The World is an archipelago of artificial islands, shaped like the continents of the Earth, being constructed off the coast of Dubai. The project is inspired by the artificial Palm Islands also being built in Dubai. The World will consist of 250 to 300 smaller private artificial islands divided into four categories - private homes, estate homes, dream resorts, and community islands. The entire project is slated for completion in 2008.

Each island will range from 250,000 to 900,000 square feet (5.74 to 20.66 acres; 23 226m² to 83 613m²) in size, with 50 to 100 metres of water between each island. The development will cover an area of 9 kilometers in length and 6 kilometers in width, surrounded by an oval breakwater. The only means of transportation between the islands will be by boat and helicopter. Each island will cost an estimated average of $25 million (USD).
It is owned and is being constructed by Al Nakheel Properties (Nakheel Corp)
It will be located at approximately 25°13′N 55°10′E 4.1 kilometers off the shore of Jumeirah, close to The Palm, Jumeirah, between Burj Al Arab and Port Rashid of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The World is sometimes mistakenly referred to as The Palm World. It is also known as the Globe Islands.