Over twenty years ago, Dubai began constructing the world's largest artificial archipelago of islands, designed to be a lavish oasis for the super-rich. Today, the islands stand mostly empty and some are sinking back into the sea, but the developers and government of Dubai refuse to give up on the mind boggling mega-project. Let me tell you about this astonishing feat of engineering, how it did work--kind of, but also hasn’t panned out the way they hoped, and why they’ll probably never let this one go no matter how bad an idea it was.

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• Nakheel Properties
• Dubai Set To Open Heart Of Europe With 6 Outrageous Themed Islands
• The World is sinking: Dubai islands 'falling into the sea'
• Owner of Dubai's 'little Britain' jailed for non-payment of cheques
• Second Irish property investor kills himself over financial problems

Written and produced by Anna Roberts

Burning palm tree artwork by Perry Vasquez

Intro music by Elliot Middleton

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