Nakheel is a Dubai-based master developer founded in 2003, best known for Palm Jumeirah, the artificial island that became one of Dubai's most recognisable destinations. Since 2001, its projects have added more than 300 km of coastline and developed over 15,000 hectares of land across the emirate. The company's portfolio includes Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands and established communities such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Furjan and Jumeirah Park.
Who is Nakheel?
Nakheel was founded in 2003 as a subsidiary of Dubai World to develop large-scale projects in Dubai. The company soon became closely associated with the emirate's plans for new coastal destinations, starting with the development of Palm Jumeirah, which had begun two years earlier.
The success of Palm Jumeirah established Nakheel as a major developer and gave the company a platform for a much wider portfolio. It went on to develop Palm Jebel Ali, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, The Gardens and Ibn Battuta Mall, while its later plans added Dubai Islands and other major destinations across the emirate.
In 2024, Nakheel and Meydan became part of Dubai Holding under Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The merger brought two of Dubai's major government-backed property companies under the same group.
The Islands
Palm Jumeirah
Construction of Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001, marking Nakheel's first major artificial island project. The island was built using 94 million cubic metres of sand dredged from the Arabian Gulf seabed and around 7 million tonnes of rock for the breakwater. The crescent breakwater stretches for 11 km and helped create 78 km of new coastline, extending Palm Jumeirah 5 km into the Arabian Gulf.
The first residential handovers took place in 2006, with around 500 families living on the island by October 2007. Today, Palm Jumeirah has more than 25,000 residents and over 30 hotels. Its monorail opened in 2009 as the first in the Middle East. Nakheel later added Nakheel Mall, The Pointe and Golden Mile Galleria.
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Palm Jebel Ali
Palm Jebel Ali was planned as Nakheel's second palm-shaped island, with construction starting in the early 2000s. Reclamation reached 98% and the breakwater was completed before work stopped in 2008. The island then remained largely undeveloped for more than a decade.
Nakheel announced a new masterplan in September 2022, making Palm Jebel Ali roughly twice the size of Palm Jumeirah with 70 km of coastline. The plans call for around 1,700 villas, 6,000 apartments, 18 hotels and four shopping centres, with a 5 km highway connecting the island to Sheikh Zayed Road.
In April 2026, Nakheel awarded AED 3.5 billion in construction contracts to Ginco General Contracting and UNEC for 544 villas across the fronds. Current projects have handovers scheduled between Q4 2028 and 2030.
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Dubai Islands
Nakheel originally launched the project as Deira Islands in the early 2000s, with plans for a new destination off the coast of Deira. After the project was put on hold, Nakheel returned to it in 2022 under the name Dubai Islands and reshaped it into five islands.
The development covers more than 182 million sq. ft. and will have around 38,000 homes, 87 hotels and nine marinas with space for about 1,300 boats. Dubai Islands is also part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which identifies the northern waterfront as a priority area for future growth.
Island B is currently the most active part of the project.
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Nakheel's portfolio extends into several established residential districts across Dubai. Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Islands and Jebel Ali Village are among its best-known inland projects, while Jumeirah Village Circle and Al Furjan have grown into major residential areas in their own right.
Key developer milestones
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2001
Palm Jumeirah construction beginsConstruction of Palm Jumeirah began in June 2001, marking Nakheel's first major artificial-island project.
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2002
The World Islands announcedNakheel announced The World, an artificial archipelago designed in the shape of a world map. The original project comprised around 300 islands, with reclamation completed in 2008.
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2003
Nakheel is establishedNakheel was incorporated as a subsidiary of Dubai World and began developing large-scale projects across Dubai.
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2006
First Palm Jumeirah handoversThe first residences on Palm Jumeirah were handed over in 2006. By October 2007, around 500 families were already living on the island.
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2009
Palm Monorail opensThe Palm Monorail began operating in April 2009, connecting Palm Jumeirah with the mainland. The line stretches for 5.45 km and was the first monorail in the Middle East.
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2017
Nakheel reports $1 billion profitNakheel reported a net profit of $1 billion for the first nine months of 2017, after delivering 1,200 units and having another 23,000 under construction.
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2022
Palm Jebel Ali returns to Nakheel's plansNakheel announced a new masterplan for Palm Jebel Ali and introduced Dubai Islands as the new name for the former Deira Islands project.
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2024
Nakheel becomes part of Dubai HoldingNakheel and Meydan were brought into Dubai Holding under a directive from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
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2026
Palm Jebel Ali construction contracts reach AED 3.5 billionNakheel awarded AED 3.5 billion in contracts for 544 villas on Palm Jebel Ali, adding to the construction work already underway across the island.
Facts about Nakheel
- The name Nakheel (نَخِيل) means "palm trees" in Arabic — chosen before Palm Jumeirah was built, for the shape it would take.
- Van Oord, the Dutch dredging company behind Palm Jumeirah, used GPS-guided equipment to place the sand and rock with centimetre-level precision.
- Palm Jumeirah's palm-shaped design is distinctive enough to be visible from space.
- The Palm Monorail was the first of its kind in the Middle East. The line has been operating since 2009 and connects the Gateway station with stations across Palm Jumeirah.
- Palm Jumeirah has its own indigenous park. Al Ittihad Park contains more than 100 species of native UAE plants and was created as part of the island's public green space.
- Jebel Ali Village dates back to the 1970s. Nakheel later redeveloped the community while keeping its original location and name.
- International City uses architecture inspired by different countries, with districts influenced by China, Morocco, Persia, Greece and other regions.
- Ibn Battuta Mall is based on the travels of Ibn Battuta. Its six themed courts represent places visited by the 14th-century explorer.
- Dragon Mart became one of the largest Chinese trading centres outside China.
- Nakheel Mall opened on Palm Jumeirah in 2019, adding a major retail destination to the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Nakheel and its projects.
Is Nakheel a government developer?
Yes. Nakheel was founded in 2003 as a subsidiary of Dubai World, a state-owned investment company. In 2024, Nakheel became part of Dubai Holding following its merger with Meydan and continues to operate under its own brand.
Are Nakheel properties freehold for foreign buyers?
Most Nakheel projects marketed to international buyers, including Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands, are located in designated freehold areas. Foreign nationals can purchase freehold property in these areas without a time limit. Ownership conditions can vary between projects, so buyers should check the title status of the individual property.
Which Nakheel communities are already established?
Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Islands and Al Furjan are established Nakheel communities with existing infrastructure, amenities and active property markets. Palm Jumeirah is the most mature waterfront destination in the portfolio, while the others represent Nakheel's established inland communities.
Which Nakheel projects are expected to be completed first?
Rixos Dubai Islands Hotel & Residences has the earliest scheduled handover, with completion expected in Q4 2026. Como Residences on Palm Jumeirah is scheduled for Q3 2027.
Does Nakheel sell villa plots on Palm Jebel Ali?
Yes. Nakheel sells freehold villa plots on Fronds K–P of Palm Jebel Ali, starting from AED 42 million. Buyers can design and build their own villas on the plots, which come with direct beach access and full build rights.
What is the difference between Palm Jumeirah and Palm Jebel Ali?
Palm Jumeirah is a completed community with more than 20 years of operating history, an established resale market, hotels, restaurants, retail and permanent residents. Palm Jebel Ali is a new master development still under construction — roughly twice the size of Palm Jumeirah. Its first villa handovers are expected from 2028, with further phases continuing into 2030.