The World Islands, Australia Islands Group

ICM prepared a Phase-1 Marine & Coastal Issues Study to underpin master planning for the Australia Islands Group within The World Islands, Dubai - identifying design risks and requirements across waves, currents, water levels, water quality, shoreline stability, berthing, and navigation. The study set data needs and modelling pathways, recommended preliminary beach/edge typologies and marina tranquillity criteria, and outlined mitigation options to balance protection, flushing, and amenity.

Project Details

• Client: GHD

• Date: December 2004

• Location: The World Islands, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Challenge

Creating a liveable, high-amenity island group inside a vast offshore archipelago required early clarity on coastal defences, internal wave climate, harbour tranquillity, water quality, sediment transport, vessel wakes, and navigation. With limited site data and evolving perimeter breakwater geometry, the master plan needed robust criteria for beaches and edge treatments, realistic marina performance targets (AS3962), and strategies to minimise maintenance dredging and protect swimmer safety - without compromising flushing or visual outcomes.

The Solution

ICM defined strategic objectives, reviewed the concept layout against marine processes, and compiled data and modelling requirements to de-risk planning and set design envelopes. The study set marina tranquillity criteria, highlighted vessel-wake management (e.g., low-wake operations), mapped preliminary navigation channels and aids and outlined water quality mitigation options integrated with a phased monitoring and data-capture plan.

“At concept stage our job is to ‘set the stage’ - get the shoreline orientation, beach width, and protection typologies right so detailed design has a stable, buildable starting point.” - Aaron Salyer, Director, International Coastal Management

Services Provided

• Stage-1 coastal study and concept development workshops

• Desktop wave climate assessment (including effects of The World/Palm Jumeirah) and shoreline stability review

• Concept layouts for beaches, breakwaters, groynes/sills, quay/revetment edges, canals, and marina berths

• Recommendations on beach widths, crest levels, and orientation to improve stability

• Identification of Stage-2 modelling, fill and materials quantification, and design verification needs