The Universe is a planned artificial archipelago in the
shape of the Milky Way and Solar System, that would be built off the coast of Dubai,
United Arab Emirates. The project was announced in January 2008 by the
developer Nakheel, which also built the Palm Islands and The World archipelago.
It was stated to be completed sometime between 2023 and 2028, but as of 2009, the project has been placed on
hold. The dredging companies Van Oord and Jan de Nul, the same companies used
for the Palm Islands and The World,[citation needed] will create up to 3,000
hectares of land.
The Universe is to be located between the Palm Jumeirah, The
World, the Jumeirah coast and the Palm Deira.