Dubai Islands Area Guide

Dubai Islands is an unconventional coastal district packed with immersive experiences, relaxation opportunities, and progressive luxury. From the branded residences and hotel units to seafront villas and custom homes, residents can choose from an endless, lavish collection across the five islands.

Getting connected to other communities and landmarks in Dubai is a piece of cake for Dubai Islands’ residents. Thanks to the Infinity Bridge and water taxis, accessibility to the airport, different souks, and Downtown Dubai area is a breeze.

Promising a purposeful and complete lifestyle, Dubai Islands is soon to house the best dining options, retail outlets, and cultural venues at Souk Al Marfa. The future Deira Mall is underway, adding more meaning to the residential investments among shopping enthusiasts.

Elevate your daily life with the multifaceted yet tranquil settings of Dubai Islands and sense its realization – where sustainability, sophistication, and a sense of belonging pulse together.

1. Things to Do in Dubai Islands

Cycling Trails & Nature Loops

The master plan development – Dubai Islands – is designed to accelerate an active lifestyle and eco-friendly mobility. Extensive cycling tracks and jogging paths weave through waterfront promenades and verdant parks. The planned pedestrian zones will include well-lit and shaded areas, stimulating outdoor activities and fitness even during hot months.

Panoramic Golf Fairways

Infusing a new paradigm into the golf communities in Dubai, residents and visitors can find expansive golf courses upon the island’s completion. Tucked in the heart of a pristine island community, these golf fairways are expected to create an unmatched golf experience.

Cultural District

Whether you’re looking for heritage festivals, music concerts, or art galleries, Dubai Islands promises entertainment and culture right at your doorstep, saving its residents from the need to travel far. The Cultural District at Dubai Islands will soon be nurtured with iconic art spaces and performance venues, ensuring a world-class experience.

Marina Promenade & Yacht Marinas

Dubai Islands is home to six premium yacht marinas with a full suite of docking services. Additionally, a marina promenade is designed to enjoy a luxury maritime lifestyle, sunset strolls, and breathtaking views.

2. Best Schools Near Dubai Islands

While many reputable schools will begin operations in Dubai Islands in the coming years, numerous educational institutions in nearby communities include;

The Elite English School

Established in the Al Wuheida region of Deira, The Elite English School is a recognized schooling facility. Residents of Dubai Islands can access the school within a 17-minute drive, making it suitable for a well-rounded learning environment and professional teaching skills. The Indian CBSE program forms the basis for the school’s educational framework. Moreover, the school is convenient for children aged between 4 and 18.

Al Ittihad Private School

Developed in the nearby Al Mamzar, Al Ittihad Private School is another reputable option close to the island community. Around 21 minutes away from Dubai Islands, the school showcases an unparalleled commitment to academic brilliance and fosters a community-driven environment. This co-educational system serves students from kindergarten to grade 12 and follows the American curriculum as its academic base.

Amna Bint Wahab Secondary School

One of the highly recognized educational institutions near Dubai Islands, Amna Bint Wahab Secondary School is traceable in Al Baraha, Deira. The school is located at a 20-minute journey from the island and is packed with well-maintained facilities, including space for arts and sports. ICSE is the main curriculum at this girls-only school, serving students aged between 12 and 18.

3. Best Restaurants In and Around Dubai Islands

Estrellas Rooftop Lounge

Nestled on the top of The Canvas Hotel, Estrellas Lounge is one of Dubai’s top culinary spots. The restaurant is a 21-minute travel from Dubai Islands and invites food enthusiasts for a perfect retreat in Al Raffa. From the fine ambiance to the gourmet items, it is a dazzling gem in every aspect. European, Indo-Chinese, Indian, Italian, and Chinese cuisines become part of its diverse menu, with specialities including Mirch ka Salan, Chilli Paneer, Cheese Popper, and Nachos.

