over 10 water features, aquariums and fountains on the property; including the world's largest jellyfish aquarium and the region's first fire and water show, called Skyblaze.

Atlantis, The Palm

The first resort to open on the Palm Jumeirah, at the tip of the island, Atlantis has become iconic.

With over 1,500 rooms, some of Dubai's finest restaurants, a vast aquarium and adjoining water park - Aquaventure; and long stretches of private beach. Atlantis is a complete package and ideal for families.

For a truly special visit, book one of the resort's underwater rooms, with a direct view of the Lost Chambers aquarium.

FIVE Palm Jumeirah Resort

FIVE Palm Jumeirah Resort is one of the most glamorous resorts in Dubai.

Its location makes it perfect for those who want to enjoy Dubai to the fullest and also for business travellers, as it is quite close to the business district and the Dubai Marina.

Its modern steel and crystal structure offers ultra-modern rooms and suites equipped with every comfort and a spectacular view of the Dubai skyline.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

The resort features 6 swimming pools, a beautiful sandy beach, exclusive spas and bars.

The Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is another high-end resort in Palm Jumeirah and in addition to good quality rooms; it offers the possibility to stay in spectacular villas located on the water (with floors from which you can see the crystal clear water) or directly on the beach; with jacuzzi in the room, bed with lagoon view, garden and private pool with sea view.

To complete the dream, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers 4 excellent restaurants including Mekong, which serves Asian dishes and Dining by Design, which offers candlelit dinners on the beach.

The spa at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort offers a wide range of Thai-inspired treatments and also has a dedicated kids' club for younger guests. If you're looking for a great place for a rejuvenating holiday, this is the best choice!

One&Only The Palm Dubai

This 5-star resort has a unique style and elegance combined with first-class service.

One & Only The Palm Dubai is located in the West Crescent area of Palm Jumeirah and is also worth seeing for its outstanding architectural beauty.

Inspired by the architectural style of Andalusian Moorish palaces, One & Only The Palm offers excellent suites and rooms on the beach, with terraces and patios with panoramic views, as well as spacious and spectacular villas with private pools.

One & Only The Palm Dubai offers a choice of 7 high end restaurants (one of which is headed by Michelin starred chef Yannick Alléno) offering the best in international cuisine.

In addition to the private beach, One & Only The Palm also offers a private marina, from which you can directly access the restaurants and the exclusive 101 Dining Lounge with panoramic view terrace and an excellent seafood menu.

Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

The style of Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa in Palm Jumeirah is very similar to that of Polynesian resorts.

It is one of the most popular resorts in Palm Jumeirah for couples and families; offering excellent service, pleasant and spacious rooms and a relaxed atmosphere.

The choice of places to eat is incredible: it offers 7 restaurants with excellent international cuisine and 7 lounge bars where you can have fun and sip excellent cocktails.

For relaxation, there are 3 swimming pools, a private beach, a kids club, a sports centre, a private marina and a fantastic spa.

What to do at the Palm Jumeirah

Take to the skies with Falcon Helitours

Go on a special sightseeing adventure with Falcon Helitours from one of the best places in the world - the famous Atlantis resort, The Palm.

The tour operator is known for its impeccable fleet, highly trained pilots; friendly crew and first class service.

Your helicopter flight begins with fascinating vistas of the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah; where you can admire the city's sprawling skyline while enjoying many in-flight luxuries.

Each helicopter is customised for ultimate comfort; equipped with panoramic windows, spacious interiors, air conditioning, practical accessories and the highest safety standards.

Go on a special sightseeing adventure with Falcon Helitours from one of the best places in the world; the famous Atlantis resort, The Palm. The tour operator is known for its impeccable fleet, highly trained pilots, friendly crew and first class service.

Your helicopter flight begins with fascinating vistas of the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah; where you can admire the city's sprawling skyline while enjoying many in-flight luxuries.

Each helicopter is customised for ultimate comfort, equipped with panoramic windows, spacious interiors, air conditioning, practical accessories and the highest safety standards.

Choose from six itineraries, from a quick 12-minute getaway to a one-hour escapade in major districts and remote desert areas.

Falcon Helitours also offers exclusive packages for special occasions such as birthdays and wedding proposals.

Flights can accommodate up to six passengers and tours start from €172.

Aquaventure Water Park

Aquaventure Water Park is home to iconic, record-breaking rides and attractions such as Medusa's Lair, Shockwave and Blackout. Located next to Atlantis, The Palm, make the most of your holiday at this popular venue.

Covering just over 222,967.3 square metres following an extension; it is officially the largest water park in the world as well as the one with the most water slides.

The huge theme park features 105 slides and attractions spread over three towers; marine and water sports experiences; private beaches and children's play areas for all ages.

Thrills and activities at Aquaventure

You can dive into old favourites such as the Leap of Faith, a 27.5m dive that transports you through a clear tube surrounded by sharks and rays, or try some of the many adrenaline-pumping activities such as zip-lining through the park.

