Dubai Islands is one of the most ambitious waterfront developments in the city’s pipeline. Located just off the northern coast, this multi-island master community is being developed with a focus on long-term family living, tourism, and modern coastal infrastructure. The master plan spans five interconnected islands and is overseen by Nakheel, one of Dubai’s biggest most prominent real estate developers.
While Nakheel is the master developer of Dubai Islands, several major developers such as Ellington have already secured plots for signature projects. With branded residences, beachfront apartments, and villa communities already under way, Dubai Islands is now seen as a high-potential investment zone for those looking to secure early positions in a fast-growing area.
In this article we take a closer look at what Dubai Islands is all about, the property types available and why this may be one of the most underrated investment spots in the market today.
What Is Dubai Islands?
Dubai Islands is a large-scale coastal development just off the shoreline of Deira, linked to the mainland via a new bridge from Al Khaleej Road. The entire district spans over 17 square kilometres and features more than 20 kilometres of white sandy beaches, with dedicated zones for residential properties, resorts, public spaces, and entertainment.
The project consists of five man-made islands, each with its own layout and focus ranging from wellness and hospitality zones to residential and leisure destinations. The islands are designed to support a mix of lifestyles, offering not just short-term tourism options but also walkable neighbourhoods, cycling tracks, green corridors, and marina access.
The shift from the original “Deira Islands” branding to Dubai Islands marks more than simply a name change. It reflects a broader move seen all over Dubai toward integrated, mixed-use planning with an emphasis on quality of life, future growth, and access to the rest of the city.
Property Types Available
Dubai Islands will offer a wide variety of property types, designed to appeal to both investors and end-users. Early releases are already in market, with several more expected in the coming months and years.
Apartments and Branded Residences
Low- and mid-rise apartment blocks make up the early phases of residential stock, with many projects positioned directly along the coastline. These include premium and branded residences such as Rixos with access to resort-grade amenities
Signature Developments
Whilst many projects are still in the pipeline several high-profile residential projects are already underway:
- Ellington Cove by Ellington Properties, offering design-forward apartments with views of the sea and access to landscaped outdoor spaces
- Bay Grove Residences, which blends coastal style with modern apartment layouts
- Ocean View, another beachfront address with a focus on indoor-outdoor living
- Bay Residences, catering to families and long-stay residents
- Edge Water Residences, set within a tranquil corner of the island with direct access to water-based amenities
Villas and Townhouses
For those seeking detached homes, villa developments such as Bay Villas offer contemporary coastal living with private gardens, shaded pathways, and close access to the beach. These are designed for families or investors looking for high-yield rental homes in a walkable waterfront environment.
Master Development and Key Players
Dubai Islands is developed and master-planned by Nakheel, one of the most established names in the UAE real estate space. Nakheel is responsible for some of Dubai’s best-known destinations, including Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, and parts of the Dubai Waterfront. With Dubai Islands, Nakheel is delivering core infrastructure, coastal access, and public realm elements such as bridges, roads, and utilities across the entire site.
While Nakheel is leading the project, other developers have acquired plots and are launching their own branded or boutique offerings. Ellington, known for their architecturally distinct mid-rise buildings, is one of the most active early-phase developers on the island.
Having multiple developers take part in the development will result in diverse project designs and offer investors a broader mix of pricing, layouts, and product types, while still benefiting from unified planning and long-term vision provided by Nakheel.
Why Dubai Islands Is a Strong Investment Option
Dubai Islands presents a vast number of advantages for investors looking at new-build coastal property with room for future capital growth.
Early Entry
This is still the beginning of the rollout. The master plan is in place, infrastructure is active, and the first wave of developments is launching now. That means pricing is still accessible compared to more mature beachfront zones. For investors, early entry offers a greater upside as the community builds out.
Branded and Boutique Appeal
With brands like Rixos involved from the outset, and developers like Ellington creating high-end offerings, buyers can access design-led or hotel-linked properties with strong rental appeal.
Accessibility and Location
Dubai Islands sits just 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai whilst being directly connected to mainland Deira. This central access makes it appealing for both residents and holidaymakers as it offers waterfront living without the isolation found in some other island projects.
Mixed-Use Planning
The mix of residential, retail, green space, and hospitality infrastructure means this isn’t a single-purpose destination. It will support schools, healthcare, public beaches, marinas, and commercial zones — all contributing to long-term sustainability and price stability.
Coastal Scarcity
Dubai has limited beachfront land remaining, and most established areas have already reached premium pricing levels. Dubai Islands offers a rare opportunity to secure water-facing property in a planned, well-connected district with institutional-grade developers behind it.
Final Word
Dubai Islands is a large-scale, long-term coastal development backed by one of Dubai’s most experienced master developers. With strong infrastructure already in place and a clear multi-phase plan, this project is positioned to become one of the city’s most sought-after waterfront destinations.
As residential projects continue to launch and supporting amenities take shape, early investors will benefit from both value growth and long-term appeal. For those looking to secure property in a future-forward district with access, scale, and lifestyle potential, Dubai Islands is a strategic option that deserves a closer look.