Miti Restaurant & Café

If you are craving generous-portion meals, Miti Restaurant & Café is your spot. Located at a 23-minute drive from Dubai Islands, residents can find this exquisite hub Al Karama – its aromatic flavors are an unseen invitation. Beyond attentive services and comfortable seating, a diverse food collection discloses itself before diners, exhibiting Indian, Indo-Chinese, and street food items – everything with a bit of exclusiveness. Butter Garlic Prawns, Chicken Lollipop, and Paya Shorba are a few delectable items.

Kasthamandap

Looking for Nepali cuisine and a fine dining option? Kasthamandap brings it all together for an exceptional culinary experience. Traceable at a 24-minute drive from Dubai Islands, this exquisite dining hub is situated in the Concorde Creek View Hotel at Meena Bazar. The dynamic cuisine, Chinese, Tapas, and Mediterranean, combined with top-notch services, places it among the best restaurants in Dubai.

4. Best Hotels in Dubai Islands

Hotel RIU Dubai

The very first real estate on Dubai Islands is a 4-star beachfront resort – Hotel RIU Dubai. Featuring a vast number of 800 rooms, the hotel is ideal for elite business trips and waterfront vacations. Besides the artfully designed rooms, it incorporates premium services – like meals, drinks, and activities.

Centara Mirage Beach Resort

Whether you’re looking for a spacious weekend accommodation or an expansive suite for a summer holiday, Centara Mirage Beach Resort is one of the best hotels not only in Dubai Islands but beyond. With a capacity of 607 hotel rooms, its impressive facilities leave guests with another guaranteed visit. From a sprawling family lounge, cliff-jumping pool, and lazy rivers to slides, a candy spa, and three clubs for kids, the hotel is ideal for a memorable stay.

Park Regis by Prince Dubai Islands

Built in 2024, Park Regis by Prince is an exquisite 4-star resort hotel in the Dubai Islands. Guests can select from a wide range of 159 rooms, each detailed with modern décor, sea-view balconies, and Atkinson’s amenities. The hotel offers access to water sports, calls for gourmet beachfront dining, and allows fitness enthusiasts to follow their routine at a well-equipped gym.

5. Best Hospitals and Clinics Near Dubai Islands

Al Kuwait Hospital

Al Kuwait Hospital in Al Baraha takes a smooth 18-minute drive from the Dubai Islands. It is a private medical complex, offering both specialized and general care. The hospital has reliable outpatient services and operates in fields like orthopaedics, paediatrics, and general medicine.

Dubai Hospital

Another convenient and government-run medical facility, Dubai Hospital, is located along Al Khawaneej Street – approximately an 18-minute drive from Dubai Islands. The hospital is committed to reliable services under the supervision of the Dubai Health Authority. Its bed capacity reaches 625, placing it among the top and largest hospitals in Dubai. Moreover, medical needs across paediatrics, neurology, oncology, and emergency care are dealt with here.

NMC Medical Center

Operational since 1999, NMC Medical Center is a trustworthy option for Dubai Island residents looking for routine checkups. The clinic is only 21 minutes away and can be reached in Deira. It offers medical assistance and expert consultation across multiple specialities.

6. Best Gyms In and Around Dubai Islands

AB Fitness

Located in Dubai Maritime City in the heart of Port Rashid, it ranks among the best and most conveniently accessible fitness facilities near the Dubai Islands (19 minutes away). Spanning a massive 50,000-square-foot area, the gym is equipped with free weights, TRX rigs, and Technogym machines.

Total Fit

Located in Al Raffa, approximately 23 minutes away from Dubai Islands, this gym caters to both males and females. Incorporated with state-of-the-art facilities and pro-sessions of yoga, CrossFit, Zumba, and kickboxing, it prides itself on professional trainers.

7. Beaches in Dubai Islands

Dubai Islands Beach

It is the first public beach on Dubai Islands, offering a panoramic water stretch and dedicated areas for beach sports, swimming, and seafront yoga. The beach is, however, under the transformation, and will be soon lined with casual café spots and dining venues.

