A
The Mixed-Use Core
The buzzy heart of the masterplan — mall, marina, hotels and dining on your doorstep.
Best for rental income and a central lock-up-and-leave.
Off-plan waterfront · Nakheel masterplan
Dubai Islands
An independent buyer's guide to Dubai's newest waterfront development — who each island will suit, what it costs to buy there, and how to buy if you live in the UK, Ireland & Europe.
Why it matters
Five islands at the mouth of Dubai Creek — and you can still get in early in the development.
Dubai Islands is a group of five man-made islands sitting at the mouth of Dubai Creek. Originally launched as Deira Islands, it was renamed in 2022 and re-masterplanned across roughly 17 sq km, delivered by Nakheel — part of Dubai Holding.
The plan is unusually leisure-heavy for Dubai: 21km of Blue-Flag beaches, 86 hotels and resorts, nine marinas and two 18-hole golf courses. It is minutes from Downtown, the Gold Souq metro station and Dubai International Airport, and forms part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Put plainly: this is early-cycle waterfront. Infrastructure is in, the first homes are landing, and there is still time to buy near the beginning rather than at the top.
21km of Blue-Flag beaches
86 hotels & resorts planned
9 marinas
Two 18-hole golf courses
The five islands
Each island has a different job.
Choosing the right island matters more than choosing the right floor. Here is who each one actually suits.
B
Integrated Resorts & Communities
Beachfront resorts sitting alongside lower-density residential clusters.
Best for a balance of lifestyle use and rental return.
C
Oasis Island
Wellness-led, eco-conscious and family focused, with an 18-hole golf course.
Best for families, wellness buyers and golfers.
D
Sports Country Club Island
Private clubs, tennis, a marina and deliberately low-density housing.
Best for privacy and an active lifestyle.
E
Luxury Estates Island
Signature villas, a private marina and a members' clubhouse.
Best for ultra-prime waterfront ownership.
Not sure which?
Which island suits you?
Answer six quick questions and a Dubai-based advisor will match you to the right island, developer and unit — free, and with no pressure.
Find my ideal investmentWhat you can buy
Indicative 2026 pricing.
| Property type | Price (AED) | Sterling approx | Gross yield |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bed | From AED 1.25–1.4M | approx £265–300k | 6–8% |
| 2-bed apartment | From AED 2.6M | approx £550k | 6–7% |
| 3-bed waterfront | Up to AED 12M | approx £2.55M | 5–7% |
| Townhouse / villa (3–6 bed) | From AED 4.7–5M | approx £1.0–1.06M | 5–6% |
| Signature waterfront villa | AED 8–25M | approx £1.7–5.3M | 4–6% |
| Branded residence | Premium to market | on application | 8%+ |
Indicative only and subject to availability. Sterling figures are approximate at AED 4.7 to £1.
Payment & process
How the money and the paperwork work.
Payment plan
A typical structure is 20% on booking, 20% during construction and 60% on handover. Handovers across the islands run from Q4 2026 through to 2029.
Golden Visa & tax
A purchase from AED 2M qualifies you and your family for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa. There is no income tax on rent in the UAE and no annual property tax — though UK and Irish residents remain taxable at home.
Buying remotely
From the UK or Ireland the whole purchase can be done remotely: reserve the unit, sign the agreement, pay the booking instalment and register with the DLD via Oqood. Budget the 4% DLD fee.
New to Dubai off-plan? Start with our buyer guides or the handover process explained.
Why now — honestly
A good entry point, not a guaranteed one.
The infrastructure, beaches and first handovers are landing between 2025 and 2027. Most analysts expect further growth as the leisure, hotel and retail phases open and the islands start behaving like a finished destination rather than a construction site.
The honest caveat: it is still maturing. Values will not move evenly across all five islands, and a poorly chosen unit in the wrong phase can sit flat while its neighbour performs. Pick the right island, the right developer and the right unit — and treat it as a three to five year hold, not a flip.
For the wider market picture, read is Dubai's property market cooling in 2026?
Free download
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Questions
Dubai Islands, answered.
- Where are Dubai Islands?
- Dubai Islands is a group of five man-made islands at the mouth of Dubai Creek, formerly known as Deira Islands and renamed in 2022. The masterplan covers around 17 sq km and is delivered by Nakheel, part of Dubai Holding. It sits minutes from Downtown Dubai, the Gold Souq metro station and Dubai International Airport.
- How much does property on Dubai Islands cost?
- Indicative 2026 pricing starts around AED 1.25–1.4M (approx £265–300k) for studios and one-beds, AED 2.6M (approx £550k) for two-beds, and AED 4.7–5M (approx £1.0–1.06M) for townhouses and villas. Signature waterfront villas run from AED 8M to AED 25M.
- Does buying on Dubai Islands qualify for the Golden Visa?
- Yes. A property purchase from AED 2M qualifies the buyer and their family for the 10-year UAE Golden Visa, subject to the usual eligibility checks.
- Can I buy from the UK or Ireland without flying out?
- Yes. The whole process — reservation, signed sales agreement, payment of the booking instalment and DLD/Oqood registration — can be completed remotely. Budget the 4% Dubai Land Department fee on top of the purchase price.
- What are typical payment plans and handover dates?
- A common structure is 20% on booking, 20% during construction and 60% on handover. Handovers across the islands run from Q4 2026 through to 2029, depending on the phase and developer.
Get the right advice.
Tell us what you're trying to achieve and we'll tell you honestly whether Dubai Islands is the right fit — and which island.