Everything You Need to Know About the New Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands is one of the biggest coastal developments currently underway in the city. Located off the northern coastline of Dubai, this master-planned destination is being developed by Nakheel and is made up of five connected islands. The project was previously known as Deira Islands but has since been rebranded and reimagined with a sharper focus on lifestyle, tourism, and residential real estate.

If you’re looking at beachfront property in Dubai or want to keep an eye on where the next major growth could happen, Dubai Islands should be on your radar.

What Are Dubai Islands?

Dubai Islands is a group of five man-made islands located just off the coast of Deira. It spans roughly 17 square kilometres and is set to feature over 20 kilometers of beach, 80+ resorts and hotels, and thousands of new homes. The islands are connected to the mainland via a bridge from Al Khaleej Road, giving residents and visitors fast access to key parts of the city including Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport.

As to be expected each island is designed to serve a slightly different purpose, from luxury resorts and hotels to wellness districts and family neighbourhoods. All five islands will be connected by roads, walkways, and cycling tracks, forming a continuous coastal experience and ensuring optimal convenience for tourist and residents. 

 

A Rebrand from Deira Islands

Originally launched as Deira Islands, the project was part of Nakheel’s earlier vision for expanding the city’s coastline. The rebrand to Dubai Islands signals a shift in direction. While Deira Islands was more about retail and hotel development, Dubai Islands aims to blend long-term residential communities along with tourism infrastructure as originally planned. 

The name change also helps separate the project from its older associations and aligns it more closely with other well-known developments like Palm Jumeirah and the new Palm Jebel Ali.

Location and Access

Dubai Islands are located off the coast of Deira, which is one of the oldest parts of the city. While that might suggest an older vibe, this project is anything but. The islands are within close reach of:

• Dubai International Airport – around 15 minutes by car
• Downtown Dubai – roughly 25 minutes away
• Port Rashid and Dubai Maritime City – nearby waterfront hubs
• Dubai Creek Harbour – a growing residential and leisure district
• The old Gold Souk and Deira Corniche – for more traditional Dubai culture

Access is via a newly constructed bridge that links the islands to the mainland, and future plans include improved road networks, water transport options, and public transport links as the area grows.

What’s Planned for the Five Islands?

Each of the five islands will have a slightly different theme and mix of uses. Here’s a quick breakdown based on what’s been released so far:

• Island A: Focused on high-end wellness resorts, spas, and beachfront hotels
• Island B: Primarily residential, with apartments, waterfront townhouses, and community parks
• Island C: A family-centric zone with schools, open green areas, and mid-range housing
• Island D: A mix of marinas, retail zones, and nightlife options
• Island E: A cultural hub with museums, art spaces, and event venues

The carefully masterplan includes more than 20 kilometers of beaches, over 80 resorts and hotels, a golf course, and multiple marinas. The islands are also expected to feature environmentally conscious construction, shaded walking routes, and a large focus on community-centric public areas.

Residential Properties on Dubai Islands

While many of the earlier launches were hospitality-driven, the shift towards residential development is already underway. Numerous villa and apartment projects such as Bay Villas and Bay Grove Residences have been launched already. All have been met with a strong response from both investors as well as end users. 

Nakheel is expected to release both branded and non-branded properties across the islands. While pricing hasn’t been finalized for most upcoming launches, early signs suggest they’ll be priced competitively compared to Palm Jumeirah and Bluewaters, at least in the initial phases.

This gives investors and early buyers a chance to secure beachfront property before the area fully matures.

Investment Outlook

From an investment point of view, Dubai Islands sits in an interesting spot. It combines the attraction of coastal property with a location that’s closer to Dubai’s older core, unlike Palm Jebel Ali which is further south. This puts it within easier reach of the airport, older districts, and some of Dubai’s busiest business areas.

Because the project is still very much in its early phases, there’s significant long-term potential for capital growth. Once the residential communities, hotels, and leisure destinations are fully developed, Dubai Islands could emerge as one of the most in-demand waterfront addresses in the city.

It also opens opportunities in the short-term rental market, especially for apartments and villas with direct beach access. Tourism demand is likely to grow steadily as new hotels open and events are hosted on the islands.

Who Is Behind Dubai Islands?

The project is being developed by Nakheel. A government owned company Nakheel is one of the largest and most well-known developers in the UAE. Nakheel is the company behind Palm Jumeirah, The World Islands, and Nakheel Mall, among others. They’ve played a major role in shaping Dubai’s coastal identity, and their track record on large-scale infrastructure adds credibility to this new undertaking.

The rebrand and refocus of Dubai Islands suggest a long-term commitment to making this one of Dubai’s signature coastal zones, with investment in both lifestyle and utility infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

Dubai Islands is still in the early stages of becoming what it’s set out to be, but the scale and vision of the project make it one of the most important coastal developments to watch. It blends beachfront living with access to city life, all under the banner of one of Dubai’s top master developers.

For those looking to buy into a future-forward community that combines lifestyle, location, and investment potential, Dubai Islands should be on your shortlist.