Project Overview

The Dubai Island Project, developed by Nakheel, is one of the largest waterfront development projects in Dubai. Located on the coast of Deira Island, Dubai Island is an ongoing project spanning over 17 square kilometers across five islands. It includes (I) Central Island, (II) Marina Island, (III) Shore Island, (IV) Golf Island, and (V) Elite Island. It was initially known as Deira Island. 

It has a total of more than 20 kilometers of beachfront. Furthermore, upon its completion, it will be home to more than 80 luxury hotels, premium golf courses, and some of the most luxurious properties in Dubai. The overall cost of the project is not unveiled, but as of August 2017, Nakheel had invested up to AED 7.5 billion (approximately USD 2.03 billion) in the project's infrastructure and construction work.

Attractions of Dubai Island

As a part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Dubai Island Project will be home to a diverse range of projects. It includes Beaches, Entertainment Hubs, Golf Courses, Residents, Shopping Centres, and Souk AI Marfa.

Project Background

The plan for building the Deira Islands has been in place since 2004 when Nakheel initiated the development of the Palm Islands. Due to multiple obstacles faced, in 2022, Nakheel rebranded and announced Dubai Island in August 2022. It aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Upon its full completion (expected by 2030), the artificial archipelago on the northern coast will span approximately 4,000 acres, featuring resorts, cultural hubs, golf courses, and beaches. 

As of 2025, a few attractions are open to the public. These include Hotels RIU Dubai (800 keys, opened in 2020), Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai (607 keys, opened in 2021), and Park Regis by Prince Dubai Islands (159 keys, opening in 2024).

Dubai Island Project Location

Dubai Island is located in the Northeast of Dubai, along the coast of the Deira Region. It is close to Port Rashid and Dubai Maritime City. Located only 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 24 minutes from Downtown Dubai, the impressive island development can be reached by both land and sea. 

• The development is a 10-minute walk from the Gold Souq Metro Station.

• 22 minutes from Dubai Frame.

• 24 minutes from Dubai World Trade Centre.

• 33 minutes from Business Bay

Dubai Island Project Map

Project Timeline

Dubai Island Project Cost

The total estimated cost for the construction of Dubai Island has not yet been disclosed to the public. However, partial costs are disclosed. It includes AED 4.2 billion (Approx USD 1.13 billion) for the construction of the Deira Mall. Furthermore, as of August 2017, Nakheel had invested up to AED 7.5 billion (approximately USD 2.03 billion) in the project's infrastructure and construction work. It includes a sewage treatment plant, a district cooling plant, a substation, and piling work for an 800-room resort, among other elements.

Dubai Island Master Plan

The Dubai Island Master Plan is a waterfront development project by Nakheel. It is designed to provide luxury coastal living off the coast of Deira. As aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, it boosts tourism, residence options, and investment opportunities in the region.  

The Dubai Master Plan includes the following:

1. FACILITIES AND ARRANGEMENTS:

• The plan includes the development of a beachfront of over 20 kilometers. It will feature a Blue Flag-certified beach. 

• 2 square kilometers of parks and open spaces.

• 80+ luxury and family-friendly resorts.

• 9 marinas lodging approximately 614 boats and yachts.

• Cultural hubs, recreational beaches, clubs, and retail destinations. (e.g., Deira Night Souk). 

• Building two premium golf courses overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Skyline. 

2. LUXURY RESIDENCE OPTIONS

• The plan includes offering luxury residence options, such as apartments, townhouses, duplexes, and villas (from studio apartments to 5-bedroom mansions). 

• It has freehold properties with complete ownership for international buyers. It starts from AED 750,000 (~USD 204,000), which qualifies for a 2- or 10-year investor visa. 

3. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• Adopt energy-efficient building systems, water-efficient landscaping, and eco-friendly resort practices to align with Dubai's sustainability goals.

• 60% of the region's space is allocated to nature reserves and public areas. It includes a 400% rise in public beaches.

Five Islands of Dubai Island Project

Dubai Island comprises five islands, covering an area of approximately 17 square kilometers. The first Island, Island A, is under construction, and the remaining ones are in the planning stages.

Island A (Central Island) 

Central Island, one of the largest islands in the Dubai Island Projects, is the art center of the project. The Island spotlights Deira Mall, a 600,000-square-meter shopping center featuring approximately 1,100 shops. Furthermore, it features a Night Market, a waterfront marketplace comprising over 5,300 shops and 100 quayside cafés and restaurants spanning 1.9 km. 

The Island holds 37 hotels and resorts (2 of them are operational - The RIU and the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai). It offers a range of retail, cultural, and leisure experiences. 

Island B (Marina Island)

Marina Island is a waterfront Island catering to boat enthusiasts with Marinas and yacht facilities. It offers residential communities with retail, leisure, and wellness amenities, creating an energetic habitat for visitors seeking a coastal lifestyle.

Island C (Shore Island)

Shore Island is a home for sports and resorts. It is famous for spotlighting the first luxury hotel of the Dubai Island Project. Additionally, it features residential offerings adjacent to a 700-meter beach. The island offers a dynamic lifestyle with sports facilities and beachfront access, making it a prime destination for relaxation and recreation. 

