Guide to Dubai Islands
Dubai Islands is Nakheel's five-island beachfront masterplan off Deira - 21km of new coastline, 80 hotels planned, and apartments from about AED 1.6M. It is the most credible mid-priced beachfront launch market in Dubai right now.
About Dubai Islands
Dubai Islands does what Palm Jumeirah did for its era but at a fraction of the entry price: brand-new beachfront stock, single master developer, and a 2026-2028 delivery wave that gives buyers real payment-plan leverage. Deira's regeneration and the Infinity Bridge cut the drive to Downtown to around 20 minutes.
Key numbers (2026)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average price / sqft | AED 2,100 |
| Gross rental yield | 6-7% (projected on completion) |
| Off-plan / ready | Off-plan - staged 2026 to 2028 |
| Best for | Beachfront off-plan buyers, payment-plan investors, short-let operators |
Top projects in Dubai Islands
- Bay Grove Residences - Nakheel
- Rixos Branded Residences Dubai Islands - Nakheel
- Ellington Cove - Ellington Properties
- Nikki Beach Residences Dubai Islands - Aldar
- Sobha and Object 1 island towers (off-plan)
Why buyers pick this area
- Beachfront entry from roughly AED 1.6M - well below Palm or Emaar Beachfront
- Nakheel master-developer control across all five islands
- Hotel-led tourism pipeline supports short-let income
- Golden Visa qualifies on units above AED 2M
What to watch for
- Off-plan - no income until handover between 2026 and 2028
- Island 1 is far ahead of islands 3-5 on infrastructure
- Confirm the escrow account and beach access rights on each plot
Frequently asked questions
When do Dubai Islands projects hand over?
Staged from 2026 through 2028. Island 1 projects such as Bay Grove lead the delivery schedule.
How much do Dubai Islands apartments cost?
Around AED 2,100/sqft. Entry 1-beds start near AED 1.6M with 20% down and construction-linked payment plans.
Is Dubai Islands better than Palm Jumeirah?
Palm has the deeper resale market. Dubai Islands offers new stock, beachfront at roughly 40% lower price per sqft and higher projected yields, so it suits growth buyers with a 4-6 year horizon.