Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands Community Overview

Dubai Islands is a waterfront master development by Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate. Formerly known as Deira Islands, the community is located off the Deira coastline, close to Dubai Creek, Old Dubai and Dubai International Airport.

According to the latest official Dubai Holding update, the masterplan covers approximately 18.6 million square metres, with around 57 kilometres of coastline and 21 kilometres of beachfront. It is designed to accommodate more than 231,000 residents across approximately 49,000 homes, including apartments, villas and mansions.

Dubai Islands is being developed in phases. Its public beach, marina and selected hotels are operational, while residential communities, roads and future lifestyle facilities remain under construction. No single completion date has been announced for the entire master development. Dubai Holding’s official 2026 update provides the latest masterplan figures.

Dubai Islands Masterplan

The development consists of five interconnected islands:

• Central Island: Retail, cultural attractions and mixed-use neighbourhoods.
• Marina Island: Marinas, yachting facilities and waterfront residences.
• Shore Island: Beach clubs, family villas, wellness and sports facilities.
• Golf Island: Golf-front properties and a planned championship golf course.
• Elite Island: Private villas, exclusive marinas and premium clubhouses.

These features represent Nakheel’s long-term vision. Buyers should not assume that every planned amenity is already operational or has a confirmed delivery date. Nakheel’s current masterplan includes beaches, resorts, golf courses, parks, restaurants, retail, entertainment and wellness facilities. Nakheel official Dubai Islands page confirms these planned components.

Properties for Sale in Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands properties for sale include apartments, duplexes, penthouses, branded residences, townhouses, beachfront villas and private mansions. Although Nakheel is the master developer, individual buildings can be developed by different private developers.

Most currently launched projects offer apartments and premium waterfront residences. Buyers can compare these options with other off-plan apartments in Dubai or explore larger luxury off-plan properties in Dubai.

Prices, payment plans and availability can change during a sales phase. Buyers should request the latest developer inventory before choosing a unit.

Location and Connectivity

Dubai Islands has road access to the mainland and is positioned near Deira, Dubai Creek, Port Rashid and DXB. Nakheel estimates approximately 10 minutes to Gold Souq Metro Station, 20 minutes to Dubai International Airport and 24 minutes to Downtown Dubai. Actual travel times depend on traffic and the property’s location within the islands.

RTA is also constructing a new 1,425-metre bridge between Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai. The bridge will have four lanes in each direction, together with a pedestrian and cycling track. It remains an ongoing RTA project.

There is currently no officially confirmed metro station inside Dubai Islands.

Beaches and Community Amenities

Operational destinations include Dubai Islands Beach, Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands, Hotel Riu Dubai and Centara Mirage Beach Resort. The wider masterplan includes future hotels, beach clubs, parks, shopping, restaurants, golf, wellness facilities and walking and cycling routes.

Because the community is still developing, the complete selection of supermarkets, schools, healthcare and everyday services is not yet available across all five islands. Early residents may depend on nearby facilities in Deira.

Is Dubai Islands Suitable for Investment?

Dubai Islands may suit buyers looking for waterfront property, proximity to DXB and long-term exposure to a developing master community. However, investment performance depends on the individual project, developer, purchase price, plot position, view, payment plan, handover date and future supply.

Before booking, buyers should verify the project’s RERA registration, escrow account, construction status and developer details through Dubai REST. Buyers should also confirm whether beach access is private or shared, whether future construction can affect the view and what service charges may apply.