Dubai Islands

About Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands is a waterfront mega-project by Nakheel, comprising five interconnected islands: Central, Shore, Golf, Marina and Elite. Originally launched as Deira Islands, it was reimagined under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan as a new coastal district extending Dubai’s northern shoreline.

The master plan spans around 17 square kilometres, adding 57 kilometres of coastline, nearly 20 kilometres of beaches, and around 2 square kilometres of parks and open space. Approximately 60% of the land is dedicated to public beaches, green areas and recreational spaces.

Once complete, Dubai Islands will feature nearly 49,000 homes for around 230,000 residents, alongside more than 80 hotels and resorts, two golf courses, marinas, retail destinations and community facilities.

Location & Connectivity

Dubai Islands is located in northern Dubai, next to Deira and close to Dubai International Airport. The islands are connected to the mainland by the Infinity Bridge, with Downtown Dubai around 25 minutes away by car and major Old Dubai districts within easy reach. A new eight-lane bridge is being built as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor project to improve access to the islands.

Public transport access is available through Dubai Metro’s Red Line, with the nearest station within walking distance of Central Island.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Blue Flag-certified beach

Two championship golf courses

Marina with berths

Souk Al Marfa retail and dining

Promenades and cycling tracks

Beach clubs and wellness facilities

Central Island is the main hospitality and retail centre of Dubai Islands, home to three operating hotels: RIU Dubai, Centara Mirage Beach Resort and Park Regis by Prince. It also features Souk Al Marfa, the island’s indoor wholesale and retail marketplace, already trading with around 1,000 shops and planned to grow to more than 7,000 shops at full completion.

Shore Island includes 700 metres of beachfront and is home to Rixos Hotel & Residences, the first branded residential project on Dubai Islands. Golf Island is planned around two championship golf courses, both overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands offers nearly 250 berths for boats, with facilities for yachts and superyachts up to 47 metres.

Future hospitality and retail additions include Deira Mall, a major retail and entertainment destination planned with approximately 1,000 shops and restaurants. The mall will serve as the centrepiece of the wider Deira Boulevard, which will connect to attractions such as the open-air Deira Night Market, inspired by traditional souks, as well as a surfing park and water park.

Ownership and Market Context

Dubai Islands is a freehold area, allowing buyers of any nationality to purchase property. Most current off-plan launches are priced above AED 2 million, meeting the minimum property value required for UAE Golden Visa eligibility.

As one of Nakheel’s largest waterfront developments, it follows the developer’s major communities, including Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Islands. Delivered in phases through the 2030s, it has already entered the next stage of construction, with an AED 527 million contract signed in April 2026 for Shore Island’s infrastructure works to support future residential projects.