Inside Dubai’s ‘abandoned’ World Islands’ most expensive multi-million dollar properties

Dubai is a city synonymous with wealth and extravagance, boasting the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to major malls and complex developments.

But Dubai's World Islands tell a different story.

These are a cluster of 300 man-made islands laid out in the shape of the seven continents, and were once full of ambitious plans for the rich.

While grand plans for the World Islands haven't fully materialised, YouTuber Mike Thurston's video offers a glimpse into its first successful project – the Heart of Europe.

Here, each island echoes a different European country with some of the most luxurious properties you'll have ever seen.

Kadir Avşar/Pexels

In the video, luxury realtor Farooq Syed starts off with the 'Monaco' hotel which 'famously hosts the 24-hour party.'

But, probably the wildest property to be seen is the 'Floating Seahorse', a unique three-level villa offering 4,000-square-feet of living space on top of the sea.

Downstairs are two bedrooms with en-suites, while the ground level is a living room and kitchen, and upstairs hosts a sun deck and jacuzzi.

The cool thing is when you buy the property - if you're lucky enough to be able to afford one - you can choose the coral to plant outside of your underwater window. So, essentially you can pick the type of fish you want to see every morning.

Next up is the Swedish Palace, a 'seven-bedroom Mega Mansion,' as put by the realtor.

The name comes from the inverted Viking boat-shaped roofs and Swedish-inspired architecture. Furniture is also courtesy of the luxury British car company Bentley which is evident in the stitched seats.

Amazingly, you enter the premises through a jungle that leads you to the front doors.

Walk-in closets, a gym, a sauna, an ice room, and a million-dollar bathtub carved from a single piece of marble – this palace has it all.

Mike Thurston / YouTube

Right across the water from this mansion is the Germany island that can be viewed from the balcony, with its inclusive villas and central lagoon.

The expansive lounge at the top of the villa even features a miniature replica of the completed Heart of Europe, with canals reflective of Venice and islands representing each European country.

If you're thinking of getting your hands on a Swedish Palace, you've got time as construction is still ongoing.

Each one's interior can be customised to your preferences, according to the realtor.

Of course, you'll need to make sure your pockets are lined with gold before even entertaining the idea.