Discover Dubai Islands in 2026: The City’s Most Ambitious Waterfront Development

Dubai Islands is a wide waterfront master development by Nakheel, formerly called Deira Islands and located just off the historic shores of Deira. It consists of five inter-connected islands spread over 17 or 18.6 square kilometres, which help to add more than 20 kilometres of pure beach to Dubai’s shoreline and connect the city’s storied mercantile heritage with a determined and ambitious outlook for the future. It is a place that is certainly well worth your attention, whether you are an inquisitive visitor, an expected investor, or just somebody who enjoys observing this city reinvent itself. 

Location: Where Exactly Are Dubai Islands?

It is situated right on the shores of Deira with the unique combination of a beachfront with no feeling of isolation. The approach to and from the property is easy and convenient with modern roads, including Infinity Bridge. Whether it’s on a road or at sea, the islands will keep you up to date with everything Dubai has to offer. 

Nearby Attractions You Can Explore

After you’re off the islands you will be in the heart of some of Dubai’s hottest areas.

• Deira Waterfront Market: A new food market that you can visit for a quick bite of something new or fresh. At some local restaurants, like Paluta or the Yahya Seafood Restaurant, consume fresh fish.
• Gold Souk: A gold market to be visited, whether as buyer or as a mere spectator one of the world’s most memorable ones.
• Spice Souk: A stroll through narrow alleys filled with spices, herbs and special mementos. 

The Gems: What Makes It Truly Special

They comprise 5 individual islands, each having their own character and personality. 

Island	Highlights	Best For
The Central Island	Vibrant retail, dining, and community spaces	Shoppers and foodies
Marina Island	Beautiful marina views and waterfront lifestyle	Water lovers and yacht owners
Shore Island	Sandy shores, calm waters, and resort amenities	Families and beach lovers
Golf Island	Championship golf with Arabian Gulf views	Golf and outdoor enthusiasts
Elite Island	Exclusive residential and luxury resort living	Luxury seekers and investors

The five islands boast more than 20kms of stunning beaches and bays, soft white sands, gleaming blue waters and international standards all integrated as one community. 

Projects: A Master Plan Built for the Future

Each adds its own flavor and richness to the place, a world-class waterside destination brought to you by Nakheel. 

• Skyline Residences: Active community of residences, where nature is the center.
• Dubai Islands & Bay Villas: Beaches & greenery in one. On the outskirts of the city, but a mile and a million away from reality.
• Rixos Hotel & Residences: Its first luxury hotel and residential complex with a beautiful 700-metre private beach. 

How to Get There

It’s easy to reach there and whenever this development becomes mature, the connectivity will improve.

• Metro: The nearest station is Gold Souq this is less than 10 mins away from the islands. There is currently no metro line but it is easy to get here. 
• Bus: There are stops directly on the island for buses 91 or 92. In the case of Dubai Mall, it is advisable to go to BurJuman station first and then take another bus to the islands.
• By Car: Drive along Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (D88), then along Sheikh Rashid Road and Infinity Bridge Road. Exit at Al Khaleej Street (D92) and you’ll arrive at the islands. 

Amenities That Redefine Coastal Living

Schools & Nurseries

Finding the right school is easy for families living at the place. Several quality options are just a short drive away, covering British, international, and early years curricula.

• Spectrum Nursery
• Tiny Tots Nursery
• The Elite English School
• Amna Bint Wahab School

Hospitals & Clinics

Good healthcare is never far from home here. Residents have access to a range of clinics and hospitals across Deira and central Dubai, from everyday care to specialist services.

• Aster Hospital Mankhool
• Dubai Hospital
• Rashid Hospital
• NMC Specialty Hospital Deira

Supermarkets

We can easily do our daily shopping. There are many supermarkets and grocery stores nearby. Doing our shopping every day is therefore a piece of cake. 

• Al Shams Supermarket
• Al Maya Supermarket Al Hamriya
• Talal Supermarket

Dubai Islands vs Al Noor Island: A Quick Comparison

Feature	Dubai Islands	Al Noor Island
Location	Off the coast of Deira, Dubai	Khalid Lagoon, Sharjah
Developer	Nakheel	Sharjah Government
Type	Waterfront master development	Nature and art retreat
Projects	Residences, hotels, golf courses, marinas	Butterfly House, Literature Pavilion, art installations
Getting There	By car, bus routes 91 & 92, or metro via Gold Souq	By car, taxi, or bus route 14 to Al Noor Mosque
Nearby Attractions	Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Deira Waterfront Market	Buhaira Corniche, Al Noor Mosque
Best For	Investors, families, luxury seekers, beach lovers	Nature lovers, families, photographers, couples

Visitor Tips Before You Go

Before coming to visit, here are a couple of tips:

• October-April is the most ideal period for holidays, as all climatic conditions are suitable for walking on the beach or outside.
• Dress modestly when visiting the smaller Deira souks or the islands.
• Plan well in advance might be the best idea regarding timing guidance, especially during Eid, National Day and Dubai Shopping Festival.
• Ask at the hotel whether the beaches are open to members; they might be only for residents of the hotel. 
• If you are doing outdoor activities, it is advised to bring light clothing, sunblock and water. 
• Interested in the water? Ask your hotel if there are marine or water taxis available. 

Conclusion 

Dubai Islands is placed just off the Coast of Dubai’s first built up area Deira and it’s poetic and sufficiently situated. A city leading itself to try even more, to hope in the given dreamer’s dream to move towards something else. It is the land of dreams. 

Individual visitors will find beaches and luxury. To investors it’s one of the most well-planned waterfront communities in the Middle East. For the rest of the world, just a destination to be visited before the others. 

FAQs

What was it previously called?

The project was originally called Deira Islands until it was renamed Dubai Islands as the project grew in size and ambition.

Can you visit the place at this time?

Several areas of the development are already open to visitors, including a number of beaches, accommodation and infrastructure. Further phases are being rolled out as construction continues.

Who developed it?

It is a development by the same firm that has developed Palm Jumeirah, other iconic Dubai waterfront projects and has a massive track record in large-scale island and coastal development projects. 

Read More:
A Complete Guide to Al Noor Island: Sharjah’s Oasis of Calm
Discover Al Hudayriat Island 2026: Beaches, Sports & Family Fun