Palm Jumeirah is a palm-tree-shaped artificial island built on reclaimed land in the Arabian Gulf, extending 5 kilometres into the sea. Construction began in 2001 and required 94 million cubic metres of sand and 7 million tonnes of rock. It is best understood from the air — from the monorail or from the observation deck of the Atlantis resort — since at ground level it is largely a series of identical villa compounds and hotel access roads.
The island's main draw for visitors is the Atlantis resort at the crown, and the views from the Palm back toward the Dubai skyline. The Palm Monorail connects the island's trunk to the Atlantis at the tip, via the Nakheel Mall and Palm Gateway station. The mono rail gives the best above-water views. The Pointe shopping and dining complex at the tip has good outdoor seating with views of the Burj Al Arab.