Nakheel’s Newest Projects – Ranging from Residences to Marinas and a Mall

July 18, 2024

Nakheel, Dubai’s government-owned master developer and member of Dubai Holding, continues redefining Dubai’s waterfront landscape through visionary mega-projects. From the iconic Palm Jumeirah to ambitious new developments including Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands, Nakheel’s portfolio shapes Dubai’s future as a global tourism and residential destination.

The developer’s newest projects represent billions in investment and ambitious timelines to deliver unprecedented waterfront communities combining luxury residences, world-class hospitality, and comprehensive leisure amenities.

Nakheel’s role in Dubai’s development

Nakheel is responsible for most of Dubai’s iconic “coastline enhancement projects,” transforming the emirate’s geographic boundaries and creating distinctive communities that define the city’s identity globally.

Government backing and vision

As a fully government-owned developer and member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, Nakheel operates with strategic alignment to Dubai’s development vision. The company’s projects directly support the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which targets doubling GDP by 2031.

Nakheel’s projects increase Dubai’s public beachfront by 400%, expand residential capacity for 5.8 million residents by 2040, and generate thousands of jobs across hospitality, tourism, and residential sectors.

Established track record

Nakheel’s iconic Palm Jumeirah remains globally recognized as a symbol of Dubai’s innovation and engineering prowess. The successful completion and operation of Palm Jumeirah—now home to luxury resorts, residences, and leisure attractions—demonstrates Nakheel’s capability to deliver visionary waterfront communities on unprecedented scales.

Palm Jebel Ali: Dubai’s next mega project

Palm Jebel Ali represents one of Nakheel’s most ambitious projects, revived after nearly 15 years of dormancy following the 2008 financial crisis.

Project scale and scope

Palm Jebel Ali spans 13.4 kilometres of land with 10.5 million square metres of development, featuring 16 fronds offering a total of 110 kilometres of coastline and 91 kilometres of beachfront. The island will eventually be home to approximately 35,000 families.

Twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali promises 80 hotels and resorts, 10 distinctive architectural villa styles, six marinas, a water theme park, a “Sea Village” featuring homes built on stilts above water, and extensive boardwalks and recreational facilities.

Strategic location and connectivity

Palm Jebel Ali is strategically positioned as a major residential and leisure anchor for Dubai’s expansion corridor, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The development:

• Forms a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area
• Provides direct access from Sheikh Zayed Road via a 6-kilometer public access road
• Connects through Al Hesah Street roadway enhancements
• Integrates with Dubai’s broader development vision including Dubai South and Expo 2020 areas
• Increases Dubai’s urban footprint southward, expanding the city’s residential and tourism capacity

Infrastructure investment and contracts

In June 2025, Nakheel awarded three infrastructure contracts worth over AED 750 million for major infrastructure works on Palm Jebel Ali, scheduled for completion by Q4 2026.

Key infrastructure contracts:

• DBB Contracting LLC: Construction of 6-kilometer public access road from Sheikh Zayed Road to Palm Jebel Ali and internal construction roads
• Khansaheb Civil Engineering LLC: Roadway and lighting enhancements to Al Hesah Street and Dubai Waterfront connections
• Jan De Nul Dredging Ltd: AED 810 million marine works contract for dredging, land reclamation, beach profiling, and sand placement (awarded August 2024)
• DEWA Partnership: AED 270 million contract for two electricity substations (October 2024)

Ultra-luxury villa development

In October 2024, Nakheel awarded three major contracts collectively valued at more than AED 5 billion for the construction of exclusive ultra-luxury villas on the first six fronds of Palm Jebel Ali, scheduled for completion by late 2026.

Villa development contractors:

• Ginco General Contracting
• Shapoorji Pallonji Mideast
• United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC)

In January 2025, six international and local architects were chosen to design 10 bespoke architectural styles for The Beach Collection villas on Palm Jebel Ali.

Development timeline and progress

The Palm Jebel Ali development is progressing rapidly with clear milestones:

• Q1 2025: First eight fronds site-ready for villa infrastructure and civil works
• 2026: Villa construction completion for initial phases
• 2027: First property handovers expected
• Ongoing: Commercial, hospitality, and marina development continues

The first phase of villas and plots on Palm Jebel Ali, launched in late 2023, sold out in record time, underscoring immense marketplace appetite for waterfront properties.

Investment opportunity

Early investors in Palm Jebel Ali villas benefit from:

• Waterfront positioning with beach connectivity and enhanced privacy
• Developer reputation as a government-backed leading Dubai real estate brand
• Estimated 40% ROI within several years according to market experts
• Beach Collection villa series with premium architectural design
• Flexible payment plans with 50/50 structures available

Dubai Islands: Hospitality and leisure hub

Dubai Islands (formerly known as Deira Islands) represents Nakheel’s transformation of another historical development into a world-class tourism and hospitality destination.

Island complex composition

Dubai Islands comprises multiple interconnected islands, each with distinct offerings creating a comprehensive destination combining residential, hospitality, retail, entertainment, and leisure experiences.