Island D (Golf Island) 

Golf Island is for golf devotees, possessing an 18-hole & 9-hole golf course with panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. In addition to residential communities, the area offers a diverse range of experiences, including retail, cultural, leisure, and wellness options, as well as resorts, villas, and wellness enclaves, all set within a tranquil setting.

Along with golf courses, it offers an array of deluxe facilities, including luxury resorts and villas catering to those seeking privacy and sophistication. It's ideal for those who value both nature and luxury. 

Island E (Elite Island) 

Elite Island, the smallest island of the Dubai Island Project, offers luxurious waterfront villas. Offering a private, high-end residential experience, along with retail, cultural, leisure, and wellness amenities, it appeals to those seeking a prestigious coastal retreat.

Furthermore, Elite Island is home to retail spaces featuring exclusive boutiques and cultural attractions, such as art galleries. It holds private dining facilities, bespoke spa experiences, and meditation centers to provide rejuvenation to its visitors.  

Attractions of the Dubai Island Project

Deira Island Mall

Deira Mall is a retail and entertainment property on the Central Island of the Dubai Island Project. It is spread over an area of 600,000 square meters, marking it as one of the largest malls in Dubai. The mall will feature approximately 1,100 retail shops, including international brands, splendor boutiques, and specialty shops for a range of tastes and preferences among consumers.  

The Mall’s location is advantageous in attracting customers and visitors. Located on the waterfront of the Central Island, it provides picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf. It accompanies the Island’s 1.9 km Night Market, which spotlights over 5,300 shops and 100 quayside dining options. 

Souk AI Marfa

Souk AI Marfa is part of the Central Island and is the largest wholesale marketplace in the UAE. Its 1.9 km waterfront location spotlights the captivating views of the Arabian Gulf, aligning with the Dubai Island Project goal of coastal living and tourism under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

It spans an area of approximately 360,000 square meters and is divided into four villages. Village 1 is 56,298 m², Village 2 is 139,062 m², Village 3 is 115,804 m², and Village 4 is 50,427 m². 

It's a fully air-conditioned place with 70 retail pavilions and Wi-Fi Facilities. As of today, it currently operates approximately 950 shops (with an expected expansion to 1,000 shops in the coming days and a target of 7,000 by its completion). Souk AI Marfa offers a range of products, including Handmade lamps, Persian Carpets, Perfumes, handmade jewelry, and a custom perfume experience. 

It holds a specialty market dedicated to Thai. It offers authentic Thai Food, clothing, and handicrafts alongside outlets such as Mohideen Supermarket for groceries and Souk Al Marfa Electronic Planet for appliances.

Bay Grove Residences

Bay Grove Residences is a part of Island B, offering luxury waterfront development for its visitors. It offers up to four-bedroom apartments, duplexes, and penthouses with stunning sea views set on a verdant podium featuring infinity pools. Covering an area of approximately 962–3,377 square feet, the residence boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, an exclusive terrace, and modern furniture.

The residence benefits include a private 500-meter beach, lush gardens, a fitness center, a play area, and a clubhouse. Connected to the Infinity Bridge, it combines serene coastal living with urban access. Its expected completion is in September 2028. 

 Dubai Island Contractors

Specific contractors for recent phases (post-2022 rebranding) are not publicly listed, as Nakheel manages most work through subcontractors.

Current Status of the Dubai Island

Currently, the Dubai Island Project is in its development phase, with the major portions of the five islands being primarily underdeveloped. Some of the projects are proceeding ahead, with the Central Island expected to be completed by Q3 2025, aligning with Dubai’s 2025 Tourism Target.

Furthermore, Beach Walk Phase 4 is expected to open by Q2 2027, Rixos Beach Residences Phase 2 by Q4 2026, and Bay Grove Residences by 2029. 

The project is expected to be fully operational by 2030. 

Benefits

• Rising Recreational Assets: The 20 km of Blue Flag beaches and 2 square kilometers of parks and open spaces amplify the environmental and recreational assets in the region.

• Increased Tourism and Hospitality: The luxurious experience offered by splendorous resorts and hotels, providing boutique, family-friendly, and eco-conscious options, will boost Tourism and Hospitality in Dubai. 

• Attract Foreign Investment: Dubai Island will succeed in attracting foreign investment through its well-designed and planned approach. It offers complete ownership to its international buyers. This free-zone property displays Dubai’s booming waterfront market. 

• Environmental Conservation: The Island Project is built using eco-friendly materials, renewable energy systems, water cycling, and marine conservation efforts. 

• Enhanced Lifestyle and Entertainment: Marinas, Golf Courses, cultural venues, Night Markets, and Promenades are designed to provide a luxurious experience with the finest leisure offerings. 

Conclusion

Dubai Island Project transforms waterfront living and boosts tourism in Dubai. The amalgamation of urban development and natural landscape, the project will bring a mix of luxury, sustainability, and accessibility. The Dubai Island Project will be a global investment destination due to its diverse offerings, including vibrant retail hubs, beachfront spaces, and world-class hospitality. 

Along with its operation, the Dubai Island Project will amplify the coastal appeal and will play a key role in Dubai’s economy and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. 

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