For an even wilder experience, visitors can swim safely with the sharks or hand-feed friendly stingrays.

Although children must be over 1.2m tall to enjoy most of the park's slides, toddlers will enjoy the Splashers children's play area, a maze of tunnels, tubes, slides and child-friendly climbing frames.

Access is free for Atlantis, The Palm's in-house guests, while daily passes are available for visitors.

Looking for a more relaxed outing? The serene waterfront stretches for a mile, ideal for leisurely strolls and sunsets.

Dine underwater at Ossiano

If you want to set the bar high, book a table at Ossiano at Atlantis, The Palm where you'll enjoy a multi-course Mediterranean dinner in an enchanting underwater setting.

Rays and sharks float by the iconic floor-to-ceiling aquarium, and on some nights live music adds the perfect soundtrack to your meal.

Looking for more impressive dining options at The Palm? Choose from elegant Japanese dishes at Nobu and award-winning bites at Social by Heinz Beck.

Stroll the sand at Palm West Beach

One of the city's best sunset destinations, Palm West Beach has recently been lighting up Instagram feeds around the world. This perfect stretch of sand is dotted with lively restaurants and lounges, including the Bali-themed Koko Bay, the luxurious beach club SĀN Beach and the Mexican party venue Señor Pico . Afterwards, stroll hand-in-hand along the beach promenade or hop aboard a kayak at the watersports centre and make more memories.

Make new marine friends in Dubai

Dolphin Bay is a treat for all ages and, if you want to discover more of the mysteries of the underwater world, consider a Dolphin Dive and Discover experience for two.

Dive beneath the surface using a high-tech underwater helmet and be surrounded by the resident dolphins in a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.

Head to the Ambassador Lagoon next door to learn about the 65,000 marine animals that call the aquarium home.

Soak up the sun at the Waldorf Astoria

Your own private cabana suspended over the water? It's romantic. The Waldorf Astoria luxury resort presents a unique leisure treat in its Palm Avenue restaurant; promising a magical meal amidst the vibrant colours of the sun and sea.

Savour light Californian-inspired cuisine (think crispy seafood tacos and Hawaiian vanilla panna cotta) in the cool ocean breeze; before relaxing by the sparkling pool.

Book a spa for two

Treat yourself and your loved one to a moment of quality wellness at Talise Ottoman Spa. Located in Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, this beautiful spa offers all kinds of couple's treatments to rejuvenate you both.

Sign up for a Thai side-by-side massage that uses ancient philosophies and healing techniques to relax tense muscles and improve flexibility. You can even try a traditional Turkish hammam for an Arabic-inspired wellness experience.

Crescent Cruise at Palm Jumeirah

Framing the Palm Jumeirah is a crescent-shaped road, linking the five-star resorts along the eastern half to the west. Take your loved one on a scenic drive along this 11km route; enjoying breathtaking views on either side.

Drive past the remarkable architecture and then park and stroll along the Palm Boardwalk, taking in Dubai's soaring towers by day and twinkling lights by night.

Paddle around The Palm

For something a little different, surprise her with a stand-up paddle (SUP) or kayak session along the waters of Palm Jumeirah.

Starting from the Sofitel Dubai The Palm on the eastern crescent, you paddle west with a short break on the beach overlooking the Dubai Marina.

On the way back, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Atlantis, The Palm and Burj Al Arab.

SeaYou watersports experts will bring all the equipment, so all you have to do is choose a day that suits you.

Enjoy dinner with a view of the fountain

Located over four kilometres from Dubai's natural coastline, The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah is a remarkable beach destination and home to the world's largest fountains, creating an unforgettable setting under the stars.

There are many places to combine dining and fountain views here, including the famous Chinese restaurant Chuan, the global tapas restaurant A Capella and the Greek restaurant AIZA. If you prefer coffee and croissants in the sunshine, Brunch & Cake should be your port of call.

Enjoy the rooftop atmosphere at Trèsind Studio

Fancy a romantic dinner for two? Chef Himanshu Saini's Trèsind Studio is rightly considered one of the best restaurants not only in Dubai, but in the world.

Its curated tasting menus, featuring several carefully choreographed courses, take diners on a culinary journey with an Indian flair that cannot be forgotten.

The intimacy of Nakheel Mall's rooftop restaurant ensures that you are at the chef's table; no matter where you sit, even if you only have eyes for your significant other.

What's new at Palm Jumeirah

The iconic Palm Jumeirah is a Dubai staple. There's always something new to try on the island, so we've rounded up some of our favourites.

White beach

Enjoy a private island atmosphere at WHITE Beach, Atlantis' newest beachfront restaurant and club, The Palm.

A popular stage for heavyweight performers during the winter season. This venue also promises guests Instagram-worthy views.

Choose a lounger by the waves or sit on the open-air terrace, each of which is conducive to quality relaxation.

With weekend brunches, women's specials on Tuesdays and memorable Mediterranean menus from day to night. It's fast becoming one of Dubai's most vibrant destinations.