Hospitality focus

Dubai Islands will be home to over 80 resorts and hotels, including luxury and wellness resorts, boutique, family, and eco-conscious hotels, supporting Dubai’s ambition to boost the tourism and hospitality sector.

Hotel and resort development creates jobs, attracts international visitors, and positions Dubai Islands as a major tourism anchor alongside Palm Jumeirah and other waterfront destinations.

Residential and recreational amenities

Beyond hospitality, Dubai Islands includes:

• Over 20 kilometres of beaches, including a Blue Flag certified beach
• Approximately 2 square kilometres of parks and open spaces
• Premium golf courses overlooking the Arabian Gulf
• Retail and entertainment complexes
• Water-based recreational facilities
• Bay Grove Residences with multiple residential phases

Current development status

Nakheel continues releasing residential phases at Dubai Islands, with Bay Grove Residences launching new phases in 2024-2025. The development attracts both residential investors and hospitality operators seeking waterfront positioning within Dubai’s tourism boom.

Palm Jumeirah: Established flagship community

While newer projects capture headlines, Palm Jumeirah remains Nakheel’s established flagship, demonstrating the company’s proven capability to deliver and operate world-class waterfront communities.

Current operations and success

Palm Jumeirah hosts:

• Multiple luxury 5-star resorts (Atlantis, Anantara, One&Only)
• Extensive marina facilities for yacht and boat owners
• World-class dining, shopping, and entertainment venues
• Residential properties commanding premium pricing
• Iconic attractions including theme parks and entertainment complexes

Economic impact

Palm Jumeirah generates billions in annual revenue through tourism, hospitality, residential sales, and operational services. The community attracts international visitors, serves as a second-home destination for affluent individuals, and employs thousands in hospitality and service sectors.

Model for future projects

Palm Jumeirah’s success validates Nakheel’s ability to:

• Execute large-scale waterfront engineering projects
• Create integrated communities combining residential and hospitality uses
• Attract premium brands and operators
• Maintain infrastructure and community management
• Generate sustained economic returns

Investment and business opportunities

Nakheel’s mega-projects create diverse opportunities across sectors:

Residential investment

Off-plan property investment in Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands offers:

• Early investor pricing advantages
• Waterfront positioning premium
• Estimated 40% ROI potential within several years
• Government-backed developer security
• Flexible payment structures

Hospitality and tourism

Hotels, resorts, and leisure operators establish properties within Nakheel communities for:

• Strategic waterfront locations
• Integrated community amenities
• Tourist attraction proximity
• Regional market access

Real estate and property services

Property management, sales, brokerage, and consultancy services support resident and investor needs within Nakheel communities.

Marina and nautical services

Marina facilities support boat owners, yacht operations, water sports, and marine tourism services.

Retail and food and beverage

Shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues create service opportunities within communities.

Nakheel’s operational excellence

Beyond development, Nakheel maintains established communities through comprehensive management:

Infrastructure management

Utility provision, road maintenance, security systems, and public space management ensure functional, safe communities.

Community services

Concierge services, event management, recreational programming, and resident support enhance lifestyle quality.

Sustainability focus

Nakheel emphasizes environmental responsibility through:

• Green space development
• EV charging infrastructure
• Energy-efficient systems
• Water conservation technologies
• Sustainable building materials

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan alignment

Nakheel’s projects directly support Dubai’s long-term development vision:

Population and housing goals

Projects contribute to Dubai’s goal of reaching 5.8 million residents by 2040 through:

• 35,000 families on Palm Jebel Ali
• Multiple residential communities at Dubai Islands
• Diverse housing options across price ranges
• Employment centers attracting global talent

Tourism and hospitality expansion

Nakheel’s 160+ planned hotels across Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands expand Dubai’s hospitality capacity to accommodate growing visitor numbers projected to reach 40 million annually by 2031.

Beachfront expansion

Projects increase Dubai’s public beaches and coastal recreation by 400%, providing residents and visitors with expanded waterfront access and leisure opportunities.

Economic diversification

By developing tourism and hospitality infrastructure, Nakheel supports Dubai’s economic diversification away from oil dependency toward services, tourism, and premium real estate.

Conclusion

Nakheel’s newest projects—particularly Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands—represent transformative investments reshaping Dubai’s waterfront landscape and supporting the emirate’s ambitions as a global tourism and residential destination.

With AED 750 million+ in awarded infrastructure contracts, AED 5 billion in villa development commitments, and clear development timelines extending through 2026-2027, Palm Jebel Ali demonstrates accelerated momentum toward completion.

Whether through residential investment, hospitality development, or property services, Nakheel’s communities offer opportunities across sectors. The developer’s government backing, proven track record with Palm Jumeirah, and alignment with Dubai’s strategic development plans provide confidence in project execution and long-term value creation.

For investors, businesses, and individuals considering Dubai opportunities, Nakheel’s developing communities represent premium waterfront positioning within the world’s most dynamic real estate market.