The next time you are in Dubai on business or leisure, make time to visit the much talked about Dubai Palm Islands. The Palm islands are considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. They get their name from their palm frond shape as they fan out from three Dubai beaches at Jumeirah, Jebel Ali and Deira. Right now, about three man-made island groups are planned by the government with Al Nakheel Properties with the Palm Jumeirah being the smallest of the Palm Islands. And now, it is also the first of the three, ready for living. So, if you are looking for places to stop at in Dubai, this could be the highlight of your trip!

What makes the Palm worth your time?

The Palm Jumeirah sits in the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf widening the Dubai coastline by an impressive 40 miles or 78 kilometers, This whole layout of the island group is shaped like a Date Palm tree with the trunk extending into 16 to 17 fronds over a huge area that almost doubles the coastline. These Palm islands built as a land reclamation project also have a unique crescent shaped island that acts as a breakwater protecting the sloping frond beaches. The entire island is a sight that lights up the waterfront glimmering in the Persian waters surrounding the United Arab Emirates.

How to plan your trip to the Palm?

The Palm Jumeirah though intended as a tourist attraction is primarily a retreat and residence for the wealthy. With villas, shoreline apartments and beach homes among the plush cafés and international hotels that are scattered across the Palm Jumeirah, you may be better off staying at nearby hotels in Dubai itself. Indulge your curiosity to travel and experience the Palm Islands without feeling the pinch.

With no compromise on quality, you can stay at leisure and travel to the Palm Jumeirah at your convenience. A central cheap Dubai hotel you can consider is the Citymax Hotels which opens early 2010. The hotel is situated at just 9 kms from the Palm Jumeirah in Al Barsha, which is right in the middle of Dubai city. They also have branches in Bur Dubai and Sharjah all offering business and leisure travelers the services, facilities and luxuries of a 4 star hotel at affordable rates.