Yas Island is a man-made marvel, and Google Earth is the perfect tool to understand its layout.

This is arguably the most stunning visual on Google Earth when viewed from above. The mosque’s white marble cladding reflects sunlight so intensely that it often appears as a glowing pearl against the desert beige. Zoom in close, and you can discern the intricate floral designs in the marble courtyard. The 3D model allows you to rotate around the four 107-meter-tall minarets and the domes. The contrast between the pure white structure and the surrounding green gardens and blue pools is breathtaking.

: A developing cultural precinct, this island is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi . You can track the progress of future projects like the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum through historical satellite imagery.