Deira Islands Beach

Navigate Deira Islands Beach on the island’s southern edge and revel in a relaxing shoreline experience. Combined with urban convenience, the beach is situated close to hotels like Centara Mirage Beach Resort and RIU Dubai. Enjoy leisure activities or dive into the resort-style experiences with views of the pristine coastline before you.

8. Malls and Shopping Centers in Dubai Islands

Souk Al Marfa

A waterfront marketplace – fully air-conditioned – Souk Al Marfa spans 1.9 kilometers on Dubai Islands. Opened in 2021, the shopping hub embodies over 400 outlets and will house over 1,000 stores upon the completion of its 1st phase. The blend of retail and wholesale trading across various categories combined with expansion plans will place Souk Al Marfa as the UAE’s largest waterfront souk destination.

Deira Waterfront Market

Just off the Deira Corniche, residents of Dubai Islands can easily navigate the Waterfront Market within a 17-minute drive. The market underwent renovation and re-opened in 2017, blending modern shopping vibes and traditional market experience. The place operates round-the-clock and is renowned for meat, vegetables, spices, honey, fish, and dates. The venue is also celebrated for local dragon-boat events.

Deira Mall

Besides the traditional marketplaces and souks, Dubai Islands is soon to be nurtured with a future-forward shopping hub – Deira Mall. The mall is on its way to standing among Dubai’s largest malls and shopping centers, covering an area of 600,000 square meters.

9. Dubai Islands Real Estate Market Report

As per the sales report by DXB Interact, the sales prices of luxury properties in Dubai Islands witnessed a 10% rise in the last 6 months. The current values stand at AED 9,725,000, whereas prices per square foot saw an 8% increase, averaging around AED 1,570.

10. Dubai Islands Service Charges

Specific service charges for Dubai Islands are not yet released due to the continuous development. In Dubai, however, the average service charge typically falls between AED 10 and AED 30 per square foot yearly, depending on the location and property type. High-end and seafront communities, like Dubai Islands, are inclined towards the higher end of the given range.

11. Dubai Islands Properties

Dubai Islands Sales Trend

a) Apartments

b) Townhouses

c) Villas

12. Investment Opportunites in Dubai Islands

Imtiaz Sunset Bay 4

It is a cutting-edge residential development offering 1 to 3-bedroom apartments and state-of-the-art amenities. With sales launched at AED 1.9 million, the complex is slated for completion in June 2027.

Villa del Gavi by Mr.Eight Development

A refined addition to Dubai Islands’ property sector, Villa del Gavi attracts buyers with its residential diversity. It includes both apartment and villa options and a diversity of 1- to 5-bedroom layouts. At the launch, the units’ prices started at around AED 2.2 million, whereas it is scheduled for delivery in January 2027.

Ocean Pearl by Samana

Explore a lineup of lavish apartments at this recently launched residential project by Samana. The development brings 1 to 4-bedroom apartment options before discerning buyers and investors, while its completion is anticipated in December 2026. The launch price stands around AED 1.6 million; however, the cost may fluctuate depending on purchase conditions.

Tivano by AYS

A testament to luxury living in Dubai Islands – Tivano – an artful creation by AYS Property Development is yet another exciting off-plan project on the island community. Exhibiting a unique lifestyle, the complex features 1-, 2-, and 4-bedroom apartments, and 3-bedroom duplex units. Moreover, its launch prices start at around AED 2.3 million with an expected completion in December 2026.

13. Nearby Communities

• Al Mamzar – Perched in the south of Dubai Islands at approximately a 19-minute drive, the locality is best known for its glistening coastlines and the vibrant Al Mamzar Beach Park.
• Deira – One of the neighbouring communities, Deira is distanced from Dubai Islands through a smooth 20-minute drive. Housing conventional marketplaces and souks, the area is regarded as the trading landmark of Dubai.
• Rashid Yachts & Marina – Another sought-after seafront address and an iconic development by Emaar Properties, this masterly planned residential community lies only 21 minutes away from Dubai Islands.

FAQs about Dubai Islands Area