Dubai’s Top 6 Man-Made Islands: Icons of Innovation and Luxury

List of Major Man-Made Islands in Dubai

Let’s dive straight into our list of the top Dubai manmade islands and why they are so famous today. 

Palm Jumeirah

Consistently topping the list of UAE manmade islands is none other than Palm Jumeirah.

Developed by the renowned real estate developer, Nakheel Properties, Palm Jumeirah will always be one of Dubai and the world's most iconic manmade islands. This Dubai manmade island’s cost was AED 44 billion, designed in the shape of a palm tree with 17 majestic fronds offering people myriad amenities, including: 

• Luxury apartments and over 1,500 beachfront villas

• 5-star hotels, including Atlantis The Royal, one of Dubai's most expensive hotels.

• Michelin-starred and world-renowned restaurants

• High-end retail and leisure amenities

• World-class attractions such as the Lost Chambers Aquarium and Aquaventure Waterpark

• Boardwalk spanning 11 km

The Palm Jumeirah is a world in itself, offering its residents and visitors the very epitome of luxury. 

Jumeirah Bay Island 

Shaped like a seahorse and nestled in the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Bay Island is a Dubai manmade island unlike any other. Connected to the mainland via a private bridge from Jumeirah Beach Road, the island was designed as an exclusive sanctuary, a place where residents and visitors can retreat from the city's energy into a serene, waterfront environment.

This Dubai manmade island’s cost was AED 448 million, a testament to the ambition of creating a truly one-of-a-kind destination. From lush landscaped gardens to panoramic sea views, every element has been crafted with luxury and privacy in mind.

Highlights of Jumeirah Bay Island include:

• The world-renowned Bvlgari Resort and Residences

• A collection of low-rise luxury villas and buildings

• An exclusive yacht club

• Upscale dining, gyms, pools, and green spaces

Offering both natural beauty and world-class amenities, Jumeirah Bay Island embodies the essence of sophisticated waterfront living.

Bluewaters Island 

Just off the coast of Jumeirah Beach Residence, Bluewaters Island is one of Dubai’s most iconic man-made islands, a vibrant lifestyle destination developed by Meraas at a reported cost of AED 6 billion. Officially opened in 2018 after five years of construction, the island is best known as the home of Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel, standing at an impressive 250 metres (820 feet).

Bluewaters Island combines leisure, retail, and waterfront living in one walkable community. With over 200 retail and dining outlets, luxury beach clubs, and attractions like Madame Tussauds Dubai, it has become a magnet for tourists and residents alike.

The island features a collection of low-rise luxury residences with sweeping views of the sea and skyline, offering an exclusive yet connected address just minutes from Dubai Marina.

Upcoming and Future Man-Made Island Projects

Dubai’s ambition knows no bounds — and nowhere is that more evident than in its next generation of Dubai manmade islands. Several large-scale projects are well underway, each designed to push the boundaries of innovation, luxury, and lifestyle. While not yet complete, these islands are rapidly taking shape, with infrastructure and development progressing across the board.

From the revival of Palm Jebel Ali to the expanding vision of The World Islands and the transformation of Dubai Islands, these destinations promise to redefine coastal living once again.

Here’s a look at the upcoming Dubai manmade islands that are already reshaping the city's future skyline.

Palm Jebel Ali

Envisioned to be 50% larger than Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali represents the next chapter in Dubai’s legacy of landmark coastal developments. With a targeted completion date of 2028, this expansive manmade island is poised to become one of the largest UAE manmade islands — combining visionary urban planning, luxury real estate, and a strong focus on sustainability.

As part of its green initiative, Palm Jebel Ali aims to power up to 30% of its public facilities with renewable energy, reflecting Dubai’s broader commitment to sustainable growth.

This palm-shaped island will once again showcase Dubai’s signature blend of grandeur and innovation, with future offerings set to include:

• Over 100 kilometres of coastline

• 35,000 residential units, spanning villas, apartments, and branded homes

• 6 world-class marinas

• A water park for family-friendly leisure

• A dedicated Sea Village community

• Scenic boardwalks lined with dining, retail, and entertainment venues

Once completed, Palm Jebel Ali is expected to become a major hub for both residents and tourists, with real estate opportunities that rival even the most prestigious addresses in Dubai.

The World Islands

While this project has experienced its share of delays and challenges, it remains one of Dubai’s most audacious undertakings. Developed by Nakheel in partnership with various private investors, The World Islands aims to replicate the shape of a world map using a cluster of over 260 manmade islands spread across roughly 9 kilometres off the coast of Dubai.

