The most ambitious creation to emerge during the flush times before the current global economic downturn appeared in striking contrast to the azure waters of the Persian Gulf when the International Space Station passed overhead on January 13, 2010.

The image of the “World Islands” archipelago to the right was taken by an astronaut using a Nikon D2Xs digital camera fitted with a 400 mm lens.

The cluster of 300 manmade islands was designed to evoke an impression of the world as seen from high above, or in Earth orbit.

Originally designed to house the world’s elite at a going price of about $15-$50 million per island, work on the project has been halted for months due to the economic crisis in Dubai.

The Guardian reported in November 2009 that World Islands is unlikely ever to be completed.

Since the developer has reportedly run out of money, essential maintenance and reinforcement has not been conducted. This has allowed the islands to slowly start slipping back beneath the waves.

The less ambitious Palm Jumeirah manmade island project is visible nearby in the enlarged version of the image. While construction is considerably farther along than on World Islands, recent reports suggest that shoddy construction and inadequate infrastructure cast doubts on the long-term viability of the project.

Full story and image: NASA