All this activity has sent this throbbing heart of the United Arab Emirates into an unstoppable building boom as represented by the Palm Islands - three partially completed enormous manmade islands resembling palm trees that will add some 520 km (323 mi) to Dubai's coastline. One of the most important building sites in the world, the Palm Islands project is mind- boggling in its scope that can only be described as a legend in the making. It is a fantastic conception - islands, resembling palm trees, rising from the sea as if by magic to change forever Dubai's skyline. Self-declared the 'eighth wonder of the world', they are, besides the Great Wall of China, the only manmade structure that can be seen from outer space. One of these islands has been completed and the other two are due in the next few years.