Each island is accessible only by water or air, and the master plan includes dedicated zones for hospitality, leisure, and residential development — with several islands already home to completed or partially completed projects.

Notable examples include The Heart of Europe, a multi-island destination offering second homes, branded hotels, and waterfront villas inspired by European architecture and climate.

This evolving cluster of luxury islands will ultimately offer visitors and residents:

• World-class hotels and resort facilities

• Exclusive beach clubs and island retreats

• Gourmet dining and private chef experiences

• Infinity pools and marine activities

• High-end retail and leisure destinations

• Immersive entertainment and event spaces

As development progresses, The World Islands continues to attract interest from global investors looking for truly unique waterfront properties in Dubai.

Dubai Islands

Formerly known as Deira Islands, this ambitious waterfront development is set to redefine Dubai’s northeastern coastline. Now rebranded as Dubai Islands, the project will consist of five interconnected manmade islands, each with its own distinct theme and offerings. Full completion is expected by 2030, with infrastructure already well underway.

Stretching across 20 square kilometres, Dubai Islands is designed to support the city’s continued population growth while expanding its appeal to investors, tourists, and residents seeking coastal living. As with other iconic Dubai manmade islands, the vision here is one of luxury, lifestyle, and landmark design.

Key highlights planned for Dubai Islands include:

• 20 km of pristine beachfront

• A dedicated watersports hub featuring surf parks, lagoons, and a water park

• The massive Deira Mall, offering over 4.5 million sq. ft. of retail, dining, and entertainment space

• A large-scale sports resort with facilities for both indoor and outdoor recreation

• A wellness island with eco-resorts, spas, green spaces, and health-focused amenities

• An 18-hole beachfront golf course with sea views

With its blend of leisure, retail, wellness, and residential potential, Dubai Islands is set to become a dynamic new destination, offering a fresh perspective on island living in Dubai.

Real Estate Opportunities on Dubai’s Man-Made Islands

What makes Dubai's manmade islands an excellent opportunity for real estate investors looking to diversify their portfolio? There are various reasons why investors are showing keen interest in the ongoing manmade island construction, including:

• Lifestyle: Dubai’s lifestyle is synonymous with luxury, and these islands are some of the best examples of that. Luxury waterfront properties and amenities have gained growing popularity amongst investors and end users.

• Residential Properties: Each of the Dubai man-made islands will have unique residential properties to choose from, offering exceptional waterfront living.

• ROI: Investors look out for one important thing, that being the return on investment (ROI). While properties on Dubai's manmade islands can have a premium price tag, they can offer market-beating ROI, both through capital appreciation and high rental demand.

Dubai Man-Made Islands: Lifestyle & Considerations

When deciding whether an investment in any one of the manmade islands in Dubai is right for you, here are some factors you should consider before making an informed decision:

• Cost: Be it a studio apartment or a luxury villa, the cost of properties on Dubai manmade islands can be substantial. Waterfront properties can have a premium price tag compared to the city averages. Ensure that your finances can take this cost. 

• Luxury: If you are a high-flyer who enjoys everything luxurious and glamorous, any one of these manmade islands would be perfect for you. From properties designed by the best architects in the world to amenities provided by some of the world’s most well-known brands, luxury takes a new form in these Dubai manmade islands.

• Delays: In the past, several of these manmade islands in Dubai have faced delays in construction and completion. Whilst the timelines now appear to be back on track, investors should always be wary of the chance of small further delays.

Key Takeaways: Dubai’s Man-Made Islands at a Glance

Dubai’s man-made islands represent some of the most ambitious and iconic engineering projects in the world, reshaping the coastline and redefining luxury waterfront living. From the globally recognised Palm Jumeirah man-made island in Dubai to rising destinations like Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands, these developments continue to push the boundaries of man-made island construction.

With billions invested into infrastructure, design, and amenities, the cost of Dubai's man-made islands is a reflection of their unmatched scale and sophistication. For real estate investors, these islands offer not just world-class lifestyle appeal, but also strong potential for capital appreciation and rental yields. Whether completed or still under development, each island presents a unique mix of residential, hospitality, and leisure opportunities.

At Engel & Völkers Dubai, we specialise in curating luxury properties across Dubai’s most desirable coastal locations — including prime villas, branded residences, and off-plan investments on these extraordinary UAE man made islands.