Dubai Islands area guide
Short answer: Dubai Islands is Nakheel's project of five islands covering 17 sq km off the Deira coast, formerly Deira Islands, relaunched with a new masterplan in August 2022 [1]. The plan includes more than 80 resorts and hotels and over 20 km of beaches [1]. Homes now under construction include Bay Villas, with an AED 2.6 billion contract awarded in 2025 [2], and Bay Grove Residences, 1,154 planned homes whose Phase 2 and Phase 4 are due between late 2028 and Q2 2029 [3]. The DLD records the land area as Palm Deira [4]. We have not confirmed its freehold instrument, and we quote no prices yet.
Last checked 12 November 2026. General information, not investment advice.
Location and access
- Off the Deira waterfront, north of the old city.
- DLD land area: Palm Deira (area 432) [4].
Ownership
Dubai's published freehold instruments (Regulation No. 3 of 2006 and the later regulations and resolutions up to 2022) list land by plot number [5]. None of them names Palm Deira, so we cannot yet point to the instrument that designates it (to be confirmed). Projects here are marketed to all nationalities, but status is set plot by plot. Check the exact unit in the DLD Property Status Enquiry before paying anything [6]. See Dubai freehold areas.
The masterplan
| Item | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Islands | Five | [1] |
| Area | 17 sq km | [1] |
| Former name | Deira Islands | [1] |
| Hospitality | More than 80 resorts and hotels | [1] |
| Beaches | Over 20 km, including a Blue Flag certified beach | [1] |
Homes under construction
| Project | What Nakheel says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Villas | AED 2.6 billion construction contract awarded in August 2025 for 636 homes in five types: townhouses (in four- to six-home complexes with private gardens), semi-detached, garden, waterfront and six-bedroom beachfront villas | [2] |
| Bay Grove Residences, Phases 1 and 3 | Earlier main contract of more than AED 800 million for 537 homes in seven buildings | [3] |
| Bay Grove Residences, Phases 2 and 4 | Over AED 950 million contract (Oct 2026) for 617 one- to four-bedroom homes in eight buildings: Phase 2 (360 homes) by late 2028, Phase 4 (257 homes) in Q2 2029 | [3] |
| Bay Grove setting | Waterfront community with walking and cycling routes and access to Crystal Beach | [3] |
These dates are developer targets. For any off-plan purchase, check registration, escrow and completion progress in the DLD Project Status Enquiry [7], and read the delay and handover clauses in your SPA. See Off-plan payment plans and escrow in Dubai.
Schools, healthcare, rents
Not yet verified for this guide. We publish rent and price figures only when a dated source exists.
Who it suits
- Buyers who want new beachfront homes close to Deira and the old city, and who are comfortable with a build-out running to 2029 and beyond.
- Not suited to anyone who needs a home or rental income in the near term.
Nearby: Dubai Creek Harbour · Al Jaddaf
Guides: Off-plan vs ready property in Dubai · How to check a developer and an off-plan project in Dubai · Off-plan handover and snagging in Dubai
Frequently asked questions
What are Dubai Islands?
Nakheel's five-island project off the Deira coast, covering 17 square kilometres. It was formerly called Deira Islands and relaunched with a new masterplan in August 2022.
Is Dubai Islands freehold?
Projects are marketed to all nationalities, but the DLD land area Palm Deira is not named in Dubai's published freehold instruments, so we list the designation as to be confirmed. Check each unit with the DLD.
When will Bay Grove Residences be completed?
Nakheel said in October 2026 that main construction on Phase 2 (360 homes) is expected to finish by late 2028, and Phase 4 (257 homes) in the second quarter of 2029. Across all phases, Bay Grove is planned as 1,154 homes in 15 buildings.
How many hotels are planned on Dubai Islands?
Nakheel's 2022 masterplan mentions more than 80 resorts and hotels.
What are prices on Dubai Islands?
None are quoted. We have no dated median from a source we trust for this area yet.
Sources
- Nakheel unveils master plan vision for Dubai Islands (21 August 2022). Nakheel. Accessed .
- Nakheel awards new AED 2.6 billion contract to develop Bay Villas community at Dubai Islands (18 August 2025). Nakheel. Accessed .
- Nakheel awards over AED 950 million main construction contract for 617 homes at Bay Grove Residences on Dubai Islands (26 October 2026). Nakheel. Accessed .
- DLD land areas lookup (lkp_areas), open data. Dubai Pulse / Dubai Land Department. Accessed .
- Regulation No. (3) of 2006 Determining Areas for Ownership by Non-UAE Nationals. Dubai Legislation Portal (Supreme Legislation Committee). Accessed .
- Property Status Enquiry. Dubai Land Department. Accessed .
- Project Status Enquiry. Dubai Land Department. Accessed .