The view at The Palm

Enjoy unparalleled views from The View at The Palm.

The 240m-high observation deck presents 360-degree panoramas of Palm Jumeirah alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline in the distance.

It is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café, a creative exhibition showcasing the island's development; interactive aquarium-themed tunnels and a souvenir shop.

To elevate your sightseeing experience even further, go up to the next level; at 250m above ground, the private and unobstructed space is the highest vantage point on the island.

Depachika Food Hall

Not your ordinary food court, Depachika Food Hall at Nakheel Mall brings together an organised mix of gourmet restaurants for foodie visitors. Sit down for healthy bites at Lime Tree Cafe and Greek dishes at Kilikio by Mythos. Or buy specialty cheeses, chocolates and more from the on-site retailers.

The name and concept come directly from popular Japanese food markets such as Daimaru Tokyo and Isetan Shinjuku in Tokyo.

Nakheel Shopping Centre

Offering fabulous shopping and dining experiences in the heart of Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel Mall is the place to be.

With over 300 outlets under one roof; shoppers can find an assortment of international brands and local labels to choose from as well as family activities such as the 371.6 square metre indoor trampoline park, Trampo Extreme.

Sample memorable flavours at its many restaurants, including the pretty Saya Caffe with its flowery walls and fusion menu.

Andaz Dubai The Palm

Hyatt is introducing its world-renowned Andaz concept to Dubai for the first time, adding to the luxury hotel offering at Palm Jumeirah.

The five-star property embraces the city's multicultural personality, blending Emirati heritage with modern indulgences.

Discover works by local artists decorating the walls; as well as culinary stops that reflect the city's eclectic style. Health-conscious foodies will love The Locale; a casual neighbourhood restaurant. While Hanami serves up a taste of Tokyo's cosmopolitan streets in an avant-garde setting.

Vuvuzela

If you're a sports fan and want to catch a big game during your visit; Dubai has plenty of options. However, you won't want to miss out on the family-friendly atmosphere of the Vuvuzela at Fairmont The Palm.

Foodies will find a menu to suit their tastes, while sports enthusiasts can sit back in a leather chair and watch international football, rugby and cricket matches on the lounge's many screens.

Beach club paradise

Mexico has arrived on the shores of The Palm at Paradise Beach Club at Rixos The Palm.

Colourful and relaxed, it's the perfect place to soak up the sun along a private beach or take a dip in the pool.

Weekday drop-in visits are free. But on Mondays, women can enjoy drinks and a food platter for €29.5.

Be sure to check out their Saturday brunch package. It includes sea, sun and unlimited food. Combine your day at the beach with a soothing massage at the resort's Anjana spa.

How to get to Palm Jumeirah and how to get around

Most tourists arrive at Palm Jumeirah by taxi, car or boat with a yacht or speedboat.

There is a monorail that runs the length of Palm Jumeirah to the entrance of Atlantis The Palm and Aquaventure water park.

The Palm Islands are not served by the city's bus network.

One of the best ways to visit Palm Jumeirah is with the excellent Hop on Hop off service offered by BigBus. The double-decker tour buses offer a perfect view of the island and stop at the two most interesting places in Palm Jumeirah. In front of La Pointe and Atlantis The Palm. The ticket allows you to fully experience all the main attractions of the city (some are already included in the ticket).

Palm Jumeirah Monorail

The Palm Jumeirah Monorail is without doubt the most exciting way to get around the island.

The monorail is computer-controlled (there is no driver on board) and has large panoramic windows that provide a great view along the path that runs the length of Palm Jumeirah.

The monorail is not connected to the Dubai Metro network, so to get on it you have to make several changes.

How to get to the Palm Jumeirah Monorail from the Dubai Metro Red Line

Well, now that you are on the Dubai Metro Red Line; you need to get to Damac Properties Metro Station. Once there, follow the signs to Dubai Marina Tramway Station, there is a pedestrian walkway that easily connects the stations.

Take the tram to the Palm Jumeirah tram station. Once there, follow the signs to The Palm Gateway Station, which is where the Palm Jumeirah Monorail begins. The two stations are connected by a footbridge.

How much does the Palm Jumeirah Monorail ticket cost?

The ticket price for the Palm Jumeirah Monorail is €5 per person one way and €7.8 return. They only accept cash.

The ticket does not allow you to get on and off but only to go from one side to the other.

However, at the last stop (Atlantis Aquaventure station) you can get off and spend as much time as you like. The return ticket will allow you to take the monorail back to the mainland whenever you want, on the same day of course.

The ticket can be bought directly at the station.

Please note: RTA tickets and Nol Cards are not valid for the monorail. It is necessary to buy a separate ticket.

What are the opening hours of the Palm Jumeirah Monorail?

The Palm Jumeirah Monorail operates from 9am to 10pm 7 days a week. There is a train every 15 minutes. Last departure from Palm Gateway Station at 9.45pm.

See also:

• Dubai Miracle Garden, the world's largest flower show

• Dubai's Dancing Fountain, wonder and magic guaranteed