Your Guide to a Dubai Islands Property for Sale
The Dubai Islands is one of the city’s most attractive waterfront destinations for buyers and investors. Developed by Nakheel and formerly known as Deira Islands, this master-planned community spans five islands: Central Island, Marina Island, Shore Island, Golf Island, and Elite Island. The project adds 40 km of coastline and over 20 km of beaches, including Blue Flag-certified shores.
Properties for sale in the Dubai Islands cater to families, professionals, and investors. Options range from waterfront apartments for sale in Dubai Islands to luxury villas with private beach access. As a freehold area, foreign nationals can buy property in the Dubai Islands with full ownership rights.
Located near Deira’s commercial hub yet away from heavy traffic, the Dubai Islands offers strong lifestyle and investment appeal. With infrastructure still developing, off-plan properties for sale in the Dubai Islands present high potential for capital appreciation as the community nears completion.
Market Overview
The Dubai Islands property market is largely driven by new developments and off-plan launches. Dubai Islands properties for sale average around AED 3.3 million, with the Dubai Islands price per sq ft at approximately AED 2,514, reflecting the premium coastal location and strong investor demand for holiday home yields.
Apartment prices average around AED 3.1 million with a price of AED 2,527 per square foot. A villa for sale in Dubai Islands commands an average price of AED 10.5 million, with layouts reaching up to 5,800 sq ft; penthouses sell for around AED 10.38 million.
Compared to the broader Dubai market, the price per sqft sits at a premium, justified by the scale of beachfront infrastructure and the scarcity of similar coastal freehold inventory in the northern part of the city.
Average Prices and Sizes of Dubai Islands Properties for Sale
Prices of apartments in Dubai Islands range from around AED 1 million for studios to over AED 5.4 million for three-bedroom units, with an average square foot rate of AED 2,527. Villas for sale in Dubai Islands start around AED 9.8 million and can exceed AED 31 million for beachfront mansions.
Apartments
- Studios: AED 1 million, 350 to 450 sq ft
- 1-bedroom apartments: AED 2.2 million, 750 to 850 sq ft
- 2-bedroom apartments: AED 3.4 million, 1,200 to 1,400 sq ft
- 3-bedroom apartments: AED 5.4 million, 2,000 to 2,200 sq ft
- 4-bedroom apartments (penthouses): AED 9.3 million, 3,000 to 4,000 sq ft
Townhouses & Villas
Why Buy Properties for Sale in Dubai Islands?
Coastal Lifestyle with Urban Access
Residents enjoy over 20 kilometres of beaches, premium golf courses, and resort-style living, all within 20 minutes of Dubai International Airport and 24 minutes from Downtown Dubai.
Freehold Ownership for All Nationalities
The Dubai Islands is a designated freehold zone, allowing expatriates and foreign nationals to buy property in Dubai Islands with full legal ownership and no restrictions on resale.
Strong Investment Upside
With Deira Mall and the Deira Night Souk still under development, buyers of off-plan properties for sale in Dubai Islands today are positioned to benefit from capital growth as infrastructure reaches completion and demand rises.
Diverse Property Portfolio
The range of available units is broad. Whether you are after a compact studio or a sprawling beachfront mansion, Dubai Islands homes for sale cover the full spectrum, with options for end-users and investors at multiple price points.
Who Should Buy a Property for Sale in Dubai Islands?
Investors
Ideal for holiday home yields and long-term capital growth in a prime waterfront location.
Families
Spacious townhouses and villas in Bay Villas offer beachside living near parks and schools.
Young Professionals
Modern coastal lifestyle with waterfront studios and 1-bed apartments in Dubai Islands.
Luxury Buyers
High-net-worth buyers can invest in Rixos residences and beachfront mansions over AED 36M.
Amenities and Lifestyle
Schools
Mainland schools are easily accessible from the islands, with established institutions nearby.
- Cambridge International School
- The Sheffield Private School
- Al Ittihad Private School (adjacent mainland)
Hotels and Dining
- RIU Dubai
- Centara Mirage Beach Resort
- Park Regis by Prince
- Rixos Hotel and Resorts
Shopping
Major retail destinations are planned as part of the master development.
- Deira Mall (under development, over 1,000 shops, cafes, and restaurants)
- Deira Night Souk (planned, 1.9-kilometre waterfront marketplace)
Parks and Beaches
- Over 20 kilometres of beaches, including Blue Flag-certified shores
- Linear parks within the Bay Villas community
- 700-metre private beach within the Rixos development
- Premium golf courses on Golf Island
Location and Transportation
The Dubai Islands sit just off the Deira coastline in the north of the city. The development is accessed via the Infinity Bridge and Al Khaleej Road, which connect residents to the mainland without significant traffic delays.
For public transport, the Gold Souq Metro Station is around a 10-minute drive away, providing links across the city. Dubai International Airport is approximately 20 minutes by car, an advantage for frequent travellers.
Key commute times from Dubai Islands: Dubai World Trade Centre and Downtown Dubai are around 24 minutes away; Business Bay is approximately 33 minutes. Residents consistently note that the marginal increase in commute from central hubs is offset by the quieter environment, ocean views, and more space per dirham compared to older city districts.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Dubai Islands Property for Sale
Pros
- 20+ km of beaches, parks, and golf courses for a true coastal lifestyle.
- Direct access to the mainland, airport, and downtown via the Infinity Bridge and major roads.
- Diverse properties, from entry-level studios to luxury beachfront villas.
- Freehold ownership for all nationalities.
- High capital appreciation potential as the Deira Mall and infrastructure near completion.
Cons
- Ongoing construction may cause temporary disruption.
- Major retail and leisure hubs, including Deira Mall, are still pending.
- Northern location means longer commutes to Dubai Marina and Jumeirah.
FAQs about Properties for Sale in Dubai Islands
Is Dubai Islands a freehold area?
Yes. Deira Islands property for sale is a freehold zone where UAE nationals and foreign buyers can purchase with full ownership and no resale restrictions.
Is Dubai Islands good for investment?
Yes. Its waterfront location, infrastructure growth, and holiday home demand make Dubai Islands property for sale highly attractive. Investors often target one- and two-bedroom apartments for strong rental yields.
What is the average price per square foot in Dubai Islands?
Recent data from Property Finder and Dubai Land Department shows the average Dubai Islands price per sqft is around AED 2,527 for Dubai Islands apartments for sale.
Are there off-plan properties for sale in Dubai Islands?
Yes. Many off-plan properties for sale in Dubai Islands offer flexible payment plans from developers like Nakheel, Imtiaz, and Samana, allowing buyers to secure early prices.
What types of properties are available in Dubai Islands?
Options include studios, one- to four-bedroom apartments, penthouses for sale in Dubai Islands, townhouses, and waterfront villas.
Can foreigners buy a property in Dubai Islands?
Yes. Foreign nationals can buy property in Dubai Islands with full freehold rights, including resale, rental, and transfer.