Dubai Islands: A New Waterfront District by Nakheel

Dubai Islands is one of the city’s largest ongoing coastal developments, covering more than 17 sq km across five connected islands located north of Deira. The project is being developed by Nakheel, the master developer behind Palm Jumeirah, and is designed to expand Dubai’s urban coastline while creating new residential, leisure, and hospitality zones.

Investors and future residents considering a move to buy property in Dubai Islands can find here a detailed look at the plan, pricing, and lifestyle vision.

The Vision Behind Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands was conceived as part of Dubai’s long-term plan to expand its livable coastline and create a new northern gateway to the city. The project aims to distribute urban growth beyond existing districts like Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, forming a self-sustaining waterfront city closer to the historic core of Deira.

The masterplan is built around three principles — accessibility, sustainability, and livability. The islands are connected to the mainland through a network of new bridges, reducing travel time to central Dubai and the airport. Large portions of the shoreline are kept open to the public, with more than 21 km of beaches, landscaped parks, and walking trails designed to promote community use rather than private enclosure.

Sustainability is integrated through energy-efficient building codes, low-impact drainage systems, and green transport corridors. Residential zones are planned alongside hospitality, retail, and cultural spaces, ensuring year-round activity rather than seasonal tourism. The design direction prioritizes natural light, open views, and a visual dialogue between contemporary architecture and the surrounding sea — a continuation of Dubai’s broader push toward functional, human-scale waterfront development.

Inside the Masterplan

Dubai Islands is divided into five main zones:

• Island A (Central Island) — envisioned as a bustling urban core with retail promenades, entertainment, and high-rise waterfront apartments.
• Island B (Shore Island) — the primary residential belt with villas and mid-rise beachfront residences.
• Island C (Oasis Island) — focused on wellness, nature parks, and boutique resorts.
• Island D (Golf Island) — designed around an 18-hole golf course and club community.
• Island E (Elite Island) — reserved for ultra-private villas and branded residences.

Among the flagship developments already announced are Bay Villas by Nakheel — a collection of three- to six-bedroom homes ranging from 3,400 sq ft to over 14,000 sq ft, each with direct beach access, landscaped courtyards, and private pools. Construction contracts worth over AED 2.6 billion (≈ USD 708 million) were awarded for this community alone, with completion expected around 2028.

Nearby, Bay Residences and Bay Grove offer one- to four-bedroom apartments featuring sea views, rooftop pools, and community gardens. Other names emerging on the map include Treppan Serenique Residences, Isolana Residences, and Flow Apartments, all reflecting Dubai’s growing emphasis on sustainable design and open-air living.

Hospitality will play a major role here as well — with more than 80 hotels and resorts planned, led by the Rixos Dubai Islands Hotel & Residences partnership between Nakheel and Ennismore, and an upcoming Cheval Blanc Resort set to anchor the ultra-luxury segment.

Lifestyle and Amenities

Dubai Islands will feature:

• 20+ kilometres of beaches, several with Blue Flag certification for safety and environmental standards.
• Five marinas for yachts and leisure craft.
• Cycling paths, nature trails and landscaped parks covering nearly 2 km² of green space.
• Retail promenades, beach cafés and boutique shopping areas.
• Sports and wellness facilities, including golf, tennis, and paddle courts.
• International schools and medical centres, all planned within a 15-minute radius.

Families will appreciate the mix of quiet residential streets and resort-inspired zones, while investors see opportunity in Dubai’s growing preference for low-density waterfront communities.

Connectivity and Access

Despite being an island cluster, the development is easily reachable. A dedicated bridge links Dubai Islands to the mainland near Deira Corniche, connecting directly to the Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Corridor.

• 10 minutes to Dubai Cruise Terminal
• 20–25 minutes to Dubai International Airport
• 30 minutes to Downtown Dubai via Sheikh Zayed Road

Prices and Investment Outlook

At the start of 2025, off-plan units at Dubai Islands are priced around:

• AED 1.6–1.8 million (USD 435–490K) for one-bedroom apartments
• AED 4–7 million (USD 1.1–1.9M) for villas and townhouses

Rental yields are projected between 6–8 %, supported by early-stage pricing and the scarcity of new beachfront supply. With the island’s first phases targeting handovers from 2027 onward, early buyers gain both long-term capital appreciation and flexible payment options — typically 60/40 or 70/30 structures spread over three to four years.

