Nakheel was founded in the early 2000s (often cited as 2000–2003) by the Government of Dubai to expand urban development and diversify beyond oil‑driven infrastructure. It was originally part of Dubai World, a large state‑owned conglomerate, before merging into Dubai Holding in 2024. Nakheel is one of the largest and most influential real‑estate developers in Dubai and the UAE, responsible for transforming Dubai’s coastline and building some of its world‑famous landmark communities.