17 New Off-Plan Projects in Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands (formerly Deira Islands) is Nakheel's flagship next-generation waterfront destination — a string of 5 manmade islands rising off the northern Deira coast. The masterplan is purpose-built for resort-style living: low-rise communities, beach clubs, a marina, a golf course, and tourist-grade hotel branding. Resale activity has tightened sharply since 2024 as construction milestones have hit. Gross rental yields in Dubai Islands currently fall between 7.5% and 10% — comfortably above Dubai's apartment-market average. Net yields after operating costs land at 4.5–7.5%, aligning with mature waterfront precincts but with room to improve as more attractions complete. Off-plan apartment pricing was approximately AED 2,317/sqft in Q1 2025 and AED 2,340/sqft by mid-2025 — a small but steady upward drift. The investment thesis is short-term rental: because the islands are designed as a resort destination, they are uniquely suited for Airbnb-style operation. Investors targeting 7-10% short-term yields combined with 20-35% capital appreciation over 3-5 years are the dominant buyer profile.