Communities and Design Character

Each residential cluster is envisioned with its own character. Bay Villas emphasizes privacy and resort-style living; Bay Residences targets professionals and families seeking urban convenience; and the upcoming wellness-oriented Island C will feature pedestrian-friendly green corridors and sea-facing wellness retreats.

Architectural themes mix modern minimalism with Arabian coastal tones — coral-inspired façades, shaded courtyards, and high ceilings that capture natural light. The result is a softer, more organic design language than in Dubai’s previous megaprojects.

Dubai’s Expanding Coastal Landscape

Dubai Islands is part of a broader transformation sweeping across the UAE’s shores. Developers are doubling down on waterfront and island projects that blend tourism, lifestyle, and investment value.

• Palm Jebel Ali — Nakheel’s revived megaproject spanning 13 km of coastline and thousands of beachfront villas.
• Marsa Al Arab — a twin-island development near Burj Al Arab, featuring luxury resorts, retail, and a marine park.
• Dubai Creek Harbour — Emaar’s sprawling waterside district beside Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to residential towers and the upcoming Creek Tower.
• Ramhan Island (Abu Dhabi) and Al Marjan Island (Ras Al Khaimah) — both showcase how the UAE is extending the “island living” model beyond Dubai.

These projects are part of the same goal — to build coastal communities that can function as full cities. The idea is to combine housing, transport, public services, and open spaces in one connected environment. Dubai Islands follows this approach by linking beaches and marinas with everyday infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and parks, creating a district that feels like a natural extension of Dubai rather than a separate resort zone.

FAQ: Dubai Islands

1. Where is Dubai Islands located?
Dubai Islands is situated north of Deira, close to Port Rashid and Dubai Maritime City. The development is connected to the mainland through new bridges linking directly to the Infinity Bridge and Al Shindagha Corridor, allowing quick access to Dubai International Airport and central business areas.

2. Who is developing Dubai Islands?
The project is being developed by Nakheel, the master developer behind Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, and several residential communities across Dubai. Nakheel’s role covers infrastructure, zoning, and partnerships with hotel and residential developers.

3. What types of properties are available in Dubai Islands?
The masterplan includes apartments, villas, and hotel-branded residences. Early projects such as Bay Villas, Bay Residences, and Bay Grove feature beachside homes, landscaped parks, and access to community amenities. Future phases will include golf-course villas and mid-rise apartment clusters.

4. What are property prices in Dubai Islands?
As of late 2025, one-bedroom apartments start at around AED 1.6 million (USD 435 000), while villas range between AED 4 million and AED 7 million (USD 1.1–1.9 million). Prices vary based on size, views, and proximity to the beach.

5. Is Dubai Islands a freehold area?
Yes. Dubai Islands is designated as a freehold zone, which means both UAE nationals and foreign buyers can purchase property with full ownership rights. This allows international investors to own, sell, or lease their properties without restriction, similar to other established freehold areas in Dubai such as Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina.

6. What amenities and lifestyle features will the islands offer?
Residents will have access to over 20 km of beaches, five marinas, cycling and jogging tracks, parks, schools, healthcare facilities, and waterfront retail areas. The area is designed to function as a mixed-use district with both residential and resort communities.

7. How is Dubai Islands connected to the rest of the city?
Multiple bridges and road extensions connect the islands to the mainland, providing access to major routes within 20–30 minutes to Downtown Dubai and 25 minutes to the airport. Water taxis and public transport routes are also planned for future phases.

8. How does Dubai Islands compare to other coastal projects in the UAE?
Unlike single-purpose resort islands, Dubai Islands is designed as a complete district with housing, hotels, retail, and public facilities. It complements major coastal developments such as Palm Jebel Ali, Marsa Al Arab, and Dubai Creek Harbour, expanding the city’s northern waterfront.