The World Islands is a new large-scale development by Nakheel Properties. The project consists of a group of 300 individual islands in the shape of the Earth’s continents. The World Islands is located between Burj Al Arab and the Port Rashid transport hub and is four kilometres off the Arabian Gulf. Construction on the project began in 2003, and the idea was initiated by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Each island was to be sold to a select number of private developers. The World Islands are not connected to the mainland. Therefore, the islands are only accessible by sea or air. There is a boat that travels between the Fishing Harbour Jumeirah One Station and the island of Lebanon every 30 minutes, and the nearest public transport stop is Rashid Al Hadees Masjid 2.