Why Investing Off-Plan in Dubai Islands Makes Sense Now
1. Strategic Timing
Affordable entry point: At the end of 2024, off-plan apartment prices averaged around AED 2,162/sq ft, far below Palm Jumeirah (~AED 5,000) and Jumeirah Bay Island (~AED 11,688)
Rapid early appreciation: In Q1 2025, prices rose 7%—from AED 2,162 to ~AED 2,317/sq ft
Semi-annual growth: By June 2025, average prices reached ~AED 2,340/sq ft—up 16% H1 2025
2. Strong Value & Yield Potential
Estimated upside: Analysts project prices reaching AED 2,500–2,700/sq ft by end of 2025, and possibly exceeding AED 3,000/sq ft by late 2026
High rental returns: Rental yields stand between 7.5% and 10% gross annually, significantly above many other areas and global coastal benchmarks
ROI range: Some sources estimate returns between 8–12%, thanks to rental demand and low buy-in more optimistic forecasts push yields to 8–15%
3. Up-and-Coming Infrastructure & Lifestyle
Connectivity: Already connected by new road bridges to Deira and the mainland within 10 minutes
Current infrastructure: Basic roads, utilities, some beaches, and operational resorts (RIU, Centara Mirage, Park Regis) are in place
Future developments:
Retail & leisure: Massive mall, high-street zones, beach clubs, marina, water taxi links, and cruise terminal
Transport & mobility: Plans for public buses, electric shuttles, cycling lanes, and pedestrian zones
Family amenities: Upcoming schools, healthcare facilities, hotels (>80 resorts), parks, Blue Flag beaches, golf courses, promenades
These features elevate Dubai Islands beyond just a residential area—they're shaping it into a self-contained, sustainable lifestyle destination.
4. Robust Market Momentum
Transaction surge: Off-plan apartment sales soared, with 1,091 units in 2024 and 2,075 units in H1 2025 (109% YoY increase), valued at AED 5.6 billion
Sales volume boom: Over 2,951 units traded in 12 months (+329.5% volume, +177.8% value)
This signals growing investor confidence and market traction.
FutureHiddenJem
Future Price Outlook
Timeframe Price Projection (AED / sq ft)
End of 2025 AED 2,500–2,700
Late 2026 (optimistic) Crossing AED 3,000
Thus, a 70–130% appreciation potential remains if Dubai Islands aligns with mature waterfront peers like Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah Bay