Dubai Islands has secured AED6.1bn ($1.66bn) in property sales during the first half of 2025, establishing itself as one of Dubai’s fastest-growing waterfront destinations. With 1,936 transactions completed in just six months, the Nakheel development is contributing significantly to Dubai’s record-breaking real estate performance.
The impressive sales figures confirm Dubai Islands’ rising prominence in the emirate’s property market, which saw total transactions reach AED262bn ($71.37bn) in H1 2025 — marking the strongest half-year on record, according to Betterhomes Research.
Apartments dominated the sales activity on Dubai Islands, with 1,895 transactions worth AED5.63bn ($1.53bn) at an average price of AED2.9m ($790,000). Villa transactions demonstrated strong high-end demand, with 28 sales averaging AED15m ($4.08m) per property, while six-bedroom homes commanded an impressive AED44.4m ($12.09m) on average.
The development has established a competitive price point in Dubai’s luxury waterfront market, with average residential pricing reaching AED2,340 ($637) per sq ft. This positions Dubai Islands as an attractive investment compared to more established locations like Palm Jumeirah, where prices exceed AED3,000 ($817) per sq ft.
Outperforming the Market
Coastal communities, including Dubai Islands, are demonstrating superior investment performance. Premium waterfront areas across Dubai recorded 12 to 15 percent annual price growth by June 2025, highlighting the potential for above-market returns.
Wassim Abdallah, Director of Development Sales and Consultancy at Betterhomes, explained the development’s appeal:
“Dubai Islands combines a premier waterfront setting with practical city access and a pipeline of branded hospitality and lifestyle assets. That together is drawing both end-users who want a resort-style daily life and investors who prioritise yield resilience and capital growth.”
Strategic Development
Spanning 17 square kilometers with 20km of beachfront across five interconnected islands, Dubai Islands is strategically positioned minutes from Dubai International Airport. The development forms part of Nakheel’s portfolio and aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The project is already home to several operational landmarks, including:
- Rixos Dubai Islands Hotel and Residences
- Hotel Riu Dubai
- Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Planned RTA bridge enhancements will further improve accessibility for residents and visitors as the development continues to evolve.
Investment Outlook
For investors, Dubai Islands presents three compelling advantages:
- Waterfront scarcity within a globally connected market
- Price efficiency compared to established areas like Palm Jumeirah
- Integration of branded hospitality driving rental performance
Currently, more than 10,700 residential units are under construction across multiple developers, with additional projects expected as the islands develop further. Upcoming phases will introduce new flagship residential and lifestyle projects, expanding options for buyers and reinforcing Dubai Islands’ position in the emirate’s growth trajectory.
As infrastructure advances and community amenities expand, Dubai Islands continues to cement its status as Dubai’s next fully connected waterfront hub, offering early investors an opportunity to secure long-term value in what is rapidly becoming one of the city’s most prestigious coastal communities.
