Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands is Nakheel's five-island development at the mouth of Dubai Creek, formerly known as Deira Islands, covering about 17 square kilometres off Dubai's northern coast. Road bridges link it to Deira, including the Infinity Bridge to the city, and Nakheel plans water transport between the islands. There is no metro station on the islands; the nearest Green Line stations are in Deira.

Nakheel's master plan names five islands, Central, Marina, Shore, Golf and Elite, with more than 20 kilometres of beaches including a Blue Flag beach, about two square kilometres of parks, marinas, golf courses and dozens of planned resorts and hotels. Much of this is still being built, so check which beaches, shops and hotels are open today against the master plan.

Dubai Islands has no operating school of its own. Families would look at schools in Deira, Al Garhoud and Al Mamzar, a drive across the bridges. Check curricula, fees and inspection ratings on the KHDA school directory, and plan the school run at peak hours. Everyday shopping and clinics on the islands are still limited while the master plan is delivered.

It suits buyers who want new beachfront or near-beach apartments close to DXB and old Dubai at entry prices below established coastal areas such as Dubai Marina. It also suits investors prepared to wait while beaches, hotels and retail are delivered, and holiday-home buyers drawn to a resort setting. Review handover dates carefully, as the wider community will mature over several years.

We currently list 73 off-plan projects in Dubai Islands, from developers including Imtiaz Developments, Mr Eight Development, Nakheel. Each project shows its unit types, starting figures and handover date. See other launches across the emirate on our off-plan list, and read payment plans explained before you choose.

Dubai Islands is marketed to international buyers as a freehold area, and the projects we list are offered to all nationalities. In Dubai, foreign ownership is set plot by plot, so confirm the specific plot through the Dubai Land Department's Property Status Enquiry before you reserve.