Looking at Dubai Islands? Get the current price list and available units →
The short answer: Dubai Islands is Nakheel’s 18.6 km² waterfront development of five islands off the Deira coast, planned for more than 230,000 residents, and in 2026 it is one of the busiest places in Dubai for new launches. Construction contracts are being awarded, new communities keep launching (including the premium Bay Estate on Island E in October 2026), and several projects have sold out at launch. For buyers, that means choice today, but the best-positioned units go first.
What Dubai Islands is
Formerly known as Deira Islands, Dubai Islands is being developed by Nakheel, the master developer behind Palm Jumeirah, now part of Dubai Holding Real Estate. According to Nakheel’s October 2026 announcement, the five islands (A to E) span 18.6 km², will add about 57 km of coastline including 21 km of beachfront, and are planned for more than 230,000 residents in around 62,000 homes, with more than 11,000 hotel rooms and 4,000 branded residences. Dubai Islands is linked to the mainland by three bridges with direct access to the Al Shindagha Corridor, within about 10 km of Dubai International Airport and 15 km of Downtown Dubai (Nakheel press release). Nakheel builds some communities itself; private developers build others under the masterplan.
What’s happening in 2026
- April 2026: Nakheel awarded an AED 527 million contract for the roads, utilities and infrastructure of Island B (the shore island).
- September 2026: a contract worth more than AED 800 million went to Metac for phases 1 and 3 of Bay Grove Residences, part of a 1,154-home community across 15 buildings, with handover planned for 2028.
- October 2026: Nakheel unveiled Bay Estate, a gated waterfront community of about 360 three- and four-bedroom garden villas, attached villas and townhouses, plus beachfront and waterfront plots. It covers 653,709 m² with 2.4 km of beachfront and 6.5 km of waterfront, and is planned for more than 12,000 residents. Market reports place it on Island E, the most premium and lowest-density island.
- Private developers are active too: 2026 has seen launches such as Ellington’s Meriva Collection and BEYOND’s HADO, while DHG began building its sold-out Helvetia Marine project, with handover scheduled for Q1 2028, as Arabian Business reported.
What the Dubai Land Department data shows
The DLD’s open project register (snapshot dated 15 June 2026) lists 79 registered projects in the Dubai Islands area. A few things stand out:
- Bay Grove Residences is registered in four phases totalling 1,154 units, matching Nakheel’s announcement.
- Bay Residences was about 19% built and Beach Residences about 13%; Bay Villas had just started.
- Among private developers, Imtiaz’s Beach Walk Residences 1 was the most advanced, at about 58%.
- Most newer projects were registered but not yet started, so the bulk of supply delivers in 2027–2028.
Completion dates in the register can move. Follow any project’s DLD progress in our projects directory and get an email when it updates.
Why buyers are paying attention
- Beachfront living close to the city: about 10 km from Dubai International Airport and 15 km from Downtown, linked by three bridges, not at the far edges of Dubai.
- Nakheel’s track record with waterfront masterplans such as Palm Jumeirah.
- A wide range of homes: apartments, townhouses and villas, from mid-market to ultra-premium on Island E.
- Momentum: new contracts, new launches and sell-outs through 2026.
What to check before you buy
- Which island, and where on it: beachfront, marina-facing and inner plots are priced very differently, and Island E sits at the premium end.
- The developer: Nakheel and private developers both build here; check each one’s track record and the project’s DLD registration.
- Handover dates: most projects complete between 2026 and 2028 and later; plan for a construction period.
- Payment into escrow: follow our off-plan checklist.
- Launch versus resale: in a hot area, resale premiums can run ahead of value; compare with recorded transactions.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Dubai Islands?
Off the coast of Deira in northern Dubai: five islands (A to E) developed by Nakheel, formerly called Deira Islands. Three bridges connect it to the mainland, about 10 km from Dubai International Airport and 15 km from Downtown Dubai.
Can foreigners buy property on Dubai Islands?
Yes. Dubai Islands is a freehold area where foreign buyers can own property. Confirm each project’s DLD registration before paying.
When will Dubai Islands projects be completed?
It varies by project. Several are scheduled for 2026–2028, for example Bay Grove Residences in 2028 and Helvetia Marine in Q1 2028, with later phases beyond.
How much does property on Dubai Islands cost?
Prices depend heavily on the island, the developer and the unit. Launch prices change quickly, so ask for the current price list rather than relying on old figures online.
Umar’s take
Verdict: one of Dubai’s most active waterfront opportunities right now, and timing matters. Dubai Islands combines a beachfront setting with a location close to the city and the airport, and 2026 has brought real construction progress, not just marketing. In a hot area, the best units (the right island, the right row, the right developer) go quickly, and launch prices can move between phases. Tell me your budget and what you’re looking for, and I’ll send you the current options and prices, along with my honest view of which ones are worth it.
General information, not investment advice. Prices, availability and handover dates change; confirm current details before committing.
Free · Weekly
Get Dubai This Week on WhatsApp
My weekly read on the Dubai market, new launches worth a look, and the occasional "don't buy this". Straight to your phone, no spam, leave any time.
