Illustrative photo

Area guide

Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands is a Nakheel development of man-made islands off the Deira coast, formerly known as Deira Islands. It is planned as a mix of beachfront homes, hotels, marinas and leisure, with many residential projects still off-plan. It suits buyers who want new coastal property on the older side of the city and accept the risks of an emerging district.

Ask about Dubai Islands projects Send an enquiry

Property types: Apartments and villas, mostly in projects under development
Setting: Islands with beaches and marinas off the Deira coast
Developer: Nakheel (master developer)
Stage: Emerging district with many off-plan projects
Key check: Project registration, escrow and handover terms

What Dubai Islands is

Dubai Islands is a group of reclaimed islands off the coast of Deira, developed by Nakheel and previously known as Deira Islands. The master plan includes beaches, hotels, marinas, retail and residential neighbourhoods, bringing a new coastal district to the older side of the city.

Much of the area is still being built. Some beaches, hotels and facilities are open, while many residential projects are at various stages of construction. Expect the district to keep changing for some time.

Homes and projects

Residential projects include apartments in low- and mid-rise buildings and some villas, from Nakheel and other developers working within the master plan. Specifications, layouts and handover timings differ project by project.

Before buying off-plan here:

verify the project and developer on the Dubai REST app
make sure every payment goes into the registered project escrow account
read the sale and purchase agreement, especially handover, delay and specification clauses
understand what will be built around your unit

Our off-plan due diligence checklist and guide to verifying a developer on Dubai REST walk through each step.

Who does it suit?

Dubai Islands suits buyers who want a new beachfront home and are comfortable buying in an emerging area, investors with a long time horizon, and people who work on the Deira or airport side of the city.

It is less suited to anyone who needs a fully finished neighbourhood with established schools, shops and services now. Buyers planning short-term lets should check building rules and the DET holiday-home permit requirements first.

How do you get around?

The islands connect to the mainland at Deira by road. From there, Dubai International Airport and the Deira road network are close by.

Public transport options will depend on what is delivered as the district develops, so plan on driving for now. Confirm current access arrangements with the developer when you visit.

What everyday amenities are nearby?

Beaches, hotels and leisure facilities are the first amenities to open. Supermarkets, schools and healthcare will depend on what is delivered in each phase; in the meantime, residents use the established services of Deira on the mainland.

Ask the developer which facilities are open today and which are planned, and do not rely on amenities that are not yet built.

How Dubai Islands compares

Deira offers established apartments and full amenities on the mainland, with older stock and different ownership rules.
Dubai Creek Harbour is another newer district on the older side of the city, focused on high-rise living by the Creek.
Palm Jumeirah is the established island community on the other side of the city, with a mature resort-style identity.

For the off-plan process, see off-plan payment plans explained.

More community guides

Questions people ask

Is Dubai Islands the same as Deira Islands?

Yes. Dubai Islands is the newer name for the development previously known as Deira Islands, off the Deira coast.

Who is developing Dubai Islands?

Nakheel is the master developer. Individual residential projects may be built by Nakheel or other developers, so verify each one on the Dubai REST app.

Can I live on Dubai Islands now?

Some facilities are open, but many residential projects are still under construction. Check the status of the specific building before planning a move.

Is buying off-plan on Dubai Islands risky?

All off-plan purchases carry delivery and market risk. Reduce it by verifying the project, paying only into escrow and reading the contract carefully with a conveyancer.

Can I resell before handover?

Developers set their own rules on assigning off-plan units. Read our guide to selling or assigning off-plan before handover.

Thinking about Dubai Islands?

Tell us your budget, timing and must-haves. We will tell you honestly whether Dubai Islands fits, and what is available now.