In the area northeast of the Deira district, a new strategically managed megaproject is emerging with the ambition to reshape Dubai’s urban structure. Dubai Islands is a complex of five artificial islands that combine seaside living, tourism, culture, sport, and sustainable urbanism. Led by the state developer Nakheel, the project is part of the long term Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and represents one of the largest transformative visions of coastal development in the region.
The history of Dubai Islands dates back to the early 2000s, when the area was known as Palm Deira. The original plan to create a third palm shaped island was suspended after the financial crisis and later reworked under the name Deira Islands. In 2022, a fundamental transformation took place. The project was renamed Dubai Islands and introduced as five separate yet interconnected islands, each with its own function and architectural identity.
The Dubai Islands masterplan divides the area into five clearly defined zones, each focused on a specific type of use. This official structure reflects the urban strategy and functional intentions of the entire location.
Island A: Central Island
The main social, cultural, and commercial hub of the entire project. It features mixed use development, shopping and entertainment zones, cultural venues, and public spaces for events. It is the most urbanized island with the highest concentration of services and activities.
Island B: Resort Island
An island focused on hospitality and leisure tourism. It offers medium density residential development, community facilities, coastal promenades, beach resorts, and services for families and short term stays.
Island C: Golf Island
This island is oriented toward sport and recreation, especially golf. It includes eighteen hole and nine hole golf courses with sea views, private villas, wellness facilities, and green areas. It is designed as a calm environment for active relaxation.
Island D: Marina and Entertainment Island
An island emphasizing a maritime lifestyle. It features a network of marinas, entertainment centers, restaurants, and retail zones. It is ideal for visitors seeking a combination of luxury and waterfront experiences.
Island E: Elite Island
The most exclusive island of the project. It offers large plots, luxury villas, a private club, and a marina. It is designed for clients seeking maximum privacy, tranquility, and prestige.
Dubai Islands are not created randomly or without a clear vision. The entire project is built on seven key principles defined at the very beginning of planning, influencing every aspect of the design from island layout to public spaces. These principles define what a modern island district should look like, combining seaside living, community facilities, and long term value for residents and investors.
Distinctive use of each island
Each island has its own purpose, while together they form a coherent whole through unifying elements.
Wide range of resort and community destinations
The project offers various levels of accommodation and living, from hotels to long term residences.
Themed centers and social clubs
Public and private spaces for community life, culture, services, and retail.
Multimodal connectivity within and between islands
Marinas, water taxis, promenades, pedestrian and cycling routes create a connected and accessible ecosystem.
Coastal access and infrastructure across the islands
An emphasis on balancing sea views with access to the coastline throughout the area.
Blue and green island environment
A connection between indoor and outdoor living with a strong focus on landscape and ecology.
Coastal lifestyle experience
A variety of activities, services, and programs along the waterfront create a rich lifestyle offering.
86 hotels and resorts
21 kilometers of beaches
9 marinas
2 golf courses with 18 and 9 holes
Total GFA of 9.5 million square meters
Open spaces of nearly 2 million square meters
Retail area of 404,000 square meters
Total number of residential units 38,479
Dubai Islands offer an ideal balance between the tranquility of island living and access to the city center. Thanks to the new Infinity Bridge and the planned network of marinas and water transport, the islands are fully integrated into the city’s transport infrastructure.
Travel times:
20 minutes to Dubai International Airport
24 minutes to Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall
33 minutes to Business Bay
We asked Barbara Adamčíková and Stanislava Slámová, brokers from the BuyDubai team, who have direct experience with this location and have followed the project since its inception. Here are their insights on what every interested buyer should know.
Who is behind this project and why does it matter?
Barbara says that Dubai Islands is a project by the government developer Nakheel, the same developer behind Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali. Because it is a government developer, the state is investing substantial funds not only into construction but also into infrastructure and public spaces.
Why is Dubai Islands an attractive investment location?
Stanislava says that Dubai Islands is, in her view, one of the best locations for off plan projects and long term appreciation. Compared to Palm Jumeirah, the water quality is better, the beaches will be among the cleanest, and the views are exceptional. It is a true beachfront location with a strong combination of premium residential living and growth potential.
Transport and accessibility
Barbara explains that many new overpasses and underpasses have been built around Deira and toward Dubai Islands. Traffic used to be very heavy due to the local population in Deira, but this has changed significantly. An additional bridge is planned to connect the city directly to the islands, further reducing travel times.
Stanislava adds that from the city center, you can reach the islands in about 15 minutes. Accessibility is significantly better than in the past and prepared for growing demand.
Barbara notes that in terms of transport, Dubai Islands are more accessible than Palm Jumeirah or Palm Jebel Ali, where you often need to drive around the entire island. Here, you can pass through the islands directly, which makes a real difference in everyday life.
What is being developed on the islands?
Barbara says the archipelago consists of five islands. Half of the development will be villas and the other half residential buildings. Two large golf courses are being built, one with nine holes and one with eighteen holes, designed to host international tournaments. A large shopping mall is also under construction, ensuring full amenities within the islands.
Island layout and developers
Stanislava explains that Island B is divided among exclusive prime developers, each with around 400 meters of beachfront. These are essentially private beaches, though partially accessible to the public. Residents will have paid loungers, while the beach promenade remains open. Island A is more active, with smaller projects, less beachfront, but it includes the beautiful public Dubai Islands Beach, which she highly recommends.
Island C is currently reserved for the two golf courses, with potential for future residential development. Island E is purely villa based, with all sales handled directly by the government developer Nakheel.
How do Dubai Islands differ from other locations?
Barbara emphasizes that this is true beachfront living, which is extremely limited in Dubai. Aside from Palm Jumeirah, very few projects offer private beaches or direct sea access. This is exactly what buyers want. The beaches here are among the cleanest and most beautiful in the city.
What about airport noise?
Barbara explains that there is currently a flight corridor over Island A, so aircraft noise is present. However, Dubai plans to move its main air traffic to the new Al Maktoum Airport, which is intended to become the largest airport in the world. Once this happens, the area will become significantly quieter and property values are expected to rise further. At present, it represents a strong opportunity for investors, as prices do not yet reflect this future potential.
Are there any drawbacks?
Stanislava notes that aside from the flight corridor over Island A, buyers should expect lower rise development, not high rise towers. If someone is looking for views from the 30th floor, they will not find them here. Distances also matter. If a project on Island A is located behind the main road or shopping mall, the walk to the beach can take up to 40 minutes. By car it is around 10 to 15 minutes, which is important to consider when choosing a property.
What else should buyers pay attention to?
Barbara strongly recommends careful developer selection, as several developers operate on Dubai Islands and some are building for the first time. Location within the island is equally important, including views, proximity to the beach, and access to main roads. Price per square meter should also be monitored, as some projects are currently overpriced, while attractive opportunities still exist, especially from proven and government backed developers.
Interested in learning about other projects currently under development on Dubai Islands? Feel free to contact us.
