Dubai Islands is Nakheel’s new waterfront district off the coast of old Dubai: five islands, about 21 km of beaches and plans for roughly 49,000 homes. Most homes are still being built and sold off-plan. It suits buyers with a three- to five-year horizon who want a beach address near the airport.
There are no schools on the islands yet; families use schools on the mainland.
Hospitals in Deira are a short drive away.
Retail is planned along the islands’ marinas and promenades.
Beaches, marinas and resorts are part of the plan.
About 15 minutes to Downtown Dubai, 30 to Dubai Marina and 10 to DXB airport by car outside rush hour. The bridges to Deira get busy at peak times.
Quality varies from tower to tower, so we screen out around 80% of projects before they reach a client’s shortlist.
No. The islands are being delivered in stages; Nakheel awarded the infrastructure contract for Island B in April 2026.
No. The islands are reached by road, and three bridges will link them to the mainland.
Later, when schools and shops open. For now it suits buyers who can wait for the master plan to fill in.
The projected gross rental yield is about 5% (DXB Interact, October 2026). Most homes are off-plan, so handover dates and the developer matter more than the area average.
Homes from developers sold at a median AED 2,410 ($656) per sq ft in 2025. Current developer prices are on the project cards on this page.
About 30 minutes to Dubai Marina and 15 to Downtown Dubai by car outside rush hour.
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