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Dubai Islands, Dubai

Area guide, Dubai

Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands, formerly known as Deira Islands, brings new coastline to the older, northern side of the city. Nakheel unveiled the current masterplan in 2022 as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the islands are now taking shape as a mix of homes, hotels and public beaches a short drive from Dubai International Airport.

At a glance

Dubai Islands is a Nakheel master development of five islands covering around 17 square kilometres off the northern Dubai coast near Deira. The masterplan includes more than 20 kilometres of beaches, marinas, parks and resort hotels.

Emirate
Dubai
Typical homes
Apartments, Penthouses, Townhouses, Villas
Guide last reviewed
  • Five islands by Nakheel
  • More than 20 km of planned beaches
  • More than 80 resorts and hotels planned
  • Around 2 sq km of parks and open space
  • Close to Dubai International Airport and Deira
  • Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

Five islands by Nakheel

The setting

The setting

Character

The five islands are planned as a calmer, lower density counterpart to the city's southern waterfront. Beaches, promenades and around two square kilometres of parks and open space form the framework, with residential neighbourhoods, resorts and marinas set within it. The setting looks back across the water towards Deira and the creek, giving the place a sense of connection to Dubai's historic heart.

More than 20 km of planned beaches

Living here

Living here

Day to day

The appeal is space and shoreline. The masterplan sets aside more than 20 kilometres of beaches, including one with Blue Flag certification, alongside a network of walking and cycling routes. More than 80 resorts and hotels are planned across the islands, from wellness and boutique properties to family resorts, together with golf, beach clubs and a connected network of marinas. The established neighbourhoods of Deira, with their souks and restaurants, are close at hand.

More than 80 resorts and hotels planned

Getting around

Getting around

Connections

The islands are reached by road bridges from Deira, with water transport part of the plan. Dubai International Airport, Dubai Creek and the historic districts are a short drive away, while Downtown Dubai and Jumeirah are reached via the city's main coastal and creek crossings.

Fit

Is Dubai Islands right for you?

A good fit for

  • Buyers looking for beachfront living close to Dubai International Airport
  • Investors with a long term view on a developing waterfront
  • Families who prefer a lower density setting with open space
  • Second home owners who value quiet beaches

Worth weighing

  • Large parts of the masterplan are still under construction, and amenities will arrive in phases.
  • Masterplan elements announced in 2022 are plans and may evolve as the islands develop.
  • Journeys to the southern business districts and Dubai Marina are longer than from central addresses.

Questions

Asked about Dubai Islands.

Where is Dubai Islands?

Dubai Islands lies off the northern Dubai coast near Deira, a short drive from Dubai International Airport and Dubai Creek. It is reached by road bridges from the mainland.

Who is developing Dubai Islands?

Dubai Islands is a master development by Nakheel. Individual residential buildings and villas are delivered by Nakheel and by other developers working within its masterplan.

Was Dubai Islands previously called Deira Islands?

Yes. Nakheel renamed Deira Islands as Dubai Islands when it unveiled the current masterplan in August 2022.

How large is Dubai Islands?

According to the masterplan, the five islands cover a total of around 17 square kilometres, with more than 20 kilometres of beaches.

Sources

  1. Dubai Media Office (opens in a new tab)Dubai Islands masterplan: five islands, area, beaches, parks, hotels, marinasAccessed

Reviewed by Castilion on . Our guides describe settled facts only. For prices, rents and availability, ask us for a current view.

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